Jack's Wife Freda

So let me turn back the clock .. I remember dining here when it first opened @2004... it was a small, homey establishment. The menu is about the same from when it opened. But times are a-changing. Let's rename it Jack's Wife Freda went to Paris and remodeled her house. Out is the cozy charm and in cones the bistro chairs and small marble tables and savior faire. Scratching my head as I try to imagine a cafe in Paris serving matzoh ball soup.
I decided to once again savor another balmy day in November and have lunch Al fresco.
To my surprise, there was a table opened thus I took it.
It felt really refreshing until a family of three needed an extra chair and asked me, mind you not the restaurant, if they could borrow my second unused chair. I gladly gave it to them but then the family member set his chair slanted next to me. I then had to readjust my table and seat so he wasn't on top of me. Now I feel I'm riding the metro with Freda in Paris.
My waitress, oblivious to all of this, comes by and immediately removes my flatware, extra glass and asks if I want tap water. She leaves and then I review the menu. I wanted Matzo Ball soup and another dish but decided to stick to one, the Shakshuka in a green tomatillo sauce. She snidely says " So do you want cheese with that, I recommend the Halloumi". Fine I said. Then " So don't add avocados"? Yes, I'll take that too. Now were done with let me snidely add add ons and not explain they're an extra charge.
As I wait, my " international party of patrons" are talking and sipping wine as if we were all in Paris and lunch like a Parisian: 2-3 hour lunch break and sipping wine before going back to the office.
My Shakshuka arrives with all the trimmings and the most exquisite piece of Challah toast. The dish was simply delicious: the sauce had just the right kick and the Halloumi was delicious. My waitress, who never checked on me or asked if I wanted more water or anything else, came to remove my dish. I told her it was delicious mind you she didn't ask. Maybe I wasn't part of the jet set lunch crowd? I then ask her for the check and ten minutes later still no check. I ask another waiter for it and as fast as you can sing Frere Jacques, my bill arrived.
I believe a manager was seated beside me throughout my visit and overheard him coaching in the moment and saying to another waiter who I observed being attentive with patrons " remember to interact with guests" Great... great advice that needs to be coached to the non attentive and not very good waitress who served ? me?
I added an extra star because my dish was really good.
But...
No Mon Cherie, there is no Merci Beaucoup from moi.
Freda, let me recommend your next trip.. Spain perhaps?

Food: good portions, tasty
Service: was quick and attentive
Ambiance: the only downside, restaurant can be packed and can be quite noisy so not the best place to have a good catchup conversation

We came on a Saturday at 11am, and it was 10-15min wait for outdoor seating. It started to get really sunny though.

The zucchini chips were flavorless, and the sauce didn't add much to it. I would skip this.

The espresso martini was too bitter. The rest of the food was decent, but nothing too special.

From all the various fun cities I've visited in the US, this is probably the closest to a French patio dining vibe! The food was a combination of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern cuisine! We were fortunate as the weather was very mild in June, which made for very pleasant outdoor dining! They have other locations of this chain, but we simply walked by the other spot and went back to this spot multiple times! The service was very friendly and prompt, and each dish tasted fresh and delicious!

I would highly recommend this spot for a drink, meal, or just a nice glass of wine to relax and enjoy NY!

Super easy to make day of reservations if you want to dine inside. Outdoor dining is first come first serve. To get out of the sweltering NYC heat, we opted for inside although there were plenty of outward facing tables around 6pm on a Thursday night.

Vegetable Curry Bowl - Amazing! Definitely mix in the curry with the couscous. It's a little too sweet if you don't. Had an amazing kick to it that wasn't too overwhelming. The curry had a good variety of vegetables and the portion of the dish itself was sizable!

Bianca - Raspberry, lime, and mint - count me in! Had a well balanced taste with such a cute presentation. The pink color was vibrant and tasted just as delicious as it looked!

The restaurant was clean with lots of sunlight streaming in through the windows. They even set out little candles to change the vibe from day to night. A great place to pop in for drinks or dinner. Service was quick and the staff checked on us numerous times! Loved my experience here!

Very lively, cheery, and busy environment with music loud enough without being overwhelming. I sat inside but next/in front of the open windows on a sunny pleasant afternoon. Of course there is a pretty large outside seating area that people love.

The menu offers a great selection and plenty of options for everyone. I had Maya's Breakfast bowl and it was a great portion size and very good. I also had a piece of grilled Haloumi that was delicious.

Easy to see why this place is a favorite of many.

Just realized my review never got posted...

Came to brunch at JWF... somehow never made it here each time, my friends and I opted for somewhere else... alas, finally tried. So all hyped then? I'm not a fan of seatings outside - although very nyc... people watching, pretty decor and... blasts of fumes from all the cars, trucks... mopeds... you name it, lol

Service is pretty solid. They check on you, refill your water if needed... and nothing really above & beyond. Latte, cappuccino and espresso is good.

We enjoyed our food... nothing spectacular, seems standard... with a Mediterranean twist... although, Miriam in Park Slope is better! The prices are a bit high... my son had the steak & eggs for $30.. lol - bc you're supporting their rent as well... so... the only stand out is the yummy fried eggplants with the yogurt sauce. You come for the experience once... and check it off! Go elsewhere for sure.

#nyceats
#brunch
#yelping

Such a delightful discovery! Quick and easy service at the bar and a wonderful meal. What more can you ask for!?

This location is great for those who want to eat and people watch. The ambiance of waiting and being present in the moment is good.

Food is always good. Never hurts to get more food. To me, the service is heavily focused on the outside area more than the inside. Every time I come to eat here inside, I feel that I am waiting awhile to be serviced. I understand as their outside service has more bodies and more traffic coming in and out. I would be aware at that note.

Other than that, I like coming here for a good meal and peace.

Food: 4.5/5 | Service: 4/5 | Experience: 4/5

This is a very busy restaurant known for their European style seating outside of the restaurant. My party of two was able to be seated inside immediately however, which was still nice because of the open air style. I ordered the Mediterranean breakfast. Everything was as expected and food was fresh, but the portion size was small for what it is. Service was as expected.

Super cute place and great for people watching. Friendly wait staff and delicious reasonably priced food. Checks all the boxes. I really loved the flourless chocolate cake it was warm and melted in my mouth.