We ate dinner there on February 1, 2008. J's had received a favorable review in the Chronicle, and we (two couples from Copperfield) wanted to give it a try. We were favorably impressed, and will return. \r
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We were skeptical when we first arrived ? the prices seemed a bit high, it was not crowded, the lighting was a bit too bright, and there was a row of beer bottles in the entryway with almost silly names from breweries I had never heard of. \r
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J?s is a white tablecloth/ cloth napkin type place. That being said, the wait staff is attired very informally (polo shirts and jeans), and they are helpful, friendly, flexible and attentive. When I ordered a beer I had never tried before, our server made it clear that she would bring me a different one if I didn?t like it. Nice touch. Overall - excellent service.\r
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The food was very, very good. The guys split a Korean pancake dish for a starter, and the ladies shared a seafood dumpling starter ? both were very good. The soups we tried (French Onion and Seafood Bisque) obviously had the chef?s imprint on them, and they were also quite good. Most entrees are in the $15 - $22 range, with some as high as $26. The guys had the shrimp and crabmeat risotto, and the ladies split the tilapia. The presentation was excellent, the portions were just right for a ?normal? appetite (not too big, not too small), and there was no issue with splitting an entree. \r
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The wine list seemed adequate (the author is not a wine drinker). The beer list, however, is one of the hidden secrets of J?s. Chef J is a beer connoisseur, and he carefully researches and selects beers to go with his food. We tried three different beers ? all were quite different, and all were outstanding. \r
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J himself is gracious, humble and charming. If you meet him, ask about the time he spent researching beer in Belgium - quite a story. \r
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Again, the ambiance needs a little work, but I?ll take an unpretentious place where the food is good any day.
Pros: High quality food, friendly wait staff, beer menu, plenty of parking (with no valet!)
Cons: Ambience needs a little work - too bright at night
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