J Restaurant/Bar

This was my first ever Taste of Hartford experience. My parents have been here before and loved it so I was excited to try it, and they had a pretty good looking tasting menu. The ambiance is really nice inside with low lighting and candlelit tables. It’s right across from the hospital so it’s a busy area, but luckily they have their own parking lot which is super convenient and nice.
The food overall was good but nothing super out of the ordinary or memorable. The table bread was unfortunately cold and not really that satisfying. I started with the zucchini rollatini which would have been delightful had they not put way too much Tuscan herb spice in. It was a bit too overpowering and took away from the other flavors and simplicity. My friend ordered the mushroom soup which tasted nice but I don’t think I could have had the whole portion as the truffle oil would have been too much. For my meal I chose to go with the filet which came out cooked perfectly. Taste-​wise it was good, but certainly not the best I have ever had. The sauce, mushrooms, and potato strings on top were all delicious and welcome accompaniments. For dessert I got the tiramisu, which again was good, but nothing to rave about.
Service was fine but a little weird. Our waitress looked at my friend like she was crazy for asking for a cocktail/​wine list. When the bill came we had wanted to use some cash and split the rest on 2 cards (yes I know that is annoying, but it’s what we wanted to do) and we explained it to her and there seemed to be no problem but then she just returned our check without having taken the cash out of the bill. I wouldn’t rush back, as there are so many other places to go out to eat in Hartford, but the special menu was a good deal and overall we had a good time.

This place is a gem in a town that was once booming. The restaurant is full of ambiance, it’s romantically lit to where you just can’t help but fall in love with your company and the restaurant. The food packs flavor that spikes your adrenaline and you question «how can food taste so good». I had a moscato which was delicious. I had fried mozzarella which I almost choked on trying to stuff my face. I had the chicken parm that made me question why haven’t I had this before and think when am I going to be able to eat this again. We finished the meal with the damn best crème brûlée I’ve ever had. I had an excellent evening.

Better half had to rush to Hartford to get kids after delay with bus home but had to stay for school event and Unilocaled for restaurant and found this place nearby.
Son had capresea sandwich my vegetarian enjoyed it. Wife had broccoli and ricotta white pizza. She enjoyed and I was lucky to get leftovers and very impressed with taste crust and freshness.
Will keep in mind for future bus issues.

I have been here a few times and the place is just OK. I work right down the street so I come on my lunch break. I get the Js special salad every time I come. It’s very good but definitely overpriced for what it is. I get it with extra cheese which they charge me for. The dressing is a homemade oil and garlic which is delicious. They throw in some bread with it too which is like some kind of herb bread which is just alright. One time decided I wanted to try something new so I ordered the turkey Panini and was not impressed at all. Another time I got a gyro and it was absolutely disgusting!!! I would suggest dining in or picking up your order. Every time I order delivery they get the order wrong.

Ok so I LOVE this Restuarant, always greatly appreciate the Fabulous treat to all my senses, smell, taste and visual!
Taste of Hartford is going on now, July 20 to August 1, 2015!
I really don’t know where to begin, so I’ll start at the beginning, mussels with onion, garlic basil and tomato broth I don’t think I’ve ever been to J’s without having them, just to let you know no matter where I’ve traveled here in the USA or abroad, these to me are the very best!
Then today we had the ceviche, this could become my second favorite item,
The fried ravioli, the little taste I was allowed to have was so light, not your typical fried anything, the vodka sauce and pesto oil yum!
Now my true confession, I not only had the beef tenderloin stuffed with spinach, feta, roasted peppers served with rosemary roasted potatoes and baby asparagus and than I had to enjoy the truffled crab over linguine, sorry I had to wipe the drool off of my face.
My friend had the swordfish over wild rice, I was fast enough to steal a bite, it was cooked to perfection, as you know if you over cook fish it’s all over but the tears.
I wish I could tell you about the desserts, other than I’ve had them before and always happy, but today I was a piggy, so tomorrow morning I’ll enjoy my cannoli and my friend will enjoy her chocolate mousse.
When you go and you know you will, please say hi to Julio, the chef who knows how to please the taste buds.
Frances was our server and as with the servers at J’s she was outstanding, very knowledgeable, friendly and she laughed at my jokes
Jordon is the owner and he always makes you feel as if you are family.
In closing, yes I’m almost done, if you can’t make the taste of Hartford, try J’s next time your in Hartford and you want to experience deliciousness.
Don’t feel as if you have to go with anyone simply try it yourself if you are adventurous and then you can report back to your friends of wonderful it was.
Until we meet again, live everyday as if it is your last.

