At the mention of cafeteria food, I think of lukewarm macaroni and cheese that feels, looks, and tastes like rubber. Or, I think of the cardboard tortilla chips and cup of “nacho” cheese that the lunch ladies called nachos.

Clearly, cafeterias were not my thing- until I ate at Jack’s Urban Eats.

Jack’s Urban Eats, dubbed an “urban cafeteria” on their promos, is a new restaurant in the Orchards Shopping Center. Fresh and laid-back, artwork from flea markets hang on the walls and the table numbers are printed with vintage pictures, like the cover of the Beatles album.

With criteria like taste, price, and mood in mind, I visited this new local establishment, less than two miles from Northgate, and stuffed my face – all to provide information for the Sentinel readers.

Taste

At Jack’s, the menu is filled with salads, sandwiches, and sides. American favorites like chicken strips, mashed potatoes, and barbecued tri tip sandwiches are available and made fresh to order, as well as healthy options like the kale and quinoa salad. I ordered the pesto chicken sandwich- the best decision I’ve ever made. It had an amazing (and homemade) sauce, thick swiss cheese, and lettuce on a beautiful roll. I was almost in tears when I ate my last bite- partly because it was over and partly because I had never been happier. I stole a bite of my mother’s Jack’s Classic and it was as brilliantly made as mine. Taste: a 5 out of 5 stars.

Price 

Cost-wise, it was pretty average- not too cheap, but not too expensive. Most sandwiches are under ten dollars and the salads are a little above ten. You get what you pay for, but it definitely won’t break the bank to fill up. The proportion was just enough to make me feel full, but not have to undo the button on my pants. Price: 4 out of 5 stars.

Mood

The feel at Jack’s was my favorite part. While waiting in line, the employees were eager to have a conversation and made me feel like their best friend. Everyone was smiley and in a good mood, which definitely rubbed off. There weren’t too many people on a Tuesday night, but I can see it getting pretty packed on the weekends. They had a good mix of music playing and there was a lot to look at in the restaurant. The wait was not long at all, which was a plus. Mood: 5 out of 5 stars.

Until next time, bon appetit.