Jack Nolen's — Restaurant in St. Louis

shut up.

I don't even want to write a review because I don't want anyone else to come here except me.

So ok like, the first time I came here was on a risk with my boyfriend. "they have beer and burgers.. and if it isn't any good we can go somewhere else nearby"- fast forward 15 minutes, we're walking in the old green front door. As we push the door open and start to scan the bar, the bartender yells. "HEY GUYS! WELCOME IN WHATS UP!" .... um, do I know you? because this bearded 7ft tall man just yelled as if yes, I did know him. and he'd missed me. later we find out this man is called Nate. Behind him, the GM smirked and said "what can I get ya?" - that we learned was THEE boss, Kristin.

As a transplant from Ohio, It's rare for me to feel at home anywhere here in St Louis. Yet, every time we've come into "Jacks" we're reminded of how cared for and wanted our presence is. If you're there, you know you'll be seen and heard no matter what. In the middle of a rush, Nate will stop everything to get a round of applause for the cooks who are slinging burgers. Kristin has that open motherly soul. She will make damn sure everyone in that bar, in her bar, is taken care of and feels safe. I can't say enough things about Jacks and the people who make it run, and make it home for us.

If you get the chance, go. And be ready to enjoy yourself with your...

Just came here for my third time. I just checked my camera feed for the last time we were here: March 6, 2020. Must have been the last place I visited before lockdown.

They are quickly becoming know for their smashed burger patties. They aren't as thin and crispy as smashed burgers at Mac's Local Eats. The buns are comparable to the potato buns at Shake Shake. Each time we have been, we've had fantastic service and great smash burgers. We've also been impressed with and Patti Melt and CBGB fries that come with beer cheese/bacon/grilled onions. I recommend getting extra style sauce on the side and you need to try their garlic sauce, too!

On Tuesdays, they have fired fish taco special. 2 come in an order. Not only is the fish inside crispy and hot, the flour tortilla is also fried/crispy. It's still a soft tortilla and easy to eat, but it has great texture!

The place is small, but their patio is HUGE! Inside there is seating at the bar, a couple 4 tops and a few more tables for 2. It used to be difficult to find a seat during dinner, but our most recent trip had plenty of seating. If you are nervous of eating inside, grab a seat on the patio with you dog.

Kinda divey, so maybe don't...

First off, let me say this: if you're looking for a tasty burger in a laid-back, friendly atmosphere, this place has got it locked down. But what I really want to talk about are the deviled eggs. They come in a quantity of three halves. Which immediately raises the question: where is the fourth half? The kitchen cuts 2 eggs in half. So where does the 4th half go? The most logical explanation is that there’s a rogue kitchen hand who takes one for themselves every plate served—an Egg Tax, if you will. The rogue hand??? My guess... is a kitchen dog. A hardworking, unseen, possibly speaking kitchen dog who gets the fourth deviled egg half as tribute for his service. And honestly? I respect that. If I were a kitchen dog, I, too, would want a deviled egg. So, in conclusion: • Burgers: Excellent. • Atmosphere: Friendly, casual, the kind of place you want to linger in. • Deviled Eggs: Delicious, but wrapped in the mystery of a possibly (and likely) hidden kitchen dog. Would I come back? I have! And I will continue. Would I order the deviled eggs again? Yes, but only to continue my investigation. Would I attempt to befriend the kitchen dog?...