The most friendly place I have ever been to. They welcomed a stranger(me) to town with open arms. The manager Mathew is very friendly and down to earth. His team including Craig the bartender are very attentive to the customer. Of course, after 2 days I was treated almost like family. That is how short it takes for them to invite total strangers into their family! The ambience is homely, friendly and relaxing.
They have this nice chime in the patio which is like a Zen garden
The guests I saw during my short stay were equally friendly, true texan style. This speaks about the clientele that are attracted to this place.
I may consider a trip just to visit Cafe J and my " Cafe J family"
Thank you guys! See you soon!
Stopped here for brunch on Father's Day. I had the southwest eggs benedict and a glass of mimosa. The eggs benedict were fantastic and the mimosa was great as well - all for a very reasonable price.
My only complaint was the speed of service, which seemed a bit slow for a morning that wasn't extremely busy.
I have always loved J's .... until last night. I will never go back! The bartender was absolutely rude and unprofessional. Like other reviews said- they don't have good customer service. On previous visits, I have asked the bartender to change the music from bluegrass to something more contemporary comparable to something you would find in a bar/lounge in a big city. (Lubbock has no concept of this) The bartender told me in the rudest form possible "No! We are not a dance club". I said, "but you have done it in the past...." and he replied "The owners don't want us to change the station- you can go somewhere else!". Yikes! I was already having drama with a couple in the patio who instead of getting a room, where monopolizing an 8 person sitting area for themselves. I asked if we could have the area. Guy said "Give us 15 minutes". After the 15 minutes had elapsed...they said "Give me 20"...At this point, I had exhausted my patience. The bartender came out to tell me that they were there first and that I needed to leave. I don't expect for the red carpet to be rolled out for me everywhere I go...but having traveled extensively, I have never come across inappropriate or rude service anywhere. Big city people know the value of their customers and treat them amazingly. The bar had 20 people in there. My group of 10 left Cafe J with their 2 equally rude customers.
Review Source:Now that J's has updated and created an area that's smoke-free, it's the perfect hangout for a casual night out with a group of friends! Â They have some great cocktails, try the classic Moscow Mule, that are decently priced if you only plan on drinking casually and having one or two. Â If you're binge-drinking, this obviously isn't a dive bar and could get expensive. Â But it's fun for a chill hangout with friends!
Review Source:We hosted a large family group for brunch to celebrate my son's graduation from Texas Tech on the weekend of the 18th. Â Everyone was very pleased with their food selections. Â The burger was giant and family members said it was hands-down the best burger they could remember having. Â My sister-in-law had the kids grilled cheese and raved that it was the most amazing grilled cheese she'd ever eaten. I had the Enchiladas Montadas and it was wonderful. Â I think everyone in our large group would be happy to go there again and even order the same food items.
Our servers were very friendly and helpful. Â The nice hostess (manager?) even helped clear our tables at the perfect moment so we could enjoy each others company without the mess.
We made an advance reservation and Café J called to  verify in advance and was quite helpful with all my questions.
Highly recommended by more than 20 people in our group, adults and kids alike!
While passing through Lubbock I met up with some friends and family here for drinks on a Friday night. I thought it was a nice lounge, and they had live music that was pretty good! The waitress came around often and they had all the brands I asked for, so I had no complaints. And at the end of the night, our bill was surprisingly low -- it averaged $4 a drink, I think.
Review Source:I am reviewing the lounge.
It's just not that fun. The lounge is decorated in a cold and sterile manner, and the drinks are only ok, nothing remarkable in creativity or prices. There are banquets to sit on and a few tables, and you can order appetizers and cheese plates, but it is almost like the owners aren't sure what they want this area to be (and it has been in this uncertain stage for a long time). Overall, the vibe is cold and stark with cold gray lighting, and then over the bar, you have a game playing blasting HD light on everyone's faces (not flattering). And then in the same 20z20 foot space, you have a musician playing cover songs. All too loud to have a real conversation with the friends you came with.
Clientele tends to be those who attended rush parties, still in their rush clothes.
