J Alexander's is a typical lunch spot since it is right around the corner. I always need to keep in mind that between 11:30 and 1 you need a reservation or else you will end up eating at the bar (not a bad option) or waiting 15-30 minutes for a table. The food is generally good and the portions are very large. You do get a healthy amount of food for what you pay for - which is a bit above the typical lunch prices of other restaurants in the area. The Ahi tuna salad and club sandwich are my two go-to meals here. The fish tacos are OK but I've had much better at other places. My only gripe is the french fries - they are shoe string french fries and are cut too small to have much flavor on their own - you need to scoop up several to taste anything. Oh do I long for the days of a good thick steak fry! The staff is typically very attentive during the lunch hours as they know most people need to get in and out in about 30-40 minutes. read more

Top notch steak house. We easily obtained reservations for the same day for dinner. The service was excellent. Our drinks were kept full and we were given plenty of time in between ordering and were never rushed. I had a grilled salmon dish and my husband had a steak cooked medium well. Both items were cooked to exact specifications. My husband usually has problems with steak being over done but not here. read more

Consistent. Not spectacular but good. We have a few of out favorites. My wife loves the grilled chicken salad and their fries. I like their salmon, cole slaw and rattlesnake pasta when they serve it. read more

J. Alexander's Restaurant - New American Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

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Food was amazing but very expensive. The real reason I'm giving this place only one star was because of their horrendous service! The customer service sucked and it was Christmas Eve. I just wanted to have a nice meal. The hostess said she couldn't find our reservation and gave us a real problem until we showed her proof. She didn't even say sorry and our waiter was swearing that he didn't want to be there and was a huge jerk! I don't recommend this place at all! They need to learn more about customer service. read more

Enjoy this place Michelle really good fish tacos great burger great pier I come back anytime

Was out in this 'burby' area one Friday night, around dinner time. Since there weren't many options for a FINE FEAST...we settled on J Alexander's. Bad idea. The hostess was friendly and seated us promptly, but that's about where the good times ended. Our waitress was not prepared for questions regarding which types of alcohol the bar served. After several trips back and forth asking what kind of bourbon they had, we settled on a nice wine instead. Me thinks this might be her first waitressing gig? The food came ill timed. We decided just to roll with the punches and eat some of it cold until we discovered parts were undercooked, including some grilled calamari....not good! Repeat after me, juices run clear, juices run clear! All in all, the bill was high for the amount of food and quality we received--even by "city" standards. read more

had a chance to go here for lunch. I'd say the service and ambiance is amazing definitely a 5 star. The only reason why I'd give it a 4 star is due to the taste of the food. I had clam chowder and an old style burger. The soup was pretty good however I've had better. Would I get it again.. ofCourse.. The burger was good as well but then again a 4 star burger.. not a 5 star. I really liked the fries that came with the burger.. We also shared the appetizer of Chips and Salsa. Was pretty good. I've seen other people writing mixed reviews about the other dishes so I'll definetly go back to try some other items on the menu. Great service as I mentioned.. so a 5 star on that. read more

Came for a quick drink, stayed for food because it smells so good. Wood burning grill for meats (explains the good smell). Had rib eye sandwich, burger both were exceptional. Full center room bar with granite tops. Everyone was very pleasant. This is what service is supposed to be like. A little pricey but good quality food and great service demands a little extra. Even had linen napkins. read more

J. Alexander's Restaurant - Great food. Had the prime rib sandwich. OMG was so good. We could smell the wood burning grill as soon as we walked in. Yum - New American Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Amazing food and amazing service. Came here 3 days in a row and the quality of the food just kept improving. read more

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Yummy food and good portions! The people are very friendly and really nice atmosphere!

First time on my drive from Chicago to Milwaukee. A long time to seating but worth the wait. I read the reviews before I order and absolutely loved it. I order crab cakes which were the best I ever had. Also ordered fish of the day and Mr. jacks fried chicken strips platter along with not your basic max & cheese. Everything was delicious and good enough to share between four people. The carrot cake along with some coffee was perfect to end the night. read more

Love this place for a nice dinner with the family. Steen always takes great care of us and he doesn't even need to take our orders (creatures of habit). Great burgers, steaks, sandwiches and the Caesar Salad is fantastic. They pour a great drink as well. We will be back soon! read more

Excellent as usual. Brought my mom here for dinner. My husband and Mom had the salmon. I chose my usual French Dip. All were up to par. For dessert we split the carrot cake. My Mom really enjoyed everything about the restaurant. We will be returning for it is one of our regular spots. read more

Tia at the bar was our hostess and waitress she's the best will come back for her. Prime rib and salads and Calamari were amazing

Always decent high quality food. Gets crowded, but still an intimate setting to be able to converse over a meal. Great for business outings!

