Located at 766 Sheridan Rd, Highwood, IL 60040, United States, Jay Lovell's stands as a distinguished destination for those who appreciate the intersection of traditional culinary techniques and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant has cultivated a reputation for being a cornerstone of the local dining scene, offering a space where guests can gather to enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals in a setting that feels both sophisticated and comfortable. By focusing on the integrity of ingredients and the art of hospitality, the establishment provides a dining experience that resonates with both long-time residents of Highwood and visitors exploring the North Shore area.
The philosophy behind the kitchen at Jay Lovell's is rooted in a deep respect for seasonal availability and the craftsmanship required to elevate simple, high-quality components into memorable dishes. Rather than chasing fleeting trends, the culinary team prioritizes consistency and flavor profiles that honor classic preparations while allowing for subtle, modern interpretations. This approach ensures that every plate served reflects a commitment to excellence, making it a reliable choice for everything from intimate dinners to celebratory gatherings with friends and family.
The physical space of the restaurant is designed to complement the dining experience, offering an environment that encourages conversation and relaxation. The architecture and interior choices reflect a timeless aesthetic, ensuring that the focus remains on the interaction between the guest, the service, and the food. Whether you are seated for a quiet evening or a lively weekend meal, the ambiance is curated to enhance the overall sense of occasion, reinforcing the restaurant's status as a staple in the Highwood community.
Key Highlights of the Dining Experience
Commitment to Quality Ingredients: The kitchen places a primary emphasis on sourcing fresh, high-quality produce and proteins, ensuring that the natural flavors of the ingredients remain the centerpiece of every dish.
Atmospheric Sophistication: The restaurant offers a refined yet accessible environment, making it an ideal venue for a wide variety of social occasions, ranging from casual weeknight outings to more formal celebrations.
Dedicated Hospitality: A hallmark of the Jay Lovell's experience is the attentive and professional service, which aims to make every guest feel welcomed and well-cared for from the moment they arrive until the conclusion of their meal.
Culinary Consistency: By focusing on time-honored techniques and a steady, reliable menu philosophy, the restaurant maintains a high standard of quality that keeps patrons returning time and again.
Beyond the individual components of the menu, it is the holistic approach to the dining experience that defines Jay Lovell's. The synergy between the kitchen’s output and the front-of-house service creates a seamless flow that is often sought after but rarely achieved with such grace. The team understands that dining out is as much about the environment and the company as it is about the food, and they strive to balance these elements to create a harmonious experience for every visitor.
The location on Sheridan Road places the restaurant in a convenient spot for those traveling through Highwood, serving as a welcoming beacon for food enthusiasts. As the culinary landscape continues to evolve, Jay Lovell's remains steadfast in its dedication to providing a classic, high-quality dining experience. It serves as a reminder that the most enduring restaurants are those that prioritize the fundamentals of good food and genuine hospitality above all else.
For those seeking a dining destination that values tradition and quality in equal measure, Jay Lovell's offers a compelling invitation. Whether you are a local resident looking for a consistent favorite or a traveler passing through the North Shore, the restaurant provides a setting where you can slow down and enjoy the simple pleasure of a well-prepared meal. We invite you to visit us at 766 Sheridan Rd and experience the thoughtful approach that defines our culinary identity.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Service options
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Restroom
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Checks
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Usually plenty of parking
Menus
Salads
Vegetable Salad$18.00
Greek Salad$16.00
Roasted Beet And Pear Salad$16.00
