Jax Café

A true survivor, Jax has proved itself to be the best year over year. Five of us were here for a birthday dinner on a Thursday evening and it was absolutely delightful. It's business casual dress for the most part but the decor is old school elegant. If you make reservations early (suggested) they will print their characteristic matchbooks for the table, which provide a lasting memento of the occasion. Plenty of space between tables, ambient lighting, warm and quiet enough to carry on a conversation with your party while sharing the convivial atmosphere with other restaurant guests. Our wait person was knowledgeable, attentive and friendly -- without being overly familiar or chatty. I see that some previous reviewers had mixed opinions about the quality of their food, but our experience was quite the opposite. There were five of us and our menu selections ranged from seafood to beef, with vegetable sides and salad. All of it was perfectly prepared and the cooked entrees arrived simultaneously at our table while still hot from the kitchen. In particular, a couple of us enjoyed the filet mignon broiled to the exact medium rare. Mashed potatoes, which are ho-hum in most restaurants were elevated to a creamy richness here. Oven roasted asparagus complimented with a savory bearnaise is my choice for a side. Lastly, unlike some downtown venues, their Northeast location allows for ample parking in a flat lot directly across the street. No charge.

Go for the PATIO!!! Omgoodness, the patio is so beautiful and romantic - a must see. Sadly, the food was not great when we ate lunch there today. But on previous trips, we were served great food when we ordered steaks. Our server Mel was kind and attentive. It's not her fault the food was mostly blah. Here's what I ate:Oysters (2/5) French Onion Soup (4/5)Clubhouse Sandwich (3/5)Bailey's Chocolate Cake (2/5)Still a 4 of 5 stars in my book because of the outstanding patio area!

Jax is truly a stunning place. The interior is elegant and classy, with the live piano music adding a romantic touch that elevates the atmosphere. While we didn't sit on the back patio, it looked absolutely amazing--definitely something to try next time.Our server was super helpful and friendly, though a little quiet. They gave us fantastic recommendations and expertly paired drinks with our meal, which we really appreciated.As for the food, it was a bit of a mixed bag. The pork chop was a little tough, making it hard to cut and chew, but the cinnamon apples served with it were absolutely delicious. The au gratin potatoes, while good, were a bit bland--more of a basic cheesy dish than a flavor-packed side. As we ate, the table always cleared promptly after finishing a course, keeping the dining experience smooth.Overall, it was a lovely dining experience, especially with the atmosphere and service, but I expected a bit more from the food given Jax's reputation. Still, I'd return for the ambiance and the hope that the next meal hits the mark.

Jax is a trusted neighbor who does not disappoint. Enjoyed a relaxing business lunch at Jax. The steak salad was cooked to perfection. The Waldorf salad was a freshly prepared and thoroughly enjoyed.

I've passed by Jax Cafe so many times (live in the area) and never expected it to be so fancy inside! Great place to celebrate a special occasion or just have a nice night out. We ordered drinks to start, and I got an old fashioned. For as nice as the place is, I was surprised by the average quality of the drink. It had a lot of ice (instead of one big cube or sphere, which I think is standard) and wasn't mixed very well (sugar at the bottom). I'm glad to say though that everything else we had was amazing, so it only got better from there! Appetizer: artichoke dip (small portion) with toasted bread. Main: New York strip - DELICIOUS! Didn't try any add ons. Mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus on the side-- both pretty standard.Overall it was a really nice experience. The steak was so, so good and our server was fantastic. The service, paired with the atmosphere (live piano music) made all the difference.

Had higher expectations and was left underwhelmed Food quality is mediocre and overpriced - the sea bass was a strange piece of filet that looked more like a lobster tail and was overcooked and rubbery,steaks were average Decor is beautiful old worldly and lovely patio in the summerWould return for HH drinks onlyStaff were friendly but slow service

I've only been here for brunch, but I adore the back patio; there's a small stream/pond and a lot of greenery. The popover is definitely the highlight (I could put the honey butter on everything). Everything else I've tried has been average/good but nothing special. The service is solid, and I believe if you call ahead and tell them you're celebrating something, they'll prepare custom matchbooks, which is a super nice touch :)

Jax Café is a nod to old school Midwest tradition. They have created a comfortable spot to enjoy first class Prime Rib on their garden patio. Patio features a fully stocked Rainbow Trout stream and water wheel. You're greeted by each staff member finding out your name and wishing you happy birthday. Your table will have personalized matchbooks with your name (when making reservations let them know the guest of honor's name and it'll be done for free). Perfect for special events. Cocktails and entrees all came promptly. My only disappointment was the egg whites weren't fully set for the Benedict. However, everyone said their meal was exceptional. Note: There's a free parking lot next door (only for Jax's customers

Great service from Jimmy on Valentine's! Excellent wine and espresso martini recommendations and a wonderful attitude. Best espresso martini we have ever had and we order often. Thanks for making our night a special one!

Very impressed with my first visit to Jax! Many thanks to Sean Graz (General Manager), Chef Rob, and Staff for making my Dad's 80th birthday such a special experience. Since background noise is an issue for his hearing, we were seated in a nice, quiet corner where we were still able to appreciate the live piano music. Old school elegance. Service was very professional and attentive. We enjoyed cocktails, steak, and the salmon special. Loved the mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus, too. And I was especially impressed that the kitchen was able to accommodate a special request to make my Dad's favorite dessert. Neighboring tables even clapped when it was brought out with candles. Plus, we each took home a commemorative matchbook. So, if you're celebrating a special occasion, be sure to let them know in advance and leave a note on your reservation.