Oh my. I've been to this wonderful restaurant 3 times and I have not been disappointed by one thing. The service, the ambience, the food, the wine, the clever drinks, the presentation.... it's all perfect.
We started out with drinks. LJ's cleverly presents its drink menu from within a box with a card for each drink. It feels like you're going through Gramma's recipe box, except each drink sounds better than the one before it. "THE CHESHIRE KAT:
ST. GEORGE ABSINTHE, COINTREAU, ORANGE TWIST, FOAM!" Although they all sounded tempting, I'm a sucker for mojitos, especially good ones. I suspected their mojito would be non par, and I wasn't wrong. The mint tasted freshly picked, and the drink had just the right amount of fizz. And it wasn't ostentatiously large (HEY LOOK! I'M DRINKING A REALLY BIG DRINK! I hate that)
We did order a bottle of wine. Isn't that awful? I can't remember what kind we got. Their wine list is extensive, and a good price spread is represented.
Their menu is interesting in that you can order from a "Tasting Menu" or a regular menu. They also allow you to order ala carte from the Tasting Menu.
I got one of the specials, Scallops Pad Thai. The scallops alone were wonderful, seared on the outside, and mellow inside. The Pad Thai, I kid you not, was the best I've ever had -- and I've been to Thai restaurants in DC, NY, and everywhere in between. The spiciness was just enough to make me warm, the sour was right on point, all tempered by the slightly sweet tang.
Everybody else seemed equally as delighted with their food. Our service was impeccable. Our waiter (Alan?) was attentive without being overbearing. The other wait staff must've had the same training: our water was poured, our plates removed, new food appeared in a well-choreographed presentation. The food looked as beautiful as it tasted. We will return again and again for special occasions. It is on the pricey side, but it's definitely worth it. Check out their website for their special menus. They have brunch once a month - I definitely have to try that one of these days - and "Family Sunday Meals" once a month as well I believe. It's wonderful to have such an innovative restaurant within an hour of home.
I took a date here for dinner. Â We started out with the mussels and it was pretty good. Â The bread with the house made butter mix was excellent. Â I loved it. Â The main course came out and I had the sirloin cooked medium rare with mushrooms and it was very good. Â The salt really brought out the taste in the food. Â My date had the quail and she really liked it. Â For desert we had a chocolate dish and it was pretty good. Â The service was excellent. Â I had a good time and would recommend it to anyone.
Review Source:The service here is excellent. Â We brought my mom here for her birthday, and they created a special "Happy Birthday" menu for her. Â The kids menu comes in a children's book, which I thought was adorable. Â
The food is delicious. Â My favorite is the lounge specials on Fridays & Saturdays - usually an INCREDIBLE burger with tasty fries & your choice of beer or wine for $10! Â Can't beat it.
We came here for a special occasion but were less than satisfied. Â The atmosphere and service were great but the food quality was lacking. Three of us ordered filets medium rare but they were medium well. Â The filets were also fatty which I wouldn't expect from a filet. The crab cakes seemed less than fresh and fell apart but not in a good way. The sides were okay but overly seasoned and salted. The wine list was a bit strange because each wine is on a card in a box. Â A cute idea but strange concept. Â It was $160 for four of us but the food certainly wasn't worth the price. Maybe we went on an off night but I won't be returning to find out if that's the case.
