MJ'S RAW BAR & GRILLE, New Bern - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews

Menu

Appetizers

Mj's Signature Hot Crab Dip

Fresh crab meat blended with cream cheese, sour cream and seasonings. topped with cheese and served with tortilla chips or bread.

Mj's Signature!

$16.00

Alligator Bites

Bite size pieces of alligator meat fried to perfection... give it a try!

$15.00

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Large button mushrooms stuffed with seasoned crab meat and broiled to golden brown.

$16.00

Mj's Crab Cake Minis

Mj's signature crab cake, now as an appetizer. 3 mini crab cakes broiled and served with our famous Jamaican tartar sauce.

Mj's Signature!

$17.00

Crazy Shrimp

Shrimp deep fried then dredged in your choice of Chesapeake, Sweet Teriyaki, BBQ, Sweet Chili, Buffalo or plain.

$12.00

Mj's Crab Pretzel

A jumbo soft pretzel smothered with mj's crab dip and topped with shredded cheese. It's addictive!

Mj's Signature!

$14.00

Can a vegan person get a good meal at this restaurant?

Yes

No

Unsure

Details

Manage this business?

CUISINES

American, Bar, Seafood

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Late Night

FEATURES

Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service

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4.5

943 reviews

Excellent

491

Very good

303

Average

101

Poor

28

Terrible

20

Lorri L

81 contributions

First Timers

Feb 2020 • couples

We've lived here three years and finally decided to eat here. Boy have we been missing out! Cozy place in the cute downtown area with limited outdoor seating. Greeted and seated right away, waitress got drinks quickly. Hubs was craving fish and chips. I had a bite of each. Fish was mild, not fishy and chips were hand cut and delicious. He got a big container of their tartar sauce for fish so he had plenty and didn't need to ask for more. I had the crab cakes which were pricey but worth it. Actually had more crabmeat than breading. Coleslaw was good too. I had the strawberry salad which is a popular item and I can see why. I know it's only salad but it was the best I've ever had hands down. We got a slice of Italian lemon cake to take home. It was so moist and lemony. My stomach is full but my mouth wants to keep tasting the food! Our bill was $60 but the food and service was worth it. Place looks clean and I loved the music selections. Highly recommend!

Written February 22, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MakKnight

75 contributions

Best Meal of the Vacation

Sep 2020 • none

The food here is excellent. Ten of us ate lunch here and we ordered a variety of the menu.... EVERYONE loved what they ordered. No one had a single negative thing to say about the food or service. It was delicious and the employees were so personable and very attentive. Will recommend over and over again. And we will make sure that eat there on any future visits to New Bern, NC.

Written September 28, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

George

Winfall6 contributions

SUNDAY DRIVE TO NEW BERN NC

Feb 2021 • none

We chose to go and see New Bern NC for a day trip since it was a bright Sunny Sunday and were very glad we did. We arrived into Downtown New Bern right at 12:30pm and parked on Middle Street right in front of MJ's Raw Bar and Grill. As we walked up the street we decided to make sure we stopped there for lunch which would've been a great mistake had we chosen other. We went to The Pepsi Store to check it out and bought some shirts then walked around the Downtown area. It's quite a remarkable place and even though most places were closed on Sunday the ones that were open were busy. As we went around we saw the "Bears" all around Downtown which reminded us of Custer, South Dakota. These are not real Bears but the decorated statues of them which are quite unique. Now as we did stop at MJ's for lunch we can only say it was a stop everyone needs to make as the Seafood choices were awesome. The plates are full with the best made seafood dishes of anywhere we've been. We had the Calabash Sampler which our waiter Josh(GREAT SERVER) kept telling us it's huge and he's right. The Clam strips, Alligator Bites and Calamari were breaded so light you actually had only the seafood taste. I had the Bermuda Triangle and was perfect. My Wife had the Seafood Pot Pie which was overflowing with goodies. As we grabbed our Leftovers we made sure to tell Josh we'd be back on another visit.

Written February 22, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

cynthia s

7 contributions

Seafood

Jan 2020 • couples

We were really excited to try MJ's but do not plan to visit again. We ordered Oyster Rockefeller and it did not have much flavor. The clam chowder had nice flavor but it was more like soup (maybe they only dipped from the top). The steam pot ....if you want a loaded pot this is not the one for you. It is mostly onions and sausage with a couple of this and that added in. And lastly the the shrimp, scallops and crab cake dinner. The crab cake was very good and the scallops were flavorful and cooked well but the jumbo shrimp were more like medium sized shrimp. Maybe we caught them on a bad day but we will not spend another 100 dollars in hopes that it will be better. I do want to add that the food was not horrible, the atmosphere was nice and our waiter was very attentive but I feel that the value we received was not in line with the cost of the meal.

Written January 18, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Maureen G

Satellite Beach4 contributions

Eh....

Apr 2021 • couples

We were looking for Oysters and everyone recommended MJ’s. Upon approaching the restaurant we looked forward to sitting outside but were met with a couple extremely loud local women who made it their business to “speak” to everyone that approached the restaurant. This chased us inside close to a window to take in the sights. There was only one type of oyster offered which is different for a “raw bar”. We enjoyed a dozen oysters and ordered the infamous Bloody Mary that was featured in the Wall Street journal. The presentation was amazing, soft shelled crap, olives, celery, shrimp etc...however the actual drink was sub par, thin, too much hot sauce and barren of horse radish. Waitstaff was very pleasant and told us we made a solid choice by sitting inside as these “local women” are nearly a daily occurrence. Will not be going back!

