J D's Restaurant

04/27/08

Lousy breakfast. Steer clear.

by ladridi

Upon arrival there was no line, so we were seated promptly. Drink orders were filled quickly, but then the waitress disappeared for 15 minutes. We were ready to order, so we got a bit impatient. When she returned we started to order, only to be informed that they could not serve pancakes or french toast since one of the grills was down. It would have been nice to find this out when we first arrived, so that we could either a) go elsewhere, or b) plan out our orders knowing this. Instead, we had to modify our plans with no notice, because if we sent her away, who knows when she might have returned.

So then we waited. This time it was 30 minutes, a total of 45 minutes wait for eggs, potatoes, and toast. But now we've got our food, so it's smooth sailing from here on. Not really. There's a misspelling on the menu. So instead of getting a Greek omelette with, among other things, pepperoni, I got one with pepperoncini instead. Small misspelling, big difference. I went to the counter and pointed out the problem. The waitress said, "Oh yeah, the new menus have a misspelling." When I just stood there, they reluctantly asked if I wanted something else. No apology, no admission that I should have been informed when I ordered, since they obviously knew about the mistake.

To their credit, the replacement came out fast, but what a letdown. It may seem like I'm biased because of the problems, but we are talking about a truly flavorless, uninspiring omelette. The chef clearly doesn't know how to season the food. The potatoes were better, pretty tasty, cooked the way I like. Probably the best tasting thing I had for breakfast was the cinnamon raisin toast, but it was store bought, I could have gotten about 4 loaves for what I paid for breakfast, and really, when the toast is the high point of breakfast, you are scraping the bottom of the barrel.

The capper was I was so aggravated and eager to leave that I left too big of a tip. I hate it when I do that.

• Pros: none
• Cons: lots

08/01/07

JD's under new management - HomeTown Cafe - will it survive?

by vmedia

Castro Valley is one of the few small unincorporated towns in the east bay that has more than six mom and pop diners (including Vals) and JD's is right up their, Give it go - Parking is easy - if you are a local there is a parking in rear were Chabot Cinema is located.

JDs in July 2007 is under new management. The locals are still sticking to the home feeling of this CV icon. But the feel and taste of the food seems to now be missing

This always a great breakfast spot, but the main crowd is discovering Capers in Castro Village. JD's still honors the classic comfort breakfast and lunch specials. Always good, but nothing special. Once the French toast was to die for, but now its just French Toast.

its only open for Breakfast and Lunch. Still a bit pricey compared to the other Mom and Pops in the Valley. But you can depend on the menu and almost get the feeling of the old owners, but not just yet.

I will check out JD's again is a few months to see if the new chef and owners have panned out.

Vince Vmedia - Castro Valley

• Pros: The parking is easy - the basic dishes on the menu are good
• Cons: Its missing the old owners touch - not as friendly any longer

11/03/03

Get the strawberry shake!

by zakareli

JD's is a great breakfast/lunch place. The place is uniquely decorated with funny things to read on the walls. The food is great, especially the strawberry shakes, which are extra rich, perfectly sweet, and made with real strawberries when in season. Parking is a little awkward, since you have to park in a tiny parking lot behind the restaurant, which is on Castro Valley Boulevard. The hours are strange, since they close at weird times in the middle of the day.

• Pros: Atmosphere, Great shakes
• Cons: Parking, Hours