J macklin’s Grill
The fiance and I ventured into J macklin’s after scoping out the local options for some good food in what we hoped were comfortable surroundings. When we walked into J macklin’s, it looked like we had scored. The only issue: we felt dirty and under-dressed for the place.
J macklin felt a touch upscale, though there were no white tablecloths in evidence. This neighborhood eatery might be the place to host a celebratory dinner without having to venture to the big city for some high-end grub. It seemed cozy and casual enough for a date as well.
The menu prices reflected the ambitions of the restaurant: upcharging for upscale renditions of familiar food. Not too many appetizers under $5; for the $10 price point you will find burgers and sandwiches, $12-15 for salads, and higher, you get some steaks and seafood. Was the food worth the price?
I was underwhelmed by the pulled pork sliders, finding them dry and bland. I found the sweet pickle spear that topped the sliders mighty tasty however…and I don’t generally like pickles. Since I felt like having a burger, I also ordered some sweet potato fries; both the fiance and I found them yummy, but not as memorable as the crinkle cuts at Jake’s.
The fiance ordered a barbecue brisket sandwich while I ordered a mushroom swiss, medium rare. Again, as with the sliders, I felt the brisket sandwich lacked moisture and zing…perhaps it was the unremarkable barbecue sauce that dressed it. The potato salad had a touch more bite to it, buttery potato chunks gently draped in a light mayo-mustard concoction. Could this be a signature of J macklin’s–uncomplicated and unpretentious flavors?
My mushroom-swiss burger came on what appeared to be a house-made bun, dripping with melted cheese and beef juices–and perfectly medium-rare as ordered. I was delighted by the basil mayo dressing and ordered more. I was also pleased by their house salad–not an iceberg lettuce salad, but with romaine and field greens. The shallot vinaigrette tasted honey sweet, but left me wanting for a real shallot taste.
The dining space was intimate, not too loud on our Sunday afternoon visit. The waitstaff was attentive and quick to check up on things. Based on our overall experience, I’d like to revisit J macklin’s and give the serious grub a try.
My rating: stars
