Magical little find around the corner from our Airbnb! Zero wait on a Sunday morning and speedy quick service. Good was solid! I had Le Monsieur and my only complaint was a bit too much Dijon. Hubs had a schicken bacon ranch sammie and a side of cheddar grits that I could eat every day for the rest of my life. Would happily go back any time to try more food! read more

Jester's Café - Le Monsieur and a Bellini! - New American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

I was just at Jesters today for another amazing brunch - I LOVE it ! The service is ALWAYS great. I never post but always tell people about it. I decided to post to tell you that you can't go wrong in this charming restaurant . No wonder it was the scene of a cool independent film. Owners and long time staff rock. read more

Food is good; service was dreadful. This was a regular stop when Jamie owned it years ago. I appreciate staffing is difficult these days, but our waiter should not meet the public. Brusque to begin, when we asked for decaf coffee, he said he didn't have any. My husband asked if they ran out of coffee. Waiter said they aren't making it anymore because it's expensive, and they pour it out. Further, he said if we didn't like it, we don't need to come back. Because we were with friends, we didn't depart, but we won't return. Many people cannot drink caffeine for health reasons. It's pretty easy to install a small Keurig and buy a few decaf K- cups. There are many restaurant choices in the area. Don't come here. read more

Sweet little spot! Had some holiday decor which added to our little day date. The server was friendly and efficient. Food came out super quick which was nice as we stopped in for a quick breakfast during work. My wife and I both got Benedicts. I went with the smoked salmon. Enjoyed it very much! Prices were also extremely reasonable. Great spot. read more

I was beginning to get despondent. Nobody seems to be able to make coffee and a good dessert in Wilmington. Don't let anybody fool you. The food standards can be pretty...well...nevermind. I'm trying to practice a bit of positivity here. Suffice it to say, I was pretty down in the dumps when I rolled up to Jesters. It's located at the tail end of Antique Alley in Wilmington. My friend and I were desperate to see if anyone could do a latte like they meant it. We didn't find a latte. But we did find Jesters spoke the language of a nice brewed cup of coffee. And better yet? The spoke fluent dessert. Hello Gorgeous (Muffin) Hello Handsome (Brownie) Pleased to make your acquaintance. I will be back for a second date real soon. P.S. Jesters, your staff...wonderful. Met three of them on the day we came in after voting. Really really warm and friendly. Update I met another amazing muffin today. Lemon Poppyseed/Strawberry. You may not know this about me, but i am a muffin slut. And this one is worth adding a couple of extra pounds for. The slightly crunchy top. The light fluffy middle. The marvelous crumb texture. And the delightful blend of flavors. Neither overpowering the other. OUTSTANDING. Today also involved a croissant breakfast sandwich. The egg was nicely done, the sausage I could take or leave. I was a tad underdone. Just average. The croissant was a little heavy. My friend had the QOD--Quiche of the day. Divine. Don't ask me what was in it. I tend to forget 3 seconds after the wait person has rattled off the ingredients and today I was too busy wolfing down to remember for you. I am so sorry. You will just have tot take my word for it and go for yourself! read more

Jester's Café - Lemon strawberry muffin With a lemon? glaze I only managed to save half for the photo. It was gone that fast. - New American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Horrible service, expensive food that is not seasoned. The staff is rude and will ignore people while serving others.

There was a roach at the bottom of my table, very unsanitary. The food was subpar and the manager was highly disrespectful, he made slight racist comments at my friend when she asked if they had Halal options for the food. The food was not even that good for him to be doing all that...The lady that served us was sweet though and very understanding and kind. But overall terrible experience, would not recommend it! That manager needs to be fired. read more

My wife found this place on Yelp. I was hesitant to try it because I thought the portion sizes would be too small. Based on the great reviews decided to give it a try anyway. I'm glad that we went the food as well as the service was great! We both got a breakfast sandwich (which are served until 10:30 am). I got the cheese grits while my wife got the fresh fruit. The sandwiches were great as were the grits. I was craving sweet tea, so I got sweet tea for breakfast (odd I know), but the tea was amazing as well! I was highly recommend this place. read more

