Stopped in for the first time today and sat at the bar! Chatted with the GM Connor! Was such a great experience and he was super knowledgeable and provided great service! The cocktails menu is impressive and provides a variety of unique crafted cocktails.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
NicChua
Drinking is good
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris Bird
Great new spot in downtown with an awesome pork tenderloin!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
frank jirsa
We were excited to see what restaurant replaced the old 'stuffed olive' location. Went on a Friday afternoon and the place was empty. Stood around for some time before we were given a table. Menu had some favorites, ordered a burger and asked for Swiss cheese instead of American and asked for it to be cooked medium rare. It was over cooked, had to ask for ketchup and didn't come with the Swiss cheese either. They did offer a discount for the cheese mixup but either way I don't think we are going back. We were hoping to find a new favorite.
Simon
The moment we entered around 6:45pm on 2/24, we would be hopeful after hearing positive feedback on the place. To say we were disappointed is an understatement.
The bartenders were very… uninterested in being bartenders. I ordered an N/A drink with lavender. But instead got soda water, with no lavender. My friend ordered a beverage and was served a glass half empty.
When the bartender was making his drink, she kept yawning as though she wanted to be anywhere but here. She poured it in the glass in front of us, and then said, “OH!” And gave it a confused stare as if she didn’t understand why it didn’t fill the glass. Instead of adding more, she pulled out some red colored bitters and put two dots on top, then handed the glass to my friend- and gave it another confused look before walking away.
That wouldn’t have been so bad had they not charged us for the full drink. She could have charged half. Either way- we just continued our conversation and decided we would go elsewhere after finishing our beverages.
During our experience, I watched the same bartender measure out “shots” in ramekins and exhibit very… poor bartending skills.
Overall, the only thing we liked was the art piece of Judge Judy. Everything else you can experience at some dive in some small town in the middle of nowhere.
Save yourself the trouble and go to the Stuffed Olive or Mulberry Street Tavern instead.
Isaac Lafleur
Overall, I was disappointed. I was excited to try Judges with all the hype around it - I was expecting something around the quality of Clyde’s Fine Diner or Proudfoot and Bird, as it seems that’s what it’s trying to aspire to, with the prices to match. We ordered from the Valentine’s day menu. Our appetizer, the arancini balls were good. Besides that, the food was lackluster. The ribeye wasn’t rare as I ordered and the taste was overall bland. The other entree was bucatini pasta which was extremely salty. For dessert, we got the chocolate mousse cake, which I thought at the end of the meal would be hard to mess up, but it tasted dry as if stored in a fridge all day and the presentation looked cheap, with the metaphorical cherry on top, a bunch of glitter sparkled across the plate and slice of cake. Maybe just a personal opinion but it’s 2026 and I dont want plastics all over my food. It could be that Judges tried to elevate for the Valentine’s Day menu and fell flat, but I won’t be back to find out.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Tracy Taylor
I love everything about this place! The atmosphere was great. I love the decor! I think our Server's name was Brandon and he did great! Hannah was our server too and she was so attentive and so stinking cute! The double bone in pork chop was the BEST thing I have eaten in a loooong time! We will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scott Spetman
Really good food, very friendly server - we will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Troy N
Great small spot with a clever menu, great service and tasty options. The food was out quick as I stopped in during a weeknight 7:30. Worth the visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Robert Gallup
We went before a show at the Civic Center, reservations are a good plan. The shoestring pickle app was great, would get it again. Had quinoa bowl and pork chop. Quinoa bowl was unique with great flavors and textures. Pork chop was great with good porky flavor and apple and root veggie accompaniments. The whipped potatoes it came with were tasty, but the salt level was extreme (and I drink pickle brine) and I couldn't finish them.
Amazing spot we got right in amazing service from Ricky!
I will be suggesting to friends and will for sure be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Delagardelle
Judges on Court Avenue delivers an elevated yet approachable dining experience that blends bold flavors with a lively downtown atmosphere. From start to finish, the meal feels thoughtfully crafted and satisfying.
