Jay Lovell’s

Everything great! I’ve been eating here for a while. The food is fabulous and fresh! I like the self service idea. I like the atmosphere, I love the food. My son says best ribs ever. They were fall off the bone where he actually could pull the bones away from the meet. The burgers are the best and the fish is always fresh and paired with tasty sides! Love this place!

The Reuben was so good. Beef melted in your mouth and the sandwich grilled to a nice crisp. The spinach salad with steak was great. Nice mustardy vinaigrette and deviled eggs on the side. Best lunch I’ve had in a long time.

This place has been on my bookmark list for some
time and we ended up here today with the kids in tow somewhat unexpectedly.
While the standing menu had some good options, I was drawn to the specials written on the board. So the kids had the three-​cheese Mac and cheese, hubby had the Cuban sandwich and I opted for a blackened salmon served with an avocado salad and some roasted asparagus spears. We also ordered a couple of biscuits which was good and would probably be heavenly had it been served warm out of the oven.
This place has all the potential for greatness if they address a couple of things. First and perhaps most importantly is the seating— it was awkward and made for an uncomfortable dining experience. Once the place was crowded which was easy to do since the place is small, then you have to serpentine your way around diners if you need to get up and grab silverware, etc. I also think they could make make it semi-​service by bringing the food to you once you order and clearing the tables.
So all in all ok though I don’t think I’d rush back anytime in the near future.

The burger was good, but, wow, we paid $ 46 for a single and double burger an order of truffle fries and a beer! There is no atmosphere and they don’t even bring your food to the table or clear the tables. There were 3 tables that remained uncleared the whole time we were there and the restaurant as a whole was not very well kept.
Pretty disappointing.

One stop so far. Quite good.
The place feels like a vest pocket. Small, cozy, comfortable. My first time here, I reviewed the menu and saw several tempting items.
I chose the fried tilapia. Properly prepared. Nice touch of sauce. Toasted bread. Generous proportion. You get a side – I chose cole slaw – again, well prepared.
Basically, the place seems a chef’s take on a sandwich place, somewhere a chef would come for his own meal.
I never found the Lake Forest Lovell’s that enjoyable. It seems the remaining spot is just right.

The food was pretty good, average, but the service was terrible. We planned a small brunch for a bridal party there recently and the woman who essentially runs the place, not the owner, was crabby, stubborn and very unhelpful. We planned a brunch for about 12 girls about 6 weeks ahead of time with a reservation and all. This didin’t matter because they didn’t accommodate us in the slightest. They were unable to split the bill, we had to order at the counter and there was absolutely no table service despite us willing to tip well for it. It was the only place serving mimosas on Friday in the northern suburbs, which is why we chose the place. The waitress was terrible, crabby and it dampened our entire experience.

Quite possibly the best cheeseburger I’ve ever had.
Fried chicken dinner outstanding. Salads are good, dressings are unique & homemade.
But a warning; this place is very expensive. 2 eggs w/​meat & potatoes, toast, a bowl of tomato bisque soup and a small salad w/​grilled chicken put us back $ 40 w/​no drinks. That was a shocker.
Semi friendly staff as this is a self serve restaurant; you pick up your food & utensils & drink so why the expensive plates? Menu above counter is confusing in terms of what goes with what.
Delicious but incredibly overpriced.

This is definitely one of my favorite burger and sandwhich joints in the immediate area and it could be your favorite too if you take a chance. Take a chance, I tell ya! You will never find anything you like if you don’t take a chance (advice for real life and food) and although I saw the low ratings for Jay Lovell’s I took a chance and ended up completely loving the food!
I’m pretty sure it was meant to be because I had literally just been talking about my curiosity in eating a burger with a fried egg on it… it was my lucky day because there was an option to create my own burger so what did I do? I made my own burger… with mozzarella cheese, arugula, guacamole and a fried egg!!! They had a pretty good variety of extra toppings to choose from when creating the perfect burger! Thankfully my stomach superceded the cost of the burger, but the cost for a burger was a little much compared to others around town. My burger probably cost about $ 15 (but then again I did put extra toppings on it… but oh, it was soooooo worth it). The burger was thick and juicy and if there’s a heaven then I definitely tasted it when I sunk my teeth into the burger.
My fiancé got the BBQ pulled pork sandwhich which had a sweet flavor to it. Honestly, it wasn’t my favorite tasting pulled pork sandwhich, but it definitely wasn’t the worst.
Also, it’s been noted that the interior isn’t great, but I must respectfully disagree and say that the interior was cute and representative of the locally owned business that it is. It was bright and cheerful which I welcomed. I wish the food was just a little bit cheaper, but it’s definitely a treat for you once in a while, at least if you’re a burger fan.