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In a cute, quaint building. The waiter was nice and helpful. The food was sort of eh... the croque madame was very one note. Just tasted like a ham and cheese sandwich on thick bread as opposed to the sweet savory combination that i usually hope for with that sandwich. The poached egg was not cooked all the way so there was some runny whites. With all the other breakfast options available in wilmington, don't know if I'd necessarily come back here. read more

Simple little inn-style food with homemade quiche and cute little outdoor area. You can sit on the front porch, or around back, and the indoor seating is nice too. Outside seating is dog friendly. Our waitress was very chill & super nice, as well. Nice little local spot! read more

Small place (only 2 two-person tables on the patio for outdoor dining), but super cute atmosphere and vibe! Ordered the salmon Benedict, which was yummy but nothing overly special. The servers were extremely nice though! read more

I'm visiting Wilmington and this is my favorite restaurant I've been to yet! The service was great, there was only one waitress working but she was working hard to take care of her tables and the food came out in just minutes. The food was the best part though! Cafe staples like a club sandwich and hot coffee can be hit or miss depending on where you go, and every part of my meal was definitely a hit. The hot coffee was delicious and some of the better drip coffee I've ever had a cafe. The potato salad and Rob's club were also delicious, I ate every last bite. I'm glad I came in for lunch and I recommend it to anyone looking for a good meal in a cute cafe. read more

Jester's Café - Rob's Club and Potato Salad - New American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Excellent place for breakfast! We walked about a mile and it was worth walking in the heat. We shared the egg strata and fresh fruit. My husband really loved the coffee. Service was friendly and efficient. Quaint cottage atmosphere. read more

Jester's Café - the front of the restaurant - New American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Went today for brunch and it was amazing! We got there right at 10 with no wait but it started filling up immediately after that. I got the quiche that was on special, my husband got the strata, my mom got the club sandwich, and we all shared the French toast casserole (everyone's favorite). Everything was absolutely amazing! The food came out quickly and the service was great too! We will definitely be back. read more

Been here twice and have always had delicious food! The service was quick and efficient

Delightful place for brunch. Great eggs Benedict. Very fresh and the eggs were perfectly cooked. Julia Child would have given a big two thumbs up. And the mini pumpkin muffins will melt in your mouth. read more

Jester's is not only a Castle St staple, but a Wilmington staple. They have inventive, unique dishes, a sweet little cafe style restaurant, and a wonderful wait staff. I've eaten there often, but my most recent experience was maybe one of my favorites. I had a delicious Ruben soup that really tasted like a Ruben sandwich. I highly recommend trying either their soup of the day or quiche of the day. Both are always excellent, but I've never had a bad dish here. read more

Jester's Café - New American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Food is always so good and the staff is so friendly. You may have to wait a few minutes so to limited seating g. But it's always worth the wait. read more

I love their French Toast Casserole, other menu items as well but this is unique to them. Always excellent service, great atmosphere, and a favorite go-to for us when we want a sure bet' read more

Homey feeling. Great service. Immaculate vibes. Cranberry Chardonnay Bees Lizards Butterflies read more

Jester's Café - New American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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The first two times we went here, it was all around great. Then the service started to deteriorate. The food wasn't good enough to make up for it. We stopped going. Then my husband says, "want to go to Jester's?" I look at him skeptically. He says, "the management changed." So we go. We left before even ordering. We got seated quickly which was nice but after several minutes of staff checking in on everyone around us and not acknowledging us, we started getting impatient. And then a table seated right after us got their server within a minute of being seated. My husband and I both thought hell no and got up to leave. The hostess then decides to try to placate us into staying. We told her about our past bad experiences here, and we weren't going to put up with it again. Maybe you'll have a better experience. The restaurant is cute. The food can be good. However, very little is going to entice me to give Jester's another chance. read more

Jesters is cute and colorful with friendly staff. They offer amazing sandwiches and quick service. It's a great lunch spot and located next to many different antique/vintage clothing stores for after your meal. I got the Cuban which I loved (it's an American Cuban, meaning they add sauce and pickles and don't overdo the meat to cheese ratio, the sauce is perfect!). My husband got the club which he also loved. We would recommend to our friends looking for a good sandwich place! read more

