**update - I have been informed via another reviewer that the pot stickers are in fact vegetarian as confirmed when he saw the box or the ingredients list or something. So, apparently I stand corrected.** Oh J Coco, I am trying hard to love you. But after three dinner visits, you're not making it easy on me. In brief, the atmosphere is perfect, the cocktails dangerously delicious, and the food good (not great). But whatever buzz I've had from these things, the wait staff (based on three different wait persons) has killed. And in really big ways. Visit #1 - I ordered the special...asked if the side had pork in it (because, I made clear, I don't eat pork)- I was told it was vegetarian. I ordered it. And guess what was right in the middle? Pork. I regretfully did nothing about it because I was with some out of town company and didn't want to cause a fuss (beside, the fish with it was VERY good) but big time foul. Especially for a $30-spmething entree. Visit #2 - I came with a bigger group (number of people, not size of them) and we were greeted and accommodated nicely initially. But our waiter was a jerk. He came over and declared "I have no specials to tell you about" and then ran off before offering to grab us drinks, which we were desperate for. Throughout dinner, he just seemed to give off the impression that he was annoyed to be working, despite standing to gain a very sizable tip from our table. I tried the eggplant sandwich this visit and it disappointed. The glaze was great (though I wish there was a little more of it), the fresh mozzerella was also to die for but the eggplant lacked flavor. Visit #3 - Dinner for two. Because of my good luck with cocktails here, I asked for a cocktail menu. The waitress' response:" we're sort of in between menus right now." I was kind of stunned and must have conveyed that, because she suddenly was able to produce one. And I had the Pimm's cup and it was f***ing tasty. She continued to suck the rest of dinner, including disappearing when my wine glass was empty (I know I sound like a lush here, but as a restaurant, don't you want people drinking a lot and ordering a lot....why would you make this difficult?!). The last straw was dessert - the creme brulee had barely been touched by eat and was almost like ice cream inside. We had to send it back (she did apologize for bringing it out like that)...and it came back super scorched (fine, whatever at this point) with a nice big hair on it. I'll give her the benefit of the doubt that it wasn't maliciously placed there but I'm still annoyed that one wouldn't triple check something that's already been screwed up once. But back to the food, I'd recommend the olive plate (delicious white bean hummus served with it - good value) and the calamari though like other reviewers have said, it can get soggy at the bottom so stir it up. Salmon was out of this world good. The chicken comes with bacon or pork belly- which surprised my dining partner, since it didn't mention it on the menu, but he said he enjoyed it still. The fries are very tasty and the side salad is too....a toss up for what to get with your sandwich. And, if I had written this after my second visit - complete with two successful dessert orders - I would have strongly encouraged seeking out a dessert but I'm a bit soured after the last trip.
(3)
Thomas M.
No expectations, very disappointed. Reservations were made weeks in advance for a table of 4. After being seated we felt very anxious and pressured to move our dinner along. After ordering 3 courses we ordered dessert... Only being 7:45, it might as well have been at closing time of a bar, despite being less than two hours into our meal. The wait staff was rude when asking simple questions regarding the interesting and diverse menu, and was put off by engaging them in any way. The only time the waitress was friendly or interested in our table was when the bill came with a $340 price tag. J. Coco staff, get over yourself, you are in Omaha Nebraska, not New York City where there is a stereotype for rude service. There are many restaurants in the area with great service, unfortunately this staff has better things to do than provide a pleasant dining experience. The food was good, but not worth the horrible service. Save your money and go to Taco Bell, at least they appreciate their jobs, and say thank you for the business.
(1)
Drew D.
Food was good, but for a restaurant in this price range, the service should be significantly better.
(2)
Rachael L.
I know it is only fair to judge a restaurant on food, and not hold the staff against the overall experience, but it is hard in this case. The food was great. We started with the chilli dates, which were quickly devoured. I ordered the Cubano and my husband ordered the brick chicken. Unfortunately, the chicken was a touch dry and a little bland (my husband says it is because we can make a mean roast chicken at home, and our expectations are higher than most.) I thought the Cubano was good, but the real star were the frites. Absolutely delicious! I ordered the parmesean frites, which came with regular ketchup, and I do think that a place like this should have their own ketchup instead of straight from the bottle. Luckily, my uncle ordered the frites also, but with their truffle aioli, of which I ordered a side and the problem quickly disapated. My husband ordered the 4-cheese macaroni w/ potato chip topping, and it was also very good, although here is where things get a bit annoying at J.Coco. Let me rewind for just a moment, this place has a children's menu posted on their website, so it can be safely assumed that kids are welcome. When we arrived, the child-like-hostess that was working looked at us as though were had some contagious disease, her exact comment was "Oh, I think we can find some room in the back". There was a large round table open in the main restuarant, which would have fit our group (plus one hi-chair perfectly) however she took us back to the party room, then put us at the 4-top farthest in the corner. Well when you have 4 adults, and a child, a 4-top is not ideal, but we dealt with it. I realize there are a lot of parents out there with out-of-control children, but I pride myself on knowing how to handle mine. I won't let him scream and be bored the whole meal, you bring treats and a small toy or two, and he will be happily entertained the entire meal, and does not deserve to be banished into the back of the restaruant, nor do the four paying adults with him! Anyway, the part that relates to the macaroni is because we also ordered my son the child's macaroni. It cost $2 more, and was the same size, possibly smaller than the adult's $5 side. We ended with the creme breulee which was heavenly, and I will definately order again. Either way the food was great, and we are happy to have a new eatery in mid-town, especially south of Dodge, but this place is still finding its identity, and needs to have some of its staff work on some basic customer service.
(4)
Tonya B.
I thought the food was absolutely excellent. We went in at 6:30 on a Saturday night to a packed house. Our waitress admitted to being new and asked for our patience but she did fantastic! We had the mussels for an app and they were delicious. The broth was wonderful and didn't overpower the beautiful taste of the mussels. They were cooked just right, not overpowering in salt and not the least bit chewy. I had the beef medallions and feel in love with the sauces. I don't even like mushrooms but I fawned over these. Not a clue as to where you purchase decent lobster in Nebraska but other sea food places would be lucky to have their sources. I would say I was a bit disappointed with the sauce on the last potato latke but only because the latkes were so incredible I didn't want to share the flavor with the sauce. My husband ordered the brick chicken and oozed over the sauce during the entire meal. At one point in time he awed, "Oh my God, I think I just got bacon" and dived back in. It was juicy down to the last bite. We will most certainly be going back in the very near future!
Tasty. A little different. Definitely worth checking out. I had the short ribs, which really is a tender roast. Bar drinks are excellent.
(5)
Sally F.
After we were seated (with a "no reservations" policy, I should have had reservations about going) but I found the service very harried to the point of making me nervous. The wine list has some great offerings on it but the pour of wine was small for the price charged. I agree with the reviewer below about the croque monsieur - definitely don't do that. An expensive lunch with "okay" food and unremarkable service.
(2)
John S.
Great place! Food and service was excellent. I will be coming back again soon.
(5)
Leanne D.
A friend and I had lunch here yesterday and we were not disappointed. I hadn't had time to read any reviews so there were no real expectations; which made our delight in the food even more special. We got there before the rush, thank goodness, because it go really busy and quite loud. The server was very attentive all throughout our lunch. The hostess even refilled glasses if she saw a need. Chery had the cobb salad which had very little lettuce but lots of chicken and was very happy with her decision. I had the Cubano with a cup of chicken vegetable soup. The soup had mostly green vegetables which was a bit surprising but the flavor was incredible. The Cubano was tasty. The dessert list was enough to have me drooling but I stuck with the pear-plum crisp. It was so good! While I look a good fruit crisp; too many of them have more topping than fruit. That wasn't the case with this dessert. The scoop of ice cream was just enough to complement the fruit.
(5)
Downtown J.
I liked J Coco. Parking is a huge pain but worth 7 trips around the block. In true Omaha tradition, every table was full at this new establishment. Having made reservations we were able to sit down immediately. Our server was prompt, friendly and familiar with the menu. She recommended several appetizers and helped us select a few tasty entrees. I enjoyed the filet medallion trio. The lobster medallion was my favorite! I was less impressed with the side dishes which included Brussel Sprouts, Mac and cheese and an olive plate. The sprouts were bland and would have been better with a little pancetta or dash of protein. The Mac has a potato chip crust, it can't touch Sullivan's Mac. Overall our drinks, meals and service were good. I think J coco would be an awesome lunch spot and I'm excited for happy hour on their patio.
(4)
Luke I.
The restaurant was decorated very hip. The service was great. Order your food carefully; stick with their specialties. The kitchen needs to be told not to send out closed mussels.
(3)
John E.
It was just OK. We tried the pork belly, I have had much better, but the grits were tastefully done. My girl had the pulled pork tacos, really good except the corn tortillas. I had the flank steak. I have had wayyy better at half the price.
(3)
Megan P.
This restaurant has wonderful ambience and great service but unfortunately we were not blown away by the food. My husband and I were excited to try this new gem in midtown but left feeling a little let down. Everything we tried needed some sort of acidic touch to cut through the spices and heavy flavors. We started with the short rib tacos. The beef was cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, but they needed a hint of lime to ease the extreme saltiness of the meat. I had the Cobb salad which was small for the price but the chicken was well seasoned and the lettuce was fresh. My husband selected the pork chop stuffed with chorizo. The flavors were well executed but again it was heavy on the spices never giving the mouth a reprieve. The entire plate longed for a hint of acid to brighten the dish and cleanse the pallet. The highlight of the night was the macaroni and cheese side item we ordered at the last minute. It was absolutely delicious, creamy and cooked to perfection. Overall we had a nice experience but it is not a restaurant we will be running back to anytime soon.
(3)
Dan W.
Lunch is a nightmare for parking. I sat outside and watched the parade of people moving their cars out of the neighboring parking lot for fear of being towed. Literally 15 people walked by in a huff and eventually returned after parking down the street. Food was average and the service was worse.
(2)
Kelley S.
Great new restaurant in this part of town! The atmosphere is very cool--reminds me of a lot of the bistros in NYC. Been here several times & service has always been great, as have our meals. Also love the fact that they take reservations--for both lunch and dinner. Would definitely recommend checking it out!
(4)
Gina W.
Went tonight and it was wonderful! Great wait staff, great Bloody Mary's, and most of all Fabulous food!! I had the medallions, my friend had the white fish and she said it was fabulous as well! I totally recommend trying it out. I will definitely be going back!
(5)
Holly K.
Like many of the other reviewers I found the food to be amazing! I had the short ribs and the flavor was incredible. My friend ordered the salmon but was served the whitefish by mistake. The waitress graciously corrected it and explained the error was probably because of the way she entered the order in the computer. At the end of the meal I expected a comped dessert or some other something as it meant we did not eat our meal together. When that didn't happen, I asked that a glass of wine be taken off of the bill and she was most agreeable to my request. It was not a good night for wait staff as a waiter dropped a salad near a table that was next to us. It fell with such force my friend got food on her sweater. The table next to us was good humored about it and it looked as if they were given appetizers to make up for the gaff. I found the restaurant to grow noisy as more patrons arrived so it didn't allow for quiet conversation. I loved the restaurant and look forward to going back.
(4)
Lauren G.
I arrived there and was seated promptly and was served my drink almost immediately. I looked around and the decor was modern and really classy. They served bread and butter which was yummy. I ordered the fried chicken sandwich. It was not greasy but rather crunchy and juicy like I was hoping. The slaw added crunch and their special sauce was creamy and yummy. The whole entire meal was delectable. The bathrooms were super classy and clean and I left feeling happy and full that's for sure. Prices were decent and service was pretty good too. Completely satisfied and I will be back.
(5)
Tara W.
Last night we took our son out for a special dinner. I had messaged them after making the reservation so the business would know that one diner had special dietary needs. It is a beautiful space, atmosphere is just right with table chatter and happy clinking of wine glasses. We were shown to the table immediately and the host greeting our young son kindly. Our waitress seemed rushed or overcommitted and never greeted us or shared the specials. I learned that there were specials when I wandered past a note in the kitchen on the way to the restroom. After all, our biggest interest was all three of us eating and having a nice time. I asked the waitress what could be ordered that was dairy free and gluten free? She offered to consult with the kitchen and report back. Returning she did not point to any menu item, but instead offered " do you like fish? We could do a steak?" Whatever you like. She suggested salmon and I want confident, but had been told that JCoco had a great chef and she did special dishes for vegetarians and vegans, so I agreed. I had mentioned that I like all kinds of food and I was hungry and open to whatever. A bit worried because while my son and husband were noshing on bread and butter, my appetite was growning, i asked if we could get the Cobb salad with the cheese on the side. The waitress cautioned that it was really big and "is ranch ok?" Well, no, it isnt, so the waitress shrugged and said "oh" and didn't offer any accomodations. So, my husband and son both enjoyed their plates: burger and beef sandwiches. My dish was literally three green beans, one asparagus spear, half a carrot, and 3 bites of salmon! I laughed. And then asked if this was dinner? How much was this? The waitress didn't know but offered to get me a menu. I said i was not interested in a $28 dish like this and she could take it back. She wouldnt! And told me I should keep it and eat it because that is what they give for a meal. I laughed again in disbelief. The man and waitress offered me a side and i accepted an order of french fries, just to not upset my son and husband and get to the show on time. I really would have preferred to leave. I did not see the bill, but my husband told me that the "fries were free and they took a few bucks off the salmon." They was I see it, if it costs $6 to add salmon to a salad and $6 for a side of fries. We paid twice that for what JCoco offered me as a dinner. My only regret was not taking a photo--it was the size of a silver dollar with five green veggies sticks underneath. If you are a vegetarian, vegan, gluten or dairy free or have other special dietary concerns, I would not recommend J Coco. I felt isolated and taken for granted on a evening when I was hoping to make each member of my family feel connected and special. We survived it, but will choose differently in the future.