Great options on drinks and cocktails. We had the Butter and Burden similar to an old fashion and the Innocent Brief elevated lemonade, both choices with loads of unique flavors to standard bar mixes.
The bruschetta appetizer is a standout and a must order. It’s packed with flavor, balancing sweet and savory elements in a way that keeps every bite interesting. The toppings are generous, making it a great dish to share and a strong opening to the meal.
The Grilled Chicken sandwich with blackberry jam offers a creative twist on a classic. The chicken is juicy and well grilled, while the jam adds a subtle sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with the savory components. It’s rich without being overpowering and feels both comforting and unique.
The Pork Tenderloin Torta sandwich is hearty and satisfying, delivering exactly what you’d expect from a Midwest favorite. It’s well cooked, flavorful, and filling. A solid choice for anyone craving something classic and substantial. I stated it doesn’t need anything, not even ranch. Coming from the guy who created “Midwest Ranch Lovers” Facebook page. That says a lot.
The ambience at Judges really ties the experience together. The space is stylish and modern with a warm, energetic vibe that fits perfectly into the Court Avenue scene. Hunter green walls and ceiling with law/courtroom decor throughout.
Our server, Ricky, service is truly what elevated the entire experience. He was fantastic, friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. He checked in at all the right times, made great recommendations, and helped create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Service like this makes a good meal even better.
Overall, Judges offers flavorful food, creative menu choices, and a welcoming downtown setting that makes it worth a visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tricia Rivas
Omg!!! I cannot wait to come back! The bruschetta and jalapeño popper dip is a chefs kiss! The weight staff and service five stars!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
m J
Ricky was SO fun! Super attentive and fast, will definitely be back!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stephanie S
Super hip. Very instagramable place. Delicious food. Great variety of mocktails. Would recommend. Good service. Small menu, a little expensive but you’re paying for the atmosphere. I got the shrimp Caesar salad it was huge and delicious! The mocktail I got was the pineapple one and it was refreshing! Clean bathroom full of free toiletries! Would go back out with the girls! Great for a girls night!
Stopped in for the first time today and sat at the bar! Chatted with the GM Connor! Was such a great experience and he was super knowledgeable and provided great service! The cocktails menu is impressive and provides a variety of unique crafted cocktails.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Drinking is good
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great new spot in downtown with an awesome pork tenderloin!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We were excited to see what restaurant replaced the old 'stuffed olive' location. Went on a Friday afternoon and the place was empty. Stood around for some time before we were given a table. Menu had some favorites, ordered a burger and asked for Swiss cheese instead of American and asked for it to be cooked medium rare. It was over cooked, had to ask for ketchup and didn't come with the Swiss cheese either. They did offer a discount for the cheese mixup but either way I don't think we are going back. We were hoping to find a new favorite.
The moment we entered around 6:45pm on 2/24, we would be hopeful after hearing positive feedback on the place. To say we were disappointed is an understatement.
The bartenders were very… uninterested in being bartenders. I ordered an N/A drink with lavender. But instead got soda water, with no lavender.
My friend ordered a beverage and was served a glass half empty.
When the bartender was making his drink, she kept yawning as though she wanted to be anywhere but here. She poured it in the glass in front of us, and then said, “OH!” And gave it a confused stare as if she didn’t understand why it didn’t fill the glass. Instead of adding more, she pulled out some red colored bitters and put two dots on top, then handed the glass to my friend- and gave it another confused look before walking away.
That wouldn’t have been so bad had they not charged us for the full drink. She could have charged half. Either way- we just continued our conversation and decided we would go elsewhere after finishing our beverages.
During our experience, I watched the same bartender measure out “shots” in ramekins and exhibit very… poor bartending skills.
Overall, the only thing we liked was the art piece of Judge Judy. Everything else you can experience at some dive in some small town in the middle of nowhere.
Save yourself the trouble and go to the Stuffed Olive or Mulberry Street Tavern instead.