Not a bad spot, especially for happy hour. But I think this restaurant is a touch overrated. Also their happy hour ends at 6 rather than 7 which puts it in company with all the other restaurants that end at 6, which can limit your happy hour options! Change the happy hour to 7 and I’d prob swing by here more often with friends! A good happy hour brings in more vibrancy to a restaurant which, for me, changes the experience in a good way.

Apparently the terrible treatment is still happening. My friend recently went here and received the same rude and demeaning service experience that I did. Clearly J Bar has an issue with of-​age customers who are looking to have a drink with their dinner. Completely unacceptable.

I’ve never had bad food at J Restaurant. They’re often our go-​to spot during weekday lunch. They have great salads and paninis and decent lunch prices. The restaurant is always clean and bright and the ambiance is nice. The reason this review is not four or five is because of the slow service. The servers are always nice and friendly; the restaurant just seems to constantly be under-​staffed. This is a consistent issue we have when we go here. On the brighter side — great Caesar salad and wonderful clam chowder — two of my favorites at J. They also have pretty extensive wine and cocktail menus. If you have time for a leisurely lunch, definitely check this place out! J is especially great for takeout. That’s usually pretty fast, even during the lunch rush.

J’s is a great place to hang out after work or for any occasion. The décor is modern and fancy. No worries though. Many of the diners are in their hospital scrubs since Hartford Hospital is across the street. The service is fast and friendly.
I’ve tried several of their pizzas. Compared to other pizzas around the Hartford area, it is the best I’ve had. It isn’t New York style thin crust, but it isn’t too doughy either. Their dishes are delicious. Chicken marsala and chicken parm. Nom Nom.
The menu is on the pricier side. Now their food is good but I’ve also had good pasta for less than $ 20. Overall, I wouldn’t mind coming back to J’s.

Vegetarian unfriendly — in fact when I ordered the only entrée without meat eggplant Parmesan they served CHICKEN Parmesan!!!

Ha, really laughable that they act high end but all food is frozen! I’m a chef and a foodie and have never been so disappointed except maybe California pizza kitchen, god gag me with a spoon lol. Bad service, not busy and waited an hour to eat, then all fried frozen blech. Mcdonalds is looking great in comparison. And for 30 dollars a person fuggetaboutit not a chance of us returning. Deuces

Brutal service and staff. The waitressed rushed us when we were placing our order, saying it was a «busy night». I am disappointed because I really thought the menu was decent. When we finally got our appetizer, I found a hair in my salad. I will not be coming here again.

If you work near the Washington Street area, J Restaurant is good for lunch with coworkers. You will get a generous lunch portion and your food will come out quickly. The menu is extensive and includes several salad, pasta, artisan pizza and vegetarian options. My favorite dish is the Chicken Marsala. I also like the Shrimp Tuscan pizza. Whether you are dining in or picking up your order, you will not have to endure a long wait. The food is comparable to what you would find at a good non-​chain sports bar. I do think it is a bit overpriced given its target clientele.

