John J Jeffries Restaurant

This review is for staff training, not food-related or atmosphere. Showed up early for my reservation and checked in with the host. The host told me it would be a few minutes and to wait at the bar. After 45 minutes, the Bartender was very concerned we waited so long and spoke to the manager. I found out the host never checked us in after I confirmed multiple times with him and was sitting in front of him, waiting at the bar. He actually asked me afterward if he had previously spoken to me. My girlfriend flew in from out of state for our only night in over a month, so I was pretty frustrated as we watched open tables for 2 sit there empty throughout the wait. I also watched many other couples check in well after us, and be seated. The staff then places us directly next to the kitchen, where I can hear everything going on and staff running by our table the entire dinner. Hard to have any conversation or enjoy the atmosphere. Staff tried to offer a free soup "on the house" in return for the 45+ minute wait. Finally, at the end of dinner, they very kindly took off a whole $12 from my meal. I still tipped the waiter in full as he was a nice and professional guy and it wasn't his fault, but it really seems like the staff is not trained to the caliber of the fine dining experience that the restaurant portrays. But if you want a good steak tartar, I'd still highly recommend that.
Apr 5th, 2024

Came here last night for Valentines Day and it was delicious! Literally everything hit the spot. We had the lobster risotto appetizer, the mahi mahi risotto, and dry aged beef. We had their coffee chocolate chip ice cream for dessert and a few cocktails. For sure a special occasion place. The food was fantastic and the atmosphere was really nice.
Mar 5th, 2024

Mar 3rd, 2024

We just love this place. The drinks, food, and service never disappoint. Although we've had great entrees in the past, this time we decided to just get small plates. It was so much fun. The amuse bouche was an exquisite vegetable broth/bisque. My mushroom bisque was absolutely delicious, as was my pork belly. My wife had the beef tartare, which is one of the reasons we enjoy this place so much. It's served with a quail egg, which makes the dish so unctuous. However, the shrimp and grits gave it a run for the money, layered with so much flavor we will definitely look to have it again. Finally, the smoked trout on greens with goat cheese was not to everyone's liking, but I found it exceptional. By themselves, the greens and goat cheese were too pungent, but when taken in the same bite as some smoked trout, it came together beautifully. Service, as always, was world-class.
Feb 29th, 2024

It was my husband's and I first time eating here. Holly was our server and she was great. Excellent food and service.
Feb 24th, 2024