We had a lovely lunch after an unpleasant experience up the road at Carson's. Out of towners, looking for good local fare and friendly service. Prime rib sandwich was huge and deliciously meaty. The thin french fries, hot, crisp and yummy. A very large Asian styled salad with chicken was perfect. The server was terrific and so prompt..... compared to Carson's. We will definitely return on our next trip. read more

Had a fantastic dinner with my wife last night. Started with the waiter recommended incredible Devil Eggs app. Apparently their House Specialty. My wife had the Uber Tasty Trout and I the best Ahi Tuna EVER! Superb food at fair pricing, but wine by the glass a bit over market. Still 5 read more

I recently took a new job in the area, and met friends for dinner on a Thursday evening. Every staff member was courteous and attentive, the food was very good, and though the restaurant was crowded, everything was delivered in a timely manner. All of the above is nice, but here is why I am giving five stars: I had seen grilled artichokes on an online menu as an appetizer, but when I arrived and received a menu for this particular location, the grilled artichokes did not appear on the menu. I mentioned that to my friends, and suddenly all of us wanted them! I asked our server about them, and he was very quick to tell us that if there were artichokes in the kitchen that day, they would certainly serve us this appetizer. He was back in less than a minute to say it was not a problem at all, and within five minutes, we were served the delicious appetizer! We all had a great experience and will be back the next time we want to meet in the suburbs for dinner! read more

Been here twice. Think I'm done. Nice, dimly lit, classy atmosphere. To note, this is NOT a kid-friendly restaurant...not necessarily a bad thing. Great for a date or a swanky ladies night. You might even run into some local ball players;)! The food however is grrreatly overrated. The setting acts like a snake charmer and a distraction from that. The menu is sparse and the entrees are nothing, at all, to write home about...not great (you won't be like ' Man, I want some J Alexanders!') but not horrible. Steaks are tender and moist but not flavorful. Perhaps A1 would've remedied that but I'm not a fan of using condiments to mask lack of and substitute flavor. I would not recommend the rotisserie chicken. At least my cat enjoyed the leftovers of it. On the plus side, the salads are great (but I'm not the 'type' that goes out to eat salad, lbs) as well as the service. As far as the prices, you pretty much know what they're going to look like walking in. Too bad the food doesn't justify them. If you know what GOOD food tastes like, it's not here. read more

I've always really enjoyed JA's Redlands Grill- soothing vibe, excellent food and friendly staff. But wanted to give them an extra shoutout for what they are doing during the COVID-19 shelter in place . My family decided to patronize a local establishment for dinner and selected Redlands for their amazing ribs. We were a little leery of doing carry-out because we are trying really hard to keep ourselves distanced. This place is completely on their game! We ordered and paid over the phone, and they asked us what kind of car we'd be driving. When we arrived, a staff member came our, noted our car and went in to get our food. He then came out and put the bag of food next to our car It was that simple. The ribs were as delicious as ever and they even tossed in a slice of their ridiculously good carrot cake as a surprise A big THANK YOU to Redlands for going the extra yard during these very difficult times. I'm now an even bigger fan!! read more

This is another one of my favorite restaurants! Best crab cake appetizer, best Veggie Burger, I love being able to choose a side from a variety of choices, best key lime pie!! When their ribs are available they are the best on the NorthShore. The managers are conscientious & will always make sure the customer is satisfied without an attitude. I frequent this restaurant once a week with either my husband or a girlfriend. Doesn't get better than this!! The baked potato is delicious!!! read more

Outstanding! Our family has always loved eating at Redlands in Northbrook, and we just recently, for the very first time, ordered carryout from the restaurant. And WOW, it was so great that we were blown away. We called and ordered a variety of items over the phone - prime rib sandwiches with au jus, ribeye steak, crabcakes, apps, and one dessert to share. Then we picked up our meal in front of the restaurant, brought it home, and were all smiles enjoying an amazingly tasty meal. It was seamless and such a nice experience for the fam. Redlands is THE place for carryout in the area in our opinion, and it's so nice to have them as a carryout option, most especially now during this lockdown period. Absolutely phenomenal! read more

You can add this place to the "No Blacks Wanted" list. I went there for a late lunch and got the when finish with you, you won't come back here again treatment. I waited while people just looked at me for 10 min before someone even came to the front to sit me. Then I was offered some pancake looking dough because their regular bread wasn't ready. When I refused it, all of a sudden the regular bread was ready now. I ordered grilled Scottish Salmon, it came uncooked like I was in a sushi bar. All the while the waiter was nonchalant like oh we did let you in here. Of course I didn't eat the food, I'm 66, I know when I'm not wanted. This is the place I purchased my Chairman's Wine Club membership. It used to be a favorite place of mine but there seems to be a new policy in town. NO BLACKS WANTED! read more

