Magic Grill
“The veggies are fresh (contrary to the appearance of the rest of the restaurant) and the rice dumplings you get with your meal are awesome.”
“I figuratively cried when JP Lee's Mongolian BBQ in Millburn, New Jersey, closed down a few years back.”
“The food is always very good, the meat goes from frozen right onto the blast-furnace-temperature grill, and the veggies are always fresh.”
Magic Grill
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$ Price range Under $10
8 reviews
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THIS PLACE IS CHEAP!
And, for some, that's all you need to know!
I came here for an unofficial Yelp event and it was definitely a solid spot and if you live in the area and looking for a ton of food at some low, low prices, I mean you already dine at Magic Grill.
You start off with dumplings and I went with the wonton soup. The wontons in the soup were stale (boo) and the dumplings were filled with RICE! No fillings, no cabbage, no meat, just rice. They were good when soaked in the sauce, but I mean, it was pretty basic.
But really, you don't come here for that jazz. You come for your share of Mongolian BBQ. Head to the assembly line to create. All the meat was frozen (so no freshness here) and the seafood was at an additional price. The veggies were plentiful to choose from and good and then you move on to the various sauces. You hand it over, watch them cook on the huge wok, add some hot spices and you're off. After one bowl I was full (although I went for seconds) and I mean for the $15 it was solid. I see why many do the $7 take out – fill up you bowl and take it home or come for the $7 or so lunch special.
Clearly this is a whole in the wall family run business. Service was fine if you're ok with very low key and it's a bit of a dive, but again, it's CHEAP!
Overall, a solid place to fill your belly.
I've been here exactly twice.
Once was back in the early 2000s when I lived nearby. I remember it being good – maybe bc I was in college and my standards for food were low. I went back again a couple weeks ago, after years and years of forgetting about it (even though I pass it somewhat regularly) and was NOT impressed.
You walk in, and the first thing you notice is that it's dirty. The windows, the ceilings. How is that sanitary? But I staying bc my memory was better than that. I was wrong. I was unimpressed by the selections (two words: mystery meat) and the wonton soup was sour, as in not fresh. We didn't really finish our meals and hurried out feeling full but gross.
No thank you.
I figuratively cried when JP Lee's Mongolian BBQ in Millburn, New Jersey, closed down a few years back. Hell, I may have really cried. It was one of the only reasons I ever ventured to that part of Essex county – the best round grill joint in North Jersey. It was my foodie friend and I's 'Go-To' spot for a fast, inexpensive, satisfying meal. In its absence, there was a void unfulfilled in me for a long time, but a recent discovery has changed all this.. and that would be Magic Grill in Garwood.
Granted, I'm trekking into Union county for eats, but it's worth it. You get you choice of soup (wonton, hot and sour, egg drop, etc.) and sweet rice dumplings served with this tangy sweet dipping sauce that all patrons there rave about. You don't get a default bowl of rice, but they'll give one to you if you ask. There's a selection of chicken, beef, pork, and tofu that goes along with the assortment of veggies. No shrimp option, but I'm content that the place exists period, so the seafood/shellfish lover in me overlooks this.
It's super family friendly (there are always lots of parents with their kids) and the hostesses are always nice. Good prices PLUS there are dum dum lollipops to grab when you pay your bill. My only criticism is that the grill area gets a little messy – specifically, the food catcher/runners on the sides of the round grill. However, the comeback positive is that there is a clear plastic divider between the dining tables and the grill area, and good ventilation, so you don't leave with your clothes smelling like your meal. Overall, Magic Grill is a solid eat spot – consistently tasty and satisfying!
People love it hear because it's cheap. Basic veggies, meat, and noodles (as carb) with delicious sauces cooked to order right in front of you. You can even be totally shiesty about it and take your leftovers home like I noticed some college kids did.
Have been here numerous times because the food is tasty and it's a quick in an out place.
Went this time and was completely grossed out. They make the dumplings in one of the booths in the restaurant. The woman got up handled money answered the phone and then sat back down (did not wash hands or put on gloves) and continued to make dumplings.
Then later she got up and started to pick her nose behind the register. Was soo grossed out by this. Will not return.
So sad because the food and concept is good but they need to learn hygiene
I personally thought this place was great. My friend Steve took me here when I was visiting and it was just like Great Khan, which is also amazing. They were really nice, told me I can put as much meat as I want. Usually, they fuss about smooshing.
Fun place to go, you pick up a bowl, fill it with as much meat, veggies, etc as you want then watch them cook it on a huge round grill. I've been going here since highschool and there's no other place like it in the area.
You can't beat this price for lunch. $7 for as much food as you can cram into the bowl. They they cook it for you on the grill. Soup is even included. If you want a quick and inexpensive lunch, stop in to Magic Grill.