Jens’ Restaurant
701 W 36th Ave, Anchorage, AK, 99503
Jens’ Restaurant Menu
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Appetizers - Caught In The Wild
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Appetizers - Farm Raised And Grown
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Soup
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Salads
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Tonights Main Fare - Caught In The Wild
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Tonights Main Fare - Ranch And Farm Raised
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Desserts
Healthy Meal suggestions for Jens’ Restaurant
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Appetizers - Caught In The Wild
-
Appetizers - Farm Raised And Grown
-
Soup
-
Salads
-
Tonights Main Fare - Caught In The Wild
-
Tonights Main Fare - Ranch And Farm Raised
-
Desserts
Visit below restaurant in Anchorage for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Anchorage for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
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Address :
701 W 36th Ave
Anchorage, AK, 99503 - Phone (907) 561-5367
- Website https://www.jensrestaurant.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm
- Mon : 11:00 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Vincent A. B.
Had dinner today and it was fantastic !!! Everything came out exactly as requested and tasted superb !!! Would come back again
(5)Emma P.
Holy wow. This restaurant was a surprise from start to finish. I knew nothing about the ratings going in, but after a full meal, I know that Jens' deserves the one they have. Mom and I split the house salad, which has almonds, pine nuts, blueberries, strawberries, and a strawberry vinaigrette, with Parmesan shavings on top. The flavors were really good, although I didn't really see the point of the Parmesan. Dad had the Caesar, which was awesome. We followed with the fresh linguine with chicken for our main course. It had a Gorgonzola cream sauce, asparagus, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and bell peppers, along with the chicken that we added on. Everything about it was perfect; the linguine was perfectly al dente, the asparagus crisp, the chicken moist and flavorful. For dessert I branched out and went with the Rødgrød med Fløde, which is apparently a traditional Danish dessert, a red berry puddings with cream. To attempt to quote our very friendly waitress, "it has strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries and the consistency of pie filling, just less sweet, because Europe tries to actually taste the focus of the dessert, rather than just sugar." I don't really know what I was expecting, but it wasn't what I got. It was like a pie filling, which made me nervous (I'm not the biggest fruit pie person), but in a room temperature, somewhat Jello-esque way, and not nearly as sweet, which I really liked. Oh, and there's a thick layer of heavy cream on top. Basically, it's really good and my description does it no justice. To summarize: go here because everything is wonderful, including the iced tea (which is made with Earl Grey rather than Lipton and gave me hope that restaurants outside of the U.S. South actually know how to make iced tea), and the wait staff is really nice.
(5)chuck c.
This is a good restaurant, but not a great one! The touted calamari was w/o much taste or texture. Kind of like scallops that have not been seared. The "almost famous" pepper steak was kind of mundane. No bark, little pepper flavor but however a good cut. It certainly is not worth $45. My salmon was good, served w/ a lovely butter and herb sauce. It was accompanied by a side of plain steamed white rice. Pretty boring, no wild mix, chives or other herbs. The ambiance, service and noise level were pleasant. Just a bit too little for the price.
(3)Lee L.
ANCHORAGE, AK: What a delight to eat today at Jens! Ambience was welcoming and lovely, with lots of original, whimsical artwork. The service was spot on with handsome and attentive waitstaff. Five stars for service and charm. FOOD: The menu hearkens to Danish recipes and is apparently quite authentic (I am not a judge of authenticity). I was there for lunch and tried the Calamari and Pepper Steak. Calamari Appetizer (5 stars/~$12): Outstanding dish. The calamari is cooked in a skillet instead of a fryer, with peppercorns and an amazing sauce, like a béarnaise. I loved it. Pepper Steak (4 stars/~$24): This steak is their most famous dish, but it was a little uninspired. Wonderful steak in brown gravy with steamed vegetables. No surprises, no seasoning on the vegetables, and the brown gravy was exactly like I might make at home.
(5)Carol P.
Absolutely delicious! We all had the Fresh Linguine with chicken between the three of us we experienced the house salad and the Cesar salad. Both are excellent. To finish the meal off we shared the Danish berry dessert. Very light and enjoyable. I would highly recommend this place. Loved the staff also.
(5)Rachel S.
They were full in the dining room so we had to sit on the bar side, but it was still nice! We got the calamari app and it was soooo delicious! Perfectly cooked, thick slabs of squid with some bread and a delicious sauce!! I also got the ribeye with some wine and it was definitely the perfect meal!! Our server was really nice and very professional, excellent service! We've heard of the chicken fried steak, but its for another time!
(4)Brian I.
I made an appointment so I could experience what. I heard was an incredible restaurant AND the only place that advertised Beef Wellington (sort of). Upon arrival (10 min before reservation ) we had to walk past the bar and several tables awkwardly set in the front room - the check in desk was in an odd location, and after checking in we were told to wait while they set up our table... So we held our coats and sat in a chincy little corner section for 20 minutes with no offer of drink service. When seated, I was struck by how distracting and almost agitating the decor was - walls painted bright red, a random seeming scattering of paintings throughout, and light covers of colored glass embedded with decorations. The room did not give the impression or feeling of anything high-end, more so it made me feel like I was in a diner. The waiter seemed in a hurry, distracted, and generally uninterested. He quickly asked if we knew what we wanted, and while we never even learned his name, he quickly took our orders and left with his aura of disinterested, tired, apathy. (Note: he was younger, dark hair). The food was pretty tasty - everybody enjoyed or appreciated their food, however the "beef wellington" was nothing more than a filet with a pastry crust set on top of it like a mushroom cap. Ok - $50 for an 8oz filet, and a biscuit on top. Our water was never refilled, even though we all drank all the water. The single most offensive part: At exactly 10pm, the music was turned UP - I mean waayyy up! We could no longer hear each other talking. THAT LOUD. I guess that means the three tables that had people finishing drinks, dessert, etc needed to go - I was going to order the series of port wine with my Uncle but - it was clear we were supposed to just leave. We were casually pointed to the "closet area" further in the back where we could go get our own coats. $300 for dinner, and got good food but treated like shit. Not going back and recommending others don't either. UPDATE: Still talking to everyone that will listen about the bad experience there. Same with the others that were there.
