SIDEBAR Summer 2019 - 8

MONTGOMERYBAR.ORG

RESTAURANT REVIEW

J. Alexander's - good vibe,

good service and very good food!
By Denise S. Vicario, Esq.

J

. Alexander's, a moderately priced woodfired restaurant, is a 2018 addition to the
ever expanding restaurant scene
in King of Prussia. J. Alexander's is
located on Mall Boulevard across from the
King of Prussia Mall, next to the entrance for
The Capital Grille, and is the first location in
the Northeast region for the Nashville based
restaurant group.
The atmosphere is sleek with a good vibe
- and somehow quiet despite a nice sized
crowd. Everything about the place screams
"wood-fired," from the wood stacks and fireplace at the entrance
to the smell of hickory smoke throughout. The host team is
welcoming and the restaurant is particularly clean.
The large bar is well-constructed with a fine selection of
premium liquor and a very good wine selection. Indeed, a great
place to spend a happy hour with reduced drink prices between
4:00 PM and 6:00 PM as well as a special selection of Happy Hour
small plates priced at $8.00. The bartender "hand-crafted" each
drink with not only premium liquor, but premium mixers.
The menu is an eclectic one page with starters, sushi, salad,
burgers, sandwiches, steaks, prime rib and entrees as well as sides
and small plates. Prices are moderate and portions are large. I had
the opportunity to eat at J. Alexander's twice in the last month -
for a party of 10 and for this review. So, I am very fortunate to have
the opportunity to sample various items on the menu. Our party
of 10 was able to sit at one round table so that all could converse.
Large round tables with comfortable chairs are plentiful - which is
a plus for larger parties!
The starters are sized perfectly for sharing. The fire-grilled
artichokes ($12) are served with a unique remoulade. The calamari
with marinara sauce ($15) was fresh and the plate was overflowing.
We also sampled the flavorful and lightly spiced deviled eggs with
bacon ($8). The spinach con queso ($11) was hot and not too spicy
with warm tortilla chips.
The sushi selection ($10-$13) offers variety and is served with
a uniquely thick, homemade soy sauce that was a touch sweet with
just the right amount of salty flavor. I had the Rainbow Roll which
provided a fine assortment of very fresh and visually appealing
components.

8 SIDEBAR

256 Mall Blvd
King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania
19406 opens in new window
www.jalexanders.com
484-322-2000.

The salads and sandwiches are well
considered, and there is something for
everyone. My choice for lunch, the Cypress
Salad, was fresh with crispy chicken, mixed
greens, avocado, tomatoes, bacon and
croutons. The dressing was homemade - ask
for it on the side!
The other salads range in price from
$8 for the Alex's Salad with bacon, cheese,
tomatoes, cucumbers and rustic croutons
to $19 for the Asian Ahi Tuna Salad. The
burgers (Veggie $11 and Old-Fashioned with
cheddar $12), French Dip ($16) and fish tacos (fish changes daily
depending upon what is fresh) were enjoyed by all, and served
with an abundance of shoestring french fries with homemade
ketchup. The one non-sandwich/salad dinner of our group of 10
had the Jumbo Fried Shrimp served with french fries, a particularly
delicious cole slaw and remoulade sauces ($19 for lunch).
The entrees are a good assortment of beef, fish and chicken.
My choice for dinner was a daily special of Pecan-Crusted Trout
served with asparagus, orzo and wild rice. The trout could
have been warmer, but tasted delicious nonetheless. My dining
companions had the Steak n' Fries ($20) and the prime rib special
($20); both were done as requested and served with sides of french
fries and loaded baked potatoes, respectively.
The additional sides and small plates are plentiful. The Sauteed
Baby Bok Choy with Garlic was a real stand-out along with
the Broccoli with Lemon and Regianno. All are priced at $5. A
seasonal vegetable plate with a choice of 4 sides is available for $18.
The desserts (all $8) change daily, and are perfect for sharing.
The warm chocolate bundt cake was nice end to the meal especially
with the vanilla ice cream, and the house specialty carrot cake with
cream cheese icing was delectable and loaded with walnuts.
The spacious booths are nice for small parties. The staff are
friendly, service-oriented and well-trained. The manager even
stopped by to check all was well both times I visited.
The lunch and dinner menus are similar, with some items
priced slightly lower for lunch. The bathrooms are well-appointed
and very clean. J. Alexander's is slightly removed from the other
massive restaurant areas, so there is ample parking with easy access
in and out of the restaurant. Reservations are available online at
www.jalexanders.com or by phone at 484-322-2000.
http://montgomerybar.org http://www.jalexanders.com http://www.jalexanders.com
SIDEBAR Summer 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of SIDEBAR Summer 2019
