Staying at The Jefferson Hotel Had breakfast here Seated immediately with a grand view of hotel rest area.. Had house made granola nuts..berrie..Greek yogurt..7 year old chocolate chop pancakes with bacon Service & food was excellent Enjoyed eating here read more

Tj's Restaurant & Lounge - HOUSE MADE GRANOLA - Southern Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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We got breakfast at the hotel before checking out and got the classic eggs benedict and an omelette. I wouldn't say the breakfast anything super special, just standard fare and quality, similar to what you find at a diner. The poached eggs still had a nice runny yolk and paired nicely with the salty Virginia ham. The omelette was just alright. Overall, a decent breakfast spot if you're staying at the hotel, but not worth going out of your way for. Entrees: Eggs Benedict and Omelet read more

Tj's Restaurant & Lounge - Eggs Benedict - Southern Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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The hotel lobby was beautifully decorated for Christmas and we made reservations for TJ's to enjoy the experience. The specialty Christmas cocktails were delicious. The food and service however were lacking. We had Crab cakes served with polenta which was gluey and flavorless and the crab cakes were bready. The salmon piccata had good flavor but was served with orzo that had no sauce or anything on it. Service was spotty, we had to ask for water refills, dinner forks and dessert spoons. If you want to go during the holidays, make reservations for the bar where you can have drinks and appetizers. Totally not worth the cost for dinner. read more

My husband and I made a reservation for lunch after we attended a funeral on a Monday. We ordered cocktails and lunch. When the incorrect cocktails arrived and we could not capture the attention of our waiter.... even though there was only one other table occupied in the entire restaurant..... we approached the host stand. What happened next was unbelievable. A very nasty woman who turned out to be the manager proceeded to scold us loudly that we had ordered unusual drinks. Rather than argue, I tapped my husband on the elbow and we walked out the door. We went immediately to Can Can which was packed on a Monday. We had an amazing lunch and stellar experience.. We will never go back to TJ's. Can Can is superb. TJ's has a depressing ,dismal, bleak and barren atmosphere. No wonder there was only one other table occupied that day. With good reason. It is a miserable place. read more

The best brunch I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing! Why, oh why, can't you be in New Jersey, Sunday Champagne Brunch at The Jefferson Hotel? Well, maybe it's a good thing because about 60 p/p including tax and tip... I don't think I have room for you in my budget. LOL. With that being said.... we were blown away by our experience from beginning to end. It was sold out online, but being a hotel guest as well has it's perks! Not only were we given a reservation, but upon our arrival, they changed our seats from the sides to the main, open area right next to the food! Thank you! What a difference that seems to make. Service was top notch, on time, and with a smile from our servers to the food stations. Everything was of quality with white glove service. The plates, the glasses (that were never empty!), tablecloths.. just top of the line. It was so nice to hear a live band playing in the background. I just felt like I stepped back to a time when quality and elegance mattered. And it was awesomely refreshing. Food was very tasty... everything that you can think of from the usual brunch fare. You know that that entails. I'm so thrilled to have been able to have this experience and I can't wait to return. read more

Tj's Restaurant & Lounge - Southern Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

This is a gorgeous restaurant in the historic Jefferson Hotel. I visited on a weekday afternoon with a large party from a nearby conference. I ordered the fried oyster sandwich and it did not disappoint. The oysters were hot and spiced nicely with celery slaw and a spiced mayo. Lunch entrees range from around $10 for the salad options to the low $20's for the salmon or crab cake entrees. Every meal at the table looked delicious. There are many drink options, including a full bar. The only downside was that they could not do separate checks, which left our large party doing mental math gymnastics to figure out prices and tip. When you have a table of relative strangers it makes for some awkward moments figuring out who ate what and who paid how much. read more

I loved the atmosphere of the restaurant, the classy mannered wait staff, high quality food and the very reasonable prices of the lunch menu. I particularly liked the salad well tossed with the very adequate amount of dressing. read more