(2)
Sondra Z.
Had read some great reviews of this place and really wanted to like it, but it was just meh. My husband loved the tres majories and my salmon in rice paper was wonderful but the risotto it came with was undercooked and crunchy. Our daughters vegetarian pasta (the only vegetarian entree they offer) was so salty she couldn't finish it. We should have called it a night then but went for dessert. The chocolate cake was clearly not made on site, it was still defrosting when it was served. The budino was called a custard but tasted a lot like thin instant pudding. For the price point there are much better places in town.
(3)
Tom H.
I am rarely compelled so clearly to write a restaurant review as I am now about J Coco. We had eagerly anticipated eating there due to multiple positive recommendations from friends. Needless to say, for my rating to be so low, something must've been amiss. What, you ask? Other than everything? Slow, poor, inattentive service. Awful food preparation. Had to ask multiple times for things. Sent one dish back as it was ice cold. One item was entirely forgotten and not delivered along with the main course. In short, there was not one component of the entire dinner that I'd rate as even passable/average. Further, I felt entirely justified doing something I hadn't for about twenty years: left zero tip. Wouldn't go back, ever.
(1)
Vicki S.
Delicious food with a seasonal menu based on availability of ingredients. We had the cheese stuffed fried squash flowers appetizer , which I would have eaten as an entree they were so delicious. We both got the sea bass which was cooked well but was very pricey and the beans and stuff it came with weren't that yummy. I'd like to come back to try other entrees.
(3)
Michelle H.
I love it here; the ambiance, food, and staff all make it a great experience. I recently had the Steak & Frites off the lunch menu and it was absolutely delicious. I've had various other items on the menu that have all been fabulous as well. It's a good restaurant to try a few appetizers and a few entrees and split them amongst friends. Jennifer Coco is a great chef and is fun to chat with.
(5)
Kayla K.
Shrimp and grits are yummy with good flavor but a little watery compared to true southern grits. Teres major medallions were really tough and hard to cut and chew. The accompanying creamed spinach and potatoes were average. The lobster paired with it was fishy and I didn't finish eating it.
(3)
Alyssa M.
Service 1st Waitress was rude and rushed us through the entire order. No one wanted to say anything. But I finally broke the ice and said something... and everyone agreed and stated that they didn't want to ruin the meal by being negative. We agreed on asking for another waitress 2nd Waitress was extremely nice!! Very professional. Explained the history and uniqueness of J. CoCo. Manager was very nice and understanding (although, she did make an excuse for waitress #1-- by saying that they weren't expecting to be so busy because of the nice weather ... That is the last thing a customer wants to hear... is an excuse... I never understood this because there is really no reason to ever be rude... A manager should take the feedback and do whatever they feel is necessary with it... and that does not include making excuses to the customer. Food GREAT! Shrimp and Grits: B Tenderloins: B Burger with Avocado: A Lamb: C -- was overcooked but my husband was hungry so he ate it anyways! He is very particular about his lamb as he is a trained chef and he will take you to school to explain the texture that lamb is suppose to be... and that texture was not achieved with this lamb. Mocha Cake or something... forgot what it was called: A+. I was basically in love with this dessert.
(4)
Tutti S.
Waitress is a bit short, bordering on rudeness. Ok, just talked to her to change to our order and d she became full fledged abrupt and rude! Woo. Haha, she's had a very arrogant air to her. Wow. New server was AWESOME!! She was the best and she really made our night fun and relaxing. The food was excellent. My burger was one of the best I've ever eaten. Everything was fresh, fresh, fresh. I also had a house salad with a walnut vinaigrette -delish! The iced tea was marvelous, made with loose trees leaves and passion fruit juice. I can't wait to go back. Oh yes, they grow their own herbs and veggies. Cool place on many levels.
(4)
Dan C.
As a Burger Brigadier I've been called upon to consume burgers in the fertile burgerland called Omaha. It's a duty I don't carry lightly and tonight episode 4 took place at J. Coco. Upon arrival I greeted the smiling faces and appetizers with my usual sense of purpose. Smiling Yelper faces good.....appetizers good.....burger? uhhh not so good. Medium rare, almost. Overpriced, seriously. Worth a return trip? Unless I pick the right six numbers on Saturday and Bronco's down the street is closed. Not going to happen!
(2)
Nick P.
Visiting Omaha we started looking at Yelp and Trip advisor and a friend recommended J. Cocos. Well its the best meal I've ever had in Omaha. I've been coming to Omaha for about 20 years and being from SF I am usually at best, humored by the food choices. Well was I surprised. The tacos were amazing. I ordered the Ahi Tuna salad ...again amazing. I took a bite of the Waygu burger (I am going to order this next time). The bread was warm and Fresh. Katrina our server was super attentive and helpful and did not at all hesitate to recommend her favorites. I would highly recommend J Coco and will certainly eat here again before I leave next week. And yes, I've tried all the "best" steak houses and the "best" of old town....
(5)
Cheryl K.
Really pleasant client dinner in this upscale restaurant serving farm to table seasonal dishes. The atmosphere is very "homey" yet upscale feeling. Dimly lit, slightly crowded but still quiet enough to have a nice dinner. We shared a couple of appetizers - the Korean short rib tacos and then we each had a salad. The tacos were great and the beet salad was excellent. It had gold and red roasted beets with candied pecans, watercress, arugula, and goat cheese. The soup that night was a tomato bisque served with a mini grilled cheese sandwich - it looked amazing and my co-diner said it was. For dinner I went with the coffee and cocoa rubbed pork loin which was served with cornbread stuffing with a butternut squash sauce. It was so good but after the appetizers and salad, I was really too full to eat it all. My co-diner had the cedar plank salmon which came with some type of lobster tater tots - she said it was amazing. They also had dishes like shrimp and grits, honey roasted chicken, crispy duck and of course a couple of different beef dishes. Way too stuffed for dessert which I am certain is amazing. Must try if you're in Omaha. Oh and the service is top notch - didn't matter that they were extremely busy, our server didn't miss a beat! One weird thing - the bathroom is shared with the comic book store next door. Nothing negative at all about that except that if you make the wrong turn - you wind up almost walking into a completely different store front.
Delightful. I was there with the fabulous Megan G, and also enjoyed the drinks and dessert options. The atmosphere is very crisp and modern, with a nice patio area (we opted for A/C though). The desserts (chocolate mouse in a chocolate cup with mixed berries, and a salted caramel chocolate cake) were scrumptious and appropriately portioned for ONE person (do not try to share one dessert with your friend if either of you love sweets). It was a lovely location for our triple-date. Our waters were kept filled, our checks were split (thank you!), and we wanted for very little over the course of our evening.
(4)
J T.
My favorite place! We live close and visit often. I have never left disappointed. One word.....Burger! Best in town!
(5)
Christine H.
I like J. Coco and was excited when a friend suggested it for lunch. This is a small restaurant in the Dundee area with modern Decor. Whenever I eat here, I get the impression that a lot of other diners are the wealthy individuals of Omaha. I am not one of those people, however, I have always had positive experiences here. Being that it was lunch my friend and I both settled on salads and decided to add salmon. The salmon was outstanding. Very high-quality, flaky and had a perfect crust on it. My salad was the spinach. I loved the blue cheese, candied walnuts and poached pear that accompanied it. however, some of the spinach was past its prime. Personally, I don't even bother buying spinach because it seems to go bad so quickly and when it goes bad it gets slimy and gross. I probably had to pick 6 to 10 pieces of slimy spinach out of the salad. The salad was still outstanding and I would order it again, but I think sorting through the spinach in the kitchen would be helpful. J. Coco is overall a great place for lunch or dinner in Omaha.
(4)
Karoline H.
I came to J Coco for my birthday with my family. When we arrived it was 6 pm and pretty dead. It took us forever to even get any service and when we did get service our server seemed annoyed or uninterested in us. I am not sure if it is because we had a child with us or what. We ordered drinks and I got the strangest looking Cosmo I have ever seen. It tasted fine but it was murky and white. We ordered the pork belly steamed buns and the pretzel bites. Both were so delicious. For dinner, we all ordered burgers. I have nothing bad to say about the food, but our treatment (or lack thereof) from the waitress was very glaring to me. There was a man, however, that was wearing a red shirt at the front...I am not sure if he was the host or the manager but he was great in helping us and very personable. The service will not stop me from coming back, I'm actually ordering a burger to-go for lunch today. Someone just needs to tell this waitress to cheer up!
(3)
David Y.
J Coco was a tasty restaurant with middle/high range prices (by Omaha standards). We started with bulgogi tacos. I enjoyed the pork, and the seasonings/sauce complimented it well. One thing I disliked about the taco was the soft shell. Given the overall texture of the pork/garnishes, I think a little crunch might have been better. My girlfriend got the special of the night, a Chilean Sea Bass, essentially Asian style. There was a ginger/soy sauce over the fish, which was atop bok choy, rice, and vegetable pot stickers. All in all, a very solid dish. I got the burger with bacon and a fried egg. I would have liked the egg to be a bit more runny but it was still a very good burger. We finished the meal with a bread pudding with berries and cream, which was delicious. I enjoyed J Coco and I thought that the service was good/food was solid. It was a bit on the higher end (about $90 after tip) for Omaha.
(4)
Laura C.
I shared the Korean sparerib tacos with my family as an appetizer. Very very good! I had the wedge salad and the peppercorn ribeye. They were bursting with flavors. The bread was also amazing. I will be back.
(5)
Mark C.
Joined a group of 12 last night to dine at J Coco's and enjoy the burgers they serve. The group was seated in the back room which actually allows you to look into the kitchen and see the food being prepared. We also had the pleasure of the chef/owner greeting us once seated. She was most gracious and welcoming. Our waitress did a good job with keeping up with us, getting the drinks, keeping them refilled, timing appetizers and of course getting our orders correct. J Coco's offers a Wagyu burger with a choice of bun (pretzel or challah) and several appetizing toppings to include caramelized onions, applewood smoked bacon, avocado, fired egg, smoked gouda, white cheddar or maytag bleu cheese. I had the burger on pretzel bun with caramelized onions, applewood bacon, smoked gouda and fired egg. It was absolutely delicious. The pretzel bun held up well to all the ingredients. You should have seen how tall the burger was with everything on it. Had to really press it down to get it in your mouth. Very tasty and well worth the price. Dessert was a bread pudding with salted caramel, cream and fruit. Also very tasty and the salt really comes out in the caramel. Would get this again as well. The menu for J Coco is diverse and offers a little something for everyone's tastes. Definitely worth your time to check out.
(4)
Bill H.
Another outstanding meal. My wife's tuna was perfectly seared and my rack of lamb was done nicely- differently from last time but just as delicious. Our quests sea bass was expertly prepared and reportedly delicious. A Omaha jewel!
(5)
Katelyn E.
Oh my goodness, this is my new favorite restaurant. There is super delicious food, a wonderful ambiance, and friendly wait staff. Oh, and the yummiest desserts! I moved to Omaha in December and in the past three months, I've gone to J Cocos four times already. And I have reservations again for my birthday there in three weeks. So... safe to say, I enjoy this place. :) The wait staff is awesome. Everyone I've encountered is friendly and knowledgeable about the food and drinks. The bartenders make fantastic drinks -- whether you go with a solid G&T, or try one of their unique drinks - I promise, they will be good. One time I went, I tried three different drinks, just prompting my waiter to "surprise me" with the next drink. They were all great! The last time I was there, the front end manager stopped by our table and chatted with us about the origin of the restaurant, the story behind the huge photographs on the wall, and where they ordered their wines. The food is simply amazing. My favorites are the fried brussel sprouts (drenched in yummy miso and sprinkled with bacon pieces) and the Stuffed Chicken. The chicken comes sits atop a butternut squash lasagna and is sprinkled with chestnuts. It's tender, full of flavor, and oh my gosh ... just so yummy! This is one of those rare dishes that tastes good warmed up in your microwave the next day. I've also tried their Short Rib Tacos (definitely worth trying), Pork Belly Steamed Bun (yum, yum, yum!), Artisan Cheese plate w/ Cured Meats (a must!!), Pommes Frites (can't go wrong here... especially with truffle aioli!), and Ribeye (not a huge fan of red meat, but this is pretty darn delicious). And then... the desserts. Seriously, AH-MAY-ZING. My favorite is their cheesecake, but you can't go wrong with their crème brulee. Or seriously, any of the items. Ask your server, because they change. Finally, this ambiance. It's romantic, it's fun, and it's a place you go to enjoy yourself. Whether it's on a date or with a group of friends, you have to try this restaurant.
(5)
W B.
This is a nice restaurant nearby our home. It has a great cocktail list and an eclectic but tasty menu. It is, however, quite expensive. However, I will NEVER patronize this restaurant again...and here is why. We had been here before for drinks and appetizers and intensely enjoyed it. The bartender was great and the cocktails were also well done and intricate. But...this time we had a group of 5 adults and two babies and had reservations at 5. One couple had to leave but the three of us remaining (after ordering desert) were conversing perhaps 30 minutes after finishing eating when someone (presumably the manager?) came and told us we had to leave the table because there were others waiting. It was 7:09 PM. We were offered seats at the bar...with babies. This is not Denny's. We could have wanted coffee or another drink, but this was never offered as apparently they were trying to get rid of us. (I should note that both babies were quiet and behaving). Understand that we had spent at least $300-400 between us. This kind of behavior is simply unacceptable in the restaurant industry. Were I in management, I would fire this employee and offer either a refund or complimentary meal.
(1)
Lisa R.
