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Category: Restaurants [Edit]
902 Masonic AveWed-Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Sweet Jesus, it's as good as they say!
Jodie and his grandson, Charles, can cook for me any day.
I came across Jodie's on accident. I figured it was a cute little place and what I thought would be an average meal turned into a memorable experience! The venue is very small maybe 10 people max, but very comfortable and cozy. The regulars there were friendly and fast to help me decide what I wanted to eat. great conversationalists and when it came time to paying my bill and I didn't have cash they let me walk to the atm up the street and back no sweat.
I highly recommend eating here, it's a special experience, from the decoration (some of it being the menu itself) to the friendly and kind owner and employees.
Great food and service! It gets busy and the location is small. However, this only adds to their uniqueness. Only about 8 people fit inside the restaurant so don't go with the expectation of being seated. There's also outdoor seating. The fried chicken and spicy grits were delicious! They are only served on the weekends. I would also recommend Joel's Omelet which had sautéed onions and mushrooms...YUMMY!
The plates range in price from $8-$15. There's over 100 items on their various menus so if you're a new to this spot (Like I was) it will take you some time to read the menus. If you're used to paying "Denny's" prices than you might think its expensive.....but believe me its worth it!
Get there on the early side on Saturday. They can run out of chicken. I wish I could try some of the other seemingly tasty dishes, but I still only order the chicken.
Okay, I'm probably going to make quite a few enemies with this review (and I'm sorry for that), but Jodie's fried chicken has to be the nastiest, most awful fried chicken I have ever eaten in my whole entire life!!!
I know! I'm sorry :( I really don't understand how this place has as many good reviews as it does. It doesn't make any sense to me at all, but there is that saying: "there's no accounting for taste." Perhaps it is mine that is off??? I don't know.... what I do know is that I have had many a fried chicken dinner/breakfast from different folks from the South, and I have to tell ya, Jodie's couldn't hold a candle to theirs.
Even more disturbing than the fried chicken is that I believe all of these great reviews have gotten to Jodie's head! When my fiance and I went to eat here, we didn't like the chicken and left a good portion of it on the plate. When Jodie came to clean our table, we were all the way across the street getting in the car, and he yelled out to us: "You didn't like the chicken?!!!" I wanted to say, "Hell, no! it was nasty!!"
I really didn't appreciate being called out on my unwillingness to eat that sorry excuse for fried chicken in the middle of the street, I mean, who does that?! Anyway, my fiance was having a nice moment and lied to the poor man, making up some random excuse that I can't even recall at this moment.
I would absolutely NOT recommend this place, which makes me sad because I don't know of any other places in the Albany/El Cerritto area that have good fried chicken. If anyone has a recommendation, I would appreciate it.
I've been here twice and can say with certainty that whatever you order, you will have a very satisfying meal. Not just because the portions are good (and by good I mean monstrous) but because whether Jodie whips up a standard for you or creates a new dish, he brings flavors together that'll make your taste buds say "hollaaaa!"
The first time I had what could loosely be described as a "breakfast sandwich." It's a giant, juicy hamburger on an equally giant roll with an over easy egg, grilled onion, swiss and american cheese and magic sauce. I wanted the sauce on the side because I thought I wouldn't like it from the description but the guy behind the counter talked me into trying it. He was totally right. It was a great combination of flavors and messy as hell and I loved it. The dish came with fries and they were good too - I'm guessing Jodie makes his own seasoning salt.
The second time I ordered the Eggs Royston. This dish is Eggs Benedict on E. He's invented a creamy but not overpowering herb sauce that blankets the eggs over easy, the generous slabs of bacon (not too soft and not too crispy) and the grilled tomatoes on toast. F word, it was good. It comes with some kick-ass hash browns that I would be going on about if the main event hadn't been so phenomenal. I thought that guy behind the counter asked if I wanted hash browns or grits with it. Having read my share of the 91 reviews for this place, I said "grits please!" But when I got my order, there were the hash browns. I asked Jodie to make the substitution and he was adamant that Eggs Royston can only be served with the hash browns. He seemed distressed at the thought of the two things going together. "No, no - this one is mine - this has my name on it." I guess it's his last name and therefore his complete and perfect creation. His name on it or not, I think he feels that each and every dish is that special. It seems weird but the truth is, this guy lives to create good food that tastes just right - to bring together amazing flavors and please the palates of unworthy people like me. This is his thing and you just have to go with it. I got a side of grits when it was all over and it was just as creamy and buttery as has been described.
These are my suggestions for you:
Do not come starving. If its a weekend you can wait for an hour, which is how long I waited yesterday. I almost gnawed my arm off watching other people get their heaping plates of good food;
Do not come here if you want a healthy or low calorie meal. He may have many vegetarian options but I saw nothing which could be described as even remotely healthy; and
Do not come if you want to be left alone. It is a tiny place and everyone is right in your personal space, whether they want to be or not. Jodie is fun, funny and sweet, but he really wants feedback for his kitchen prowess and likes to correct you if you get the secret handshake wrong. For instance I said I wanted to come back and try every one of his dishes. "Oh no - no no no - you don't try my dishes - you ennnnnjoy Jodie's dishes."
You know what? I think I just might.
this place is the bomb. we had tried to eat here one previous time, but it is a tiny place and the wait would have been a bit too long. today, we found seats immediately. the guy taking our orders was very nice and struck up a conversation with us the whole time. jodie, himself, made the food in front of us and also engaged in conversation. they basically knew everyone that walked in. very homely feel.
they have a ton of food choices. i think the guy said they have 161 different combinations? i was craving the fried chicken i had heard so much about, but that is only available on the weekends. i will definitely be back for that. i ended up deciding on the breakfast sandwich which was bacon, an over-easy egg, melted cheese, and hash brown in between two buttery slices of toast. it was divine. the fries were also good and had tasy seasoning on it. they also had hot sauce that jodie found in mexico, and it was one of the best i've had.
anytime we were even close to running out of coffee, we were offered more. we were constantly being asked if the food was good. there's really nothing bad i can say about this place.
I give Jodie's only three stars because we waited over an hour for our food, the seating was very minimal, and my fried chicken was a bit greasy. The portions were a bit big and I could've split my plate with my friend and been quite satisfied.
I suggest ordering their dish called, "a little something different." It's some kind of delicious egg dish with all sorts of odd add-ins that made me wish I would've ordered this dish instead of mine, which was the classic fried chicken, hot cakes, and a side of hashbrowns.
Last Dined: 2009-05-30
Quick summary - Go for the patty melt and pancakes!
I am surprised I have not written a review for this place yet.
I was first introduced to Jodie's a few years back by a friend who is now my bf. He went to school in Albany and first went to Jodie's when it was a cheesesteak joint (if I am remembering correctly). That was about 10 years ago - he has been going ever since.
Jodie's was featured on a Fine Living Network show, but I would love to see it on Diner, Drive-Inns and Dives. This is a small place, but with a HUGE heart.
There is room to seat 7 inside and a few tables outside. The kitchen is usually crammed with up to 3 people. I usually come on Saturday morning/afternoons where Jodie's son is cooking and Jodie is greeting customers and helping serve tables.
The last time I went with a group of 5 and we were lucky enough to get inside seating and get served right away. My friends told me that they have waited up to 2 hours for their food.
My favorite items to get are the patty melt with fries and pancakes (yes, I get them both). Patty melt is tasty with the bread and carmelized onions. The pancakes are nice and fluffy. They slather on the butter for you so all that's left is to figure out how much syrup you want.
A popular item is the fried chicken which is only served on the weekends. There's the basic menu and the menu on the wall which is always fun trying - like the "Something with Nothing" or the "Nothing with Something".
I would not recommend going here with a group as the wait can get long. Bring a friend, an appetite and be ready to meet a lot of interesting characaters and eat some great food!
Went back and had a full order of the dark meat fried chicken. It was good but not exceptional. I'd average my two reviews to a 3.5 stars.
The ambiance/shtick make it something cool. Jodie is quite a character.
The chicken was a little greasy although Jodie kept on telling us how they remove all the fat and it has less grease than anywhere else. He was so excited I would never burst his bubble.
I'd go again if in the nabe, but don't think I will pilgrimage there.
Jodie's is a hoot. Jodie himself will likely greet you at the door. He will have an opinion about… Read more »
I've been to Jodi's twice, both as part of a pilgrimage for great fried chicken. The restaurant is literally hole in the wall with counter seating for about 7 people. There might be tables outside on sunny days but expect a long wait on weekends.
Their chicken is served only on weekends and are usually sold out by noon. Jodi says that their secret is brining the chicken for a few days and then discarding the fat before frying them. (you still get grease on your fingers)
The first time I went, I waited about fifteen minutes and lucked into the last piece of chicken that hadn't been claimed. It was really good, crispy and flavorful. The second time, I had to wait over an hour and while it was still good, it didn't satisfy as much as before.
I think the place has a great neighborhood vibe but I wouldn't make a special trip there or wait that long for the food.
Between the chicken and the ribald banter of the crew and the regulars, I didn't stop grinning for a solid 2 hours. But I did finish ALL of my fried chicken as directed, transcendent french toast, incredible "spicy rice" (yeah I never heard of it either but it's damn good), and a great deal of cheesecake. My friend had grits with her fried chicken, and they were actually good! Never before have i had grits I would eat by choice.
This is a fabulous place if you can handle the small quarters and the style. It should be noted that this isn't the kind of place you go to have it _your_ way. You go to have it Jodie's way. Which is a good way, a wise and experienced way, but is not flexible. Pick something from the wall and enjoy the ride! The fried chicken alone was worth the trip and the rest is a bonus.
I love Jodie's. If you go here as a regular, it'll be that place "where everyone knows your name." If you go here as a super-regular, then everyone WILL know your name, because Jodie will name a dish after you.
You gotta have your food Jodie's way--but Jodie's way is super delicious and full of heart. If you don't finish your plate, he'll ask what's wrong with the food.
This critique can happen because you're practically eating under Jodie's nose, the place is so small. There's one counter, right by the kitchen, and there are only like 5-6 seats. And some of the regulars claim their own seats. It's like eating in someone's home and that is awesome.
There's a menu on the wall, and what's on the wall isn't on the paper menu. What's on the paper menu isn't on the wall. I recommend the Jive sandwich, my favorite at Jodie's and something I'm not able to get anyplace else.
On weekends (or is it just Sundays), he offers up fried chicken. His fried chicken is SECOND TO NONE. We just ate at Brown Sugar Kitchen, and my husband said it was good "but not as good as Jodie's fried chicken."
But everything he cooks is awesome.
The conversation is great here--because the place is small, you just end up talking all together. When I was considering what kind of dog to adopt, I ended up adopting dachshunds because one of the regulars is a big dachshund fan. Now I have two dachshunds thanks to my brunches at Jodie's.
Thanks, Jodie.
Jodie and Charles are awesome, and Tina and the regulars too. They definitely make you feel like family. Personally, I like the whole-in-the-wall home-y feeling and tend to seek these places out, so if you aren't comfortable skooching right on up to your neighbor at their little counter and chatting with strangers, it might not be somewhere you'd appreciate.
My boyfriend and I used to come here a lot when we were living in Berkeley, and since moving to Fremont, we still make the long drive over on lazy weekends just to order off Jodie's wall. We wanted to make it a goal to try everything on their wall but we never seem to manage to stray from our regular orders: Something with Nothing and the Jazz Beat Radio Melt. I can't say I know exactly what goes in these but they are just so good!!! Add to that yummy english muffins with blackberry sauce and their extraordinary homemade cheesecakes (try the mango) which we try to maintain some dignity by ordering 'to go' after we bulldozer through our meals, yet somehow finish before we even start our car... *sigh*
Regardless, it's a really fun experience that you can't get anywhere else so just check it out!
I had the fried chicken breakfast, which came with a huge piece of fried chicken, buttery grits, creamy scrambled eggs, and a golden, crunchy pan fried english muffin. It was SO good. All of it. Jodie said that the chicken was good with hot sauce, but I didn't think it needed anything to be totally yummy. I put a little hot sauce on my grits and eggs. My husband put maple syrup all over his english muffin, which I thought was weird, but then I tried it and it was amazing. I also tried my husband's hot link scramble, which was very spicy and flavorful. His hash browns were really crispy without being too greasy.
I can't wait to go back and try all the crazy specials on the wall, especially the Obama breakfast. BBQ for breakfast? Count me in.
It gets only four stars because it's a little too expensive for what it is, and it took forever to pay when we were done.
I think I may get hit upside the head because I don't care to come back here again but at least this is going to be a fair & honest assessment.
This place is a true hole in the wall greasy spoon. Anyone who is into that HAS to go at least once. I am not a big fan of places like that. Basically I have to be crazy hungover or starving, which doesn't happen often. But the food is good & the guy who was working the till and was serving was super helpful & awesome. So for the most part I will say that this place is worth at least one shot.
But here is the reason I won't be coming back.
I wanted a grilled cheese sandwich when I went. With tomato & ham. So I ordered the grilled cheese supreme. Because it said it had cheese, tomato & ham. It didn't say on the menu ANYWHERE that is would have pickles, onions, mustard & lettuce on it as well. And I know I am picky so when it comes to sandwiches I usually ask if there are extras on & specify what I don't want. However, I have to say I have NEVER been to a place that serves cold ingredients on a hot sandwich, especially grilled cheese. Ever. So I got all that crap on it.
Now that in itself wouldn't bother me. Most of the time I just try to scrape off or salvage my sandwich but since half of the damn thing was covered in mustard, I thought "I need to ask them to remake it". I felt bad because I am usually so on this sort of thing but it just tells me they need to update their menu with a stipulation or something.
So I take it in & ask them to remake it...
Me: "Hi, I didn't know that the sandwich had all this extra stuff on it. I'm sorry but could you remake it."
Jodie's: "But that's what you ordered!"
Me: "Yeah, but I didn't know it had all this other stuff on it. I just wanted cheese, ham & tomato"
Jodie's: "But you ordered the grilled cheese supreme! That means it comes with everything!"
Me: "Well yeah but half of this stuff wasn't on the menu!"
Jodie's: "So what do you want me to do?"
Me: "I'd really like you to remake it with just cheese, tomato & ham"
Jodie's: "But you ordered that!"
Me: " I'd really like to have just cheese, ham & tomato but if it is too much trouble, it's fine"
And scene!
If I had been by myself, I would have left. Fuck it. But happily my friends were cool we ended up doing family style since they aren't nearly as picky as me. Which is why this place gets 2 stars because I actually got to taste the food, which IS good. Greasy spoon good so don't expect it to be healthy but it IS tasty.
But here is a clue to Jodie's: For hot sandwiches say EXACTLY what is going to be on the damn thing. It will cost you all of $20 to update your menus & you will have a happier clientele.
And if that doesn't happen, just order off the wall. As far as I could tell, those items included complete disclosure.
I went there today. The best fried chicken in town. It's only available on the weekends and fried to order so call ahead. You can eat the skin (you have to, really, else what's the point?)-- Jodie takes out the fat then marinates the chicken from Monday through Thursday. No salt or pepper just a special herb marinade. It is pricier than most but well worth it.
Its been over 6 months since my first stint at Jodie's. Since then i have taken my mother and my boyfriend here...they both crave it daily. went he BF gets dropped off at work and I say "Bye babe i'm off to go see Jodi now!" He gets a lil miffed and feels empty inside. I have an away message that says simply "@ Jodie's" when i return to my computer all stuffed and fat, I have a huge amount of hate mail from my mother. I argue with Jodie constantly, yesterday it was about wether or not there were hashbrowns in my Barbara's Firehouse. I have proposed to Charles, Jodie's grandson. He has yet to answer me and we talk about it every weekend day that I'm there. But what I don't get is this fool keeps asking about my momma.... SLOW YA ROLL THERE BOY! Naw but seriously, every time Charles puts the deliciousness in front of my face I KNOW its a Yes!
I'll be at Jodies on Friday, before my hair appointment, enjoying Evie's Black Pepper. Please come join me, you will not be disappointed!
This place is a lil piece of heaven with a side of sass. So basically the perfect place for Jamaica… Read more »
Jodie's has been in my bookmark for a while now ... I stumbled upon it this weekend after a morning of chasing my dog thru agility obstacles. (He continues to surpass me in skill ...)
Jodie's ... what a gem! No wonder it's an Albany landmark! I appreciated the water and treats for my dogs and the service that aimed to please.
I got the Eggs royston and Van got the missing link with a piece of chicken. They were both delicious but an awkward combo if you like tasting each others food. The eggs royston is made with an herb sauce and with the tomatoes, has a tart tang to it - have no fear, I did not get salmonella so the tomatoes were safe! The missing link was delicious and more up my alley ... so I ate what Van didn't. We've both been craving it this entire weekend and are making plans to go back.
Counter space inside is minimal, so be prepared to sit outside ...
So I've been back for a few more things. The breakfasts are definitely the best. The something with nothing is an adventure, but turns out into something you will like every time.
I went back for the fried chicken and grits. The grits were the perfect consistency and extra buttery, though it's not butter. The fried chicken was good, moist on the inside and crisp on the outside. I guess I'm a victim of the hype and my own expectations. If I had the chicken without ever hearing about it, I probably would have loved it. Because I had these high expectations that this was going to be the best chicken ever, it was just ok. That's not to say I won't be back to eat it again...
I broke the seal. Been meaning to try Jodie's for a while, but was always a wait whenever I stopped… Read more »
This place is totally a small hole-in-the-wall establishment. I don't say "cozy" because it looks and feels like a garage. Indeed it is on the corner in a residential neighborhood - I guess it is a house after all.
Jodie is quite friendly and there are tons and tons of menu options, except the "menu" is all over the wall and lives in the aroma of the kitchen. You could probably ask for whatever combo of stuff you want!
Well anyway, all that is fine and dandy, but in reality it's a pretty small place and the breakfast/brunch food was pretty standard to me. I had some omelet and my friend got one of the breakfast sandwiches and there really didn't seem to be much difference between these and other typical breakfast places: it's all super greasy!!!
With that being said, this is a great place to stop for breakfast if you are biking/walking along the Ohlone Greenway. But it wasn't mind-blowing, as the reviews had led me to believe.
