J. Alexander's Restaurant Introduce
## Introduction / Overview
For New Jersey diners seeking a polished, upscale experience that still delivers the comforting familiarity of classic American cuisine, **J. Alexander's Restaurant** in Clifton stands out as a premier choice. This establishment brings its nationally renowned concept to the local market, offering a sophisticated blend of high-quality food, a stylish yet comfortable atmosphere, and attentive service.
J. Alexander's defines itself as a contemporary American restaurant, known for its dedication to scratch-made dishes and premium ingredients. The menu is a testament to timeless American culinary preferences, heavily featuring items expertly prepared over a wood fire. Patrons can indulge in hand-cut **Steaks & Prime Rib**, fresh **Seafood**, and a broad array of **Specialties** and sophisticated salads.
The core philosophy of J. Alexander's is to provide a consistent, quality dining experience. While the Clifton location is a newer addition to the New Jersey dining scene, the brand has a strong reputation for offering a reliable blend of **Casual** and **Cozy** atmosphere suitable for both **Lunch** and **Dinner**. Whether you are planning a celebratory evening, a business lunch, or simply treating yourself to a memorable meal, J. Alexander's aims to be the ideal destination in the heart of North Jersey. Signature items, from the **Slow Roasted Prime Rib** to the famous **Very Best Chocolate Cake**, ensure a high degree of culinary satisfaction.
The restaurant is also highly regarded for its full-service bar, which offers an extensive selection of **Wine**, **Beer**, and expertly **Handcrafted Cocktails**, making it a popular spot for a drink with friends or pre-dinner enjoyment. The overall ambiance and dedication to service reflect an effort to create a memorable occasion for every guest who walks through the door.
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## Location and Accessibility
J. Alexander's Restaurant is strategically located at **852 NJ-3, Clifton, NJ 07012, USA**. Its position directly on **Route 3** in Clifton makes it extremely accessible for residents across Passaic and Bergen Counties, and a convenient stop for travelers utilizing this major thoroughfare.
The location is especially convenient due to its proximity to major North Jersey landmarks and commercial centers, including Clifton Commons, The Promenade Shops, and is a viable dining option for those heading to events at MetLife Stadium or visiting the American Dream complex. This central placement ensures that it's an easy choice for a meeting or a planned evening out.
The restaurant prioritizes seamless guest experience, particularly concerning accessibility and parking. For patrons arriving by car, there is a **Free parking lot** available, removing the stress of finding street parking. Furthermore, the establishment demonstrates a strong commitment to guest comfort and accessibility, offering comprehensive **Wheelchair accessible** features, including the **entrance**, **parking lot**, **restroom**, and **seating**. This attention to detail ensures that all members of the New Jersey community can enjoy the dining experience comfortably. The restaurant also simplifies the planning process by **Accepts reservations**, a highly valued feature for a popular venue.
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## Services Offered
J. Alexander's in Clifton provides a range of professional and accommodating services for its patrons:
- **Full Dining Service:** The restaurant offers formal **Table service** for both **Lunch** and **Dinner**, providing a refined, seated experience in the dining room.
- **Flexible Reservation Policy:** The establishment **Accepts reservations**, allowing guests, especially **Groups**, to secure their preferred dining time and avoid unnecessary waits, which is a key planning feature.
- **Takeout Service:** For those who prefer to enjoy the menu at home, J. Alexander's offers convenient **Takeout** options.
- **Onsite Bar and Beverage Service:** A fully equipped **Bar onsite** serves a comprehensive menu of **Alcohol**, **Beer**, **Wine**, **Cocktails**, and **Hard liquor**.
- **Non-Alcoholic Options:** The menu includes **Coffee** and other non-alcoholic selections.
- **Focus on Efficiency:** The service model is recognized for **Fast service**, ensuring timely delivery of food, though it is encouraged for all guests to communicate any time constraints to their server.
- **Family Accommodations:** The restaurant welcomes families with young children by providing **High chairs** and a dedicated **Kids' menu**.
- **Modern Payment Systems:** All common payment methods are accepted, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.
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## Features / Highlights
J. Alexander's is known for several key features that elevate the dining experience for its New Jersey customers:
- **Wood-Fired Cuisine:** A major highlight is the use of wood-fired cooking for many key entrées, including the premium **Steaks & Prime Rib**. This imparts a distinct, smoky flavor to cuts like the **FILET MIGNON**, **NEW YORK STRIP**, and the famed **Slow Roasted Prime Rib**.
