Jeff's: super casual, seriously chopped salads and more

It's not often I need to start a restaurant review with some clarifications. However, in the case of Jeff’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, I think some clarifications will be helpful for the restaurant and potential patrons. After all, having the right expectations can go a long way in enjoying the experience.

Jeff’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar is located at 1414 S. Tamiami Trail, in the green, black and orange former Waffle House building. We probably all recognize the building. Originally opened a few years ago under the name, Jeff’s Salads, the initial Sarasota venture was short-lived. Closed due to the personal reasons of the owner; the menu was tweaked, and a plan to reopen under the new name was set in motion.

Jeff’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar opened this February, and although the name incorporates “Grill & Bar,” Jeff’s is not really a bar and grill in the traditional sense. Rather, it's a quick casual restaurant offering very fresh, made-to-order food, for “eat-in or take out.” Jeff’s even offers online ordering and free delivery on any order size.

The menu at Jeff’s is simple, straightforward and fresh. Options include soup, specialty chopped salads, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs or make-your-own chopped salad. For our meals we chose the following:

• Jeff’s Hummus: Homemade hummus with tahini sauce, fresh parsley and pita bread. $7.00 A very fresh and flavorful hummus with a thick and smooth texture — a great starter to share.
• Spicy Budapest Goulash Soup: $5.00 Although the menu suggests spicy, it's only slightly so. The flavor is deep and smoky. Very satisfying and filling.
• Greek Cobb Chopped Salad: Grilled chicken, feta cheese, kalamata olives, cucumber, tomato, red onion, green and red pepper and iceberg lettuce. $8.00 Salad; $7.00 Small salad or wrap One of my favorites: fresh, briny and full of flavor with a nice mix of bite-sized tender textures.
• Sonoma Hills Chopped Salad: Grilled chicken, pecans, goat cheese, dried figs, fresh orange, spinach and iceberg and romaine lettuce. $8.00 Salad; $7.00 Small salad or wrap California tastes and textures in a bowl! Sweet, crunchy and fresh.
• Sedona Chopped Salad: Grilled chicken, pepper jack cheese, tomato, red onion, tortilla chips, cilantro, jalapenos and iceberg and romaine lettuce served with chipotle ranch dressing. $8.00 Salad; $7.00 Small salad or wrap Very fresh ingredients! The salad “container” is stuffed with a very generous portion. A nice little kick to a cool, fresh salad.
• Italian sandwich: Prosciutto, mozzarella cheese, green pesto, sun-dried tomato, arugula and olive oil on ciabatta. $9.00 A well-made sandwich, filled with a classic mix of Italian flavors.
• California Burger: Avocado, tomato, lettuce and onion. Served with homemade French fries. $11.00

  Hand-packed burger with hand-cut fries. Delicious! Mouthwatering juiciness on a roll and able to stand up to the generous sized burger and all the fixings.

  

• Giant Polish Sausage Hot Dog: Giant Polish sausage, relish, onion, tomato, dill pickle, hot peppers, mustard and celery salt. $5.00

  A large, tender and not-too-salty Polish sausage that had a crisp snap in every bite.

  

In addition to the specialty chopped salads, using their fresh organic ingredients, Jeff’s also offers create-your-own chopped salad, which is fully customizable to your tastes and preferences. Although there is no table-side waitstaff, the counter staff is very friendly, fast and efficient. You can watch your salad being made right in front of you. Now that's fresh! Jeff’s also offers a small selection of beer, wine and soft drinks to accompany your meal. It should be noted, there is no dessert service on the menu.

Seeming contradictions aside, Jeff’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar is the place to go for a quick, casual meal. Whether you decide to eat in or take out, you'll find many healthy, fresh and flavorful choices on the menu. So why not give Jeff’s a try? And yes, Jeff’s is open.

Jeff’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar 1414 S. Tamiami Trail / 366-2223

Hours: Monday through Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.