Written April 11, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TravelMavenWorld

Washington DC101 contributions

Lazy

Mar 2021 • none

We went for an early dinner on the rec of our innkeeper when we asked about local seafood. It was very disappointing. I don't care that the owner and guests were all scruffy-looking. I don't care that the food wasn't fancy. I've eaten at many a dive with SUPERB food. The owner was sitting at the next table with a wine merchant on a call, visited with everyone who came by, but the kitchen turned out crap food. I care that the food was not made with care. I had crab cakes ($30 for two) that were the place's specialty. Hmmm. They were, indeed, mostly crab, but the rest of the cake was something like Old Bay seasoning. The crab was BROWN it was so heavily seasoned. Atrocious.

Written March 12, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jtrawinski

New Oxford299 contributions

Great Service & Seafood - Easy to see why everyone like it.

Jun 2021 • none

The reviews on here made me want stop in for dinner but when I asked a local bartender where the best place to go for seafood was and she said MJ's I knew we had to . (No she didn't work here ) The service was on point and the the food and drinks came fast. When I asked what the deal was with the Bloody Mary on the drinks page, the waiter explained that was the one from the Wall Street Journal review and it was popular. Of course I had to start with that, the 2 Shrimp and Softshell Crab in/on the drink were Great. The softshell crab was actually fried correctly and very flavorful, which matched the rest of the drink including the tasty shrimp. We deviated from our normal selections of appetizers when we asked the waiter his thoughts on what was good and he was right, of course. The Stuffed Mushrooms and Tuna Crisp's were amazing. The steamed shrimp were seasoned great and we finished up with Peach Cobbler Cheesecake. I'm happy to say everything was great and if you have to choose one place to eat while in New Bern, this should be it.

Written June 15, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

kshute

Winston Salem98 contributions

Stumbled upon a winner!

Jul 2021 • couples

Sat at the bar. Great experience from our welcome in to our departure. Our bartender/server was attentive and friendly. The food came out quickly, was presented very nicely and most of all was very tasty! (Crab cake sandwhich and steamed oysters on the half shell). The soft shell crab blood Mary and amazing the his puppies were perfectly cooked and seasoned.

Written July 11, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

vinogino

Kure Beach176 contributions

Skip the crab, try the shrimp or fish.

Oct 2021 • family

First time on New Bern. Checked the menu and online reviews. Ordered the shrimp and grits. Cheesy bacon grits were tasty. Blackened shrimp were tasty too but too few compared to other coastal restaurants for this price. Crab cake sandwich lacked crab flavor. A lot of filler on a somewhat sweet roll topped with a sauce that hid the main ingredient. Service was very good.

Written October 15, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sea,is

Kenmare40 contributions

Top of the list for seafood and service in New Bern

Sep 2021 • none

This is one of the few restaurants in the area that seems to have retained most of it's trained/professional kitchen and wait staff. As a result, the food is outstanding and the service friendly and efficient. Almost any seafood item on the menu will be excellent to the taste and the eye. Little outside seating and a relatively small place so get there early in the evening or try it for lunch.

Written October 8, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

HappyCamper

18 contributions

What a Gem!

Aug 2020 • couples

Wondering around New Bern for the first time and we decided to give this place a try. They did not let down!!! Holy smokes, the oysters were delicious! Especially the Rockefeller ones! The raw ones were awesome too. The sweet potato fries. The crab cakes... all amazing. I won’t recommend ordering the crawfish or the shrimp. They were just a little dry and underwhelming... but with how freakin delicious everything else was, there’s no need. The oysters were so good that we ordered them as an appetizer and then dessert. The drinks were really good. I had a Moscow Mule and my date had a Margarita. The server was friendly. The atmosphere was very relaxing yet fun. Lots of stuff on the walls to look around at, comfortable noise level, conveniently located. I will definitely go back if I visit New Bern again.

Written September 10, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BostonSummerGirl

New Bern395 contributions

Great Seafood

Jul 2023 • couples

MJ’s has got to be one of the best restaurants in New Bern! It is not fancy, for sure, but serves exceptional seafood and offers a lovely, laid back atmosphere. Sit at the bar if there is space - that’s really the best seat in the house! The hot crab dip is amazing, as well as the crab pretzel. The oysters are a great value, and very fresh. The crab cakes are great (if you order a crab cake sandwich instead of the crab cake dinner, the price is just about cut in half!). The seafood pot pie is the best thing on the menu! Very fresh salads as well! Wait staff, hostesses, and bartenders are usually friendly and accommodating. Be prepared for a wait, especially on weekends. It’s worth it!

Written July 16, 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

travelpr0123

Saarbrücken1572 contributions

Seafood place

Nov 2021 • none

This is a popular, busy (crowded), fairly loud place specializing in seafood. The quality and taste of the items we had were good, not great. Although it was advertised as a special on the side walk board, the clam chowder was a mediocre dish. Service is superficial and indifferent.

Written December 1, 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

William C

Richmond11 contributions

A must visit if your hungry

Jul 2020 • none

We eat here EVERY time we come to town. Never a disappointment. The menu is large enough that even the pickiest person can find something good. We always try something new and my daughter always gets the crab legs.

Written July 2, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kathy R

Clayton91 contributions

A little crowded

Oct 2020 • none

We visited in early October but was surprised to see that every table was full. Most restaurants we have seen were seating every other due to Covid. I was a little uncomfortable how tight everyone was seated but the food was good. My husband was not very hungry so he had the Sutffed Mushrooms as his dinner. He said they were good but that was about it. I had the Blackened Scallops alfredo which was also good, but not spectacular. The alfredo sauce was a little bland but the scallops were good. The people we were with were interested in the raw bar, but were not that hungry either. We may go back to try that but will definitely wait until COVID is over.

Written December 28, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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MJ's Raw Bar & Grille

MJ'S RAW BAR & GRILLE, New Bern - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor