JB Dawson's Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Middletown Township

I will start off by saying that we’ve been eating at JB Dawson’s pretty often since they’ve opened, a very long time. It’s usually very good with very good service which is why we keep returning. This time there were a few problems. It did happen to be New Year’s Day at 6:15 PM and it was very crowded so I understand somewhat. We had reservations on OpenTable for four at 6:15PM and I requested a booth in the bar. We got there at 6:10PM and it was a zoo in there and people were waiting everywhere. They said they had my reservation but it would be about 10-15 minutes. I told them that I requested a booth in the bar and was told that they didn’t get that request and it could be a problem but would try to accommodate us. At just after 6:25PM they took us to a booth in the bar. That was nice that they got us that pretty fast. We ordered drinks, I got the Shaken Bacon Bloody Mary and I loved it so I got another. My wife had wine and my son had an Old Fashion with Knob Hill. The Old Fashion wasn’t very good. It took some time to get our drinks and I saw them sitting at the end of the bar. After about 15 minutes while our waitress was just standing there. I was about to say something when a waiter brought them over. He then asked for our order and I asked what happened to our waitress and he said he’s taking this table now. So we all came for the special New Year’s Day dinner, Pork and Sauerkraut and they already ran out. Our friend got the Potato Soup and it was good as usual. I got the Lobster Deviled Eggs and they weren’t so good. They were not very deviled, just hardboiled egg yolk with some lobster pieces and bacon on top. Very, very dry and very little, if any mayonnaise, not creamy at all!! For dinner I got the Shrimp Pasta Sauté and it was good. My wife got the Parmesan Crusted Haddock and our friend got the Caesar with grilled chicken and they were both good. My son got the Texas Tenders and Ribs and they were not as good as usual. This is something we’ve had many times before and it just wasn’t like usual. The chicken was a bit mushy and ribs tasted like they were kept in water or something or steamed. Something was wrong with them. I got the Boston Cream Pie for dessert and it wasn’t very good either, just OK. It was dry with very little custard. Since nothing was too very bad and since it was very, very busy we decided not to complain about anything and just eat what we could and leave the rest. Because we chose to accept the subpar food and not bring it to anyone’s attention I gave them 4 stars, otherwise it would have...

The food is good. The atmosphere is horrible. The service is not bad but this place is NOT special needs- friendly. I have never gotten food here I didn’t like so if what I’m going to complain bout doesn’t bother you, this place is worth it. The lighting is the absolute worst lighting I have ever experienced in a restaurant. No matter where you are sitting there are lights in your face - literally spotlights shining IN your face. I usually just ignore it bc I like the food but tonight I decided to bring my husband for his birthday and it was the biggest mistake ever. We have a 4yo special needs daughter and we have a whole process when we take her out to eat, but the process works for us: we bring a few toys, a snack, and have a movie playing on one of our phones, order her food when we order our drinks so she gets is quick, etc…She still sits in a high chair bc that’s what she is used to. Well - the highchairs are tall enough for the booths which was great except there’s a ledge between the booth and the floor so there’s a huge space inbetween the high chair and the table that makes it completely useless. This bothered my daughter instantly. It was warmer today and with the dramatic lights it felt even hotter which also bothered my daughter (and us adults). We put her food in as we were ordering drinks like we always do so it comes out fast - it still took too long. By the time it came out my daughter was having a meltdown. She loves broccoli so I was happy to order that for her as a side- except she received two fist sized florets that needed to be cut in order for her to eat which really set her over the edge. We asked if there was something they could do about the lights and a server said she would have the manager do something for us but no one followed up and my daughter just continued to spaz. It’s not the restaurants fault that my daughter has issues and I would never blame them but if you have a child w special needs, avoid this place at all costs. They are not equipped to help make the environment comfortable so find a sitter or find another restaurant. My husband and I will be back one day without our daughter. This time was a disaster. Our server Nancy was sweet and not the one we asked...

Stepping into JB Dawson’s feels like being welcomed into a cozy, yet polished American eatery—one where classic comfort meets chef-driven finesse. The décor, anchored by warm woods and softly lit booths, creates a vibe that’s both casual and refined

• Bread & Starters:* A signature warm brown bread with maple butter sets the tone right off the bat—simple, comforting, spot-on The Stone‑Baked Cornbread is another standout, delightfully crisp on the outside and moist within, served with their house-made maple butter

Appetizers & Must‑Haves: • Twisted Shrimp continues to earn rave reviews. One guest on DoorDash praised its crispy texture and “delicious” taste when served with the sauce on the side • Reddit users can’t stop swooning over the potato soup (“sooooo good,” “kick” that’s hard to place) and the chicken tenders, which one fan crowned “the best I’ve ever had.” • Also, don’t miss the Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls—a beloved menu item, with a horseradish dipping sauce that guests rave about

Mains & Entrees: JB Dawson’s shines in heartier fare: • Ribs are lauded for being meaty, fall‑off‑the‑bone, and richly sauced—a go‑to comfort classic • A reviewer’s Chicken Oscar paired juicy chicken with crab and baked potato—“one of the best Oscars” they’d ever had • On the Lancaster side, the Jack Daniels Glazed Ribs, Filet Mignon, Chicken & Shrimp Jambalaya, and Grilled Atlantic Salmon are consistently hailed as top picks

Pasta Favorites: The Chicken Pasta Florentine is a love letter in pasta form—one loyal patron said they visit six times a year just for this dish

Salads & Lighter Fare: The Chicken Cobb Salad received high praise for its fresh ingredients and flavor-packed delivery

Service & Hospitality: Service here consistently shines. One guest who experienced inconsistent food quality was immediately comforted by a manager who apologized and offered a discount—turning a potentially negative evening into a positive and lasting impression

On the broader scale, the atmosphere is described as inviting and elegant, with staff that’s attentive, warm, and professional—perfect for both family nights and special...