(1)Erica C.
Had a great experience here last month for a birthday dinner. We started off with some appetizers. The oysters were very small for $3 a piece, but definitely tasted fresh. We also had this interesting appetizer which the server brought out to the table and later crushed it down with a plate. It's like a salad with tuna, seaweed, and fried wonton wrapper. For my entree, I had the linguine. The serving was huge and the noodles tasted freshly made. I also tried some of my fiance's duck over some squash raviolis and that was pretty good too. The flavors meshed together very well. Service was great. The old man was my fave. So cheery and happy! He was prancing down the dining area when bringing out the birthday cake. His service definitely made the whole experience at Jens' much more memorable!
(4)David B.
If you find yourself in need of an excellent meal, try to get a table at Jen's I have eaten solo, entertained large groups and more in the restaurant and all were great. A terrific wine selection and a solid group of standby's in the fish category. Where they excel is fresh specials. Make it an adventure I have never had a bad meal here.
(4)Brandon N.
We had our first anniversary dinner here. The dinner featured innovative flavors and was a beautiful presentation. The restaurant is located in a strip mall next to the Blue Holloman gallery and is smaller than expected. Service was great and they have special attention because it was a special occasion.
(4)Kevin S.
Another Awesome meal tonight! Caesar salad, Prime Ribeye for me and the filet beef Wellington w/ Foie Gras for the love of my life! Nancy's food is the best in Anchorage
(5)Nicole O.
Phenomenal food. Danish food and local dishes too as well as a great wine list. I had the frikadeller Danish meatballs which were fabulous. The chef cut it down as an appetizer for me because I also had to have the Alaskan Rockfish dish which was served Portuguese style. What a lovely meal. All was served with warm butter and three kinds of fresh bread. Awesome service too.
(4)Jeremiah L.
5 Star quality food in a small quiet venue (Pronounced Yens or Yenz's) had the famous pepper steak filet Mignon, as advertised really good
(5)Jeffrey B.
Excellent food. Nice ambiance, and a great wait staff made our anniversary very special. My wife had some excellent scallops and gnocchi with a Parmesan cream sauce- while I enjoyed the peppercorn steak. Paired with a nice bottle of wine and delicious house made Caesar salad it was a fantastic meal!
(5)Krystle L.
Yum! My co-worker and I had lunch to go. I had The Aussie salad and my co-worker had The Runaway salad. I tried both and both were equally delicious! The Aussie has a small cut of filet mignon that was cooked to perfection and The Runaway had succulent chicken with a roasted garlic and vinaigrette dressing. The only downside is the price. $40 for two salads.. But you def get your money's worth here. I am not at all disappointed. Highly recommended.
(5)Nathan B.
What a great birthday dinner. Food was excellent We had the the calamari to start then the pepper steak, the halibut, the Wellington, and the rockfish. Everything tasted amazing, cooked perfectly and seasoned just right. So glad to be in the neighborhood looking forward to a lunch treat.
(5)René F.
I was here on the beautiful Friday afternoon of June 14, 2013. After a super busy day with coworkers we had just enough time to stop for a treat before my flight back to Seattle. I love this place! It cracked me up that we had outdoor seating in the parking lot! Again, we had little time, so we asked the waiter for suggestions. I had the Spinach and ricotta Ravioli with mushrooms, tomatoes, and artichoke hearts in a Gorgonzola cream au gratin. Perfect! Then we shared the "Napolean". An appetizer made from scratch with some 36 ingredients (see photos) including greens and a bunch of other great tasting stuff. After they bring it to your table the waiter places a like plate over the top and gives it a good smack with his fist to flatten it! I can't say enough about Jens'... Great and fun service, wonderful food, and a great wine list too! Thanks for making my short visit so enjoyable and taking such good care of us!
(5)Hung T.
New in town for business and was recommended on yelp as a good place to eat. Yelp reviews are spot on for this restaurant. The food was amazing and so was the service. I had the king salmon and it was so good I didn't even stop to enjoy all of the flavors.
(4)Carolyn T.
We were treated very well and the service was professional and attentive. The food was cooked perfectly, and I will definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone who asks.
(5)Martin P.
Probably my favorite place to eat in Anchorage. The food is amazing and the service is outstanding. Daryl is a great waiter. If you are on the fence about which wine to pair up with your meal, don't be shy about asking for a sample of each. They will let you taste each and then give you a healthy glass of the selection you make. I have never had anything that didn't taste great here. I tend to go for local foods to I end up eating salmon or halibut quite often. It is excellent. Great desserts to choose from. Nice little bar off to the side if you just want a drink after work. Jens' will rock your palate!
(5)L A.
