New York, NY 10012
United States
+1-212-510-8550
Egg Benedict is great Pancake is not good Need waiting for more than an hour on Sunday Will absolutely come back
Cute places with killer brunch menus are what I live for! Jack's Wife Freda is totally worth the hype in my opinion. My friend and I got here around 9:45am and faced a ~30 minute wait, but it wasn't bad at all since we were able to do some window shopping in Soho. We started the meal with tall cups of fresh cantaloupe juice, which is just sweet, delicious, pulpy cantaloupe blended up. It's super refreshing and 100% worth a try! I ordered the green shakshuka, which was perfectly spicy and tangy and paired nicely with the rich, yolky eggs and fluffy challah. My friend got the tomato and halloumi Benedict, which was also scrumptious from the bite I tried. Everything was plated very attractively too. Portions skew towards the smaller side, which is good because you don't walk out feeling gross. The space itself is picturesque but cramped. I would recommend everything I tried here!!! JWF def makes it into one of my favorite brunch places.
As a first timer, I arrived at random on Tuesday morning around 10 AM. It was a zoo! There was a 10 minute wait and I could tell it was crowded with both locals and tourists. The service stood out to me. My waiter was very funny to everyone and you could see how much he loved the constant buzz about the place. I had the Madame Freda and mint lemonade. The sandwich tasted to me like a grilled cheese with an egg on top. It wasn't bad, I just didn't find it worth the hype. The lemonade was awesome though. I'd probably come back to try more of the menu as its a cozy space and fun spot to take anyone visiting the area.
Cute little place in the city , great vibes but too loudy . The food is great I've tasted the waffle , it was really good. The owners are very nice ,as well . The place is clean and the bartenders were very polite (wevesat on the bar ) The place looks very busy and I can understand why . Again , I'm not sure I'll be back for a round two but it as nice experience .
In my eyes, Jack's Wife Freda is one of the BEST causal brunch places in the city! If you're looking for a spot with a great abidance, friendly waitstaff, and a variety of food options to choose from look no further than Jack's Wife Freda. My friend and I decided to go to their Soho location on a calm Sunday afternoon. We had noticed there were already people waiting on the sidewalk (This place gets filled up fast), but no one had taken the two seats at the bar. We were offered and accepted since we really didn't care about sitting at a table. The waitstaff along with the bartender were extremely attentive. Right after we were seated they asked us our drink orders and gave us a few minutes to peruse the menu. I ended up choosing the Jack's Burger with a side of fires, along with their special hot sauce. All I can say is that I left full and satisfied beyond a doubt. A side note, this place does not take reservations for parties of two. If you're looking for table service either come early or be prepared to wait. It's that good. They also have a location on carmine street that is apparently less busy on Sundays? (That's only what I've been told) If you have the opportunity, definitely visit Jack's Wife Freda! You'll leave more happy (and more full) then when you had come in!
I was visiting my friend in NYC and she picked this restaurant for us to go to! They don't take reservations for parties under 6 so we ended up waiting a little bit for our table. Luckily, we went in the early evening and did not have to wait too long. The inside of the restaurant is a little cramped and small but it is worth enduring for the delicious food. We started out with the roasted garlic with focaccia bread which was amazing. They give you three pieces of bread with the dish which is not nearly enough. However, if you ask nicely, you may be able to get a few extra pieces. The roasted garlic spread upon on the warm bread is delicious. I highly recommend this dish! For my entree, I chose the eggplant with lamb lasagna. I have never had lasagna which had eggplant in place of noodles so I did not know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised! It was delicious and I actually did not miss the noodles because the eggplant was a perfect substitute. The eggplant paired perfectly with the lamb so I devoured every bit of it. I tried my friend's peri peri chicken which was tender and flavorful. Overall, this place did not disappoint and is worth the wait if there is a long line.
Jack's Wife Freda is one of the best choices you have in the neighborhood full of hip spots. I've been here a couple of time in the past but somehow totally forgot to leave a review. So as I was done shopping in Soho the other day, my bf and I decided to get dinner here. It's always crowded any time of the day but we were lucky enough to get a table outside right away. It's super noisy inside this tiny restaurant anyway. We ordered the Kefta Kebab, Peri-peri Chicken, and French Fries. I've only had brunch here so these are all new to me. The Kefta Kebab is lamb minced meatball with a lot of flavors coming from herbs and seasonings so the lamb smell is not overwhelming at all. It pairs great with the white sauce and pita bread. I LOVE the Peri-peri Chicken! It's a grilled chicken thigh with lots of seasoning on the skin, salsa salad and spicy guac(?) dipping sauce. It's seasoned so well and unique. The white meat is somewhat dry but it's unavoidable when you grill chicken. I highly recommend this dish. French Fries is delicious as well. The price is reasonable and the staff is beyond helpful. Definitely coming back for more!