Tj's Restaurant & Lounge - Arugula salad with walnuts and jicama - Southern Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Words cannot describe the sensational, magnificent, eye-catching and glorious experience that is the Jefferson hotels Sunday Champagne brunch! From start to finish, it was an experience I will cherish forever. It complimented and made celebrating our experience together as a family enhanced 10 fold and picturesque. They only take reservations and larger parties will find an easier time making reservations later rather than sooner. I would say make your reservation if your a party of 4 or smaller 6 months in advance.....yes that is how crazy it can be, especially if your trying to make reservations close to a holiday! They allow you to park in their private lot for 2-3 hrs free I believe if you have a reservation so you won't have to worry about parking if your with a large group as their lot is a very good size. When you walk into the mezzanine you are just blown away at the space. Feel like old late 1700-early 1800 royalty as you walk in to the beautiful set up of round tables and food masterfully cooked and served to the side with a grand center table presentation of some of the best dessert you'd ever try. When we were there there was an ice sculpture of a heart because it was nearing Valentine's Day and the best part....live music. Can't get any better than live piano, violin and harp players ringing nirvana in your ear as you dive into the best brunch served in RVA sipping on Champagne....life was good, lol The service is top notch! Our server was like Geoffrey from fresh prince, kept it very classy, tasty while keeping it real. Very down to earth and entertaining, I truly felt special and blessed to be with family while being treated like family in an amazing space with friendly and courteous customer service. Almost like a few hours spent in your favorite Disney or fairy tale...really is breath-taking. I would definitely recommend an experience like this with cherished family or loved ones....can really make this a special experience. The price is pretty steep, but honestly worth every penny. Even if you don't eat too much, you're really paying for the ambiance, experience, presentation and live music. Definitely something every native RVA person should do once in their lifetime! Good day! read more

Tj's Restaurant & Lounge - Desert, wasn't able to get a pic of the food as it was devoured within minutes :) - Southern Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Went back more! Sunday Brunch is to die for even without the champagne. I say I have regrets over how much I ate, expect I'd totally do it again if I were to have the opportunity for a do-over. The lobby is essentially walled with buffet tables that hold, in no particular order, an omelette station, a waffle station, a carving station [with horseradish cream for the beef! bless'em] a breakfast bar with meats and french toast and things, a salad section [excellent green beans], a charcuterie section with terrine and cured salmon, a seafood section with oysters on the half shell and shrimp, a lunch section with pork loin and soup and spoonbread, and a dessert table with tiny tartlets and wee cheesecakes and killer chocolate mousse. So, um, yes, overate a little bit. The coffee and orange juice were also good, but I didn't overdo it so badly on those. read more

I've been to TJ's for lunch, and it was great! I had the BLT and my friend had a crab cake; both great portions and delicious! With great service! But what I really love about TJ's is the beer dinners they host, I've been to three! A different brewery is featured in each dinner, and you get about five different beers which are paired with five different courses. The last beer dinner I went to Troeg's brewery was featured. Our first course was a walk around Hors d'oeuvres, chilled sweet pea soup shooters, with jumbo lump crab meat, and truffle oil. It was refreshing, and paired with the Sunshine Pilsner. Once we were seated, we snacked on yummy spicy popcorn, which was a great touch, perfect to tide you over in between courses. (not that you need more food with these dinners, you get so much!) Our second course was a Pan Seared Soft Shell crab, which was served over romaine, crispy shallots, black beans and topped with a lime creme friache, and paired with a pale ale. This was the first soft shell crab I've ever tried, and I loved it. Especially the black beans, and went perfectly with the pale ale. Our third course was my favorite of the evening. Slow cooked Berkshire pork cheeks served over silver queen corn, vidalia onions, pappadew peppers, surry sausage, and topped with a house-made coca-cola BBQ glaze. All of the components of this dish went together perfectly! The pork was perfectly tender, the sides were both sweet and spicy, and just deeeeelish! It was paired with the Hopback Amber Ale, which was also my favorite beer of the evening. Our fourth course was "Veal Three Ways" Veal loin, Sweetbreads, and Jus. Served with asparagus, morel mushrooms, and goat cheese risotto. My veal loin was cooked perfectly, and I don't know if you've ever tried sweetbreads, but if you ever get the chance, please do! So tender, and delicious! This dish was paired with the rugged trail nut brown ale. Our fifth and final course was dessert. And boy, do they do dessert well! Chambord Creme Brulee, served with an espresso biscotti, and paired with the Java Head Stout. I always find the desserts to have the most distinct complimentary pairing, as was the case with this dish. If I hadn't been so full, I would have finished my brulee, because it was soo good! Unfortunately, I only made it a couple bites through. If you love beer, you should definitely make it to a TJ's beer dinner, they are fabulous! They are usually either $50 or $60 per person; which includes tax and gratuity. 5 amazing courses paired with 5 great beers for only 50 bucks! It's such a great deal. The servers are fast, friendly, and always come around in the nick of time to refill your beer :) You can make reservations for a group, or go by yourself or with another and sit with strangers. I've done both, and it's equally fun to sit with people from around Richmond and get to know them while eating and drinking! It's a great time either way! Even if you're not a beer person, it really is fun to try dishes that are made to compliment the beer. Definitely widened my horizons! read more