I had a very delicious dinner here with my uncle, cousin, and her date. Because I do not get to Nebraska often since I moved away, visiting my family is a special treat. My uncle graciously offered to take me to dinner at a great place. J Coco is very close to my grandparents in Dundee, and the area is becoming more hip than old. He called to see what the prognosis was for Saturday night - they told us to come early within 20 minutes or to wait until late. We immediately drove over and snatched the last open table. Our server was good, explaining lots of dishes, though everything sounded good, including the specials. I was tempted to order the beet salad but there were so many other items to get. We started with the squash blossoms stuffed with fresh mozzarella, tempura fried - see photo. They were so delicious and the cheese was soooo fresh. This is a rare treat only in a short summer window, so get them while you can! It had a balsamic glaze, a roasted pepper sauce, and some arugula pesto. My uncle ordered roasted shaved brussel sprouts for the table, which came out with mushrooms, marcona almonds, and a somewhat creamy sauce. The sprouts did not taste roasted because of the sauce, but they were still good. The side dish came out before the entrees, which is a bit odd, but we ate it before the next round. I ordered the crispy duck legs, which was a huge portion of 2 duck legs. They were cooked perfectly and tasted wonderful, served atop udon noodles and shiitakes with a blood orange glaze. My uncle got the cedar plank salmon, my cousin ordered the brick chicken with butternut squash lasagna, and her date got the ribeye. I tried the chicken and butternut lasagna and it was juicy, seasoned well and quite scrumptious. I felt like I had so much food that I wanted to stick with my dish, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Get the duck!!!!
(4)
Jason G.
Wow another tough review...on the one hand, loved the burger,loved the pork belly appetizer...and loved the choco cake and berries dessert...and the server was pretty good...but the prices, especially regarding the dessert was very disappointing...The quality of the food I got was beyond reproach in my opinion...but as someone who enjoys going out and trying new places, when the price point is as high as it is here at J Coco, it makes me hesitant to want to come back...at least until I turn in some loose change at the bank...however, if and when I do come back, at least I know I'll get a pretty damn good burger and some really great pork belly appetizers, which I didn't' even know I'd like until I tried them here...
(3)
Nate F.
Always great service, especially the hosts, food is always great also.
(5)
Katherine K.
I have been to J Coco two times this summer, both were great experiences. I have tried a variety of dishes and I haven't been disappointed. Short rib tacos- so flavorful, I would order these again in a heartbeat! There are three tacos that come with this appetizer, good for three or as a starter before a salad. Cobb salad- if you like blue cheese you will like this salad. It is covered in a very thick blue cheese dressing. Good portion. Vegetable and chicken soup- standard nothing to rave about. Tuna appetizer- presentation was perfect, cooked perfectly, great flavors! Tiramisu- served in a mini mason jar with berries- delicious! Salted Carmel chocolate cake- if you love chocolate you will love this cake! Perfect caramel layers added a bit of salt to the sweet chocolate cake, yum! I would return to J Coco with family, friends, or anyone visiting from out of town!
(5)
Jarell H.
First time going J Coco last night and I must say I think this might be my new favorite restaurant!!! Very nice building and nice inside, they have a outdoor patio which was a plus!!! I had the "Cubano" sandwich which was amazing I highly recommend getting this sandwich. My girlfriend go the Yellowfin Tuna Salad, I tried a bite and it was amazing, I highly recommend that dish as well. They have a nice selection of wines, beers, and cocktails!!! I will definitely be back to try more of the delicious items I saw on the menu
(5)
Sarah G.
The past couple of times we've been here for dinner, there were a few missteps. I've always had pretty good service, for what you'd expect at a sit-down restaurant - after you get a table that is - and I don't mind their 'no reservations in groups less than 8' policy. That's pretty standard for lots of places nowadays, and it allows for more time browsing comics next door. Now, I'm just as surprised as you are that when I say 'missteps', I'm mostly talking about the food. It's still in my top places to eat, but some items recently were a little less than stellar (which I had come to expect with regularity here). A few weeks ago, a whitefish special showed up with a strange accompaniment ratio of grain (not much) to vegetables (even less) compared to the fish - at a sticker price upwards of $30, there was some disappointment. This wasn't my dish that night, so I can't elaborate more than that. I had the wagyu burger with applewood bacon and white cheddar (yum), but it was so precariously assembled that I ended up eating it with a knife and fork - not as satisfying as dominating a burger with your own two hands. And yesterday, while the chilled cucumber soup and freshly baked bread (not to mention the butter) wowed me in all the right ways I remember, the chicken sandwich had way more bread than chicken, and the cheese had somehow migrated to one side of the sandie - issues we noticed since Bill and I split it. For the most part, he got the cheese, I got the chicken. Weird. Then, the 'roasted cauliflower (pinenuts, parmesan, crunchy butter) was more like a saute, with a pool of olive oil in the bottom of the bowl... sad. Maybe I didn't understand or had false expectations of the dish? So the more I thought about it, I'm revising to a 4-star for now. We'll absolutely continue to eat here, there's just a little room for improvement.
(4)
K M.
We had 5:30 reservations and were put into an odd back room that felt like we were being separated from the rest of the restaurant experience. There was an open window into the kitchen that was completely different atmosphere than the rest of the place. We were seated immediately - but then began to get the vibe that we were clearly asking too many questions about the menu and got a bit of a cold shoulder from the server. Good thing we had great company at our table! As the night went on - we began to feel rushed and like a bit of a nuisance to the staff. We had meat and cheese plate which was lovely and entrees that were fine - but no one seems over the moon about any of them. We even had dessert, much to their dismay, and as were were leaving it was almost painful for them to cork our remaining wine. Upon leaving I mentioned to the hostess that were were treated rudely and she explained there was a party of 15 waiting for the back room and they had put their reservation in months ago. I kindly explained to her that if someone would have told us we would have been happy to move to the bar, rather than being treated poorly. She then when on to explain that I should know the industry standard of 2 hours for a table and we were 20 mins over that. Also that she had been waiting tables since she was 16 and knew that forever. Well OK then I said - sorry that I was not aware of then standard, but rudeness is all I will associate with this establishment now. Head to toe self important and rude. ps. this is Omaha not NYC people.
(1)
Megan G.
Went out with my boyfriend and two other couples for drinks and dessert and had a great time! Their cocktail menu is short, which is good! I don't have to spend hours reading drinks. The desserts were amazing as well! I could tell they take time to make both by the presentation. Not over the top but not slapped together. A great spot for a intimate date or dinner with friends.
(5)
David C.
While the staff and decor were totally fine, the food was incredibly disappointing. I had the duck cassoulet which had more breadcrumbs than duck. My wife had the steak medallions--they were very tiny, overcooked (she ordered rare) and served atop three potato latkas with a flavor best described as...odd. Overall, stick to Jams. This meal was not worth the price.
(1)
Lala N.
Neither food nor service is as good as they think it is.
(2)
Jessie C.
Wow. There was nothing wrong with my meal here. Ok, wait. They did run out of the Pecan Pie right before I ordered it, but I will let that one slide :) I ordered the sea bass....it was the special for the evening (apparently the owner's signature dish). Sea bass is my favorite and this did not disappoint. My date had the coffee pork tenderloin, also amazing. We ordered the fried Brussels sprouts and roasted cauliflower sides to share. Ummmm hello, SOOO good. I was pretty full towards the end, but I could not stop eating those Bsprouts.....I'd eat those every day if I could. Yum. Anyway, this place is getting 5 stars from me because I haven't been that excited about my meal in awhile!
(5)
Matt M.
I have been back here a few times since the initial review. I stand by my four stars. The service seems to have improved drastically but the food just isn't "wowing" me. I had the wagyu burger on a pretzel bun with white cheddar, bacon and egg. The burger itself was good but the bacon was bland and the bun was dry and crumbly. Last time I chose the eggplant sandwich. The eggplant was cooked perfectly and was served atop a piece of very good bread - but it had absolutely no flavor - none. It could have been so good with just a tad more effort. Everything is good it just doesn't take that extra step to greatness.
(4)
Charles O.
Average at best! Bartenders don't have a clue. I have high expectations and twice now this place struck out. There won't be a third time. Sorry!
Best Place Ever! Husband and I went over the Labor Day weekend for the first time. Can't wait to go back. Husband had the Sea bass, and I had the Planked Salmon. Both melted in your mouth. Waitress was super friendly and helpful. Everything was out of this world! Would highly recommend this restaurant to everyone. This is now our Favorite Restaurant.
(5)
David E.
I had zero expectations as it was my wife's pick for her birthday. The decor was very nice and we were seated promptly at our reservation time. From there it took over 15 minutes to get waited on and it was 35 minutes before we could place our order. Over those 35 minutes the noise level was pretty high. That's fine for some but I'd pass on it if I'd known. Croque Madame sandwiches are hard to find in Omaha, so though it was dinner I had to try it, adding a Caesar and tipping back a nice glass of red wine recommended by the waiter. The approach for the restaurant is trendy and perhaps this explains the approach to the Caesar, but it was basically uncut romaine leaves with dressing ladled over them. It was ok but not the level I expected. The Croque was the biggest disappointment. It was slightly above luke warm and since the fries were hot my bet is that it waited on the warmer for them. It just wasn't above average. I'll probably get thrown to the wolves but that was my experience at J Coco. We both came away disappointed in the service and the food and I cannot see myself going back.
(2)
Kaley P.
Very good food. Appetizer was good, had the pork belly, but don't understand why it came in threes instead of four. Made it awkward to eat with my husband. I had the salmon with lobster tater tots and I ate the whole thing. It's definitely expensive, but nice local restuarant to visit once in awhile.
(4)
Adam C.
Awesome place, food is very unique and special. Staff is very kind. Specials are great and exciting. Atmosphere is warm and exciting yet ok for casual too. Really worth the time for anybody in Omaha.
(5)
Peter M.
Absolutely wonderful. Real gem. Food and Service are flawless.
(5)
Robert C.
Freaking amazing food. The waitress was a little crazy. But in a good way. Highly recommend it!
(5)
Ecil D.
Good decor and lighting, great atmosphere. Food was not up to expectations, however, but will do for some. Presentation was amazing for all dishes and fav was the shrimp grits. The duck was not juicy and seemed over cooked. The farro with the whitefish seemed to be drenched with butter, which was a disappointment. Portions were quite large and generous. Better cooking elsewhere, but good for a end-of-week meal. Service was not remarkable. Bar drinks was good.
(3)
Leila K.
I enjoyed J Coco but was not blown away. We had a reservation for a busy Friday night and were seated promptly. We were put in a private dining room at the back. It was quite nice except the table was right next to a large opening to the kitchen. It was loud and, frankly, kind of awkward. There were sliding doors that clearly closed the kitchen off from this room, but they were kept open the entire meal. We started with the mussel appetizer which came in 3rd out of 4 other places I have had mussels in town (they got beat by Dario's and La Buvette). They were a lot more "oceany" than I'm used to. I'm sure some people like that, but I sure don't. Next, were the side salads which were delicious and tasted fresh out of the garden. Finally, my appetizer of the white fish of the day arrived. It was red snapper and was quite good. However, I guess adding pomegranate seeds, teeny-tiny oranges and other misc accoutrements means you charge $10 more than most other places for a similar meal? The service was pretty good. Our server had clearly tried all of the food, which I think is important. We sometimes waited excessive amounts of time between seeing her, but it wasn't terrible. Overall, the experience was a good one, but not good enough to have me running back for more. I did not enjoy it enough to justify the cost when the bill arrived. I could see going back maybe once a year, but not regularly.
(3)
Elizabeth A.
We have been several times. This place is a hit or miss. Last night food wise was a HIT.. The service was horrible!! I wanted to slap our server. She was a complete bitch! Barely spoke to use.Walked away ever time we were speaking to her. Didn't ask us if we would like dessert. And the so caked manager that DROPPED our meal was just as rude! He put out entrees in front of us and never once said a word.Just turned around and left.. Just for this. I will NEVER return. Too big for their britches at J.stuck up Coco!!
(2)
Sharon J.
Our children brought us here for our wedding anniversary on a Friday night. We had reservations for 7:45 and when we arrived we were seated immediately. We had a bottle of wine, a Reisling, it was about $30.00. We then ordered appetizers, the pork slider tacos and the calamari. Both were very good especially the slider tacos. My husband and I both ordered the Beef filet medallions, it does not come with a salad, that is extra, although it does come with 1 side. The medallions were wonderful, each w as topped with a different topping. One with sauted mushrooms, one with a spinach mixture, and a crab stuffing. The filets were tender, juicy, and full of flavor. This was plenty of food for me but would not have been for my hubby, so thankfully he had ordered the Caesar salad, which also was very good. They are a little pricey but well worth it. It is a little small place with a great atmosphere!
(5)
Samar E.
Went here on a Monday night with a friend of mine, to just try out the place... My neighbors had told me a great deal about it and spoke highly of the food... The food is good, I had the medallions for dinner, and Scallops for appetizer... Moving back from NYC recently, when I first walked in I was excited to find a place that felt similar, as far as a great menu, and a good environment... Unfortunately, when paying this kind of money, there is a certain level of service expected... That was not the case, the service was terrible! The server barely came to our table, and that might have been for the best, since she never smiled once when she spoke with us... There was another gentleman who checked on us a couple of times, seemed nice... Due to the service, I doubt I'll go back there again! Unfortunate since I actually liked th food..
(2)
Andrea D.
Food was fine, but just fine. My cooking skills are no worse than that found here. Food was served after it had sat in the kitchen too long. Calamari breading was soppy and mushy. Korean taco app was a happy surprise as was the sauce. Good thing that dish was not required to be served hot. Olives were super tasty. Who can mess up a cured olive though? Steak frittes was near cold. Sauce had taken on a gelatinous texture. That said my steak was cooked to the desire 'pinkness'. Fries had that stale gross mealy sat too long texture. Overall, me thinks the kitchen probably did a good job. The problems were either in expediting or servers not being punctual running dishes from the back to the front. I will only return if I'm not the one paying the bill.