Located in a trendy hipster area, Jester's cafe is a great place for breakfast or lunch. With a variety of plant based options on top of classics like the Cuban and Club sandwiches, there's high quality food to meet all dietary needs. My wife and I loved the kombucha and local beer selection as well -- the perfect addition to a refreshing meal. Highly recommend to anyone new to Wilmington! read more

I've had the opportunity to nosh here twice--both enjoyable experiences from atmosphere to food. The "mimosa of the day" was a treat when my friend from NYC was visiting. I think she may have been convinced to move here just based on Jester's experience! Quiche selection is fantastic as well as the vegan burger I had. No, I am not a vegan or vegetarian; just a food adventuress! No reservations, however the owner pleasantly led us to a table once it had been sanitized. Very COVID-19 strict despite the no longer needing to have a mask if vaccinated. Cheerfully decorated and a "homey" feel. A new favorite! read more

This just happened to be the closest cafe with brunch to our Airbnb. And I'm so glad I stopped in. We sat outside on the front patio with our dog, yes they're dog friendly. I'm picky with my mimosas, only liking a little OJ, they made it on point to my liking. I had the Le Monsier, which was really good, my boyfriend just did the Loaded Home Fries, but as he said he was "pleasantly surprised. They did good." Our server Jess was super sweet to us and our dog, and provided great service! We'll definitely be back next time we find ourselves in Wilmington! read more

Jester's Café - Le Monsier was delicious - New American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

So good. The potato salad is to die for. I don't even think I breathed once the sandwich was so good I inhaled it. Super high quality food I felt so so full but not gross afterwards. Cutest little cafe in a converted house if you're in the Wilmington area this is a brunch must. Our server was so insanely nice and attentive. Such a sweetheart. She kept checking in to make sure everything was okay and she was so friendly. The kitchen is visible from the dining area-- that's how you know it's good! So clean and sanitary the food looks great. They also sell local art here which I think is awesome!!! I always support local art. If I'm ever back in Wilmington again I know for a fact I'll be coming back here read more

Jester's Café - Castle Street Cubano - New American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Eat there quite often. Each meal is top of the line. If you are lucky enough to be there when they serve biscuits and sausage gravy - grab it. I always take my out of town guests there so they get a real taste of Wilmington read more

If I could give negative stars I would... what was supposed to be a cute cafe brunch and end of a Bachelorette trip turned into a nightmare. As we ordered our food and drinks our pregnant friend asked for decaf coffee only to learn they don't serve it. So she went across the street with another girl in our group to get a decaf. (We all ordered food and drinks at Jesters too) Upon their return the "manager/owner" came running and screaming at them to get out, that they couldn't bring outside drinks in. He whipped the door open and rudely told them they are rude and to get out, slamming the door into the back our pregnant friend. The entire resturant startled and confused by his erratic outburst stared. Our friends cried across the street while we settled up the check to leave. We were so shocked he would scream at our friends and paying customers. He could have politely asked them to put the drinks in the car or not bring them in. Yet, choosing to publicly shame and yell at women was unreal. We had never been so horrified. Worst experience is saying it nicely. read more

If your not mindful of people with service animals discriminating by telling to sit out side on a dirty table, you will not get my business.

This place is nice and cozy and friendly for brunch. I like that they make real Hollandaise sauce for eggs benedict and variations. Good coffee, friendly service. Jester's is the kind of independent (owned by a couple) restaurant that we should support during the COVID crisis. Just so you know, its not easy making a living doing breakfast, brunch/lunch.(Not sure they have a dinner offering. ) BTW, they are doing their part with masks and social distancing. Give them a shot--good food and good people. read more

I'd say 3.5 stars. The food was good and the service was fine. I do like that it's a dog friendly place on the patio and they brought water for my dog. I had the Strata which was good and satisfying. read more

Perfect spot for breakfast after doing a long walk in the morning. The service was amazing and the food was delicious!

Such a great surprise !!! Three different dishes all better than the other. Staff super engaged ! Its yummiest !!