- **Signature American Classics:** The menu boasts signature dishes that have become customer favorites across the brand, such as **MR. JACK’S CRISPY CHICKEN PLATTER**, the **BARBEQUE BABY BACK RIBS**, and the highly praised **CAROLINA CRAB CAKES**.
- **Dessert Excellence:** The restaurant has a reputation for offering **Great dessert**. Housemade options like the decadent **VERY BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE**, the creamy **KEY LIME PIE**, and the large, moist **CARROT CAKE** are must-try items.
- **Handcrafted Cocktails:** The **Great cocktails** are a significant draw, crafted to complement the rich flavors of the food. The bar is a destination in itself, offering a polished atmosphere for enjoying specialty drinks.
- **Sophisticated Salad Program:** Beyond the main courses, the salads are noteworthy. Options like the **ASIAN AHI TUNA SALAD**, **THAI KAI SALAD**, and the signature **ALEX'S SALAD** are complex, fresh, and substantial enough to serve as an entrée.
- **Accommodating Atmosphere:** The atmosphere is described as **Casual** and **Cozy**, successfully blending an upscale aesthetic with a comfortable feel, making it suitable for both special occasions and regular dining.
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## Contact Information
For reservations, questions about the menu, or to inquire about takeout service at the Clifton, NJ location, please use the contact details below:
Address: **852 NJ-3, Clifton, NJ 07012, USA**
Phone: **(862) 346-8333**
Mobile Phone: **+1 862-346-8333**
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## What is Worth Choosing
Choosing **J. Alexander's Restaurant** in Clifton, NJ is choosing a dependable and high-quality upscale dining experience on Route 3. For New Jersey residents, it represents an accessible slice of sophisticated American fare that consistently uses premium ingredients and prioritizes customer satisfaction. While the Clifton location, as a newer venue, may experience occasional service inconsistencies, the brand's core commitment to quality food and guest recovery is strong, as evidenced by the manager's commitment to inviting a disappointed patron back for a "redo." This dedication to making things right speaks volumes about their long-term focus on excellence and building a loyal local customer base.
What makes J. Alexander's truly worth the visit is the **culinary breadth and quality** of its menu. The chance to enjoy a perfectly cooked, wood-fired **FILET MIGNON** or **Slow Roasted Prime Rib** alongside signature sides like **NOT YOUR ORDINARY MAC & CHEESE** or the seasonal **Couscous** is a compelling reason for any food lover. The wide array of fresh seafood, including **AHI TUNA FILET** and **TROUT ALMONDINE**, ensures that the menu caters to more than just steak enthusiasts. For a truly memorable finish, the housemade **VERY BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE** or the delicious **CARROT CAKE** are dessert highlights that cannot be missed.
The ability to secure a spot via **Accepts reservations**, the convenience of the **Free parking lot**, and the comfortable, **Wheelchair accessible** amenities ensure that the planning and arrival process is smooth. For a setting that beautifully marries classic American comfort food with a **Casual** yet **Trendy** environment and a fantastic bar serving **Great cocktails**, J. Alexander's is the smart choice for a reliable, exceptional dining experience in North Jersey, perfect for celebrating an occasion or simply enjoying a top-tier meal with friends or family.
J. Alexander's Restaurant Menu
SPECIALTIES
- MR. JACK’S CRISPY CHICKEN PLATTER $31.29
South Carolina low country recipe, French fries, Southern cole slaw
- AHI TUNA FILET $43.29
Sliced, soy ginger sherry sauce, orzo & wild rice, ripened tomatoes
- ROASTED CHICKEN $33.69
24-hour brine, crushed herbs, lemon rosemary jus, smashed potatoes
- BRASSERIE CHICKEN $33.69
Pank-crusted with parmesan cheese and lemon butter caper sauce.
- BARBEQUE BABY BACK RIBS $40.89
Plum Creek bbq sauce, French fries, Southern cole slaw
- CAROLINA CRAB CAKES $57.69
Jumbo lump crab, chili mayonnaise, Dijon sauce, French fries (limited availability).
