Jack and Charlie’s No. 118 brings old-school New York energy, elevated comfort food, and the kind of dinner that turns into a whole night.
Jack and Charlie’s No. 118 feels like the kind of West Village spot that understands the assignment: classic New York glamour, moody energy, and a menu built for people who want comfort food dressed in a tuxedo. The restaurant calls itself a love letter to old New York, and honestly? That tracks.
We started with the Chopped Tuna, which was fresh, bright, and way more balanced than a lot of tuna starters that lean too heavy on sauce. The spicy ginger dressing had just enough kick, while avocado cooled everything down and the seaweed cracker added that perfect salty crunch. It felt light, polished, and expensive in the best way.
The Shepherd’s Pie Croquettes were pure comfort-food chaos. Crispy outside, creamy potato inside, with beef ragù packed into the center and curry mayo giving it a left-turn flavor moment. Basically Irish pub food after a glow-up
For the main, the Pork Chop A’ La Diablo arrived like it knew it was the main character. A 14oz wood-roasted prime chop with deeply caramelized edges, juicy center, and peppadew peppers cutting through the richness with sweet heat. This is the kind of entrée you order when you want everyone at the table to look over and reconsider their choices.
The Warm Cheddar Cheese Popovers deserve their own paragraph because these were dangerous. Puffy, buttery, cheesy, and served with Vermont salted butter and au jus. If bread service and French dip had a beautiful child, this would be it.
Dessert did not miss. The Baked Apple Crisp had warm, nostalgic fall energy, with toasted oat crumble and sour cream ice cream adding tang and balance. Then the Sticky Toffee Carrot Cake came in and completely stole the finale: moist cake, cream cheese frosting, walnuts, and butterscotch sauce. It sounded chaotic on paper and tasted elite in practice.
If old-school Manhattan steakhouse energy and modern comfort food had a stylish child, it would be Jack and Charlie’s No. 118. Come hungry, wear something flattering, and order like you’re celebrating something.
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