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Great place to go for business or pleasure. Rates high on atmosphere, service and food. One of my favorite restaurants in Richmond. Don't know why I don't go more often. read more

I went there this past weekend with my wife and 2 kids for champagne brunch. The view from the mezzanine level overlooking the buffet and seating below was stunning. A jazz trio performed in the corner near the gorgeous staircase. Perfect volume. Lots of food to choose from. All buffet style. I'd give the food 3 stars overall. I don't think the brunch was a good value for our kids (7 and 8). It's a reasonable value for adults. Most of my four stars come from the ambiance and beautiful view. We'll try afternoon tea there next with just the adults... read more

TJ's is fantastic. I came here for lunch and brunch (two separate days. What kind of heifer do you take me for?) and was more than pleased each time. For lunch, my guest and I shared a delicious shrimp & grits appetizer that came with greens and country ham. We both got the Oyster Po'Boy for lunch that came with a nice slaw that complimented the mayo on the sandwich and super yummy fries. I can't remember the bread it was served on but it felt like biting into a pillow made of yeast. For dessert, I had the apple & oatmeal bread pudding that can only be described as decadent. Sooooooo good. We also had the brunch, all you can and drink buffet. Oh. My. God. What a feast. It was a glutton's wet dream. Both of our servers were very charming and friendly. An all-around great restaurant! read more

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Extremely let down. Not at all what I was expecting. We came here for lunch to celebrate a birthday and it was memorable, but for all the wrong reasons. First off, they were not busy as only 4-5 tables were seated upon our arrival. However, for some inexplicable reason, our party of only four was seated in the bar area a table barely large enough to sip cocktails from, much less enjoy a proper meal. Second, the table was not even set and we had to request silverware AFTER our appetizers had been brought out. Also, the table was in the back next to the restroom and kitchen door. Third, the server was very casual and unprofessional for such an establishment, I believe he was only the bartender. He also spilled iced tea all over us and the table when delivering our bill. The food was good and about what I expected, but the rest of the experience should not even be possible in an establishment such as the Jefferson Hotel. read more

Tj's Restaurant & Lounge - Southern Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

We've been holding out for a special occasion to come and experience the magic that is the Sunday Champagne Brunch at The Jefferson. We came here to celebrate our anniversary, our engagement, our graduation, our last month as residents of Richmond, VA, and just life in general. We also drank a glass of champagne for each of those reasons plus maybe a couple more because, after all, it is called a champagne brunch. Reservations are available 6 months in advance and be sure to make one! Their brunch is by reservation only and the dates get snatched up very fast. We arrived about 10 minutes early for our 1PM reservation and saw them finishing setting the tables for our time slot. We were seated quickly after - they're very prompt! We didn't get to sit in the rotunda but we were in the area right next to the bar which we felt was also nice because we were able to enjoy a bit more privacy. The food was excellent! Gosh, they really have it all - breakfast, meat carving station, seafood, salad bar, lunch entrees, and plenty of dessert. The items we really enjoyed were the Jefferson eggs benedict, the waffles, the meat carving station, the fresh oysters on the half-shell, and the spoonbread. Of course, everything was great but those were what we went back for seconds. I regret that I don't remember our server's name but she was attentive and so friendly! Definitely a Richmond must! read more

