Jake's Restaurant and Coffee Shop
Friday, January 27, 2012 at 8:00AM Jakes’s Restaurant and Coffee Shop
30 Main St
Marlborough, MA 01752-3862
I used to work in Marlborough with a group of people liking breakfast on Fridays. It was a nice tradition, often accomplished in the onsite cafeteria. It 
was a nice way to go into the weekend.
On special occasions (like pre-holiday) we would go to downtown Marlborough and grab breakfast at Jake’s.
Jake’s is the kind of breakfast place where you just get too much food. Perfect for pre-holidays, or breakfast as you drove to the Cape or Maine/New Hampshire for vacation.
Recently, I needed a place for a quick morning breakfast meeting, with someone who likes less fancy places as much as I do. Jake’s was perfect.
Jake’s is the only place I know of where you can get a 16 ounce T-Bone steak AND eggs for $15. I’ve had it, and multiple plates are required. If you are looking for a fruit cup and yogurt, Jake’s may have it but you’re missing the point.
Parking can be a bit of an issue. I always come down Route 85, then turn towards Jake’
s on Main Street. I try to find a parking spot in front, then make the right turn onto Rt 20, eyeing the parking lot of the side of the building. If I don’t find anything, I circle back around and park across the street (hoping for no ticket.)
As I checked in on foursquare, I was inundated with recent recommendations:
- The Jakes Benedict is the best breakfast a human can ask for…
- OUT OF THIS WORLD OMELETS! CLOSED MONDAYS. YA GOTTA STOP AT JAKES.
- Best French Toast in Marlborough!!
- Fantastic homemade corn beef hash and chili, plus the cannoli waffles are heaven on a plate
The lobby vestibule has an ATM in it, your first indication this is a cash only place. Continuing to the restaurant you find yourself looking at the kitchen – a kitchen always a whirlwind of activity.
When busy, you’ll be seated and “coffeed” very quickly. When a little quieter, it’s open seating, or you can sit at the counter.
The menu is extensive, and Jake’s is one of those places accommodating about anything. I find myself describing what I want, allowing the waitstaff to translate to Jake-speak.
Jake’s is known for corned beef hash. “Canned or homemade,” is an interesting question, one appropriate for Jake’s. Some people prefer the appearance of canned corned beef hash, although I prefer the flavor of homemade. They also spice it up
if desired.
Jake’s is also one of those rare places serving hashbrowns in addition to home fries. I love hashbrowns, and Jake’s are great.
On this early morning, I went with a Jake’s benedict, and my friend went with a “healthy” three eggs, bacon and home fries.
We found the food hot and very good. The topping on the Benedict could use a tweak, it tastes a little liked can cheese. My dining companion also insisted I mention the ketchup was watery and a little dirty at the top – suggestive of a refilled bottle.
All in all, I really like Jake’s, and when you want a filling breakfast in an informal atmosphere, Jake’s is hard to beat.
Hours
Tue - Sat: 6:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sun: 7:00 am - 1:00 pm
Jakes’s Restaurant and Coffee Shop gets a GREEN LIGHT – Go and enjoy.
About the RAG scale:
Green Light – Go and enjoy
Amber Light – Use caution
Red Light – Save your time and money
The Author
Gary Kelley has lived in Westborough since 1994. His reviews are what he would tell friends, and are not an academic analysis. You can follow him @glkelley or www.garylkelley.com