The Culinary Treasure Trove Calling Your Name
Blink and you’ll drive right past J.Marie’s Wood-Fired Kitchen & Drinks. Nestled among a business-lined street in Wapakoneta, the unassuming J.Marie’s elevates the dining and the day of one customer after another.
After numerous visits that all delivered the same level of culinary excellence, service, and atmosphere, I knew J.Marie’s deserved a spot on the Positively Delicious food blog journey– especially since too many people still don’t know of its existence.
First Impressions
One word describes how I feel approaching J.Marie’s front door: Welcome.
Massive windows run the length of the front of the restaurant, letting passersby catch a glimpse of the smiling faces and mouth-watering food inside. Tiling on the outside entryway floor triggers a nostalgic feel, and the sign in the window sports a cheerful greeting.
I feel welcome at J.Marie’s before the front door even opens.
A Step Inside
Stepping into J.Maries, the long bar and modern-industrial lighting catch my eye. Immediately, I know that this is a restaurant that makes both a party-for-one and a group feel comfortable.
The eclectic decor that ranges from a sign that says ‘Hotel Koneta’ to one that says ‘Cozy Corner Cigar Store’ to a chalkboard that holds a message from 2004, spikes my curiosity and entertains me until I sit down. J.Marie’s conveys a unique vibe, and that’s immediate from the moment I enter.
Once my eyes move past the decor, they notice the bench seating lining the length of the left wall. The long bench invites a communal feeling, while the tables’ spacing ensures each table’s sense of privacy. As I take my seat, I admire the wood-fired oven and notice the open floor plan that allows dinners to see much of the drink and food preparation.
The Menu
Every trip to J.Marie’s, I leave with a new favorite dish.
From the WOOD-FIRED SPINACH DIP to the BAVARIAN PRETZEL to the MARGHERITA PIZZA to the BUFFALO BURGER to the ever-changing HOUSE-MADE AND LOCALLY SOURCED DESSERTS, J.Marie’s offerings are top-notch.
The ‘sharables’ arrive at the table fast and with as much perfection as the main dish. And the main courses have unique elements like ‘grass-fed beef,’ ‘locally sourced crushed red pepper truffle artisan bread,’ ‘green chili jam,’ and ‘tossed truffle oil red skin potatoes.’ The menu at J.Marie’s is thoughtful and chef-inspired.
Now for the drinks and desserts!
J.Marie’s offers a collection of draft beers, flights, bottles, and cans. Equally highlighted is the wine list, which includes a flight option and cocktails like the BUTTER CAKE, LEMONADE REFRESHER, and the classic STRAWBERRY MARGARITA. Pairing perfectly with the drinks are the house-made desserts, which change regularly. On the day of my food blog visit, CHERRY TART A LA MODE, PEANUT BUTTER PIE, and CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE A LA MODE completed the dessert menu.
Equally important to mention is the fact that J.Marie’s pays careful attention to food allergies, offering gluten-free dessert, pizza, sandwiches, chips, and wings. Having a daughter with a food allergy, I notice the restaurants, like J.Marie’s, that genuinely care about their customers’ food allergies and express zero annoyance in a food allergy request.
Final Thoughts
J.Marie’s isn’t your cookie-cutter dining experience.
Not many places offer a unique experience at an affordable price. The drinks are beautiful and deliciously executed. The food pleases the eyes and the tastebuds. The wood-fire oven and decor entertain until the server arrives. The children and gluten-free menus better ensure all guests leave smiling. And exceptional waiters like Travis say things like, “it’s easy to sell something you like” while they rave about their place of employment.
J.Marie’s is more than just a stop in your day; it’s the best part of your day. The chefs and servers at J.Marie’s believe in what they produce and serve. Walking into a restaurant and feeling the chefs’ passion and seeing the servers’ smiles is an experience you’ll want to repeat, especially when the drinks and food leave your tastebuds begging for more.
Special Note: J.Marie’s finished an expansion in winter 2021 that is a perfect location for business meetings and large reservations. Take a look at the pictures in this blog post for a peek!
The following photos are courtesy of J. Marie’s Facebook page:
