Jack's Wife Freda: Your Go-To Mediterranean Restaurant in NYC

Jack's Wife Freda Introduce

Welcome to the vibrant world of New York City dining, where every street corner holds a new culinary discovery. Among the bustling avenues and charming side streets, one name stands out for its unique blend of comforting classics and Mediterranean-inspired flavors: Jack's Wife Freda. This beloved restaurant has captured the hearts and palates of New Yorkers and visitors alike with its warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu that feels both familiar and exciting. It's more than just a place to eat; it's a destination for a memorable meal, whether you're starting your day with a satisfying breakfast or ending it with a delightful dinner. From their signature Rosewater Waffles to savory dishes like the Peri-Peri Chicken, Jack's Wife Freda offers a taste of home in the heart of the city.

Location and Accessibility

Nestled in the trendy NoLIta (North of Little Italy) neighborhood, Jack's Wife Freda is located at 226 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012, USA. Its prime location makes it easily accessible from various parts of Manhattan. The restaurant is well-integrated into the city's transport network. You'll find several subway stations within a short walking distance, making it convenient whether you're coming from the East Village, SoHo, or farther afield. For those who prefer to drive, both paid and free street parking options are available in the vicinity, though as with any part of NYC, street parking can sometimes be a challenge.

Jack's Wife Freda is committed to making its space welcoming to everyone. The restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for guests with mobility needs. The casual, cozy atmosphere is perfect for groups, families, and solo diners alike. Its reputation for being an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender-safe space, along with its gender-neutral toilets, further adds to its inclusive and welcoming vibe. Whether you're a local or a tourist, the location is a great starting point to explore the area's unique shops and galleries after your meal.

Services Offered

Jack's Wife Freda provides a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the needs of all its guests. Their offerings ensure that whether you're in a rush or settling in for a long meal, your experience is seamless and enjoyable.

Dine-in and Table Service: Enjoy a full dining experience with attentive table service in a cozy, trendy atmosphere.
Takeaway and Delivery: For those on the go, a full menu is available for takeaway and delivery, so you can enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your home or office.
Outdoor Seating: Perfect for people-watching on Lafayette Street, the outdoor seating area provides a charming option during pleasant weather.
Private Dining Room: For special occasions or group events, a private dining room is available, offering an intimate setting for your celebration.
Counter Service: A quick and efficient option for a fast bite or a coffee run.

The restaurant also provides excellent amenities, including a full bar on site, making it a great spot for happy hour. With options for everything from a quick coffee to a full-course meal, Jack's Wife Freda has you covered.

Features and Highlights

What makes Jack's Wife Freda a standout in a city full of culinary giants? It’s the unique combination of its welcoming features and high-quality offerings. The restaurant has garnered a reputation for several key highlights that keep customers coming back time and time again.

Fast and Friendly Service: The staff is known for being attentive, friendly, and efficient, ensuring you have a positive experience from the moment you arrive.
Great Beverages: The bar serves a fantastic selection of cocktails, beer, and wine, complementing the menu perfectly. They are also highly praised for their coffee and extensive tea selection.
Dessert Selection: Don't skip the dessert menu, which features delightful options like the Homemade Spiced Cheesecake and Flourless Chipotle Chocolate Cake.
Local Specialties and Healthy Options: Jack's Wife Freda prides itself on serving local specialties and offers a wide array of healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Family and Group Friendly: The restaurant has a kids' menu, high chairs, and changing tables, making it an excellent choice for families. It’s also popular with groups, though reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially during peak hours.

These features, combined with the casual and cozy atmosphere, create a dining experience that feels both special and incredibly comfortable. It’s a place where you can feel at ease whether you're on a first date, catching up with friends, or enjoying a meal with your family.

What Is Worth Choosing

When you look at the menu for Jack's Wife Freda, you'll immediately notice the thoughtful blend of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The food is often described by patrons as "simple in the best way possible," with a focus on fresh, flavorful ingredients and a homemade quality. The menu includes a variety of choices, from light salads to hearty entrees.

For breakfast and brunch, fan favorites include the Rosewater Waffle and the Green Shakshuka. The Mediterranean Poached Eggs with Tomato & Haloumi is a must-try for those seeking a unique and flavorful morning meal. The restaurant is also widely popular for its lunch and dinner offerings. Start with shared plates like the Grilled Haloumi or Fried Zucchini Chips. For your main course, you can't go wrong with the Peri-Peri Chicken or the Fish A La Plancha. The Steak Frites is another popular choice for those craving a classic with a twist. The menu also offers a great selection of sandwiches, including the Jack's Burger and Mimi's Salmon Burger.

