Uptown Kitchen & Bar — Restaurant in Jacksonville

Atmosphere: Parking was unclear. I assume most people parked in the lots that said tow away zone. I parked in a very tiny lot behind the building but i was sure that it was allowed. Expect long waits. We were told a 45-minute wait for a party of 3. Note that it was Sunday around noon (I'm not sure if this is the norm every day all day). They obviously have long waits regularly, so there were tables and a row of chairs for the waiting area. There were empty tables inside and out, but we were told tables were seared as servers were available, so I'm assuming they were short staffed. There was a table of two ladies sitting outside for our full hour wait with their check. One of them said that since we're just talking, we should probably get up because the lines are so long. The other lady in her party laughed it off, saying why we had to wait a long time too. I relayed this to the hostesses since we were 11+ minutes over our estimated wait time at this point. They were not apologetic, nor did they offer to intervene. Literally, no server stopped by the table the entire time we waited outside (an hour). Atmosphere and service stars were deducted for this. Servers can not be intimidated and should want to turn over tables for their own tips. At normal brunch places, servers continuously circle back so as to hint to the patrons to move on if they are not getting more food or drinks. By letting them sit, it encourages extremely long waits and inconsiderate patrons. It took about 80 minutes from checking in to have our food in front of us.

Bar service: The bar was full the entire time we were there. 1.5 hours at least. The bartender was swamped. But after waiting about 40 minutes, the other patrons waiting with us suggested a drink to help pass the time. It took several minutes for him to acknowledge us even as he was not printing checks, cleaning up, or mixing drinks. We finally got our drinks and continued our wait outside. The margaritas were better than the mimosas based on our experience. Strawberry margarita 4/5. Spicy passion fruit margarita 4/5. Strawberry lemosa 2/5.

Food and dining experience: Time from placing order to it being on the table was extremely fast. I went to order the gumbo and oxtails and grits. The server said that they were sold out (of course, it was my honest response). Honestly, that was the only bright spot to a very long brunch experience. I tried the gumbo as an appetizer since I was starving by this point. Gumbo was okay but not worth $11, especially due to the cup size and no seafood included. 2/5. I went with blackened salmon and grits. It was not flavorful to me. It was approximately a 5 Oz cut of meat over gouda grits with spinach and tomatoes and a creamy sauce and cost $22. Between portion size and flavor challenges versus costs, I would rate it 2/5. My friend ordered chicken and waffles. You get a choice of wings or tenders. She ordered tenders and got 8 large tenders and a berry topped Belgian waffle. I tried the waffle (I'm not a chicken fan). Based on her portion size and the waffle taste, I'd rate it a 5/5 for the $18 cost.

Service: Outside of the hiccups already mentioned, one bright spot was the bus-boy who was the only one to notice we didn't have any napkins and brought us some without prompting. His attention to detail was 5 star! The rest was not up to my standards. During the complaint about wait and the table wasted, another person in line said he tried calling for 40 minutes to place a to go order, and no one ever answered, so he drove up there. Having lived in LA/AL, I know the food wasn't that great to wait to that extreme. I still want to try the oxtail and grits, based on reviews, but I would likely order online during the week and closer to their opening time since the service and atmosphere are not to my standard. I will update my review after an order online experience with the meal I really...

An Unforgettable Dining Experience at Uptown Kitchen and Bar

If I owned a restaurant, I would aspire to run it just like Uptown Kitchen and Bar — a true gem that exemplifies excellence in every aspect. From the moment you step through the door, you are greeted with warm hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere that sets the tone for an unforgettable experience.

Ambiance & Atmosphere: Uptown Kitchen and Bar masterfully combines modern elegance with cozy comfort, creating an inviting space that feels both upscale and relaxed. Whether you're there for a casual meal or a special celebration, the ambiance effortlessly adapts to any occasion, making every guest feel valued.

Exceptional Service: The staff at Uptown are genuinely passionate about hospitality. Their attentiveness, knowledge, and friendly demeanor make you feel like a valued guest rather than just another table. They anticipate needs without being intrusive, ensuring a seamless dining experience from start to finish.

Culinary Excellence: The menu is a thoughtful blend of innovative dishes and timeless favorites, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each plate is a work of art — beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The kitchen clearly takes pride in their craft, offering a diverse selection that caters to all tastes and dietary preferences.

Beverage Program: Uptown's bar is a standout, featuring an impressive selection of craft cocktails, local brews, and fine wines. The bartenders are skilled mixologists who can recommend perfect pairings or create custom drinks that elevate the entire dining experience.

Attention to Detail: What truly sets Uptown apart is their unwavering commitment to excellence — from the cleanliness of the space to the precision of their plating, to their thoughtful touches that make guests feel special. The management team clearly values feedback and continually strives to improve.

A Model for Success: If I owned my own restaurant, I would take inspiration from Uptown Kitchen and Bar’s dedication to quality, consistency, and genuine hospitality. They have created a place where people want to return again and again, and that’s the mark of...

Visited Uptown Kitchen to celebrate a friend's birthday. The experience was HORRIBLE. When we arrived there was a massive group there celebrating. We were all but ignored for almost an hour because they had ONE server. When our orders were taken, about 40 minutes later we were told the busboy accidentally thrashed our ticket. So we ordered yet again. Two hours after our initial arrival we got our food. It was decent. Honestly we stayed just because we enjoyed one another's company & passed the time with a few adult beverages that we went & retrieved from the bar ourselves. All of us agreed we would never come back because of their excessive wait time. It was just unreasonable. Now, our server did her best to be personable, but she couldn't remove the bad taste in our mouths over the atrocious wait time. Finally, be WARNED if you order an " Old Fashioned" drink they charge you essentially for individual ingredients. To our surprise when the bill came the four Old Fashioned drinks ordered by the group were $19 a piece. Not trying to be funny, but we have paid less for this same drink at way better restaurants. It felt like a scam as the bartender tried to explain the price & how they charge for ingredients. Honestly, we just let him rattle on until we stood baffled long enough to recommend that their unique billing of individual ingredients as their employee explained it to us, should be conveyed more transparently to consumers. None of us could make sense of it. This place has potential but they have to get their act together with staffing. One server on a Friday night, get real. That's not acceptable on any night. If you do try this place, pack your patience because you are NOT getting in and out within any reasonable time frame. Our ordeal lasted a little over 3-hours....