Finally came to this cute cafe for lunch and although the wait was almost an hour, we were not disappointed. A special mention to the bloody Mary which is probably the best i have had! For mains we got the madame freda which is similar to croque madam but stuffed with duck bacon. We also got the 2 poached eggs with grilled tomato and haloumi which was a basic no flate comforting dish with perfectly poached eggs and perfectly grilled haloumi. The shakshuka with tomatillos was a little disappointing because of its watery consistency but the server exceeded our expectations by letting us order another dish in its place for no extra charge and with a smile so we got the breakfast bowl which was hearty and healthy and tasted great. Overall a really satisfying meal.
Wow!!! Fellow yelpers you did not let me down with this recommendation! I was in Soho for work so had bookmarked a few places to eat. This one came up as a top recommendation, specifically for breakfast. The reviews were actually so appealing that I was afraid I'd get there when they opened and there would be a wait. Lucky for me I got there about 15 minutes after opening and I was only like the 5th person in there. No wait whatsoever! (Although it was a Tuesday morning) The server was super helpful. I'm not the most adventurous eater so when looking at the menu, I got a little nervous. I had seen pics of the waffle and initially wanted that, but when I got there and saw it was a "rosewater waffle" I was kind of turned off. He walked me through other recommendations and I ultimately decided on the eggs benny....Although the thought of a beet hollandaise sauce also made me kind of nervous. After I ordered, I checked a few things on my phone and then used the restroom. When I came out of the restroom, I turned the corner and my food was already there! (Unbelievable- it had to have been less than 5 mins) I was a little concerned when I saw the meal. It was very very Pink. It just didn't look natural. Anyways, I thought "here goes nothing..." and took one bite...OMG!!! I will never stick my nose up at unique foods again!! It tasted AMAZING! My mouth is watering thinking about it. It just had all the best breakfast flavors in one delicious bite; eggs, potato, and salmon (I also think I tasted bacon but might have just been the salmon). It was absolutely excellent and I've been telling my friends and coworkers that Jack's Wife Freda is the crowned yelp jewel of my NYC trip. I would highly recommend going here for breakfast. Would even go out of my way to come here next time I'm in town. It was just that damn good!!
I came across this spot while perusing the yelp app. The reviews were great all across the board so I confidently walked in with high expectations. We were greeted and sat at our table. Everyone, and I mean everyone, around us was eating delicious looking waffles with fresh fruit. I wanted this. But I guess we came at an odd transition time (around 4:30pm), so we were told the majority of the items on the menu, including the waffles, were unavailable. Disappointingly, I settled with the chicken with quinoa salad while my girlfriend ordered the hamburger with fries. I guess My taste buds aren't accustomed to 'healthy eats,' but I thought the entire meal was extremely uninspiring and unsatisfying. While the chicken was cooked well, it lacked flavor (though the additional spicy green sauce on the side was not too bad). The quinoa underneath was, simply put, just bland quinoa with pieces of cucumbers. The cheeseburger was completely underwhelming as well. While the bun was tasty, the patty was bland and tasted like cardboard. The fries were okay, but McDonald's is definitely better. Everything tasted like my funky experiments at home economics class during 9th grade. The only great thing about the place is the service and people. Everyone is so friendly and kind. Decor is bright and nice around and there is plenty available outdoor seating. You know that feeling after you feel super unsatisfied after a meal? That feeling you wish you could just vomit and just re-do your appetite and eating experience? That's kind of how I felt with this restaurant.
Located in Soho Rated one of the best breakfast joints in NYC but also open for lunch and dinner. Mediterranean cuisine. There is a love story of how the bistros name was thought of but I'll let you find out if you look it up. Anyways, excellent service and food felt like home cooking. Menu has tons of choices. Recommendations are to make RSVP. Their are two locations; but this location is the where it all began. Thank you again Jack's Wife Freda.
