There are two types of articles that are especially fun for me to write. The reviews of really bad experiences, and reviews of really great experiences. Luckily, Friday night at Jakes I had a really, really great experience. My sister and I decided to make an impromptu trip downtown just to get out of the house for a little while. We thought we’d have a drink and maybe share an appetizer if we got hungry. We took a seat at the bar and were immediately greeted by one of the polite and friendly (and handsome – hi Thomas!) bartenders. We were off to a good start.
Jakes is the type of place that you would expect to be exceptionally good, and it lives up to all of my expectations each time I visit. It’s one of the pricier places to eat in Tyler, but the atmosphere, service, and fantastic food really make it worth the price. Jakes makes the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion, or to satiate a need for indulgence which is exactly what we did on Friday. We decided to share the Oysters Rockafeller, and I kid you not when I say they were the absolute best oysters I have ever tasted. I think even people who don’t like oysters would love these. Broiled with butter, Applewood smoked bacon, onion, spinach and freshly shaved parmesan cheese, Jakes’ Oysters Rockafeller are simply to die for. We devoured all dozen of the oysters, and on an oyster high made the impulse decision to finish the night off with Jakes coconut cream bread pudding. Yes, this was as fantastically good as it sounds. Not one word was spoken as we dove into the dessert, and we didn’t come up for air until the plate was scraped clean.
We could not have picked a better place to enjoy our girls’ night out. Everything was perfect from the moment we walked in until we bundled back up and headed home for the night. It was far too cold to enjoy this weekend, but Jakes roof top cheveta is one of the coolest places in Tyler to visit on a warm spring evening. You can dine while overlooking the square in downtown Tyler, and they even have live music on the weekends. I’m already looking forward to coming back for more oysters and bread pudding on the roof when the temperatures warm up.
Jakes
111 East Erwin Street
Tyler, TX 75702
(903) 526-0225
Jakes, well the first thing that comes to mind when I hear about the restaurant is the worst ,expensive food I have ever eaten. And The next thing that comes to mind, is the worst customer service. I would never recommend this restaurant.
My son and his friend were in town on leave. He had been serving in the USAF in the middle east. I wanted to treat him to somewhere special, so we went to Jakes.
To make a long story short, we ordered and what we received was over cooked halibut, along with several other minor issues.
We showed the server the fish was “mushy” and he advised us it looked fine. I calmly explained to the server, I was from Anchorage Alaska and this fish had not been properly cooked. He continued to argue his case and so did I.Finally, he took the plate back to the chef. Then the server returned with the same plate, stating the chef said it was fine! I said, could I please speak to your manager? I was told he was not in, and it’s the chef’s call. We, stopped eating and was given our full priced $200.00 bill. But, Before I left I asked for the manager’s name and number. I called him three times explained the horrible experience on the answering machine and finally gave up.
So, needless to say I would never ,ever recommend Jakes on The square.
Hello everyone,
I would like to make a withdrawal of my comment, not that this didn’t happen, but that my experience happened before new management took over about 18 months ago. And I would recommend everyone give the newer owners a chance.
I am, then I’ll give you my new opinion.
Delicia The Food Critic
I revisited newly renovated Jakes, I was greeted by the new owner Kamala. I chose to sit up stairs over looking the town square, the decor of the restaurant was very comfortable, yet elegant at the same time, and from beginning to the end of my dining experience my wonderful Scottish and Irish server David Wallace was very, intuitive to my needs, to which he met and exceeded.
As, I was waiting for my guest to arrive, I decided to jump into a dozen of the Blue oysters on the half shell. Having lived in Alaska half my life my seafood taste are pretty picky, but I must say the oysters were delightful, I did save my son Jason 5 of them lol.
Each of us ordered a different entree as to ‘taste test’ the menu. I ordered the Chicken Breast Florentine, if you are concerned about your budget at such a fine restaurant This dish is 18.00 and is served with chicken breast layered in cheeses, that is placed on top of homemade mashed potatoes, with tasty fresh crisp sprigs of asparagus.Tuna was ordered and the Fillet Mignon both dishes were simply fabulous.
And for those of you that enjoy a lighter meal or salads Jakes special salad is the choice to make, made with a wedge of crisp lettuce, bacon pieces The flavor was that of a entire meal.
My favorite part of the meal, took me off my sugar restrictive diet without regret. The desert is a coconut bread pudding Creamy warm caramel crunchy goodness, was tempted to order another. What a great place to meet and just have a gourmet desert, we all deserve a treat once in awhile.
We ended the night with a tour of the roof top lounge. You can see that the new owners have put a lot of work into this project, what a classy place to enjoy a cigar and socialize.
So, in conclusion I rate this restaurant excellent! my advice is Go check it out for yourself, treat your loved one to a truly special night out on the town.
Delicia