John J Jeffries at the Lancaster Arts HotelMissing polishI took my husband here for Father's Day with our twin three-year old daughters. The food was excellent and the drinks divine. I love the mission but I had three issues:
1) the maitre d' was clearly off-put by our children. While I appreciate this is not an institution constructed with children in mind, withholding one's contempt is a basic expectation.
2) my husband and I are both in the cheese business. We ordered the cheese plate and both the runner and the waiter were unable to tell us anything about the cheeses beyond their type.
3) service was generally quite good, well timed, and appropriately chatty but our entrees arrived with our appetizer plates still on the table. This is a simple polish that should be in place.6/16/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is the third time weThis is the third time we were at John Jeffries. Every time
"Outstanding"6/15/2013 12:00:00 AMThanks. Excellent food veryThanks. Excellent food very well prepared with lots of fun flavors. Server was excellent - attentive and enthusiastic. We dined outside, which was very nice (always our preference here.)6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMBeautiful Dining!Again we have had a wonderful dining experience at John J Jeffries! My husband had ordered a beer that he thought would be good with the steak he ordered for dinner. When he was nearly done with his meal I noted that he had not been drinking his beer with his meal. He looked at me and said "the steak and sweet potatoes are so good I don't want to put my fork down to drink it". Both our meals were delicious and beautifully presented. We will be back!6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMIncredible good but fair serviceThis is our all time favorite restaurant. Every time we come to the restaurant, the food is absolutely incredible but expect to take your time. From the time we ordered drinks until we received our check was ten minutes shy of three hours. The ambiance is a perfect blend of energetic yet intimate. It is perfect to go with another couple or a small group. The food is always spot on and since we have started patronizing this restaurant, I have never received a bad entree ( and I order an appetizer, entree, and dessert every time and have been here at least 2 dozen times). I would HIGHLY recommend this restaurant to anyone!6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful VisitWe visited JJJ because my wife and I were celebrating our Anniversary. Andre, the host, was very nice. Bradley, our waitress, was so sweet and knowledgeable. The food was delicious. We had a wonderful visit. We plan on visiting JJJ again the future!6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMCreative MenuWe are regulars at John Jeffries and have never been disappointed with the food. The kitchen is exceptionally creative..6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat patio experience!We opted for the patio even though it was very warm outside. But the host recommended it and it was perfect - breezy, just cooling off and great atmosphere. Our waiter Sergio was great and the food was excellent. I had the vegetarian option which I would give a 7/10 and my husband had the salmon with he gave a 9-1/2 / 10. My martini was refreshing. We opted to skip dessert. Great dinner!5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent - a very appropriate wordNot cheap but imaginative menu - all organic and in season - enjoyed every dish.
Second time at JJ, visit this area once a year and consider a visit to JJ a must whilst we are here.5/29/2013 12:00:00 AM13th AnniversaryWe have visited the restaurant several times and have never been disappointed. The bar atmosphere is perfect for a drink before dinner. Food was excellent and the atmosphere was perfect for our Anniversary. Most of all, Olivia's service was impeccable! This is our favorite restaurant in Lancaster hands down! We'll be back soon!5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMGEMHow rare to find a farm to table restaurant, and then to have it all. It has the decor, ambience, service, and amazing cuisine. To also note that the food is local with grass-fed and free-range meat options was a huge plus. Definitely recommend this place to all who visit lancaster.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMMemorable Dining ExperienceLoved the variety of items on the menu. Also like the fact that they support local agriculture. This place is definitely worth a try!!5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent.JJJ is one of the top two restaurants in Lancaster. The produce, meat and other ingredienis are freshly delivered from local farms (truly). It is very romantic and perfect for any intimate gathering. The service is also notably great- our server was very attentive, knowledgable and friendly. My only complaint is that we were not seated in the main dining room.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMAwesome Small PlatesOur daughter was visiting from Colorado and we wanted to take her somewhere special. J Jeffries did not disappoint. We ordered 3 rounds of small plates and sampled many great food options. The Shrimp and Grits is fabulous. My husband loved the Liver and Onions. The Jim Bip Bop is so unique and delicious. Our daughter, being from a "green" state, was impressed with the sustainability aspect of the menu and emphasis on local food items used in the menu. The service was great and the ambience enjoyable. Impressive wine list also.5/20/2013 12:00:00 AMEXCELLENT food. Big fan.Get Pork Belly Love ASAP. My vote for a small plate menu main stay! Food is always perfect. Jim Bim Bop was a perfect blend of every taste I want in an asian inspired plate. Duck skin was perfectly crisped on my entree.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMVey nice ambiance. Food wasVey nice ambiance. Food was delicious & service was great. The bar was busy, people drinking & dining.