Jack's Wife Freda also caters to various dietary needs with its healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options. The Vegetable Curry Bowl and Mustard Seed Tofu are flavorful plant-based choices, while a variety of salads and sides ensure everyone finds something they love. Regular specials like the Friday Night Fish & Chips and Sunday Night Rigatoni Bolognese keep the menu exciting and give you a reason to come back throughout the week. The food here isn’t just delicious; it’s comforting, satisfying, and made with a genuine passion for good, honest cooking. It truly feels like eating at home, but with a vibrant city backdrop.

Contact Information

If you're ready to experience Jack's Wife Freda for yourself, you can find them at the following address and contact number:

Address: 226 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012, USA
Phone: (212) 510-8550

While the restaurant is highly popular and can get busy, they do accept reservations, which are recommended for lunch and brunch. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a full dining experience, a visit to Jack's Wife Freda promises to be a delightful culinary journey.

Jack's Wife Freda Menu

Breakfast (To Go) - Breakfast
Grapefruit Yogurt US$15.00
grapefruit and mint, Lebanese yogurt, granola & honey
Rosewater Waffle US$19.00
topped with Lebanese yogurt, mixed berries & honey syrup
Madame Freda US$25.00
pressed sandwich with duck prosciutto, cheddar bechamel, gruyere & a sunny side up egg
Green Shakshuka US$16.00
2 soft baked eggs in a green tomatillo shakshuka served with challah toast
Mediterranean
2 eggs served any style, chopped salad, labneh, avocado & pita bread
Poached Eggs W/Tomato & Haloumi* US$19.00
2 poached eggs, roasted tomato, haolumi and gremolata, served with sourdough toast
Maya's Breakfast Bowl
scrambled or poached eggs, red quinoa, kale, spaghetti squash, roasted tomato, radish & avocado
Jack's Breakfast
grilled skirt steak, 2 eggs served any style, roasted tomato, fingerling potatoes, pickled onions & sourdough toast
Side Duck Bacon US$10.00
thinly sliced duck bacon cured in house and smoked with applewood

Breakfast
Grapefruit Yogurt US$15.00
grapefruit and mint, Lebanese yogurt, granola & honey
Rosewater Waffle US$19.00
topped with Lebanese yogurt, mixed berries & honey syrup
Madame Freda US$25.00
pressed sandwich with duck prosciutto, cheddar bechamel, gruyere & a sunny side up egg
Green Shakshuka US$16.00
2 soft baked eggs in a green tomatillo shakshuka served with challah toast
Mediterranean
2 eggs served any style, chopped salad, labneh, avocado & pita bread
Poached Eggs W/Tomato & Haloumi* US$19.00
2 poached eggs, roasted tomato, haolumi and gremolata, served with sourdough toast
Maya's Breakfast Bowl
scrambled or poached eggs, red quinoa, kale, spaghetti squash, roasted tomato, radish & avocado
Jack's Breakfast
grilled skirt steak, 2 eggs served any style, roasted tomato, fingerling potatoes, pickled onions & sourdough toast
Side Duck Bacon US$10.00
thinly sliced duck bacon cured in house and smoked with applewood

Lunch & Dinner (To Go) - Shares
Grilled Haloumi US$16.00
3 pieces of grilled haloumi with spiced grapes, olive oil and fresh mint
Chicken Wings US$18.00
6 chicken wings grilled with peri peri sauce & topped with scallions
Fried Zucchini Chips US$17.00
sliced zucchini chips, lightly breaded & fried served with paprika aioli
Salt & Pepper Eggplant US$17.00
Japanese eggplant seasoned with salt & pepper, served with tzatziki
Spiced Beet Dip US$16.00
a beet and tahini puree topped with feta & za'atar, served with pita bread
Roasted Cauliflower US$19.00
roasted cauliflower topped with fresh cauliflower, a creamy garlic dressing, parsley & capers
Kefta Kebab US$20.00
Persian meatballs with tahini & pine nuts, served with pita bread
Whole Roasted Garlic US$9.00
whole bulb of garlic slow roasted, cut in half, topped with olive oil, maldon sea salt & served with a baguette
Matzo Ball Soup US$17.00
one large matzo ball in a roasted chicken broth with dill & sliced carrot

Lunch & Dinner (To Go) - Salads
Kale Greek Salad US$18.00
kale, cucumber, tomato, pickled red onions, salt-cured olives & feta in a red wine vinaigrette
House Salad US$19.00
butter lettuce, shaved radish & carrot, avocado, pea shoots in a tarragon vinaigrette
Tuna Salad US$20.00
with chopped tomatoes, avocado & red onions in a sweet soy balsamic dressing served with arugula & sourdough

