Jack Allen's Kitchen

Probably the best chicken fried steak I’ve had in all of Texas! Doesn’t look like much on the outside but inside is very modern. Service was amazing! Food was delicious, even the vegetables were fantastic!! We of course came here for the chicken fried steak and it wasn’t an absolute masterpiece! This place is a 8.7 on my restaurant list. I’d tell all my friends about this place!!

We had an enjoyable lunch at Jack Allen's Kitchen. We were seated immediately as we walked in and greeted by our server. The service was excellent, and the food was delicious. Our order was chicken fried steak and a steak and fundido plate. We would definitely eat here again.

This was my first time here! We had reservations, which were quickly honored even though there was a waiting list. The host staff was friendly, and the service for the table was amazing! We went for brunch, and it was nice to see variations of food choices instead of just the same old-same old brunch dishes. Thank you for an amazing birthday brunch! I'll be back to try out the happy hour and dinner menus!

I love Jack Allen's! A great farm to table restaurant that doesn't disappoint! I celebrated my birthday with family! Service was phenomenal as usual! I ordered their wedge salad as an appetizer, which is one of my favorites. I also ordered the stuffed crab pesto chicken as recommended by our waitress, and it was okay. The presentation was unexpected, but the sauce was so delicious. The chicken was a bit overcooked and had a rubbery texture, ultimately falling below my expectation. My husband ordered chicken fried chicken, and it was tasty! The dessert was delicious as well. Overall, I had great experience, and I will return and recommend it!! P.S. The Barbacoa Stackers are devine! The Pork Medallions and Grilled Ruby Trout are typically my go-to meal/appetizer!

Jack Allen’s Kitchen in Round Rock is an absolute gem, and my recent visit there was nothing short of memorable. From the moment I stepped inside, I was struck by the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant has a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern sophistication, with its cozy lighting, thoughtfully arranged décor, and an overall vibe that immediately makes you feel at home. Whether you’re dining with friends, family, or even on a casual date night, this place truly sets the stage for a wonderful meal. Let’s talk about the food—because that’s what truly makes Jack Allen’s Kitchen shine. One dish that absolutely stole the show for me was the pumpkin guacamole. I’ll admit, I was intrigued when I saw it on the menu, as it’s not something you come across every day. But wow, it was phenomenal! The sweetness of the pumpkin added such a unique twist to the creamy avocado base, and the seasoning was perfectly balanced. It was served with crisp, fresh tortilla chips that complemented the guac perfectly. This appetizer alone is worth the trip, and I can confidently say it’s one of the most creative spins on guacamole I’ve ever had. Next up, I ordered the mac and cheese, a comfort food classic that never fails to catch my eye. The dish arrived piping hot, with a creamy, velvety texture that made each bite indulgent. The balance of flavors was spot on—it had that rich, homemade feel that reminded me of family dinners growing up. That being said, if I could make one small suggestion, it would be to add just a bit more cheese. Don’t get me wrong—it was absolutely delicious and satisfying, but a slightly cheesier kick could take it from great to extraordinary. Still, I’d happily order it again and recommend it to anyone looking for some seriously comforting goodness. While the food was undoubtedly the highlight, the overall experience is what really sets Jack Allen’s Kitchen apart. The service was impeccable from start to finish. Our server was not only friendly but also knowledgeable about the menu, offering helpful recommendations and checking in just enough to make sure we were enjoying our meal without ever feeling intrusive. It’s clear that the staff here takes pride in creating a welcoming and attentive environment for every guest. The ambiance at Jack Allen’s Kitchen is another reason why this spot stands out. The layout feels spacious yet intimate, with thoughtful touches that make it both stylish and cozy. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for a long, relaxed meal, enjoying great conversation and even better food. The noise level was just right—lively enough to feel vibrant, but not so loud that you can’t hear the person across from you. Another thing worth noting is the diverse menu. While I stuck to a couple of dishes this time, there’s so much to explore, and I’m already planning my next visit to try more. From appetizers to entrées, the menu feels both approachable and creative, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. In conclusion, Jack Allen’s Kitchen in Round Rock is a must-visit for anyone who loves good food, great ambiance, and stellar service. The pumpkin guacamole is a true standout, the mac and cheese is comfort food done right, and the entire dining experience is one that leaves you looking forward to your next visit. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this place should absolutely be on your list. I know I’ll be back soon to explore more of the menu and soak in the wonderful atmosphere again!

Excellent service, delicious food, and a great vibe. Highly recommended. All the food was fresh and very tasty, and the dessert was amazing. We sat outside on the patio which is an enclosed space with big windows that open out to the parking lot. Definitely recommend this place!

Date night at Jack Allen’s. The food was good but not excellent. We had the fish tacos, enchiladas and the queso as an appetizer. The atmosphere was nice but it’s a little too dark at the long tables by the bar so I felt like my eyes were getting strained. Overall it was a nice experience but I wouldn’t go there again especially since it’s pretty far from where we live.

The spicy watermelon margarita was out of this world! The bar service was outstanding and the bartender was attentive and friendly. The manager served the complimentary pimiento cheese appetizer and was friendly. The Philly cheesesteak was good, but for my taste, I would not order it again. Overall, I love this place and will definitely go back again!

You can count on a good meal at Jack Allen's Kitchen. I had the steak salad which was large and very delicious, but the soup of the day was even better! Today they had creamy green chili chicken soup. It was tangy and a delight to eat. The service is also pretty good. Our server today was fun and had a great sense of humor. The hostess did as well. Believe me, this is one of favorite things when going to a restaurant and Jack Allen's has a great staff! The ambiance is comfortable. However the place is clean and inviting. Thank you Jack Allen's Kitchen for providing a nice place to dine at not only at this one, but the one in Cedar Park and on Anderson too!

We stopped in here just for drinks as that was really our main thing over this relaxing weekend. We let our server, Helen, know up front that was all we were doing. She was very upbeat and personable. Super helpful and did talk us into a dessert. We where in a booth and this was the downside. The side of the booth i was in was rocking and you could feel a bar or something similar when you sat down. I went to move to the other side, the whole bench came off, almost caught my legs. Helen tried to put it back together. It was bad, the other side was not broken but uncomfortable as well causing me pain sitting there. But the drinks were good and the dessert was fantastic. Helen was great and we may be back for the food but pperhaps at a table this time.

Okay way over hyped.. this place is not good. At best it okay. Come on try making something from scratch. It's called cooking. It looks good in the photos but is disappointing to say the least.

We've been eating at Jack Allen's for well over a decade. I was so sad when they took the Crispy Salmon off the menu, it was one of my absolute favorite dishes. I still ask for the return of this delicious dish to the regular menu, well regularly! I now have spies that let me know when it hits the specials menu! Like tonight. Great service, great food, and always a beautiful place to dine. Made my month! PS Jack bring it back forever LOL! #Crispy Salmon with Crab and Hot House Tomato for the win.

Have been here on multiple occasions with my family and once with a large party. The food is always solid, and there are many options to appease most palate. Also have good drink and brunch options. Service is always good too. JAK stays in the rolodex.

Visited for a quick lunch with friends and I loved it so much that I've been back since just for the Chicken Fried Chicken. Service has been wonderful and attentive on both occasions. When seated they bring a little plate with their Pimento Cheese spread and crackers to sample. I'm not really a fan of pimento cheese but I still thought it was good. The second time I visited it just so happened to be during their Happy Hour where they had 1/2 priced appetizers and drink specials! Everything I've tried and or those with me have tried has been absolutely delicious. I personally love the Chicken Fried Chicken ($14.99) which comes with Mashed Potatoes, sautéed veggies and is smothered in their gravy. I've also been able to taste the Fat Jack Burger (which is wonderful!) and their Fried Shrimp both of which was soo tasty. I definitely plan to return again in the near future and look forward to trying more items from their menu.