No one home.
Before bridal gown shopping, we all meet here Saturday, April 18^th at 8 a. m (which is when they are open on Saturdays). We waited for over 15 minutes in front of the store. With 6 people in front of the restuaruant, the cook came out to say the manager wasn’t there yet and couldn’t let us in.
Since we couldn’t be late to our bridal appointment we didn’t have a chance to try Jay Lovell’s. It looked so yummy. So we went to Café Pettopia and had nice omeletes.

Well I don’t exactly love this place they do have some inspired ideas about normal food. that is just say that J can prepare things you’re used to, with added flare and some new great flavors!
They have a pie happy hour which is a joke because you only get a free cup of coffee and they don’t make the pies there!
Pretty good breakfast options

Great food, great atmosphere! Walk up to the counter and get your order taken by the chef. Quick and efficient. Plenty of tasty beers and wine to enjoy your food with. Nice, low key vibe to the room. My wife and I recognized the fare as old timey comfort food, made with high quality ingredients and a few tasty twists from a classically trained chef. See you there.

My business partner and I were out visiting coffee shops and we saw this place. we had no idea that it existed. I just had the best french onion soup I’ve had in the last decade. the hamburger would definitely compete with the best ever. very high quality meat and cooked perfectly. 5 stars for this place.
I can’t wait to try breakfast

Sweet dreams are made of this.
This restaurant is an approachable price point eatery from Jay Lovell. And my goodness it is GOOD. I’m talking take me to church because this must be a sin good.
Hubby and I have tried the pulled pork, clam chowder and burgers here. Oh. And the pie! I’m salivating just thinking about it.
The pulled pork sauce they use is sweet but not too much. It’s so much meat that we actually split a sandwich. I can’t imagine eating a whole one in a single serving.
The fries are extra greasy and good. Again, we easily split a serving of fries too. Otherwise I think the heartburn would put us over the edge.
As an original East coaster, I’m particular about my chowders. Lovell’s has the right balance of cream, salt and seafood. It’s still a soup with enough meat in it.
The burgers. Again. Greasy in the absolutely best way. I think they butter the buns as well to add just that extra ooph of flavor.
They make whole pies which you can take home. Or you can grab a slice. I haven’t had a pie crust like theirs since my grandma. Made me homesick for her.
By far, the food is a 5. The interior, however, is a 3. And so in fairness I’m giving it a 4. But I’m torn.
The interior isn’t amazing. They have about 8 tables and a counter. It would be a good place to sit in and eat lunch. But carry out is easy. They’re working with limited space, so I get it.
They also serve breakfast but we haven’t experienced it yet. Emphasis on the word YET.
I would also ask they get a soda fountain machine. It’s easy enough, guys.
If you haven’t tried this place yet, you owe it to yourself. Just don’t blame the weight gain on me.

We were looking for GOOD food in an environment that wasn’t fast-​foody. That’s exactly what we got.
You order your food at the counter and they call you up when your order is ready. However it’s very relaxed, without being super slow.
I liked the menu choices. I really got the feel that everything was done with love: the menu, the décor etc.
I had the pulled pork sammie with onions and french fries. Fresh cut fries = bomb. The sammie was to die for… I was stuffed but pushed through and cleared my plate.
They serve wine and beer, which is a nice bonus. Also, their wine pours are very generous!
I can’t wait to go back and try their breakfast menu!