I've been avoiding writing a review of Jodie's for some time now, even though it is one of my favorite weekend b'fast spots in the bay area. The problem is that Jodie's is a neighborhood joint, meaning that people who get to have Jodie's are and should be from the neighborhood -- or at least live in the East Bay, at least for some significant period of time. When folks give some uninformed SF-is-superior rant, I take tremendous (and quiet) satisfaction that they have no idea about Jodie's weekend chicken. And Jodie's would cease to be the treasure that it is if the wait for one of those seven stools got any longer.
The food: the chicken and the eggs royston are fantastic. Not everything is. The hot sauce goes on everything.
The place has the neighborhood joint down pat, but as a long-time Jodie's-goer, I think I have earned the right to say that I could do without the waitress who joined about a year ago, who insists on forcing Jodie's-ness. It's an affront to long-time regulars to be indoctrinated on something that we're already supposed to know as insiders. The rotation of nice & sweet high school kids from the neighborhood was much more pleasant with the eggs.
I came here for the first time last week with the coworkers. Three of us had the fantasy burger with fries. It was delicious. Greasy, cheesy, and had a little bit of heat with the jalapenos. I thought the best part was the fries since it was doused with what I concluded to be Lawry's Seasoning Salt. Loved it!
We didn't get to eat inside, since like most yelpers have said, it can only fit about 6 people. But we got to order first, eat outside on the sidewalk, and pay when we were finished. You get overwhelmed at first when you see the menu posted all over the wall. But luckily, we came with someone who had eaten there before, so I picked my food with ease.
The people, just like the restaurant, are to the point. I couldn't eat here everyday, but I definitely want to go back to have the english breakfast and the nothing with something.
I have never sought out fried chicken, never been a fan of the Colonel and never frequented Rosco's Chicken and Waffle when we lived down in SoCal.
That has all changed since trying Jodie's fried chicken.
Some friends recently showed up to a BBQ with Jodie's fried chicken and let me tell you, it was greasy fried perfection. We were speculating if it was fried twice because the skin is crispy, but not overdone. The inside meat is juicy, just like it should be. I ate every last morsel on my breast piece, including the skin, which is a first for me.
The fried chicken is a special weekend treat at Jodie's, which is a good thing because it just wouldn't be as special if it were offered every day.
Eating here is an experience that you should have at least once, Jodie is very funny and cool.
I'll give the decor, service and overall feeling here an A+ but the food is a little overpriced for what it is, with the exception of the fried chicken served only on weekends which is damn good! Also they just added "The Obama Breakfast" and that was pretty cool.
My main reason for the 4 star instead of 5 is the quality of some ingredients, they use margarine (death grease), yuck
I picked this place from right here on yelp based on the reviews. I invited 4 adults and one child, for a total of 6 people. When we walked in the door, I instinctively asked where the main entrance is, convinced we had come to a take-out counter. But no. Luckily there was only one couple there when we walked in. The cashier/order-taker somehow produced two more duct-tape upholstered barstools and we managed to jam ourselves in. So, the place maxes out at 7 adults and one child.
I had pancakes and Margarita's Machaca. Having toured most of Mexico by car many times over, I know what machaca is, and I love it. This was not "autentico", but was close enough and was super delicious anyway. Also ordered was the chorizo scramble and the Obama special. All very good. Jodie does hash browns, not home fries, which I R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
Just ate at Jodie's for the first time and was totally afraid of it because I tend to be mostly vegan and didn't think they could manage it. Boy was I wrong. They were super friendly and accommodating, and had plenty for me to eat. Jodie couldn't have been any more wonderful and conscientious about making sure I got a fantastic vegan meal.
Also, even though I'm a longtime vegetarian, the fried chicken sounded so good I wanted to bring a meat eater in with me just to experience it vicariously through them.
But it is small, and you feel like family the second you walk in. I can tell it is quickly going to become one of my favorite breakfast places.
The service is GREAT! Jodie is super nice and, with SO many different options, can recommend something you'll like. I enjoyed sitting at the bar and watching the cooks work their magic. (5 stars for the experience!)
I just didn't care for the food. It definitely wasn't bad (unless you consider oceans of margarine on your plate "bad") but I left feeling like I could've made something better (healthier) for much cheaper in my own kitchen at home. It's southerny so I KNOW it's not supposed to be healthy and I'm not trippin' out about the copious amounts of oil/margarine/etc but it was just unnecessary and detracted from the food, I feel. I got the only dish I saw with eggwhites and was disappointed to have english muffins smothered in butter before being grilled and a leftover pool of oil under my egg concoction.
