Jack's Wife Freda: An All-Day Mediterranean Gem in Chelsea

Jack's Wife Freda Introduce

Jack's Wife Freda has become a true New York City institution, and the Chelsea location at 116 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011, is a perfect example of why. This Mediterranean-American bistro is more than just a restaurant; it’s a warm, inviting space that feels like a home away from home. The atmosphere is a delightful mix of casual and trendy, with a cozy feel that makes you want to linger over a meal. The restaurant, which identifies as women-owned, has a unique charm that comes from its rich history, blending South African, Israeli, and Jewish grandmother influences into a menu that is both familiar and exciting.

What sets Jack's Wife Freda apart is its commitment to serving a complete, all-day menu. Whether you're craving breakfast at dinner or a hearty meal at lunch, you'll find what you're looking for. The food is celebrated for being "so good and fresh," with every dish "beautifully presented and full of flavor." The menu is a journey of diverse tastes, from classics like the Green Shakshuka to more unique offerings like the Rosewater Waffle and Fried Zucchini Chips. This eclecticism, combined with a focus on high-quality, fresh ingredients, ensures that every visit is a culinary adventure.

Beyond the food, the service is consistently praised as "fantastic," "kind and attentive." The staff’s welcoming nature creates an atmosphere where you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. Whether you’re on vacation or a local, Jack’s Wife Freda is a place that makes you feel "at home," with its friendly crowd and a vibrant, yet comfortable, ambiance. This sense of community and care, combined with an outstanding menu, makes it a true gem in the heart of Chelsea.

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Location and Accessibility

Jack's Wife Freda's Chelsea location at 116 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011, is strategically placed in a bustling and easily accessible part of the city. Situated in a vibrant neighborhood, it’s a perfect spot to meet friends for a meal. The restaurant is easily reachable via public transportation, with several subway lines and bus routes nearby. For those driving, there is paid parking lot and paid street parking available in the vicinity.

The restaurant is also highly accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that all guests can dine comfortably. The commitment to inclusivity is also evident in the gender-neutral restrooms and its welcoming atmosphere for all, including the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, pets are allowed in the outdoor seating area, making it a great option for diners with dogs.

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Services Offered

Dine-in: Enjoy the full experience of Jack's Wife Freda with a cozy and trendy dine-in setting. With options for counter service and table service, it caters to both quick meals and more leisurely dining. Reservations are recommended, especially for brunch and dinner, as the restaurant can get busy.
Outdoor Seating: On nice days, the outdoor seating provides a lovely way to enjoy your meal while soaking in the atmosphere of the neighborhood. Dogs are welcome in this area.
Delivery: For those who prefer to dine at home, Jack's Wife Freda offers convenient delivery services, bringing its fresh and flavorful dishes right to your door.
Takeout: You can also opt for takeout, which is perfect for a quick, high-quality meal to enjoy on the go or in a nearby park.
Private Dining: The restaurant offers a private dining room, making it an excellent choice for hosting special events, from family gatherings to business dinners.

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Features and Highlights

All-Day Breakfast: This is a major highlight for many customers. The full breakfast menu is available all day, so you can enjoy dishes like the Green Shakshuka or a Rosewater Waffle at any time, which is a fantastic feature for a city that never sleeps.
Great Cocktails, Coffee, and Wine: The beverage program is just as impressive as the food. Customers rave about the great coffee and cocktails, as well as an excellent wine list, making it a great spot for a drink as well as a meal.
Homemade and Fresh: Jack's Wife Freda is known for its fresh ingredients and attention to detail. The food is consistently described as "so good and fresh," and even the homemade sauces, like the hot sauce, receive high praise.
Unique Menu Items: The menu features a variety of unique and delicious items that you won’t find at every other bistro. From the Duck Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich to the Mediterranean Breakfast bowl, there's always something new and exciting to try.
LGBTQ+ Friendly and Transgender Safespace: The restaurant proudly identifies as a transgender safespace and is LGBTQ+ friendly, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

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Contact Information

Address: 116 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA

Phone: (646) 454-9045

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What is worth choosing

Choosing what to order at Jack's Wife Freda can be a delightful challenge, as everything on the menu is designed to impress. The all-day breakfast options are a great place to start. The Mediterranean Breakfast, with its perfectly poached eggs, chopped salad, and avocado, is a fan favorite. Another popular choice is the Green Shakshuka, a flavorful and comforting dish that's perfect for any time of day.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Rosewater Waffle is a must-try. This unique take on a classic breakfast dish, with its subtle floral notes, is a true standout. And don't forget the sides—the fries are described as "perfection," and the homemade hot sauce is a delicious addition to any savory dish. The duck bacon, a more sophisticated take on a breakfast staple, is also a highly recommended side.

For lunch or dinner, the Grilled Haloumi and Fried Zucchini Chips are excellent "shares" to start with. The Chicken Schnitzel is a classic comfort food item, while the Fish A La Plancha is a great healthy and flavorful choice. For those who can't decide, the Matzo Ball Soup offers a taste of home. No matter what you choose, you're guaranteed a meal that is not only delicious but also beautifully prepared.