Thanks to all you fellow Yelpers, while touring in Anchorage with a rental car we were able to get to Jens' Restaurant. Absolutely, hands-down, the best meal we had in our whole 14 day trip. Fabulous fresh ingredients and the halibut and salmon were absolutely to die for. In both cases, super fresh filets, quickly seared and served with different pan sauces - also terrific for sopping up the tasty bread! Curried cauliflower soup was also a treat - perfectly spiced and served with a dollop of truffle oil. Dessert was a chocolate mousse that was dark and rich, but not sweet enough (our server actually warned us about that) so we added some table sugar and it was de-lish! Not so easy to find, but a real gem of a restaurant - and we're from the foodie-centric San Francisco Bay Area!
(4)Ben L.
Outstanding dinner.....the antipasti salad was delicious and then we had the King salmon and Halibut....both were simply amazing....melt in your mouth tender and seasoned perfectly....ended with a great cup of French roast drip and homemade carrot cake and key lime pie....the sevice was also great...multiple staff working as a team with each table..we wanted for nothing...great choice for a folks who know good food and want a quality meal.
(5)Patrick M.
Excellent service. Our waiters were attentive, accommodating, I think I should have tipped more. We started with a Ahi salad, I had king salmon with a compound butter and tried the halibut. I chased it down easily as I doubled fisted Sauvignon blanc and a Stella. My only regret is that I didn't save room for dessert.
(5)Kassi K.
Jens is a hidden gem. The clientele is almost exclusively locals, usually long-time locals. The food is fresh, delicious, and expertly prepared. The staff is made up of people who really love their work, and most have been at this restaurant for a really, really long time. I have a lot of food allergies, and just tell them when I make a reservation and they always serve me up something creative and delicious. I think that every time I've been here with a group, people have been jealous of my meal. They have always gone above and beyond for me, and Anchorage wouldn't be the same without this place!
(5)Keith And Kathy W.
We have dinned and lunched here four times now. Enjoyed the Filet Mignon and the pepper steak. Had the Pheasant saugage and Spinach Ricotta Ravioli. They are hands down our favorite place. The service is outstanding.
(4)Ed H.
Best Halibut Ever
(5)Emma C.
EXTERIOR: 2-3/5 (in a strip mall) INTERIOR: 3-4/5 (cozy, very bistro-like) ATMOSPHERE: 5/5 (true bistro, best customer service, very intimate) CUSTOMER SERVICE: 5/5 (amazing, you are the most important person to the waiter's universe while at Jens') QUALITY OF FOOD: 5/5 TASTE OF FOOD: 3.5-4/5 (lunch is a 4-4.5, dinner is a 3.5) ----- I eat fairly regularly here. This place is inbetween a 3 and a 4, but I ultimately rounded up, all things considered. Each restaurant has one cornerstone that stands out and distinguishes them, whether it be positive or negative. For Jens' I truly believe it's their quite amazing customer service and relaxed yet focused aura/vibe. This is a true bistro in the European sense (i.e. as opposed to Southside Bistro, which tastes wonderful, but is not a true European bistro-vibe). Their food, in particular their lunch menu, is pretty good too. Their lunch is fantastic, it's one of my favorite lunch spots (side note- my old favorite was Southside Bistro, but lunching there every day for 3 years finally tired me out. by the way, Southside Bistro and Jens' food and aura are quite different styles, both with impeccable customer service, though Jens' is far more intimate). I'd say their lunch is superior to their dinner, although I do come for both. Their lunch menu feels decidedly more "Danish." When I do come to Jens' for dinner, it's to relax and finish a meal with a nice Danish dessert. I think what shows that Jens' cornerstone is ultimately successful is this example: Although I prefer Simon and Seafort's scallops to Jens' and Crow's Nest's duck to Jens' (Jens' duck breast w/sauce is actually the only atrocious thing I have ever eaten here), I find myself coming back for the atmosphere. And I always tip 20-25%, even when I don't like a certain meal (and no, I don't always tip so generously; I usually tip 15% to start, and it goes up depending on service and regularity). I come back for the customer service and atmosphere. I'm back for the staff. For being impeccably waited on (the grandfather-figure waiter here is THE best. To him, when he sees you, you are THE MOST important person in the world. Anything you want, he will make it happen). For their Danish-twist on the menu, and their Danish desserts. For the music, for people-viewing other customers always jovial with their dinner group. Sometimes to hear the "goodnight" music or the random "happy birthday" song. Jens' has atmosphere and customer service down to a T. While I'm always honest, when the grandfather waiter asked me how my food was, I found myself for a first time unable to tell the waitstaff the duck was "just ok" (meaning not ok, meaning never again and not great). And I didn't mind. I think that's the point you realize you're probably regular-ish and have developed a "relationship" with an eatery. I think you should try Jens' for yourself to experience the atmosphere and the Danish twist on the menu. I recommend trying Jens' for lunch for starters. The next time you're back, it's as if you never left. It has a sort of timeless feeling that they've preserved, and it lives on even though Jen has passed. If I was Jen or a restaurant owner, I'd say that's really great. --- A few food notes, since I didn't detail food much above: - For their lunch menu, I ADORE their lamb chops. Also try any of their meats that are served with "an egg on top" :) - Their calamari is not breaded. It is served with sourdough bread and in a bed of sauce, which is delicious for bread-dipping. This makes their calamari different than most other Anchorage eateries, as most opt to fry them (for the best fried calamari, try Southside Bistro. they use baby squid, my favorite). - Their scallops are pretty good, but Simon & Seafort's is better. Simon & Seafort's just has seafood seasoning down to a T! Wish I knew their secrets. - Their steaks are above average, they could use a little more seasoning. It definitely doesn't come close to Lawry's. But their tenderloins and lamb chops and small-sized meats are great. - Experiment with their Danish desserts! I usually order this Danish "pudding," which is basically like a berry compote with heavy cream poured on top. I always ask for extra heavy cream and add Splenda. It's a nice, light, fruity ending to a heavier meal.