This spot is solid. It's a good choice if you're looking to satisfy a variety of palates-- serving elevated home style dishes. Service has been consistently pleasant and professional, and the ambiance is always chill and laid back. I dig it.

Made reservations and was seated immediately on a busy Thursday evening. Waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu items. Food was great.

Landed at Jack Allen's last night with my neighborhood ladies group of about 25 people. What a great experience! We were early enough to catch the 1/2 price appetizers for happy hour, so I ordered a barbacoa stackers plate & a small Caesar salad & it was olenty for dinner! Our server was great too! He didn't rush us & all of the orders were correct & we were able to pay on separate tabs. The food was excellent! I highly recommend any of the barbacoa entrees! Whether you have a big group or friends/family, this is a good choice to spend your dining dollars!

Stopped here on a whim with my fiancé and we had the best time! The food was amazing, we devoured the jalapeño crab dip. My fiancé got the Steak Taco & Fundido Skillet. He thought the steak was cooked to perfection and well seasoned! I got the Pesto-Marinated Crab Stuffed Chicken and it was Devine! The service was also wonderful. I have nut allergies and they were so careful about making sure that I'm safe, I felt really taken care of. They gave us black eyed peas for new years to wish us good luck for the new year which was so sweet. I highly recommend this place for a delicious meal and quality service.

Family in town for a visit and I took them here for lunch. Our server, Luke, deserves a raise. Upon seating, he explained the history of the restaurant and their menu and culinary style without knowing a member of the party was in the restroom. Upon returning to the table with our fresh water and lemon, he seamlessly went into his initial spill with the same energy and courtesy. He remembered only one person didn't want water in their glass which was a big deal for that person. He explained EVERY dish to our party seven, and even gave a top five dishes he would recommend. Good service was truly top tier. That being said, the food was delicious!!! And we're definitely going to be repeat customers but his customer service was awesome

Jack Allen's Kitchen reached out to me last week via email inviting me to make a reservation for a free Veteran's Day lunch. I served from 1968 to 1972 but have no idea how they knew I was a veteran? I immediately made a reservation for today. This is my first Veterans Day lunch at Jack Allen's and I have to say I've never been treated so well. Every person I came in contact with thanked me for my service and they said it with conviction. I have enjoyed several free lunches over the years and this was by far the best! Great food and great service! Thank Jack Allen!

Went to dinner with coworkers here and the food did not disappoint. We were seated right away. Our waitress was attentive. Everything was fresh. The shrimp tostadas were delicious (I wish they gave you more or made them bigger). Guacamole was fresh. They gave us pimento cheese samples. Loved it! Salmon dinner was flavorful, but wish they put more veggies. Prices were steeper than I think they needed to be but I did appreciate how fresh everything tasted.

Jack Allen's Never disappoints. A few nights ago stopped in for a late night, quick dinner and enjoyed the grilled trout, along with a gin martini - It was fantastic and really hit the spot. Gary does a great job tending bar And the wait staff delivers great service - frequently with co- workers helping if primary server is delayed or tied-up

Yet another great stop on my quest for the greatest catfish from California to Texas, and the competition is tough. It's a terrible job, but somebody's got to do it. We went because we had a gift card and we're so glad we did! The service was fast and attentive, but not rushed at all. The ambience is upscale, clean, open and modern. I almost didn't want the table with wooden chairs, but they had cushions! One of my requirements at my age. The lighting was perfect for dining and visiting with family. Note: not great for photos, just trust me, it's much better than it looks! I didn't want to use a flash in this lovely restaurant. As soon as we were seated, we were presented with their complimentary creamy and flavorful pimento cheese taster/appetizer. Yum! The special was surf and turf, NY strip, creamy alfredo, poached lobster, al dente fettuccine, worth eating every delectable bite! The burger was handmade lightly packed fine grade beef perfectly prepared. Hubby, a tough customer, said it was excellent. I had a few bites and heartily agreed. The catfish! Im a stickler for crispy light cornbread coating and "clean" catfish. This was fluffier than I had ever had. I don't know HOW they did that! Egg whites? I loved it! Yes there was cornmeal but light and fluffy! Inside the catfish was so clean and tender, you could eat it without teeth! Tartar sauce was creamy and the coleslaw was super fresh, light and crispy. We also shared their soup of the day, Creamy Broccoli Parmesan, highly recommend, top quality everything, reaching our highest expectations (even "I don't like soup" Hubby!) I didn't get to taste what everyone else tried from Jack Allen's diverse menu, but they were all happy. We hope to be back someday.