Odd little joint...you can walk this way or that way...pick a door any door...kind of a maze. Â Maybe to see if you are too drunk to drive. Â Seating is scattered in an odd way also. Â Food seems super expensive...and we know our drinks...so when you say a cosmo is your specialty...then we do not want a red drink. Â Whatevs. Â However the straw stuck to the outside of the drink...seemed very entertaining...but we are not just 21 so it was like "oh wow" Â now lets clap. Â Bar Dude was cool. Â But the place overall just needs some spunk. Â It was freezing in here also.
Review Source:I did not get to try the food here, but I have heard that the food is delicious and full of flavor. I had the chance to sit at the martini lounge next door which was amazing the atmosphere and ambiance is exactly what you want from a lounge. The drinks are not that pricey and the liquor used to make ever drink is superior. I would recommend this lounge for anyone looking for a great place to sit down have some great drinks and converse. The service in the bar was amazing and the server never let our drinks go empty for long and was very attentive.
Review Source:I like the proximity to TTU. Â The service was mediocre. Â In fact our waitress was not at all friendly. Â Eggplant can be hard to cook, but my eggplant was tough, and I expect better from a restaurant. Â The prices are too high for the atmosphere and cuisine. Â The gnocchi was tasty though!
Review Source:Not terrible, but the food is far too expensive for what it is. Â Sea scallops are the best dish I've had here, some of the other stuff was a little dire. Â
I want this place to be better---it's be great to have a solid mid/upscale lunch within walking distance of campus besides the stadium club. Â Unfortunately, my food was consistently average while the prices reflect a good upscale restaurant.
We had a reservation and we waited another 30 minutes. Then they rudely seated us. but that was just the beginning of a bizarre dining experience.
I went to the restroom after we placed our food and drink order. My husband got up to chat with friends at a nearby table. When I came back from the restroom my husband said you won't believe this but they cleared our table and tried to seat another group at our table when I was visiting with friends and while you were in the restroom. Â This would not have been a big issue because we realize mistakes happen, but we were treated like it was our fault for going to the restroom and my husband saying hello to friends. Â We waited for them to bring more water and more wine after they disposed of ours. She rudely put all of this on the table implying we were at fault. Our reservation was at 7:30 and our food came at 9:30 and my husband's pasta was crunchy and almost inedible. My soup was good. Â I spoke to the manager/main hostess when we left and she did apologize for how she handled the situation and for what happened. Â I did appreciate the apology though it was late and only after I stopped on my way out to say we were concerned about the way we were treated. We understand that mistakes happen. Â It is the way they are handled that matters and they did not handle it well.
We enjoy Rain Uptown which has great food and good service  They also have you fill out a satisfaction/suggestion card after every meal. I wish I had been offered one at J's
I am afraid that is our last trip to J's, at least until the unpleasant memory fades, Â which is a shame because Lubbock needs more local upscale restaurants.
This used to be one of my favorite places to go....went last night - no longer the case. Â I had smoked chicken rolled in some kind of "pasta" that resembled no pasta I've ever tasted. Â The tomato sauce had no flavor. Â I took three bites and could eat no more. Â My husband, who had ordered the pork tenderloin, traded with me. Â His was better, but certainly nothing stellar. Â We won't be going back.....
Review Source:Never had anything but pleasant wait service here for dinner. The remodel has made a pleasant, mostly separated bar area, an outdoor area and the restaurant proper. I was pleasantly surprised by how reasonable a Hendrick's Gin & Tonic was in the bar.
There's a good rotation of dishes, many of them creative. Specialties and salads are quality. But while the caliber of food is welcome in Lubbock, I'm not really convinced it rises to the price. Were I a better judge of wine, I'm afraid I'd definitely notice the markup in the drink menu, and the entrées definitely seemed high. If you're trying to spend money on a date or impress an in-law that doesn't like steakhouses, this is pretty much your bet.
The wait staff is really quite rude... Â I was treated well the few times I came with my mother, however the times I've gone with my boyfriend or friends I've been treated like a high schooler who wandered too far away from Chili's.
Over various trips I've had the filet, a roasted chicken thing, the greek salad, and a delicious pork tenderloin. My boyfriend won't go back because his food was ridiculously overcooked. Oh and their crabcakes have changed for the worse, I think.
The whole restaurant could use a little bit of an upgrade; the building is starting to look a little shabby both inside and out. And the last time I was in the lounge all of the fabrics on the chairs and couches were disgustingly dirty or in poor shape. The interior is fairly dark to create a cozy atmosphere but that doesn't really happen with a wait staff that ignores patrons.