Jack's Wife Freda Menu

Breakfast (To Go) - Breakfast
Grapefruit Yogurt $15.00
grapefruit and mint, Lebanese yogurt, granola & honey
Rosewater Waffle $19.00
topped with Lebanese yogurt, mixed berries & honey syrup
Madame Freda $25.00
pressed sandwich with duck prosciutto, cheddar bechamel, gruyere & a sunny side up egg
Green Shakshuka $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* $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 $10.00
thinly sliced duck bacon cured in house and smoked with applewood

Breakfast
Grapefruit Yogurt $15.00
grapefruit and mint, Lebanese yogurt, granola & honey
Rosewater Waffle $19.00
topped with Lebanese yogurt, mixed berries & honey syrup
Madame Freda $25.00
pressed sandwich with duck prosciutto, cheddar bechamel, gruyere & a sunny side up egg
Green Shakshuka $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* $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 $10.00
thinly sliced duck bacon cured in house and smoked with applewood

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

Lunch & Dinner (To Go) - Salads
Kale Greek Salad $18.00
kale, cucumber, tomato, pickled red onions, salt-cured olives & feta in a red wine vinaigrette
House Salad $19.00
butter lettuce, shaved radish & carrot, avocado, pea shoots in a tarragon vinaigrette
Tuna Salad $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 $22.00
short rib beef burger with tomato & fried onion
Prego Roll $25.00
Portuguese skirt steak sandwich with garlic butter
Chicken Prego $24.00
grilled chicken breast with smoked paprika aioli, watercress & onion
Mimi's Salmon Burger $24.00
with pea shoots & chipotle labneh aioli, served on a potato bun
Grilled Eggplant Baguette $20.00
with roasted tomato, mozzarella, olive tapenade & pesto
Mashed Avocado On Seeded Bread $19.00
open faced sandwich with cherry tomato jam, pickled carrots & za'atar
Duck Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich $21.00
with duck bacon, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese & tomato jam

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

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

Lunch & Dinner (To Go) - Desserts
Flourless Chipotle Chocolate Cake $12.00
with chocolate mousse (gluten free)
Homemade Spiced Cheesecake $12.00
a rich, dense cheesecake seasoned with cinnamon, allspice and cloves.
Noam's Malva Pudding $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 $8.00
a 7oz jar of our house made everything sauce
Pickled Onions 7oz $8.00
a 7oz jar of our house made pickled onions
Tzatziki 7oz $8.00
a 7oz jar of our house made tzatziki
Trio Of Sauces $21.00
all three of our house made sauces in individual 7oz jars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Specials (To Go)
Fish & Chips $30.00

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

Daily Specials (To Go)
Steak Special $48.00

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

Daily Specials (To Go)
Rigatoni Bolognese $28.00

Jack's Wife Freda Details

From the business
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

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

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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

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

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner 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
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Jack's Wife Freda Photos

Jack's Wife Freda Location

Jack's Wife Freda

New York New York County New York 8th Avenue

116 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA

Jack's Wife Freda Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 1785 user reviews.

wafflepoached eggsgreen shakshukarosewaterperi peri chickencantaloupebreakfast bowlroasted tomatochicken schnitzelchelsea

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I’m here on vacation and my cousin recommended we try this place out. It is amazing! The food is so good and fresh, and the service was fantastic. I got the Mediterranean breakfast with perfectly poached eggs and iced coffee. Their homemade hot sauce was also delicious. My daughter got the egg sandwich with duck bacon and fries. I didn’t try her sandwich but the fries were perfection. We also got fresh watermelon juice (a special) and it was so good we ordered another to go. We will likely be back before we leave town.Edit/Update: We did actually come back two days later and I got the poached eggs with roasted tomato and haloumi this time. It was also delicious! We got the watermelon juice and an iced coffee again :) Our server was different this time and just as kind and attentive. I'll for sure be back next time I'm in Chelsea!
July 29 · Sandi Spier
I really like that the menu has all day breakfast. The pressed sandwich with prosciutto and egg was very good.Pleasant atmosphere, good for couples or groups. For dinner we did not need to reserve ahead and got seated quickly.
July 08 · Laurel Clare
The place has this simple, relaxed charm that’s perfect for a morning catch-up or solo start to the day.I tried the beet dip and the fried zucchini, both were absolutely incredible and definitely must-orders. They’re just a little different from your typical breakfast fare.Service was warm and efficient
July 29 · Azzam
The Saturday morning brunch crowd is popping. The inside of the restaurant is loud. The food is on point though. The duck bacon was great. Where else can you find duck bacon?
June 14 · Andrew Hazelrigg
Came in for Sunday brunch. The food was amazing. We started with the Grilled Halloumi, I wanted a healthy option so I went with Maya’s Breakfast Bowl (it was so good I tried to make it at home lol). It was definitely packed/crowded but so worth it, I would come back to try their entrees next time.
April 06 · Jeanna Grybas