Fortunately, our party of 3 did not have to wait too long during prime lunch time on a Friday. Apparently, a ton of people flake/cancel their name on the wait list too, so your wait time might end up being much shorter. Warning: if the host calls your name and you're not ready? Too Fn bad. We tried all the popular items: * "nana" black tea with fresh mint - um, can I order a gallon-size next time? * green shakshuka plus a side of duck cured bacon - order this if you want fancy green eggs and ham - so yum! I could not stop dipping the challah toast in the vibrant green pepper sauce. * rosewater waffle - I would smother my face in this fluffy waffle. Hey, rosewater is good for your skin, right? The honey syrup and Lebanese yogurt complemented it so well too. * peri peri-marinated chicken - sadly the chicken kebab was on the dry side and could use some sort of sauce. Portions were just right for the price; I still had room afterward for a sweet treat afterward (pssst. Eileen's Cheesecake and Taiyaki desserts are a short walk away). Space was extremely tight (hint: don't bring all your SoHo shopping bags here). Service was quick and personable. Overall, a great first impression.
Such a delightfully unique brunch spot! Jack's Wife Freda has a quaint and intimate feel to it and offers very interesting Mediterranean-inspired menu options. If you're looking for a new brunch, come to Jack's Wife Freda! I recommend the Rosewater Waffle and Madame Freda.
Visited this Soho restaurant for dinner on a Saturday night. Spatially, this is not a large place in terms of square footage, so the fact that every table was filled contributed to the atmosphere being one of intimacy and romance - definitely a great place for date night. Lighting is very dim here, and the space between your table and your neighbor's is very tight. I wouldn't overeat and risk getting stuck - partially joking. I ordered the spiced beet dip, roasted cauliflower, and Jack's burger - and was pleased with all. Customer service was good, and the vibe was all around positive. I have yet to come here for brunch, and am curious to try the Green Shakshuka when I do.
Really good food and decent price. Not a long wait after you order but super long wait to get a sit. Even if you just come with two people, not a large group, but you still usually have to wait an hour. We waited for almost 2 hours this time. Fresh ingredients and a few different options. A few choices for drinks as well.
Jacks wife Freda is one of my favorite spots for dinner in NYC. I've gotten a variety of the small plates which are all delicious and inspired by the Jewish comfort food of South Africa meets modern Israeli. Highly recommend for a date! However, for brunch it's not worth the wait. There is always a long line on the weekends but the dishes are all sub-par and overpriced. The green shakshuka isn't the tastiest I've had, and doesn't come with enough bread. The beet and lox Benedict is beautiful, but tiny - I wasn't full after having that for brunch. Overall, skip the brunch lines by going elsewhere and go for a dinner date!
Not really sure what the hype is with this place. Came here for brunch on a Saturday with about five friends. We were crowded into a long table in the middle of the restaurant. We were were packed in so tightly with the other customers that I could barely get my legs in or out of the bench seat. The food was also unimpressive and definitely not worth the high price point. I ordered the breakfast bowl. The flavors were good, but pretty generic. This tasted like something I could make at home for way less than $16. I was also still hungry after.
I will never ever wait in line for any restaurant except for JWF. I've gladly waited 15 hours for all 15 times I've eaten here for brunch. I've been here 3 times for dinner and never had to wait. Cool thing is, you'll put your name on the list and then you're free to go shopping for an hour! That hour flies by and you'll have gotten some cool clothes in soho and you also worked up an appetite for brunch! We've spotted many models and famous DJs and stars eating here. It's really that good. MUST GET- their spicy green sauce. One time they were sooo nice- after I finished my meal...they saw me dipping their bread into the green sauce. They came back with more toasted bread & green sauce for me. Maybe they thought I was homeless, or maybe they just recognize a true green sauce fan. But yeah, the waiters are awesome there. Love their steak and eggs, breakfast bowl (spaghetti squash, kale, quinoa and egg), green shashuka, their FRIES, vegetable curry, catch of the day, and pasta of the day. I always ask for an extra side of green sauce and I dump that shizzz on everything. Go crazy. Everything on their menu is DEEEELISSHHHH
Came in for breakfast one Sunday morning. So glad I chose this place. I did not know the background but one look at the menu screamed South African inspiration. The food was delicious and a healthier take on breakfast which we love! Tried the Madame Freda with a side of duck bacon, Jack's breakfast and Mediterranean breakfast. All was delicious and plates were cleaned. Asked for hot sauce and was presented with a fresh green salsa which was heavenly....bottle the stuff so I can have it with everything please!!! The madame Freda is a take on croque with duck prosciutto. It was delicious served with a side salad of arugula and pickled onion. The Med breakfast was simple and fresh and my husband loved it. A perfect combo to get the morning started. The Jacks breakfast is a South African fave, steak and eggs for breakfast...can't go wrong. Steak was perfectly cooked and accompaniments were on point. We could not leave without having the malva pudding which is another South African staple. Unfortunately this lost them the fifth star that I was poised to give (which happens rarely). It was more of a muffin than malva pudding which should be moist and rich. This take was quite dry. Still had good flavors but I'm not in favor of this spin on malva pudding. Will I be back? YES YES YES!