I wanted to express my disappointment with a carry out order. I had ordered a barbecue salmon sandwich and when my kids went to pick it up they gave them a thai salmon dinner. I called and spoke to Denise, the manager who did not apologize nor took any blame. Her response was to say that their takeout policy is to show the food to whoever picks up the order. I told her that their must of been a miscommunication and i was surprised as to her lack of concern for my satisfaction. The thai dinner was almost double in price. She mentioned that the thai dinner was a special which when the order was placed we were not told of the specials. I will definitely think twice about ordering from J Alexanders and I am frustrated as to Denise's response. read more

This was our second visit in three weeks. My husband loves the prime rib sandwich. It's a very generous portion, probably about 10 oz cooked perfectly and served with addictive shoestring potatoes. I'm a fan of their salads; large, fresh and tasty with homemade dressings, good coffee, adequate service. Reasonable prices. I would not hesitate to recommend this place for lunch or casual dinner. read more

Ordered curbside pick up. Very efficient and on time. The food excellent. French dip sandwich and salmon were well prepared and packaged well for travel. read more

We ordered in the other night.....hamburgers which we have had before under normal circumstances. Usually they are delicious but this time they were very dry (normally they are full of flavor) & well done, not the medium rare we ordered! The fries were great as usual. Sorry we won't be ordering in any more. read more

Had lunch here and the place was crowded but we were seated immediately. The waiter came over to take orders immediately and even suggested an appetizer. I ordered the turkey burger and it was AWESOME! We also had the crispy chicken appetizers and they were so moist and good. I highly recommend this place and will be returning again with friends. read more

Service was phenomenal. Unfortunately, I cannot remember our servers name but he was the utmost of class and personality. The food (steaks) were excellent once again. Fantastic dining experience! read more

Food poisoning! Was there on Wednesday night dec 11 and ordered the French dip sandwich. First of all the beef looked raw and pink really gross looking. I thought it was strange at the time but ate it anyway. It was gooey to chew. I should have stopped eating it! Just now feeling better after a night of vomiting and fever. Nasty!!! On the other hand the place is nice. But that does not mean they follow protocol in the kitchen!! Beware... read more

Amazing food! We celebrated my daughter's birthday there. Didn't expect seafoods to be so delicious. I had crab cakes, best crab cakes I ever had in 6 years. Service is nice as well. read more

A great place to stop for a martini (Pear with candied ginger and a sidecar) and their fish specials are always so fresh and tasty. Their salad selection is also abundant. The atmosphere is relaxing and staff friendly. read more

I went here for the first time when I was in Boca Raton, so I was surprised to find one in Northbrook (since I previously thought they didn't exist in the Chicagoland area). I ordered the Hyde Park (basic grilled chicken sandwich) and the mac and cheese. The sandwich was really good, but the mac and cheese was to DIE for! Very delicious. In Boca, I ordered the pork and a loaded potato and those items were very good, as well. This place has VERY attentive waiters, so it seemed like you never had to ask for a refill! ;) read more

Great American fare. Love their cheese burgers and french fries. This location is actually better than the ones in the city. Service is also great b/c of all of the corporate office business near by. read more

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I have a confession to make: I like one or two chain restaurants. Living in Chicago with hundreds of unique dining options, there is little reason to go to a cookie cutter place, and foodies are probably disgusted, but, I hate foodies, so who cares. My heart wants what it wants, and my heart wants J. Alexander's. I loved the Clybourn location and was devastated when they closed (and replaced it with a Buffalo Wild Wings. Seriously??), and had been determined to get back. I recently got my fix, sadly it wasn't all I hoped it would be and more, which is mostly due to location. This location, while very nice, just doesn't have the same ambiance of the Clybourn spot. The bar is big and comfortable, which I like. What I didn't like, however, was the proximity to their open-ish kitchen that made me feel like I was in a high school cafeteria. We probably sat too close to the end near the kitchen, but we didn't want to be near the door. The bartender who waited on us was absolutely wonderful: sweet, friendly, attentive, engaging. In fact, all of the staff we interacted with were the same way. This location is now called Redlands, a new J. Alexander's concept, so I guess we were eating at Redlands? In any event, the menu is essentially the same, although I was utterly disappointed to not see the grilled artichoke on the menu! J.Alexander's/Redlands..whoever you are...PLEASE bring back the grilled artichoke! That's one of my favorite dishes of all time. My husband got the deviled eggs to start, I got the smoked salmon spread, which I've always liked. The eggs were, they weren't my thing. At all. They're sweet (gag), which is kind of stated on the menu: it says they come topped with sugar cured bacon. Something in the yolk mix is sweet which I wasn't expecting. Neither one of us really liked them but my husband said he could eat them. The smoked salmon spread had a tad too much mayo, but otherwise was very good. It is a huge portion, though, so keep that in mind if you plan to get an entree. The cocktails were good, and the bar started to fill up, which was nice to see. After they dimmed the lights it felt more cozy. I don't know if we'll go back. The food was good, the service was excellent, but, it just isn't what it used to be to me. If that grilled artichoke comes back I could be persuaded. read more