Brunch buffets are about my favorite meal so I was very excited to get a reservation. Please note that they fill up weeks in advance. As hotel guests we apparently got priority in the waitlist. The buffet is served in the most gorgeous room imaginable and it is lush and gorgeous. My only complaint was the lack of food for non meat eaters. The only egg dish was a biscuit Benedict with ham so I ended up eating a lot of French toast and waffles. Not complaining, really! read more

The person at the front desk on the phone asked us to sit ourselves. I was okay with this but then we proceeded to wait for over 10 minutes without any menus or water. The server was around but never made eye contact. It's a small lounge - one simple skim of the room would have identified who hadn't been served. We eventually gave up and told the front desk on our way out about our experience. At this point there were two people at the front desk. Neither of them said sorry so we left. read more

My husband and I had an excellent breakfast here as part of a package deal at the Jefferson Hotel, in which this restaurant is located. My poached eggs (cooked just the way I specified) over English muffins, country ham, and lump crab was very tasty. The dish did not skimp on the paper thin, salty ham or on the crab, and the Hollandaise sauce did not overpower. My husband had scrambled eggs with corned beef hash and grits. Although the hash was pretty typical restaurant breakfast hash, the eggs - again - were perfectly cooked. The cheese grits (after all, what ARE grits but a vehicle for butter, salt, pepper, cheese ....) were of a coarser grind than usual, which made them chewy. Although, this was a bit different from what we are used to, we agreed that they were terrific. The service was attentive and timely. read more

I experienced The Jefferson's Sunday Champagne Brunch awhile back for a special occasion. It's definitely a Richmond bucket list item if you're living in the area. People say it's pricey, but in my opinion, $45.00 for an upscale brunch buffet with bottomless champagne is a pretty darn good deal. However, for diners between the age of 13-20, it's not the best deal because you still have to pay full price even though they can't legally drink champagne. We had a table on the upper mezzanine level which was good for 1. the view and 2. it forces you to walk for the food :) They have it all: meat carving station, waffles, seafood, salads, pastries, spoonbread, etc. but the standout for us was the Jefferson eggs benedict with crab - the flavor is delicious and unique! The service was good too about clearing empty plates and keeping our champagne flutes topped and full! The Jefferson is quite a swanky place so come dressed to impress. If you're celebrating a special occasion, I would recommend The Jefferson for Sunday brunch and the gorgeous atmosphere. read more

Sure beats airport food. That was my sentiment when my boss offered to get breakfast in the morning. I was actually excited as I have heard The Jefferson Hotel priding themselves on farm to table as well as being very opulent. The breakfast at Tj's, however, turned out to be very plain, very unexciting, and very expensive. An average meal that would cost $4 to make cost about $12. Did you want a biscuit? Add $4, etc. etc. Made sense though, the high prices confirmed where we were staying at. Definitely not Hampton Inn. My Fresh Fruit Salad plate with whole grain granola and Greek yogurt turned out to be very good. Not one berry was on my plate but rather sweet pineapple, grapes, and melon. I got a side of very salty ham. It provided a nice balance to my meal. Coffee was good and they offer fresh squeezed orange juice. Service is extremely slow. Give yourself a whole hour for your breakfast. After the first initial obligatory checks, they will forget about your table and you basically have to beg for the check. Lunch and dinner sound a lot better based on the reviews. read more

