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JACK'S WIFE FREDA

Last Updated: 8 days ago

Phone: (212) 510-8550

Address: 226 LAFAYETTE STREET 10012

TLDR

Lively Med/Am spot known for brunch & breakfast. Some say it lost its charm, others love the vibe & solid food. Great for people-watching!

Sentiment Overview(Based on 37 Reddit comments)

32% Positive30% Neutral38% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

american 12mediterranean 10israeli 8brunch 11breakfast 4View All

Neighborhoods

SoHo

Instagram Posts References

Summary

Details

This vibrant Mediterranean and American eatery, with roots on Lafayette Street, offers a popular brunch and breakfast menu. While some patrons recall a charm that may have diminished with expansion, others praise it as a go-to spot for a lively atmosphere and solid, unadventurous food that appeals to a younger crowd. It's often recommended for its people-watching opportunities from sidewalk seating, though opinions on its overall culinary merit are divided.

Food Overview

The cuisine is described as Mediterranean, Israeli, and American, with a strong emphasis on brunch and breakfast. While some users recommend specific dishes and find the food solid and reasonably priced, others consider it mediocre, not particularly special, and overpriced for the quality.

Highlights / Recommended

"The kale salad with salmon was specifically praised for its crispy salmon and addictive tangy dressing, described as reasonably priced for the area."

Customer Sentiment

Customer sentiment is mixed. Some find it to be a great, lively spot with solid food, especially for brunch, while others criticize it as over-hyped, mediocre, and overpriced, particularly after expansion.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

A lengthy discussion with divided opinions on Jack's Wife Freda. Some users strongly criticize it as 'mid' and overpriced with 'meh' food, while others defend it, suggesting it's misunderstood or had a positive experience during off-peak hours. One user specifically praised the kale salad with salmon.
Several comments advise against Jack's Wife Freda, grouping it with 'American brunchy places for young women who don't eat much' or as a place to avoid. One user notes that the original Lafayette Street location may have lost its charm after expansion.
Jack's Wife Frieda is recommended as a great place for a younger crowd, highlighting its vibrant atmosphere, popular clientele, and dependable, affordable food, making it suitable for a birthday lunch.
Jack's Wife Freda in SoHo is suggested for its great outdoor seating and people-watching opportunities. However, one comment notes that while good for a drink or coffee, the food was not particularly special.
A user lists Jack's Wife Freda as a highly recommended place they disagree with, suggesting it has mediocre food, questionable service, and a poor ambiance, aiming for quick turnover.

Recent Mentions

From post: Good Brunch Spots For Group Of 1015

"This restaurant was recommended as a spot that could accommodate a large group for brunch."

Neutral
Feb 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: Sunday Birthday Brunch Recs

"The user mentions hearing positive things about Jacks Wife Freda for brunch."

Positive
Nov 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Poor Quality Yet Expensive Restaurant

"This commenter agreed that Jack's Wife Frieda isn't outrageously expensive, but still found it to be subpar."

Negative
Nov 20, 2025View Comment →

From post: Poor Quality Yet Expensive Restaurant

"This user downplayed the negative aspects of Jack's Wife Frieda, suggesting it's not extreme enough to be a top contender for a bad restaurant."

Neutral
Nov 20, 2025View Comment →

From post: Poor Quality Yet Expensive Restaurant

"This user stated they liked the salads from Spring Street Natural, even though they don't typically eat salads."

Positive
Nov 20, 2025View Comment →

From post: Poor Quality Yet Expensive Restaurant

"This commenter listed several other notable restaurants that used to be in the area, recalling fond memories of dining there in the early 2000s."

Positive
Nov 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Poor Quality Yet Expensive Restaurant

"This user reiterated their negative view of Jack's Wife Frieda, citing meh food and high prices, and comparing it unfavorably to Bite restaurant nearby."

Negative
Nov 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Poor Quality Yet Expensive Restaurant

"This user expressed happiness that Spring Street Natural was mentioned, reminiscing about its quality."

Positive
Nov 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Poor Quality Yet Expensive Restaurant

"This commenter offered a counterpoint to the previous defense, suggesting that if Jack's Wife Frieda truly did what it does well, it would be more successful."

Negative
Nov 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Poor Quality Yet Expensive Restaurant

"This user defended Jack's Wife Frieda, suggesting it's misunderstood and would be better received if positioned as an upscale diner with a unique menu."

Positive
Nov 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Poor Quality Yet Expensive Restaurant

"This commenter described Jack's Wife Frieda as 'mid' and suggested the block it's on could be called 'midtown' due to its perceived lack of quality."

Negative
Nov 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Poor Quality Yet Expensive Restaurant

"This commenter had a positive experience at Jack's Wife Frieda for a late lunch, finding the food good and the service pleasant due to it not being busy."

Positive
Nov 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Poor Quality Yet Expensive Restaurant

"This user recommended Jack's Wife Frieda on Spring Street, contrasting it negatively with the previously mentioned Spring Street Natural."

Negative
Nov 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: West Village Realistic Reservations

"This user has never had a problem getting a table at Jack's Wife Freda on Carmine Street."

Neutral
Sep 25, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Breakfast Sandwiches And Breakfast Burritos

"Jack's wife Freda is recommended for sit-down dining."

Positive
Aug 22, 2025View Comment →

From post: Quintessential Outdoor Patio Dining In The West

"Jack's Wife Freda was suggested as an alternative if the user is considering Soho, noting it offers great people-watching from its sidewalk seating."

Positive
Aug 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Favorite Manhattan Cafe To Sit Outside And Watch

"This user agreed with the previous comment, stating the food at Jack's Wife Freda is very average and not comparable to a diner."

Negative
Aug 5, 2025View Comment →

From post: Favorite Manhattan Cafe To Sit Outside And Watch

"This user agreed that the food at Jack's Wife Freda is mediocre, questioning its popularity."

Negative
Aug 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: Favorite Manhattan Cafe To Sit Outside And Watch

"Jack's Wife Freda in SoHo is recommended for its great outdoor seating and is good for just a drink or coffee, though the food was noted as not being particularly special."

Neutral
Aug 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: Quick Dinner Near 18th St And 8th Av Manhattan

"Jack wife Freda is mentioned."

Neutral
Jul 24, 2025View Comment →