- TROUT ALMONDINE $38.49
Brown butter, toasted almonds, broccoli
- GRILLED SALMON $42.09
Fresh cold water salmon, orzo & wild rice
- JUMBO FRIED SHRIMP $34.89
Served with cocktail and rémoulade sauces.
BURGERS, SANDWICHES & SMALL PLATES
- FRENCH DIP SANDWICH $30.09
Thinly sliced, baguette, horseradish
- VEGGIE BURGER $21.69
In-house recipe, Monterey Jack
- CHICKEN TACOS $22.89
Three rotisserie chicken on grilled tortillas with shredded iceberg lettuce, Monterrey Jack cheese, jalapeno ranch, and fresh Pico de Gallo.
- NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN SANDWICH $22.89
Southern slaw, kosher dill pickles, ranch dressing
- HYDE PARK SANDWICH $22.89
Grilled chicken breast, Monterey Jack
- SHRIMP TACOS $22.89
Signature creamy & spicy sauce, lettuce, diced peppers, green onions, black beans & rice
- OLD FASHIONED CHEESEBURGER $24.09
Served all the way, aged Tillamook cheddar
- SALMON BURGER $22.89
House made, panko seared, arugula (limited availability)
SOUPS & STARTERS
- HONG KONG SHRIMP $22.89
Signature spicy, creamy sauce
- CRISPY CALAMARI $24.09
Classic marinara
- AVOCADO BOMB $25.29
Hand-cut Hawaiian tuna, crispy wontons
- MEXICO CITY SPINACH CON QUESO $20.49
With tortilla chips.
SALADS
- ORIGINAL CAESAR SALAD $16.89
Reggiano, rustic croutons
- STEAK SALAD $31.29
Seared filet, avocado, bleu cheese, tomatoes, bacon, white wine vinaigrette
- ASIAN AHI TUNA SALAD $31.29
Seared rare, artisan greens, wasabi, cilantro vinaigrette
- ALEX'S SALAD $16.89
Bacon, cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, rustic croutons
- THAI KAI SALAD $22.89
Mixed greens, roasted chicken, peanuts, cilantro vinaigrette, Thai peanut sauce.
- CYPRESS SALAD $25.29
Chopped crispy chicken tenders, pecans, avocado, tomatoes, bacon, cheese, cornbread croutons.
SIDES
- LOADED BAKED POTATO $9.69
- COUSCOUS $9.69
- NOT YOUR ORDINARY MAC & CHEESE $9.69
- SMASHED POTATOES $9.69
- FRENCH FRIES $8.49
- ORZO & WILD RICE $9.69
- SOUTHERN COLE SLAW $9.69
- LEMON & REGGIANO BROCCOLI $9.69
STEAKS & PRIME RIB
- FILET MIGNON $62.49
Center Cut.
- STEAK 'N' FRIES $42.09
French Brasserie style, maître d’ butter
- NEW YORK STRIP $60.09
Aged beef with NYO mac & cheese
- SLOW ROASTED PRIME RIB $50.49
Aged Mid-Western beef, au jus, smashed potatoes
- STEAK MAUI $60.09
Marinated ribeye, smashed potatoes
HOUSEMADE DESSERTS
- KEY LIME PIE $13.29
Served on a cinnamon, graham cracker crust and topped with fresh whipped cream.
- CARROT CAKE $12.09
Made in-house carrot cake with pineapple, pecans, coconut and carrots. Finished with cream cheese icing.
- VERY BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE $14.49
Triple chocolate bundt cake served with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge.
