Jack’s All Day is a new American restaurant and bar that delivers on its name, featuring famous people named Jack all over its walls. It’s from the team behind Friedman’s Restaurant and managing partner Max Rockoff, formerly of Union Square Hospitality Group. It opened June 18 at 46th Street and 8th Avenue in the heart of New York City’s Theater District.
The 70-seat restaurant was designed by award-winning Broadway set designer David Korins (Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Beetlejuice), who took inspiration from mid-century Americana.
The team met Korins many years ago while collaborating on Friedman’s at The Edison, said Jonah Phillips, a partner in the restaurant group. They reconnected years later when he helped put the finishing touches on their new Friedman’s by Madison Square Garden.
The space features more than 150 framed photos of famous Jacks.
The Jack’s team wanted to work with him again because they knew he’d help to make the new project a fun one.
The ceiling is home to an upside-down lawn, complete with a 1950s-style sprinkler and a birdbath, both featuring crystals instead of water. There are more than 150 framed portraits of notable Jacks from across history and popular culture lining the wood-paneled walls, from JFK and Jack Lemmon to Jackie Robinson.
The space is meant to be interactive, and guests are encouraged to explore and peruse the photo collection.
“What’s more approachable than a restaurant named Jack?” said Phillips, who also has a son named Jack. He noted that the photos comprise the team’s favorite Jacks, many of whom have walked the nearby streets of Times Square.
The menu features American classics as well as salads, chips, and dips.
The menu features nostalgic American classics, all spruced up with some thoughtful touches. Starters include potato chips with caramelized French onion dip, a radish carpaccio with pecorino, crispy capers, jalapeño, and lemon oil, and whole grilled chicken wings. There are a few salads and several handhelds, such as an Angus beef burger and an Impossible burger, a steak sandwich, and a blackened fish sandwich.
Entrées include a flatiron steak, Berkshire pork chops, and chicken Parmesan. “Not Your Nana’s Meatloaf” is made with a custom blend of beef, pork, and veal and is served with crispy onions, mashed potatoes, and gravy
Desserts are old-school and include a warm brownie sundae, New York cheesecake, and a root beer float. The drinks menu focuses on classic cocktails, like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Paloma, and Martinis, alongside beers, wines, and several non-alcoholic options.
Besides Jack’s, Phillips said that the team is working on a new Friedman’s in Tribeca, which is set to open Aug. 25, ahey have another Friedman’s location that is currently under construction on the Upper West Side.