(PHOTO PROVIDED VIA GOOGLE)
Jack's Cafe has been a destination restaurant in Westwood, New Jersey for as long as I can remember. Recently featured on Food Network's American Diner Revival, Jack's Cafe has stayed true to it's loyal guests while also impressing new guests like myself this morning.
DECOR:
When entering Jack's Cafe, the first thing you notice is that it is small on the inside and has somewhat of an open kitchen. These are not bad things by any means. Today was my first time in Jack's Cafe and I had a nice breakfast with my wife. The open kitchen dynamic created some nice small talk with Chef Chris and myself which lead to him asking if I would like to try apple pie pancakes which was not on the menu. More on the pancakes later.
As you can see, Jack's Cafe has a nice classic diner look with records on the wall and all. I found this decor very comfortable and cozy. I felt very relaxed here. I actually said that if I ever had my own place, this is the size I would want it to be. It's very personable and welcoming. After living in this area most of my life, I felt let down that I had never walked into Jack's Cafe before.
THE FOOD:
My wife had the Santa Anna Omelet. The omelet featured homemade salsa, fresh avocado and pepper jack cheese served with toast and home fries. My wife really enjoyed this dish. When the staff asked her how she liked it, they acted like this was a beloved dish of the restaurant. My wife loved the flavors that exploded from the dish. The Santa Anna Omelet is featured on the specials menu just for that fact. It is special. I noticed the table next to us eating it as well.
On the upper right, you will see the apple pie pancakes. When they were first brought up to me they were explained to be cooked with the apple pie filling on the inside of the pancake. When I received the pancakes, I was honestly a little disappointed. But once I took my first bit, that disappointment quickly morphed into a sense of "wow." From what I understood, Chef Chris was given the idea to put the left over apple pie filling from the pies he just threw into the over with pancakes. Again from my understanding, this conversation happened just as my wife and I were being seated. So when I told my server that I was in the mood for pancakes and about to order the pancake special, Chef Chris came out of the kitchen and offered for me to try the apple pie pancakes. How could I refuse? I was very happy with my decision. These pancakes are true winners.
So I can hear this question in my head as you look at the photos above and see chocolate cake with breakfast items. They (and by they I mean our server) actually talked us into ordering dessert at the end of breakfast. She did this by walking over to the table with trays of chocolate lava cake and chocolate layer cake. We caved. Simply put, it was delicious. I recommend you to try it. I definitely suggest to eat it after lunch or dinner and not a plate of pancakes. I'm on sugar over load as we speak.
SERVICE:
Bet you're guessing why there is a photo of cheesecake after I just spoke about a sugar overload. Chef Chris sent it to our table so that we can sample it. It was a fresh cake that he was very proud of baking and he should be. It was everything a cheesecake should be.
The service was spot on. Everyone was friendly and accommodating. They seemed to really like being hospitable and enjoy what they do. They get the business and how to treat their guests. This again made me feel horrible that I had never been to Jack's Cafe before. I even did something that I never do, I revealed my intentions to them about my food blog. I never do that, I felt that comfortable there. I open took my photos and discussed the blog a little bit with my server. She then revealed that she has a food and wine blog that she just started. Maybe we can collaborate in the future. Who knows, time will tell.
LASTING IMPRESSIONS:
I give Jack's Cafe a 4 out of 5 stars. Service was amazing, the breakfast was spot on and the overall experience blew me away. My wife and I look forward to visiting Jack's Cafe more often and the next time we will bring our daughter of course. After looking at the lunch and dinner menus, I need to taste more of what they have to offer sooner than later. Thank you Jack's Cafe.
Jack's Cafe is located:
325 Broadway
Westwood, NJ 07675
Phone #: (201) 666-0400
Website: http://jackscafenj.com/
Hours of Operation:
Mon: 8:00am - 3:00pm Tues: 8:00am - 9:00pm Wed: 8:00am - 9:00pm Thur: 8:00am - 9:00pm Fri: 8:00am - 10:00pm Sat: 9:00am - 10:00pm Sun: 9:00am - 3:00pm