(4)Mai H.
I'm being generous with the 4th star because I was a bit underwhelmed. I had been looking forward to trying Danish food, but they don't really serve it for dinner. I ordered the lachs (sugar cured salmon with honey mustard) and the calimari. I liked that the calimari wasn't breaded, but it was swimming in a very rich creamy sauce. It's supposed to be an appetizer though, even though I basically treated it like an entree. I would come back to try lunch.
(4)Phillip T.
This is by far my favorite restaurant in Alaska. As a vegetarian and a person that loves to dine in NYC, this place could be a restaurant in NYC. Knows how to bring out the flavor of its food instead of hiding it with salt or other spices. Two dumbs up
(5)Adam C.
Awesome food. Had the Halibut, it was fantastic. Small and quaint restaurant in a strip mall. Don't let the store front appearance fool you. This place was great
(5)Tyler J.
Really overpriced food that is good but just not worth what they are charging. There are a lot of gems on his menu, the burger or pizza, but most of his stuff is way overpriced.
(3)Eric N.
I was here on one of my last nights in Anchorage of a two week work trip. I've been to up here a fair amount before and usually stick to Humpy's or Moose's Tooth but wanted something better. Jens' delivered. The bread, bourbon, oysters, Caesar salad, malbec, and ribeye steak were all fantastic. The port finished it all off to perfection. My work buddy and I sat at the bar and the bartender was great at suggestions and service. Sure it's pricey but worth it!
(5)Ned H.
HEADLINE: Simply not up to the Yelp hype ... uneven quality across many fronts ... some absolutely world-class ... others, not so much. After reading all the Yelpitude about this little oasis of Danish culinary delights in the barrens of the Great White North, I couldn't wait to mush on down? / up? (even though its the middle of June) to Jens' to sample what all the hubbub was about. This evening I finally got my chance during my quarterly trip to Anchorage to partake at what has been described many times herein as 'the best restaurant in Anchorage'. Well, with that advance billing, I should have tempered my expectations as that generally leads to experiences less than anticipated. But I arrived here salivating, nonetheless. Upon quickly being seated as a party of one, I was left to ponder the decor ... oft mentioned, heretofore. The bold colors I thought were nicely coordinated ... the obtuse art ... well, you're either into it or not. The 36"x36" oil that I was dining under was for sale for $4400 ... I wouldn't have brought it home from a garage sale ... I guess my passion for S. Sam Park's original renditions of Positano and the Amalfi Coast won't be sated here ... Water and bread service arrived quickly and efficiently to the table. The bread was not noteworthy, as was not the unsalted butter. I was expecting from the advance press that they'd be serving at least artisan breads ... these, less than 'commonplace'. Wine service ... a nice surprise. The daily updated wine list of bottles for sale (a two page list printed with today's date) was extensive and ran the gamut from a $550 bottle of Shiraz to a nice bottle of Chianti Classico at around $50 and others below that. Bottles of '05 and '06 Opus One's available for $250; Vueve Clicquot Yellow Label around $110. A substantial and varied wine list for Alaska and I would say the values trended from reasonable to downright pricey (my benchmark being 2X discounted retail = reasonable). My selection of an '07 Sonoma Cutrer Chard by-the-glass was nice and, I guess, reasonably priced as the highest-priced Chard they had by-the-glass at $10.75. I was allowed to sample a generous sip prior to the pre-opened bottle being poured ... a very nice touch, indeed. My gray-haired waiter was one of the most enthusiastic and affable I've met in quite a while. His enthusiasm, engagement, and helpfulness earned a star all by itself. My choices of starters were already decided having examined Jens' menu on their website in advance (I told you I was looking forward to this place!!!) but I beseeched his help on deciding which fish entree to go with. My man suggested the planked salmon, but I had pigged out on smoked salmon all day in my business meeting, so I went with the Rockfish dish, as the presentation sounded fabulous versus the Halibut, Salmon and Scallop dishes. First to arrive were two Oysters Rockefeller. The oysters were perfectly cooked; the ratio of wilted spinach perfect as well; and the accompanying lemon / butter sauce ... absolutely sublime. One of the shells was quite deep for an oyster shell and this allowed a huge amount of sauce to accompany the oyster and OMG it was so tasty. Another star earned right here for this app. Next was the one dish that I was REALLY looking forward to ... the pan-seared Foie Gras in Puff Pastry with a Mushroom Medeira Glace. The presentation was delightful with about 4 oz of seared foie gras situated on delicate puff pastry surrounded by a sea of brown mushroom-laced glace. I attacked the bowl by soaking bits of the pastry in the luxurious glace and simply enjoying the hedonistic pleasures of this alone. Honestly, this Medeira brown sauce sets the standard by which all others should be judged. Another star earned just for this glace alone. The foie gras was abundantly disappointing, however. The texture and searing was there ... the taste was simply not ... almost nonexistent versus the many experiences I've had with this forbidden concoction. If I could forego the pate and simply get an oven-warm baguette and a cup of the glace, I'd happily pay the $15.50 charged for the dish. The evening's gastronomic festival closed with Jens' grilled Rockfish served over a Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque and Ginger Foam. The fish, while perfectly cooked, was over-peppered and lacked any real taste or character. The sauce, at first, tasted heavenly and was a multi-dimensional (savory / sweet) assault on the palate. After half-a-dozen mouthfuls it became overbearing with the fish simply not able to stand up to the sauce. Accompanying asparagus, broccoli and carrots were al dente to the point of fault. White rice ... fluffy, but a bit dry. I would not order this dish again, ... even though this was one of the less expensive offerings at $26.00. I depart conflicted. Some elements absolutely five star ... others, one star ... and thus the rating - especially at just under $100 with tax and tip.
