We had dinner there last night. We each had a cup of tomato bisque soup and we shared the miso salmon. They were delicious! We've never had tomato soup like that - it had pieces of tomato and lots of herbs. The salmon came with ginger rice and baby asparagus. The portion was big enough to share. The server was helpful and very pleasant. If we lived in town, we'd go back. But we were just driving through and found the restaurant by accident. We highly recommend it! read more

Took my Mom & I out for Mother's Day. Best Brunch location in town ! She still hasn't stopped taking about the breakfast taste homemade and is NOT missing the secret ingredient : "Made with Love". read more

There was a mistake on my order (it was delicious though). The staff bent over backwards to make it right !! We have eaten there several times and it is always good! Fresh food , beautiful surroundings! read more

Everything was great! Food, service, value. Don't miss out on the crab Benedict! I will return to this restaurant. read more

It was a no makeup, sweatpants lazy weekend kinda day. A friend and I wanted to have dinner and I was thinking we would go to someplace where your food is in a paper bag and they gave you disposable plastic utensils. My friend was on a different wavelength and suggested J. Wilson's. Even though I knew I would have to dress up a bit, put on makeup and forego the greasy paper bag, i played along. i had never been here before and was anxious for a new experience. For starters, the restaurant is visually stunning. J. Wilson's has fabulous decor. I took great pleasure in just loving the space itself. The menu is not extensive which is always a plus for me! Hate huge menus. You know you are going to get quality when the focus is on a select few items. There were so many offerings it was difficult to decide what to order. I settled on the Johnny's Blue Collar Cheese Dip and the Surf & Surf main course. The Surf & Surf consisted of two crab cakes and sauteed shrimp in a Cajun cream sauce with a polenta cake. This dish was amazing. it was so good I dreamed about it a day or so later. LOL. I had asked the server if it was overly spicy with hot and she said it was not. I was grateful because I cannot tolerate hot, spicy food. She was right.. it was the perfect blend of spicy and delicious. The appetizer was a disappointment, though. The menu said Johnny's Blue Collar Cheese Dip included potato fries, tortilla chips, and bourbon pickles. The sauce was very thin. VERY thin and runny, actually. I had difficulty getting it to stick to anything. It was watery and just not very tasteful, either. The main complaint about this appetizer, though, is that nowhere did the menu say this dish came with jalapenos. Nowhere and this dish was littered with them. I had to carefully pick through the runny muck and discard them. Again... I cannot tolerate hot, spicy things and jalapenos are Enemy #1 for me. Perhaps "bourbon pickles" is a slang for "many jalapenos" but I did not see any bourbon pickles. I was quite disappointed because I was anxious to try something new. I will not order this again nor recommend this to anyone. The service was very good. Perhaps it was even too good. The server was knowledgeable and pleasant. She knew the menu and she was helpful. She patiently answered all my questions, too. There were times, though, when she would hover in the background near our table and I could see her from the corner of my eye. I had to tell her that we were fine. She would leave and then come hover again. It made me quite anxious and I could not tell if she was being a great server or wanting us to leave. I had to politely shoo her from the table a number of times. This is a fancy place. Linen napkins, metal straws, and upscale, for sure. J. Wilson's is pricey but very enjoyable (except for the cheese dip). One thing that I appreciated very much was meeting the owner, Nancy. She came by and introduced herself. She was very nice and the personal touch is always welcome. Another thing I liked was it was quiet-ish and you could easily carry on a conversation. Big plus in my book. Great service, wonderful food (sans cheese dip), terrific service and exceptional atmosphere. It's well worth ditching the disposable utensils, putting on makeup and throwing away the greasy paper bag for a quality dining experience. read more

We love everything about J Wilson's! we drive 45 minutes from Overland Park as it is so good. The food is excellent and the wait staff is very attentive to you and knowledgeable about what is on the menu.We love eating on the patio and did so many times during Covid. read more

My daughter and I had dinner here while attending her KU Orientation. We can't stop talking about how good it was. I had the Spaghetti Squash Bake with grilled chicken added on top. My daughter had the French Onion Grilled Cheese with Minestrone Soup. They were both absolutely delicious. Our server was also very nice and attentive. A very good find for us! This will be a frequent stop when we come back to visit! read more

First time brunch and everything was amazing. I had the blue crab benny and it was 10/10. Mimosas were great (I didn't like hibiscus lol) to boot! read more

food and service are always amazing. if you're a filet mignon person, you'll love theirs!

