With dinner entrees like waffles and chicken, meatloaf with whipped potatoes and shrimp gumbo, down home comfort food is the name of the game at Jones. The first thing you notice upon being seated at Jones is the volume. The place doesn’t have great acoustics, so it’s best to go with someone whose conversation you’d prefer not to hear. Needless to say this is not the atmosphere conducive to romance or a serious talk. But then again, who needs to talk when there’s so much to look at?
The 70’s retro lounge feel is tres chic. With an expressive mural along the bar and quirky colors of moss green and deep orange along with retro wood paneling this place brings the kitsch big time. Hip little touches such as Philadelphia-themed nightlights at every table, swivel chairs and cushy booths give a fun feel to the trademark Starr style.
Beware, portions are all about excess at Jones. Regulars wisely know to order meals to share and this is one restaurant where plate splitting is definitely encouraged. The ALT sandwich ($9) is packed with avocado, lettuce, tomato, mozzarella cheese and a lemon aioli spread on multigrain toast. The sandwich is fresh and flavorful, although the portions somewhat detract from the dining experience as the thick slices of avocado make it cumbersome and a huge strain to eat. Sandwiches are all served on LA-based La Brea Bakery breads.
The weekend brunch menu supplies all the traditional breakfast favorites like French toast and bagels with Lox. The buttermilk pancakes ($8.50) are an enormous serving with the pancakes measuring at least 10 inches round. These rich, flavorful flapjacks definitely put the cake in pancake and for those that need a little extra comfort there’s even chocolate chip.
Not to be overlooked are the restaurant’s side dishes, such as the extra crispy French fries ($3.50), an elegant fruit bowl ($5) and creamy baked mac ‘n cheese ($8) with a breadcrumb topping and a bite of harvarti (a kind of cheese) for zing.
Of course, what comfort food would be complete without a comforting drink? Jones supplies a fine selection, from beer and wine to specialty mixed drinks (Return of the Pink Elephant anyone?) and a host of martinis (including s’mores and key lime pie).
