There are restaurants you visit where you walk in, eat your food and leave, barely remembering what you ate.

Then, there are restaurants you visit where you walk in with friends, savor your meal as if you are in Cuba (where table time is much valued), linger just a bit longer over coffee and dessert, and then tell everyone you know about the evening out because the entire experience was just THAT spectacular!

It’s rare to find, but it does exist.

Over the weekend I was so fortunate to experience an unforgettable meal out with fabulous company and amazing food. My girl friend, Tammie asked me to accompany her to Uncle Jack’s Meat House in Duluth for an unforgettable tasting experience that will long remain a topic of discussion.

{Seriously, it’s Monday morning and we are still talking about it!}

Uncle Jack’s Meat House in Duluth is an unassuming restaurant located on Sugarloaf Parkway  near the Infinite Energy Arena.  Despite being located in such a busy area for  over a year (they opened in late 2016), so many people still have not discovered this hidden gem!

Tammie and I were greeted warmly when we walked in.  We were given the option of indoor or outdoor dining; both of which are fabulous options.

 

The manager introduced us to our waiter, Luis, who treated us wonderfully! The decor is laid back and casual with a bit of an industrial vibe.  Guests were dressed as casual as shorts and tee-shirts to suits and dresses!  We dined with parents and their children, couples, groups of friends and even a group of teenagers.  Restaurant patrons were so diverse and everyone was welcomed the same!

The executive chef, Mitch came out and introduced himself to us and shared a little background of the restaurant.  Uncle Jack’s Meat House is owned by  Restauranteur and Food Network personality Willie Degel, who also owns two other restaurants in NYC.  Together Degel and Chef Mitch came up with a menu and concept for the restaurant.  After a little trial and error the menu and restaurant concept evolved into the fabulous restaurant it is now!

Chef Mitch is an Atlanta native who has put a decidedly Southern and delightfully Atlantan spin on the restaurant menu.  Everything is prepared fresh and to order here.  There are no prepackaged meals heated up in an oven, only fresh ingredients; as many as possible from local farms and dairies.  All sauces are even prepared on site; you will not find a bottle of A1 here, nor do you need it.  The only freezer is a small chest freezer that holds the ice cream for one of their desserts, which is also made onsite. Chef Mitch said they work hard to accommodate the dietary needs of guests, including those with allergies or gluten intolerance.

With your food cooked made from scratch and made to order, don’t expect your meals in five minutes.  This isn’t a heat your dish in the microwave and bring to the table restaurant.  This is a place for you to socialize over the table as each course is brought out, and to savor each bite you put into your mouth.  If you want to eat in a hurry this is not the place to eat, but if you truly want a memorable experience, make your reservation and plan to stay awhile!

Chef Mitch had several menu items already planned ahead to serve us, then had us also choose an entree.  Everything brought to our table was absolutely fantastic and every bite lovely to experience.

So what deliciousness did Tammie and I indulge?

Munchies:

Applewood Smoked Bacon with house-made peanut butter (slather it on y’all!) and maple syrup

Smoked Local Pork Spare Ribs with a sweet and sour BBQ glaze and Apple Cider Coleslaw

Maine Lobster and Avocado Mini Tacos with a shell made of taro root and served with herb mayo and wasabi

We also enjoyed selections of fresh local cheeses, cured southern meats, pickled onions, cherry jam and whole grain mustard on a Charcuterie board.

Charred Spanish Octopus with chickpea puree, olives, capers, pickled onion, and drizzled with Spanish olive oil.

USDA Choice Steak:

For our entrees Tammie and I enjoy selections from the steak menu.  I tried the 35 day dried aged rib chop (this is enough for THREE meals!) cooked medium rare.

Tammie enjoyed the tender center cut filet mignon.

Sharing Sides:

The menu at Uncle Jack’s Meat House is ala cart, but the sides are completely sharable and options are just fabulous! We tried four delicious side dishes with our steaks.  By far the CornGasm Brûlée and collard greens were my favorite!

Organic Cauliflower Gratin with Gruyere cheese

5 Cheese Mac and Cheese made with gouda, Parmesan, Cheddar, Jack and Gruyere cheeses

Slow Cooked Collard Greens with smoked ham hock and aged sherry vinegar

CornGasm Brûlée complete with a crystalized sugar top

Sweet Tooth:

And if all of the above wasn’t enough, we had dessert.

The banana Dutch Baby was delicious….

But the Fudge Brownie Soufflé served with Salted Caramel Ice Cream was probably the best dessert I have EVER enjoyed!  This dish is prepared when you order it, so it takes around 20 minutes to be out at your table.  Don’t be impatient.  The wait is totally worth it!

Uncle Jack’s Meat House is open for lunch and supper Monday through Friday and for supper on Saturday and Sunday.  They went from empty to packed within 30 minutes of our 6:30 arrival on a Friday night, so make a reservation!

Uncle Jack’s Meat House

6590 Sugarloaf Pkwy suite 201

Duluth, GA 30097