Came for a light dinner with a plan to share a salad and a sandwich with my daughter. The Caesar salad was quite good. Big portion, good cheese and not drenched in dressing, although the dressing did lack a little of the creamy tanginess you'd expect with a Caesar salad. There were no croutons which I'm fine with, but came with a small piece of toast. The toast was a let down. Would have been fine if it was a slice of high quality baguette but no...this was pretty grocery like bread. Overall, a 7/10 for the salad. The grilled cheese with pork belly was mediocre. Probably too much cheese, with pork belly that didn't have significant flavor except for saltiness. The bread was a huge let down. In summary, I could have made better grilled cheese at home. 5/10. The grilled cheese came with a tomato bisque - a soup that I typically really like. This time, it was overly salty and not creamy enough. 5/10. Bottom line - it's close to my house so I'll give it another shot, especially since I haven't tried the entrees. Hope it'll be better next time. read more

J. Wilson's - Caesar salad. - New American Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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New Chef Zachary brings a taste of La Fou Frog (his mentor Mano) to Lawrence. His passions are what I look for on a menu - Grilled lobster, classic dijon citrus dressing, smoked duck, farm to table choices like stuffed squash blossoms (exquisite) Scallops perfectly seared, expert risotto - then all you need to do is rely on the bar creativity for pairings. Never disappointed in the mixology here. Have Bruce help with wine - and if you still have room for dessert they are creative and seasonal with those options as well. Thrilled to have Zachary's talent in town, we were needing a French bistro. Looking forward to more specials from this confident chef who had an expert mentor but has his own striking inspiration. If you've never been here, the dining room is casual elegant, high ceilings, space yet cozy for dining. Feel socially distant safe in this environment. read more

Always a top notch dinner. Everything is as fresh as it can be. Compliments to the chef!

We had a nice date night here. We split the mussels in the white wine sauce, I ordered the warm apple salad with a grilled salmon filet. For dessert we had the peanut butter chocolate torte and the crème brûlee. My date had the apple butter old fashioned and I had the Miller's Marg. Food was very good (the torte and the old fashioned were the standouts), impeccable service. The staff seem like they really enjoy working here. I'd come back in a flash and try more things on the menu, and sit at the bar again to chat with the awesome bartenders. read more

We were so surprised by how good this food was, and we'll priced. I had the grilled cheese with tomato soup and omg it was the best I've ever had. The grilled cheese was very elevated and the soup paired well. read more

I wish I had better things to say. I have been here a couple of times and service has been fine. But tonight has been quite literally the worst thing I have ever seen. If you're trying to impress clients or a group of people larger than 3 J. wilsons is NOT the place to go!!! read more

Very good food and service. This was your first time being to J. Wilson's. We were very impressed. And yes we will go back. It's not to pricey too . We like to see more good places like this one in Lawrence. Very nice!!!!! Very good food and service. read more

Good food and our waitress was delightful. However, everything was extremely slow - it took over an hour for us to get our food and they also forgot one of our dishes and took so long that we ended up just cancelling it. Two out of four dishes were not cooked to our requests. They seem to be short staffed. I would think twice before coming back, unfortunately. read more

We came in about 630p with a reservation and were greeted and seated promptly, if somewhat coldly. The place is a high endy steakhouse with deep booths and a nice looking bar area. We sat at a booth. We had just finished moving my son into town for a new job so this was our last meal before I leave town. Our server was pleasant and efficient and brought us a Gibson and a bottle of beer. Some thin bread was also offered. The Gibson was excellent. We ordered filets medium rare they were perfect. Sides were house chips and a potato pancake with cheese. The chips were great did not like the pancake so much. We enjoyed the meal and would return. Food "a", service "b", ambiance "b", value "b". Mark. read more

The delta wave is real, there is ample evidence that vaccinated people can spread it, yet....not all staff is wearing masks. This should be the perfect place, good food, good drinks, I can walk there, but I'm not risking catching and then giving covid to someone I love just to eat out. If the person talking to/breathing on me isn't wearing a mask I'm just going to avoid that situation read more