Lunch & Dinner (To Go) - Sandwiches
Jack's Burger US$22.00
short rib beef burger with tomato & fried onion
Prego Roll US$25.00
Portuguese skirt steak sandwich with garlic butter
Chicken Prego US$24.00
grilled chicken breast with smoked paprika aioli, watercress & onion
Mimi's Salmon Burger US$24.00
with pea shoots & chipotle labneh aioli, served on a potato bun
Grilled Eggplant Baguette US$20.00
with roasted tomato, mozzarella, olive tapenade & pesto
Mashed Avocado On Seeded Bread US$19.00
open faced sandwich with cherry tomato jam, pickled carrots & za'atar
Duck Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich US$21.00
with duck bacon, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese & tomato jam

Lunch & Dinner (To Go) - Entrees
Chicken Kebab US$24.00
Peri Peri marinated chicken with couscous & chopped salad
Fish A La Plancha US$29.00
Sesame soy glaze with sautéed kale & radish
Peri-Peri Chicken US$32.00
a grilled half chicken prepared spatchcock style & seasoned with Peri Peri, served with diced salad
Whole Fish US$40.00
head to tail, served with couscous, chopped salad & gremolata
Steak Frites US$46.00
with maitre d'butter & fries
Chicken Schnitzel US$28.00
with mashed potatoes & diced salad
Spaghetti & Meatballs US$22.00
traditional spaghetti noodles in Freda's tomato sauce with parmesan cheese
Spaghetti Squash & Meatballs US$26.00
spaghetti squash noodles in Freda's tomato sauce with parmesan cheese
Vegetable Curry Bowl US$26.00
medley of fresh veggies in a spicy coconut curry sauce with couscous & house chutney
Mustard Seed Tofu US$22.00
pan fried mustard seed crusted tofu served over spaghetti squash, topped with parsley & radish

Lunch & Dinner (To Go) - Sides
Side Arugula Salad US$8.00
shallot vinaigrette garnished with pickled onions
Side Chopped US$10.00
diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, lemon, olive oil, black pepper & mint
Side Sauteed Kale US$12.00
with garlic & olive oil
Side Spaghetti Squash US$14.00
with garlic, olive oil & parsley
Side French Fries US$10.00
Side Couscous US$8.00
with mint, olive oil & parsley
Side Mashed Potatoes US$10.00
Side Fngerling Potatoes US$10.00
with garlic, fresh thyme, salt & pepper
Side Duck Bacon US$10.00
thinly sliced duck bacon cured in house and smoked with applewood
Side Salmon US$13.00
Side Chicken Skewer US$12.00
all natural free-bird chicken
Side Prego Steak US$14.00
Side Tofu US$9.00
Haloumi (1 Piece) US$4.00
Haloumi ( 2 Piece) US$8.00
Side Avocado US$5.00
Side Feta US$4.00
Side One Egg - Scrambled US$4.00
Side Two Egg - Scrambled US$8.00
Side One Egg - Poached US$4.00
Side Two Eggs - Poached US$8.00
Side One Egg - Sunny Side Up US$4.00
Side Two Eggs - Sunny Side Up US$8.00

Lunch & Dinner (To Go) - Desserts
Flourless Chipotle Chocolate Cake US$12.00
with chocolate mousse (gluten free)
Homemade Spiced Cheesecake US$12.00
a rich, dense cheesecake seasoned with cinnamon, allspice and cloves.
Noam's Malva Pudding US$12.00
a warm vanilla spongecake soaked in a caramel sauce with whipped cream on the side

Lunch & Dinner (To Go) - Goods
Everything Sauce 7oz US$8.00
a 7oz jar of our house made everything sauce
Pickled Onions 7oz US$8.00
a 7oz jar of our house made pickled onions
Tzatziki 7oz US$8.00
a 7oz jar of our house made tzatziki
Trio Of Sauces US$21.00
all three of our house made sauces in individual 7oz jars

Shares
Grilled Haloumi US$16.00
3 pieces of grilled haloumi with spiced grapes, olive oil and fresh mint
Chicken Wings US$18.00
6 chicken wings grilled with peri peri sauce & topped with scallions
Fried Zucchini Chips US$17.00
sliced zucchini chips, lightly breaded & fried served with paprika aioli
Salt & Pepper Eggplant US$17.00
Japanese eggplant seasoned with salt & pepper, served with tzatziki
Spiced Beet Dip US$16.00
a beet and tahini puree topped with feta & za'atar, served with pita bread
Roasted Cauliflower US$19.00
roasted cauliflower topped with fresh cauliflower, a creamy garlic dressing, parsley & capers
Kefta Kebab US$20.00
Persian meatballs with tahini & pine nuts, served with pita bread
Whole Roasted Garlic US$9.00
whole bulb of garlic slow roasted, cut in half, topped with olive oil, maldon sea salt & served with a baguette
Matzo Ball Soup US$17.00
one large matzo ball in a roasted chicken broth with dill & sliced carrot

