Bar Juillet

“This place was great. The food (fried chicken) was delicious! but even more so was the experience and nice people I met when visiting.”

“I’m a fan! Fantastic freshness, flavors, textures and portions. If anything, we over-ordered: a crisp and bright salad or the earthy butter bean tartine (which has a big pile of greens on top) with the crazy good fried chicken is plenty for two. But how to choose!? Each was a perfect creation from the kitchen. Service was attentive and friendly. Budget at least an hour and a half as the food comes out leisurely. Sit back with one of their great cocktails or bottles of wine and enjoy!”

“Busy when I came on a Saturday night. Bar was full but there was seating within 5 minutes at a table. Tried the kumquat caipirinha and house/BJ burger. Both delicious. Friendly service and nice atmosphere. Will return.”

“Brace yourself for a conflicted food review. Bar Juliet is a well-known and revered spot for locals. Historically I have enjoyed their outstanding cocktails, but find their food overhyped. I often roll my eyes and accompany friends for dinner. Indeed, if you glance at the menu, you’ll find their basic spaghetti dish listed for $36 and their house salad runs for $25. Other classic plates (steak, halibut) run at about $40, but the portion size of these dishes doesn’t match the typical fine dining restaurant. Their kitchen sort of runs on-the-fly and so you are expected to order several dishes to share, which come out at their own pace. My qualm is you end up eating like you’re at a tapas spot all the while paying full fine-dining price for each plate. Nevermind the economics lesson, let’s talk food. We started with the charcuterie board which was one of the best I’ve had at a restaurant. Lots of bold flavors and textures between the cheeses and meats. The focaccia bread was also fresh, airy, and excellent. I would actually recommend getting this even if you’re going out just for drinks. The peach-flavored old fashioned was a hit, and we also tried a potent lavender cocktail which was super unique. The main dishes we got were well-executed. The steak was a petite filet that was superbly tender accompanied by a red pepper sauce. Small portion with a light salad, but delicious. The burger was very rich and had the density of a dying sun (just look at the cross-section!). Contrary to what you may think, this is a dish to cut up and share. On this night, service was an issue—my poor friend’s main entree was forgotten. He ordered a burger for himself and we waited for the kitchen to roll it out and it just never came. I was prepared to give the place 4 stars and warn you to just go during happy hour, but will have to stop short at 3. Generally focus on the delicious cocktails and expect a few bites of good food here or there.”

“I wish I could leave a positive review because they have a couple of girl servers who are great, but the people that host and most of the people working the bar are simply not suited for those jobs. No warmth or welcoming energy, just a vibe of them doing you a favor for having to seat you and check on you. Yes, they are a cool new hot spot in Ashland but some of the workers are not representing the owners of this business well. When they owned Hither, I never had a negative experience. The workers were kind and welcoming. At Bar Julliet, I cannot say the same thing. They are snobbish and rude. They look past you as if you’re not cool enough to be seen there if you don’t match their vibe or aesthetic. As a walk in or reservation holder, I’ve never felt fully welcome. Have never had this issue at neighboring restaurants so it’s stands out as very odd. I’ve decided I’m ok with never going back or recommending it to friends. I will tell them to go elsewhere if they want a pleasant experience. Just because your reservations are full and you’re in demand, doesn’t mean you can get away with treating some diners with less dignity. Word is spreading. Shape up, Bar Julliet. This is a small community.”