by Jarmusch — Restaurant in Rotterdam

Old rating was 5 stars, 6 years ago. Not much more to say.

Update 23/11/24: Since the owner is asking for more specific feedback, here is some.

by Jarmusch has been a regular go-to spot for me for years since it opened. The American style diner is really missed in central Rotterdam, and the long opening times are very nice. I think I've tried pretty much everything on the menu as it changed over time. That is why it's disappointing to see it steadily go downhill. I hope the feedback below can allow others to continue to enjoy by Jarmusch.

A selection of experiences from the latest year: Pancakes were cooked so poorly that they were bitter. So bitter they were difficult to eat (and I'm not a picky eater). I asked that they be returned to the kitchen and the response from the waitress was disappointing: "I can ask them to make it again but it'll taste the same". They made it again - and it did not taste the same. We asked which fruit were in a dish with fruit toppings. We were told "various fruit". A good restaurant would check with the kitchen for which fruit are in there - at the very least in case the person asking might have allergies. We asked if blueberries could be separately put on a pancake dish, instead of other fruit. The answer was no, we don't have blueberries. The "various fruit" above had blueberries. We stood for 5-10 minutes in an almost empty restaurant to be seated. When the restaurant was busy, there was a waiting line. A waitress made a mistake in the order of people in line, and had to ask another group to get up after they were seated. A good restaurant would just apologise to the ones who were further ahead. Constant hygiene issues. We regularly watch staff do various unhygienic things in the kitchen. Example: pouring drinks after touching piercings, facial areas, etc., without washing hands. Friends working in horeca expressed surprise that this was happening to this extent in an open-kitchen diner. Removing/worsening good menu items. Example: following from above, swapping fresh blueberries for blueberry compote in pancakes, and so removing an iconic dish for an American-diner-style restaurant.

The following haven't changed over time but are general thoughts: There are better ways to serve tea, and better teas as well for this price. There can be more care to not spill flat whites when they're...

It was a slow Sunday, so my friends and I decided to go out for brunch. We walked in and were greeted by a staff member. We were a group of three, and I must add there were a number of tables available. But instead, we were taken to a two-person table, with a third chair awkwardly added.

We didn't argue or complain. Maybe all other tables were reserved. But we couldn't help keeping an eye on the four-person table we thought we could've had. It stayed empty throughout our entire meal and probably even after we left.

Before we even put our bags down or sat down properly, the waiter was ready to ask for our drinks. It was a quite rushed. We hadn’t opened the menu. We hadn’t looked at the drinks. We asked for a minute, and the waiter stepped away.

We eventually ordered our drinks and food. The coffees came fast. However, they were sour and acidic, not something I particularly enjoy. If you're coming here for the coffee, I'd say keep walking.

Then we waited. And waited. Apparently, the urgency at the beginning didn't continue, or so we thought (subtle foreshadowing). When the food finally arrived, it barely fit onto the table. But we managed.

The food was fine. The veggie full Jarmusch was passable. The breakfast burger was what you'd expect. If you ask for butter with the French toast... you'll get enough for the entire table. A very generous scoop. In general wasn't the most tasty food.

What really stuck with me though was the atmosphere. While we were eating, a waiter kept pacing by our table. Saying nothing. Just walking close and staring. It felt like we were under pressure. As if there was a timer. The vultures hovering felt like they were about to take the plate from under our nose.

It's not like the food was terrible or the service was rude. But it felt like we were subtly being told to leave from the...

Scandal that they have the audacity to call that a “smash” burger. Tasted like it was microwaved. Bland with a capital B. My friend had an omelette and was totally underwhelmed, maybe their pancakes are good. But I have to laugh at the high reviews. Clearly people who don’t know American diner quality.

I have to add, that the owner below responded with what they thought was a “gotcha” moment by noticing that I posted another review shortly before of an actual smash burger restaurant. Let me explaiin….I was earlier in the week in Rotterdam for the day with a friend and we decided to try this American place. I’d never had a smash burger before and heard they were great so I tried it. Fully disappointed. My friend was too with his boring omelette. Didn’t think of leaving a review cause the place and service was on point.

Then….later that week back at home in Brussels I thought I’d give this smash burger place I was curious about a try sensing thst what I had in Rotterdam wasn’t authentic. And my suspicion was completely CONFIRMED. It absolutely delicious! By definition a smash burger should be thin and crispy caramelised meat due to pressure from the spatula when cooking. It’s not a question of “taste”, it’s a question of definition.

I then felt inspired to write both reviews. And it was true what I said. Smash burger in Brussels was my FIRST smash burger by definition. Not that boiled tasting meat hidden with 2 creamy sauces in Rotterdam. The egg on top was the best part. Amusing that the owner started perusing my review history.

Attached below is what the meat should look like in a real smash burger in Brussels . Try it in Brussels if visiting and decide for yourself! Look at the beautiful crispy meat and soft brioche like bun. Heaven in...