(2)
William G.
Our server was kind. The entrees were quite good. My girlfriend had salmon with bernaise sauce that was delicious. I wish I had ordered it. I had the duck that was also quite good.
(5)
Jamie M.
Food was good, but the service was VERY slow. I know that they were busy, but a 2.5 hour dinner on a weeknight seems way too long!
(3)
Stefanie N.
The wait is painstakingly long for a table on a Saturday night. I'd suggest to call ahead 45mins before you arrive and expect to wait another 45 minutes. Anyway, we waited forever and wanted to eat at the bar, but there are people who like to hog up the bar area when it's insanely busy to sit and wait for their table. The place inside is pretty nice and the place is hustling and bustling. Not too keen on the music selection as it seems like a radio mix. On to the food.....everything was delicious! The only thing that I wasn't a fan of was the fries that came with the mussels. It was cold, stale and hard...as if they fried it in advance and let it sit underneath the warming table for an hour too long. The mussels were fabulous. We also ordered the pork belly for our appetizers which was lovely. I Ordered the sea bass which came with a preserved lemon sauce and some kumquats on top of tabbouleh (perfectly seasoned). My friend ordered the braised shorts ribs which were also tender and flavorful. The brussel spouts came out with mercona almonds and were cooked perfectly. I would definitely come back here again but next time I'll def call ahead...they are busy!
(4)
Kate P.
A business associate picked this place to meet for dinner and after reading reviews about poor service my expectations were pretty low. I was pleasantly surprised. The service was terrific, very friendly and attentive. The bartender had a little bit of an attitude but since she recommended the peach crawler I forgive her. The beef medallions were great, three different sauces (lobster sauce was too thick). One of our party deemed the brick roasted chicken one of the best roast chickens he had ever tasted. Overall really good experience.
(4)
Kevin P.
Very good. Natasha is a great server. Her sense of humor was grear ansd her suggestions were spot on. We had the calamari and pork belly for appetizers. Both were amazing. Had the duck for a main course and it was done perfectly. Definitely a most try spot.
(5)
Audrey C.
My friend and I were so excited to try this place. We went at 9pm on a Thursday because we knew we wouldn't have a problem getting a table. I liked the atmosphere, upscale and comfy. Very good beer selection and extensive wines to choose from. They were out of 3 of the 5 beers we ordered, but maybe they were getting new kegs before the weekend?? Appetizer of calamari was great, but the presentation of it in a bowl made the bites at the bottom got soggy before we could get to them. The flavors were nice, chili and avocado laced. This was a promising start. We each did a sandwich, I had the Cubano, my friend the cheese eggplant. (A side observation on these menu items. The prices were significantly more than what the online menu had stated. No biggie, but if you are like me, and research where you go so you can get a plan, it can be a little of a surprise.) The eggplant was a better sandwich in my opinion, needed a little salt, but the better of the two. The Cubano had way too much mustard and 2 thin slices of pork. It's been impossible for me to find a Cuban pork as good as Worker's Takeout in Omaha. This one was really lackluster. Fries were decent, nothing spectacular. Side salad might have been the best part of of the whole meal. Looking around the dining room, the reason why this place is so successful is the location. I wasn't 'Wowed' with the food, it was good, and not too expensive, but I just don't see what the big deal about it is. In my opinion, food was a 2. Service was a 4. A 3 star review just averages this out. I will be back because I have tons of friends wanting to come here. I hope next time it will live up to the expectations it has so highly been given.
(3)
OldIrvingPoodle H.
"Great welcome to great desserts I was impressed and would visit again. Being an out of towner, I would come back. Great scallops, lobster crem' brulle, and chocolate mouse. NOAH the bartender made it a great night! Thanks!"
(5)
Judy S.
My husband and I dined at J. Coco's last night. We didn't have a reservation but we were up for an early dinner and stopped in and were able to sit at the bar (our favorite spot anyway). It was our first visit but definitely not our last! We loved the atmosphere and the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. The food was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. If you like mussels, you will go nuts for them here. After we finished the large amount of mussels, we sipped the remaining broth with our spoons and soaked bread pieces in it - to make sure we got the last drop! My husband chose the lamb and I had the beef tenderloin medallions. Both were done perfectly to our request and liking of medium rare! The wine list is extensive and with nice choices for anyone's budget. Cocktails don't miss a beat and be sure to ask for Jose's hot rum drink after dinner! It was warm, smooth but light. Perfect way to end dinner on a chilly evening! So many great places to eat here in Omaha, but we can't wait to go back to J. Coco's! Definitely one of our favorites!
(5)
Kyle T.
Some have complained about the service but we've never had a problem -- always attentive and helpful. Desserts are amazing. I haven't any of the fancier dishes or specials, so I can't comment on those, but this has to be one of the best burgers in town. Easily. Yes, I've been to Dinkers, Stellas, Lot 2, etc. J Coco does a great burger.
(4)
Joanna L.
Eh. Disappointed in a place I had really high hopes for. Menu offerings were great - it's nice to see a few restaurants in town getting creative with New American. We had the marcona dates, the short rib tacos, the lobster crème brulee, the filet medallions, and roasted chicken. the dates were the most tasty, but presentation was lazy. most upscale restaurants serving this app would have stuffed the dates with the almonds and wrapped it with bacon - this app just sprinkled slivers of almond and pork belly on top of the dates in a haphazard manner. short rib tacos were solid and probably the best thing we ordered. entrees were pretty bland, and the lobster crème brulee was a major letdown as it didn't incorporate anything to segue a lobster flavor with a sweet caramelized crème brulee. the result was a little offputting. Service was ok - the waiting area when you walk in is awkward because there's no room in the actual hallway since the door swings into it, so instead you're just watching people eat and trying not to get hit at the entrance.
(3)
Lillian S.
Being as I've had several exceptionally awful dining experiences as of late, I was very excited to try J Coco. "Finally," I thought, "A chef & restaurant owner with an understanding of fine dining!" The point of this review, may it be stated, is not to harshly criticize the food. I feel the menu is ambitious, and given the proper training and scrutiny, it could be close to perfect. That being said, I will get this show on the road. A friend and I went for a casual Monday night dinner several weeks ago and started with a wonderful Artisan cheese plate to which we added meat for only an extra $3. The presentation was absolutely spot on, and the portions were generous and of excellent quality. This excited me, as I ordered their half rack of lamb which was to be accompanied by Osso Buco. This is where things started to get a little shaky in our experience. The presentation of the chops was well-done. That is not a question. Unfortunately, the old adage of "if it looks good, it tastes good" is not always applicable. I feel that the problem here lies strictly in their prep work. The chops were very small (which I don't mind) but were, however, 95% fat. The lamb was ordered mid-rare and came out a nice medium to mid-well. Lastly, the Osso Buco portion tasted as if it had freezer burn. That could just be because I was so turned off by the chops. She ordered a steak & frite dish which was excellent, though overcooked. Minimal complaints there. Typically, both of us refuse to send dishes back to the unless they are completely intolerable. Neither dish was sent back, and all of the common pleasantries were exchanged with our server who was a very sweet girl and good at her job. The problem here, the biggest turn off, was Ms. Coco herself. On this particular evening, Ms. Coco spent a good 45 minutes floating around the restaurant from table to table, chatting them up and inquiring about the food and service. Good on her. This is something that customers eat up with a spoon, and given the American obsession with chefs, people love to be able to say they MET the chef. I found it disheartening, however, that she failed at any point to make it to our table. Not a single word, only glances here and there. Even while she was standing at the host stand, 5 feet away from our cozy window table. Could this be, perhaps, that my dining partner and I are in our 20s and couldn't possibly know anything about dining? Or that neither of us had an American Express Card stapled to our foreheads? Rookie move, Ms. Coco. Rookie move. Frankly, it's not that I wanted to meet her. A chef is a chef is a chef. But there is a parallel between simply a chef, and a chef that owns their restaurant. I have been to similar chef-owner restaurants where the chef has come to our table and asked children how their chicken strips and fries taste. This is endlessly endearing. In this industry, as with all other industries, it is a labor of love. If you are not willing to accommodate ALL guests, something is very wrong indeed. I will not be back to JCoco. I wish the restaurant luck. I truly do. But in this case, the one adage that does apply is "never judge a book by its cover."
(2)
Chris D.
After reading all the good reviews on the internet, I decided it was time to give J Coco a try myself. I was not dissapointed! Arrived around 7PM on a Friday...there was a wait as anticipated, but my dining partner and myself put our names on the list. We were told it could be a 45 minute wait. Loved the feel of the restaurant right away...just felt cozy. We made our way up to the bar to order a drink, and were lucky enough to grab a couple of seats that were just vacated! Instead of waiting for a table we decided to just eat at the bar. Started off with the crispy pork belly with creamy grits and wild mushroom jus. I must say I have never tried a pork belly before, but am so glad I did. It was both crispy and tender with a fantastic flavor! For my entree I ordered the braised short ribs, and my dining partner ordered the housemade pasta with bolognese sauce. The only problem was that our entrees showed up about 1 minute after our appetizer. A manager saw what had happened, and rushed over and offered to take back our entrees and re-do them after we finished our appetizer. I didn't want to put them out, as they had a crowd, but he insisted, and I finally gave in. So glad I did as i really wanted to savor my appetizer. Once finished our entrees arrived quickly....hot and fresh! The braised short ribs were fork tender, and had an awesome flavor with the malbec reduction. The aroma itself was inviting, as others standing around me asked what I had because it smelled so good. It tasted even better than it smelled...fantastic. The cauliflower puree was a truly delishess side dish that paired well with the short ribs. My partner said her pasta was good...although she felt it to be a bit dry...perhaps needed more sauce. Wished we would have had room for dessert! Loved everything about the restaurant...even though our entrees came right after our appetizer, the restaurant quickly corrected that and that is all that matters to me. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Mary M.
I have been anxiously waiting for this restaurant to open, and had my first dining experience there last night. The wait was definitely worth it. It was busy, so we were seated in the back (the party room). The menu options are not overwhelming, but they have a good variety. I love that you can go in for dinner and spend only $9-$10 on a sandwich or up to $25-$28 for an entree. Our table started with the roasted dates with pancetta, almonds, and chili...a definite winner. You get a slight bite from the chili, a nice crunch from the almonds, and who doesn't like bacon. Being a fan of beets, I ordered the baby beet salad. It was classically dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette and served on top of watercress with candied pecans (yummy) and buratta cheese. It was most delicious. I shared this with my 16 mos old great-nephew who enjoyed not only the beets, but the buratta cheese. For my entree, I ordered the braised short ribs. WOW!! The perfect sized portion - the meat was fork tendered, and came right off the bone. I am not a huge fan of cooked cauliflower, but I would eat a bowlful of the cauliflower puree that came with the short ribs - creamy, rich, and delicious. My niece enjoyed her cubano sandwich. and we ordered a side of pomme frites and Mac 'n cheese which were quite good. The one complaint came from my husband and nephew who both ordered the Brick Roasted Chicken. They both had high expectation from the description, but it came out a bit dry and with not a lot of flavor. We topped off the evening with creme brulee which was excellent. I returned for lunch with my daughter a week later and tried the crispy pork belly (a must try) and the caesar salad. My daughter went for the croque madame - she would have liked the egg a little less cooked, but loved it none the less. All in all it was a good experience and I will be returning. They are a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
(4)
Kris S.
Well I am seeing a pattern here, service seems to be lacking in many customers' experiences at J Coco. This was our first visit and I'm very saddened to say that it will probably be our last. The food was fabulously delicious. We ordered the Beef Medallions and the Chilean Sea Bass (it literally melted in your mouth!! Awesome!) The service, however, was terrible. The waitress was rude and inattentive. I had to ask her for the specials and fish of the day. The other servers appeared to enjoy working with the guests, not ours. We feel that the personality and attentiveness of the server will make or break a dining experience. We had chosen this restaurant to celebrate our 28th anniversary. With so many wonderful dining establishments in Omaha, we will go where customer service is as important as the quality of the food so we can have a totally enjoyable experience for our money. Hopefully the manager reads this and figures out which one of the waitresses should maybe reconsider her job choice.
(2)
C.M. C.
Cold fries are never worth standing up for? Worst restaurant experience ever. Was told to "Go fcvk myself!!" after asking Jennifer Coco for a business card. Apparently, her staff now believes that I was also trying to throw a glass of water on her staff. Unprofessional behavior on behalf of J. Coco herself. Thanks for the most memorable experience, you have provided a bottom standard beyond all belief.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Hipster Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Coat Check : Yes Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Annie G.