Salads
Kale Greek Salad US$18.00
kale, cucumber, tomato, pickled red onions, salt-cured olives & feta in a red wine vinaigrette
House Salad US$19.00
butter lettuce, shaved radish & carrot, avocado, pea shoots in a tarragon vinaigrette
Tuna Salad US$20.00
with chopped tomatoes, avocado & red onions in a sweet soy balsamic dressing served with arugula & sourdough

Sandwiches
Jack's Burger US$22.00
short rib beef burger with tomato & fried onion
Prego Roll US$25.00
Portuguese skirt steak sandwich with garlic butter
Chicken Prego US$24.00
grilled chicken breast with smoked paprika aioli, watercress & onion
Mimi's Salmon Burger US$24.00
with pea shoots & chipotle labneh aioli, served on a potato bun
Grilled Eggplant Baguette US$20.00
with roasted tomato, mozzarella, olive tapenade & pesto
Mashed Avocado On Seeded Bread US$19.00
open faced sandwich with cherry tomato jam, pickled carrots & za'atar
Duck Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich US$21.00
with duck bacon, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese & tomato jam

Entrees
Chicken Kebab US$24.00
Peri Peri marinated chicken with couscous & chopped salad
Fish A La Plancha US$29.00
Sesame soy glaze with sautéed kale & radish
Peri-Peri Chicken US$32.00
a grilled half chicken prepared spatchcock style & seasoned with Peri Peri, served with diced salad
Whole Fish US$40.00
head to tail, served with couscous, chopped salad & gremolata
Steak Frites US$46.00
with maitre d'butter & fries
Chicken Schnitzel US$28.00
with mashed potatoes & diced salad
Spaghetti & Meatballs US$22.00
traditional spaghetti noodles in Freda's tomato sauce with parmesan cheese
Spaghetti Squash & Meatballs US$26.00
spaghetti squash noodles in Freda's tomato sauce with parmesan cheese
Vegetable Curry Bowl US$26.00
medley of fresh veggies in a spicy coconut curry sauce with couscous & house chutney
Mustard Seed Tofu US$22.00
pan fried mustard seed crusted tofu served over spaghetti squash, topped with parsley & radish

Sides
Side Arugula Salad US$8.00
shallot vinaigrette garnished with pickled onions
Side Chopped US$10.00
diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, lemon, olive oil, black pepper & mint
Side Sauteed Kale US$12.00
with garlic & olive oil
Side Spaghetti Squash US$14.00
with garlic, olive oil & parsley
Side French Fries US$10.00
Side Couscous US$8.00
with mint, olive oil & parsley
Side Mashed Potatoes US$10.00
Side Fngerling Potatoes US$10.00
with garlic, fresh thyme, salt & pepper
Side Duck Bacon US$10.00
thinly sliced duck bacon cured in house and smoked with applewood
Side Salmon US$13.00
Side Chicken Skewer US$12.00
all natural free-bird chicken
Side Prego Steak US$14.00
Side Tofu US$9.00
Haloumi (1 Piece) US$4.00
Haloumi ( 2 Piece) US$8.00
Side Avocado US$5.00
Side Feta US$4.00
Side One Egg - Scrambled US$4.00
Side Two Egg - Scrambled US$8.00
Side One Egg - Poached US$4.00
Side Two Eggs - Poached US$8.00
Side One Egg - Sunny Side Up US$4.00
Side Two Eggs - Sunny Side Up US$8.00

Desserts
Flourless Chipotle Chocolate Cake US$12.00
with chocolate mousse (gluten free)
Homemade Spiced Cheesecake US$12.00
a rich, dense cheesecake seasoned with cinnamon, allspice and cloves.
Noam's Malva Pudding US$12.00
a warm vanilla spongecake soaked in a caramel sauce with whipped cream on the side

Goods
Everything Sauce 7oz US$8.00
a 7oz jar of our house made everything sauce
Pickled Onions 7oz US$8.00
a 7oz jar of our house made pickled onions
Tzatziki 7oz US$8.00
a 7oz jar of our house made tzatziki
Trio Of Sauces US$21.00
all three of our house made sauces in individual 7oz jars