Here's the trick to Jack's Wife Freda: show up before 10:30 am. It's that easy. There was no wait at 9:15 am, but there were their trademark crowds on the sidewalk an hour and change later. The place is cute, though the tables are packed in. Service is quick and polite. The menu is filled with things you want to eat, some healthy and some more dubious. Nothing that you haven't seen before if you've brunched in NYC-- standard plates with slightly fancy ingredients. Quinoa bowls, green shakshuka, duck bacon, salads, rose waffles, halloumi. Avocados and eggs in most dishes. Very Mediterranean; don't see a strongly Jewish influence beyond the smoked salmon. I went with Maya's grain bowl ($15), with poached eggs, avocado, quinoa, kale, and spaghetti squash. Lots and lots of spaghetti squash. I didn't enjoy it at all until I poured on the green hot sauce, which worked pretty well to cohere it. Portion was quite big. I also had the cantaloupe juice ($6) which was... interesting? I think I liked it but I was always not quite sure. It's very thick. They give it to you in a to-go cup even if you're dining in, which I initially resented but was later useful. It became better as the ice melted. Overall, it was a decent brunch, but I don't understand why you would wait hours (or even minutes) for a table here.
Jack’s Wife Freda
This business has been claimed by the owner or a representative.
-
Edit
224 Lafayette St
New York, NY 10012
United States b/t Kenmare St & Cleveland Pl
SoHo - Phone number +1-212-510-8550
- Business website jackswifefreda.com
-
“Highly recommended: Green Shakshuka, Rosewater Waffle (and the mayo-less tuna isn't bad either!)” in 203 reviews
-
“I ordered a mediterranean breakfast plate with a cappuccino and my friend ordered the rosewater waffles.” in 110 reviews
-
“Have a pimms cup with the house cured duck bacon and the completely awesome green shaksuka.” in 157 reviews
-
Claire J. said "My group of friends ended up here on a Sunday night for my boyfriend's birthday celebration. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice this bar is. Fairly priced, good drinks and a chill atmosphere. We were a…" read morein Sports Bars, American (New) -
Marleigh S. said "I came to this restaurant at an extreme level of hunger. In fact I barely was able to welcome other people to the table before sitting down to order food. After some discussion about which of the cold…" read morein Mediterranean, Turkish
Ask the Community
-
Do they have all day breakfast?
2 months ago 2 people found this helpful
-
- Shuyi S.
- Boston, United States
- 4 friends
- 6 reviews
- 71 photos
Egg Benedict is great
Pancake is not good
Need waiting for more than an hour on Sunday
Will absolutely come backHelen D. and 3 others voted for this review
Others will see how you vote!
Heads up: From now on, other Yelpers will be able to see how you voted. Want to chime in? -
- Stephanie C.
- Boston, United States
- 203 friends
- 200 reviews
- 511 photos
- Elite ’17
Cute places with killer brunch menus are what I live for! Jack's Wife Freda is totally worth the hype in my opinion.
My friend and I got here around 9:45am and faced a ~30 minute wait, but it wasn't bad at all since we were able to do some window shopping in Soho. We started the meal with tall cups of fresh cantaloupe juice, which is just sweet, delicious, pulpy cantaloupe blended up. It's super refreshing and 100% worth a try! I ordered the green shakshuka, which was perfectly spicy and tangy and paired nicely with the rich, yolky eggs and fluffy challah. My friend got the tomato and halloumi Benedict, which was also scrumptious from the bite I tried. Everything was plated very attractively too. Portions skew towards the smaller side, which is good because you don't walk out feeling gross. The space itself is picturesque but cramped.
I would recommend everything I tried here!!! JWF def makes it into one of my favorite brunch places.Melody Y. voted for this review
Others will see how you vote!
Heads up: From now on, other Yelpers will be able to see how you voted. Want to chime in? -
- Kimberly M.
- Hoboken, United States
- 125 friends
- 265 reviews
- 9 photos
- Elite ’17
As a first timer, I arrived at random on Tuesday morning around 10 AM. It was a zoo! There was a 10 minute wait and I could tell it was crowded with both locals and tourists. The service stood out to me. My waiter was very funny to everyone and you could see how much he loved the constant buzz about the place.
