Jack's Wife Freda: A Culinary Gem in Chelsea for All-Day Dining

Jack's Wife Freda Introduce

In the heart of New York City, where a new restaurant seems to open every week, there are a few places that capture the city's spirit and become true staples. Jack's Wife Freda is one such establishment. This all-day bistro and restaurant, with its charming and casual atmosphere, has become a beloved fixture in Chelsea and beyond. It’s more than just a place to eat; it's a gathering spot that feels both trendy and comfortably familiar. The menu is a delightful mix of American and Mediterranean flavors, influenced by the owners' Israeli and South African heritage. This unique culinary blend results in a variety of dishes that are both comforting and exciting, from classic comfort foods to healthy, vibrant meals. The restaurant is celebrated for its ability to serve a wide range of needs, whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal with friends. It’s a place that welcomes a diverse crowd and has a reputation for being a great spot for everything from solo dining to family gatherings. Known for its stylish yet unpretentious vibe, Jack’s Wife Freda is a testament to the idea that a great restaurant can be both popular and personal, serving as a backdrop for countless memorable moments for New Yorkers and visitors alike. It's a place that feels authentically New York, a home away from home for many.

The Chelsea location of Jack's Wife Freda is situated at 116 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA. This prime address places it on a bustling avenue in a neighborhood known for its lively energy and accessibility. The restaurant is strategically located to serve the diverse crowds of Chelsea, the West Village, and nearby areas. It is incredibly easy to reach by public transportation, with the 14th St and 8th Ave station (A, C, E, L lines) just a short walk away. This makes it a perfect destination for those coming from anywhere in Manhattan or even Brooklyn. The location is also near several major landmarks, including the High Line and Chelsea Market, making it an ideal spot to refuel after a day of sightseeing or exploring. The restaurant is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that all guests can enjoy their dining experience comfortably. While street parking can be a challenge, the excellent public transit options make getting here a breeze. Its presence on a main thoroughfare makes it highly visible and a convenient choice for spontaneous walk-ins, though reservations are recommended, especially for popular dining times.

Jack's Wife Freda is an all-day café with a wide range of services designed to accommodate various dining preferences and occasions. They excel at providing a seamless experience, whether you're dining in or taking your meal to go. Here are the key services they offer:

Dine-in: The restaurant offers a comfortable and casual setting for seated dining. It's an excellent choice for solo dining, a meal with friends, or a family outing.
Outdoor Seating: On a pleasant day, their outdoor seating provides a great spot for people-watching while you enjoy your meal. It is also dog-friendly, allowing pets to join their owners outside.
Takeout and Delivery: For customers who prefer to eat at home, Jack's Wife Freda provides both takeout and delivery services, ensuring their delicious food is just a call or a click away.
Reservations: While they are a first-come, first-served all-day cafe that holds most of its seating for walk-ins, they do accept a limited number of reservations for lunch and dinner, which is highly recommended during peak hours.
Private Dining: The restaurant can accommodate private dining requests, making it a suitable venue for special events or larger groups.

The experience at Jack's Wife Freda is defined by several key features and highlights that have contributed to its widespread popularity. From the food to the atmosphere, every detail is carefully considered to create a welcoming and memorable visit.

Unique Menu and Offerings: The menu stands out with its blend of Mediterranean, American, and bistro influences. It features everything from Mediterranean-style breakfast bowls and Green Shakshuka to more traditional American fare like Jack's Burger and Steak Frites, along with a kids' menu.
Excellent Beverage Program: The restaurant is known for its great cocktails, beer, and wine selection. Their coffee and tea offerings are also highly praised, making it a fantastic spot for a morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Accommodates Various Dietary Needs: The menu offers a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as organic dishes and healthy choices. This makes it a great choice for groups with different dietary preferences.
Casual and Trendy Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, making it a perfect spot for any time of day. The restaurant is also LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
Fast and Attentive Service: Customers often note the fast service and the attentive and friendly staff, which enhances the overall dining experience, whether you're a local regular or a tourist.
"Women-Owned" Business: The restaurant proudly identifies as a women-owned business, which is a significant highlight for many patrons who want to support female entrepreneurship.

For reservations or inquiries, you can contact Jack's Wife Freda directly. Their address is 116 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA. You can reach them by phone at (646) 454-9045. While they encourage walk-ins, it is always a good idea to call ahead or check their online platforms for information on reservations, especially during peak hours. The restaurant's social media presence and website also provide a great way to stay updated on specials and new menu items.

So, why is Jack's Wife Freda worth choosing for your next meal? It’s a place that manages to be both a neighborhood go-to and a city-wide destination, all while maintaining a personal touch. The diverse menu, which successfully blends Mediterranean and American influences, ensures there’s something for every palate, whether you're craving a light salad, a hearty burger, or a unique dish like their Green Shakshuka. The commitment to a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere makes every visit a pleasant one, from the friendly service to the cozy, stylish decor. Furthermore, the restaurant is a fantastic choice for any time of day, offering delicious options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The availability of great coffee, desserts, and cocktails also makes it a versatile spot for any occasion. For New Yorkers looking for a reliable, high-quality, and fun dining experience that feels quintessentially "city," Jack's Wife Freda is a perfect choice. It’s the kind of place you can return to again and again, and it will always feel like a fresh and exciting culinary adventure.

Jack's Wife Freda Menu

Breakfast (To Go) - Breakfast
Grapefruit Yogurt $15.00
grapefruit and mint, Lebanese yogurt, granola & honey
Rosewater Waffle $19.00
topped with Lebanese yogurt, mixed berries & honey syrup
Madame Freda $25.00
pressed sandwich with duck prosciutto, cheddar bechamel, gruyere & a sunny side up egg
Green Shakshuka $16.00
2 soft baked eggs in a green tomatillo shakshuka served with challah toast
Mediterranean
2 eggs served any style, chopped salad, labneh, avocado & pita bread
Poached Eggs W/Tomato & Haloumi* $19.00
2 poached eggs, roasted tomato, haolumi and gremolata, served with sourdough toast
Maya's Breakfast Bowl
scrambled or poached eggs, red quinoa, kale, spaghetti squash, roasted tomato, radish & avocado
Jack's Breakfast
grilled skirt steak, 2 eggs served any style, roasted tomato, fingerling potatoes, pickled onions & sourdough toast
Side Duck Bacon $10.00
thinly sliced duck bacon cured in house and smoked with applewood

Breakfast
Grapefruit Yogurt $15.00
grapefruit and mint, Lebanese yogurt, granola & honey
Rosewater Waffle $19.00
topped with Lebanese yogurt, mixed berries & honey syrup
Madame Freda $25.00
pressed sandwich with duck prosciutto, cheddar bechamel, gruyere & a sunny side up egg
Green Shakshuka $16.00
2 soft baked eggs in a green tomatillo shakshuka served with challah toast
Mediterranean
2 eggs served any style, chopped salad, labneh, avocado & pita bread
Poached Eggs W/Tomato & Haloumi* $19.00
2 poached eggs, roasted tomato, haolumi and gremolata, served with sourdough toast
Maya's Breakfast Bowl
scrambled or poached eggs, red quinoa, kale, spaghetti squash, roasted tomato, radish & avocado
Jack's Breakfast
grilled skirt steak, 2 eggs served any style, roasted tomato, fingerling potatoes, pickled onions & sourdough toast
Side Duck Bacon $10.00
thinly sliced duck bacon cured in house and smoked with applewood

Lunch & Dinner (To Go) - Shares
Grilled Haloumi $16.00
3 pieces of grilled haloumi with spiced grapes, olive oil and fresh mint
Chicken Wings $18.00
6 chicken wings grilled with peri peri sauce & topped with scallions
Fried Zucchini Chips $17.00
sliced zucchini chips, lightly breaded & fried served with paprika aioli
Salt & Pepper Eggplant $17.00
Japanese eggplant seasoned with salt & pepper, served with tzatziki
Spiced Beet Dip $16.00
a beet and tahini puree topped with feta & za'atar, served with pita bread
Roasted Cauliflower $19.00
roasted cauliflower topped with fresh cauliflower, a creamy garlic dressing, parsley & capers
Kefta Kebab $20.00
Persian meatballs with tahini & pine nuts, served with pita bread
Whole Roasted Garlic $9.00
whole bulb of garlic slow roasted, cut in half, topped with olive oil, maldon sea salt & served with a baguette
Matzo Ball Soup $17.00
one large matzo ball in a roasted chicken broth with dill & sliced carrot