**update - I have been informed via another reviewer that the pot stickers are in fact vegetarian as confirmed when he saw the box or the ingredients list or something. So, apparently I stand corrected.** Oh J Coco, I am trying hard to love you. But after three dinner visits, you're not making it easy on me. In brief, the atmosphere is perfect, the cocktails dangerously delicious, and the food good (not great). But whatever buzz I've had from these things, the wait staff (based on three different wait persons) has killed. And in really big ways. Visit #1 - I ordered the special...asked if the side had pork in it (because, I made clear, I don't eat pork)- I was told it was vegetarian. I ordered it. And guess what was right in the middle? Pork. I regretfully did nothing about it because I was with some out of town company and didn't want to cause a fuss (beside, the fish with it was VERY good) but big time foul. Especially for a $30-spmething entree. Visit #2 - I came with a bigger group (number of people, not size of them) and we were greeted and accommodated nicely initially. But our waiter was a jerk. He came over and declared "I have no specials to tell you about" and then ran off before offering to grab us drinks, which we were desperate for. Throughout dinner, he just seemed to give off the impression that he was annoyed to be working, despite standing to gain a very sizable tip from our table. I tried the eggplant sandwich this visit and it disappointed. The glaze was great (though I wish there was a little more of it), the fresh mozzerella was also to die for but the eggplant lacked flavor. Visit #3 - Dinner for two. Because of my good luck with cocktails here, I asked for a cocktail menu. The waitress' response:" we're sort of in between menus right now." I was kind of stunned and must have conveyed that, because she suddenly was able to produce one. And I had the Pimm's cup and it was f***ing tasty. She continued to suck the rest of dinner, including disappearing when my wine glass was empty (I know I sound like a lush here, but as a restaurant, don't you want people drinking a lot and ordering a lot....why would you make this difficult?!). The last straw was dessert - the creme brulee had barely been touched by eat and was almost like ice cream inside. We had to send it back (she did apologize for bringing it out like that)...and it came back super scorched (fine, whatever at this point) with a nice big hair on it. I'll give her the benefit of the doubt that it wasn't maliciously placed there but I'm still annoyed that one wouldn't triple check something that's already been screwed up once. But back to the food, I'd recommend the olive plate (delicious white bean hummus served with it - good value) and the calamari though like other reviewers have said, it can get soggy at the bottom so stir it up. Salmon was out of this world good. The chicken comes with bacon or pork belly- which surprised my dining partner, since it didn't mention it on the menu, but he said he enjoyed it still. The fries are very tasty and the side salad is too....a toss up for what to get with your sandwich. And, if I had written this after my second visit - complete with two successful dessert orders - I would have strongly encouraged seeking out a dessert but I'm a bit soured after the last trip.
(3)Thomas M.
No expectations, very disappointed. Reservations were made weeks in advance for a table of 4. After being seated we felt very anxious and pressured to move our dinner along. After ordering 3 courses we ordered dessert... Only being 7:45, it might as well have been at closing time of a bar, despite being less than two hours into our meal. The wait staff was rude when asking simple questions regarding the interesting and diverse menu, and was put off by engaging them in any way. The only time the waitress was friendly or interested in our table was when the bill came with a $340 price tag. J. Coco staff, get over yourself, you are in Omaha Nebraska, not New York City where there is a stereotype for rude service. There are many restaurants in the area with great service, unfortunately this staff has better things to do than provide a pleasant dining experience. The food was good, but not worth the horrible service. Save your money and go to Taco Bell, at least they appreciate their jobs, and say thank you for the business.
(1)Drew D.
Food was good, but for a restaurant in this price range, the service should be significantly better.
(2)Rachael L.
I know it is only fair to judge a restaurant on food, and not hold the staff against the overall experience, but it is hard in this case. The food was great. We started with the chilli dates, which were quickly devoured. I ordered the Cubano and my husband ordered the brick chicken. Unfortunately, the chicken was a touch dry and a little bland (my husband says it is because we can make a mean roast chicken at home, and our expectations are higher than most.) I thought the Cubano was good, but the real star were the frites. Absolutely delicious! I ordered the parmesean frites, which came with regular ketchup, and I do think that a place like this should have their own ketchup instead of straight from the bottle. Luckily, my uncle ordered the frites also, but with their truffle aioli, of which I ordered a side and the problem quickly disapated. My husband ordered the 4-cheese macaroni w/ potato chip topping, and it was also very good, although here is where things get a bit annoying at J.Coco. Let me rewind for just a moment, this place has a children's menu posted on their website, so it can be safely assumed that kids are welcome. When we arrived, the child-like-hostess that was working looked at us as though were had some contagious disease, her exact comment was "Oh, I think we can find some room in the back". There was a large round table open in the main restuarant, which would have fit our group (plus one hi-chair perfectly) however she took us back to the party room, then put us at the 4-top farthest in the corner. Well when you have 4 adults, and a child, a 4-top is not ideal, but we dealt with it. I realize there are a lot of parents out there with out-of-control children, but I pride myself on knowing how to handle mine. I won't let him scream and be bored the whole meal, you bring treats and a small toy or two, and he will be happily entertained the entire meal, and does not deserve to be banished into the back of the restaruant, nor do the four paying adults with him! Anyway, the part that relates to the macaroni is because we also ordered my son the child's macaroni. It cost $2 more, and was the same size, possibly smaller than the adult's $5 side. We ended with the creme breulee which was heavenly, and I will definately order again. Either way the food was great, and we are happy to have a new eatery in mid-town, especially south of Dodge, but this place is still finding its identity, and needs to have some of its staff work on some basic customer service.
(4)Tonya B.
I thought the food was absolutely excellent. We went in at 6:30 on a Saturday night to a packed house. Our waitress admitted to being new and asked for our patience but she did fantastic! We had the mussels for an app and they were delicious. The broth was wonderful and didn't overpower the beautiful taste of the mussels. They were cooked just right, not overpowering in salt and not the least bit chewy. I had the beef medallions and feel in love with the sauces. I don't even like mushrooms but I fawned over these. Not a clue as to where you purchase decent lobster in Nebraska but other sea food places would be lucky to have their sources. I would say I was a bit disappointed with the sauce on the last potato latke but only because the latkes were so incredible I didn't want to share the flavor with the sauce. My husband ordered the brick chicken and oozed over the sauce during the entire meal. At one point in time he awed, "Oh my God, I think I just got bacon" and dived back in. It was juicy down to the last bite. We will most certainly be going back in the very near future!
(5)Ally L.
If you can get past the 2 snotty young hostess who obviously have way better things to do than greet/seat you, you will have a wonderful meal. We sat at the bar and got great service and great suggestions. If she's making the Chilean sea bass, don't leave without having it. Dessert was the s'more crem brûlée and frangelico cheesecake. Both to die for. Ultimately a little pricy but delicious. Will definitely go back.
(4)Davenport E.
Tasty. A little different. Definitely worth checking out. I had the short ribs, which really is a tender roast. Bar drinks are excellent.
(5)Sally F.
After we were seated (with a "no reservations" policy, I should have had reservations about going) but I found the service very harried to the point of making me nervous. The wine list has some great offerings on it but the pour of wine was small for the price charged. I agree with the reviewer below about the croque monsieur - definitely don't do that. An expensive lunch with "okay" food and unremarkable service.
(2)John S.
Great place! Food and service was excellent. I will be coming back again soon.
(5)Leanne D.
A friend and I had lunch here yesterday and we were not disappointed. I hadn't had time to read any reviews so there were no real expectations; which made our delight in the food even more special. We got there before the rush, thank goodness, because it go really busy and quite loud. The server was very attentive all throughout our lunch. The hostess even refilled glasses if she saw a need. Chery had the cobb salad which had very little lettuce but lots of chicken and was very happy with her decision. I had the Cubano with a cup of chicken vegetable soup. The soup had mostly green vegetables which was a bit surprising but the flavor was incredible. The Cubano was tasty. The dessert list was enough to have me drooling but I stuck with the pear-plum crisp. It was so good! While I look a good fruit crisp; too many of them have more topping than fruit. That wasn't the case with this dessert. The scoop of ice cream was just enough to complement the fruit.
(5)Downtown J.
I liked J Coco. Parking is a huge pain but worth 7 trips around the block. In true Omaha tradition, every table was full at this new establishment. Having made reservations we were able to sit down immediately. Our server was prompt, friendly and familiar with the menu. She recommended several appetizers and helped us select a few tasty entrees. I enjoyed the filet medallion trio. The lobster medallion was my favorite! I was less impressed with the side dishes which included Brussel Sprouts, Mac and cheese and an olive plate. The sprouts were bland and would have been better with a little pancetta or dash of protein. The Mac has a potato chip crust, it can't touch Sullivan's Mac. Overall our drinks, meals and service were good. I think J coco would be an awesome lunch spot and I'm excited for happy hour on their patio.
(4)Luke I.
The restaurant was decorated very hip. The service was great. Order your food carefully; stick with their specialties. The kitchen needs to be told not to send out closed mussels.
(3)John E.
It was just OK. We tried the pork belly, I have had much better, but the grits were tastefully done. My girl had the pulled pork tacos, really good except the corn tortillas. I had the flank steak. I have had wayyy better at half the price.
(3)Megan P.
This restaurant has wonderful ambience and great service but unfortunately we were not blown away by the food. My husband and I were excited to try this new gem in midtown but left feeling a little let down. Everything we tried needed some sort of acidic touch to cut through the spices and heavy flavors. We started with the short rib tacos. The beef was cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, but they needed a hint of lime to ease the extreme saltiness of the meat. I had the Cobb salad which was small for the price but the chicken was well seasoned and the lettuce was fresh. My husband selected the pork chop stuffed with chorizo. The flavors were well executed but again it was heavy on the spices never giving the mouth a reprieve. The entire plate longed for a hint of acid to brighten the dish and cleanse the pallet. The highlight of the night was the macaroni and cheese side item we ordered at the last minute. It was absolutely delicious, creamy and cooked to perfection. Overall we had a nice experience but it is not a restaurant we will be running back to anytime soon.
(3)Dan W.
Lunch is a nightmare for parking. I sat outside and watched the parade of people moving their cars out of the neighboring parking lot for fear of being towed. Literally 15 people walked by in a huff and eventually returned after parking down the street. Food was average and the service was worse.
(2)Kelley S.
Great new restaurant in this part of town! The atmosphere is very cool--reminds me of a lot of the bistros in NYC. Been here several times & service has always been great, as have our meals. Also love the fact that they take reservations--for both lunch and dinner. Would definitely recommend checking it out!
(4)Gina W.
Went tonight and it was wonderful! Great wait staff, great Bloody Mary's, and most of all Fabulous food!! I had the medallions, my friend had the white fish and she said it was fabulous as well! I totally recommend trying it out. I will definitely be going back!
(5)Holly K.
Like many of the other reviewers I found the food to be amazing! I had the short ribs and the flavor was incredible. My friend ordered the salmon but was served the whitefish by mistake. The waitress graciously corrected it and explained the error was probably because of the way she entered the order in the computer. At the end of the meal I expected a comped dessert or some other something as it meant we did not eat our meal together. When that didn't happen, I asked that a glass of wine be taken off of the bill and she was most agreeable to my request. It was not a good night for wait staff as a waiter dropped a salad near a table that was next to us. It fell with such force my friend got food on her sweater. The table next to us was good humored about it and it looked as if they were given appetizers to make up for the gaff. I found the restaurant to grow noisy as more patrons arrived so it didn't allow for quiet conversation. I loved the restaurant and look forward to going back.
(4)Lauren G.
I arrived there and was seated promptly and was served my drink almost immediately. I looked around and the decor was modern and really classy. They served bread and butter which was yummy. I ordered the fried chicken sandwich. It was not greasy but rather crunchy and juicy like I was hoping. The slaw added crunch and their special sauce was creamy and yummy. The whole entire meal was delectable. The bathrooms were super classy and clean and I left feeling happy and full that's for sure. Prices were decent and service was pretty good too. Completely satisfied and I will be back.
(5)Tara W.
Last night we took our son out for a special dinner. I had messaged them after making the reservation so the business would know that one diner had special dietary needs. It is a beautiful space, atmosphere is just right with table chatter and happy clinking of wine glasses. We were shown to the table immediately and the host greeting our young son kindly. Our waitress seemed rushed or overcommitted and never greeted us or shared the specials. I learned that there were specials when I wandered past a note in the kitchen on the way to the restroom. After all, our biggest interest was all three of us eating and having a nice time. I asked the waitress what could be ordered that was dairy free and gluten free? She offered to consult with the kitchen and report back. Returning she did not point to any menu item, but instead offered " do you like fish? We could do a steak?" Whatever you like. She suggested salmon and I want confident, but had been told that JCoco had a great chef and she did special dishes for vegetarians and vegans, so I agreed. I had mentioned that I like all kinds of food and I was hungry and open to whatever. A bit worried because while my son and husband were noshing on bread and butter, my appetite was growning, i asked if we could get the Cobb salad with the cheese on the side. The waitress cautioned that it was really big and "is ranch ok?" Well, no, it isnt, so the waitress shrugged and said "oh" and didn't offer any accomodations. So, my husband and son both enjoyed their plates: burger and beef sandwiches. My dish was literally three green beans, one asparagus spear, half a carrot, and 3 bites of salmon! I laughed. And then asked if this was dinner? How much was this? The waitress didn't know but offered to get me a menu. I said i was not interested in a $28 dish like this and she could take it back. She wouldnt! And told me I should keep it and eat it because that is what they give for a meal. I laughed again in disbelief. The man and waitress offered me a side and i accepted an order of french fries, just to not upset my son and husband and get to the show on time. I really would have preferred to leave. I did not see the bill, but my husband told me that the "fries were free and they took a few bucks off the salmon." They was I see it, if it costs $6 to add salmon to a salad and $6 for a side of fries. We paid twice that for what JCoco offered me as a dinner. My only regret was not taking a photo--it was the size of a silver dollar with five green veggies sticks underneath. If you are a vegetarian, vegan, gluten or dairy free or have other special dietary concerns, I would not recommend J Coco. I felt isolated and taken for granted on a evening when I was hoping to make each member of my family feel connected and special. We survived it, but will choose differently in the future.
(2)Sondra Z.
Had read some great reviews of this place and really wanted to like it, but it was just meh. My husband loved the tres majories and my salmon in rice paper was wonderful but the risotto it came with was undercooked and crunchy. Our daughters vegetarian pasta (the only vegetarian entree they offer) was so salty she couldn't finish it. We should have called it a night then but went for dessert. The chocolate cake was clearly not made on site, it was still defrosting when it was served. The budino was called a custard but tasted a lot like thin instant pudding. For the price point there are much better places in town.