(3)Gregor G.
Absolutely my favorite restaurant! A bit pricey, but well worth it, and you get what you pay for in quality and service. Scallops or rib roast are always good for dinner, I like the meatballs for lunch. If money is an issue, go for lunch. For a special occasion, go for dinner. Reservations are always a good idea, and an excellent choice for a formal dining out event. 4/5 b/c I have had 1 or 2 less than expected meals. Quality is definitely better when Jen is in the kitchen.
(4)Lard Belly E.
I truly enjoy a nice table setting and wonderfully tasting and presented food. The server was knowledgeable and attentive. I enjoyed the halibut with burre blanc sauce, and my partner enjoyed the almost famous pepper steak. His choice was better, cooked to perfection!!! And as a wino, I also liked the well rounded wine list. I would say the only thing change is for the staff to remove the bread basket and plates when the main course is served as some of the tables are kind of small and these articles only add to the clutter.
(4)T C.
Hidden gem in a strip mall. All I can say is, "Wow!" Fabulous cuisine & impeccable service. My hubby ordered the Sashimi Nicoise salad which was beautifully presented. Then the water squashed it with a plate to combine the flavors - fun touch! My son & I had the decadent Seafood Bisque. Delicious! The kids ordered the Calamari for their main dish. It was sautéed strips in an Alfredo-type sauce. My picky-eaters loved it! My husband and I had the Halibut in a Wild Mushroom Beurre Blanc Sauce. We both agreed it was probably THE BEST halibut dish we had ever eaten! It was an enormous piece of fish lightly sautéed atop the absolutely delicious mushroom sauce. Incredible dish! Oh so good!!
(5)Rachel M.
I was really looking forward to taking my Fiancé here for a birthday dinner. I made reservations for us and was notified a week later that my reservations were cancelled because my table was needed for a private party. I realize they have limited space, however I was not offered any accommodation assistance in rescheduling. This is supposedly a fine-dining establishment and therefore should have better customer service. I hope to someday have an actual culinary experience but until I am allowed in the door I am left with my first impression.
(1)Roger W.
One of the best steaks I gave ever had. Service was great. Quiet and quaint. Food was well prepared just like I ask for. Hard to find but worth the looking. Service staff is polite and fast.
(5)wendy i.
I have been going to Jen's for lunch for years. I always get the Liver, it is the best. I took my daughters for dinner....What a huge disappointment. We ordered the Pork chop , Rock Fish (boring), Cod (tasteless and the sauce was just tomato sauce, no flavor or spice) and Ahi (not fresh, overcooked) entreees, Fois Gras (over cooked, dry and hard) and Pheasant sausage apps. Our waiter completely abandoned us and the other (very snotty, rude) waiter took over, he actually tossed the check at our table. I asked for another glass of wine for a total of 2, never got it, our espresso's were burnt, no lemon peel, no sugar cube. We spent $178 on our bill for 4, two in our group were underage so no alcohol for them, the first waiter was trying to push it on them with no ID check. In conclusion I guess if your not Alaska Republican Royalty (Randy R. of the AK GOP was there with Kevin M. of the AK legislature) you don't get good food or service at Jen's, Not worth the $$$$.
(2)Marc S.
Wow! This place rocks! Everything in this experience was awesome, from the seating to the waiter, to the meal. The Tuna was melt in your mouth delicious. The calimari was unique, not your standard deep fried rings, but tasty strips of squid served with a delicious sauce. I would recommend this restaurant to any one. Don't let the prices scare you away, well worth the price and the servings were plentiful, even enough for me!
(5)Zachary H.
Was in Anchorage for two weeks and this was the only place I went back to twice. Menu is very bold and fun. Don't pass.
(4)Kalani C.
4.9 stars. Sat at the bar for wonderful & personable service by Mariah (who just got back from spending a few weeks on the Big Island). Ordered their signature Hali'imaile sashimi with ahi & salmon that they "crush" into a most incredible appetizer I could eat every night until I die (5 stars!). Entrees were the Peppercorn Steak (5 stars) & the fresh Alaskan Pacific Cod (4.5 stars). The steak was done so well as the knife almost wasn't needed and the cod was flaky and flavored excellently. Dessert was the Danish Dessert that I couldn't pronounce (sort of like a Rødgrød): Mixed berries of blueberry, strawberry & raspberry topped with rich cream, oh yeah baby (5 stars!). Then key lime pie (4 stars). The owner Jens was not at his usual corner table, pumping up the sound system and singing happy birthday (as my friend mentioned is his M.O.) However, we had a extremely pleasant evening chatting with Mariah who showed us photo books of past Bastille Day celebrations complete with live animals which included an elephant one year. Wow, the owner Jens really sounds like a character. We also chatted with a fisherman sitting next to us that simply put it, 'no matter how bad a day it's been, it's always a great one when you end up at Jens'. Tally: Hali'imaile Sashimi: 5 stars! Peppercorn Steak: 5 stars! Alaskan Pacific Cod: 4.5 stars Danish Dessert: 5 stars! Service: 5 stars! 5+5+4.5+5+5= 24.5/5= 4.9 stars.