I had the Madame Freda and mint lemonade. The sandwich tasted to me like a grilled cheese with an egg on top. It wasn't bad, I just didn't find it worth the hype. The lemonade was awesome though. I'd probably come back to try more of the menu as its a cozy space and fun spot to take anyone visiting the area.Was this review …?
Others will see how you vote!
Heads up: From now on, other Yelpers will be able to see how you voted. Want to chime in? -
Cute little place in the city , great vibes but too loudy . The food is great I've tasted the waffle , it was really good.
The owners are very nice ,as well . The place is clean and the bartenders were very polite (wevesat on the bar )
The place looks very busy and I can understand why . Again , I'm not sure I'll be back for a round two but it as nice experience .Michael H. and 2 others voted for this review
Others will see how you vote!
Heads up: From now on, other Yelpers will be able to see how you voted. Want to chime in? -
- Nicholas C.
- Upper West Side, Manhattan, United States
- 88 friends
- 42 reviews
- 71 photos
- Elite ’17
In my eyes, Jack's Wife Freda is one of the BEST causal brunch places in the city! If you're looking for a spot with a great abidance, friendly waitstaff, and a variety of food options to choose from look no further than Jack's Wife Freda.
My friend and I decided to go to their Soho location on a calm Sunday afternoon. We had noticed there were already people waiting on the sidewalk (This place gets filled up fast), but no one had taken the two seats at the bar. We were offered and accepted since we really didn't care about sitting at a table.
The waitstaff along with the bartender were extremely attentive. Right after we were seated they asked us our drink orders and gave us a few minutes to peruse the menu. I ended up choosing the Jack's Burger with a side of fires, along with their special hot sauce. All I can say is that I left full and satisfied beyond a doubt.
A side note, this place does not take reservations for parties of two. If you're looking for table service either come early or be prepared to wait. It's that good. They also have a location on carmine street that is apparently less busy on Sundays? (That's only what I've been told)
If you have the opportunity, definitely visit Jack's Wife Freda! You'll leave more happy (and more full) then when you had come in!Gerardo A. voted for this review
Others will see how you vote!
Heads up: From now on, other Yelpers will be able to see how you voted. Want to chime in? -
I was visiting my friend in NYC and she picked this restaurant for us to go to! They don't take reservations for parties under 6 so we ended up waiting a little bit for our table. Luckily, we went in the early evening and did not have to wait too long.
The inside of the restaurant is a little cramped and small but it is worth enduring for the delicious food.
We started out with the roasted garlic with focaccia bread which was amazing. They give you three pieces of bread with the dish which is not nearly enough. However, if you ask nicely, you may be able to get a few extra pieces. The roasted garlic spread upon on the warm bread is delicious. I highly recommend this dish!
For my entree, I chose the eggplant with lamb lasagna. I have never had lasagna which had eggplant in place of noodles so I did not know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised! It was delicious and I actually did not miss the noodles because the eggplant was a perfect substitute. The eggplant paired perfectly with the lamb so I devoured every bit of it.
I tried my friend's peri peri chicken which was tender and flavorful.
Overall, this place did not disappoint and is worth the wait if there is a long line.Was this review …?
Others will see how you vote!
Heads up: From now on, other Yelpers will be able to see how you voted. Want to chime in? -
- Hannah V.
- Flushing, United States
- 151 friends
- 157 reviews
- 356 photos
Jack's Wife Freda is one of the best choices you have in the neighborhood full of hip spots. I've been here a couple of time in the past but somehow totally forgot to leave a review. So as I was done shopping in Soho the other day, my bf and I decided to get dinner here.
It's always crowded any time of the day but we were lucky enough to get a table outside right away. It's super noisy inside this tiny restaurant anyway.
We ordered the Kefta Kebab, Peri-peri Chicken, and French Fries. I've only had brunch here so these are all new to me. The Kefta Kebab is lamb minced meatball with a lot of flavors coming from herbs and seasonings so the lamb smell is not overwhelming at all. It pairs great with the white sauce and pita bread. I LOVE the Peri-peri Chicken! It's a grilled chicken thigh with lots of seasoning on the skin, salsa salad and spicy guac(?) dipping sauce. It's seasoned so well and unique. The white meat is somewhat dry but it's unavoidable when you grill chicken. I highly recommend this dish. French Fries is delicious as well.
The price is reasonable and the staff is beyond helpful. Definitely coming back for more!Janet J. and 3 others voted for this review
Others will see how you vote!
