Jackie & Son in South Orange

Besides Jackie and Son and Bay Leaf, Sonny's bagels might as well be considered new.  new owner, and nice job of fixing up the front of the store and they now have lox.  that whole area looks so much better and hopefully village hall renovations can start soon.  

We just finished breakfast there and I thought it was great. Yes it's very lively and a little loud but we were able to carry on normal conversation. 

My bacon and egg sandwich (sammie) was yummy and a great value at $5. Good cappuccino too. 

My daughter had pancakes ($12) which were good and came with real maple syrup. 

The owner Jackie chatted with us for a minute or two but the place was really hopping. The staff all seemed nice, polite and efficient. 

I say it's a welcome addition!

bub said:
I understand its part of cafe culture now, especially SB, but the idea that a restaurant has to accommodate your novel writing, or email perusing, or pretending to do those things while checking out potential love interests, is not an idea that I'm on board with.  It's a tough business that needs to have table turnover.  

True. I work from home and really enjoy NOT being in an area where people are plugged in, talking on cells, strategizing and scheduling. I'm kinda done with over hearing others business and personal details. Many of us just want to sit, snack and talk to each other. Haven't been yet but will not be angry with lack of outlets.

I could see going there as a break on a home office day. I'd just make sure my laptop and phone were fully charged before heading over.

I stopped in for a late breakfast / early lunch and tried their beef scramble. Caramelized beef cubes in scrambled eggs on top of a generous serving of hummus with a couple of pitas to enjoy it all with. A combination I wouldn't have thought of but it was yummy.

And I've spotted five outlets that are reasonably close to seating. 

One more thing. It doesn't apply to us any more but I imagine some people will be excited to know that there is a full regular changing table in at least one of the restrooms. Not one of those little pull-down doohickeys that you find in so many restaurants.

How does one tip at this place?

You wait on line and order at the counter, and you pay before you get your food. This is a system that is usually no tip. 

But, they do bring the food to you, which implies tipping. And when you pay by credit card and they turn the tablet payment thingie over to you to sign, you have to select tip, even if it’s “no tip”. As the counter person stands right there in what is kind of an awkward situation IMO. 

Also the tip selection is before you get your food. Isn’t a tip at least theoretically based on service provided, which you haven’t received yet?

This is a good place but the tipping situation is confusing to me, as it’s sort of a hybrid/partial service model. 

Thoughts? 

They have a tip jar.  you can put in a tip on your way out.  Otherwise you do when you pay by CC.

We just went there on Sunday (not sure why it took so long, since we live near that area) but wow, I'm pretty sure this is now the best breakfast in either town. With Bayleaf and the imminent beer hall this could make that stretch of SO Ave a spot where other restaurants will want to be.

If they have the lemon raspberry scones get them and eat them all. You will be happy  for it!

This place has DELICIOUS food. Period.

kibbegirl said:
This place has DELICIOUS food. Period.

 Agreed. We've been a few times and love it. Maybe I'll go there for lunch...