Very pleasant, friendly atmosphere.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMHandled our group of 8 really wellWe had delicious food, terrific service and a nearly private room for our large group. Made for a fun family night.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMLocal Organic DiningI was referred to this place by my Inn Keepers at the Lancaster Bed & Breakfast. I was excited to hear they used local organic ingredients. The service was top notch as well as the food. Dining out side was such a treat. They have a great beer and wine menu. My wife and I will be back!5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMOur dining experience at JohnOur dining experience at John J Jeffries was our introduction to a long (Rotary Conference) weekend in Lancaster County. After a 3 hour drive from NJ (on a work night), we arrived in Lancaster tired, hungry and cranky. Fortunately we had researched best eating options in the area ahead of time, and John J Jeffries had been highly recommended. We were greeted with wonderful food, a friendly and helpful server, and a great selection of wines. Our sour mood changed quickly and we enjoyed a delicious meal that did not disappoint. Everything about the place gets our thumbs up, including the prices. A great selection of interesting and healthy options at a very reasonable cost! Highly recommended.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious Mint Ice Cream!!!!!`- Another wonderful meal at John J Jeffries.
The service, atmosphere, and food were all excellent.
The mint in the chocolate chip ice cream had the freshest tasting flavor I had ever experienced outside of picking a sprig from the garden. It was exceptional!5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMa great Mother's Day dinnerReservations honored
Food exceptional and service!
Will be back soon!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat meal!I've lived in Lancaster for four years but had never been to John J Jeffries. What a mistake! My whole family loved their meals. I had the seasonal salad and the Pork Belly Love—both excellent. Go for two small plates—they're the perfect size! The ambience is excellent. It has good vibes and is quiet and peaceful.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMBeyond Good!We loved the whole dining experience - the atmosphere, professional staff and excellent food.
We will be back.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMFour Stars!Great service and delicious food, easily one of, if not the best restaurant in Lancaster city.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Service, Food, & Ambiance!We greatly enjoyed our dinner here and highly recommend it. Our server was attentive without being intrusive. We were given our choice or two nice tables--both at an appropriate distance from other diners (the restaurant was not terribly full since it was a Monday night). Appetizers and entrees were prepared well; we appreciated the use of seasonal local foods. All around a good experience!4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMWe were celebrating my son'sWe were celebrating my son's 21st birthday and everything he had was delicious! It was a winning meal :)4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was my third visit toThis was my third visit to John J Jeffries and I would recommend it to anyone as a special occasion place to dine. The menu changes weekly so each visit offers you new selections. The servers are very knowledgeable and can clarify any questions you may have. This time I chose the small plates versus a large plate meal. But don't worry, even the small plates fill you up. If your a coffee lover plan to end your meal with coffee because it is some of the best I've had. We ate in the outdoor enclosed area, great atmosphere!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMI enjoyed reading about theI enjoyed reading about the John J. Jeffries restaurant on the website and links and appreciate the conscientious use of local, organic and fair trade food. All of the greeters and waitresses were friendly and professional. We were not made to feel rushed and were free to enjoy our party and the delicious food. The music and art work were upbeat especially the flying pig. The atmosphere was magical.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMMy third time here. AbsolutelyMy third time here. Absolutely love it- my favorite restaurant around! Service is so friendly and the food is so yummy and filling. Thank you!4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMWe always enjoy it here.....greatWe always enjoy it here.....great place to bring out of town guests and great place for business dinners.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was very good, but serviceFood was very good, but service was painfully slow.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AM10 person group A++++Just a delightful evening. Service was attentive and food all prepared correct the first time. Bar was also excellent and easy to get served. This is the 3rd time our group has dined and never have been disappointed.4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was our second time atThis was our second time at John J Jefferies and again, the food was phenominal and the service was excellent. We will definitely return.