add to our listingsVenue Review: Zada Jane's Corner Cafe
The Charlotte Observer
Whether it's a.m. or p.m., when it comes to dining out inexpensively, breakfast is the way to go. Zada Jane's, at Central Avenue and Thomas Street, offers breakfast options all day. If I judged by the pancakes, egg creations and soup alone, I'd say Zada Jane's is the type of place you pop in if you're in the neighborhood. But if you're looking for a place to relax while eating a bite, it's worth driving a mile or so out of the way.
Depending on the time of day, you can't hang out too long. Zada Jane's isn't that big. On the day we went, people were lined up at the front door waiting to pounce on our table.
The service was iffy. Things got going with a bang – the server was well-versed with the menu, anticipated our needs, and checked back often. Then the crowds came, and our server got lost among them. When she finally reappeared with the check, she explained they were short-staffed. That happens, I get it. But what got on my nerves was watching her converse for five minutes with a group of customers she seemed to know instead of taking care of our table.
Had I not stuffed down three large pancakes and two strips of bacon, maybe I could have chased her down. Zada Jane's pancakes were exactly how I like them: crisp on the edges, fluffy in the middle. A mound of honey butter and a container of maple syrup were crowning touches. Crisp applewood-smoked bacon kept things from being too sweet.
Before that, we had shared Zada Jane's vegan vegetable soup. Carrots, mushrooms, squash, red pepper and corn all swam in a curry-laced broth. The dingy brown color of the broth is a bit off-putting. But look past the color and give it a chance.
Booker T.'s East Side Hasher is one of those dishes that, if deconstructed, wouldn't be much. But put the sweet potato hash browns, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and turkey sausage together and the taste was something that piqued curiosity. By the time we decided whether we liked it (I'd give it a sideways thumb), we were halfway done eating it. I suppose that says something.
With tax and tip, our bill came to $23.
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I went there for breakfast a few Sunday's ago. There was a line -- which moved fairly quickly. The food was GREAT (although a little slow coming out of the kitchen), and by the time we left, the line was out the door. That area really needed a GOOD place to get breakfast -- especially on the weekends. All in all -- it was really worth waiting for.
Great sandwiches, great breakfast, and the apple butter, yummmmmmmmm...
I go at least once a week to ZJ's and rarely wait over 15 minutes but never think twice about it. Great place to mingle, people watch, or admire all the art work on the walls from locals. Try the Druther's Clucker sandwich. AWESOME!!!
I'm a PM resident and Zada Jane's is a welcome addition to the neighborhood! Why are diners like this (that aren't smoky old greasy spoons) that serve good breakfast SO incredibly rare in a city the size of Charlotte?? That makes ZJ's even more appreciated in my opinion.
The food is good, I love the atmosphere and the staff is always cheery and helpful. And thank you, thank you, thank you for being all non-smoking!! I wish more restaurants in Charlotte would catch on to that. It's 2008! Kitchen could learn to speed things up a bit and they need a DEDICATED host/hostess to man the door when it's crowded. Sometimes they can't keep track of who's next in line.
I live in Plaza Midwood and enjoy eating at Zada Jane's. I've been several times and had to leave because the line is too long. The food is good - the environment and the charm of the P.M. neighborhood makes it worth the wait.
To the benefit of the staff - they do normally offer coffee and small appetizers or biscuits to those waiting in line for a table and you can sit outside and play shuffleboard while you wait, also.
I'll keep eating there :)
Food is not particularly stunning. Fairly average actually. Have only been for breakfast, but the kitchen certainly needs some help.
Atmosphere is eclectic, but would rather not wait 40 minutes for a couple eggs and grits.
Every time I have tried to go, there has been an incredible line for breakfast. Once I did make it in, service was very slow, food was slow, check was slow. Spent about 2 hours here just to get brunch. There are some growing pains to work out.
I thought the food came out of the kitchen a bit slow, but when it comes out hot, delicious, and shows attention to detail, I'm willing to forgive a little.
Relax, enjoy the coffee, and know that you'll have a good breakfast coming...when it's good and ready.
Creative food that you won't find anywhere else. Friendly atmosphere, great location. Definitely a favorite!
The food's good but man the service is slow. I've been twice with a group of four and we were there for almost two hours to just have lunch.
Whether it's a.m. or p.m., when it comes to dining out inexpensively, breakfast is the way to go. Zada Jane's, at Central Avenue and Thomas Street, offers breakfast options all day. If I judged by the pancakes, egg creations and soup alone, I'd say Zada Jane's is the type of place you pop in if you're in the neighborhood. But if you're looking for a place to relax while eating a bite, it's worth driving a mile or so out of the way. (Full review)
It takes guts to be idiosyncratic in the restaurant business, and Zada Jane's, from its name to its offerings to its Web site, has guts galore. (Full review)