Critic's Review
J Mark's is a very attractive restaurant in the mold of the mid-range chains such as Houston's and J Alexanders. Their self-proclaimed goal was to parallel the experience of those establishments at a lower price point. For the most part, they've succeeded.
J Mark's is located in a mall parking lot outside of Macy's. The first impression is that it's a nice place. With good lighting, modern wood booths and a large, handsome granite bar you won't be uncomfortable anywhere in the place. I'd describe the menu as eclectic; with many unique recipes. You can get steak, straight up. Or you can get something completely different.
The bar area is a comfortable place to eat alone or to meet for drinks. The staff is attentive and friendly (if not chatty). At lunchtime there are newspapers available. Two large screen TVs show the games. The restaurant is comprised of booths for 2 or 4, mostly larger, that are well lit. Our server Stephanie remained perky and attentive as we pondered the menu for eons longer than is likely usual.
They'll push the appetizers, which are somewhat unique. Their egg rolls are not what you'd expect; only the "roll" part is familiar. They're filled with avocado and corn salsa and served with a mexican-style verde sauce. Calamari are lightly battered and served with marinara, pesto and aioli ( a creamy garlic sauce). Highly touted Jamaican Grilled wings are a full quarter (the "drum" and the wing are served attached) and the skin is spiced. Frankly, the seasoning is barely discernable; they are good but taste like wings just thrown on the grill. Make sure you ask for extra napkins.
J Mark's serves Prime Rib all day, which is welcomed in a town where prime rib is too often absent from menus. The meat is very lean; too lean in my opinion, and is likely "select" quality rather than "prime". These are leaner cuts; perhaps more healthy but not as flavorful. The accompanying horseradish sauce and au jus are needed to add some moisture. Steaks are served with 1 side; I had asparagus which is lathered with garlic. If you're offended by heavy garlic you could ask for them to leave it off. The Bread is soft, warm wheat rolls that is very good.
There are many signature dishes, which are reminiscent of Cheesecake Factory in composition, presentation and portion. In fact, portions are ridiculously large. Chicken Madeira is dual battered sauteed chicken breasts topped with asparagus, mushrooms and a fontina/mozzarella cheese blend. Garlic Roasted Chicken Pasta is a massive portion of pasta topped with chicken, broccoli, pine nuts and a bit too much goat cheese. A request to substitute penne for fettuccine was reluctantly granted. The J Mark's salad is enough for several meals. The fish and chips is downright awful; the batter is doughy and not crispy. It was so bad I sliced it open and just ate the fish.
Note that several dishes include "garlic mashed potatoes". While they are good, they are what's usually called "smashed potatoes"; which means that they are lumpy. Very lumpy. So if you're not into that you can sub to another side.
The evening ended badly as apparently J Mark's is a "self-boxing" restaurant. When we asked for doggy-bags they delivered styrofoam containers and plastic bags which we had to populate outselves; I prefer when they do that for me in the back. On another visit the waiter did the boxing, so it may depend on your server.
