mainmenu

Actually, it is slightly more than the limited number of liquor licenses. And it isn't limited to NJ's admittedly bureaucratic laws as a good number of the Indian restaurants in Sixth Street in Manhattan don't have licensing either. Most of these restaurants have very limited start up capital and razor thin profit margins so they simply can't afford to buy one. And keep in mind that a surprising number of towns in NJ are completely dry! On the upside, as someone pointed out, BYOB is welcome at places that can't/don't serve alcohol.

From what I've read Glenn and the word "expert" shouldn't be used in the same sentence. That said, from what I've heard, the Iron Monkey has basically furloughed most of their kitchen staff, and they're just planning to do a bar business for the foreseeable (read: long term, at best) future. Last I heard, this was supposed to go on into the summer. I didn't see it myself so I can't say for sure, but someone said they saw them changing the locks about a week and half ago. Would seem an odd tactic for renovations but might have had some legit merit (disgruntled folks who'd just been laid off? easier access for contractors?).