(3)Tom H.
I am rarely compelled so clearly to write a restaurant review as I am now about J Coco. We had eagerly anticipated eating there due to multiple positive recommendations from friends. Needless to say, for my rating to be so low, something must've been amiss. What, you ask? Other than everything? Slow, poor, inattentive service. Awful food preparation. Had to ask multiple times for things. Sent one dish back as it was ice cold. One item was entirely forgotten and not delivered along with the main course. In short, there was not one component of the entire dinner that I'd rate as even passable/average. Further, I felt entirely justified doing something I hadn't for about twenty years: left zero tip. Wouldn't go back, ever.
(1)Vicki S.
Delicious food with a seasonal menu based on availability of ingredients. We had the cheese stuffed fried squash flowers appetizer , which I would have eaten as an entree they were so delicious. We both got the sea bass which was cooked well but was very pricey and the beans and stuff it came with weren't that yummy. I'd like to come back to try other entrees.
(3)Michelle H.
I love it here; the ambiance, food, and staff all make it a great experience. I recently had the Steak & Frites off the lunch menu and it was absolutely delicious. I've had various other items on the menu that have all been fabulous as well. It's a good restaurant to try a few appetizers and a few entrees and split them amongst friends. Jennifer Coco is a great chef and is fun to chat with.
(5)Kayla K.
Shrimp and grits are yummy with good flavor but a little watery compared to true southern grits. Teres major medallions were really tough and hard to cut and chew. The accompanying creamed spinach and potatoes were average. The lobster paired with it was fishy and I didn't finish eating it.
(3)Alyssa M.
Service 1st Waitress was rude and rushed us through the entire order. No one wanted to say anything. But I finally broke the ice and said something... and everyone agreed and stated that they didn't want to ruin the meal by being negative. We agreed on asking for another waitress 2nd Waitress was extremely nice!! Very professional. Explained the history and uniqueness of J. CoCo. Manager was very nice and understanding (although, she did make an excuse for waitress #1-- by saying that they weren't expecting to be so busy because of the nice weather ... That is the last thing a customer wants to hear... is an excuse... I never understood this because there is really no reason to ever be rude... A manager should take the feedback and do whatever they feel is necessary with it... and that does not include making excuses to the customer. Food GREAT! Shrimp and Grits: B Tenderloins: B Burger with Avocado: A Lamb: C -- was overcooked but my husband was hungry so he ate it anyways! He is very particular about his lamb as he is a trained chef and he will take you to school to explain the texture that lamb is suppose to be... and that texture was not achieved with this lamb. Mocha Cake or something... forgot what it was called: A+. I was basically in love with this dessert.
(4)Tutti S.
Waitress is a bit short, bordering on rudeness. Ok, just talked to her to change to our order and d she became full fledged abrupt and rude! Woo. Haha, she's had a very arrogant air to her. Wow. New server was AWESOME!! She was the best and she really made our night fun and relaxing. The food was excellent. My burger was one of the best I've ever eaten. Everything was fresh, fresh, fresh. I also had a house salad with a walnut vinaigrette -delish! The iced tea was marvelous, made with loose trees leaves and passion fruit juice. I can't wait to go back. Oh yes, they grow their own herbs and veggies. Cool place on many levels.
(4)Dan C.
As a Burger Brigadier I've been called upon to consume burgers in the fertile burgerland called Omaha. It's a duty I don't carry lightly and tonight episode 4 took place at J. Coco. Upon arrival I greeted the smiling faces and appetizers with my usual sense of purpose. Smiling Yelper faces good.....appetizers good.....burger? uhhh not so good. Medium rare, almost. Overpriced, seriously. Worth a return trip? Unless I pick the right six numbers on Saturday and Bronco's down the street is closed. Not going to happen!
(2)Nick P.
Visiting Omaha we started looking at Yelp and Trip advisor and a friend recommended J. Cocos. Well its the best meal I've ever had in Omaha. I've been coming to Omaha for about 20 years and being from SF I am usually at best, humored by the food choices. Well was I surprised. The tacos were amazing. I ordered the Ahi Tuna salad ...again amazing. I took a bite of the Waygu burger (I am going to order this next time). The bread was warm and Fresh. Katrina our server was super attentive and helpful and did not at all hesitate to recommend her favorites. I would highly recommend J Coco and will certainly eat here again before I leave next week. And yes, I've tried all the "best" steak houses and the "best" of old town....
(5)Cheryl K.
Really pleasant client dinner in this upscale restaurant serving farm to table seasonal dishes. The atmosphere is very "homey" yet upscale feeling. Dimly lit, slightly crowded but still quiet enough to have a nice dinner. We shared a couple of appetizers - the Korean short rib tacos and then we each had a salad. The tacos were great and the beet salad was excellent. It had gold and red roasted beets with candied pecans, watercress, arugula, and goat cheese. The soup that night was a tomato bisque served with a mini grilled cheese sandwich - it looked amazing and my co-diner said it was. For dinner I went with the coffee and cocoa rubbed pork loin which was served with cornbread stuffing with a butternut squash sauce. It was so good but after the appetizers and salad, I was really too full to eat it all. My co-diner had the cedar plank salmon which came with some type of lobster tater tots - she said it was amazing. They also had dishes like shrimp and grits, honey roasted chicken, crispy duck and of course a couple of different beef dishes. Way too stuffed for dessert which I am certain is amazing. Must try if you're in Omaha. Oh and the service is top notch - didn't matter that they were extremely busy, our server didn't miss a beat! One weird thing - the bathroom is shared with the comic book store next door. Nothing negative at all about that except that if you make the wrong turn - you wind up almost walking into a completely different store front.
(4)Emily W.
I'm so glad I went here for Omaha Restaurant Week.... I'm definitely now a fan!! The restaurant is pretty small and cozy, with cool modern interiors, and dim lighting. It's just fancy enough to feel like you're out for a nice night, without feeling pretentious. Our server was down to earth and even though she was super busy she took good care of us. Complimentary crusty bread with a warm soft center started us off right! The short rib tacos were a perfect app and I knew our whole meal was going to be good after tasting those. Yaya --happy dance at the dinner table!! For the main course the teres major (steak) was tender and so good with such flavorful sauces. The arancini (rice balls) that were with it were a waste, though. They were bland and boring, and the only thing that we did not like. The salmon was perfect. The sweet corn and asparagus risotto was even more perfect. But holy moly the lobster béarnaise sauce that was on top of the salmon... Omg... rich, delectable... I could take a bath in it. Ok this is getting out of hand... but seriously, amazing!! The cheesecake and creme brûlée finished off our meal perfectly! Only wish the crème brûlée was not cold. This is a great place for dinner or a first date... I'll be back often for sure!
(5)Colleen L.
Delightful. I was there with the fabulous Megan G, and also enjoyed the drinks and dessert options. The atmosphere is very crisp and modern, with a nice patio area (we opted for A/C though). The desserts (chocolate mouse in a chocolate cup with mixed berries, and a salted caramel chocolate cake) were scrumptious and appropriately portioned for ONE person (do not try to share one dessert with your friend if either of you love sweets). It was a lovely location for our triple-date. Our waters were kept filled, our checks were split (thank you!), and we wanted for very little over the course of our evening.
(4)J T.
My favorite place! We live close and visit often. I have never left disappointed. One word.....Burger! Best in town!
(5)Christine H.
I like J. Coco and was excited when a friend suggested it for lunch. This is a small restaurant in the Dundee area with modern Decor. Whenever I eat here, I get the impression that a lot of other diners are the wealthy individuals of Omaha. I am not one of those people, however, I have always had positive experiences here. Being that it was lunch my friend and I both settled on salads and decided to add salmon. The salmon was outstanding. Very high-quality, flaky and had a perfect crust on it. My salad was the spinach. I loved the blue cheese, candied walnuts and poached pear that accompanied it. however, some of the spinach was past its prime. Personally, I don't even bother buying spinach because it seems to go bad so quickly and when it goes bad it gets slimy and gross. I probably had to pick 6 to 10 pieces of slimy spinach out of the salad. The salad was still outstanding and I would order it again, but I think sorting through the spinach in the kitchen would be helpful. J. Coco is overall a great place for lunch or dinner in Omaha.
(4)Karoline H.
I came to J Coco for my birthday with my family. When we arrived it was 6 pm and pretty dead. It took us forever to even get any service and when we did get service our server seemed annoyed or uninterested in us. I am not sure if it is because we had a child with us or what. We ordered drinks and I got the strangest looking Cosmo I have ever seen. It tasted fine but it was murky and white. We ordered the pork belly steamed buns and the pretzel bites. Both were so delicious. For dinner, we all ordered burgers. I have nothing bad to say about the food, but our treatment (or lack thereof) from the waitress was very glaring to me. There was a man, however, that was wearing a red shirt at the front...I am not sure if he was the host or the manager but he was great in helping us and very personable. The service will not stop me from coming back, I'm actually ordering a burger to-go for lunch today. Someone just needs to tell this waitress to cheer up!
(3)David Y.
J Coco was a tasty restaurant with middle/high range prices (by Omaha standards). We started with bulgogi tacos. I enjoyed the pork, and the seasonings/sauce complimented it well. One thing I disliked about the taco was the soft shell. Given the overall texture of the pork/garnishes, I think a little crunch might have been better. My girlfriend got the special of the night, a Chilean Sea Bass, essentially Asian style. There was a ginger/soy sauce over the fish, which was atop bok choy, rice, and vegetable pot stickers. All in all, a very solid dish. I got the burger with bacon and a fried egg. I would have liked the egg to be a bit more runny but it was still a very good burger. We finished the meal with a bread pudding with berries and cream, which was delicious. I enjoyed J Coco and I thought that the service was good/food was solid. It was a bit on the higher end (about $90 after tip) for Omaha.
(4)Laura C.
I shared the Korean sparerib tacos with my family as an appetizer. Very very good! I had the wedge salad and the peppercorn ribeye. They were bursting with flavors. The bread was also amazing. I will be back.
(5)Mark C.
Joined a group of 12 last night to dine at J Coco's and enjoy the burgers they serve. The group was seated in the back room which actually allows you to look into the kitchen and see the food being prepared. We also had the pleasure of the chef/owner greeting us once seated. She was most gracious and welcoming. Our waitress did a good job with keeping up with us, getting the drinks, keeping them refilled, timing appetizers and of course getting our orders correct. J Coco's offers a Wagyu burger with a choice of bun (pretzel or challah) and several appetizing toppings to include caramelized onions, applewood smoked bacon, avocado, fired egg, smoked gouda, white cheddar or maytag bleu cheese. I had the burger on pretzel bun with caramelized onions, applewood bacon, smoked gouda and fired egg. It was absolutely delicious. The pretzel bun held up well to all the ingredients. You should have seen how tall the burger was with everything on it. Had to really press it down to get it in your mouth. Very tasty and well worth the price. Dessert was a bread pudding with salted caramel, cream and fruit. Also very tasty and the salt really comes out in the caramel. Would get this again as well. The menu for J Coco is diverse and offers a little something for everyone's tastes. Definitely worth your time to check out.
(4)Bill H.
Another outstanding meal. My wife's tuna was perfectly seared and my rack of lamb was done nicely- differently from last time but just as delicious. Our quests sea bass was expertly prepared and reportedly delicious. A Omaha jewel!
(5)Katelyn E.
Oh my goodness, this is my new favorite restaurant. There is super delicious food, a wonderful ambiance, and friendly wait staff. Oh, and the yummiest desserts! I moved to Omaha in December and in the past three months, I've gone to J Cocos four times already. And I have reservations again for my birthday there in three weeks. So... safe to say, I enjoy this place. :) The wait staff is awesome. Everyone I've encountered is friendly and knowledgeable about the food and drinks. The bartenders make fantastic drinks -- whether you go with a solid G&T, or try one of their unique drinks - I promise, they will be good. One time I went, I tried three different drinks, just prompting my waiter to "surprise me" with the next drink. They were all great! The last time I was there, the front end manager stopped by our table and chatted with us about the origin of the restaurant, the story behind the huge photographs on the wall, and where they ordered their wines. The food is simply amazing. My favorites are the fried brussel sprouts (drenched in yummy miso and sprinkled with bacon pieces) and the Stuffed Chicken. The chicken comes sits atop a butternut squash lasagna and is sprinkled with chestnuts. It's tender, full of flavor, and oh my gosh ... just so yummy! This is one of those rare dishes that tastes good warmed up in your microwave the next day. I've also tried their Short Rib Tacos (definitely worth trying), Pork Belly Steamed Bun (yum, yum, yum!), Artisan Cheese plate w/ Cured Meats (a must!!), Pommes Frites (can't go wrong here... especially with truffle aioli!), and Ribeye (not a huge fan of red meat, but this is pretty darn delicious). And then... the desserts. Seriously, AH-MAY-ZING. My favorite is their cheesecake, but you can't go wrong with their crème brulee. Or seriously, any of the items. Ask your server, because they change. Finally, this ambiance. It's romantic, it's fun, and it's a place you go to enjoy yourself. Whether it's on a date or with a group of friends, you have to try this restaurant.
(5)W B.
This is a nice restaurant nearby our home. It has a great cocktail list and an eclectic but tasty menu. It is, however, quite expensive. However, I will NEVER patronize this restaurant again...and here is why. We had been here before for drinks and appetizers and intensely enjoyed it. The bartender was great and the cocktails were also well done and intricate. But...this time we had a group of 5 adults and two babies and had reservations at 5. One couple had to leave but the three of us remaining (after ordering desert) were conversing perhaps 30 minutes after finishing eating when someone (presumably the manager?) came and told us we had to leave the table because there were others waiting. It was 7:09 PM. We were offered seats at the bar...with babies. This is not Denny's. We could have wanted coffee or another drink, but this was never offered as apparently they were trying to get rid of us. (I should note that both babies were quiet and behaving). Understand that we had spent at least $300-400 between us. This kind of behavior is simply unacceptable in the restaurant industry. Were I in management, I would fire this employee and offer either a refund or complimentary meal.
