Restaurant: JD McGillicuddy’s
Address: 118 N Wayne Ave, Wayne, PA 19087: (610) -971-2628

Rating: ★★★ (3) out of 5 stars
Style:  American
Food: Bar-style Cuisine
Atmosphere:  Sports bar vibe

Parking: Yes, street parking and lot parking across the street (with parking meters)
Service:  friendly, though unapologetically slow at times
Price Range: $$
Unique Feature:  Daily Happy Hours, Quizzo (on Tuesdays), Catering Offered

Throughout the Philadelphia area, JD McGillicuddy’s has established itself as a familiar watering hole that has been known to attract a younger crowd, generally those who prefer to grab a drink and some bar food with friends. So when we stopped by their newer establishment in Wayne, I was curious to see how it stacked up to other restaurants in the area.

We arrived on a Tuesday night around 7:30 to a moderately crowded bar & restaurant. Our chipper waitress sat us immediately, letting us know that our server would stop by shortly. As we got situated, I couldn’t help but notice not only the clientele but the ambience. There was a group of college students sitting next to us, an elderly couple sitting a few tables down, and a young family of four, emphasizing the diversity of JD McGillicuddys’ patrons. And amidst their conversations was constant radio/pop music, seamlessly flowing from one song into the other in the background.

After perusing their extensive list of beers on tap, I was still unsure of what my selection would be (clearly not the words of a beer connoisseur). The server was friendly enough to recommend something on the safe side, Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, which proved to be a good choice. Once we received our drinks, we waited about five minutes until the server came back to take our food orders, which was fine (at this point in the night).

As we talked, a display of several flat-screen TVs broadcasting Sportscenter shown above my girlfriend’s head, begging for my attention. I am unsure if JD McGillicuddy’s is a sports bar by definition, but their menu and online events (i.e. March Madness, Philly Sports events, etc.) certainly suggest so. A few minutes later, our appetizer was brought out: Crab & Artichoke Dip. Served with tortilla chips and crostini, the dip left us torn on our verdict. While the sautéed jumbo lump crab, melted cheeses, spinach, and artichoke was fulfilling, it was presented lukewarm, as if it had been sitting on a counter too long before being served.

Once we put the appetizer to rest, we waited about 15 minutes until our meals were served, which is more than reasonable. One of the main frustrations of the night was that when we were in need of a refill, it was a bit frustrating having a clear view of your server chatting and laughing with the bartenders.

Eventually, a different waiter brought out our meals then proceeded to handle our refills. My girlfriend ordered the Tuna Melt, and after eating half of the sandwich, seemed adequately satisfied. After taking a couple bites, I thought the light tuna, provolone, and tomato proved to be a great combination. I decided on the ‘Big T’ Burger, a beast of a sandwich. Topped with bacon and onion petals, the ‘Big T’ is smothered in Colby Jack cheese and the normal fixings. Alongside the burger came French fries, which appeared to be of the generic crinkle-cut variety. I was completely content with my meal, and had my heart set on the following day’s leftovers.

After receiving a to-go box for my entrée, ten minutes had passed and we still hadn’t been given the check (once more, she was laughing with the bartenders in plain sight, only 20 feet from our table). It got to the point that we stopped another server walking by and asked if he could get our waitress’s attention. As we walked out of bar/restaurant, we left on a low note; though our food was ultimately enjoyable, the service left something to be desired. I can definitely see myself going back to JD McGillicuddy’s, but I think my best bet would be sitting at the bar for the best possible service.

Click here to see the Menu