(5)Becca C.
One of the few restaurants in midtown with white tablecloths. The wine list is dicerning, and the staff pretty attentive. I didn't get an entree, just a salad/soup combo. The salad was "House salad of Mesclun greens, with berries, nuts, shaved cheese and berry vinaigrette," pretty delicious. The soup of the day was a tomato bisque with seafood; not as tasty, would not recommend. I had a little bite of the rib eye, which was very good; the portions for that plate are very large. Which is good since it's a $40 entree.
(4)Bonnie C.
The asparagus salad is absolutely the best salad we've ever had. The wait staff is knowledgeable, helpful, and attentive. The fish is always wild and fresh.
(4)Josh-Tasty U.
Awesome food; the best calamari appetizer i think I have had in a while.
(5)Dan N.
If you've ever seen the episode of Family Guy, Chicken Fight number 3, where the Chicken and his wife take Peter out to dinner, the place looks just like Jen's. They even compliment the Halibut! youtube.com/watch?v=02rl… fast forward to 3:27 You gotta watch it if you've ever been to this place. Great food, but the place has a weird vibe. I don't know why, I just feel weird. Like I'm in a model apartment or hotel lobby.
(4)Nicole H.
Jen's is this tucked away little find that I suspect people are keeping quiet on because it's so lovely and they don't want to get the word out. Every time I've been, it's been delicious food! The decor is a little unusual (especially the awkward art) but that almost makes for interesting dinner conversation and lends to the experience! In my opinion, things like that never matter half as much as a delicious meal! I would recommend Jen's to anyone who would like a sophisticated dinner and a unique atmosphere!
(4)John O.
For a long time I had heard Alaskans foam at the mouth when discussing Jen's (pronounced like "yens"). My date and I were seated in the main restaurant. I can't help but feel like the colors felt like something out of the 80's or 90's. The walls are a bright red color -- which I prefer more of a dark when going to fine dining. Are we at a children's party? I opened the menu and it looked like standard Alaskan fare (halibut, salmon, steak, etc.) and commensurate prices for fine dining ($25 to $40). Since we were planning on sampling the food, we opted for appetizers and a bottle of wine. The wine list is fairly extensive and, as a result, expect to pay approximately 2-3 the price of the equivalent bottle you could buy in the store. We ordered the ahi tuni appetizer, the ravioli, and one more dish. The presentation was great and the service was even better. The food was good -- I wouldn't say mind blowing, but then again, what in Alaska is? All in all, be prepared to drop coin at Jens. I acknowledge that this place is an icon and dear to many Alaskans hearts, and I appreciate that. Personally, being from Los Angeles, I have experienced amazing restaurants and the bar is quite high. Would I come back here again? I personally wouldn't , but, if a date really wanted to go, I would oblige.
(4)Tasha L.
Was SO excited when hubby said we had reservations for Jens' on Valentine's Day! This has been on our must-try list for awhile--the rave reviews had us salivating. I cannot complain about the service AT ALL. Very attentive without being intrusive... Great timing... Knowledgeable. Unfortunately, for the amount we paid for everything, I expected the food to be OUTSTANDING. It was, like Yelp suggest, A-OK. Not great, no bad. The bread was cold--stacked in baskets on a buffet we could see from our table. It tasted okay, but being pre-cut and on the cool side left a bit to be desired. Hubby ordered the garden salad and I had the caesar. Both were alright. The parmesan cheese overpowered the dressing on mine (kind of a bummer since I'm a fan of homemade dressing). I had the scallops with mushrooms and sauce, hubby had the pork chop. The scallops were cooked perfectly, but only came with a tiny bit of mushroom on top, a scant portion of sauce, and a 1/2 cup of white rice. Yes-white rice. For $32 I expect MORE than white rice--for Pete's sake gimme some risotto or something!! The hubby's porkchop and grits was a much better value. The chop was cooked perfectly and the grits were good. Each entree came with a few tiny spears of asparagus and 1/8 of a cooked yam. Atmosphere? Well, it was okay. Dated? Kind of. Romantic? Not really. Okay, as I write, I'm really beginning to believe I'm a food snob. But really, why is it so hard for restaurants in Anchorage to earn the trifecta of dining??? There are a couple of places that have it, but, I'm so sad to say that Jens' is not one of them. For a $120 meal, it's not at the top of our list anymore...
(3)Garrett P.
Food was fine, as was the wine, but for the price it wasn't that nice.
(3)Kat O.
We go here often, the last time was at lunch for their chicken fried steak which is hands down the best in Anchorage. We have been here for dinner in the last month, the seafood is always fresh and the pepper steak is to die for! Don't forget the house salad with berries and finishing off with their creme brule - yum! We love the staff, and the night time waiter is always so attentive and friendly and greets us like long-time friends. We have a very enjoyable time whenever we go, both because of the the atmosphere and the food. The owner comes by the table to make sure we have enjoyed our evening - and on New Years Eve after an incredible meal she gave us hats and noisemakers to make the night complete! Jens is absolutely the best restaurant in Anchorage!!!
(5)Thomas S.
Never disappoints. Dishes are always expertly prepared, and service is consistently impeccable. The best, most professional staff in the Anchorage restaurant scene. The standard Anchorage strip mall locale is saved by the rotating artwork by some of AK's best. Everything is good, but they have a special talent for doing fish right every time.
(5)Kathryn F.