Oh my you have not truly lived until you have experienced the infamous brunch at The Jefferson! My family and I came here for my birthday gathering. When you walk into The Jefferson it is so lavish and grand that you truly feel like royalty and the experience you receive at the Jefferson makes sure you feel nothing less! We were seated immediately for our 1:30pm slot and the table was set with orange juice and waters already poured. Our server was extremely attentive and prompt with all requests. She even flipped our saucers onto coffee cups to ensure our coffee kept warm. There are so many stations and options! From an egg station to a breakfast buffet filled with bacon, sausage, french toast, waffles, a carving station, salad station, veggies, double baked potatoes, seafood, and other lunch entrees, and dessert! We all went back for seconds, thirds, and finally dessert! This is definitely something you won't be going back weekly for as reservations can be hard to come back so make sure you make them far in advance if you can but it's definitely an experience everyone should partake in! read more

This clubby and casual eatery at the elegant Jefferson Hotel is a favorite of Virginia lobbyists and legislators. One of the best kept secrets in Richmond is that TJ's has the most fabulous hamburger in town and it's a deal at $10. The filet mignon burger is big and juicy and comes with hand-cut fries, big enough to share if you're so inclined. The upscale bistro menu features Southern favorites like Crab Cakes with a spicy remoulade and Virginia-esque twists on classic dishes like Herb Roasted Jumbo Scallops with Silver Queen Corn, Surry Sausage, and Peppadew Peppers. Appetizers and salads are in the $7-$11 range, and portions are generous. Sandwiches have gone upscale as well with additions that include a Griddled Roast Beef & Swiss with carmelized onions, mushroom, and horseradish ($12) and a Grilled Chicken with warm brie, balsamic onions and baby greens ($11). No matter what party you belong to, this bipartisan bistro is sure to get your lunch vote with its tasty and elegant offerings. read more

The service here is always excellent. I am writing to recommend this as either a great place to take clients, out of town guests, or to meet an old friend for lunch. You can't beat the grand impression that walking into the lobby of The Jefferson Hotel makes on even the most jaded of patrons. The lounge is located on the lower level on the Main Street side of the hotel. There is an adjacent lobby bar that is available but I always choose to be seated at the comfortable club tables in the restaurant itself. Reservations can be made on line, which is an added convenience I often use. The menu is not huge but you can be sure that whatever you order will be done properly and the ingredients will be fresh. As mentioned in other reviews they don't do crab cakes much better anywhere and the burger is always a safe bet. The peanut soup is also a crowd pleaser and something very "Virginia". I also love the Chicken Salad as well as I am a big fan of the raisins and cashews that give it added texture. Please not that from July to September that only breakfast and lunch is being served in this restaurant. read more

Inside of where we were staying, so a convenient choice for us. The waitresses and waiters were great, it was really the service you would get from a 5 Star dinner but for breakfast service. Really nice atmosphere with a great view to the street when sitting at the window tables. The chairs were proper sitting chairs- high back, comfortable as anything! The food was southern-style with the flair of a high-end restaurant. One of the waitresses even came to us with complementary biscuits to try after we had mentioned we'd never had them before- that was really unexpected and really sweet so impressed and would love to return. read more

Had a very authentic (I think!) Low Country Eggs Benedict for breakfast -- food and service were stellar. The coffee was a little generic, but that's the worst thing I could say about the restaurant. Check out the bathrooms -- insanely decorative. read more

Tj's Restaurant & Lounge - The luxurious restroom - Southern Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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The only drawback to this place is the price(s)! Food was incredibly memorable. I ordered Cheddar Baked Grits $15. DELICIOUS! They were so good, I came home and attempted to recreate the recipe. The atmosphere, cleanliness, and service are all impeccable. Beware of the prices! $5 for a 6 oz cup of coffee (includes refills) Yes, I will go here again despite the prices. read more

A favorite spot, the cosmo is the very best drink and my hubby loves their old fashioned. All food is amazing!