Lunch & Dinner (To Go) - Salads
Kale Greek Salad $18.00
kale, cucumber, tomato, pickled red onions, salt-cured olives & feta in a red wine vinaigrette
House Salad $19.00
butter lettuce, shaved radish & carrot, avocado, pea shoots in a tarragon vinaigrette
Tuna Salad $20.00
with chopped tomatoes, avocado & red onions in a sweet soy balsamic dressing served with arugula & sourdough

Lunch & Dinner (To Go) - Sandwiches
Jack's Burger $22.00
short rib beef burger with tomato & fried onion
Prego Roll $25.00
Portuguese skirt steak sandwich with garlic butter
Chicken Prego $24.00
grilled chicken breast with smoked paprika aioli, watercress & onion
Mimi's Salmon Burger $24.00
with pea shoots & chipotle labneh aioli, served on a potato bun
Grilled Eggplant Baguette $20.00
with roasted tomato, mozzarella, olive tapenade & pesto
Mashed Avocado On Seeded Bread $19.00
open faced sandwich with cherry tomato jam, pickled carrots & za'atar
Duck Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich $21.00
with duck bacon, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese & tomato jam

Lunch & Dinner (To Go) - Entrees
Chicken Kebab $24.00
Peri Peri marinated chicken with couscous & chopped salad
Fish A La Plancha $29.00
Sesame soy glaze with sautéed kale & radish
Peri-Peri Chicken $32.00
a grilled half chicken prepared spatchcock style & seasoned with Peri Peri, served with diced salad
Whole Fish $40.00
head to tail, served with couscous, chopped salad & gremolata
Steak Frites $46.00
with maitre d'butter & fries
Chicken Schnitzel $28.00
with mashed potatoes & diced salad
Spaghetti & Meatballs $22.00
traditional spaghetti noodles in Freda's tomato sauce with parmesan cheese
Spaghetti Squash & Meatballs $26.00
spaghetti squash noodles in Freda's tomato sauce with parmesan cheese
Vegetable Curry Bowl $26.00
medley of fresh veggies in a spicy coconut curry sauce with couscous & house chutney
Mustard Seed Tofu $22.00
pan fried mustard seed crusted tofu served over spaghetti squash, topped with parsley & radish

Lunch & Dinner (To Go) - Sides
Side Arugula Salad $8.00
shallot vinaigrette garnished with pickled onions
Side Chopped $10.00
diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, lemon, olive oil, black pepper & mint
Side Sauteed Kale $12.00
with garlic & olive oil
Side Spaghetti Squash $14.00
with garlic, olive oil & parsley
Side French Fries $10.00
Side Couscous $8.00
with mint, olive oil & parsley
Side Mashed Potatoes $10.00
Side Fngerling Potatoes $10.00
with garlic, fresh thyme, salt & pepper
Side Duck Bacon $10.00
thinly sliced duck bacon cured in house and smoked with applewood
Side Salmon $13.00
Side Chicken Skewer $12.00
all natural free-bird chicken
Side Prego Steak $14.00
Side Tofu $9.00
Haloumi (1 Piece) $4.00
Haloumi ( 2 Piece) $8.00
Side Avocado $5.00
Side Feta $4.00
Side One Egg - Scrambled $4.00
Side Two Egg - Scrambled $8.00
Side One Egg - Poached $4.00
Side Two Eggs - Poached $8.00
Side One Egg - Sunny Side Up $4.00
Side Two Eggs - Sunny Side Up $8.00

Lunch & Dinner (To Go) - Desserts
Flourless Chipotle Chocolate Cake $12.00
with chocolate mousse (gluten free)
Homemade Spiced Cheesecake $12.00
a rich, dense cheesecake seasoned with cinnamon, allspice and cloves.
Noam's Malva Pudding $12.00
a warm vanilla spongecake soaked in a caramel sauce with whipped cream on the side

Lunch & Dinner (To Go) - Goods
Everything Sauce 7oz $8.00
a 7oz jar of our house made everything sauce
Pickled Onions 7oz $8.00
a 7oz jar of our house made pickled onions
Tzatziki 7oz $8.00
a 7oz jar of our house made tzatziki
Trio Of Sauces $21.00
all three of our house made sauces in individual 7oz jars