Kid's Menu (To Go) - Kid's Menu
Kids Schnitzel US$12.00
served with french fries
Kids Pasta US$12.00
choice of red sauce or butter
Kids Burger US$12.00
plain hamburger served with fries
Kids Grilled Cheese US$12.00
served with french fries
Kids Scrambled Eggs US$12.00
served with french fries

Kid's Menu
Kids Schnitzel US$12.00
served with french fries
Kids Pasta US$12.00
choice of red sauce or butter
Kids Burger US$12.00
plain hamburger served with fries
Kids Grilled Cheese US$12.00
served with french fries
Kids Scrambled Eggs US$12.00
served with french fries

Friday Night's Special (To Go) - Daily Specials (To Go)
Fish & Chips US$30.00

Daily Specials (To Go)
Fish & Chips US$30.00

Saturday Night Special (To Go) - Daily Specials (To Go)
Steak Special US$48.00

Daily Specials (To Go)
Steak Special US$48.00

Sunday Night Special (To Go) - Daily Specials (To Go)
Rigatoni Bolognese US$28.00

Daily Specials (To Go)
Rigatoni Bolognese US$28.00

Jack's Wife Freda Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Wheelchair-accessible car park

Offerings
Alcohol
All you can eat
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy-hour drinks
Happy-hour food
Healthy options
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Private dining room
Quick bite
Salad bar
Small plates
Spirits
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar on site
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet

Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy

Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
University students

Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Jack's Wife Freda Photos

Jack's Wife Freda Location

Jack's Wife Freda

New York New York County New York Lafayette Street

226 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012, USA

Jack's Wife Freda Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 4074 user reviews.

wafflecantaloupegreen shakshukaperi peri chickenmalva puddingbreakfast bowlbloody maryspaghetti squashflourlesstomatillo

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Dining at Jack’s Wife Freda felt just like eating at home—comforting, satisfying, and full of warmth. The food was simple in the best way possible: flavorful, fresh, and made with care. Every dish we ordered had that homemade quality that makes you want to come back the next day and order it all over again.The service was absolutely fantastic. From the moment we walked in, the staff was friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. It’s clear they care about creating a positive experience for every guest.The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, perfect for everything from brunch with friends to a relaxed dinner. The space is surprisingly big for a city restaurant, so even when it’s busy, it doesn’t feel cramped or chaotic. There’s an energy to the place that feels vibrant but never overwhelming.If you're looking for a spot with a cozy vibe, great service, and food that tastes like it came from a family kitchen, Jack’s Wife Freda is definitely worth a visit.
May 07 · Maria Klann
This is one of my top places in the city. I absolutely love it. We were sitting outside and it was wonderful inside. It's a bit loud and there's a loud echo. It will be very hard to have a conversation inside. However, the food and services always great.I had a steak sandwich. My friend had a breakfast and we shared roasted cauliflowers. Everything was incredibly delicious.
June 25 · Luchia
A place that feels like home🍴 Jack’s Wife Freda has a busy yet lively atmosphere filled with tourists and New Yorkers alike sitting down to enjoy delicious food.I ordered Maya’s Breakfast Bowl and I was amazed. The vegetables were all fresh + the green hot sauce was perfection.You can’t go wrong with shakshouka - my mother ordered the green one and the tomatillo sauce had so much flavour. It paired well with the challah bread which wasn’t dry.As for the spaghetti and chicken meatballs, the sauce was good. The tomato was mixed with a bit of pesto? I would give it the same notes as the burger. Jack’s burger was mediocre at best. But like I mentioned earlier, there are other places to satisfy your need for a good burger/pasta.‼️ I highly recommend coming here if you have an itch for Mediterranean comfort food or want to try something new. DO NOT come here if you’re going to get something traditional (ex. a burger and fries) because that isn’t the standout of this restaurant.
August 17 · Alexa Mahabir
This place was generally good, but not great imo. Maybe it was just my dish, but the Jack's burger was bland and dry, and my side salad was completely dry with zero dressing. It was also so incredibly loud that I could barely hold a conversation with my table mates. Others in my group likes their food, but it was overall hit or miss.
August 06 · Danika Rockett
We were walking around in SoHo the other week and then met a friend at this restaurant for lunch. It was busy and crowded with mostly a younger group of people.We order three different dishes, a draft beer and a fruit drink. All were very tasty. Looked and sounded like everyone was having a good time. My only minor complaint is that it was quite noisy and a little hard for we older people to hear. But still quite a nice experience.BTW, the bathrooms are old but nice and clean.
May 03 · THE EXPLORER