After a two month hiatus, JRDN restaurant at Tower 23 hotel is back and better than ever. Offering an upgraded interior and refreshed dinner and drinks menu, the oceanfront eatery’s revamp should appeal to everyone who loves sunsets over Crystal Pier. .
The updated restaurant opened to the public on March 5, with a plan for a grand opening sometime next month. Located right on the boardwalk at the end of Felspar Street, the restaurant was previously known for white tablecloths and a signature view. The new spin brings JRDN to wider audiences while still offering the high-class appeal.
One of the most notable changes is the upgraded sushi and raw bar. Diners have the opportunity to watch sushi chefs cut fresh sashimi and create specialty rolls behind reflective glass. The raw bar that holds JRDN’s popular mussels has shifted to its own space in the same area. Now that sushi is taking a more prominent place in the restaurant, those ingredients are bleeding into the menu.
Executive chef Dave Warner describes the new menu as “fun, playful, California fresh sprinkled with some Japanese ingredients.” According to Warner, “We’re not trying to be traditional here.” Innovative sushi creations include the JRDN Two Point “Oh” roll, made with spicy tuna, yellowtail, Serrano pepper, and charred lemon ponzu. The Surf + Turf roll is crafted with wagyu beef carpaccio, spicy scallop, and sesame-kale crumble. And in place of JRDN’s famous create-your-own-salad menu, guests can now build their own poke bowl.
The restaurant still boasts a tremendous selection of fine steaks, while offering updated takes on classic dishes. The half lobster is served with what Warner calls “New England Fried Rice,” complete with everything you’d hope for in a good chowder. JRDN is also doing their own twist on avocado toast. Smashed avocado is served on a lemon pugliese bread, topped with olive oil, lemon, Japanese mint, parmesan cheese and truffle oil. The reinvented menu encourages family-style dining, with some large and small shareable plates. These new dishes also aim to make the dining experience more affordable for anyone hoping to grab a seat. According to Warner, there’s “a little something for every price range if you want to be cost conscious or if you want to ball out.”
The inside of the restaurant now channels a beach-chic vibe. High top tables have been added to the bar area for more casual seating, while maintaining beautiful views of the ocean. The lounge is no longer segregated from the main dining room, with full menus available throughout the restaurant.
Additionally, the wall that used to separate the outdoor patio and dining area is now completely retractable, taking away the barrier between the spring and summer months. “Whether you’re just popping in off the beach for a quick bite and a nice cocktail, or you’re doing that big celebration you’ve been planning, you can get the full JRDN experience,” said food and beverage director Ray Means.
The restaurant is looking forward to offering even more as they settle in. For those who have been missing brunch, don’t worry. Warner says it will be back within the next few weeks. They’re also working to open late-night dining for sushi and cocktails in the coming months. Currently, JRDN is open for lunch and dinner every day, with happy hour Monday through Friday. JRDN Where: 723 Felspar St.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Info: t23hotel.com/jrdn, 858-270-2323.