Review Source:I booked this place for a fancy night out for my husband and I before the symphony. Â I had read all the reviews and found them generally favorable. Â When we walked in we were pleasantly greeted by the hostess who offered to take our coats. Â We were then shown to our table in the elegant dining room. Â A wonderful table right by the roaring fireplace and underneath the gleaming chandeliers. Â The waitress we had was exceptional. Â She was so kind, attentive, and gracious to our every whim. Â She made sure that we got our orders on time, but not rushed so as to make the concert on time. Â We were hungry enough to start with an appetizer, but the mussels looked amazing, I'll have to try them next time we come. Â We both started with "kat-tails" Â I had the Kat-tini which was similar to a fuzzy navel, and my husband had the kat on a hot tin roof (he loves chocolate). Â The cocktails were delicious and very expertly prepared. Â It was such a nice tough to have them poured table side! Â We then ordered our entrees. Â I had the Chicken and my husband ordered the Cannelloni. Â My chicken, as the waitress told me, is soaked in buttermilk for two days and then tossed in a cashew coating. Â It was very moist and tender with a scrumptious flavor. Â The corn relish on top added just a hint of sweetness and the truffle scalloped potatoes with it were phenomenal. Â My husband's dish was so flavorful, from the beef filling to the sauce, to the mozzarella melted on top that was to die for! Â Our dinners were also served with elegant salads and homemade rolls and butter. Â I loved the rolls and artisan butter. Â If you get the salad, get it with the bleu cheese crumbles. Â It makes all the difference. Â My only suggestion for any dish that we had was for the salad. Â It needed a better green than the romaine. Â Either a butter or boston lettuce would've been more sufficient, or even a field mix. Â I adored their desserts. Â The doughnut bread pudding with the candied pecans and cranberry ice cream was out of this world. Â My husbands chocolate peanut butter ice cream was mind blowing!!! Â Hands down one of the best chocolate peanut butter combination feats I have ever put in my mouth!!! Â For all that we had we very satisfied and thought the bill was reasonable for the level of cuisine and service we received. Â My only quip would be that they change the menu four times a year rather than three. Â A new rotation is kind of needed this time of year or introduce some dishes that are less autumn inspired and more Christmas/ Winter themed into the menu gradually. Â For those who keep saying negative things about this and other higher-end places and their location in Hagerstown I say this. Â Hagerstown is a good city with a diverse population and it does have class and elegance in it. Â Popular opinion may lead you to believe otherwise, but I think a place like LJ's fits very nicely with Hagerstown and we enjoyed it greatly. Â We will definitely return in the near future, fully knowing what to expect. Â One must realize that not all restaurants are casual, cheap gluttonous feeding places. Â LJ's caters to the refined foodies of Hagerstown and I, for one, appreciate it!
Review Source:When there with 6 members of my family and found the food to be tasty but with taster portions. I had ordered Cod that was presented on sticky rice that was sitting in oil - on to which the waitress pours soy sauce without asking. I ate some of the Cod but the predominant taste was of the oil. The waiter ask about our meals and I voiced my difficulty with the Cod. He offered to remove it from the bill or receive something else. I had tasted the Artic Char and liked it and I was given it as a substitute. The portion for all 7 of us were small but tasty and a tad overpriced.
Review Source:We ate here - thanks to Yelp - while driving from Cleveland to the Eastern Shore on vacation. I used Yelp to find something other than the standard fare offered close to highway exit ramps (you can only eat at Bob Evans so many times!) and we like supporting local independent restaurants. Had a reservation but we had to wait quite awhile for our table beyond our reservation time, but as it turned out, it was prom or homecoming or something in Hagerstown (we were there in late May) and the place was full of dance goers, so I guess I won't fault them for that. Food was very nice, not over-the-top-great, but very nice. If you are considering it, give them a try. I was a little concerned about the name (we had our sons along).
Review Source:Ok so I'll admit, I am am *not* a foodie by any means. If it tastes good, I don't care about the execution, how unique or true to form it is... That said, I'm also not fully experienced in true fine dining, which LJ's definitely was in my books (more on this later).
First, the food was phenomenal - we started with wine and an app, wait staff being very prompt and courteous. I had a seasonal Mahi Mahi and my date the tuna. I would estimate the resturant was between 1/2 and 2/3 of full capacity, but the food came quickly. The entrees were so good that despite how hungry I was, I couldn't help but take my time and savor every bite!
We finished with a small desert (pound lemon cake, which wasn't honestly all that exciting) and rounded the night off with a few drinks from the lounge. The dinner bill was around $110, but when you consider we had an app, four (alcoholic) drinks, two entrees, and desert, I think that's reasonable.
My only complaint (and to be fair, perhaps this is simply a caliper of dining I'm not used to) is the *constant* interruption by wait staff for 'formalities'. I lost count how many times they came to swap (yes, swap) silverware, every time seemingly a different person. They were so very robotic and impersonal, that it made me feel a bit uncomfortable (and slightly annoyed). I get it, it's how five dining is done, but they need to loosen up a bit.
All in all, I'll definitely go back, the food was indeed amazing. I'll certainly reserve this place for those special dates, to entertain family, friends, business associates, or simply to prove to anyone that there are some very nice reasons to be living in this area. :)
Atmosphere is really hip and chic. This is my 3 rd visit over the last 6 yrs. Good to see the ambiviance and atmosphere had not declined any. The manager was terrific very personable and sure was ontop of seeing everything running smoothly. Our meal was devine , although 4 stars as prices are $$$. Ordered the Tuna sushi  which was delictable but could use as few more veggies such as carrot slivers or snow peas . Love the Kit Kat lounge for a predinner martinni . Brought a family member for her BD and was surprised that a special menu was printed for her with her name. The Manager really tries to make you feel like a welcomed dining guest !