Went to TJ's for Sunday Brunch. Love the Jefferson, and love TJ's. Excellent food, good value, and the setting is beyond compare. So why just 4 stars? Because of what happened after brunch. It was my wife and I for brunch. Got the bill, and it was $100-something dollars. Freaked me out, because one bill said $75 something ($30 apiece), but the receipt for the credit card said $100-something. Discussed it at the table, decided it must have been the champagne and orange juice, so we left it at that. We get home, and the Jefferson calls my wife (she made the reservation) and she was told we had been overcharged, and to call xx number and speak to Jackie (I think it was). So I call, ask to speak to her, get Johnna instead....Johnna says we were accidently charged for three brunches; it's totally their mistake; they'd like to reverse the charges and make it right. I told her point-blank we'd be more than happy to pay for our brunches, she says 'no, it's just the two of you, we'll make it right'....at this point I'm thinking the Jefferson is on point with their customer service, and I can't wait to go back. 5 minutes later the phone rings. It's someone else from the Jefferson, asking if we want to leave my tip on the credit card (based on the $100+ bill) or do I want to change it to reflect the new amount? I was caught way off guard; told them to leave it. Got my wits back about me, and called the jefferson back and asked too speak to Johnna....and I told her I must have been confused, I thought she told me they were going to comp the brunches after making the mistake? She says to me 'no, sir, that's not what I said....I said we were reversing the charges' So, TJ's/Jefferson, 4 stars for excellent food/excellent atmosphere.....and -1 star for lying to me. read more

Executive Chef James Schroeder is a talented young man. He uses sources of the finest ingredients, such as Benton's bacon from TN, and combines them brilliantly to create inspired dishes. On a recent visit, we enjoyed a duck confit raviolini in a sage brown butter sauce that owed much to the cuisine of the Friuli region of Italy. The true star of the meal, however, was a butternut squash and granny apple soup with bacon. Usually this is a dish where you taste everything BUT the squash, but Schroeder managed to balance it just perfectly so that every ingredient complimented the other. A hint of cinnamon crem fraiche enhanced, rather than overwhelmed the dish. Service was excellent, and the atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed. read more

I have it three stars bc the menu was so underwhelming. It's a five star hotel- yes I was there for lunch but the food was just okay. Peanut soup tasted watery. No bread course? Hmmm. The service was excellent though. read more

Came here last Saturday for lunch after an amazing night's stay at the Jefferson Hotel. The place was pretty empty around 11:30 am (though I wonder if that's an anomaly given the bike pre races that apparently shut down the city that day). In any case, the service was stellar, and our server was so friendly and helpful, she even offered sweet iced tea to go for us on our way out! I will say my crab cake sandwich was perfect. Not too big or small. Lots of savory crab meat in a crispy fried cake tucked with lettuce and tomato in a buttery roll. ..what's not to love? Battered fries and a pickle on the side. ..so good. On request, the server brought out house made honey mustard as well, which was on point. Higher price point for standard portions was well warranted, in my opinion, for the higher quality food. read more

Wonderful service...Jaacquin is amazing, beautiful building, melt in your mouth food ... Couldn't of had a better experience. read more

Tj's Restaurant & Lounge - Southern Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Had dinner at TJ's 12/5. I suggested to the floor manager that the Chef should try and eat the broccoli that remained untouched on my plate. I have never had broccoli that you could not bite through. It was like trying to bite through leather. The peanut soup was heavy and tasted stale. Other than that the rockfish and rice were very good. read more

Unorganized. 30 minute wait turned into a 60+ wait. The place was not busy on Thursday afternoon at 2:00. After 60 min wait we asked for the wait time now and they tell us another 20 minutes. 3 other parties that had no reservations got seated and yet we never got seated. It takes a lot for me leave a negative review but the management staff failed today. read more

Hotel restaurant, so expect higher prices. But the service (yo, Adrienne!) was flawless, drinks fabulous and very good fish and chips. Coleslaw way too spicy, inedible. And I love coleslaw so that was a disappointment. Definitely would go again ! read more