Loved my breakfast on the three occasions I stopped here. So glad I did. I plan to try out lunch & dinner in the near future. I always love eating Jay Lovell’s offerings at his upscale Lake Forest location, but this is a welcome, casual option. Located across from Fort Sheridan, the storefront eatery that opened in May 2014 is the result of a brainstorm/​dream of Jay and his wife, Darice. Let me say: «Genius!» It has plenty of parking, a low-​key atmosphere, reasonable pricing, and an appealing menu of comfort foods with gourmet twists, savory bbq, DELISH sweets, and some beer or wine to complement your meals. I look forward to returning soon and pulling up one of those cute pastel-​painted farm chairs

Want table service and white table cloths – this is the wrong place. Want a casual meal with high quality food? You’re here.
Jay Lovell brought high quality casual food to Highwood. You order at the counter, wait for them to cook it in an open kitchen and pick up your try when called. Very nice people.
Breakfast (or Sunday Brunch) is great. Fresh waffles, pancakes and homemade cinnamon rolls. Fresh to order omelets are good, too.
Lunch – be sure to check out the specials – soups are very good, as is the chili. Sandwiches are big enough to save half for tomorrow and the homemade fries are also very good. Things like corned beef, brisket and very good burgers.
Highly recommended.

This much more affordable Lovell’s opened up in 2014 and I tried it once during the Summer, it was only ehhh. I thought I would give it a 2^nd try and dined in with my hubby. Gotta say, there are better casual restaurants in the area offering a full wait staff and entrees for less $.
As you enter the very small restaurant, it is unclear to diners: is there a wait staff? do you order at the counter? do they bring the food out to you? do I clear the table or does the staff? what about the drinks?
Ugh! Too many unanswered questions. Since it was my hubby’s 1^st time here and my 2^nd, I was able to guide him on how the restaurant operated. We arrived on a week day during the lunch hour, no problem finding a table, there were lots available. We approached the counter but, found the Hostess MIA. No sign indicating she would be back shortly, when we turned to the cooks, they ignored us. Good news, it was just a bathroom break.
They had a special that day: sliced beef and cheese on a crusty roll with horseradish sauce. Sounded intriguing we inquired as to exactly what the sandwich included; beef, melted cheese and horseradish sauce. Ok, sounds good, I ordered it. The hubby went for a bacon burger, medium. We decided to splurge on soda (usually drink just H2O, it’s healthier) so, we ordered 2 bottles of Fanta, yep that’s all they serve, no fountain drinks and you have to grab it out of the refrigerated case yourself. Both dishes came with a very small side, total: $ 27. If you want H2O, there are 2 pitchers of water being handled by all the patrons, ick!
So, you do need to retrieve your food. The hubby liked his burger, cooked ok, tasted ok, it was just a burger.
However, and this why I will not return to Lovell’s (2 strikes & you’re out!), my crusty beef and cheese sandwich with horseradish sauce included BACON! What??? No, we specifically asked the Hostess and she said meat, cheese & sauce. I think they forgot to drain the bacon, cause the roll had absorbed lots of the fat and now was soggy, not crispy. The Hostess had warned us: be prepared for the sauce, cause it’s going to be hot. Well, I couldn’t find the sauce, just a gloppy mess of cheddar cheese, bacon and beef.
I don’t blame the cooks or staff, rather the person managing this restaurant.

The ambience is very warm and inviting
The pecan smoked brisket is good not great. The potato salad was good. Overall, good quality food in a nice setting.

It was very good. My wife had the egg salad BLT, my son had a grilled cheese sandwich and my mom and I had their burger.
I was hoping for more with the burger, living in West LA with all of the gourmet burger places there. I’m not too picky about how my burger is cooked, but I ordered mine medium rare and got it well-​done. My mom ordered medium and hers was well-​done too. But they were good, as were the fries.
The ambiance is great and the service is very friendly. Definitely a good addition to the area.

This is a «place holder» review for me because I plan to go back after they have been open a while. Hubby and I saw the «open» sign and went for dinner to see what it was all about. We love Lovell’s and we were hoping for some of the same great food we have always loved there.
This is basically a breakfast and sandwich place. There is no table service. You order at a window and they bring you your order.
We were there the first day it opened… so bear with me. They didn’t have some items yet (beer and wine) but I think they had them the second day. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich (it didn’t come with a pickle, you have to ask). Hubby had a burger. He said his was tasty and juicy. The sandwiches come with a small side in a tiny cup all for about $ 9. I liked the potato salad with egg in it. Hubby’s cole slaw looked good. My pulled pork was very salty.
It wasn’t what I expected… but that’s ok. It’s more of a breakfast/​lunch place or a VERY casual dinner when you want a sandwich or a burger.
Understandably, they have kinks to work out. But give it a try and let us fellow Unilocalers know how you like it!