Jack Flaps Luncheonette is a fitting name for a restaurant that melds the foods and formats of two very different diners into one tasty new operation.
Back in January, Scene broke the news that Randy Carter, the chef-owner of Jack Flaps (3900 Lorain Ave., 216-961-5199, jack-flaps.com) in Ohio City, had purchased P.J.'s Luncheonette, a 34-year-old breakfast and lunch diner in the Colonial Arcade, after the longtime owners decided it was time to hang up their aprons.
Since then, Carter has been working on the space to get it ready for the big day, which happened to be yesterday. Jack Flaps Luncheonette is now open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner (except on Sundays, when the shop closes at 3 p.m.).
There are various menus devoted to breakfast, “luncheon” and vegan and vegetarian fare. Breakfast items include some favorites from the first shop like the Original buttermilk jackflaps with various toppings, but also omelets stuffed with smoked sausage and beer cheese, and a Southern-style biscuits and gravy platter with eggs and “jambalaya gravy.” A banh mi Benedict tops toasted brioche with Vietnamese sausage, kimchi, eggs and hollandaise.
At luncheon, Carter rolls out the sandwiches and heartier dinner-style mains. There are diner-worthy patty melts and Ruebens, various mac and cheese items and a house salad. Big items include chicken-fried meatloaf with mashed rutabaga and a Yankee pot roast with roasted root veggies.
A long list of sides runs the gamut from grits or “breakfast meat” to onion rings or poutine.
Prices for most main dishes fall between $8 and $12.
Downtown diner fans, start your engines.
