In April 2022, Montclair was abuzz about a new pair of restaurants opening at 193 Glenridge Avenue, a storied space that was once home to longtime local favorite, The Crosby. Essex Restaurant Group introduced two new concepts to the renovated building: The Maddox, a high-end steakhouse and bar, and Musuko, an open-concept Asian kitchen. Nearly eight months since the gastronomic duo opened their doors in Montclair, The Maddox and Musuko have announced their closure via an Instagram post on Wednesday, January 3rd — and plans for a new, “high-end” restaurant are already underway. Read on for what we know about The Maddox and Musuko’s closure in Montclair.
The Announcement
On Wednesday, January 3rd, The Maddox and Musuko took to Instagram in a collaborative post to announce that both restaurants would be closing at 193 Glenridge Avenue. The post read: “To our loyal customers, guests, and friends. We regret to inform you that as of January 1, 2024, The Maddox and Musuko will be closing its doors. We thank you all for your support throughout our journey.” See the post below.
Many comments underneath the post are from locals expressing disappointment about the eateries’ closures, in a series of crying emojis and sad faces. One comment in particular, reading “See ya in April,” hints that the story might not end here. The Montclair Girl received a similarly suggestive reader tip: “Had dinner at The Maddox tonight and learned they’re closing in 2 days with new ownership.”
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The Montclair Girl reached out to The Maddox for comment, but has yet to receive a response. Of course, we’ll update you as the details unfold. If you never made it The Maddox and Musuko or are in mourning over the restaurants’ closure, keep reading to learn more about what this duo brought to town.
An Inside Look at The Maddox + Musuko
The Maddox was a new American steakhouse. The team envisioned The Crosby, but elevated: fine dining with a lounge-y bar feel. The Crosby’s trademark big center bar was still there, but instead served up a list of craft cocktails and an extensive selection of wines. There was the Smoke and Mirrors, a twist on a spicy mezcal margarita. Food items ranged from seafood starters like Charred Octopus and Tuna Tartare to meat lovers’ specials like a Wagyu Flat Iron, NY Strip, and Spiced Lamb Chops, among other things.
Musuko was more intimate and “exclusive.” The bar was sit down only until the kitchen closed so that diners could focus on the menu of pan-Asian eats. The kitchen was also partly open-concept so that diners could catch a glimpse of the sushi chefs at work.
The team behind The Maddox + Musuko wanted to bring an element of NYC to Montclair — the interior went through a complete redesign with dark undertones, pops of gold and marble, and intricate lighting fixtures to elevate the space.
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What’s Next for the Space
Signage currently outside The Maddox + Musuko building indicates that plans for another eatery are already in the works. The sign reads: “The Maddox Steakhouse and Musuko Sushi Bar have closed permanently. New ownership will be opening an exciting restaurant, bar, and lounge in the spring after renovations.” See a photo below.
This note corroborates reporting from Montclair Local, which shared last week that developer Dick Grabowsky had purchased the space with plans to bring a new “high-quality” restaurant to 193 Glenridge Avenue. While it appears he is intending to open his own restaurant, Dick is finalizing a lease with one of two well-established and high-quality parties, with hopes for a venue that has drinks, dinner, and dancing. More details to come.
Though locals are saying goodbye to The Maddox + Musuko, there are plenty of steakhouses in the Montclair + North Jersey area to indulge in on a night out — see our complete list of NJ’s best steakhouses here.
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