I hesitated to even write this review because I love small, local places. Especially hidden ones you never knew were there but have been around forever. I don't think my review will detract much from the overall rating, however, and I just wanted to throw these opinions out there for people like me. I don't even mind the high prices to keep a guy like Jodie in business but the food is just not for everyone.
I just had Jodie's fried chicken breast. It was huge. I had pre-ordered dark meat and white meat but they gave away my dark meat before I got there. Their fried chicken is really sought after and you have to order in the morning ahead of time or else they run out. I called at 12:00 and barely got any chicken at all. Others were complaining when I got there that the fried chicken had ran out. It's not cheap but it's tasty and done the way you wished your grandmother could cook.
Authentic home-made style comfort food. Loved the crispy fried chicken cooked to order while you wait. I watched the cook make my hash browns, scrambled eggs, biscuits, and fry my chicken. Everything was fresh and tasted great. The eggs were perfectly cooked and had a velvety consistency. My biscuit was nice and crispy on the outside. My hashbrowns were perfectly browned. Condiments were readily available on the counter: orange marmalade, honey, salt, pepper, etc.
The staff was polite and friendly. Jodie was supervising his hard-working staff and tasting food. I loved their music. My tab of two chicken breasts with a side of hash browns, eggs, and two biscuits came to about 20.00 dollars.
If you are in the mood for good home-cooked food without any pretentiousness then this is the place to be. Clearly, customers were treated like family and the homeless guy across the street was welcomed to sit outside with a helping of fries. You have to respect the kind of honest hard work and respect for the community Jodie's exude. I wish more places were like this. Good food and good community. Thanks Jodie for providing a delicious public service!
1. found on yelp
2. close to home
3. very good price
4. big portions
5. very small place
6. community service
7. one annoying staff person (everyone else was really nice)
8. i'll be back
details below :)
let's just say i had a great breakfast today! so this morning, my bf and i were looking for a great place to have breakfast without having to spend a dinner price.
i came on yelp and we looked for a place close by, and we found jodie's and it had only 1 $... perfect... we looked at the pictures, and YUM...
we were lucky to have gotten there right when two other people were leaving cuz that place is SMALL... like... it's SMALL... i ended up having the chicken and grits cuz i saw those go out to someone else and it looked GOOD (someone saw me eating my meal and ordered the same)... and my bf had the rookie special... i was tempted to go all out for the something with nothing (or is it nothing with something?) well.. it's something either way... but i thought i'd stick to what i knew for now...
it was a cute, eclectic place... and there was plenty to keep you busy and talking til your food arrived... the portions are huge for the price everything is from 8-10 true, but my breakfast was $12 and if you sub chicken over sausage or something, it's a couple bucks extra...
jodie himself greeted some of the customers... he saw a little girl and told her to bring her picture in on her birthday and she'll get a free cheesecake... AND if she brings in her report card with good grades, she gets a free meal... WOW... talk about the community raising a child... THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! some of these old-time values and traditions have completely gone out the window... so sad...
some downsides, the lady that took our order and who was making the coffee was annoying as all hell... so if you can, eat outside... although, there are enough things and pictures on the wall to keep you busy..
the coffee is just plain'ol folgers BUT instead of cream, or half/half.. they use evaporated milk... like they do in HK... that's frikin awesome, the only place that i know does that...
i have so much more to say... just go and see for yourself... maybe i'll see you there!
I don't think I have ever had so much butter & margarine & oil in one meal!
I had the A + meal, subbing in chicken with my grits, hash browns, eggs, and 2 pancakes (oh my!). My friend got a basket full of chicken, peppery fries, and incredibly fried toast.
The chicken was SO greasy and crispy, and Jodie explained to us how really it is not that bad for you because they take off the fat, so it's ok to eat the skin.
As my friend and I agreed, this food was best enjoyed if you do not let yourself think about the nutrition... and eat SLOWLY.
I've been wanting to try this place for months, and I was not disappointed ! I was FULL for a good 7 hours afterward. I loved the feeling that everyone there except my friend & myself was a seasoned regular.
In my opinion, Jodie's ought to be featured in the next addition of Roadfood (by Jane and Michael Stern). The "hole in the wall" place reminds me of Al's Breakfast in Dinkytown (near the University of Minnesota). Except that Al's Breakfast can't come close to the wide variety of tasty dishes that Jodie can put out of his tiny kitchen. The sky is the limit with the combinations, especially for breakfast.
And it is quite a neighbourhood joint, but with a wide variety of variety of folks, all of which make you feel welcome and connected. The small space,the witty banter, and the casual helping atmosphere probably helps.
I recently ate at Jodie's for the first time with my son (who is a Jodie's veteran just like his 2 sisters). However, I have had the fried chicken and other tasty treats before. That's because one of my son's sister used to work there (her picture is on the fried chicken special sign) and Jodie was very generous about letting his cooks bring the leftovers home.
I had also met Jodie once before when I was sent in by my then wife to explain why my step-daughter wasn't coming into work that day. I found him very warm, engaging, welcoming and generous, especially considering that he knew and I knew that the story I was asked to present was bogus.
OMG this place is awesome!! I totally don't feel like I'm in Albany when I'm there. I feel it's a little pricy, but all worth it with the GREAT service and AWESOME food!!
If it is the weekend and if it is early, Jodie's is spectacular.
There are other things, but really stick to the chicken breakfast. Fried chicken, scrambled eggs, and grits (there are other sides too, but stick with the classics). Have your partner (you aren't eating alone are you?!?) order the Eggs Royston. Walk in, sit down at the bar and order with confidence. Expect to get your ear talked off. Enjoy.
Cash only. Small place. Slightly pricey and just plain good.
I came to this place with my friend for late breakfast last week. I really want to try the famous fried chicken but to bad I came on Friday instead of Saturday or Sunday. Well so I decided to let Jodie pick for me and my friend. To be honest, I did't remember the name of what he picked for me, all I can remember I asked him something with corn beef. It turn out to be very good. The price on the menu are between $8-10 I think. The service was really good and Jodie was very friendly and cool. the place is really different, cool and small maybe only 10 seats but I don't care, I will be back for the fried chicken.
Maybe it's good for casual date?
My first thought when we walked up was," What in the hell, Bobby?" (said in the Hank Hill voice)
We were accosted by Jodie and Tina the minute we crossed their threshold- this is our weekend special, this is our Friday/Saturday/Sunday special, Grits only on weekends, fried chicken by the piece is this much...
I think I just wanted to read the menu, then examine all the different laminated options IN ADDITION to what was on the menu named after people on the wall, but Jodie and Tina and another regular who had two children that worked there (TMI, anyone?) kept offering suggestions so my head was spinning with suggestions of chorizo this, Jodie's special way of Eggs Benedict that, english muffin with something other. ME OVERWHELMED!
But I knew... almost the moment it was uttered from her lips, the dish that passed before me which someone else ordered, that it was to be MINE.
FRIED CHICKEN. With grits. And eggs. Fuck the toast. Well ok, we had a still-hot rustic baguette from La Farine 45 minutes before that, can't even think about following that act with sliced white bread
Now HOW can I pass THAT up in a 6- stool counter-seating-only joint where the two other patrons at the time had family working there? See? You couldn't either.
The fried chicken was good... NOT as good as Roscoe's in SoCal IMHO, but it was really quite good. They said they peeled back the skin a bit, removed all excess fat and then put the skin back on before drwedging and frying. I did find quite a bit of fat still, but hey, a few extra calories won't hurt me.
The eggs were the best. I AM A HUGE FAN OF THEIR SCRAMBLED EGGS. I usually don't order scrambled eggs because most places just do it all wrong and I only trust my own hand, but I've never had them like this before and I think I'm a changed woman. Seems like they just cracked the eggs on the griddle or pan (I wasn't watching them cook it- bad ME) and as soon as it lightly set, they mixed it all up; broke the yolk up and mixed it up with the semi-set whites. it was creamy, soft, and oh-so delicious. Next time I come here I'm not fucking around. I'm getting 4 eggs, scrambled, with half a pound of bacon.
Their hash browns and grits were stellar too- I can honestly say the best hash browns I've ever had. Unbelieveably fresh potato flavor; not this thick hunk of outside-crispy, inside-uncooked potatoes, and the absence of stale, rancid oil was heaven to my tummy. It was so good it almost hurt. Their grits were nice and creamy with just the right consistency, not too thick, not too soft.
I wanted to run around the block and tell people how great this place was but I was so full from buttery grits and fried chicken that I couldn't do much but say "OOF" and waddle back to the car. Needless to say, good portions, good flavor. They don't just pay attention to taste but to texture too.
I like Tina because she talks back to Jodie, but in such an endearing way, and I like Jodie because he reminds me of my dad and tries to push food on me. It was like eating at home, except my mom was a large Caucasian woman and my dad was dark skinned man.
I stopped reading reviews for places when JR suggests we try a new place- I tend to trust his judgement. After this place, I'm sold!
Update 4/2007 I found out why their scrambled eggs are so damn good as I watched them make it. They crack the eggs into as skillet, then use a nice ladelful of melted butter to scramble it up. No wonder it tastes so damn good and is so light and fluffy. After seeing that, I vowed to get their scrambled eggs only twice a year, no more. My poor little hummingbird heart can't take more than that, but boy is it deeelish!
Eating at Jodie's is quite an experience. It feels more like you've been invited into someone's house for breakfast than eating at a restaurant! Squeezing your way into the tiny six-stool counter, you'll be greeted by the ebullient Jodie, get the lowdown on the overwhelming menu from Tina (who commands the counter like Max Rebo playing keyboard in the Mos Eisley cantina) and get pulled into friendly banter between the staff and the regulars (who will chime in to opine on the merits of the various options - with half the menu selections named after the patrons, its hard not to feel like you're participating in a neighborhood institution.)
The food... fantastic. Just what I like in the morning. And... HASH BROWNS. Perfectly cooked. Possibly the best around. I really wished the portion was a little larger, but everything else was very generously sized, so I can't complain. If nothing else, its clear that Jodie's is more than accommodating, and I have no doubt that if I were to request a larger portion, it would be happily provided.
Everything we had (if you're there on a weekend, be sure to try the fried chicken) was delicious... except the coffee. Bloody awful burnt sludge.
Price is pretty much on par with other Solano restaurants.
So, if you're feeling social, bring your appetite and pull up a stool. You won't be disappointed.
i love this place! everything about it...
Jodie is such a nice person and always makes sure to greet everyone.
Next time I have to get the grits...
The only annoying thing is when the BART comes by...but not annoying enough to keep me away!
Been a while since I updated this review.
There are enough reviews that talk about the food, the atmosphere, and I'm pretty sure 93.26% of them also use the term 'hole in the wall'. (Though that's just a rough estimate.)
Instead I'm just going to share a couple anecdotes, including why I became a regular and the distance people travel to eat here.
Years ago, I had moved back to NYC for a bit (I tend to bounce between coasts). I was out in Berkeley for work or visiting friends and stopped by Jodie's as had become a bit of a tradition on such visits. Arriving, Jodie greeted me with a smile despite not seeing me for about 6 months and asked if I recalled the last time I was there. Thinking back brought memories of sunny days and myself and a few friends sitting outside eating. So in laconic manner I replied 'Sure'. In understated manner and with good humor Jodie replied 'Here's your bill.' This did a few things. First, a moment of embarrassment that we must have left without paying. Second, a bit of amazement that he not only knew who I was then, but knew I'd be back, and immediately recognized me again half a year later, and knew exactly what bill it was. Strangely, that incident won me over. The bay area has a dearth of 'community' dining places. And Jodie remembering someone who only showed up a couple times a year and not worrying that I'd be back felt very 'homey' to me. From that point on, I've been much more of a regular, particular since moving back to the Bay Area.
I promised two stories though, so here is the second. I was sitting around chatting with some of the other folk at Jodies one time when a couple comes in and orders a number of orders of chicken to go. Once again Jodie apparently recognized them and was surprised to see them as they'd moved away. They explained they'd moved to Hong Kong and flew in with their kids to visit friends in LA. However, the kids were demanding some Jodie's chicken, so figuring they'd already crossed the ocean and had friends up here to visit, they drove up, dropped the kids off at said friends, and came to pick up chicken. Now, I've seen people who claimed they'd come down for Seattle for the chicken, and I know people who come up from San Jose for the chicken, by crossing the Pacific ocean and driving up from LA for the fried chicken still ranks as the record winner. (But remember, as Jodie'll tell you, its only available on weekends, and while you can't reserve a seat or a table, Jodie's is the only restaurant where they recommend that if you want some you call to reserve your chicken because it does tend to sell out.)
Jodies is a diner that doesn't fit.
Perhaps its an anachronism and belongs to a time long ago when…
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After seeing the twenty minute wait at my favorite breakfast spot, Sam's Log Cabin, my cranky hungry self found its way to Jodie's. I have driven past this little gem of a hole-in-the-wall many times. I am glad I finally made it in. Not only did Jodie feed me well, my attitude was quickly changed from cranky to happy-go-lucky.
We were greeted by a few regulars sipping the "bad" coffee (we thought it was fine--but one guy kept calling it awful--he said that was to keep Jodie from getting a big ego; one thing has to suck). One regular in particular heckled us and told us, as well as a few other rookies, what to order. I got the fried chicken with french toast. It was rad. I will be going back to try the Royston's Special and the Pork chop as well as other wall menu items. My boyfriend got the rookie special: nine dollars for coffee or OJ; bacon or corned beef; eggs (scrambled), hashbrowns, two pancakes, and english muffin. Hell yes! The english muffin is grilled, not toasted, which is pretty awesome.
We didn't have to wait and most breakfast dishes are under 10 bucks. The burgers look good, too.
Highly recommended.
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