The first menu LJ’s Sports Tavern & Grill published, March 1 on Facebook, seemed underwhelming. Three months later, the menu improved significantly, going beyond what’s found at your average bar and grill.
Inside the L-shaped restaurant on the corner of Paterson Street and E. Washington Avenue, you are looking directly into the main entrance of Breese Stevens Field, making LJ’s a convenient pre- and post-event hangout.
As a result, you’re going to find a lot of appetizers, from spinach artichoke dip ($9.95) to onion rings ($6.95). The pork wings ($8.95) are mini ribs, but with much more meat. I got mine with the sweet chili sauce, and this platter is filling enough to be its own meal.
I was hoping for spicy cheese bread as good as Paisan’s, but LJ’s version ($6.95) didn’t come close. It’s surprisingly bland, needing garlic for sure. The French bread also seemed off, like it was day old. Meanwhile, the spicy jalapeno cheese curds ($8.95) aren’t at all spicy but nonetheless pretty tasty.
The sandwich choices are a little different from what you would find at a sports bar. Examples include the chicken meatball sub ($11.95) and the grilled chicken caprese ($11.95).
From the burger selections, the only one that was unique was the JJ burger ($12.95). Other than the massive poppy and sesame seed bun, which made the bread ratio too high, I liked this concoction. The mashed potatoes weren’t too messy and added some creaminess. The beef patty (also available in veggie, chicken or turkey) itself was tender, and the pulled pork was as good as any BBQ joint’s.
Fish fry is available every day. The ocean perch ($10.95 or $13.95 for all-you-can-eat) had the right amount of cornmeal breading, adding just a slight crunch to the flaky fish inside. The potatoes au gratin (available only on Fridays) were served as wedges, and the potatoes were tender, though I prefer mine thin and slightly crispy. The cheddar sauce was bland and a bit soupy.
Wraps and salads comprise the remainder of the menu, which also features a daily special.
LJ’s Sports Tavern & Grill is open every day for lunch and dinner. You can find a few dedicated parking spots inside the Galaxie apartment building.
***
See more photos in our LJ’s Flickr Album.
After several visits to 
If you’re willing, try the torta de lengua ($11). The beef tongue is tender and delicious. In fact, you don’t need any of the toppings, such as the pickled onions or avocado, as the tongue is perfect by itself. The toasted bun was a nice touch.
The host for the entertainment stage will be Milwaukee native Brian Kato Kaelin, who was gracious enough to do an interview with EatDrinkMadison.com:
