J&R overall score: 65
J&R is a local Long Island steakhouse chain. They are reasonably priced, decent places to eat.
1) Flavor: 5
J&R usually does a better job (I've eaten at several locations and usually it is good), but my latest experience wasn't too great. My friend and I both ordered the marinated 24oz ribeye - his medium rare and mine medium - but both of ours came back two levels overcooked than we ordered. His was medium well, and mine was well. The marinade here is heavy on soy sauce flavors, and I think they let the meat hit the grill while it was still wet with marinade, which is a big no-no in steak cookery ethics. Unlike Murtha's, which knows how to marinate a steak for maximum flavor extraction, J&R simply ruined theirs. I chalk the over cooking up to bad kitchen staff at this particular location, since I've had better steaks at their other locations. They offer standard grilled as well as marinated in terms of methods of cooking. This was my first time trying the marinade. I was unimpressed with it. As I said earlier - too heavy on the soy.
2) Choice of Cuts & Quality available: 7
All choice cuts, but lots of choices here at J&R. They have all four basics, and then some, offering t-bone, roumanian, pork and lamb cuts. They may lack a strip, but for the price of the porterhouse, you can just grab that and take the filet side home with you. They also offer three sizes of prime rib.
3) Portion Size & Plating: 7
The ribeye (their signature steak) comes in two flavors: 12oz for pussies, or 24oz for men. The porterhouse is 36oz, the t-bone is 24oz, and the filet is 7oz. Prime rib comes in 8, 12 or 18oz portions. These are average for a good steakhouse, so for a cheap joint, they are great.
4) Price: 8
You get a large meal here for your money. The total bill for two 32oz beers and two 24oz steak dinners (they come with veggies, potato, and soup or salad) came to $82 with a generous tip included. Not bad! I deducted two points based on not getting the best flavor for your money - but as my dad always says - "shit you pay, shit you get."
5) Bar: 7
Not the best place to hang out, but they do have a cool bar. I did not order my standard martini this time, since I saw that they had monstrous 32oz beers and a good wheat beer on tap. The bar area is nice, and we sat on high tables there rather than in one of the two dining rooms that flanked it.
6) Specials and Other Meats: 6
No specials here at J&R - their menu is already huge and full of selections. They have pork chops, ribs, lamb chops, and chicken by way on non-beef.
7) Apps, Sides & Desserts: 6
We didn't order any sides or apps, since the steaks come with veggies and potato in a composed plate. The french fries were well executed; the veggies were a below-average mix of green beans, onion and broccoli. Dessert sounded mediocre so we passed on that. The salad was above average, but nothing more than good diner fare. The bread for the table was warm and toasted, and they also served a pasta salad with a nice big pickle along with it. A point for that!
8) Seafood Selection: 6
Lobster, salmon, tilapia, shrimp, and flounder were under the seafood section. No clams or oysters on the half shell! Damn you J&R. I may have ordered an app if you had them.
9) Service: 7
We saw our waiter 3 times: Once to take drink orders, once to take food orders, and once to get the bill. Nothing was done bad, and nothing exceptional either. It was busy, even at a late 8:30/9:00 seating, so good marks for not screwing anything up!
10) Ambiance: 6
The decor is kinda bare in comparison to other J&R interiors. The tables had white paper on them as opposed to the red & white checkerboard or weathered wood of other locations. My thinking is that they tried to make this location look more up scale since it is in a nice looking stand-alone building. It needed something.
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