Atmosphere: the decor was nice. Modern feel in an intimate setting. Service: Excellent! The hostess, waitress and sommelier were all great. Drinks: my husband ordered a martini with blue cheese stuffed olives, it was good. I was indecisive on wine so the sommelier suggested a three wine flight. I did the Malbec flight and enjoyed that then to go with my halibut for dinner I did a flight of whites. Great choices for both flights. Food: inaudible the halibut special with a carrot and squash purée. It was absolutely delicious! The halibut was cooked perfectly. The texture was great. The side with the halibut consisted of zucchini, summer squash and beans. Sounds like an interesting combo but it did not disappoint. My husband had his usual filet and a baked potato. The steak was a bit over cooked, but good flavor. All in all a good dinner, especially for the price. read more

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Very nice and quiet seating. Lots of space. Food was excellent. Pasta and steak and burger. All very good.

Lunch - deli roast beef w/sweet potato fries - delicious, reasonably priced. Waitress was honest about the size of the hoagie so ordered a split sandwich. Nice service, nice atmosphere, delicious meal. Will definitely return and also recommend it to others. read more

I love the food, the service and the mimosa flights. I inevitably have an excellent experience every time I go to J Wilson's

Lawrence!! I am no longer surprised when I discover an incredible food place in Lawrence. J Wilson's was exceptional. First I will start with the ambiance, it is beautiful inside and although lively it still has this romantic quiet vibe. The bar is in the back of the restaurant and still very much a part of the restaurant yet not so you can relax and enjoy their great Happy Hour specials kid free if you are on date night like us. Now the service, we just haven't had bad service anywhere in Lawrence and this was no different. We were greeted by our incredible waitress and when I asked about the wine flight special she quickly sent the sommelier over. He was an encyclopedia of knowledge. The feature was French wines and I just said what I liked and didn't like and he brought three over to me along with a glass to pour each flight in. I loved that touch. He gave me the background on each and information on others as well as their dessert wine pairings. We were never left without something to drink or dirty empty plates. Now the well prepared and local and/or sustainable food. We started with the deviled eggs. Simple and delicious but we learned you have to place the little homemade pickle on top of the egg to get the maximum yum factor. I love that they slice the egg different than you typically see. Not sure that it is better it was just a way to be different. We then split the steak tip salad. The steak was tender and warm as it should be. The salad was dressed well and fresh with homemade crotons that were soft in the middle. It was wonderful and perfect for a Spring day. Husband moved on to the filet with onion butter. It was prepared to his liking. He chose a perfectly cooked salt rubbed baked potato and the vegetable was broccoli and cauliflower. Only three pieces of veggies but when you order a steak you aren't really looking for the veggies. He was satisfied. I had the seafood bake. This wowed me. Mussels, cod and shrimp in a spicy tomato broth with rice and a little baguette. I devoured it and regretted it...well not really. I did feel like it needed a little something added and I think that something would be some sliced okra (hint hint please!). We hear the cheesecake is incredible with some ice wine but we just couldn't do it. Hoping to save room next time. read more

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Looking for something off Massachusetts St. This classy little Gem is now our favorite! The food, service and drinks are amazing. EXCELLENT wait staff. Chris made our date night fun and fabulous! read more

What a great accidental find! Baseball game was delayed in Topeka, so we drove to Lawrence for brunch. All the food was great and the place is so pretty...well done! Great service too...5 stars! read more

Excellent service and the food was delicious !!! I especially liked their shrimp scampi as well as the bread they served before the meal. Staff was also very kind !!! read more

The food is almost too fancy for me. I don't always feel like a big meal & just wanted something simple. I got a Cesaer salad & didn't really care for the dressing - I like it more creamy & less vinegar-ish. They ask for drink order right away then the wine sommelier visits after we have drinks. So it almost becomes an annoyance to have to dismiss him. So I would suggest he visits sooner. If they offer the flat iron steak and it is AMAZING. It's just rarely on the menu read more