I'd recommend Sunday brunch or after work cocktails -their chocolate martini is fab (and about $12).
Party of 5, December 17, 2010.
Mixed drinks served with far too much ice: Gin & tonic, Jack Daniels on the rocks - mostly ice, very little spirits. Therefore, overpriced.
Excellent wine menu at reasonable prices.
French onion soup - average.
Large entrees. However our lamb shanks were overcooked, and salmon was undercooked.
Wait staff generally unprofessional; this is probably the failure that I am least able to overlook.
While Lubbock has few fine restaurants, I would not recommend Cafe J as there are others whose food is similar and prices are far less expensive.
Delicious food and inventive desserts, somewhat spotty service (and an included gratuity for our party of four when our server offered to divide the check our orders, perhaps she thought she might not get a good tip otherwise). A friend really enjoyed the quail. Good salad, too.
Again, surprised in a good way, by Lubbock restaurants. :)
Con: Really awful lighting in the restroom. Prepare to look sickly. Cool lighting in the bar/sitting area. I didn't get a chance to look at their outdoor area. The restaurant was quite busy on a Saturday night (not a Tech game weekend or anything). I felt they could use another server or additional staff back-waiting.
I have always liked J's, and have been going there since before they moved to the current location. It is the best place in Lubbock, and for my last stay it was within walking distance to my hotel. FOr me it is mostly a cocktail palce, but I am a fan of the French Onion soup - cooked and served up old style.
After reading the review concerning the bitchy server and her dipping her fingers into sauces in BOH (ewww!) I probably won't actually EAT there again - but the bar will remain my favorite one in LBK.
In J's defense, I will say that the hiring pool for servers in Lubbock has always been very bad. I don't know what it is, but you seriously cannot find decent, trainable people in that city.
I took my girlfriend out for dinner here because I wanted to try all the fancy places in Lubbock. Cafe J was one of ones that was highly recommended by folks I talked to.
The Good:
I had the pork tenderloin and it succulent. My girlfriend had a tortellini feta salad and it was huge. Everything was spiced so that you could taste just a bit of southwest heat.
The decor was nice and they had local artwork placed throughout the restaurant.
The Bad:
The wines are way overpriced (as they tend to be in Lubbock).
We waited an almost uncomfortable amount of time for our food to be served.
The waitress seemed quite cold. While she did a professional job, every smile appeared forced and short-lived.
Overall:
I think people recommended it because they had only heard it was fancy.
Sadly, Cafe J was a bit of a letdown after all that I had heard about it leading up to our visit. I'm under the impression that it used to be a lot better.
To start, the place was dead empty on a Saturday night (and we were there from 7 to 11, too!), and making matters worse is that this is a HUGE place, so the vibe was utterly awkward. The service was professional and courteous, but not particularly warm or helpful, which made the place even emptier and colder. But the food was good all around, as were the drinks. I had smoked chicken lasagna, someone else a chipotle-glazed pork, yet another some kind of Asian noodles, and everyone seemed rather pleased.
I'd be back if that's where a party I was in were going, but I wouldn't seek out a return of my own accord. Sad :(
NO!
This should be the first thing you say when anybody suggests, requests, ponders, or wonders if Café J should be visited... again... NO!
A group of six of us walk into Café J on a somewhat slow night; I say slow night not because I know anything about the restaurant business but because there was nobody waiting for a table, the bar was empty, and about a quarter of the tables were being used. We were greeted by a hostess that said there would be an hour wait, apparently no more than 25% of tables can be used at any given time. We were skeptical but put our names on the list (first and only people on the list btw), and proceeded to kill an hour in the bar. 1h15m later one of the guys in the group goes and asks what the holdup is. The hostess seemed surprised that we were still here and hurried us to a cramped table towards the middle of the restaurant. Our group is fun loving and pretty laid back so we (at this point) were not frustrated with the Café J.
Drinks that we brought from the bar came and went with no waiter. Eventually a guy walks up to the table and takes our orders with so little emotion he must have just left his other job as a tele-marketer. He scribbles down our order then fades away.
