J Bistro - Sandusky

This was our second time visiting J Bistro a fact we didn't recall until we sat down at the same table as a few years ago we were visiting)! We made a reservation, but being off season and early, it wasn't necessary. The ambiance was dressy without being fussy and the bar was busy with a steady supply of visitors. Although we walked from our rental condo, we noticed most guests simply parked using the ample street parking. The meal and wine were a real treat: table bread and olive oil, squash salad split between us), a magnificently prepared pork chop with seasonal vegetables, and a decadent flourless chocolate cake which we also split). Our wine was a nicely matched Pinot Noir from Oregon. The service was incredibly kind, attentive, and never rushed while the total price was very reasonable $135 including a bottle of wine).

Great place to grub and pub with friends. Amazing munchies and tasty sides big enough to share.

I can't express just how amazing this place and its staff are! Yesterday we ended up on the patio of this amazing restaurant as a place to get food before heading down to the waterfront for the total eclipse, but ended up staying for the eclipse bc our server, Lyn, and the food were just too amazing to leave. Lyn was wonderfully attentive accommodating and totally made the experience that much more enjoyable. She is truly amazing! The food was also fabulous and the patio seating could not have been a more perfect place to view the eclipse. In addition to great service and food, Susie, the manager, was so thoughtful and bought 200 hundred eclipse viewing glasses to give out to her staff and anyone who may not have been prepared and brought their own. The restaurant also set up a cute eclipse photo backdrop with a stage for people to take photos to commemorate the amazing astronomical event. All to say, this restaurant truly went above and beyond to make this already incredible moment in time even more fantastic memorable. I cannot thank them enough! If you are ever in Sandusky, this restaurant is an absolute must stop spot!

J Bistro Downtown offers elevated American fare with a rustic touch in its warm and contemporary setting. The servers were very attentive and friendly. I really enjoyed the cup of French onion soup while my husband enjoyed fresh house salad topped with shrimp and mandarin oranges as a starter. Popular entrée dishes at J Bistro Downtown include the grilled pork chop with bourbon mashed sweet potatoes, or the Angus center-cut filet mignon with garlic cheddar mashed potatoes. Another recommendation for the vegetarian conscious guest is roasted vegetable pappardelle pasta with summery zucchini, squash, mushrooms and asparagus in a light pesto sauce. This eatery also serves fresh seafood dinners, such as the king crab and shrimp risotto, the hand-breaded Lake Erie perch with jalapeno-ranch tartar sauce. The tangy barbecue salmon and shrimp platter was amazing. We plan on returning on Wednesday evening for the every Wednesday night Pasta special.

What a jewel! Had a dinner with a business partner, and this place split the difference between Toledo and Cleveland pretty well. Food was great, service was great, and prices were excellent. Two appetizers, two beers each and two steak dinners for $120. I'm looking for an excuse to come back.