Jay Lovells Cobb Salad$19.00
Romaine Salad$16.00
Lunch - Salad
Roasted Beet And Pear Salad$16.00
Vegetable Salad$18.00
Romaine Salad W/ Dressing$16.00
Jay Lovells Cobb Salad$19.00
Greek Salad$16.00
Lunch - Sandwiches
Chicken Salad Or Tuna Salad Or Egg Salad BLT$18.00
Smoked Brisket Sandwich With Texas Espresso BBQ Sauce$20.00
Grilled Or Fried Chicken Breast Sandwich$20.00
Jay Lovells Double Burger$26.00
Jay Lovells Patty Melt Burger$20.00
The Cubin Sandwich$20.00
House Braised "The Reuben" Corned Beef With Sauerkraut$20.00
Burgers
Jay Lovells Single Burger$20.00
Jay Lovells Patty Melt Burger$20.00
Jay Lovells Turkey Burger$20.00
Jay Lovells Double Burger$26.00
Favorites
Blackened Or Fried Mississippi Cat Fish$27.00
Blackened Atlantic Salmon$30.00
Pan Seared Chicken Breast Piccata$27.00
Seared Tilapia Almondine$28.00
Menu
Two Poached Eggs On Avocado Toast$22.00
Eggs Benedict$20.00
Sweet Cream Waffle$12.00
Fat Stack Buttermilk Pancakes$22.00
Two Farm Fresh Eggs$22.00
Stone Ground Grits$13.00
Two Farm Fresh Eggs With Vegetable Hash$20.00
Two Poached Eggs With Mushrooms On A Grilled Baguette$20.00
Build Yourself A Three Egg Omelet Or Egg White Omelet$23.00
Eggs Darice$20.00
Buttermilk Biscuit Or Sausage Milk Gravy House Made Buttermilk Biscuit With Chorizo Gravy Or Sausage Milk Gravy$16.00
Buttermilk Pancakes$16.00
Steel Cut Oatmeal$13.00
French Toast$17.00
Bowl of Love
Texas Chili "N" Fixn's$14.00
Marilyn Lovell Shrimp Creole$28.00
Gulf Shrimp Etouffee$28.00
Jay's Louisianan Style Gumbo$28.00
Photos
Reviews Jay Lovell's
Tom (TD)
30-05-2026
Clean and quaint. My pork loin dinner was not good. Dry and tough. Green beans undercooked. Not worth half the money they charged. Perhaps other dishes were better but this was a disaster.
Summer Mondragon
30-05-2026
Over priced and terrible service!!
I paid $63 for French toast that was cold and hard, eggs Benedict and 2 eggs with sausage and 2 coffees.. no one was at the front to greet us, we had to ask the … More
Don M.
30-05-2026
Great food, great atmosphere! Walk up to the counter and get your order taken by the chef. Quick and efficient. Plenty of tasty beers and wine to enjoy your food with. Nice, low key vibe to the room. My wife and I recognized the fare as old … More
Jeff Ganis
30-05-2026
Always a great dinner. I eat there often. The duck special tonight rivaled any 5 star restaurant. You will never go wrong with fish, steak, or authentic BBQ (brisket/ribs). … More
Jack Alix
30-05-2026
Gourmet taste, congenial staff and have a homemade feel. Fried chicken was like grandma used to make. Pies are also homemade. Portions are generous. I will definitely go back again.
Jerry Fisher
30-05-2026
I have been going there since they first opened. Always good food and friendly service.
Last night, I called and ordered a burger and a Cobb Salad with blackened chicken. I asked the order taker for a sub total of the bill when giving him my credit card. He said I can't get that for you right now.
When I got home I found I was charged $26. for the salad and my wife remarked the chicken was not even cooked properly. I called to question the charge but did not get anything other than a comment from Jay that $26. was the correct price.
We went out of our way to try to support this restaurant and others in our local area we preferred during Covid-19 restrictions.
Sorry to say, this will be my last order with Jay Lovell's.
Barbara
30-05-2026
I want to love this place, I really do. It's close to home. It's not a chain. The food is pretty good and made to order. It's open on a Saturday for lunch, when our favorite restaurant isn't. Almost always there are open tables, and no … More
Randy Bell
30-05-2026
It is over priced and underperforms in most every way possible. The menu is limited. Whole place smells of burnt coffee. Bathrooms were not very clean. Cramped seating. Saddest chicken sandwich ever. See pictures. Overcooked chicken on … More
Asiya Hussain
30-05-2026
Great omelet. Coffee is good. Place needs some good dusting.
Slightly confusing when you enter because no one greets you. We stood at the door staring at each other for a minute. Then you stand at register while people behind the counter look at you. Finally someone comes up to take your order.
Jerry Fisher
30-05-2026
I have been going there since they first opened. Always good food and friendly service. … More
Max Kaiserman
30-05-2026
THE BEST corned beef sandwich I've ever had was at Jay Lovell's. Excellent, fresh, and tasty food with a wonderful atmosphere. Worth the drive from Chicago.