(1)Lisa R.
I had a very delicious dinner here with my uncle, cousin, and her date. Because I do not get to Nebraska often since I moved away, visiting my family is a special treat. My uncle graciously offered to take me to dinner at a great place. J Coco is very close to my grandparents in Dundee, and the area is becoming more hip than old. He called to see what the prognosis was for Saturday night - they told us to come early within 20 minutes or to wait until late. We immediately drove over and snatched the last open table. Our server was good, explaining lots of dishes, though everything sounded good, including the specials. I was tempted to order the beet salad but there were so many other items to get. We started with the squash blossoms stuffed with fresh mozzarella, tempura fried - see photo. They were so delicious and the cheese was soooo fresh. This is a rare treat only in a short summer window, so get them while you can! It had a balsamic glaze, a roasted pepper sauce, and some arugula pesto. My uncle ordered roasted shaved brussel sprouts for the table, which came out with mushrooms, marcona almonds, and a somewhat creamy sauce. The sprouts did not taste roasted because of the sauce, but they were still good. The side dish came out before the entrees, which is a bit odd, but we ate it before the next round. I ordered the crispy duck legs, which was a huge portion of 2 duck legs. They were cooked perfectly and tasted wonderful, served atop udon noodles and shiitakes with a blood orange glaze. My uncle got the cedar plank salmon, my cousin ordered the brick chicken with butternut squash lasagna, and her date got the ribeye. I tried the chicken and butternut lasagna and it was juicy, seasoned well and quite scrumptious. I felt like I had so much food that I wanted to stick with my dish, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Get the duck!!!!
(4)Jason G.
Wow another tough review...on the one hand, loved the burger,loved the pork belly appetizer...and loved the choco cake and berries dessert...and the server was pretty good...but the prices, especially regarding the dessert was very disappointing...The quality of the food I got was beyond reproach in my opinion...but as someone who enjoys going out and trying new places, when the price point is as high as it is here at J Coco, it makes me hesitant to want to come back...at least until I turn in some loose change at the bank...however, if and when I do come back, at least I know I'll get a pretty damn good burger and some really great pork belly appetizers, which I didn't' even know I'd like until I tried them here...
(3)Nate F.
Always great service, especially the hosts, food is always great also.
(5)Katherine K.
I have been to J Coco two times this summer, both were great experiences. I have tried a variety of dishes and I haven't been disappointed. Short rib tacos- so flavorful, I would order these again in a heartbeat! There are three tacos that come with this appetizer, good for three or as a starter before a salad. Cobb salad- if you like blue cheese you will like this salad. It is covered in a very thick blue cheese dressing. Good portion. Vegetable and chicken soup- standard nothing to rave about. Tuna appetizer- presentation was perfect, cooked perfectly, great flavors! Tiramisu- served in a mini mason jar with berries- delicious! Salted Carmel chocolate cake- if you love chocolate you will love this cake! Perfect caramel layers added a bit of salt to the sweet chocolate cake, yum! I would return to J Coco with family, friends, or anyone visiting from out of town!
(5)Jarell H.
First time going J Coco last night and I must say I think this might be my new favorite restaurant!!! Very nice building and nice inside, they have a outdoor patio which was a plus!!! I had the "Cubano" sandwich which was amazing I highly recommend getting this sandwich. My girlfriend go the Yellowfin Tuna Salad, I tried a bite and it was amazing, I highly recommend that dish as well. They have a nice selection of wines, beers, and cocktails!!! I will definitely be back to try more of the delicious items I saw on the menu
(5)Sarah G.
The past couple of times we've been here for dinner, there were a few missteps. I've always had pretty good service, for what you'd expect at a sit-down restaurant - after you get a table that is - and I don't mind their 'no reservations in groups less than 8' policy. That's pretty standard for lots of places nowadays, and it allows for more time browsing comics next door. Now, I'm just as surprised as you are that when I say 'missteps', I'm mostly talking about the food. It's still in my top places to eat, but some items recently were a little less than stellar (which I had come to expect with regularity here). A few weeks ago, a whitefish special showed up with a strange accompaniment ratio of grain (not much) to vegetables (even less) compared to the fish - at a sticker price upwards of $30, there was some disappointment. This wasn't my dish that night, so I can't elaborate more than that. I had the wagyu burger with applewood bacon and white cheddar (yum), but it was so precariously assembled that I ended up eating it with a knife and fork - not as satisfying as dominating a burger with your own two hands. And yesterday, while the chilled cucumber soup and freshly baked bread (not to mention the butter) wowed me in all the right ways I remember, the chicken sandwich had way more bread than chicken, and the cheese had somehow migrated to one side of the sandie - issues we noticed since Bill and I split it. For the most part, he got the cheese, I got the chicken. Weird. Then, the 'roasted cauliflower (pinenuts, parmesan, crunchy butter) was more like a saute, with a pool of olive oil in the bottom of the bowl... sad. Maybe I didn't understand or had false expectations of the dish? So the more I thought about it, I'm revising to a 4-star for now. We'll absolutely continue to eat here, there's just a little room for improvement.
(4)K M.
We had 5:30 reservations and were put into an odd back room that felt like we were being separated from the rest of the restaurant experience. There was an open window into the kitchen that was completely different atmosphere than the rest of the place. We were seated immediately - but then began to get the vibe that we were clearly asking too many questions about the menu and got a bit of a cold shoulder from the server. Good thing we had great company at our table! As the night went on - we began to feel rushed and like a bit of a nuisance to the staff. We had meat and cheese plate which was lovely and entrees that were fine - but no one seems over the moon about any of them. We even had dessert, much to their dismay, and as were were leaving it was almost painful for them to cork our remaining wine. Upon leaving I mentioned to the hostess that were were treated rudely and she explained there was a party of 15 waiting for the back room and they had put their reservation in months ago. I kindly explained to her that if someone would have told us we would have been happy to move to the bar, rather than being treated poorly. She then when on to explain that I should know the industry standard of 2 hours for a table and we were 20 mins over that. Also that she had been waiting tables since she was 16 and knew that forever. Well OK then I said - sorry that I was not aware of then standard, but rudeness is all I will associate with this establishment now. Head to toe self important and rude. ps. this is Omaha not NYC people.
(1)Megan G.
Went out with my boyfriend and two other couples for drinks and dessert and had a great time! Their cocktail menu is short, which is good! I don't have to spend hours reading drinks. The desserts were amazing as well! I could tell they take time to make both by the presentation. Not over the top but not slapped together. A great spot for a intimate date or dinner with friends.
(5)David C.
While the staff and decor were totally fine, the food was incredibly disappointing. I had the duck cassoulet which had more breadcrumbs than duck. My wife had the steak medallions--they were very tiny, overcooked (she ordered rare) and served atop three potato latkas with a flavor best described as...odd. Overall, stick to Jams. This meal was not worth the price.
(1)Lala N.
Neither food nor service is as good as they think it is.
(2)Jessie C.
Wow. There was nothing wrong with my meal here. Ok, wait. They did run out of the Pecan Pie right before I ordered it, but I will let that one slide :) I ordered the sea bass....it was the special for the evening (apparently the owner's signature dish). Sea bass is my favorite and this did not disappoint. My date had the coffee pork tenderloin, also amazing. We ordered the fried Brussels sprouts and roasted cauliflower sides to share. Ummmm hello, SOOO good. I was pretty full towards the end, but I could not stop eating those Bsprouts.....I'd eat those every day if I could. Yum. Anyway, this place is getting 5 stars from me because I haven't been that excited about my meal in awhile!
(5)Matt M.
I have been back here a few times since the initial review. I stand by my four stars. The service seems to have improved drastically but the food just isn't "wowing" me. I had the wagyu burger on a pretzel bun with white cheddar, bacon and egg. The burger itself was good but the bacon was bland and the bun was dry and crumbly. Last time I chose the eggplant sandwich. The eggplant was cooked perfectly and was served atop a piece of very good bread - but it had absolutely no flavor - none. It could have been so good with just a tad more effort. Everything is good it just doesn't take that extra step to greatness.
(4)Charles O.
Average at best! Bartenders don't have a clue. I have high expectations and twice now this place struck out. There won't be a third time. Sorry!
(1)Scott N.
Friendly staff. Plus! I was here with a group, so we ordered many appetizers. Pork belly was good. Warm brown sugared nuts were good. Calamari... quite good. The draft beer selection, though small, was respectable. Their holiday beer, closer to christmas than halloween, was Rogue Dead Guy. Not chrismassy, but I can't complain... it's a good beer. I had the Petite Tender Beef Medallions. Not a bad presentation and quite tasty. It didn't blow me away. Everyone enjoyed their meals and desert was delicious... Grand Marnier creme brûlée. It's always tricky eating with a group. J Coco pulled it off. I'd go again. I'm interested in how things would turn out in a more intimate setting... me and my Honey, for example. If it happens, I'll let you know!
(4)Brenda C.
Best Place Ever! Husband and I went over the Labor Day weekend for the first time. Can't wait to go back. Husband had the Sea bass, and I had the Planked Salmon. Both melted in your mouth. Waitress was super friendly and helpful. Everything was out of this world! Would highly recommend this restaurant to everyone. This is now our Favorite Restaurant.
(5)David E.
I had zero expectations as it was my wife's pick for her birthday. The decor was very nice and we were seated promptly at our reservation time. From there it took over 15 minutes to get waited on and it was 35 minutes before we could place our order. Over those 35 minutes the noise level was pretty high. That's fine for some but I'd pass on it if I'd known. Croque Madame sandwiches are hard to find in Omaha, so though it was dinner I had to try it, adding a Caesar and tipping back a nice glass of red wine recommended by the waiter. The approach for the restaurant is trendy and perhaps this explains the approach to the Caesar, but it was basically uncut romaine leaves with dressing ladled over them. It was ok but not the level I expected. The Croque was the biggest disappointment. It was slightly above luke warm and since the fries were hot my bet is that it waited on the warmer for them. It just wasn't above average. I'll probably get thrown to the wolves but that was my experience at J Coco. We both came away disappointed in the service and the food and I cannot see myself going back.
(2)Kaley P.
Very good food. Appetizer was good, had the pork belly, but don't understand why it came in threes instead of four. Made it awkward to eat with my husband. I had the salmon with lobster tater tots and I ate the whole thing. It's definitely expensive, but nice local restuarant to visit once in awhile.
(4)Adam C.
Awesome place, food is very unique and special. Staff is very kind. Specials are great and exciting. Atmosphere is warm and exciting yet ok for casual too. Really worth the time for anybody in Omaha.
(5)Peter M.
Absolutely wonderful. Real gem. Food and Service are flawless.
(5)Robert C.
Freaking amazing food. The waitress was a little crazy. But in a good way. Highly recommend it!
(5)Ecil D.
Good decor and lighting, great atmosphere. Food was not up to expectations, however, but will do for some. Presentation was amazing for all dishes and fav was the shrimp grits. The duck was not juicy and seemed over cooked. The farro with the whitefish seemed to be drenched with butter, which was a disappointment. Portions were quite large and generous. Better cooking elsewhere, but good for a end-of-week meal. Service was not remarkable. Bar drinks was good.
(3)Leila K.
I enjoyed J Coco but was not blown away. We had a reservation for a busy Friday night and were seated promptly. We were put in a private dining room at the back. It was quite nice except the table was right next to a large opening to the kitchen. It was loud and, frankly, kind of awkward. There were sliding doors that clearly closed the kitchen off from this room, but they were kept open the entire meal. We started with the mussel appetizer which came in 3rd out of 4 other places I have had mussels in town (they got beat by Dario's and La Buvette). They were a lot more "oceany" than I'm used to. I'm sure some people like that, but I sure don't. Next, were the side salads which were delicious and tasted fresh out of the garden. Finally, my appetizer of the white fish of the day arrived. It was red snapper and was quite good. However, I guess adding pomegranate seeds, teeny-tiny oranges and other misc accoutrements means you charge $10 more than most other places for a similar meal? The service was pretty good. Our server had clearly tried all of the food, which I think is important. We sometimes waited excessive amounts of time between seeing her, but it wasn't terrible. Overall, the experience was a good one, but not good enough to have me running back for more. I did not enjoy it enough to justify the cost when the bill arrived. I could see going back maybe once a year, but not regularly.
(3)Elizabeth A.
We have been several times. This place is a hit or miss. Last night food wise was a HIT.. The service was horrible!! I wanted to slap our server. She was a complete bitch! Barely spoke to use.Walked away ever time we were speaking to her. Didn't ask us if we would like dessert. And the so caked manager that DROPPED our meal was just as rude! He put out entrees in front of us and never once said a word.Just turned around and left.. Just for this. I will NEVER return. Too big for their britches at J.stuck up Coco!!
(2)Sharon J.
Our children brought us here for our wedding anniversary on a Friday night. We had reservations for 7:45 and when we arrived we were seated immediately. We had a bottle of wine, a Reisling, it was about $30.00. We then ordered appetizers, the pork slider tacos and the calamari. Both were very good especially the slider tacos. My husband and I both ordered the Beef filet medallions, it does not come with a salad, that is extra, although it does come with 1 side. The medallions were wonderful, each w as topped with a different topping. One with sauted mushrooms, one with a spinach mixture, and a crab stuffing. The filets were tender, juicy, and full of flavor. This was plenty of food for me but would not have been for my hubby, so thankfully he had ordered the Caesar salad, which also was very good. They are a little pricey but well worth it. It is a little small place with a great atmosphere!
