Just Janice
“But its BYOB, so the wine is flowing and people are having a blast, which is always great to see.”
“But thankfully the coconut custard was recommended and now also vies as one of our favorites.”
“I had the pork chop special with polenta which I enjoyed very much.”
Just Janice
Takes Reservations: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$$$ Price range $31-60
8 reviews
Rate and write a review Cancel reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Four of us ate dinner here Saturday night (3/8/14) and while the place had a good vibe about it, the food & service were not up to par unfortunately.
We started out with the appetizer special – artichoke heart bottoms w/bechamel sauce & calamari & beans. Both plates were plunked down on the table with no serving spoons or plates for us to put the food on. We flagged the waiter down who then brings 3 plates instead of 4! The artichoke appetizer had no seasoning & the calamari was like eating rubberbands. The rest of the calamari dish was ok.
All night the waiter was disengaged and not attentive at all. The bus boy was wonderful – he should be promoted immediately! For dinner, the steak was the best entree – really good. The cheeseburger that someone ordered medium rare came out medium well, the pork special was bland and the fish taco's hardly had any fish in them – all lettuce. The rolls that are given at dinner are excellent.
We called the manager over to explain our disappointment but he did not seem to care and nothing was taken off the bill and OK that's fine but then offer a free dessert or something.
Overall, iIt was clear that the owners were not around & that the wait staff do not put pride in their work. I dine out a lot and I have not witnessed a restaurant that had such terrible service or food that was uneven – uneven – I mean – some things were good and some things were just terrible. A shame because I dined at this restaurant a couple of times a few years ago and I remember it being A LOT better.
I really enjoyed this restaurant. I can't remember the name of the first appetizer we ordered but they were these delicious mozzerella and prosciutto bite size sandwiches … amazing. I LOVE seafood, but the fried clams not so much; they were rubbery and had no flavor other than fish. No good. For dinner, I ordered the veal milanese. While it could've used a touch of salt, the portion was much larger than I expected and very, very good. I'm not a dessert lover, but the chocolate cake was sinfully warm and delicious. Overall, this place was definitely a good find. The prices are rather high, but if you can snag a groupon like I did, go for it! The staff was incredibly friendly and the place itself was very quaint. If I lived closer to the area, I would visit again.
If you love simple and light gourmet fare, Just Janice will be your new favorite restaurant!
As for the food, I can vouch for the quality of ingredients. Everything is homemade, down to their fresh brewed raspberry iced tea or lemonade (complete with *gasp* real raspberries!) The menu is small, and vegetarian options are slim to none, so I usually build myself a sandwich that includes cheddar cheese, avocado, and chipotle mayo. Mmm, mmm, mmm!
During my last visit, I noticed the restaurant's look has greatly improved. Before the walls were painted with caricatures of regulars. It was kitchy, but when you're shelling out big bucks for food, you expect a nice atmosphere too. It now looks much more modern and upscale, but still doesn't feel hoity toity.
The service here is also top notch. You can tell they don't just hire anyone who walks in – these people are professionals that care. I usually feel awkward ordering something that's not on the menu, but the staff at Janice's are so accomodating they make you feel right at home.
Sure, it's a little pricey, but all of the qualifiers are there to make it worth it! Fresh gourmet food, nice atmosphere and supreme service equals 5 Yelpy stars. Also, this was my mom's favorite restaurant, so I'm happy to leave a raving review in her memory 🙂
We have eaten here three times. First I did brunch and had a good plate of eggs benedict with some poached asparagus. Next lunch with a good burger and a nice beer (BYOB) with excellent fries. Then we had dinner. The fish I had had way too much fennel in the sauce and the rest of the flavors were missing/flat in the dish. Service was good and the atmosphere is very nice for having a meal with friends.
BYOB and BYOV! This place makes a mean Bloody Mary! Ask for a bacon stirrer.
Fabulous family owned cafe. The spicy chicken sandwich and the egg scramble (with asparagus, prosciutto and truffle) are some of our brunch favorites.
Mussels in garlic broth was fantastic. Burgers were overcooked and lacked seasoning. They repainted interior.
When I think of Janice I think of two things. The girl who dated Ross on and off for a few years on "Friends" and a restaurant that tries to be New York Times rated. While Janice was funny on Friends, it was disappointing as a restaurant.
Looking at my experience one year later reminds me of my immediate feelings then as well as my feelings 12 months later; the same. Entrees at NYC pricing with the amateur technique of a home cook.
A party of eight at 6 PM on a Saturday night. Who goes to dinner this early; my in laws that's who. While I am not a fan of early dinner reservations, I made the journey from Astoria to Ho Ho Kus for this family event.
Our table was situated in the front of the restaurant with seating east to west. Now I have to mention this because the width of the restaurant is maybe 25 feet wide. The length of our table and the booth by the wall, left about 2 feet wide space to walk by from the front to the back.
Think about it, 24 inches between the end of both tables for servers, busboys, food runners and guests to walk by. Every time someone did, my wife's left shoulder and my right was bumped into in one form or the other of a butt, an arm, a hip. Someones body just hit us through the 2.5 hours of this annoying experience.
Now, that was my highlight of the evening. As the floor manager (I believe to be the owner) preceded to greet every guest from behind us. Every time someone walked in, he would greet them with a warm welcome. Dude, walk around from the counter to the front door and give them that warm welcome. Let me tell you, I met everyone in Ho Ho Kus that night. Door open; hi there; come on in; everyone in our party just stopped and looked; 2.5 hours of this.
Entrees lacked the imagination of an experience chef. Average at best, zero presentation and the most simplistic entrees imaginable. Rib eye served with Pomme Frittes was as inspiring as the same steak bought at the Shop Rite down the road and served at home. Visually unappealing with beef and fries on a plate.
While the lamb chops were cooked to perfection the sauce was a molasses of sweetness. A saturated sauce that overpowered the essence of the lamb. The brussels sprouts was again amateurish. Something that could have been executed at a higher level. Over cooked, but still hard.
Again the imagination, did not do justice to a lobster bisque that was just liquid in a bowl. Presentation did just that; it lacked presentation.
Overall, Janice is the little engine that wants to play with the big leagues, but lacks the imagination of simple entrees executed right. If your looking for simple American entrees with NYC pricing. Janice has a niche, as evident with a full restaurant on a Saturday night. The balance of atmosphere and food falls short for me. I am a fan of simplistic food and entrees, but execution should be at a high level.
Tip
Parties of 5 or more may be seated in wrong locations. Restaurant does not do a good job with large groups.
Tip
Mr. Owner not cool to ask a party of eight to leave immediately after spending a good dollar in your establishment. I mean, check paid and 30 seconds later telling the host "party has to leave". Com'on man……….
Pretty darn good and great name to boot!!! 😉
I had a salad that was plentiful and refreshing.
For the meal, I had the penne vodka which was amazing. One of the best in my life.
They also cater to those with gluten allergies for those who have that.
For dessert, I had the chocolate flourless cake which was awesome!
All my friends and I really liked everything we had there.
Staff was so friendly and the host was so nice when I made my reservations.
Staff alone I'd go back for. We loved our waiter.
Also really great atmosphere for a date!!