Hubbers' college frat mate and his wife made their move to central Texas a couple of years ago and we promised that at anytime we're nearby, we'd stop by. A promise we kept. They gave us options where to grub, but we left it up to them to choose (since they're locals and all) and that's how we ended up here. We had reservations so we were seated quickly. (It's a good thing, too, because this place was poppin'!) The decor gave off a very Southwestern feel, almost a modern rustic vibe. They had interesting offers - American and Tex-Mex sorts type of food. They had really good pickin's and it took me a minute to finally decide. SOUP OF THE DAY: Tortilla. The broth was seasoned so good! I'm not sure if it was love or crack (prolly love) put in this but it was delish. It was very hearty and gave me fuzzy feelings. Recommending. SMASHED GUACAMOLE: Highly recommended by our hosts, and I get why. The trick is putting all the characters together in one bite. The taste and the texture is amazing! The chips were fresh and crispy. Great starter! BLACKENED TROUT: Our server was really good at breaking down the sauce used for the fish. It's a sweet and savory - a little bit more on the sweet side - but the pickled onions and arugula helped tame its sweetness. Fish was moist and flaky. The rice, like the toppings, also helped tame the sweetness. Although I wasn't a fan of the sweetness part (but that's just me, sweets anything really isn't my vibe), I enjoyed it. FOOD: 4.5. SERVICE: 5. Our server was great and well informed! Friendly, service with a smile is always a plus! VALUE: 4. (Friends' treat, so generous!) PARKING: Shared with others. Busy on a mid-week dinner rush. Plan accordingly. OVERALL: 4.5. Food was great. Company was even better. Great experience overall.

Great food, good prices, and friendly service. We have been here a couple of times now (a couple of years apart), and it has been consistently good. This time, we had the pimento cheese for a starter. For the main, we ordered chicken fried chicken and the French toast. How many places have pimento cheese on the menu? It seems to have been made with much better ingredients than the mass-produced spread I find occasionally at the supermarket. The chicken had a light, crisp breaking, with an amazing white gravy. The French toast was very sweet but had cream cheese and blueberries to soften the sweet punch a bit. We are looking forward to eating here again.

Very crowded with Christmas celebrations today so happy I made an online reservation which was really easy and allowed us to be seated while others stood waiting. Decorations were lovely. Our server Janelle was very busy but very attentive. We were there for brunch which was a new experience for us and decided to go back. This is our favorite restaurant in the area and haven't had a bad meal at this location. The buttermilk biscuits are scrumptious with the homemade jam and honey - yummy. Opted for Barbacoa Enchiladas and Barbacoa Eggs Benedict . Both had spicy potatoes which were also very tasty. Black refried beans were also a side with the enchiladas. Sauces were spicy but really tasty. Despite the crowds the service was food and food arrived in a timely manner. They have gift card specials which we opted to take advantage of since it will give us an excuse to come back. Highly recommended

Jack Allen is always good, all locations! I hadn't tried this one in a while and it didn't disappoint! Our waitress Kennedy was super nice and really the whole staff is eager to please. The food is fresh and flavorful. Local ingredients play a good part in this, like the orange yolk vital farm eggs or the wonderful locally roasted coffee. Ambiance is modern, good AC, very nice chairs, what's not to like?