Heads up: From now on, other Yelpers will be able to see how you voted. Want to chime in? -
Finally came to this cute cafe for lunch and although the wait was almost an hour, we were not disappointed. A special mention to the bloody Mary which is probably the best i have had! For mains we got the madame freda which is similar to croque madam but stuffed with duck bacon. We also got the 2 poached eggs with grilled tomato and haloumi which was a basic no flate comforting dish with perfectly poached eggs and perfectly grilled haloumi. The shakshuka with tomatillos was a little disappointing because of its watery consistency but the server exceeded our expectations by letting us order another dish in its place for no extra charge and with a smile so we got the breakfast bowl which was hearty and healthy and tasted great.
Overall a really satisfying meal.Edward C. and 1 other voted for this review
Others will see how you vote!
Heads up: From now on, other Yelpers will be able to see how you voted. Want to chime in? -
- Chelsea E.
- Columbus, United States
- 74 friends
- 42 reviews
- 57 photos
- Elite ’17
Wow!!! Fellow yelpers you did not let me down with this recommendation!
I was in Soho for work so had bookmarked a few places to eat. This one came up as a top recommendation, specifically for breakfast. The reviews were actually so appealing that I was afraid I'd get there when they opened and there would be a wait. Lucky for me I got there about 15 minutes after opening and I was only like the 5th person in there. No wait whatsoever! (Although it was a Tuesday morning)
The server was super helpful. I'm not the most adventurous eater so when looking at the menu, I got a little nervous. I had seen pics of the waffle and initially wanted that, but when I got there and saw it was a "rosewater waffle" I was kind of turned off. He walked me through other recommendations and I ultimately decided on the eggs benny....Although the thought of a beet hollandaise sauce also made me kind of nervous.
After I ordered, I checked a few things on my phone and then used the restroom. When I came out of the restroom, I turned the corner and my food was already there! (Unbelievable- it had to have been less than 5 mins)
I was a little concerned when I saw the meal. It was very very Pink. It just didn't look natural. Anyways, I thought "here goes nothing..." and took one bite...OMG!!! I will never stick my nose up at unique foods again!! It tasted AMAZING! My mouth is watering thinking about it. It just had all the best breakfast flavors in one delicious bite; eggs, potato, and salmon (I also think I tasted bacon but might have just been the salmon). It was absolutely excellent and I've been telling my friends and coworkers that Jack's Wife Freda is the crowned yelp jewel of my NYC trip. I would highly recommend going here for breakfast. Would even go out of my way to come here next time I'm in town. It was just that damn good!!Carlie S. voted for this review
Others will see how you vote!
Heads up: From now on, other Yelpers will be able to see how you voted. Want to chime in? -
I came across this spot while perusing the yelp app. The reviews were great all across the board so I confidently walked in with high expectations.
We were greeted and sat at our table. Everyone, and I mean everyone, around us was eating delicious looking waffles with fresh fruit. I wanted this. But I guess we came at an odd transition time (around 4:30pm), so we were told the majority of the items on the menu, including the waffles, were unavailable. Disappointingly, I settled with the chicken with quinoa salad while my girlfriend ordered the hamburger with fries.
I guess My taste buds aren't accustomed to 'healthy eats,' but I thought the entire meal was extremely uninspiring and unsatisfying. While the chicken was cooked well, it lacked flavor (though the additional spicy green sauce on the side was not too bad). The quinoa underneath was, simply put, just bland quinoa with pieces of cucumbers. The cheeseburger was completely underwhelming as well. While the bun was tasty, the patty was bland and tasted like cardboard. The fries were okay, but McDonald's is definitely better. Everything tasted like my funky experiments at home economics class during 9th grade.
The only great thing about the place is the service and people. Everyone is so friendly and kind. Decor is bright and nice around and there is plenty available outdoor seating.
You know that feeling after you feel super unsatisfied after a meal? That feeling you wish you could just vomit and just re-do your appetite and eating experience? That's kind of how I felt with this restaurant.Marisa P. and 2 others voted for this review
Others will see how you vote!
Heads up: From now on, other Yelpers will be able to see how you voted. Want to chime in? -
Located in Soho
Rated one of the best breakfast joints in NYC but also open for lunch and dinner.
Mediterranean cuisine.
There is a love story of how the bistros name was thought of but I'll let you find out if you look it up.
Anyways, excellent service and food felt like home cooking. Menu has tons of choices. Recommendations are to make RSVP. Their are two locations; but this location is the where it all began.
Thank you again Jack's Wife Freda.PrincessCandyEmpire S. and 13 others voted for this review
Others will see how you vote!
