JP's Family Restaurant — Restaurant in Castro Valley

I'm not a guy who typically writes negative reviews but I am a guy that spent many years in customer service and have been a private contractor in the service arena for over a decade. Here's my experience at JP's today based on what happened just a while ago informed by years of working directly with customers - even the not-so-happy ones.

...Went in for brunch with my wife. The waitress was inattentive but not unpleasant. The food took an unusually long time to come out but a couple that came after us got served with no sign of our food. She'd also forgotten my coffee and my wife needed to get up and go ask for it.

We'd waited so long that at that point I decided to "cut my losses" and go over to Doug's. As we were leaving the food finally came. I expressed my displeasure to the waitress and I understood that it wasn't her fault personally. She told me that there was a slow up in the kitchen and I said "ok". Just because there's a slow up and it isn't' your fault doesn't mean that I'm still not annoyed...as other customers obviously have been because she mentioned that the kitchen has been slow all day. I never even implied it was "her fault" and even told her "ok, I'm just really hungry". She offered a discount to which I declined. I simply wanted to eat. I went in hungry and by this point I was hungry and a bit agitated. However, I wasn't loud or rude or anything. I was visibly annoyed.

With my head down I start plowing into my food when the manager walks up and tries to explain the situation while I'm eating. I was all good with her until she said "don't ever talk to my server like that ".... That's when I blew. "Talk to your server like what?!"

She hadn't been privy to the conversation that I had with her server any more than the people who were sitting right next to me. Not even halfway through my food I got up and proceeded to walk out. I did, regrettably start to get loud. There's no excuse for that but to be accused of being rude to the server without even finding out what the customer viewpoint was was over the top for me. What the manager didn't/doesn't get is that what took an already annoyed customer over the top was when she accused me of having done something to her employee or talked to them a certain way which wasn't the case. Was I irritated? Sure. Was I abusive in any way to her server? Nope. Not even a little. Did I get loud after that interaction? Yes. I regret that part.

There are at least two different, well established restaurants in the area that we usually go to for breakfast/brunch but wanted to give the 'new spot' a try. Needless to say this experience was horrible enough for me to never step foot in there again which is a shame because this is the community that I live in and like to circulate my dollars. Whenever I want something as simple as bacon and eggs, hashbrowns and a bowl of fruit I'll take my money back to Doug's or Norman's. When three places, all within walking distance all do the same thing it then comes down to service.

I'm sure that the manager and server have their own viewpoint but now that I've cooled down a bit I really felt like getting that...

If you’re searching for a hidden gem where you can enjoy delicious food in a cozy yet lively atmosphere, look no further than JP's Family Restaurant. From the moment you step through the door, you’re enveloped in a warm ambiance that feels like a home away from home. The inviting decor, combined with the cheerful chatter of diners, creates a welcoming environment that is perfect for families and friends alike.

What truly sets JP’s apart is the owner, a spirited and passionate individual who radiates kindness and hospitality. You can feel the love poured into each dish, as he takes time to connect with every guest, ensuring they feel right at home. It’s this personal touch that makes the restaurant so special and fosters a sense of community among patrons.

Now, let’s talk about the food—specifically, the brisket. Hands down, this is the best brisket I have ever had! Smoky, tender, and juicy, every bite melts in your mouth, bursting with rich flavors. The chef truly knows their craft; the brisket is cooked to perfection, boasting a beautiful crust on the outside while remaining incredibly moist on the inside. It's an absolute must-try for anyone who appreciates genuinely exceptional barbecue.

JP’s is not just a place to grab a meal; it's ideal for banquets and special gatherings too. The spacious yet intimate setting accommodates larger groups, making it a favorite for celebrations and family events. The restaurant also features fun comedy shows and magic shows, adding a dose of entertainment to your dining experience.

In summary, I wholeheartedly recommend JP's Family Restaurant. With its cozy atmosphere, passionate owner, mouthwatering brisket, and engaging entertainment, you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time. Don’t miss out on this delightful...

Met up with some old friends here after returning from our MN trip. I believe the spot was chosen by our friends who lived very close by who themselves had never been here but heard it was a good place. This is a classic American style family restaurant and presents as such on the interior. I really liked how diverse their menu was and refreshingly expansive given how I've seen most restaurants slim down their menus as a result of the aftermath of COVID. From steak and fish to fire oven pizzas (on certain days) and breakfast options into the day, this place seemed as though it would have a menu item for anyone. I chose the Brisket vs. the Brisket burger because I have been chasing good brisket in CA since having fantastic brisket in TX and had not yet been successful. My plate came with thick slices of Brisket on top of a slice of toasted bread and a mound of Mashed potatoes and a cornbread muffin. The masked potatoes came with no gravy. The Brisket burger had the slices of brisket on top of a hamburger patty. My brisket was delicious. Tender and flavorful. it was very nice. The mashed potatoes were good but in a normal way. Not notable in taste it was good for the extra texture but could have benefited from a bit of spicing up such as a gravy, butter or garlic. If I were judging the plate on its totality then it was just good but the brisket itself was quite tasty. Everything served was beautiful, service was prompt and pleasant. An overall good experience and it seemed all the plates were quality. A low risk...