Very disappointed after my experience at J’s this evening because of the extremely poor service. We ordered appetizers and held off on our entrée choices, which I guess made the waitress angry because after a promise of bringing more bread she never came back. We sat with empty wine and beer glasses and dirty dishes filled with shells for a good 20 minutes before I went to her and asked to order our meals to go. It’s too bad because she would have had the opportunity for a higher check and better tip by asking if we wanted more drinks, bringing more bread like we asked and checking to see if our apps were satisfactory. If I have to do all these things as a waitress to make sure I get a good tip I expect the same courtesies when I’m receiving service. Even though I’m addicted to the mussels I won’t be going back for fear of such bad service on a slow night.

Would have given no stars if that was possible. Found a piece of SHARP PLASTIC in my pizza. Did not get offered a refund. Had to wait 30 minutes for another one to be delivered. By the time it arrived my lunch was over. The new pizza appeared to be made in a rush and was not what I was expecting. Will never eat here EVER again.

J’s is a convienient spot around the corner from Adolf’s meats. Often times when we’re visiting around lunch, we make it a go-​to-​spot. I’ve always had great service, wonderful food and it’s super clean and a pleasant décor. At the bar (super small bar of 10 stools) the bartenders are quick and get you on your way if you have time constraints. For dinner time we’ve sat outside and enjoyed the little courtyard area. We’ve enjoyed, burgers, tuna, pasta, sandwiches, huge salads and amazing clam chowder. You have plenty of parking as well– off street! It’s right across from the hospital, many people dressed in all different attire.

I am using the five star system to rate the outrageously delicious mussel app. Generous portion of mussels swimming in a sauce so outstanding, it’s difficult to describe adequately. It’s tomato based with tons of fresh herbs and garlic with some capers thrown in for good measure. It has just a enough sting to make you notice. Served with wonderfully charred bread to sop up every bit of the sauce.

J’s is our go to for pizza night. Very tasty pizzas for the meat lover and the vegetarian in our family.
Go J’s signature all the way, signature pizza, signature veggie pizza, and signature salad.

Out of 123 reviews, I have only given out 13 other 5 Star reviews. Few were instant 5’s, but J’s is one for sure.
I have been meaning to come here for a long long time and for some silly reasons I never got around to it until this week, the week I move away from Hartford. Better late than never, I suppose!
The vibe inside and outside is just awesome. With a spacious layout and classy furniture, the setting is a real treat. Great music at the correct volume was playing. We had no problem listening to the songs or to each other. Everyone was laughing and chatting at their own tables without distracting us at all. As a side note, our waitress said that sometimes they do live music too. Always a plus, if done right.
It is the kind of place that does not fit the neighborhood, but with the two hospitals right across the street, there are plenty of the right kind of clientele.
The place also has a 47 year history at that location which the staff was proud to tell us about, and for some reason I liked that a lot. Our server was super awesome and did not hesitate to make recommendations. She had a stake in our experience and that goes a long way in my opinion.
The two wines I had initially picked out were not available but she recommended an incredible Joseph Carr Cabernet Sauvignon (2011). It was one of the best reds I’ve had out as a restaurant. We enjoyed the bottle so much that we each got an additional glass each after dinner while we chatted.
It was the Taste of Hartford this week, so there was a 3 course special menu to pick from. I was tempted to do the shark, but we were pressed for time with a movie to catch. I had their famous Chicken Riggies which our waitress also insisted I try. It was spicy in a perfect way with the chicken being some of the best I’ve tasted. High quality meet. My friend got the ahi tuna and the bite I tasted was very delicious.
Finer details…
— bathrooms were immaculate
— they do take out (awesome!)
— the bus boys are polite and diligent
— Cool name for a place, too!

So, you’re probably thinking about this place because someone you know is at Hartford Hospital or CCMC. Or you work there. And you don’t want to eat at the cafeteria or Friendlys (I don’t blame you).
Surprise surprise — this is a real winner.
Came here because of those reasons but left thinking I need to go back. Really good Italian dishes with fresh ingredients and friendly service. We had fries with truffle sauce too — a winner too. But loved the chicken parm. Really a class-​worthy dish on how to make it right.
So if you’re nearby, don’t be shy. Its got a great décor and its safe. Perfect to come in after a long day at the hospital.