I love everything about the SoHo area. Amazing shops and boutiques, restaurants and cafes on every corner, and people watching at its finest. Jack’s Wife Freda fits right in with the SoHo vibe and this tiny, yet popular café is one of SoHo’s most visited, and photographed, establishments. And when I say popular… we’re talking about 2+ hour waits on the weekends if you’re not at the restaurant by 11AM. Jack’s attracts an interesting crowd; hipsters, celebrities, tourists, and NYC scene-sters dominate the scene, and after a meal here you’ll see why; the food is delicious! …
My first time at Jack’s Wife Freda was for a birthday brunch last spring. I was a bit nervous when I saw their limited menu and assortment of fresh baked pastries, sandwiches, baguettes, and kebabs served with couscous; I didn’t know what I was going to order! Although the menu here is smaller, there are several items suitable for people with gluten allergies. My favorite dish is the Mediterranean Breakfast (2 eggs any style with chopped salad and avocado). Light, healthy, and delicious; the perfect brunch meal! The green shakshuka (2 baked eggs in a green shakshuka) and the Greek salad (nofeta) are nobread approved, too. I’ve had both and highly recommend them! Ask for nobread with these orders and sub in the fries! The fries are cut thick and are very filling; however, they are subject to cross contamination so if you are sensitive be careful. The mashed avocado on seeded bread is the most photographed dish in all of New York City, and it looks amazing, but unfortunately there are no gluten free bread substitutes. For dinner, the roasted cauliflower is my absolute favorite (nocheese) and the whole fish is perfect for those who don’t mind being served a full fish on a plate.
All in all, I love the vibe here; it’s cute and casual but also trendy with a hipster edge. Whether you come here alone and sit at the bar or come for a birthday brunch or social event, there is no need to have social anxiety over what you will order. There is something for everyone! Is Jack’s Wife Freda worth the 2 hour wait? Yes! But if you come Monday through Friday, that two hour wait will be 20-30 minutes at most… so try coming during the week if you can 🙂