Amidst rush-hour traffic, people frantically scurrying along the sidewalks and the general chaos involved in today's urban setting, Jones sits nestled in the middle of it all, providing a respite from the daily grind.
Welcome home.
The newest creation from famed restaurateur Stephen Starr combines '70s style with modern touches, blended in a way that surprisingly works.
The fireplace, laminate tables, brick pillars and pleather chairs all fit seamlessly together, designed to give that "at home" feel. The atmosphere is classy, but above all, comfortable.
The food at Jones mimics the decor's retro-modern style. The menu items come in a wide variety, offering everything from classics such as grilled cheese with tomato soup, to more upscale options like grilled swordfish, to unique combinations including fried chicken and waffles.
| Jones 700 Chestnut Street (215) 223-5663 Fare: American $7-$14 Serving traditional dishes such as Thanksgiving Dinner and fried chicken in a basket. |
To start, I had the baked macaroni and cheese ($6.50) and my guest sampled the Caesar salad with chicken ($8.75), both of which could have been meals in their own right. The macaroni was creamy and flavorful, while the salad had plenty of lettuce and a great taste.
Though the appetizer was more than enough of a meal for me, I couldn't pass up on the opportunity to continue trying the dishes. For the main course, I ordered Thanksgiving Dinner ($14.95), a platter of -- you guessed it -- food typically found on your family's table at Thanksgiving. The turkey and mashed potatoes were especially outstanding, and evoked memories of sitting in my grandparents' dining room on a cold November evening. My guest had the roasted filet mignon ($22), which was on the well-done side and came in a somewhat small portion size.
Even though I was full, the dessert menu was simply too tempting. While the chocolate layer cake with a cold glass of milk and the root beer float with animal crackers caught my eye, I decided on the chocolate brownie sundae ($6.50), the perfect end to dinner. It was unexpectedly one of the best sundaes I've had, and even redeemed the meal for my guest, who called it "more deserving of the $22 price tag than the steak dinner."
The staff was extremely helpful and friendly, successfully contributing to a great overall evening. However, don't plan on a quick meal if eating at Jones -- even on weeknights, it gets fairly busy, and the wait between courses was a bit lengthy, giving ample time to savor and digest each dish. Attire ranges from casual to dressy, with most falling somewhere in the middle, dressed in business casual. Jones also features a crowded bar with cocktails such as "Bug Juice" and "Flirtini."
Moderately priced, the food at Jones was simple, but in a good way, allowing even the pickiest of eaters to find something to their liking. The overriding theme of the restaurant, comfort, was done well, as all of the elements fused together in a cohesive fashion to create a memorable dining experience reminiscent of a home-cooked meal with family.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