As I waited patiently for my friend, I got to people watch, be entertained -- like watching a Woody Allen film filled with dysfunctional colorful and over-the-top characters. All for free! I observed a bunch of pharmaceutical and/or corporate executives drowning their sorrows away at the huge full-service super-bar. People watching at its best on a Friday evening. People sharing gossip. People gossiping about the Boss being a royal Pr!@k. Wow, talk about keeping it real. People discussing details about a divorce. People sharing "how much I hate my job" but how much "I love my paycheck." Yeah, even people talking about "my affair" with so and so. Yada, yada, yada. Entertaining to say the least. I never picked up my Blackberry once, because it was like watching a crazy out-of-control reality show coupled with therapy at its very best. As I sat on a black leather bench, near the bar, still waiting for my friend, my memory faded back to 1988, and the awful movie "Cocktail" which starred Tom Cruise as a cocky, arrogant bartender. In one scene, Brian Flanagan, played by Cruise screams across the bar: "America is getting stinking on something I stir or shake......I make drinks so sweet and snazzy, the Iced Tea...the Kamakazi. The Orgasm...the Death Spasm. The Singapore Sling...the Ding-a-Ling. America you are just devoted to every flavor I got, but if you want to get loaded...why don't you just order a F@$%EN shot!" (Perhaps this is what these executives had -- lots of shots -- which explains all the conversations I overheard). J. Alexander's restaurant is known for its wood-fired cuisine with 13 restaurant locations in the USA. The menu features a wide selection of American classics including prime rib of beef, steaks, fresh seafood, sandwiches and entrée salads. Depending upon the time of year, the menu may feature the following: Seafood Czarina, Tuscan Steak, Grilled Fish with Mango Papaya Salsa and Chicken Milanese. RECOMMENDATIONS: Encrusted salmon (a triple thumbs up and major props to the Chef) The All-American Burger (equivalent to eating a filet mignon steak sandwich -- tender and flavorful) Any salad (can be split between two) and loaded with tons of stuff (super huge) Tuscan steak (simply delectable, flavorful and tender) Grilled fish with the mango papaya (an explosion of exotic flavors) DESSERTS: Key lime pie (homemade and truly the best I've sampled in a long time) on a scale of 1 to 10, I give this dessert a 10. SERVICE: I give the service 4 stars out of 5, because our Server got lost several times for long periods of time. The Server was not attentive other than to swing by 10-minutes later to ask "how is everything" and later to drop off the check. Servers were lined up against the wall just chatting away with each other -- don't mind the customers -- we're more important than the customers. Needless to say, our Server was like a character straight from "A Confederacy of Dunces." Obviously, for the prices that they charge, the service could definitely use much improvement. Want a generous tip from me? Give me great service, be enthusiastic, give a smile every now and then, demonstrate a positive attitude, and at a minimum, that you enjoy your job (even if you don't). read more

Really great food and atmosphere. We enjoyed the salmon and the Asian salad. We had a waitress named Bianca Kaplan. She had a big smile, was attentive, cheerful and a pleasure to have as our server. She really made our experience and A+. Job well done, Bianca. Get food J Alexanders. read more

First time here. I ordered the blackened trout and thought it was wonderful. My wife ordered prime rib and said it was good but not wonderful. She was disappointed that rolls or bread was not served. She likes a salad with her dinner and thought $6.00 was too much. A less expensive option of salad or cole slaw would have made her happy. Atmosphere was pleasant, although a little loud. Service was fast and efficient. I hope I can convince my wife to go back soon. read more

Meh. Long wait times. Pricey burgers. The fries are matchstick, offering little flavor. It's one of the few options in the area, which helps explain the draw. But, in coming here several times, I can't recommend J Alexander's as your first choice for lunch. Look a little harder and you'll see that Blackies, just down the street, while not having the nice decor of J Alexander's, has a much better burger, fries and service. read more

I've eaten there a number of times and usually have had a good experience. Tonight was different, though perhaps I was partially at fault. I ordered the prime rib cooked medium-to-medium well. It came out very well done, fairly dry. I was hungry and ate a good part of it, rather than speak up immediately. After I did speak up, the manager eventually came by, but really did nothing to make things right. It was the usual "corporate-speak", gave her first name and said to ask for her next time so she could ensure the proper preparation of a prime rib. This left a bad taste in my mouth, so to speak, no pun intended. We left shortly thereafter, not particularly happy. This normally is a decent restaurant. Tonight, not so much. read more