J. Alexander's Restaurant — Restaurant in Annapolis

We had great expectations, and I'm not thrilled honestly. We made no reservations, the greeter was a rockstar and saved our umbrella on a rainy day. She made you feel great just walking in the door. The bar was perfect but the two tiny TV's are the bar are definitely not suitable for any sports game.

My wife and I ordered a Burger (since that's my thing) and she ordered the trout. Ok drinks. Very limited beer. 3. Chose IPA and it was barely an IPA. Lager really. Otherwise Modelo or a fruity beer. I ordered the burger because that's our favorite. Ordered medium. It was at best rare. I still actually prefer rare so I was good with that( it was at least warm), but based on other reviews,chef needs to understand food temp. Side note is that the shoestring fries were just perfect.

Also ordered the Alex side salad with blue cheese dressing as an extra. This may be the best wannabe wedge (in the best way possible) without the extra work salad I've ever had! I eat soooo many salads and this was spot on probably the best. Side note is that I'm not a red onion fan at all and they swapped that out with purple cabbage. Perfect.

We also had the trout. I love trout, but there was so much breading and 'stuff" (oil) on it that it loses the fact you're eating trout. The quinoa that came with it was excellent, extremely unique but something I'd go back for.But they need a healthier grilled option please. The broccoli that came with it was good but a little bit heavy garlic and made it feel less healthy for a veg.

Amazing and super eager staff, great location, tiny TV's so not a game option for any happy hour or weekend, We are eager for this to be great place.

For now, salads and service...

I have to say, there aren’t many places out there that give you good food, quality for the price that you’re paying. My wife and I we always go into the Annapolis Town Center, because that’s where the gym is and that’s where we grocery shop at Whole Foods. And it’s also sometimes where we eat because they’re quite a few good restaurants around. One of them being J. Alexander’s and we weren’t really sure what to expect. They replaced another restaurant Gordon Biersch. I think about the same company… But this one, they changed everything, the chefs people and started it fresh. It’s Americana style food. Steak, regional type foods, seafood, pasta, grilled dishes, soups, etc. my wife is a hard person to please when we go eat out. Me not so much, but I do like the food to be cooked properly. OK, we ordered filet mignon a tower, baked potato, and a side of broccoli. My wife got the grilled rockfish with sauce over couscous and some more broccoli. For the appetizer, we got the calamari. And for dessert, we got the carrot cake. Everything was awesome! Flavors and Cooking were spot on! The only thing I would say is that I wish the carrot cake would have been larger, at least two layers. Yeah I love carrot cake and after getting all of that fine dining food. I was hoping the carrot cake would match. You know like at least two layers lol! But we were thoroughly impressed. And I got to meet some of the kitchen staff and take a peek into the kitchen watching them do their thing which is a little slice of heaven for me. If you are in Annapolis, or near the Annapolis town center check out J. Alexander ‘s. it is a fine dining experience so, go on a special day. #AmericanaFood...

My fiancé and I enjoyed dinner last Saturday night. Overall, it’s a huge upgrade from their sister restaurant. The question will be if they sustain it after the opening or if the brand reverts back to previous service and management ways. For now, I recommend checking it out. The prices were reasonable for the location and large portion sizes. The main entrees were flavorful and highlighted their wood grill signature. The side veggies were a little lack luster.

It was just two of us, so we were able to get a spot at the bar and avoid the wait. We were on the side and I was worried we wouldn’t be seen and receive good service. However, I was pleasantly surprised about how attentive the bartenders were. Service was great!

The wine list was broad with something for everyone. The beer list was average. The one thing missing that I would have liked was desert drinks like espresso or chocolate martinis.

We started with the Avocado bomb with tuna: great presentation, very flavorful with a bit of a kick. Wonton chips seem house made. Light and crispy. Avocado thinly sliced. Tuna was fresh! Best part of the meal!

My fiancé had the Shrimp entree: there were 7 large size shrimp. Cooked well. Not rubbery. Cilantro oil was slight, mild flavor. coleslaw was pretty standard, nothing stand out.

I had the Halibut special: 2 large filets. Cooked well, moist and flaky, not dry. Smoky flavor from the wood fire. pearled couscous was tender with a sweet and spicy sauce. Broccoli was steamed maybe with cheese? hard to tell if accidental cheese or intentionally light. Nothing to write home about but it...