J Alexander's Restaurants

User Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

For a chain, J. Alexander's stands out for a variety of reasons. They are not without their faults, but overall, this is one of the better corporate-owned entities in town.

Start with the down side. "J's" has never been what one would call cheap - OK, read: inexpensive. But within the last few years, they have upped their prices to the point where you really have to weigh value vs price. At one time their lunches were not too terribly expensive, but they have increased those to the point that in excess of $10 is a lot to pay for a burger. They have also diminished the value of their cocktails - a little smaller than they once were and a little more expensive. That said, it's still a great restaurant. And here's why.

The food is truly good. From the appetizers to the entrees, they have got it down to a science. If they are nothing else, they are consistent. Rarely, will you get anything that needs returned to the kitchen. They cook over hickory wood fires, and that aroma permeates the dining room.

The steaks are unquestionably among the best choices. They are thick, done to perfection, and served sizzling hot. Their salads are a little on the expensive side, but they are generous, crisp, fresh, and well worth the few extra dollars.

At lunch, you can't go wrong with any of the sandwiches. The burger, even though a tad overpriced, is still excellent. When they offer the prime rib sandwich as a special, it's a whopper (no intended reference to Burger King) and very tasty, served with a side of au jus. Oh, and you can't miss the mountain of ultra thin, crispy french fries that come with the sandwiches.

The interior is very much like all the others in the chain, but the flickering gas light sconces add a touch of class, and the decor is notably up-market. The bar, even though somewhat large, is still a cozy gathering place, and if there is a long wait for the dining room, booths are available for diners, and it's not altogether than unpleasant a place to eat.

What really sets "J's" apart from the competition is their service. The waitstaff has been trained, admirably, to provide exceptional service. How many times have you been in a restaurant and waited for refills as waiter after waiter walked past your table, noting that "sorry, it's not my table." Not at J. Alexander's. The staff is conditioned to treat ever table as though it was their own, and even if it's not their assigned table, they never fail to remove dirty dishes, refill water and beverages, and even take your check to the cashier. Kudos to their training personnel.

Price aside, J. Alexander's is a great place to dine. Go.

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User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The best place in town to get Great food: This is the best place in town to get great food, with an atmosphere that is very relaxing, and service that is exceptional. Who cares what it costs, I will pay the price, it's worth every penny.

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User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The best American style food around: People talk up other local restaurants in the steak & prime rib business but J Alexander's is the best. They have the most professional wait staff around. The interior has a contempory look and it looks like they use high quality materials for every thing. I like the artwork also. My favorite is the beach scene. I even like the bathrooms. Ok I know I didnt talk much about the food but when it is perfect all the time you start to notice these other qualities. I truly do not know of another restaurant in its category. Just remember its not an over the top fancy dancy white tablecloth dinnerhouse. But it is far better than any of those heavily themed restaurants.

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