Heads up: From now on, other Yelpers will be able to see how you voted. Want to chime in? -
Fortunately, our party of 3 did not have to wait too long during prime lunch time on a Friday. Apparently, a ton of people flake/cancel their name on the wait list too, so your wait time might end up being much shorter. Warning: if the host calls your name and you're not ready? Too Fn bad.
We tried all the popular items:
* "nana" black tea with fresh mint - um, can I order a gallon-size next time?
* green shakshuka plus a side of duck cured bacon - order this if you want fancy green eggs and ham - so yum! I could not stop dipping the challah toast in the vibrant green pepper sauce.
* rosewater waffle - I would smother my face in this fluffy waffle. Hey, rosewater is good for your skin, right? The honey syrup and Lebanese yogurt complemented it so well too.
* peri peri-marinated chicken - sadly the chicken kebab was on the dry side and could use some sort of sauce.
Portions were just right for the price; I still had room afterward for a sweet treat afterward (pssst. Eileen's Cheesecake and Taiyaki desserts are a short walk away). Space was extremely tight (hint: don't bring all your SoHo shopping bags here). Service was quick and personable. Overall, a great first impression.Was this review …?
Others will see how you vote!
Heads up: From now on, other Yelpers will be able to see how you voted. Want to chime in? -
- Andrew M.
- Chicago, United States
- 183 friends
- 15 reviews
- 15 photos
Such a delightfully unique brunch spot! Jack's Wife Freda has a quaint and intimate feel to it and offers very interesting Mediterranean-inspired menu options. If you're looking for a new brunch, come to Jack's Wife Freda! I recommend the Rosewater Waffle and Madame Freda.
Was this review …?
Others will see how you vote!
Heads up: From now on, other Yelpers will be able to see how you voted. Want to chime in? -
Visited this Soho restaurant for dinner on a Saturday night. Spatially, this is not a large place in terms of square footage, so the fact that every table was filled contributed to the atmosphere being one of intimacy and romance - definitely a great place for date night. Lighting is very dim here, and the space between your table and your neighbor's is very tight. I wouldn't overeat and risk getting stuck - partially joking.
I ordered the spiced beet dip, roasted cauliflower, and Jack's burger - and was pleased with all. Customer service was good, and the vibe was all around positive. I have yet to come here for brunch, and am curious to try the Green Shakshuka when I do.Ravi B. and 7 others voted for this review
Others will see how you vote!
Heads up: From now on, other Yelpers will be able to see how you voted. Want to chime in? -
- Viviann L.
- Manhattan, United States
- 135 friends
- 462 reviews
- 622 photos
Really good food and decent price. Not a long wait after you order but super long wait to get a sit. Even if you just come with two people, not a large group, but you still usually have to wait an hour. We waited for almost 2 hours this time. Fresh ingredients and a few different options. A few choices for drinks as well.
Was this review …?
Others will see how you vote!
Heads up: From now on, other Yelpers will be able to see how you voted. Want to chime in? -
Jacks wife Freda is one of my favorite spots for dinner in NYC. I've gotten a variety of the small plates which are all delicious and inspired by the Jewish comfort food of South Africa meets modern Israeli. Highly recommend for a date!
However, for brunch it's not worth the wait. There is always a long line on the weekends but the dishes are all sub-par and overpriced. The green shakshuka isn't the tastiest I've had, and doesn't come with enough bread. The beet and lox Benedict is beautiful, but tiny - I wasn't full after having that for brunch.
Overall, skip the brunch lines by going elsewhere and go for a dinner date!5 people voted for this review
Others will see how you vote!
Heads up: From now on, other Yelpers will be able to see how you voted. Want to chime in? -
Not really sure what the hype is with this place. Came here for brunch on a Saturday with about five friends. We were crowded into a long table in the middle of the restaurant. We were were packed in so tightly with the other customers that I could barely get my legs in or out of the bench seat.
The food was also unimpressive and definitely not worth the high price point. I ordered the breakfast bowl. The flavors were good, but pretty generic. This tasted like something I could make at home for way less than $16. I was also still hungry after.Kamran X. and 11 others voted for this review
Others will see how you vote!
Heads up: From now on, other Yelpers will be able to see how you voted. Want to chime in? -
- Cynthia S.
- Two Bridges, Manhattan, United States
- 640 friends
- 58 reviews
- 699 photos
I will never ever wait in line for any restaurant except for JWF. I've gladly waited 15 hours for all 15 times I've eaten here for brunch. I've been here 3 times for dinner and never had to wait. Cool thing is, you'll put your name on the list and then you're free to go shopping for an hour! That hour flies by and you'll have gotten some cool clothes in soho and you also worked up an appetite for brunch!
