First look: Jocko's Bar and Grill

Good service, good food and a clean place. That’s the simple philosophy that Jocko’s Bar & Grill owner Justin Costanzo and his father Bob are applying to their new sports bar venture in Broadview Heights. When the former tenant Doc’s closed, Bob Constanzo, who also owns Scoundrels in Berea, saw a great opportunity to bring a family-owned business to an area closer to home. He promises that this new venture will set itself apart from other bars in the area with exceptional service, reasonable prices and a high-energy atmosphere.

The sports-oriented bar has 13 large flatscreen televisions and two projection televisions, so outnumbered patrons shouldn’t feel bad about asking the bartender to switch one of them to watch their favorite hockey team during a Cavs game. The classic bar-cade games and brand new pool table in the back of the bar make for a pleasant halftime getaway. On Friday nights, Jocko’s will feature live music by popular cover bands and blues and rock outfits on the bar’s stage. There will likely be a small cover charge for such events.

Jocko’s has a large draft system featuring 16 taps, a few of which may rotate seasonally. They will feature draft specials on imports and domestics throughout the week. The same bar is fully stocked with spirits and attractive, personable bartenders. There’s also another bar parallel to the main bar that provides an overflow seating opportunity when things get extra busy.

The menu at Jocko’s is full of standard bar fare like wings, quesadillas, burgers, pizzas and wraps, hardly deviating at all from the proven formula. To be fair, almost everything at Jocko’s is fresh; their soups are homemade and they buy their steaks and other meat from Pinzone’s in Broadview Heights. A decent six-ounce steak is served with two sides and only costs $8.95. The most expensive menu item is a full slab of smoked ribs ($13.95). This great value could give Jocko’s a competitive edge against the Boneyard located across the street on Broadview Road. And the Costanzos promise to get creative with their daily specials and weekend menu, which feature chef’s whims that are a step up from predictable bar and grill nosh at very reasonable prices. Keeping the kitchen open to 1 a.m. on weekends could be a major coup for Jocko’s, located in a fairly quiet suburb that tends to roll up carpets around 10 p.m. most evenings.

Armed with a simple formula for success and a perfectionist nature, the Costanzos are primed to make Jocko’s a favorite hangout for local sports fans and a comfortable chill spot for casual drinkers and diners.