We hadn't been to JA's for a long time but went on Sat., March 5. In spite of being busy (estimated 1 hour wait at 5:30PM), everything about the experience was excellent. We found 2 seats out of the way at the bar and ended up eating dinner there. Mike, the bartender, was attentive without being overbearing. The drinks came quickly. Since we ordered beer and wine, we can't discuss his mixology skills, but from what we could see, they ran a smooth ship behind the bar. The food was absolutely fantastic. Seared ahi tuna salad for my better half while I had the 10 oz filet with bearnaise sauce. The tuna was done quite nice and was melt-in-your-mouth tender. The salad greens were fresh and crisp and the wasabi cilantro vinaigrette dressing was a treat. The greens weren't swimming in the dressing so the flavors of all ingredients mixed well. My steak. Oh, my steak! Where to begin?! A beautiful hunk of beef cooked perfectly for my liking (med-well) the first time out of the kitchen. No sending it back! The seasoning on it was just enough to tingle the taste buds but not too much to overpower the meat. The meat itself was super tender. Sides of smashed potatoes and green beans were also tasty.
The price for the meal wasn't too much more than we would pay at other restaurants but I feel the value we received at J. Alexander?s made it worth it. We made sure to compliment Mike and Jen, the service manager, for making the meal and the experience the delight that it was. We will be returning again...and not waiting so long to do so.
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