Buckeye Jake's Eatery — Restaurant in West Alexandria

Buckeye Jake's has all really great reviews, so we feel like we may have caught them on an "off night."

We wanted to sit outside... it was that nice out. When we approached the podium on the patio to get a seat, the young man there seemed a bit confused as to how to handle our request. There were 2- 4 tops and 1-2 top tables that were cleared and obviously available for seating, but maybe that section was closed? The opposite side of the patio had multiple tables empty of patrons, but overflowing with dirty dishes. We agreed to sit inside since this was our first visit.

We were installed at a rickety, rocking table that had us trying to hold it still with our feet. There was trash and dirt beneath the table. One other table was occupied in the room with us, a group of 4 older patrons. I thought they had eaten already, but didn't pay a lot of attention to them as I perused the menu. There was a tabletop card presenting the specials of the day, and for Sunday, Henny Penny Chicken was offered... all you can eat... for $10.99.

The server was polite enough, although over the course of our visit, I felt she was a bit disingenuous. When she asked for our drink orders, we said water. I do not mix food and drink at meals these days due to tummy issues, and I also do not drink alcohol or carbonated beverages. The server left, presumably to get our waters, but then she stopped by briefly a couple times to say she was taking checks to other diners, and she would be right back. A full 10 minutes went by during which we noted that the four diners I mentioned earlier were voicing annoyance because they had not received their food. Our server showed up not long after that... without waters... to take our order, and advised us that if we wanted the special, we had to order a beverage, too. This seemed odd, but I wrongly assumed it was part of the special price. So I ordered an unsweetened iced tea. ($3.09) We were advised that they were out of chicken legs, so I opted for 3 wings and a breast.

The 4 top finally received their food after our server put in our order. The one gentleman was not happy because he received something other than the onion rings he had requested. He had to wait, again.

When our food arrived... fairly quickly, I might add... first an order of fried pickles ($8.99) and too soon, the entrees... we were pleased that we didn't have to wait as long as the other table. However, the pickles were doughy... and while the chipotle dipping sauce was good, the appetizer was not, well, appetizing. After 2 pickles, our dinners came, so I set my sites on some juicy fried chicken. As she set it down, I asked the server for a box since I knew I would not be able to eat 3 wings, a breast and 6 potato wedges. It was then that the server said, oh, that is one rule... you can't carry out the chicken. I must have looked confused, because she elaborated that people order it for the price and then want to take it home. Well. Yes. I was confused. I had no intention of ordering any additional pieces since I knew I wouldn't finish what I had.

She stopped by briefly a couple times more asking if everything was OK. I was so frustrated that I did not tell her how disappointed we were with the chicken. She had sold it so well, telling of the delicious flavor and how it was fried, but the 3 wings were broken down into 2 parts already for serving as "wing apps," and had no breading or seasoning at all. They had not been cleaned properly and had "chicken fuzz" I was trying to pick off. They were so overcooked it was a challenge to get any meat off of them. Now I LOVE chicken wings. But this was certainly NOT a good meal with juicy wings. Dry, dry, dry.

Then there are the potato wedges. They were gorgeous to look at. But undercooked and still slightly hard under the coating.

I wrapped the chicken breast and 4 potato wedges in the fried pickle basket liner and my napkin to take home with me. Nuked potatoes and threw away the breast this morning. Such an expensive disappointment. ($44) Convince me...

Went for dinner in Eaton at our typical spot but they were very crowed with people standing in line. We know sometimes we could be standing about an hour before anyone decides to leave so I got on google to find something close we could head to. That’s when I came upon Buckeye Jakes! Luckily we were sat down when we arrived. Dani our waitress suggested the spring rolls for an appetizer and they did not disappoint. We were tickled to see filets on the menu since that’s what we intended on at the other restaurant. Loved the variety of side options they offered. I got my filet medium with brussel sprouts and salad and he got his filet medium rare with mac & cheese and salad. They came out perfectly cooked! They were very flavorful and the sides were also very good. The brussel sprouts were in a vinaigrette possibly and had a wonderful taste. While eating our dinner we noticed some of the pictures on the wall and asked if they were the house years ago. Dani told us a bit about the home and said we should take a tour of the house and look at the other pictures of the home and family that once owned it. She did a wonderful job taking care of us and answering all of our questions. We did take a look around the home and it was neat to see the old family memories in the pics throughout. The place was very clean and the atmosphere was great. We will...

This place has sadly gone downhill! The food was passable service and management was terrible! We ordered to 4 piece chicken dinners with potato wedges (the dinners include one side) and two salads. When we got the bill we noticed they charged more for one of the meals even through they were the exact same thing! We ask our server and at first he says “oh those only include chips the potato wedges are an up charge!” A chicken dinner comes with potato chips really bud!?? NOT true we had been going there for years ordered the same thing and that’s the first time we have heard what! We said well if that’s the case than why is it only that one of the meals has the up charge? He leaves and goes and talks to his manager comes back and says “it’s right I talk to my manager..the way I rang the one in makes it cost more.” Still makes zero sense! Manager comes out and wants to know if we understand why. She repeats “well the way he rang the one in makes it more expensive!” Then why can’t you adjust it to what it should be? We press her on it. She flips out and gets really rude says in a huff “I guess we will see what we can do!” And storms off. By this point we have had it we throw down cash for the bill on the table and we leave. We won’t be...