(5)Samar E.
Went here on a Monday night with a friend of mine, to just try out the place... My neighbors had told me a great deal about it and spoke highly of the food... The food is good, I had the medallions for dinner, and Scallops for appetizer... Moving back from NYC recently, when I first walked in I was excited to find a place that felt similar, as far as a great menu, and a good environment... Unfortunately, when paying this kind of money, there is a certain level of service expected... That was not the case, the service was terrible! The server barely came to our table, and that might have been for the best, since she never smiled once when she spoke with us... There was another gentleman who checked on us a couple of times, seemed nice... Due to the service, I doubt I'll go back there again! Unfortunate since I actually liked th food..
(2)Andrea D.
Food was fine, but just fine. My cooking skills are no worse than that found here. Food was served after it had sat in the kitchen too long. Calamari breading was soppy and mushy. Korean taco app was a happy surprise as was the sauce. Good thing that dish was not required to be served hot. Olives were super tasty. Who can mess up a cured olive though? Steak frittes was near cold. Sauce had taken on a gelatinous texture. That said my steak was cooked to the desire 'pinkness'. Fries had that stale gross mealy sat too long texture. Overall, me thinks the kitchen probably did a good job. The problems were either in expediting or servers not being punctual running dishes from the back to the front. I will only return if I'm not the one paying the bill.
(2)William G.
Our server was kind. The entrees were quite good. My girlfriend had salmon with bernaise sauce that was delicious. I wish I had ordered it. I had the duck that was also quite good.
(5)Jamie M.
Food was good, but the service was VERY slow. I know that they were busy, but a 2.5 hour dinner on a weeknight seems way too long!
(3)Stefanie N.
The wait is painstakingly long for a table on a Saturday night. I'd suggest to call ahead 45mins before you arrive and expect to wait another 45 minutes. Anyway, we waited forever and wanted to eat at the bar, but there are people who like to hog up the bar area when it's insanely busy to sit and wait for their table. The place inside is pretty nice and the place is hustling and bustling. Not too keen on the music selection as it seems like a radio mix. On to the food.....everything was delicious! The only thing that I wasn't a fan of was the fries that came with the mussels. It was cold, stale and hard...as if they fried it in advance and let it sit underneath the warming table for an hour too long. The mussels were fabulous. We also ordered the pork belly for our appetizers which was lovely. I Ordered the sea bass which came with a preserved lemon sauce and some kumquats on top of tabbouleh (perfectly seasoned). My friend ordered the braised shorts ribs which were also tender and flavorful. The brussel spouts came out with mercona almonds and were cooked perfectly. I would definitely come back here again but next time I'll def call ahead...they are busy!
(4)Kate P.
A business associate picked this place to meet for dinner and after reading reviews about poor service my expectations were pretty low. I was pleasantly surprised. The service was terrific, very friendly and attentive. The bartender had a little bit of an attitude but since she recommended the peach crawler I forgive her. The beef medallions were great, three different sauces (lobster sauce was too thick). One of our party deemed the brick roasted chicken one of the best roast chickens he had ever tasted. Overall really good experience.
(4)Kevin P.
Very good. Natasha is a great server. Her sense of humor was grear ansd her suggestions were spot on. We had the calamari and pork belly for appetizers. Both were amazing. Had the duck for a main course and it was done perfectly. Definitely a most try spot.
(5)Audrey C.
My friend and I were so excited to try this place. We went at 9pm on a Thursday because we knew we wouldn't have a problem getting a table. I liked the atmosphere, upscale and comfy. Very good beer selection and extensive wines to choose from. They were out of 3 of the 5 beers we ordered, but maybe they were getting new kegs before the weekend?? Appetizer of calamari was great, but the presentation of it in a bowl made the bites at the bottom got soggy before we could get to them. The flavors were nice, chili and avocado laced. This was a promising start. We each did a sandwich, I had the Cubano, my friend the cheese eggplant. (A side observation on these menu items. The prices were significantly more than what the online menu had stated. No biggie, but if you are like me, and research where you go so you can get a plan, it can be a little of a surprise.) The eggplant was a better sandwich in my opinion, needed a little salt, but the better of the two. The Cubano had way too much mustard and 2 thin slices of pork. It's been impossible for me to find a Cuban pork as good as Worker's Takeout in Omaha. This one was really lackluster. Fries were decent, nothing spectacular. Side salad might have been the best part of of the whole meal. Looking around the dining room, the reason why this place is so successful is the location. I wasn't 'Wowed' with the food, it was good, and not too expensive, but I just don't see what the big deal about it is. In my opinion, food was a 2. Service was a 4. A 3 star review just averages this out. I will be back because I have tons of friends wanting to come here. I hope next time it will live up to the expectations it has so highly been given.
(3)OldIrvingPoodle H.
"Great welcome to great desserts I was impressed and would visit again. Being an out of towner, I would come back. Great scallops, lobster crem' brulle, and chocolate mouse. NOAH the bartender made it a great night! Thanks!"
(5)Judy S.
My husband and I dined at J. Coco's last night. We didn't have a reservation but we were up for an early dinner and stopped in and were able to sit at the bar (our favorite spot anyway). It was our first visit but definitely not our last! We loved the atmosphere and the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. The food was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. If you like mussels, you will go nuts for them here. After we finished the large amount of mussels, we sipped the remaining broth with our spoons and soaked bread pieces in it - to make sure we got the last drop! My husband chose the lamb and I had the beef tenderloin medallions. Both were done perfectly to our request and liking of medium rare! The wine list is extensive and with nice choices for anyone's budget. Cocktails don't miss a beat and be sure to ask for Jose's hot rum drink after dinner! It was warm, smooth but light. Perfect way to end dinner on a chilly evening! So many great places to eat here in Omaha, but we can't wait to go back to J. Coco's! Definitely one of our favorites!
(5)Kyle T.
Some have complained about the service but we've never had a problem -- always attentive and helpful. Desserts are amazing. I haven't any of the fancier dishes or specials, so I can't comment on those, but this has to be one of the best burgers in town. Easily. Yes, I've been to Dinkers, Stellas, Lot 2, etc. J Coco does a great burger.
(4)Joanna L.
Eh. Disappointed in a place I had really high hopes for. Menu offerings were great - it's nice to see a few restaurants in town getting creative with New American. We had the marcona dates, the short rib tacos, the lobster crème brulee, the filet medallions, and roasted chicken. the dates were the most tasty, but presentation was lazy. most upscale restaurants serving this app would have stuffed the dates with the almonds and wrapped it with bacon - this app just sprinkled slivers of almond and pork belly on top of the dates in a haphazard manner. short rib tacos were solid and probably the best thing we ordered. entrees were pretty bland, and the lobster crème brulee was a major letdown as it didn't incorporate anything to segue a lobster flavor with a sweet caramelized crème brulee. the result was a little offputting. Service was ok - the waiting area when you walk in is awkward because there's no room in the actual hallway since the door swings into it, so instead you're just watching people eat and trying not to get hit at the entrance.
(3)Lillian S.
Being as I've had several exceptionally awful dining experiences as of late, I was very excited to try J Coco. "Finally," I thought, "A chef & restaurant owner with an understanding of fine dining!" The point of this review, may it be stated, is not to harshly criticize the food. I feel the menu is ambitious, and given the proper training and scrutiny, it could be close to perfect. That being said, I will get this show on the road. A friend and I went for a casual Monday night dinner several weeks ago and started with a wonderful Artisan cheese plate to which we added meat for only an extra $3. The presentation was absolutely spot on, and the portions were generous and of excellent quality. This excited me, as I ordered their half rack of lamb which was to be accompanied by Osso Buco. This is where things started to get a little shaky in our experience. The presentation of the chops was well-done. That is not a question. Unfortunately, the old adage of "if it looks good, it tastes good" is not always applicable. I feel that the problem here lies strictly in their prep work. The chops were very small (which I don't mind) but were, however, 95% fat. The lamb was ordered mid-rare and came out a nice medium to mid-well. Lastly, the Osso Buco portion tasted as if it had freezer burn. That could just be because I was so turned off by the chops. She ordered a steak & frite dish which was excellent, though overcooked. Minimal complaints there. Typically, both of us refuse to send dishes back to the unless they are completely intolerable. Neither dish was sent back, and all of the common pleasantries were exchanged with our server who was a very sweet girl and good at her job. The problem here, the biggest turn off, was Ms. Coco herself. On this particular evening, Ms. Coco spent a good 45 minutes floating around the restaurant from table to table, chatting them up and inquiring about the food and service. Good on her. This is something that customers eat up with a spoon, and given the American obsession with chefs, people love to be able to say they MET the chef. I found it disheartening, however, that she failed at any point to make it to our table. Not a single word, only glances here and there. Even while she was standing at the host stand, 5 feet away from our cozy window table. Could this be, perhaps, that my dining partner and I are in our 20s and couldn't possibly know anything about dining? Or that neither of us had an American Express Card stapled to our foreheads? Rookie move, Ms. Coco. Rookie move. Frankly, it's not that I wanted to meet her. A chef is a chef is a chef. But there is a parallel between simply a chef, and a chef that owns their restaurant. I have been to similar chef-owner restaurants where the chef has come to our table and asked children how their chicken strips and fries taste. This is endlessly endearing. In this industry, as with all other industries, it is a labor of love. If you are not willing to accommodate ALL guests, something is very wrong indeed. I will not be back to JCoco. I wish the restaurant luck. I truly do. But in this case, the one adage that does apply is "never judge a book by its cover."
(2)Chris D.
After reading all the good reviews on the internet, I decided it was time to give J Coco a try myself. I was not dissapointed! Arrived around 7PM on a Friday...there was a wait as anticipated, but my dining partner and myself put our names on the list. We were told it could be a 45 minute wait. Loved the feel of the restaurant right away...just felt cozy. We made our way up to the bar to order a drink, and were lucky enough to grab a couple of seats that were just vacated! Instead of waiting for a table we decided to just eat at the bar. Started off with the crispy pork belly with creamy grits and wild mushroom jus. I must say I have never tried a pork belly before, but am so glad I did. It was both crispy and tender with a fantastic flavor! For my entree I ordered the braised short ribs, and my dining partner ordered the housemade pasta with bolognese sauce. The only problem was that our entrees showed up about 1 minute after our appetizer. A manager saw what had happened, and rushed over and offered to take back our entrees and re-do them after we finished our appetizer. I didn't want to put them out, as they had a crowd, but he insisted, and I finally gave in. So glad I did as i really wanted to savor my appetizer. Once finished our entrees arrived quickly....hot and fresh! The braised short ribs were fork tender, and had an awesome flavor with the malbec reduction. The aroma itself was inviting, as others standing around me asked what I had because it smelled so good. It tasted even better than it smelled...fantastic. The cauliflower puree was a truly delishess side dish that paired well with the short ribs. My partner said her pasta was good...although she felt it to be a bit dry...perhaps needed more sauce. Wished we would have had room for dessert! Loved everything about the restaurant...even though our entrees came right after our appetizer, the restaurant quickly corrected that and that is all that matters to me. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Mary M.
I have been anxiously waiting for this restaurant to open, and had my first dining experience there last night. The wait was definitely worth it. It was busy, so we were seated in the back (the party room). The menu options are not overwhelming, but they have a good variety. I love that you can go in for dinner and spend only $9-$10 on a sandwich or up to $25-$28 for an entree. Our table started with the roasted dates with pancetta, almonds, and chili...a definite winner. You get a slight bite from the chili, a nice crunch from the almonds, and who doesn't like bacon. Being a fan of beets, I ordered the baby beet salad. It was classically dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette and served on top of watercress with candied pecans (yummy) and buratta cheese. It was most delicious. I shared this with my 16 mos old great-nephew who enjoyed not only the beets, but the buratta cheese. For my entree, I ordered the braised short ribs. WOW!! The perfect sized portion - the meat was fork tendered, and came right off the bone. I am not a huge fan of cooked cauliflower, but I would eat a bowlful of the cauliflower puree that came with the short ribs - creamy, rich, and delicious. My niece enjoyed her cubano sandwich. and we ordered a side of pomme frites and Mac 'n cheese which were quite good. The one complaint came from my husband and nephew who both ordered the Brick Roasted Chicken. They both had high expectation from the description, but it came out a bit dry and with not a lot of flavor. We topped off the evening with creme brulee which was excellent. I returned for lunch with my daughter a week later and tried the crispy pork belly (a must try) and the caesar salad. My daughter went for the croque madame - she would have liked the egg a little less cooked, but loved it none the less. All in all it was a good experience and I will be returning. They are a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
(4)Kris S.
Well I am seeing a pattern here, service seems to be lacking in many customers' experiences at J Coco. This was our first visit and I'm very saddened to say that it will probably be our last. The food was fabulously delicious. We ordered the Beef Medallions and the Chilean Sea Bass (it literally melted in your mouth!! Awesome!) The service, however, was terrible. The waitress was rude and inattentive. I had to ask her for the specials and fish of the day. The other servers appeared to enjoy working with the guests, not ours. We feel that the personality and attentiveness of the server will make or break a dining experience. We had chosen this restaurant to celebrate our 28th anniversary. With so many wonderful dining establishments in Omaha, we will go where customer service is as important as the quality of the food so we can have a totally enjoyable experience for our money. Hopefully the manager reads this and figures out which one of the waitresses should maybe reconsider her job choice.
(2)C.M. C.
Cold fries are never worth standing up for? Worst restaurant experience ever. Was told to "Go fcvk myself!!" after asking Jennifer Coco for a business card. Apparently, her staff now believes that I was also trying to throw a glass of water on her staff. Unprofessional behavior on behalf of J. Coco herself. Thanks for the most memorable experience, you have provided a bottom standard beyond all belief.
(2)