Great experience all the way around. They were super busy on a Friday night. We got on the wait list (hostess was very nice and had everything under control), headed to the bar and our server at a high top let us know she saw us and would be right with us. She was stellar. Had a couple appetizers and Mexican martinis. Everything was delicious. Some kind of ravioli thing and a dip (forgot to review when we actually went a month ago so I cannot remember). Got notified our table was ready and in the amount time quoted and we were seated at a table. That server was also awesome! we talked to the manager because we had to tell them how amazing everyone was. It's just the Jack Allen's way apparently. We will be back. 10 out of 10 from two QSR managers.

We came here two nights in a row for their amazing happy hour. They have 1/2 priced appetizers and $1 off all drinks. The food was amazing. I'm in love with the barbacoa quesadillas! Drinks were great too. Sat at the bar both times and the bartenders were friendly and provided excellent service. Highly recommend this place!

Went for brunch, sat at the bar, and had excellent service! The pimento cheese was complimentary and delicious! The chicken and biscuits were so good! Chicken breast was thick and juicy! Breakfast sandwich was also good! Thick scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and the spicy mayonnaise complemented it perfectly! Great atmosphere, they are typically always busy, but it is worth it!

My family was in Round Rock for the weekend for a soccer tournament. This was our first time visit a Jack Allen's restaurant so we did not know what to expect. As we reviewed the menu, they had a variety of offerings for brunch. At first, I thought the food would be basic or straightforward, but once it came out I was wowed by its presentation and the flavor! First off I was excited to see that they had barbacoa eggs Benedict! I don't eat pork products so this was a nice change from the traditional dish. The food looked so good, I didn't even bother taking a picture. Now what stands out the most, is the service we received from Sal! Wow!!! Give that man a promotion! He truly understands customer service and hospitality. The sweetest and most attentive waiter I've had in a very long time. He delivered to each of our requests (including kiddos 10 and 6) and in a timely manner. Overall it was an amazing first dining experience at this place and I would definitely come again. If we do, I hope we get so lucky to have Sal as our server again!

Omg! The food here was really good! I really enjoyed this restaurant and the atmosphere. A must try!

Jack Allen's was a great experience here in Round Rock for my mom's birthday. Sal, our waiter, was very hospitable and made our experience memorable. He was patient and gave us all exceptional service. I ordered the Cilantro Pesto Chicken stuffed with crab with the cream sauce on the side. It was delicious! My only comment was that the veggies weren't seasoned but they were still good. My mom got a birthday blondie and absolutely loved it. We had such a great experience here and loved every moment. The restaurant has a family vibe with great service. The bathrooms are exceptionally clean (although the air freshener is very strong). Loved my experience here overall.

Pretty good place for Brunch, wish they would bring back the brunch buffet though. Service was great and food was delicious. Great atmosphere.

This place is amazing! The food is outstanding, incredible recipes and ingredients, the service is fabulous, and this became a regular for us in the North Austi area. If you're not familiar, give it a try, you won't regret it.

Fantastic food and service as always. Any Jack Allen's restaurant is dialed in. Salt Traders is across the road and has amazing seafood. This trip I went away from the 13 spice chicken pasta and got the green chile burger. It was perfectly cooked medium and had the right spice level. It will not light you up. If you want added spice add raw jalapeño along with the cooked that's on the burger. The bun held up tho the burger and I love the skin on fries that come with it.

Always reliable comfort food with great service. The specials are often good, and if you have room for dessert, make sure you try whatever your server recommends.

I enjoyed their steak salad with figs, goat cheese and champagne vinegarette! Delicious! When we dine in or get take out it is usually consistent, which is something we look for when choosing restaurants to dine in or out at.

