Business, family, date night, J’s might be your “regular” place. Right now, most of us will just have to wait until emergence from the Grey Zone. It’s back to take-out for all of us.
There are two J’s Roadhouses. You might have spotted the first on Barrydowne. Out in Val Caron, this location takes on an additional role.
“We’ve since opened a Lot 88 Express in the same building. Express meaning smaller version with a condensed menu,” said Peter Danakas.
Pete Danakas is well known in the Sudbury hospitality scene. He likely has opened more successful restaurants than anyone else in town.
“We’re essentially using one kitchen to serve two different restaurants, which has been challenging, but just as much of a great experience as well.” Danakas knows how to make things work.
“I’ve been in the industry all my life. I started working at my parents’ restaurant at a young age and basically just stayed within the industry at different levels. Opening new stores wasn’t part of the plan, but became somewhat of a passion after the first few.”
The Lot 88 menu kicks in at 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, and runs until close.
“Take- out was strong the last time we went into lockdown. We also started delivery within Valley East. We found this popular and will be doing it again.”
Danakas believes the north end of Sudbury has been much underserviced.
“J’s Restaurant is a new venture in Val Caron. We figured Val Caron was a great fit. The population is still growing and there are many young families,” Danakas said. “The plan was to open March of 2020, but with COVID those plans were put on hold. When we got the green light to open, we did. Opening during a pandemic had its challenges, but everything worked out.”
Normally the site has the choice of booths or high tops, too. There is a distinct bar side (turn left) and a dining side (go right). I visited while Sudbury was still in the Red Zone. Waiting for my guest, there was time to look over specials and tent-talkers at the bar. Stella and a starter? I’m in!
Calamari is always a must-try. It is an on-going quest for the best. These ones are lightly deep-fried, seasoned with lemon dill, peppers, green onions; a lemon wedge, and comes with tzatziki. It sure makes for tasty bites. Not dry, not crumbly, just enough crunch that stays on from plate to palate.
I thought lunch might be a meatball sandwich. A favourite! I was primed for it. I’d checked out the menu online.
Then, I spotted the veal sandwich. Almost! Now, I am a total fan of the Montreal smoked meat sandwich. I caved. So no further decisions. Or was there?
Morgan, our server, made a suggestion and offered an alternative. My side swap was kettle chips, while Ken Desjardins took on the fries with his Philly steak sandwich. We shared a caesar salad as it really was enough for two. You can add grilled chicken for $5, steak for $7 or grilled salmon for $7 and make it a meal.
“This was always a great location for lunch,” said Desjardins, reminding me that for years this was known as the Parthenon, and we had met here for many meals.
There are other choices including a chicken caesar wrap. If you can’t decide, you could ask for the Trio (soup, salad, and half a Club). A snack platter ($16 for fries, onion rings, fried pickles, mushroom caps, mozza sticks and garlic bread) might be good for a table.
For lighter fare, there is the Cobb salad, Greek salad, beet salad (Beets, feta, balsamic vinaigrette and honey-coated pecans), or the crispy honey chicken salad.
Classic burgers, spicy buffalo chicken sandwich, and gyros are also available. Pastas and a full selection of mains, including salmon, ribs and fajitas, round out the options.
“We’re more of a roadhouse-themed restaurant, which we feel fits well within the Valley East community, catering to all walks of life. The menu has a little bit of everything with the most popular items being wings and our homemade burgers. A ‘regular” clientele is slowly starting to form, which is a true testament to the staff for doing a great job,” Danakas said.
Once things return to “normal,” start your day with breakfast. I would have liked to try the Greek omelets (naturally with Feta cheese), or the bacon and mushroom. There is a kids’ menu as well (four choices all priced at $7).
“I’m hoping this is the last lockdown, however if this continues I can’t see many small businesses surviving which is extremely unfortunate.”
We are with you on that Pete! Let’s get to Green.
J’s Roadhouse Bar + Grill
Val Caron Location - 3045 Old Hwy 69, Val Caron
705-588-5800
Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
and
J’s Roadhouse Bar + Grill
New Sudbury Location - 830 Barrydowne Rd
705-586-0200
Everyday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Find J'sRoadhouse on Facebook here.
Hugh Kruzel is a committed foodie and a freelance writer in Greater Sudbury. Let’s Eat is made possible by our Community Leaders Program. Are you an advertiser? Learn more about our Community Leaders Program here.
