61 Main — Restaurant in Jasper

My husband and I were originally excited about going on a dinner date at 61 Main in Jasper, GA, without the kids (Which is seldom a possibility ). We made a reservation per suggestion by the restaurant and even went as far as looking up the menu online prior to arrival. We were excited about the local fresh ingredients. I had my heart set on ordering the bone-in pork chop entree. I was severely disappointed that even though the staff at 61 Main suggested it was better to make a reservation and calling to inquire about the restaurant/food, that when I got there and went to order the pork chop entree...they were sold out! I felt as if what is the point of making a reservation if you can't even order what you desire!!! Additionally, the young waiter I had lacked personality and had to run off to ask management questions several times throughout the ordering process. When asking the waiter about their specialized cocktail drinks, he stated he could not tell me any feedback about them because he was not allowed to drink them because of his age. Unprofessional! When a restaurant is allegedly upscale regardless how small the town it is in, the waiter or waitress should be completely knowledgeable about each item on the menu, etc. Additionally should bring things that is commonly needed to the table such as a straw without having to ask many times. We did give the waiter a good tip although we hardly even saw him. The bread that they offer at the beginning of each tables meal wasn't even brought to our table on time. It came after the appetizers and after the salad that comes along with the entree. At dessert, the waiter said there was a $1 additional charge to add one small scoop of ice cream to a slice of pecan pie and to warm it up, but when we got our ticket, we were charged $2. I guess there is a charge of $1 to use the microwave to heat the pecan pie slice up. I wouldn't say that the restaurant at 61 Main is bad or the food is bad by Chef Jenna, I would just say that it was just plainly alright overall. Especially for the price of the meal for the two of us. I did have much higher expectations of the service and the availability of their food for their prices on the menu, the portion size and the need for reservations recommended by staff. What a bummer of a date night meal with my husband !!!! Felt as if we wasted $100 on disappointment for our dinner date...

Farm to table, so menu is seasonal and changed frequently. Lunch menu had limited options but enough variety. I had a fried chicken wrap made memorable by the addition of kale, fresh cherry tomatoes and basil mayo in just the right proportions. The fried chicken pieces were clearly not out of a box or bag, but fresh, crispy and juicy. Just delicious. My beans and corn sauteed in basil butter was also unusual, fresh and cooked just right. My dining partner raved about her reuben (recommended by server). A fruit crumble served a la mode for the finish was perfect. Service was excellent until the end when my friend and I were chatting and drink refills were no longer offered - perhaps an uncharitable attempt to get us to vacate. There were plenty of empty tables in our section by then but our server's shift may have ended. If so, I prefer straightforward communication to being ignored. Otherwise flawless service. Prices are exceptionally good for quality and flavor of food. Hours are irregular so visit website beforehand. I know I'll be back and my friend was already talking about bringing her husband for dinner. Definitely worth checking out. Limited outdoor seating, dining inside...

Let me put it this way...I was so impressed with this restaurant, I made dinner reservations every Monday for the foreseeable future. I'm 64 and I have never done this before. I was actually expecting buffet tasting food. But the food was Chef made...which surprised me for the price of $15 including tax!! I really did want to keep this place a secret.

The food had a perfect balance of taste and texture, which is the mark of a meal prepared by a chef, verses a cook. What do you get for $15? A choice of about 8-10 entrées, with side and a dessert. Everything I tried was deliciously prepared. Now I must warn you, the individual portions are not large, but when you add the sides and dessert, they make more than an adequate meal. And the Bread Pudding I had for dessert, was the best I've had since I was a kid. Soft on the inside, with a nice crust on the outside...drizzled with a light cream sauce. My compliments to the chef, who by the way, I heard is also the owner.

A meal prepared by a Chef at this price...THESE...