J's Dairy Inn

Sometimes reviews need to be updated. Things change in four years. It's true; J's seems to be a bit cleaner and friendlier than in years past. Perhaps it's under new ownership? I don't have the inside scoop on every local business like some Yelpers do.

Anyway, I have to give a major shout-out to the hot wings... well, drumsticks to be more accurate. They were so crunchy on the outside and the grease was minimal. I was happy I branched out for once in 25 years.

The JoJo's are still JoJoriffic.

I'll be back.

I first learned about J's Dairy Inn when I met the Bias family (they owned the place), while working at Elder-Beerman more than 30 years ago.  When I spent time with them, we might end up there for a meal instead of eating at their house or going somewhere else in Liberty.  (Is there anywhere else?)

The place has changed, as the building is much newer now and there is much more parking available.  Given all that, the place was crowded after several middle school cross country teams vacated Whitewater State Park and headed to J's.

After some of the negative reviews, I expected a filthy hell hole.  I didn't find that.  I saw some outdoor seating to the east, and a large dining room.  The old building had probably 10 tables, so having three times that many seems a bonus.

The counter area was sufficient but the line backs up to the trash cans and area containing napkins and condiments, so you practically have to dance around people to do anything.  As I was trying to determine my order, a young man with a towel and a spray bottle was running around the dining room cleaning tables and removing trash.

The ordering process took quite a while but once at the counter, the person taking my order was pleasant and efficient, repeating my order as she entered it, and again just before taking the money.

Noting that J's has always cooked each order separately, I was still a bit surprised about the wait for food.  Then, someone took a bucket of chicken, and I saw several other larger orders being received by customers.  I was shocked that my order came up earlier than an order taken ahead of mine, especially when the Fish Tail sandwich I had usually takes longer than other items.

The food was good.  The Fish Tail sandwich was cooked well and the JoJo potatoes were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.  The Richmond store never did those correctly--they were always mushy and limp.

Sorry, I didn't find a hell hole, although no one behind the counter looked incredibly happy during the rush of customers, I didn't even find anyone unpleasant.  Success can be a pain, can't it?