Jonez of Columbia

We heard about Jonez and decided to try it out one night. We arrived and was greeted with «do you have reservations?». No ma’am was our reply. She then said «well you guys can stay and wait until all of our reservations arrive». No ma’am, but thank you. Who knows how long that was going to be. We left and went up the block to Pearls.
It’s now a couple weeks later and my boyfriend made reservations for a party of 12 for my birthday. We arrived and was somewhat quickly seated. Luckily the whole party wasn’t there yet because there wasn’t enough chairs or table space. The lady, who I’m going to assume was part of management, started asking guests to leave to accommodate her reservations. Still not enough space for seating, they began bringing outside tables in to accommodate everyone.
The waitress was nice but not very professional. She stated she «had to go find some menus and do yall want something to drink.» It took 30 minutes to get drinks each time they were ordered. Finally we were served our food. I ordered a medium steak, which came out over well done. I was brought out another steak which was again well done. I just ate it. The food wasn’t pleasing. There was lack of seasoning on the steak and broccoli. I ordered the special where the steak dinner comes with a glass of wine. I asked for sweet red wine and got bitter red wine.
The music was nice but too loud. You couldn’t hold a conversation without screaming. There’s a $ 5 entertainment fee.
Maybe this was an off night and a little over booked, so I won’t say I’ll never return but I hope the next is a much better experience.

The hubby and I enjoyed this spot. We shared the crab dip appetizer and it was outstanding. I had the Cancun Cucumber drink and it was tasty. My husband had the ribs, mashed potatoes and veggie of the day. He stated that the veggies were seasoned well… this says a lot coming from a man who isn’t a big fan of vegetables. The live entertainment was excellent… the sax player is very talented (what an understatement). .Our new date night spot

Last night, my sisters and I met up at Jonez’s for dinner and drinks. Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted by the owner, Rodney Jones. He was cordial, welcoming and very attentive. We were seated immediately. Mr. Jones asked us to describe the last member of our party so that he could bring her right over, and true to his word he walked my sister right over as she entered, telling her «I know exactly where you belong». I loved that!!! The atmosphere was very cozy and everyone was friendly. We were introduced to our waitress and the adventure began.
The thing that sets this restaurant apart from many others is the fact that they have a live Jazz band playing throughout the night. The saxophonist is out of this world amazing. He wanders about the restaurant serenading the patrons. If he is nothing else, he is quite enthusiastic about his craft. Sometimes the music can be slightly overwhelming and made conversing a little difficult, but not to the point where it was not enjoyable.
Our waitress was a sweet girl, unfortunately, she is one of the reasons I was not able to give the restaurant five stars. Upon getting our drink and appetizer order, she let us know that she would have everything out shortly. Well, shortly turned into 10 minutes, then 15, then 30. At about minute 35, I signaled her to come over and inquired about our orders. She assured us that they would be out soon. Five minutes later, we were approached by one of the restaurant’s saving graces, Sonya. She said that she noticed we had been sitting there for a while and wanted to know how she could help. This young lady went above and beyond for our party the remainder of the night to ensure that our experience was enjoyable. The restaurant’s manager, the other saving grace, also went out of his way to make reparations for the not so great portions of our meal. He is also one heck of an awesome bartender!!!
The food. There is the good, the bad and the ugly. Let’s start with the good. The crab dip and the Asian wings are PHENOMENAL!!! I wish I could eat them both everyday. The appetizers were delicious and it seems to be their strong suit. If you go, which I strongly suggest you do, get them both. It is well worth it. The bad. I ordered the loaded potato (minus the ham and bacon) and salad. The menu described the loaded potato as having turkey, ham, green peppers, onions, two cheeses, sour cream, butter and bacon on top. In my mind I am picturing a dinner potato with all of these yummy things falling out in a dinner sized portion. I was wrong. The potato was more of a side potato with a handful of toppings. However, it was very tasty, just not what I expected. The Caesar salad was good, but the croutons and dressing were not homemade. I’m snobby like that. The ugly. They killed the grilled salmon. Two of my sisters ordered the grilled salmon as an entrée and were sorely disappointed. The presentation of their food was beautiful, but the salmon was so dry and overcooked it was inedible. This was quite disappointing. If this had been the only issue with our experience, they may have just gotten freshly cooked pieces of fish and called it a day (and they were offered to have their fish replaced and given a generous discount on their entrees). Unfortunately, it was not.
Overall, my experience at Jonez’s was not one that would prevent me from returning or referring any of my friends and family. Because this is a very new restaurant, most of the things that were wrong were just kinks in the new chain. I am sure with a little more time, this will be one of the up and coming dining experiences in the city. If not for the small missteps, I would have given the restaurant five stars. I will be sure to return on my next trip back to Columbia.

We first heard about Jonez’s from the weekly restaruant review on the wltx news station about 2 months ago. We were exceptionally suprised during our first visit. The meal was outstanding! The live Jazz was amazing! We had only intended to be there about an hour or so but, ended up staying for 3 hours! We chatted with one of the most amazing Saxiphonists I have ever seen, Dwayne Johnson. What a talented young man with a humble spirit!
Since that visit we have returned twice, and each time brought friends with us. We continue to receive excellent service with each visit. The staff there are wonderful. Had the opportunity to meet and chat with the owner during our last visit. We felt welcomed and all of our needs were met. The atmosphere is great and we have been recommending this place to everyone we meet! This is a much needed venue in Columbia. We have decided to visit Jonez at least once each month! Love, love, love this place!

We were initially sad to see the prior tenant «Mojito’s» Cuban restaurant shut down from this location, but very glad to see JoneZ move in. We visited for the first time recently for drinks and to listen to the music, and we were not disappointed. Great, cozy night spot with great music that Columbia could use a lot more of.

Family Night decided to stop in and received a treat. Live band playing and food was amazing. Just recently opened both owners stop by our table to welcome us and to make sure all of our needs were met. Looking forward to returning soon. Great place and location!!!