Elfriede M. Gross
30-05-2026
Very dissapointed by fried chicken sandwich. Completely tasteless. Thousand island dressing wasn't like any I've ever had. Poor consistency, no flavor, no chopped pickles. Could have done better at McD's. This guy used to make great food at Lovell's. So sad.
Kurt Peterson
30-05-2026
Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. A variety of complete dinners with decent wines and simple snacks. Order your meals at the counter and pick them when ready. No table service. Simple decor. I had the grouper Almondine which was terrific.
Tim Dunn
30-05-2026
Had a fantastic co salad with their homemade green goddess dressing. My wife had a monstrous chicken salad sandwich what she looked very good too. Service very friendly More
Aubrey Konrath
30-05-2026
Good food, a little higher price point but I always leave full and satisfied. Great brunch, burgers and soup. My husband loves the Ruben sandwich. Friendly staff as well.
brenda watrach
30-05-2026
The owner was so friendly and very welcoming. Wonderful food, service, and environment! … More
brenda watrach
30-05-2026
The owner was so friendly and very welcoming. Wonderful food, service, and environment!
I will definitely be going back. Best burger I have had in a long time.
miso
30-05-2026
Been here a few times and gotten take out. Staff are always very friendly and food comes out quickly. I’ve tried a few different dishes and some are okay, but the chorizo grits was truly amazing!! I knocked a star because sometimes they’re … More
christopher barber
30-05-2026
Burger cooked rare and done to perfection! Arguably Lake County's Best Chopped Salad with scratch made Blue Cheese Dressing!!! The Walleye entree was also delicious. Jay and his crew have been rockin this place for some time now with … More
arringtonash
30-05-2026
Bring cash for tips!
This place has impressive food for a casual looking diner (ice cream here too- very casual place). Grilled chicken sandwich is marinated and on an artisan type … More
Mark Miller
30-05-2026
Great place for some delicious food. The menu is diverse and the quality of the food is excellent.
Pr…
More
Paul in his travels
30-05-2026
Jay's is a quaint, nicely decorated restaurant with quite excellent food. Just to be clear, the burgers and fries are awesome, but there are plenty of other tasty, well-prepared items on the menu as well (try one of the fish entrees; those … More
J Mann
30-05-2026
The food is absolutely amazing!!! My husband (who use to own a restaurant) says that the clam chowder is the best he has ever tasted. I have tried many items and have never been disappointed. They are very generous with their serving of … More
Jaden Rivera
30-05-2026
burger and fries were good but drink machine made me and my girlfriend sick.
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3
Jaden Rivera
30-05-2026
burger and fries were good but drink machine made me and my girlfriend sick.
Food: 3…
More
Chris H
30-05-2026
Great breakfast! Lots of food. Everything tastes homemade. Highly recommend! Photo is egg white omelette with onions, mushrooms and spinach.
Theresa Sebastian
30-05-2026
I ordered a simple breakfast: a sweet cream waffle, a side of bacon, black coffee. While I expected better quality and taste than I would get at a typical breakfast place my meal today truly exceeded my expectations. The coffee was … More
James Wucherer
30-05-2026
Perfectly grilled burger with an equally perfect fried egg on top. Staff was super friendly, making for a perfect lunch stop. More
Romi chopra
30-05-2026
A hidden gem with heart and flavor!
Jay Lovell's is one of those rare places that combines a casual, welcoming vibe … More
Lauren Koors
30-05-2026
I am here at 6:45pm on a Tuesday and the place is closed. So sad :( I was so excited to try everything on the menu and there is no sign or notification of any kind that would indicate an early closure. I live in the city and am not up here often so this is quite disappointing.
Jean Barkin
30-05-2026
Great food. Quiet place to share good meal with friends without the noise. Lovely staff that makes you feel at home. More
Shield Pest Solutions
30-05-2026
Stopped by today in the afternoon to try Jay Lovell’s restaurant. This is an excellent place to dine at! My wife had the cherry 🍒 pie , and vanilla ice cream which was excellent! ,the blueberry pie was aLao excellent and the portobello was awesome! Mario was very gracious, and helpful. We will be returning! … More
Stuart S.
30-05-2026
What a unexpected treat. The place is clean, options plenty, and when you ask for something like "pickles, lettuce, tomato and mayo" on a sandwich, then the lettuce is cut, like trimmed perfectly, tomato sliced evenly, and the pickles are … More
Reviews Jay Lovell's