Review Source:Hagerstown is not the place I'd expect to have such a posh venue as LJ's and the Kat Lounge, but I am so glad it is! Â The staff is very knowledgeable about the eclectic menu and everything is made fresh, right down to the bread and butter.
They have a very extensive wine list, a wine box to be exact, so we opted to have the waiter recommend the best bottle to accompany our entrees. Â I won't go through our entire meal, but the endive salad and the truffle scalloped potatoes are a must try. Â
The dimly lit room, sparkling chandeliers and tasteful decor create a very romantic atmosphere, perfect for a quiet dinner date. Â Giving LJ's five stars was a no brainer.
We were a bit late and as we passed the "lounge" with it's hip zebra patterned couches, wished we had time to sit and enjoy one of their signature drinks. Â (We did pause and relax by the fireplace before leaving afterward) Â Instead we took a wonderful recommendation from our fully "engaged" server and enjoyed a Manhattan with a twist and another interesting drink at our table. Â We also enjoyed perusing their "box" of drinks and wines, a fun presentation. Â Steak spring rolls and a mushroom appetizer started us off, we enjoyed each amazing bite, the lightness of the seasoning, the unique multi-layered flavors. Â
We couldn't help but notice the continual flow of other really interesting plates of food coming from the kitchen. Â But when our perfectly grilled lamb chops and almond-encrusted chicken marinated overnight in buttermilk arrived, all we could do was enjoy the experience. . . scalloped potatoes how they were supposed to taste, creamed arugula who's slight acidity offset the sweet marinate of the lamb. Â Between the orchestration of the entire meal (highly attentive wait staff, busboys, and manager timed everything impeccably) and the amazing flavors, the whole experience was perfect! Â We'd come back from DC just for another meal at LJs!
Does this thing go to 6?
We've eaten at LJ's dozens of times. Â We've gone for dinner, Sunday brunches, holiday brunches, and have reservations for Christmas Eve dinner.
The food is well prepared and very fine. Â Any spices or sauces highlight the food and never overwhelm or cover it. Â
The menu changes with the season, plus there are weekly updates so there is plenty of variety. Â If you get on their mailing list (see their website) they send out menu updates and special occasion announcements.
The ambiance is smart metropolitan and it really takes you back the first time you walk-in. Â The kitchen is open and you can watch the chefs prepare and finish the dishes. Â
The wait staff is attentive, professional, and have personality. Â By our third visit they knew us by name. Â
I can't say enough about LJs.
This was our first trip to LJ's and the Kat Lounge. Â We had reservations for 7:30 and were not seated until about 8pm. Â Other than it being a late dinner and being hungry after a day of work, the wait was really no problem. Â We bought a bottle of David Bruce Petit Syrah and sat by the fireplace in the lounge in a pair of extremely comfortable chairs that sort of swallow you up. Â As the hostess took us to our table, I noticed the incredibly unique decor of the dining room - open, yet cozy and romantic. Â The kitchen is exposed, which is another feature I love in restaurants. Â We started with the mussels in a lemon/olive oil/ garlic sauce - these were fantastic. Â My husband ordered the pan roasted duck with roasted celery root and wilted greens and I had the rabbit with mustard cream sauce, fingerling potatoes and roasted carrots. Â Everything was just delicious, cooked nearly to perfection. Â We shared our meals and enjoyed every last bite. Â We finished up with the dark chocolate mousse. Â This was a great experience and we can't wait to go back. Â To our surprise, there was a French theme to the menu for October to coincide with the grape harvest in france. Â Our server told us that the menu changes seasonally.
p.s. I am Gluten Free and found this restaurant to be extremely knowledgable and accommodating to my needs.
I enjoy dining at modern & posh places like this, the experience is always fun & you enjoy yourself, others, and the food is superb. Â The customer service was awesome!! I couldn't have ask for a better waitstaff.
Our waiter was knowledge about the food items and when asked could make suggestions based on what they tasted. Â The drink menu was great! It had a variety to choose from. Â I had the pomengranate slash some fruit martini. Â Delicious!
I ordered the Veal steak with asparagus. Â It had a lot of chewy fattiness to it but was very good and juicy. Â My friends had Country Fried Chicken, crab meat, and fish. Â Food was upto par and very, very tasty...I should say scrumptious!! Â Rolls were complimentary. Â The salads were awesome!