Best grits I've ever had; they are savory like gravy. Croque Monsieur is amazing! No espresso drinks but there's a cafe across the street and you can bring it with you if you want. read more

As the latest installment in the renaissance of downtown Wilmington, the New Castle Arts and Antique District--the section of Castle Street roughly between South 3rd and South 7th streets--now sports a number of eateries to feed the combination of silver-haired churchgoers and hungover rogues combing the neighborhood for eats on a Sunday. Jester's Java, located at 607 Castle St., seems to appeal to all of the above, making it one of the area's more popular brunch and lunch destinations. Jester's gives the expression "making one feel at home" an entirely literal twist: it's housed in what was obviously once a residence, and the current inhabitants seem mainly to have left it that way. The street-facing front porch is ideal for warm-weather people watching, with three interior rooms corresponding to a living room, foyer and main dining area. The inside décor reflects the name with purple, diamond patterned wallpaper and jester themed paintings and bric-a-brac. It's like going to your weird, artsy friend's place for a meal. Menu offerings can best be described as comfort food with an edge--a substantial cut above the greasy-spoon diner. Jester's egg-and-cheese-heavy brunch menu features daily homemade quiches ($7.50, broccoli-and-tomato and smoked sausage were this week's offerings) and soup ($3.50-$5.50, seafood gumbo was the daily special) along with mostly in-house desserts. Lunch features a wide variety of sandwiches (from a traditional grilled cheese to an exotic spicy black bean burger) and specialty salads with both the usual and homemade dressings. We came early for the brunch menu, starting with a lovely cup of dark roast and a standard hot chocolate with whipped topping. Main course selections were the Jessie sandwich ($3.95, avocado, tomato and melted smoked provolone on a jalapeno bagel) and eggs benedict ($8.25, poached eggs, lox and hollandaise sauce over a toasted English muffin). We liked both the meal selections, but the star of the show may have been the accompanying redskin potato home fries, which were possibly the best in the universe. Our server was friendly and efficient, though likely new to the staff, and the portion sizes were solid enough to make dessert seem unnecessary. Jester's worked for us, both in its own right and as an antidote to the dreary sameness of corporate chains. All menu prices include tax, making it one of the very few places that can provide a quality sit-down meal for two, everything included, for $20. Jester's even gets coveted healthy bonus points for combo options and fresh fruit sides that allow for engineering calorie counts into diet-compatible ranges. A warning to stragglers: because most items are made fresh daily, many menu choices are unavailable later in the day. read more

The staff was friendly and helpful! The food was delicious and all four of us cleaned our plates which hasn't happened in a while. Would highly recommend! read more

My mom and I enjoyed a lovely lunch. I will say it was very loud and my moms silverware was dirty, that was easily remedied. I had the French Dip, it was delicious especially the bread. I would definitely order it again. I didn't care for the black eyed pea salad but that's just a matter of taste. My mom enjoyed the days broccoli and cheese quiche, it was served nice and hot and a generous portion. One last thing is that you do not get soda refills for free, they sell them by the can. read more

Jester's Café - French Dip and black eyed pea salad - New American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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From the small pumpkin muffins to peach mimosas and French toast casserole everything was out of this world. Service was perfect and cafe was quaint. The home fries were perfect. And the strata was like your momma cooked it. Quiche was crispy and flavor-filled. Jesters is defiantly an awesome find! read more

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We found this place on yelp passing through from our family trip. Great food, friendly staff, quick service and doggies welcome! This cafe had everything on our family checklist. Even our picky eaters enjoyed their dishes. Will be back for sure next time we are in town! read more

My husband introduced me to Jester's years ago when they were in a little shop next to the antique store on Castle Street. He kept on telling me about a breakfast place that he'd go to on this way to work and I had to check it out. Well, Jester's has since moved to their little house across the street, but their food, service, and hospitality have remained as quaint as before. This is the type of restaurant that you go to and they remember who you are. We show up and my son is immediately served a piece of coffee cake with whipped cream. It's like your favorite local bar, only for breakfast. My favorites include the mixed berry muffins, the strata, and the turnovers. Unfortunately, I'm never there for lunch, so can't review that, but the breakfast is really good. They have a few special quiches each morning, the coffee cake, muffins, bagel sandwiches, a strata, and grits that are just fantastic. On Sundays they do more of a brunch menu and over a fruit popover that is just incredible. Coffee is roasted by Java Estate and is always just right. A word of warning though- this place is getting popular, so if you're going for breakfast on the weekend go early of you will have a hard time getting a table. Prices are reasonable, staff are great, it's just a really nice place to be. read more