Went to lunch here passing through. Never been before. Food was outstanding. I had soup, but kept eating my husband's chicken Mac and cheese. The chicken was moist and super tasty! Also, son had the crusted salmon, and daughter had steak tacos and fundito. Nothing left! Then, the previous waitress overheard it was my son's birthday and brought us a walnut pie that I am going to have to get the recipe for (they sell it in their cookbook). Can't recommend this place highly enough! Our waitress was Jenn D. Thank you so much for making our visit special!

Would give this 6/5 stars if I could! We were unsure if we should make a reservation but glad we did because it was packed and now we know why! Service... amazing! Such a friendly waiter who knew all the details of how the food was made, he sold us on so much and nothing disappointed. Ambiance was great too! Now the food... so good. Meatballs were so good! Fried pork chop & gravy & mashed potatoes was so good. Was obsessed with the fried chicken sandwich with pimento. The bun was so amazing tasted like a roll. And ended with a fancy banana pudding. BTW; everything is farm fresh and locally sourced. And the prices... soooo affordable with great portions. Cannot wait to go back.

Back in Austin again and where did I go??? Jack Allen's!!! Why, you ask? Because they have outstanding service and a fantastic vibe, that's why! Once again, we were greeted by smiling faces and great attitudes. Even though the bar was slammed, all 3 of the bartenders were on point and looked like they loved their jobs. Thanks, again, to the sweet bartender Bernie for making our night epic. That pre-blended Margarita was BOMB. We'll be back. Until next time, Austin!

Consistently great food and drinks with excellent service. The drinks are always delicious and quite strong and the food is very tasty. I especially love their salsa and their green goddess salad dressing. I do wish they would change up their menu more often but that's me.

No wait on a Friday afternoon. Service was amazing. Food was absolutely delicious and fresh. We're CA natives and we were so impressed by this place we plan to make frequent visits when we're in Austin. The pesto chicken stuffed with crab is so delicious! Highly recommend!

Jack Allen's just has excellent food! Great salad! Great Mexican food! Great food! The service is always very good and their locations are very comfortable.

The wait was long, I suggest making a reservation. Lesson learned. The service was great and so was the food! We had Queso with pork in it, the eleven spice pasta and the chicken fried pork chop. Finished off with a chocolate dessert! Four stars only that it was super loud in the restaurant and hard to hear each other for conversation. It was a Saturday night and one of the prom weekends so take that for what that is lol.

We were in town from a few hours away and found this place through Yelp. Everything about this place was pretty amazing. The food and service were both great. I HIGHLY recommend the meatloaf. It's made with Venison and wild boar and then wrapped in bacon. Oh... My... Goodness, was it amazing! It's not a cheap dinner but it was well worth the money. I promise if you come here, your stomach will thank you.

My first time here! It was a very nice place with excellent service and very clean place. The food for me fell short unfortunately. The kids pancakes were dry and bland so I drowned them in syrup so it can be easy to eat. My quesadillas were good don't get me wrong but it just lacked flavor for me or maybe just more salt n pepper. I do have to say the barbacoa there is really really good! The chips and salsa was good , nothing out of the ordinary except it was $11 for just the queso.... Ouch lol. It's not going to stop me from coming back though, I still need to try the lunch and dinner plates.

From start to finish the meal was perfection! We started with drinks. I got a cherry vanilla jack daniels slush, my husband and friend got an Old Fashioned. We also started with the catfish appetizer which I found to be quite tasty. It came with coleslaw and sauce on the side and arrived scalding hot! We ordered our entrees and they did not disappoint. I have lived in Texas for a year and heard great things about Jack Allen's and I believe it now! My friend got the special which will never be on the menu again but she said it was pretty good. Our other friend ordered the chicken sandwich and like his meal. My husband got a dish that he said was tasty and I enjoyed the spinach Gorgonzola ravioli! We were so pleased with our food that we got a dessert! We ordered the banana dessert and it was decent. I liked the crust of it most of all. I would absolutely come back here and try something else. I had a great experience and will be a returning customer!

The environment was very relaxing and family oriented. Our server was excellent and the food was delicious. The wait time was a bit long, but the food taste was worth the wait. The restaurant is a scratch kitchen and the food is sourced with local providers. Amazing restaurant and you must try if you're in the area.

