Bacon Jam — Restaurant in McDonald

It was a blustery afternoon on March 15th, 2025, when my friends and I found ourselves walking through historic downtown Mcdonald PA. Sure of step, but in no particular hurry, the wind itself was a gentle guiding force felt upon our backs. Some times the celestial bodies are aligned by fate's heavy hand and there is no doubt in my mind that day the divine intervened. For it would be my first time visiting the eatery known as Bacon Jam.

Upon entering one would be forgiven for assuming it to be an establishment of... middling... cuisine. Simple laminated floors scatter light from fixtures which one must suspect were cheaply sourced. Simple chairs and rustic tables placed upon the floor with all the care of a frustrated grandmother discarding the pesky jigsaw pieces which never quite seem to fit. The menus- equally plain and aestethically unappealing. But as the discerning gentleman is no doubt aware, even the most profound works can be bound in the plainest leather.

After existing in the space for a few moments, what delights upon the ear is a pleasant serenade comprised of feel good hits, ranging from jazz to ragtime, reminiscent of afternoons spent in a corner barbershop chatting of byegone days. And while the menu might be plainer than flashier restaurants, it is no less effective at evoking images of a number of tantalizing dishes. Breakfast classics such as french toast and omelette varieties dominate a good portion of it, while starters and lunch menu entrees comprise the remaining majority. It should be remarked upon here that the menu is light on options conforming to the constraints of Mediterranean and vegetarian diets, which will no doubt ostracize some potential diners.

I myself settled upon a BBQ Bacon Burger: two patties draped in melted american cheese, a modest dabbing of BBQ sauce, crumbled pieces of the titular bacon jam, and one exquisitely fried onion ring set delicately upon the crown of the bun. The companion piece to this burger proved to be a deliciously-seasoned serving of french fries. Whose zest, at least to this writer's tongue, belonged to a fusion of old bay and cajun flavors. Most delectable. A Pepsi on the rocks rounded out the meal, its bubbling effervesence a familiar and most-welcome companion in this new dining adventure.

The taste of the meal was exquisite, the service most amenable, and the prices quite fair. In short, flawless. However, It is a sad facet of human nature that we as creatures are incapable of imagining anything being perfect, as cynical as we have grown to be, so if I must cite a specific grievance to lend this review further verisimilitude let it be this. The burger could have used more BBQ sauce. But please, dear readers, I urge you to consider this complaint most light in its weightiness. For I greatly enjoyed my meal, and shall look forward to further tastings from their menu. It is my great honor to bestow upon this establishment 5 bacy...

We’ve been to Bacon Jam twice so far recommended by a friend. The first time my husband got the burger with the caramelized bacon and jam sauce. I got the grilled chicken with the caramelized bacon in the jam sauce. We decided on recommendation of our waitress to cut the sandwiches in half and share. The sandwiches are hugh. Both were absolutely delicious. We loved it so much that we went back on Father’s Day for lunch this time we decided to try something different and also share between the two of us. My husband got the grilled cheese with the caramelized bacon and the jam sauce, and I got the meatloaf sandwich and I added caramelized bacon and jam sauce to this sandwich also. I must say both were absolutely delicious. If you have not been to Bacon Jam. You are missing out on the best kept secrets in McDonald PA for places to eat. Whether you decide to go there for breakfast or dinner, you were not be disappointed. We cannot wait to go back again and this time we’re taking friends. Oh yeah, make sure you ask for...

The location, vibe and staff were excellent. However, the restaurant fell short of delivering the elevated food experience I was hoping to have. I started with the Bacon Jam and crackers which if it’s part of your name should be a highlight. That certainly wasn’t the case, it tasted like beef jerky marinated in some bacon fat and brought to the table it was a 2/10.

Then on to the meal. Two eggs, bacon, toast and potatoes. (12.99) I ordered my eggs over easy and have to say they were perfect, the bacon, I figured it’s in the name let’s do it, well… it was hard, flavorless and inedible. Now moving on to the toast, One slice!! (No other explanation needed) and the potatoes…think of those mini frozen golden squares you get at the Holiday Inn Express breakfast buffet.

All in all I’d give this experience a 3.7 the service was definitely the star of the show. The food not so much. As for a return visit? I don’t think I’ll be making a trip out of my way...