Overall, I was disappointed. I was excited to try Judges with all the hype around it - I was expecting something around the quality of Clyde’s Fine Diner or Proudfoot and Bird, as it seems that’s what it’s trying to aspire to, with the prices to match. We ordered from the Valentine’s day menu. Our appetizer, the arancini balls were good. Besides that, the food was lackluster. The ribeye wasn’t rare as I ordered and the taste was overall bland. The other entree was bucatini pasta which was extremely salty. For dessert, we got the chocolate mousse cake, which I thought at the end of the meal would be hard to mess up, but it tasted dry as if stored in a fridge all day and the presentation looked cheap, with the metaphorical cherry on top, a bunch of glitter sparkled across the plate and slice of cake. Maybe just a personal opinion but it’s 2026 and I dont want plastics all over my food. It could be that Judges tried to elevate for the Valentine’s Day menu and fell flat, but I won’t be back to find out.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
I love everything about this place! The atmosphere was great. I love the decor! I think our Server's name was Brandon and he did great! Hannah was our server too and she was so attentive and so stinking cute!
The double bone in pork chop was the BEST thing I have eaten in a loooong time! We will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really good food, very friendly server - we will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great small spot with a clever menu, great service and tasty options. The food was out quick as I stopped in during a weeknight 7:30. Worth the visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We went before a show at the Civic Center, reservations are a good plan. The shoestring pickle app was great, would get it again. Had quinoa bowl and pork chop. Quinoa bowl was unique with great flavors and textures. Pork chop was great with good porky flavor and apple and root veggie accompaniments. The whipped potatoes it came with were tasty, but the salt level was extreme (and I drink pickle brine) and I couldn't finish them.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing spot we got right in amazing service from Ricky!
I will be suggesting to friends and will for sure be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Judges on Court Avenue delivers an elevated yet approachable dining experience that blends bold flavors with a lively downtown atmosphere. From start to finish, the meal feels thoughtfully crafted and satisfying.
Great options on drinks and cocktails. We had the Butter and Burden similar to an old fashion and the Innocent Brief elevated lemonade, both choices with loads of unique flavors to standard bar mixes.
The bruschetta appetizer is a standout and a must order. It’s packed with flavor, balancing sweet and savory elements in a way that keeps every bite interesting. The toppings are generous, making it a great dish to share and a strong opening to the meal.
The Grilled Chicken sandwich with blackberry jam offers a creative twist on a classic. The chicken is juicy and well grilled, while the jam adds a subtle sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with the savory components. It’s rich without being overpowering and feels both comforting and unique.
The Pork Tenderloin Torta sandwich is hearty and satisfying, delivering exactly what you’d expect from a Midwest favorite. It’s well cooked, flavorful, and filling. A solid choice for anyone craving something classic and substantial. I stated it doesn’t need anything, not even ranch. Coming from the guy who created “Midwest Ranch Lovers” Facebook page. That says a lot.
The ambience at Judges really ties the experience together. The space is stylish and modern with a warm, energetic vibe that fits perfectly into the Court Avenue scene. Hunter green walls and ceiling with law/courtroom decor throughout.
Our server, Ricky, service is truly what elevated the entire experience. He was fantastic, friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. He checked in at all the right times, made great recommendations, and helped create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Service like this makes a good meal even better.
Overall, Judges offers flavorful food, creative menu choices, and a welcoming downtown setting that makes it worth a visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Omg!!! I cannot wait to come back! The bruschetta and jalapeño popper dip is a chefs kiss! The weight staff and service five stars!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ricky was SO fun! Super attentive and fast, will definitely be back!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Super hip. Very instagramable place. Delicious food. Great variety of mocktails. Would recommend. Good service. Small menu, a little expensive but you’re paying for the atmosphere. I got the shrimp Caesar salad it was huge and delicious! The mocktail I got was the pineapple one and it was refreshing! Clean bathroom full of free toiletries! Would go back out with the girls! Great for a girls night!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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