Shares
Grilled Haloumi $16.00
3 pieces of grilled haloumi with spiced grapes, olive oil and fresh mint
Chicken Wings $18.00
6 chicken wings grilled with peri peri sauce & topped with scallions
Fried Zucchini Chips $17.00
sliced zucchini chips, lightly breaded & fried served with paprika aioli
Salt & Pepper Eggplant $17.00
Japanese eggplant seasoned with salt & pepper, served with tzatziki
Spiced Beet Dip $16.00
a beet and tahini puree topped with feta & za'atar, served with pita bread
Roasted Cauliflower $19.00
roasted cauliflower topped with fresh cauliflower, a creamy garlic dressing, parsley & capers
Kefta Kebab $20.00
Persian meatballs with tahini & pine nuts, served with pita bread
Whole Roasted Garlic $9.00
whole bulb of garlic slow roasted, cut in half, topped with olive oil, maldon sea salt & served with a baguette
Matzo Ball Soup $17.00
one large matzo ball in a roasted chicken broth with dill & sliced carrot

Salads
Kale Greek Salad $18.00
kale, cucumber, tomato, pickled red onions, salt-cured olives & feta in a red wine vinaigrette
House Salad $19.00
butter lettuce, shaved radish & carrot, avocado, pea shoots in a tarragon vinaigrette
Tuna Salad $20.00
with chopped tomatoes, avocado & red onions in a sweet soy balsamic dressing served with arugula & sourdough

Sandwiches
Jack's Burger $22.00
short rib beef burger with tomato & fried onion
Prego Roll $25.00
Portuguese skirt steak sandwich with garlic butter
Chicken Prego $24.00
grilled chicken breast with smoked paprika aioli, watercress & onion
Mimi's Salmon Burger $24.00
with pea shoots & chipotle labneh aioli, served on a potato bun
Grilled Eggplant Baguette $20.00
with roasted tomato, mozzarella, olive tapenade & pesto
Mashed Avocado On Seeded Bread $19.00
open faced sandwich with cherry tomato jam, pickled carrots & za'atar
Duck Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich $21.00
with duck bacon, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese & tomato jam

Entrees
Chicken Kebab $24.00
Peri Peri marinated chicken with couscous & chopped salad
Fish A La Plancha $29.00
Sesame soy glaze with sautéed kale & radish
Peri-Peri Chicken $32.00
a grilled half chicken prepared spatchcock style & seasoned with Peri Peri, served with diced salad
Whole Fish $40.00
head to tail, served with couscous, chopped salad & gremolata
Steak Frites $46.00
with maitre d'butter & fries
Chicken Schnitzel $28.00
with mashed potatoes & diced salad
Spaghetti & Meatballs $22.00
traditional spaghetti noodles in Freda's tomato sauce with parmesan cheese
Spaghetti Squash & Meatballs $26.00
spaghetti squash noodles in Freda's tomato sauce with parmesan cheese
Vegetable Curry Bowl $26.00
medley of fresh veggies in a spicy coconut curry sauce with couscous & house chutney
Mustard Seed Tofu $22.00
pan fried mustard seed crusted tofu served over spaghetti squash, topped with parsley & radish

Sides
Side Arugula Salad $8.00
shallot vinaigrette garnished with pickled onions
Side Chopped $10.00
diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, lemon, olive oil, black pepper & mint
Side Sauteed Kale $12.00
with garlic & olive oil
Side Spaghetti Squash $14.00
with garlic, olive oil & parsley
Side French Fries $10.00
Side Couscous $8.00
with mint, olive oil & parsley
Side Mashed Potatoes $10.00
Side Fngerling Potatoes $10.00
with garlic, fresh thyme, salt & pepper
Side Duck Bacon $10.00
thinly sliced duck bacon cured in house and smoked with applewood
Side Salmon $13.00
Side Chicken Skewer $12.00
all natural free-bird chicken
Side Prego Steak $14.00
Side Tofu $9.00
Haloumi (1 Piece) $4.00
Haloumi ( 2 Piece) $8.00
Side Avocado $5.00
Side Feta $4.00
Side One Egg - Scrambled $4.00
Side Two Egg - Scrambled $8.00
Side One Egg - Poached $4.00
Side Two Eggs - Poached $8.00
Side One Egg - Sunny Side Up $4.00
Side Two Eggs - Sunny Side Up $8.00