We are probably more than halfway trying out all the food in their menu, all tasty, irresistible and yummy. My top 3 favorite are beef barbacoa enchiladas, crispy fried shrimp and crab stuff chicken. The safest place to go if you want delicious meal.

Lunch was great. Barbacoa Eggs Benedict, Midas, Layered queso was delicious. Fantastic service. Reasonable price for the quality. Blonde brownie pie was so good!

Waited 45 mins on a Saturday at 5:00... Just for the food to be unseasoned and bland! The place was packed and people were leaving with to go plates I have no idea what they ordered. But I will definitely not be back. I ordered the chicken fried steak which is almost impossible to mess up the meat was overcooked and bland. I couldn't even chew it. My husband had the chicken fried chicken and he said his was just bland and not seasoned...

So took my wife here for her birthday on 9/5. Me my daughter & her boyfriend, Food was good and are waiter was awesome. The thing that left a bad taste in my mouth and probably why I won't go back as this is my second time there. We were seated in the back on both occasions being a person of color that just didn't sit well with me. I am sure there are other businesses that wanted or even could have used the $80/90 bucks.

Discriminatory Service - Will Not Return I visited Jack Allen in Round Rock for brunch today with a couple of my girlfriends and our kids, and I was extremely disappointed with the service we received. It felt as though the waitstaff was discriminatory toward us for bringing children. While I was still enjoying my meal, the waitress approached our table and asked if they could take my plate. I responded, "If you want to take it, go ahead," and without hesitation, the staff removed it from the table. It was clear they were trying to rush us out, which made us feel unwelcome and uncomfortable. I strongly advise against visiting this location, as it is one of the least welcoming places for a family gathering. I will make sure to let my family, friends, and community know about this experience and advise them never to return to this Jack Allen location.

Teacher Appreciation is *really!* appreciated during the last few days of summer break. This is JAK's second year to offer this event, and boy! Did we take advantage. Great food, incredibly friendly and efficient service, and the entire experience was lovely, despite the crowds. I was never a fan of JAK - until now. Bonus: grapefruit soda and gorgeous desserts. Who knew? (Apparently every teacher in the area, because we all showed up.)

Hmmm, I know I've eaten here a few times. Perhaps I though my review of the original JAK Oak Hill sufficient? Aw heck, time to add to that Yelp review count! All important dining date too; GF's birthday with close friends who live north. One friend was a regular and the other living in Harker Heights had never dined at any location. Reservations were made in advance and part of our party was already seated when we arrived. Our server provided a stellar and particularly casual dining experience. Despite the current wait time and more diners arriving at the door in droves we weren't rushed from start to finish. I truly appreciated this!!! With libations on the way from the bar we started with the smashed guacamole. I jokingly call this the best "white boy quac" in all of Austin; yet its elevated to a level unseen in typical Tex-Mex restaurants with interior ingredients they should know about anyway! Toasted pumpkin seeds and cotija cheese with house fried chips! My signature fave Chorizo Stuffed Tenderloin, Ruby Trout, Spiced Pasta, and Wedgies salad were among entrees ordered. All smiles while we tried to get the birthday girl to pick a free dessert. The Flourless Chocolate slice and Key Lime Pie rounded out a stellar meal with friends. No problem splitting the tab either! Thanks JAK!

Brunch at Jack Allen's was amazing! They are a sister restaurant of Salt Traders, so the inside is decorated nicely, relaxed but still a little bit upscale. Our waitress was awesome, and made sure to check on us frequently. We started out with their house made pimento cheese - best pimento cheese I've had so far! I've had a lot of different kinds of eggs Benedict, but their barbacoa Benedict takes the cake! The cook on the egg was great, as well as the hollandaise sauce. As far as drinks, the Cherry Bomb Mimosa was definitely worth it. I can't wait to come back for lunch or dinner!