A Hamilton restaurant aims to build its reputation on dishing out good food in a rollicking atmosphere.

MJ’s Tavern & Great Food, 1555 Main St., has “an upscale Applebee’s menu and a bar that’s more fun than (T.G.I) Friday’s,” according to owner Ebony Dudley.

“Our concept is everything people want with a fun, country and Southern Rock attitude,” Dudley said.

The more than 5,000-square-foot business features a list of appetizers including everything from chicken tenders and fried pickle chips to jumbo shrimp cocktail and Maryland-style crab cakes.

Entrees include chicken or shrimp fettucini alfredo, parmesan-crusted tilapia, smothered chicken, sirloin steak and a 16-ounce rib-eye.

Deli sandwiches are freshly prepared and stacked high, include club, BLT, Reuben and shredded barbecue, as well as steak hoagie and a spicy Italian sub sandwich.

“Although the menu is broad and diverse, we’ve kept it to certain specialty dishes, if you will,” said project director Joe Ruscigno. “The burgers are all half-pound burgers marinated overnight and we use a marinade that everybody just loves.”

There’s also a varied selection of salads, soups, sides and desserts.

The restaurant, which replaced Meisterhaus, is located on Hamilton’s West Side just south of Ohio 130 and across the street from Meijer.

“I love the building,” Dudley said. “It’s in a beautiful location and there’s a lot of traffic that comes through here.”

Three large flatscreen televisions keep guests up to date with the latest sports scores.

Nearly every appetizer is discounted to $6.75 during Happy Hour, which runs from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and includes 16-ounce domestic draft beer for $2, bottles for $2.25 and a 40-ounce draft for $4.25. All cocktails cost $5 during that time.

Opening the restaurant was a way for Dudley to put in practice what she learned at college.

“I went to school for business so it’s something that I thought that would be a great opportunity for me,” Dudley said. “Plus, I love meeting all the different people who come through our doors. Every day is a new challenge and a new experience.”

Hours are 3 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Monday to Friday and noon to 2:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, call (513) 844-6789.