J. Alexander's Restaurant Details
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
J. Alexander's Restaurant Photos










J. Alexander's Restaurant Location
J. Alexander's Restaurant
852 NJ-3, Clifton, NJ 07012, USA
J. Alexander's Restaurant Reviews
carrot cakeappetizershrimpserverkey lime piemartinithe menumanagerny stripupscale
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE!Backstory: I absolutely love the J Alexanders in Boca Raton and have been going there for MANY years due to their consistency, including my graduation dinner, so my expectations were high.On September 26 I was driving to another restaurant nearby when I saw the restaurant sign. I was so excited because I love J and I haven’t seen one since I’ve been in New Jersey!We instantly made a U-turn at the light, canceled our other reservation, and made a quick reservation on Open Table for 8:15 pm.I was so so excited. We walked in and the greeters were kind and welcoming. They gave me compliments on my hair and nails (super friendly).THE SAD PART!The wait time and food were a disappointment. We ordered at 8:18pm (because I always get the same salad!)Our shrimp appetizer came at 8:35pm (17 minutes). It was suppose to look like a mountain but it didn’t remind me of the one I got in Boca.I asked the server about the mountain look and he was sarcastic saying ‘today is a small mountain’. Again, my expectations are high.We are the shrimp then waited and waited, our waitress never came back to check on us, and I had to wave down the manager (who seemed a bit flustered) to ask her about our entrees, even though the restaurant was half empty. No one was in our entire section at that time but she said the kitchen is a bit busy and she would put a rush on it.8:56pm When our order (a burger and a salad) finally arrived after about 38 minutes, the salad was wrong (I asked for shrimp and they put chicken) and it was poorly prepared.The description is crispy chicken, pecans, avocado, tomatoes, bacon, cheese, and cornbread croutons, with fresh greens and scratch-made toppings (I subbed grilled).Mine had iceberg lettuce, seriously? You can also see from the picture that it looks nothing the pictures I showed them of how I wanted it.The manager apologized, took it back to the kitchen and promised bread while I waited and waited, but no bread ever came.At 9:08 pm (50 minutes after I ordered a salad) I had to physically get up and walk back to the kitchen to ask for some bread. When the bread came out, it was COLD. I was so so disappointed and my patience was running a bit low. Again, the restaurant was not PACKED!My shrimp salad still had not arrived, so we asked to cash out because we were ready to leave. A minute later the salad came out but it was too late. It still didn’t look good or nothing to like I was use to before.We asked to check out, to make matters worse, our waitress (who never came to check on us during this entire process) presented us a full bill including the SALAD, he didn’t even eat his burger because he was waiting for me to get my salad, so his food was cold. I asked them to fix the bill please and we only got charged for the ginger ale.Upon leaving the hostess was perplexed because I was so excited when I came in but left so deflated and disappointed.After years and years of loving the Boca Raton location, I was beyond disappointed with this Clifton location.On a serious note, please do better, some training from the Boca Managers or a trip to Boca Raton location might help this site.10/1/2025 1pmThey told me on Google to contact them, I did and this is what their website kept telling me.“There was a problem with your submission. Errors are marked below.Your entry appears to be spam!”10/1/2025 1:45I spoke to the manager on the phone that was in that night and she invited me back to give them another try. Overall it was just very disappointing, the service, the food and then timing. It was not just about the salad, it’s the experience.The general manager will call me back to set up a ‘redo’
October 01 · Marietta WilliamsFirst J. Alexanders for the first time and right away noticed how friendly and professional the staff and waiters were. They were very knowledgeable with the menu and made some good recommendations. Everything we ordered was delicious. The Carrot Cake is a must, it was amazing.
June 21 · Mahmoud SaeidFirst time trying and the food was unique and delicious. They make everything from scratch and have a wood oven so it gives a flavorful tone to everything done in the grill. We tried the crab cakes with couscous and squash, the cypress salad for entries. For drinks, we had water and English martini. We ended our dine in experience with the magnificent Key lime pie (home made whipped cream!!!!)Everything was delicious, authentic and fresh.Brandon was our server, great service and recommendations.
April 13 · Rossi OjedaMy first time here after work and loved it! I had a salad with steak (I love salads) as well as a Rum and Coke. Our server Zehra gave GREAT recommendations.I have always driven by, however someone on Instagram had a great review of the location in Maryland.I really liked my experience and will definitely be back.
August 25 · Dj FingallI had an amazing experience at J. Alexander’s! A client recommended the restaurant while I was driving him and his family into New York City (i think he was a chef) , and his suggestion was spot on. To top it off, I even bumped into Jonathan Cheban, aka the Foodgod—such a cool surprise!Our server, Michael, was outstanding—courteous, knowledgeable, and incredibly attentive. He knew the menu inside and out, and his recommendations were perfect. Easily one of the best servers we’ve ever had!The customer service at this restaurant was top-notch, and the food did not disappoint. The steak and fries, as well as the jumbo shrimp, were absolutely delicious—great portions, packed with flavor.Highly recommend this spot!
March 07 · Gino Norero
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