We had an amazing time at Jen's a few weeks ago, and really appreciated the hospitality. Due to a travel snafu, we had more time in Anchorage than we expected, and all the attractions were closed. So, we went on to Jen's even though our reservation was for 2 hours later. Upon arriving, we were a little hesitant by the strip mall, but fell in love the moment we walked in. Their wine menu is extensive with good choices, not the generic Mondavis and Kendall-Jacksons. The majority of the menu is seafood, and we tried as much as we could. I highly recommend the calamari dish, the halibut, and the king salmon. After dinner, we talked with the chef for quite some time, and were dumbfounded by the talent she has for as young as she is. Four hours later, we finally rolled out of there and hope to one day visit again.
(5)Scott H.
This is a beautiful, sit down restaurant in Anchorage. The waitstaff is professional, the decor beautiful, and the food absolutely outstanding. If you're looking for a place to take your sweetie for a special time, this is the place. We did something we never do: order every course. Why? Because all were amazing! This is not a place to eat. It is a place for a true dining experience. Fantastic.
(5)paul s.
Fantastic food, affordable yet Deep wine list. Accommodating kitchen (served Lunch item) at dinner. Some of the Best seafood food I have had in Seattle, San Francisco and many places in between. Varied menu yet still comfortable for Non Foodie types. Strip Mall outside is deceiving. Great food is not CHEEP. Do not complain if you expect a 19.95 dinner from Apple Bees or TGI Fridays.... Go there it's right down the street. If you cant afford it do not bad mouth it. The portions are more than generous for the price of other High end restaurants. Simon & Seaforth or Kincaid's, McCormick, Would go back in a minute and wish I lived closer. We did not have a single thing that did not work. Feel lucky this is here. I don't write a thesis on the place. It was GREAT
(5)A S.
Jen's was a surprise because it is in an unassuming strip mall. I'd heard there was a good restaurant there, but the outside just never grabbed my attention enough for me to remember to try it. I finally did and it is a wonderful place! It passed my first test for perking me up, which is that once inside I didn't feel like I was in Anchorage. The decor is lovely, cheerful, colorful, and clean. The service was excellent. The food was gourmet and divine. Nothing our group ordered was a miss. There is a bar and a good wine list. Desserts were wonderful. As we left, the chef and others made a point of thanking us and inviting us to return. Like I said, I didn't feel like I was in Anchorage, but in a city where the local businesses actually grasp the concept of customer service and competing for patronage. Jen's is not inexpensive, so unless one is loaded, it isn't a place for a full dinner every week; but it is absolutely the place to go for special occasions and a treat. And if a person IS loaded, then much more often than that! Jen's is at the top of my list for special occasions.
(5)Shannon N.
We LOVED our meal at Jens. The staff was very attentive - and best yet - didn't give us any attitude because we didn't order alcohol. We were there for our first anniversary and were surprised by the fuss they made over it, but it was good fun (and a cute photo to remember it by). Our dishes were wonderful, the sauces sublime. The server and bussers were on top of their game. And you can beat the warmth from Jens. Our favorite meal in Anchorage.
(5)Mike S.
Went back for lunch. Had a fantastically cooked rock fish with a great sauce and rice. $14.50 for that meal was a good price and fair for the type of restaurant. The cooking here amazes me. Steak and fish eaten and they were both cooked absolutely perfectly. I will have to see if they can do this a third time :)
(5)Scott B.
I have very mixed emotions about this restaurant. First, it's in a strip mall so expectations were low. Then we were met at the door and attended by very attentive wait staff, some of the best we've seen in Anchorage. The decor was attractive and peaceful, and the menu was upscale, just what we were looking for. We very much enjoyed the raw oysters, very fresh. My wife's ribeye steak was very good (I helped her with it) and it was a generous portion, but my ahi was incredibly small and overcooked, I've seen larger ahi portions in appetizers. I don't mind paying $45 for my entree but I'd like to get a full meal. And the flavor was bland, as I said overcooked, and somewhat poor quality of tuna. In retrospect I should have sent it back. Two other issues: 1) Time. It took nearly 45 minutes to get our food, and they weren't that busy. 2) Price. $144 for 2 people and we don't drink alcohol. So, this is a REALLY nice restaurant, with VERY good steak, with EXCEPTIONAL wait staff. Just be prepared to take out a second mortgage, don't be in any hurry, and if you want ahi go to Hawai'i.
(3)R B.
This is one of the best restaurants in Anchorage, in my opinion. They have an extensive (expensive) menu. The pepper steak is great.
(5)Monique A.
I think this is one of the best restraunts in Anchorage, if not the best. The food is excellent. If I remember correctly, the owner and chef is Danish. They have excellent creme brulee as well. The service is superb as well. Entrees range from $15-$25 but it is well worth it.
(5)Megan h.
Yesterday my boyfriend and i were out looking for a great steak dinner while downtown. We didn't have anything specific in mind but knew we wanted something delicious. After we walked into 3 different restaurants, we came to the conclusion that we simply should have gone to Jens'. We have been twice before and when we realized our mistake, we came the very next night, tonight. Each time to our now favorite fancy dinner, we have gotten the same server- Daryl. Being a server myself for 6 years now and having eaten at many fine restaurants and loving wonderful spreads, we have decided that Daryl is a fine professional and has made our experience a million times greater each time. Meals are always top notch, service is perfectly timed and bussing is johnny on the spot. Thank you chefs and Daryl and Jens for the great experiences.
(5)Samantha C.
