The doors open: Mojo’s risin’ in a bigger and better place

The centerpiece of the new Mojo’s Pub and Grill in Austintown is the bar.

Handcrafted with inlaid mahogany wood, it’s the heart of the establishment, which opened this week.

With a prominent semicircle that juts outward, the bar has a classic, old-time look.

Recessed lighting under the footrail boxes — which do not touch the floor — give the impression that the bar is floating.

But as unique as the bar is, it’s just one part of owner John Marino’s vision.

“What I’m creating is an ‘American pub,’” he said. “We build Irish- and English-style pubs, but I think that American pubs hold up well to their overseas counterparts.”

The new Mojo’s is actually four venues in one: a bar, restaurant, sports bar and patio.

The old location of Mojo’s — which was about a mile down Mahoning Avenue — has been transformed into an additional banquet hall for Marino’s catering business.

The new Mojo’s, next to the St. Elizabeth’s emergency room and a stone’s throw from Austintown Plaza, is in a free-standing building that was built in 2004. It originally housed Rocky’s Bar, which closed in 2007. The nearly new building was unoccupied until Marino bought it last year. He has spent at least six months renovating it.

“My goal was always to expand, and I always wanted my own building,” said Marino.

Unlike the old site, the new Mojo’s fronts on Mahoning Avenue and has a much larger parking lot — two big improvements over the old location. A lighted sign bears the new logo of the club, adding to its visibility.

Marino knows the restaurant and bar business like someone who has been in it all his life — which he has. He was a chef at his family’s restaurant, Marino’s Italian Cafe, an Austintown landmark for 31 years, before opening Mojo’s Pub and Grill in the same plaza in 2005.

Mojo’s became equally known for its food, specializing in barbecue and crab legs. But now that he’s no longer next to his family’s restaurant, Marino has increased the emphasis on food. He has doubled the size of the kitchen and has added Italian dishes to the menu.

The new site has two floors, with seating for 120 on the main level and 50 more downstairs. On the main level, visitors will find the aforementioned handcrafted bar, which was built by Tony D’Apolito of Austintown. It is cordoned off by ornate floor-to-ceiling wall breaks with windows, creating a cozy atmosphere. The surrounding L-shaped dining area is adorned with classic rock-concert posters and photographs, including one of Jim Morrison of The Doors — Mr. Mojo Risin’ himself.

Downstairs is a sports bar, painted in the scarlet and gray of Ohio State University and festooned with Buckeyes memorabilia. The green tile floor has white tile “yard lines,” making it look like a football field.

Two pool tables, a dartboard and some electronic games adorn the room. Marino plans to install an outdoor boccie court in the future.

The patio, with a bar and seating for diners, will be open as weather permits.

The new Mojo’s Pub and Grill will have an all-day grand-opening bash on St. Patrick’s Day, with live music by No Xcuse and Jigsaw Rodeo on the patio, and Vito’s Lot, Katianne Timko, Dez Riley, Rich Oswald and more on the pub stage.