This brunch was just what was needed for a very rough trip to Richmond. The Jefferson Hotel is absolutely gorgeous! TJ's Sun. brunch is done smack in the center of the main room. Vaulted ceilings, old vintage walls/decor, just incredible. The service was impeccable. Jackie was warm, welcoming, & just rocks. The manager on duty Chauncey is just as awesome. We arrived early to grab a cocktail before our seating, but bar doesn't open til 4pm (brunch was at 1pm/arrived at 12). Chauncey was more than happy to sit us at the bar & make us our drinks. We got a chance to chat with him & found out that since it was our first time we would be seated upstairs in the veranda (you can request the area of seating). I wasn't a fan of that since the food is all downstairs. It is a very large & long staircase. We were able to get it changed. We sat in the lounge area & it was just wonderful. We go to people watch, listen to the live jazz music, & jave a romantic moment together. Love it!!!! read more

Slow service. Went there for lunch with some co workers and while the restaurant was not very crowded, it took them almost 30 minutes to take our orders and almost that long to get them out to us. Only just before the food came out did the waiter acknowledge the delay and apologize. Food was pretty good but the lack of customer attention will prevent me from ever going back or recommending it. No one there seemed to really care about servicing us. read more

Had dinner here tonight with a group. We were not happy with the food and more so with the service. It took 45 minutes after we ordered drinks before they showed up. Then two had to be returned. The food was way below par. One of the comments about the steak, was it leftover from lunch. read more

Didn't realize I'd never written a review on TJ's. The last time in a had a cheese burgergler. I always order a cheese burger at the better restaurants and compare, but not always do I rank them. TJ's is really good, fries excellent, also. This is also a terrific place to meet a friend for a drink or a business associate. This is one of the better burgers in RVA. That's a Factoid! ;-)) read more

Hands down the Jefferson is a beautiful hotel especially during the Christmas holiday season but last night the service at the bar and TJ's restaurant did not meet the high standards of what we have experienced at The Jefferson hotel in the past. This was our 1st time having dinner at TJ,s but we have eaten lunch there and dinner at The Lemeir and enjoyed afternoon tea during past visits. We were celebrating the holiday and two friends birthdays. The 8 of use arrived early at the hotel to have a drink before dinner. It took a very long time to get a drink at the bar. There wasn't enough bartenders to accommodate the number of people in the bar area and I was surprised to see almost every table in the bar occupied by people eating dinner instead of only enjoying a drink before their dinner at TJ,s . there seemed to be plenty of servers for those eating in the bar area. In TJ's there wasn't definitely not enough staff to accommodate those having dinner and the tables weren't filled most of the time we were dining. It's not a big restaurant so I'm not sure why the service was so slow. Only observation I could make is that there was more staff accommodating those eating in the bar area with out a reservation , 1st Come, 1st served, then in the restaurant where we had a reservation and gratuities of 20% are automatically added to the check . Got to our table and once again it took a very long time for us to get a drink before ordering our meals. Wait staff never recognized we had 2 birthdays to celebrate which was something I was asked when making the reservation. Our waitress had too many tables to handle so the assistant manager and another lady who I think was either new or came from some other area of the hotel were trying to help. Our meals were pretty good except for my husband's steak which came out medium rare and he ordered well done. Ordered a glass of wine to have with my meal but didn't get it until I was finished with my food. When the check came we were told that it is the hotel policy that they will not split checks but would they would divide the bill evenly among the 4 couples. Needless to say this didn't go over very well at our table. 2 couples had shared an entree and the other 2 each had their own meal. Some of us had a few drinks while others only 1. After discussing with the waitress and not getting anywhere , we complained to the assistant manager on duty and the checks were split correctly. All of this was such a hassle and embarrassing for us to have to deal with. I'm hoping this was just an off night at TJ's and not indicative of what we can expect . Probably won't eat there again for dinner especially not during the holiday season. BTW.. the assistant manager did comp our underdone steak and 2 glasses of wine for our troubles. He did his best under the circumstances and also worked hard to compensate for short staff even though he was on his 14 straight hour of work at the hotel. I hope The Jefferson is paying him well! read more