Susan C.
Yelp
4.5 stars. Though there are a variety of concerns addressed in other reviews, my own experience this past weekend was a positive one. I'd recommend trying their more fusion-forward menu items, and at times to expect flavors and textures different from the traditional American/Western interpretations.
Dropped by with a friend on a Friday evening around 9:30pm looking for a snack. We'd just come from an art event close by and most other restaurants start closing up between 9-10pm around this area. Jungly was one of the few that stayed open later (until 1am) and served not only bar food, but more substantial items too.
Being the sister restaurant to Queen's Bully in Forest Hills, the menu at Jungly serves up American/Western dishes with international influences.*
We ordered:
- Truffle Herby Fries $12: these fries were YUMMM. I saw pics of them online in Gmaps reviews and knew I had to get some iteration of these. Perfectly crispy on the outside. Fresh oregano, dried thyme added a fragrant touch, and lightly truffley, which I was good with since truffle can be an overpowering flavor. Plenty of Parmesan sprinkled on top. Maybe a smidgeon salty, but overall would really recommend. They also have their house Jungly Fries available which are topped with shallots, scallions, fried garlic, ginger, red chili crunch, chives and served with soy garlic ketchup--if my friend had been more adventurous I would've tried this.
- Jungly Wings $15: 6 pieces, you choose the sauce out of the following options: buffalo / szechuan / bbq / lemon pepper / jerk / tikka masala / thai spice / old bay. I chose tikka masala and they did not disappoint. Saucy, spicy (not in a burning way, in a well-flavored spice mixture way). Would certainly order these again. Came with a few celery and carrot sticks and what I think was a ranch or yogurt sauce.
Staff was attentive but not too much so, brought menus and water pretty quickly once we sat down, brought extra plates and wet wipes for the wings. Checked in on us once during the meal.
Not to miss describing the space--it was huge inside, probably enough seating for close to 150+ people if you count the bar area, the main seating room and the side room to the right of the bar when you first walk in. Most of the seating was at tables or booths for 4, and they can definitely accommodate larger parties. On Friday at 9:30pm they were playing a big boxing fight night on the multiple tv screens in the bar and main dining rooms. Lights were dimmed and warm colored, a mix of reggae and early 2000's hip hop played over the speakers. If anything the music was a bit too loud, we had to talk loudly across our small table to hear each other.
As a note of constructive critique I agree with another review in that having a more defined style and cuisine theme may give some diners a better reason to come. The menu seems to reflect scattered genres which is fine, but not all dishes come off as following a fusion of international flavors. Without adding flavor nuances to make these dishes stand out from other restaurants that focus on those original profiles, it becomes hard for a customer to find a reason to come here over another American, Italian, burger, etc joint.
All that being said, I look forward to returning and trying some of their mains and other items.
*I'm a fan of Queen's Bully and their fusion of flavors--they do it relatively well compared to some other casual restaurants.