We've spotted many models and famous DJs and stars eating here. It's really that good.
MUST GET- their spicy green sauce. One time they were sooo nice- after I finished my meal...they saw me dipping their bread into the green sauce. They came back with more toasted bread & green sauce for me. Maybe they thought I was homeless, or maybe they just recognize a true green sauce fan. But yeah, the waiters are awesome there.
Love their steak and eggs, breakfast bowl (spaghetti squash, kale, quinoa and egg), green shashuka, their FRIES, vegetable curry, catch of the day, and pasta of the day. I always ask for an extra side of green sauce and I dump that shizzz on everything.
Go crazy. Everything on their menu is DEEEELISSHHHHClaudia C. and 1 other voted for this review
Others will see how you vote!
Heads up: From now on, other Yelpers will be able to see how you voted. Want to chime in? -
- Pooline N.
- Brooklyn, United States
- 47 friends
- 191 reviews
- 137 photos
- Elite ’17
Came in for breakfast one Sunday morning. So glad I chose this place. I did not know the background but one look at the menu screamed South African inspiration.
The food was delicious and a healthier take on breakfast which we love! Tried the Madame Freda with a side of duck bacon, Jack's breakfast and Mediterranean breakfast. All was delicious and plates were cleaned. Asked for hot sauce and was presented with a fresh green salsa which was heavenly....bottle the stuff so I can have it with everything please!!!
The madame Freda is a take on croque with duck prosciutto. It was delicious served with a side salad of arugula and pickled onion.
The Med breakfast was simple and fresh and my husband loved it. A perfect combo to get the morning started.
The Jacks breakfast is a South African fave, steak and eggs for breakfast...can't go wrong. Steak was perfectly cooked and accompaniments were on point.
We could not leave without having the malva pudding which is another South African staple. Unfortunately this lost them the fifth star that I was poised to give (which happens rarely). It was more of a muffin than malva pudding which should be moist and rich. This take was quite dry. Still had good flavors but I'm not in favor of this spin on malva pudding.
Will I be back? YES YES YES!Diane Y. and 21 others voted for this review
Others will see how you vote!
Heads up: From now on, other Yelpers will be able to see how you voted. Want to chime in? -
Here's the trick to Jack's Wife Freda: show up before 10:30 am. It's that easy. There was no wait at 9:15 am, but there were their trademark crowds on the sidewalk an hour and change later.
The place is cute, though the tables are packed in. Service is quick and polite.
The menu is filled with things you want to eat, some healthy and some more dubious. Nothing that you haven't seen before if you've brunched in NYC-- standard plates with slightly fancy ingredients. Quinoa bowls, green shakshuka, duck bacon, salads, rose waffles, halloumi. Avocados and eggs in most dishes. Very Mediterranean; don't see a strongly Jewish influence beyond the smoked salmon.
I went with Maya's grain bowl ($15), with poached eggs, avocado, quinoa, kale, and spaghetti squash. Lots and lots of spaghetti squash. I didn't enjoy it at all until I poured on the green hot sauce, which worked pretty well to cohere it. Portion was quite big.
I also had the cantaloupe juice ($6) which was... interesting? I think I liked it but I was always not quite sure. It's very thick. They give it to you in a to-go cup even if you're dining in, which I initially resented but was later useful. It became better as the ice melted.
Overall, it was a decent brunch, but I don't understand why you would wait hours (or even minutes) for a table here.Katherine C. and 16 others voted for this review
Others will see how you vote!
Heads up: From now on, other Yelpers will be able to see how you voted. Want to chime in?
Other American (New) Nearby
-
Dan A. said "Found this place through Reserve. The food was amazing, the staff was amazing and very welcoming from the hostess, to the bartender and eventually our server. I was also able to get a reservation the day…" read morein American (New)
Business info summary
-
- Today
- 8:30 am - 12:00 am Closed now
-
$$
- Price range
- $11-30
Menu
You might also consider
People also viewed
Lists including Jack's Wife Freda
-
Let's get it! On second thought... I apparently spend way too much… 148 businesses -
Some of the places I've checked out in one of the most exciting cities… 24 businesses -
Rating Details
Overall Rating
| 5 stars |
|
||
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 stars |
|
||
| 3 stars |
|
||
| 2 stars |
|
||
| 1 star |
|
Text to Phone