Desserts
Flourless Chipotle Chocolate Cake $12.00
with chocolate mousse (gluten free)
Homemade Spiced Cheesecake $12.00
a rich, dense cheesecake seasoned with cinnamon, allspice and cloves.
Noam's Malva Pudding $12.00
a warm vanilla spongecake soaked in a caramel sauce with whipped cream on the side

Goods
Everything Sauce 7oz $8.00
a 7oz jar of our house made everything sauce
Pickled Onions 7oz $8.00
a 7oz jar of our house made pickled onions
Tzatziki 7oz $8.00
a 7oz jar of our house made tzatziki
Trio Of Sauces $21.00
all three of our house made sauces in individual 7oz jars

Kid's Menu (To Go) - Kid's Menu
Kids Schnitzel $12.00
served with french fries
Kids Pasta $12.00
choice of red sauce or butter
Kids Burger $12.00
plain hamburger served with fries
Kids Grilled Cheese $12.00
served with french fries
Kids Scrambled Eggs $12.00
served with french fries

Kid's Menu
Kids Schnitzel $12.00
served with french fries
Kids Pasta $12.00
choice of red sauce or butter
Kids Burger $12.00
plain hamburger served with fries
Kids Grilled Cheese $12.00
served with french fries
Kids Scrambled Eggs $12.00
served with french fries

Friday Night Special (To Go) - Daily Specials (To Go)
Fish & Chips $30.00

Daily Specials (To Go)
Fish & Chips $30.00

Saturday Night Special (To Go) - Daily Specials (To Go)
Steak Special $48.00

Daily Specials (To Go)
Steak Special $48.00

Sunday Night Special (To Go) - Daily Specials (To Go)
Rigatoni Bolognese $28.00

Daily Specials (To Go)
Rigatoni Bolognese $28.00

Jack's Wife Freda Details

From the business
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
All you can eat
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Private dining room
Quick bite
Salad bar
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Jack's Wife Freda Photos

Jack's Wife Freda Location

Jack's Wife Freda

New York New York County New York 8th Avenue

116 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA

Jack's Wife Freda Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 1790 user reviews.

wafflepoached eggsgreen shakshukaperi peri chickencantaloupebreakfast bowlroasted tomatochelseachicken schnitzelmatzoh ball

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Highly overrated!!! The food was average at best, nothing Mediterranean about it. Portion sizes were shockingly small for the price and the staff came across rude and uninterested.We left disappointed. There are plenty of better brunch spots in NYC.
September 08 · Maitri Bhandari
I’m here on vacation and my cousin recommended we try this place out. It is amazing! The food is so good and fresh, and the service was fantastic. I got the Mediterranean breakfast with perfectly poached eggs and iced coffee. Their homemade hot sauce was also delicious. My daughter got the egg sandwich with duck bacon and fries. I didn’t try her sandwich but the fries were perfection. We also got fresh watermelon juice (a special) and it was so good we ordered another to go. We will likely be back before we leave town.Edit/Update: We did actually come back two days later and I got the poached eggs with roasted tomato and haloumi this time. It was also delicious! We got the watermelon juice and an iced coffee again :) Our server was different this time and just as kind and attentive. I'll for sure be back next time I'm in Chelsea!
July 29 · Sandi Spier
Had lunch at Jack’s Wife Freda and absolutely loved it! 🍴 The food was delicious, service was quick and super friendly. Cozy atmosphere and great vibes — perfect spot for a lunch in the city. Definitely coming back!
September 06 · Iana Tenzik
Spent a lovely & chill Sunday evening here with my family. Ryan the server was amazing & helpful! Food, vibes and drinks were perfect!Chicken meatball and spaghetti with the Pimm’s Cup drink delicious!
September 14 · KimmieIsabella
I really like that the menu has all day breakfast. The pressed sandwich with prosciutto and egg was very good.Pleasant atmosphere, good for couples or groups. For dinner we did not need to reserve ahead and got seated quickly.
July 08 · Laurel Clare