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMmy wife and I went for ourmy wife and I went for our 31st anniversery "LOVED IT" Kim our server was awesome got the Filet melt in your mouth. my new Fav. we will be back4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMSueBWe celebrated my sister's birthday at John J. Jeffries, and it was EXACTLY what we were looking for : good food , comfy atmosphere, attentive waitress. Couldn't have asked for better! Loved everything about the place! Would highly recommend !4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMIf you want local, farm fresh,If you want local, farm fresh, elegantly prepared food with unmatched service, JJJ is the place to choose! They have a wide selection of well seasoned and expertly matched proteins and accompaniments. Their attention to detail in all aspects of the meal is distinctly noticeable. Highly recommended.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMTop spot in LancasterStill the best dining spot in Lancaster. The menu changes often enough that it is not boring and is adventuresome in its selections. The service is attentive without being obsequious.4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMOur first trip to this establishmenOur first trip to this establishment and we were not dissappointed. The food was very good, nice preperation and presenation on all of our dishes. My favorite dish was the Crispy pork belly app. Our server was terrific, she was very attentive and knew the menu very well which was helpful for a first time visitor. If you are in the area or have never been here, I would highly recommend.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMWaiter was pleasant, foodWaiter was pleasant, food was absolutely delicious.desert was yummy!4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMExceptional DiningWe had an exceptional dining experience. Excellent service with top-notch food. Great options for small plates too. Much for the food if locally grown, another plus. Only downside that the entrance/parking is not very clear.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was our second visitThis was our second visit and the food and service were excellent. Love that various menu items are bought locally. Definitely a place to recommend.4/1/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderfulExcellent service, food, and atmosphere. We highly recommend!3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMOverall very good dining experienceOverall very good dining experience, the service was very good, the food quality and flavor was very good. All the food is local and organic, with good presentation. This is a must try restaurant in Lancaster City, it won't disappoint3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat restaurant. ServiceGreat restaurant. Service is wonderful, from host to bar to servers. Great selection of local craft beer and liquor. Delicious food. I will most certainly return.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMwill keep coming back again & againWere happy to have same server as last time, Bradley, I believe. She seemed more in her element; more confident & relaxed. As we were sat, we looked around for a bit, taking in the new local art in the dining room. Cocktails: The Brow Burner was another hit, as was the Lavender Side Car. And since we were celebrating, we ordered a lot. The amuse bouche was a pleasant way to begin the evening & it made our guests feel extra special. Food: gouda & potato soup, the shrimp bisque (both were delicious & each bowl was almost licked clean), and each main dish (vegetarian dish, pork gordita, steak, & duck) was so flavorful & fresh. Only suggestion would be to have food runner name each cheese when bringing the plate. dessert: crème brulee, etc YUM!3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMThis restaurant is alwaysThis restaurant is always a treat - I wish they did brunch! The servers are always great. They are knowledgeable and fun. The food is always good. I had the sliced, roasted deer leg - it was an OMG moment. They modify the menu often so it may not always be on it. In the summer the outside dining area is super.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent meal / Great AtmosphereMy wife and I ate here for our 16th anniversary. We had reservations for 6pm and were welcomed warmly by the hostess and wished happy anniversary by our waitress. We were led to a lovely, quiet table and were offered complementary glasses of sparkling wine to toast our special event. The food was excellent. I appreciate that the chef uses locally sourced ingredients and does a wonderful job of creating delectable dishes. We were told that the menu changes 2 - 3 times per week depending on what is is season and what is available from the local suppliers. We were thoroughly impressed with our experience and will return again.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food is never less thanThe food is never less than excellent and the staff is GOOD! Very pleasant, always. Important to note that there are vegetarian options and if you ask, some recipes can be tweaked to become vegetarian. Not necessarily vegan, however, which would be helpful.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMMy wife and I shared fourMy wife and I shared four small plates, each of which was excellent. I'd like to return when there is more fresh produce to see how the menu changes. The menu is small, especially the large plates, but we found items we were interested in. Excellent evening.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMFarm-fresh and Terrific! WeFarm-fresh and Terrific! We started with an incredible tuna carpaccio and salmon tartar. I had a exceptional quinoa, carrot and beet salad; my husband loved his potato, bacon and smoked gouda soup. The tacos were delicious, as was the chicken with chimichurri. Very helpful and knowledgeable waiter. The artsy hotel setting is perfect. One of Lancaster's very best!3/16/2013 12:00:00 AM