We each ordered different desserts. Â I had the chocolate dome with custard ice cream. Mmm! My friends had the creme brulee (yum) and vanilla ice cream. Â
Check out the decor. Â Zebra-printed seats and booths, red throw pillows, comfy modern chairs, lighted up fireplace, modern fixtures, transparent waterfall at the restrooms. Â Fresh rolled up washclothes in the restrooms and round sink bowls, Â It's a little dim inside but it's relaxing, like a spa!! Â
It's quite the experience, not many places in Hagerstown like this unless you are headed to DC, Baltimore, Fairfax in VA like Tyson's Corner. Â I'm about half hour from this cool place. Â I definitely would come again soon!!
For every special occasion with my boyfriend's family there is no question that we go to LJ's for that experience. I have come here about 5-6 times over the past four years and I have not been disappointed with the caliber of service and the quality of their food. Speaking of service, for those very special occasions they always make a special menu with "Happy Birthday" or "Happy Anniversary" inside and place confetti on the table. It's a nice touch that is overlooked by 98% of the restaurants.
The decor is immaculate - it's as if they spent 2/3 of their business development working on the ideal dining environment, every detail really enhances the experience from the leather curtains as you walk in, to the cheetah print carpet, to the kitchen being the focal point. The lounge area would surpass some Washington (and maybe some New York) lounges. The bartenders have a strong attention to detail and make the cocktails so well.
The food - well - is superb. I have never had a bad meal here. The chicken is one of my favorites - you would be impressed that it tastes like your great-grandmother's old style entree. It's amazing, out of the ordinary, but at the same time it "fits" Hagerstown. The steaks are *always* done correctly to order. The wine list is expansive and the wait staff is very knowledgeable about which glass to recommend with dinner.
One last thing - the restrooms. I walked in and I felt like I was at a spa. It's very elegant and relaxing (I guess you would want that). They thought of everything from the cloth towels (no paper - nice) and the sink is clear glass with a dim light shining up (which looks really cool).
It's too bad for Washingtonians that LJ's is all the way in Hagerstown or I would go more often.
i know i should write reviews on crappy restaurants so it doesn't seem like I give everything 5 stars, but I just don't get excited to review places unless i find them to be truly awesome. Â and this is just such a place.
they actually created menu pages for my mom and i that were customized for our birthday dinner, with our names on then. Â and little "happy birthday" confetti on our table. Â The chairs and cushions were as comfortable as any I've ever sat on...or in. Â The ambiance was relaxing and warm, with a fireplace and rows of West Elm-esque candles on the table. Â I definitely didn't feel like I was in Hagerstown. (Nothing personal, it's just that I now live in NYC, and having grown up in Hagerstown, I wouldn't have expected an upper east side ambiance.) Â So that was surprising to say the least.
i started with a salad with julienne fuji apples, blue cheese and candied pecans. Â amazing. Â i tasted the spring rolls which were sitting on top of a mandarin orange chili marmalade. Â those spring rolls were the highlight of the appetizers for sure.
My entree was actually an appetizer, and was probably the best thing on the menu. Â At least it was my favorite of everything I tried. Â Lobster on a bed of homemade, creamy, savory grits. Â It's been hours and I still can't stop thinking about how amazing that was. Â I really should have stopped eating at that point, but it was my mom's and my birthday dinner. Â So how could i?
I couldn't decide between creme brulee and homemade candy corn ice cream so I got them both. Â REALLY glad I did that, although I'm truly immobilized right now and almost comatose. Â But you know...with a smile. Â The espresso was pretty weak, but came with a YUMMY brownie square, so it made up for it.
All in all, it's the best meal I think I've ever had in Hagerstown, outside of my mom's house. Â And I'll definitely be back.
This was an unexpectedly good find in Hagerstown, Maryland. My parents were so pleased with their meal that they sent my brother and me, along with our wives, for a birthday celebration. The food was definitely worthy of the occasion!
The wine list was respectable but we all ordered by the glass, so I won't bore you with the details. For appetizers, we definitely enjoyed the Revithokeftedes (the server couldn't pronounce it either, so don't feel bad), but the Japanese Hush Puppies were even better. For entrees, two in our group ordered the Chicken with Cashew Crust, and would definitely order it again. I'm not a big fan of ordering chicken in restaurants, but I would definitely consider ordering that dish on my next visit. The Yellow Fin Tuna was well prepared, but don't consider ordering it unless you like thin slices of tuna seared on the outside, very rare on the inside. And the Wild Scallops were phenomenal! I had never considered scallops with an Indian flare, but the combination was actually quite delicious. We were all pretty full by the time the dessert menus were passed around, but we got a creme brulee to share. They were doing a Bananas Foster spin to the creme brulee that was an unusual, but tasty, twist.
We will definitely come back in the future!
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