Long Beach eatery reopens with new name and theme

The Junction has a New Orleans influence and features live music

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After six weeks of renovations, the Park Sports Bar & Grill reopened on March 17 under a new name — Junction.

The Park opened in 2013 in the 6,500-square-foot space at 20 W. Park Ave. The Junction held its formal grand opening last weekend with a performance by musician Paul Cuthbert. Located opposite the Long Island Rail Road station, the restaurant features new tile and wood finishing and a new stage for performances. Its large private party room was also remodeled.

“We refreshed it and gave it a nice new look,” said co-owner PJ Kavanagh. “It has a very cool ambiance, and it has a really comfortable and cool feel.”

He added that The Junction features a New Orleans theme, as well as a new menu — and chef — and live music.

“I was down in New Orleans and in the restaurants and thought it would be cool to give it that type of feel,” he said. “We still have the sports, but before, whenever we would host live music, people really appreciated it. We felt like why not have the music as well, especially on weeknights when you don’t have sports.”

The eatery will feature mostly acoustic and jazz music, as well performances by “dueling piano” players throughout the week.

“We’re doing a little New Orleans theme, and we have dinner music and great acoustic acts,” he said.

Beginning on Thursday, the Junction will feature live music this weekend by The Charlie Justin Duo, Billy Joel Tribute Angry Young Men, Then and Now with Jonathon Rizzo and T'BaZco Road.

The menu also has a bit of a New Orleans’ flair, with additions such as shrimp and penne jambalaya and gumbo.

“We’re adding a little bit more seafood — we have seared tuna, flounder and crab cakes and some of the old favorites; we kept those,” Kavanagh said. “And we have a really great craft beer selection.”