One person (Cody) decided that we should have some calamari as a trophy for finally being seated and getting a waiter. When the manager brought it out to our table Cody politely asked if he could get a side of ranch to dip the calamari in. The manager, acting like we just insulted her faith while running over her dog, immediately snapped at him and said 'what do you think this is, a steak house?!' (I didn't memorize the menu, but I'm pretty sure there was some sort of steak on the menu... apparently not enough to qualify as a steak house though).
So we're sitting thinking that really nothing else could happen that would make this meal anymore unpleasant, then two things happened in a very short time span that cemented the fact that I would never return. Our table was positioned to partially see into the kitchen (more specifically where the food gets lined up before it is served); from this vantage point we saw the ranch-hating lady going down the line and dipping her finger in the sauce on a dish, then lick the finger for a taste test, then poke it into the next dish. This repeated itself about four times; apparently you have to ask for no finger spit in your food at Café J. Lastly, we saw our waiter going to town picking his nose while carrying a tray of food out of the kitchen and deliver it to some unsuspecting people a few tables over.
In a nut shell, NO! is what I insist anytime this restaurant is mentioned. I would rather get dressed up and eat at IHOP around the corner, at least they would have ranch. If you do get dragged here, be sure to ask for no finger spit!
In Lubbock it is difficult to find diversity amongst restaurants. If you are looking for a Chili's, Pei Wei, or a fast food joint you're set, but when it comes to the more upscale...let's just say it, you are 5 hours from Dallas and 9 hours from Houston.
Now I understand Lubbock is only 100 years old and it would like nothing more than a 5 star restaurant to make the town "hoppin," but they might have to just keep trying. While with many places it might just be the food, which is quite decent here, but I believe it has a lot to do with the aura.
I know I am only 19, you do not have to tell me, although when I am looked at as though I am 12, I'm somewhat offended. Yes I am a college student in a college town, no your tab will not be significantly higher because I will not be ordering rounds of drinks, but your tip might be higher if you acted as though that didn't bother you.
I was taught very young to tip at the very least 20% and if your service was significantly good or bad, you may raise or lower. I just feel that at such a place you need to treat every customer the same. You are located in a distinct college town, directly across from the university, it's time to realize it.
While if your looking for a change in your run of the mill restaurants I suggest it, I would just prepare yourself, if you are not apart of the Lubbock Socialite club (oxymoron don't you think) to possibly be looked over.
I've"ve always enjoyed what I've ordered here, especially the pasta carbonara and the wedge salad. It comes out at a decent time and always fresh.
Obviously my only complaint would be for them to remove the stick to relieve the up tightness.
I prefer Cafe J more as a Cocktail Lounge than a restaurant. It is my go-to place for Happy Hour. They have good drink specials and snacks (home made chips and usually something else like eggrolls or chicken wings) and the wait staff is really great.For dinner its been hit and miss. The couple of meals I have had off the regular (higher priced) dinner menu have been pretty good - but other salads etc have been just okay. In general the atmosphere (both in the cocktail lounge and main dining room) is nice. Â For Lubbock, its definitely a good choice. Â (FYI - they are closed on Mondays.)
Review Source:Haven't been there in years, but it used to be a real great place to get a martini and have a social and semi-sophisticated evening. A tough thing to find sometimes in Lubbock. The old location was a little more quaint in my mind, but they managed to keep the vibe intact when they moved.
Review Source:So this is a pretty laid back lounge/restaurant/almost martini bar. But this place is pretty upscale for Lubbock. This place is almost too nice for this city. I love going here with friends for brunch on Sundays and having mimosas---yummy!!!
Its a great place for entertaining guests who like a laid back place because every other place in this town to go to is overrun with college students. Always a great time here!
For Lubbock, a five. For anywhere else in the world, probably a four.
I feel like Cafe J's is the first place that opened in Lubbock while I lived there that filled the need that people have to get all dressed up and go out and pretend they're rich.
From the moment you walk in, you feel like you're in a high class restaurant, and maybe in another city. It's designed really nice, and the service is USUALLY impeccable. Not always, but usually.
They are known for their martinis, and they will make them perfectly to your order, however picky. The food is always great, and there are interesting combinations that you won't usually see in West Texas.
Prices are a touch high, but what else would you expect in a place like this? This is the place to go when you want to pretend you have a bunch of money and aren't stuck in the LBK.
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