I've been coming to J Wilson's for a long time. The food is good, but not great. It's a better option in Lawrence for sure. However, the service is soooo slow. And I'm not talking about food. Nearly every time after my food is ordered it actually gets delivered to me quickly. However, it's the urgency of the employees. No doubt, there are usually a handful of folks to get served - bar or main dining seating. But you can easily separate a restaurant from good service to poor service by just watching the body language and urgency in their employees. There is so much lolly-gagging....even from the manager. Side conversations you hear at the bar that don't matter to your customers and no awareness that it's even happening, while a customer is CLEARLY waiting on their server/bartender. Today I sat down at the bar and it took five minutes, at least, for the bar tender to even address me. In his defense, he had a large drink order to get out, but great service would have briefly checked in, handed the menu over, offered a water, and said, "I'll be right with you after I mix these drinks." That is FAIR. It's okay if that isn't natural for an employee, but setting that tone, urgency, training, and service should come from the top down. It should be EXPECTED from managers and owners. Apologizing to customers on reviews is fine if you are actually showing you're doing something about it to be better. Come here for decent food, but don't come if you're in a rush or wanting a great experience. Or you can, but I would recommend you ask for your check right when your food is delivered. read more

Service was terrible. Waited 1 hour for our food. I had to go find someone to ask what's going on. We watched table after table come in after us and sit and eat and leave while we waited. read more

Delicious food, nice atmosphere, friendly staff. We don't eat inside with COVID raging. When the weather is warmer, they have good outdoor seating. The Filet burger is the best burger I've ever eaten. We also enjoy the weekend brunch. The mimosas are delicious. Everything is top notch. read more

Nice quiet, good environment. Food is pretty good. Love the visit. Highly recommend it.

Great atmosphere. Good food. Experienced staff. Prices are low compared to presentation and offerings. BIG thanks for the many vegetarian options and they are clearly marked on the menu! read more

J. Wilson's - Spaghetti squash - New American Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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My favorite place to eat in Lawrence! The food is fresh and locally focused, and they have the best wine list in town. The somalier is very knowledgeable and friendly - if you love to talk wine grab a seat at the bar and chat him up. read more

My husband and I had a beautiful evening on the patio!! We absolutely loved the mushroom feta appetizer and our main entrees were also fantastic!! Bruce picked out the perfect wine flight to go with my salmon dish. Thank you for a beautiful relaxing evening. read more

I love this place for Sunday brunch! I've had the bacon and cheddar quiche served with home fries and biscuits and gravy (house made biscuits) and thought both were fantastic. There's also several different types of omelettes -- one with smoked trout. Brunch is never complete without a drink -- the mimosas are good! The interior changed a lot from the time when J. Wilsons was Mariscos. The inside is open and modern but comfortable. I've never had bad service at this restaurant. The staff is friendly, helpful, professional and prompt. Food arrives quickly and is always hot. Although I've only been here for brunch, the rest of the menu looks awesome! There's a good selection of different types of food. I'm excited to try the brisket grilled cheese the next time I go! read more

This is a local favorite and for good reason. Nearly everything is locally sourced, the food is great so much so that everything I've tried had been phenomenal. You get down to earth pricing in a beautiful five star dining room and of course 5 star service. When in Lawrence, definitely put this place on your itinerary as a must. read more

Visiting Kansas is a bit difficult when you have allergies, but J. Wilson's was great with them. I had a grilled cheese on gluten free bread, that actually tasted great! They also cooked my picky family member's food exactly how they wanted it. The service was pretty good, and you can also buy their logo glasses to take home with you! Pretty good restaurant, although it doesn't seem like it belongs in Lawrence. I'd definitely go back. read more

Fabulous restaurant! Food is always excellent, service excellent and I love the chill atmosphere.

I was so excited to try out a new brunch spot! The newly remodeled restaurant is GORGEOUS! I absolutely love the decor, and small touches that make the space feel upscale & still warm/inviting. They have $2.50 mimosas with an array of juice choices, all day on Saturday! Also $3 bloodys too! Great deal & delish : ) After being awed by the interior design, very personable & attentive server (shoutout to Jacob!), & delicious cocktail, I was ready to experiment with the new menu. Unfortunately, this is where my visit started to underwhelm me. First, I ordered the beignets to share. They were verry dense & doughy, the complete opposite of what a beignet represents. For my entreé I ordered the steak & eggs. My steak was cooked unevenly, I ordered it medium. It was tender though, so that helped make up. But, as a party of 6..there wasnt anyone at my table that was raving about their meal. We all agreed the portion size was too small, especially for the price. And, although we finished our food..nothing was over the top. We all felt like we could have made our meals at home. With allllll of the brunch spots in Lawrence, the beautiful decor at J Wilsons won't be enough to bring me back. read more

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