Spicewood restaurant big on hospitality

The notion that J5 Steakhouse in Spicewood is a family-friendly restaurant is implied in its name, which refers to its owners, the Sudderth family: Husband Jaime, wife Jennifer, and children Jaimeson, Jaice and Jaiden.

Located on West Hwy. 71, the Sudderths said they know the restaurant is a bit of a drive for Austin foodies, so the family tries to make up for the distance with plenty of hospitality and good food.

First launched about four years ago, J5 Steakhouse is a dinner-only restaurant and full-service bar that is only open Tuesday through Saturday. Owners Jaime and Jennifer spent years opening chain restaurants before moving to Texas in 2007.

"My wife and I opened up corporate restaurants on the East Coast, so we were in that environment for a long time—maybe 15 years or so," Jaime said.

The couple also co-owned the now-defunct Trading Post Wine Bar and Grill in Bee Cave for three years before opening J5 Steakhouse.

"We moved out here—this is the community we lived in and felt strongly that we wanted to be a part of that," Jaime said.

While the restaurant serves entrees such as Frenched Veal Chop ($22.95) and rack of lamb ($22.95), Jaime said the couple doesn't employ a certified chef.

"We cut our own steaks and fish. We don't have any chefs," he said. "We're a bunch of people who like to cook."

The Sudderths offer many menu options for customers, from freshly grilled Atlantic salmon ($17.95) topped with soy ginger, lemon butter or mango salsa, to an 8-ounce "barrel-cut" seasoned filet ($21.95).

The restaurant also offers sauteed entrees such as a four-item vegetable plate and a three-vegetable penne with a garlic cream sauce ($10.95) as well as appetizers, salads and sandwiches.

"Everything is made from scratch with the exception of our bread and ice cream," Jaime said.

Last summer J5 Steakhouse added wood-fired pizza to its menu. Customers can customize a pie with toppings such as artichokes or olives ($14.95) or select a specialty pie such as Bobseque, which is topped with grilled chicken, caramelized onions, barbecue sauce, cilantro, and smoked Gouda and mozzarella cheeses ($14.95). Another option is the Hippie Heaven, which is topped with asparagus, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, Kalamata olives, mozzarella cheese and red sauce ($14.95).

J5 Steakhouse has become popular with Spicewood locals, including a celebrity, Jaime said.

"Bobbie Nelson is one of our best customers," Jaime said, referring to Willie Nelson's sister and pianist in his band, The Family. "When [the] South by Southwest [Music and Media Conference] was here, she played on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' So that Friday she comes in for dinner just dressed to the nines. ... And she told me she had just come from Jimmy Kimmel's show."

Not missing a beat, Jennifer finished the story.

"I go, 'Bobbie, it's so cool to say we know you and you're a good customer of ours and to see you on TV performing, but we're sitting next to you watching you on TV. That's just weird," Jennifer said with a laugh.

Other regulars are fond of J5 Steakhouse as well. Retiree Clint Hundley said he visits twice a week for the Firecracker Shrimp and Filet.

"It's just fantastic food and great service," Hundley said. "I haven't had a bad meal yet, and I've been coming here for about three years."

Top your entree

J5 Steakhouse offers three custom topping options for grilled entrees for $3.95.

Jaice Style: Spinach, hearts of palm, goat cheese and butter sauce

A la Jaiden: Jumbo lump crab meat, asparagus and butter sauce

The Way Jaimeson Likes It: Caramelized onions, crispy bacon, bleu cheese and butter sauce

Custom furniture and decorations

Jennifer said practically everything in the restaurant was custom-built by the family. "We made the booths ourselves, we upholstered all the coverings," she said. "We had so much cork so my son decided to take all the bottle corks, and make our logo out of them. When you don't have much money to work with, you have to get creative."

J5 Steakhouse, 21814 W. Hwy. 71, Spicewood, 512-428-5727, www.j5steakhouse.com

• Hours: Tue.–Sat. 4 p.m.–close