Review: Jameson's in Neptune

At Jameson's in Neptune, the fluorescent lights are blinding, and the TV behind the counter is a tad too loud.

Don't let that drive you out the door, though. Once it is served, the Southern-style food at this blink-and-you'll-miss-it restaurant on Route 35 will require your full attention, and everything else fades into the background.

Jameson's is no-frills and homey at the same time. Ordering is as simple as walking up to the counter, glancing at the menu and telling your choice to the person behind the counter, who writes it all down on a diner-style guest check.

There's no sign saying so, but if you're dining in, it's a seat-yourself situation at Jameson's. The small dining area consists of six tables, each one covered in a yellow tablecloth with purple flowers. The menu clearly states that the food is prepared to order and that it takes time to do so. Even so, roughly 10 minutes after ordering, out came a white oval plate with a chopped barbecue beef sandwich, a similar plate with a small serving of french fries and a 20-ounce bottle of Diet Coke that was paired with a small plastic cup containing ice.

The beef chunks took up most of the plate, and two slices of wheat bread occupied the rest. Only about a third of the tasty meat made it to the bread, but don't worry -- for extra slices, all you have to do is ask, or you can finish up the rest with a fork.

As for the fries, they were crisp and reasonably thick. For a small serving, it was pretty big, so if generous portions are the norm, keep that in mind when considering all side items -- the menu also includes potato salad, string beans and collard greens.

The grand total for this visit was a mere $9.95. Had there been room for dessert, the tally would have been a bit more. The dessert options at Jameson's (none top $3) include banana pudding, peach cobbler and sweet potato pie. There's always next time for that -- as well as checking out one of the other sandwiches or the entrée options.

Photo by Chris M. Junior

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