Muscle Maker Grill Review

Strategically located just steps away from New York Sports Club, Muscle Maker Grill bills itself as serving "great food with your health in mind." The Morris Avenue eatery was once Fresh-Squeezed Cafe. Early last year Fresh-Squeezed underwent a name change and face lift. The commitment to fresh, healthy food remains.

Seven different salads, 16 wraps and 8 entrees dominate the menu, complemented by a new selection of appetizers (or "warm-ups," including edamame beans for $3.75 and Texas chicken strips for $4.95), grilled sandwiches and burgers ($7.50), pasta dishes starting at $7.25 and a large selection of "extras," ranging from a baked potato for $1.75 to garlic or teriyaki shrimp for $5.60.

Missing the California wrap that I used to order at the bar on an almost weekly basis, I stepped up to the counter and zeroed in on the Tex-Mex Grilled Chicken Fajita Wrap. I generally shy away from anything labeled "Tex-Mex" in this part of the country, but I trusted Muscle Maker Grill not to mess up this wrap, which included a grilled chicken breast with sizzling onions and peppers, reduced-fat cheese, fat-free sour cream and salsa for $7.50.

I took my seat at one of the dozen tables, and when my wrap arrived, I was not disappointed. The chicken was hot and freshly grilled, tossed together with finely diced, grilled peppers and onions. The cheese, sour cream and salsa, however, were not individually discernible; perhaps they all blended together into one spicy sauce. The wrap was full of fiery flavor and not at all dry. It held together well, with only small amounts falling on to the rounded triangular white china plate on which it was served.

All sandwiches and wraps are served with a choice of a side. I opted for the fat-free balsamic potato salad, one of the more interesting choices on a list that included baked potato, corn on the cob, mixed vegetables, and house, Caesar and cucumber salads. My chilled potato salad, which included baby red potatoes and diced red onions, scallions and green peppers was a little disappointing, lacking the sweet, tangy bite that I would expect with balsamic vinegar. Still, I finished every bit.
Other customers had chosen sides of broccoli, and I noticed the broccoli's bright green color—a sign that it is fresh and not overly cooked. 

The eatery was spotless. As diners got up and left, an employee immediately came to the table, not just to clear plates, but also to clean it with a blue spray bottle.

I ended my meal by stepping back up to the counter and ordering a chocolate peanut butter smoothie to go. The $6 price tag may sound like a lot for a smoothie, but at a whopping 32 ounces, the smoothie lasted me for much of the workday, keeping me full for hours.

I also grabbed a salad to go, selecting the first one on the list: Muscle Maker Caesar salad with zero-carb dressing ($6.95, or $8.50 with grilled chicken breast). The creamy, flavorful dressing went well with the chicken, croutons and Romaine lettuce, which a good mix of the dark, healthy leaves we know we should eat and light, crunchy leaves we often prefer. 

Other, more creative selections on the salad menu include the Italiano salad with grilled chicken breast, romaine lettuce, red roasted peppers, fresh spinach, reduced-fat mozzarella and fat-free balsamic vinaigrette ($8.50) or the Chef's grilled chicken combination salad, with grilled chicken breast, steamed broccoli, egg whites and romaine lettuce tossed in Chef's zero-carb Buffalo sauce ($8.50). 

For those with even larger appetites than my own, or for those looking to refuel after a long session at the gym, the entree menu features a certified angus marinated steak, served with baked potato and steamed broccoli with reduced fat cheese ($9.95), Oriental chicken, shrimp and broccoli over brown rice ($10.45) and several other selections.<p>
Not one committed to building muscle, I have to say I prefer the old name and vibe, but with its extensive selection of healthy, flavorful and affordable meal options, Muscle Maker Grill will likely work its way back into my lunch routine.

Muscle Maker Grill
205 Morris Ave.
(973) 379-3313
Hours of operation
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Grill closes a half hour before closing
Closed on Sunday

Editor's Note: the original headline erroneously referred to the restaurant as the Muscle Maker Cafe. That was incorrect. The name is Muscle Maker Grill. We regret the error.