Newk's Eatery — Restaurant in Jacksonville

The food here is fresh and tasty, and provides a healthy alternative to other restaurants, so I would give that attribute a five star rating. It's clean and the service is ok, but the overall environment is why I'm giving it 3 stars. It is very crowded and very loud each time I've visited (Sundays after church and for lunch during the weekdays). I don't mind a BUSY restaurant, however, every time I've come here, it's OVERWHELMINGLY crowded! We're seated literally back to back with other patrons at their table, sometimes elbow to elbow, squeezing up against people trying to eat, and we're bumping into folks as we and they are trying to get in and out of our / their seats. They do bring your food to you, but you have to get up from your table to get your own drink and refills, so that can be challenging in a tight space that's packed to the brim. It's pretty uncomfortable. Plus it's very noisy with an open kitchen, and you're hearing other people's conversations because you're so close and everyone is yelling over the noise to be heard.

Bottom line: I would recommend picking up your order instead...

We've been coming to Newk's at Rivercity since shortly after they opened, and instantly became fans! The food was always delicious, although if you don't ask for dressing on the side, they drown your salad in dressing! The staff was always friendly and personable and made you feel as if you were dining at a friend's house. But the last few times we've chosen Newk's for lunch or dinner the staff attitude has dramatically gone down. Between the impersonal interaction with the young lady taking our order to the disinterested young lady bringing us our food. The most engaged person I spoke with was the busboy who was friendly and kind when asking to remove our dishes. With an ever decreasing value on customer service, I always counted on Newk's to raise the bar. The first visit a couple weeks ago I chocked up to a one off bad day, but unfortunately today's experience was the same. I fear this trend may become permanent and if so, I will choose to spend my dollars at a place that values my experience and values friendliness in...

The manager that was working on April 6th at 4 pm Melissa does not have management, people, kindness skills...I ordered a salad my steak was pink the nice Cashier Cheyenne asked her if I could get my salad fixed Melissa hollers out the kitchen I can't not do that she will have to buy another one well she never came out the kitchen to ask how she could fix I wanted to get chicken instead and ok I will pay well my chicken was dry and old!!!! Melissa comes out ask for receipt when the CASHIER told her I just purchased that chicken and she forgot to give me my receipt...Cheyenne the Cashier needs to be the manager Melissa is rude, she makes your food look like slop!!! I had just got off work and wanted a nice salad and my whole experience was horrible...Do NOT allow MELISSA to cook your food at all...She does not care about...