I love Jens (the J sounds like a Y). This place has been there for over 18 years now and it's as good as ever. The staff is truly professional, the food reminds me why I pay that much, the decor is tastfull with good artwork and photos and the wine list does not leave you wanting. After 9pm they close the restaurant down and leave open the front for people to chat and mingle. There is occassional dancing and be prepared for loud music, as Jens loves to turn it up and switch out the cd's. Also be reminded that they are closed Sun. and Mon. so you will have to sate your cravings elsewhere during those days.
(5)Kimberly D.
Ok, being from one of the most diverse cities in the world, San Francisco I can't give this place 5 stars but it was pretty darn good considering. The owner/host Jen (pronounced Yhen...I think) is the nicest and warmest host you could ask for, without being overly talkative. Since I was alone he was nice enough to offer me magazines to read. I started off with the "Chicken liver and pork pate, mousse style with truffles served with braised red cabbage and onion marmalade." This was pretty good. Less gamey than a pre-packaged pate you might buy from the grocery store, but not quite as mousse-esque as I had hoped. I had a chicken liver mousse from Range Restaurant in SF on Valencia and that was TO DIE FOR...but i digress. The most intersting thing about this plate were the items that came with the pate. I received my slice of pate upon a gelee of a fruit preserve of some sort. I don't know if this was done for flavor or to add color but the pairing was intersting nonetheless. It came with braised red cabbage which had a bit of an asian flavor to it, maybe sweet rice vinegar and sesame oil? Caramalized onions (the menu said marmalade) which were very tasty. A green salad atop two endive leaves with sliced AND slivered cucumbers and sliced red onion with a strange and somewhat potent miso/dijon dressing. There were two mini gherkins, which were delicious by the way, because I usually hate anything pickled. It was an interesting grouping by the chef to say the least. I happen to enjoy very intense flavors so this plate suited me fine. I moved on to a ceasar salad that touted that it was "their" version of the ceasar that uses raw egg. I can tell you that my mother makes a killer ceasar with real coddled egg and this salad came nowhere close to being as good. They used what seemed to be packaged shredded paremsean, and way too much might I add. The croutons were too salty and the dressing looked like a creamy dressing but had absolutely no taste. I was tempted to add salt or ask the waiter for a lemon but I didn't want to insult the owner. The entree I chose was the "Alaskan Halibut meunier, sauteed with mushrooms and a touch of garlic in a white wine beurre blanc." This made up for everything else! I have had three dinners since I have been in Alaska, the halibut is fresh right now, so every night I have ordered halibut. This was by far the best prepared halibut of all three nights. The beurre blanc sauce was absolutely devastating. It came with the most perfectly cooked individual stalk of asparagus, yes unfortunately you only get one. Large sauteed slices of carrot that were maybe sauteed in a brandy. A piece of baked camote (sweet yam), a huge chunk of broccoli and a buttered basmati or long grain rice. Again the collection of items a bit interesting but I like that the chef/owner keeps it exciting. Definitely great for foodies with ADHD. The place is a bit hard to find because it is in a strip mall. And yes, the interior is a little lackluster but who cares. The dining room is clean and comfortable, has good food and most importantly the bathrooms are spotless. BTW that is a true sign that they run a clean ship, when the bathrooms are kept clean and tidy at all times. The older waiter is really sweet. Even though he wasn't my server he replaced the candled that ran out of wick, he refilled my water constantly, bussed my plates at times, cleaned my table and offered me dessert. I hope that he got part of the tip because he is great!
(4)Cory O.
This happens to be my parent's favorite restaurant and after years of the talking it up, I finally went. I wasn't disappointed by the food, but the decor was a little odd--it had a very "hotel" feel to it. I think the waitstaff was the most impressive. My date claims that the sign of a nice restaurant is when they replace your ice tea glass instead of refilling it so the liquid to added sugar ratio isn't thrown off. Not being an ice tea drinker, I have no idea if this is true or not, but Jens did replace his glass each time instead of just refilling. This is an often forgotten restaurant for many because of the location and as I said before, the decor may deter some of the younger crowds.
(4)Maura P.
when you don't mind dropping a wad of cash... this place is fantastic! excellent attentive staff -jalapeno scallops, red deer in blueberry sauce, shrimp pasta- all tremendously good! but it's a rotating menu so who knows what you're options will be. they're sure to be delicious, tho. they have always had a mushroom appetizer which is so good! great selection of wines and ports someone specials birthday coming up? let Jens or his staff know. they'll make it an extra special evening
(5)Toonces The Driving Cat K.
Took my Danish in-laws there, it was pretty good.
(4)solomon l.
i like the wooden wine boxes on the wall in the bar, and the sleek new remodel works. i go to jens for the excellent food, supurb service, and the eclectic and always fun crowd. the wine by the glass is quite good,.
(4)Sheri T.
Ok the location is odd being in a small strip mall but it keeps the snobs away. I have been going to Jens' for 10 years now and the art changes about every 6 months and the menu changes with the season. The staff is the best ever. Shahib has been at Jens' at least 18 years that I know of and none of the waiters come off as pretentious. A appitizer, meal, bottle of wine and desert can run around 100.00 for 2 but is soooo worth it to both of us. Jens' is the only place that I know I can order fish and never be disappointed.
(5)Ben K.
I would give the food here 5 stars but the decor and location bring it down from perfection in my eyes. If you dont mind some cheesy art and some bad music while you eat excellent food then you shouldn't miss this place in Anchorage....The wait staff was perfect and the sauces are really good. A culinary treat!
(4)