For most, the term "American food" brings to mind fried food, milkshakes, burgers, dogs, pizza and meat and potato platters - probably not wow-inducing items in global culinary circles. The team behind Gig Harbor's youngest dining establishment, JW Restaurant, hopes to alter that 1950s diner perception by presenting familiar American food with a sophisticated spin.

General Manager Jason Winniford and Chef Justin Goodfellow offer easily approachable, uncomplicated dishes. Flavors are direct and delicious at $20 or less per plate.

An all-hands-on-deck service approach, which includes Chef Goodfellow bearing plates of steaming, fragrant food, allows the JW team to fluidly deliver a far-better-than-average, un-rushed dining experience. The half a roasted chicken I ordered retained tender, juicy flesh under crisp outer skin alongside peppered green beans and hand-mashed red potatoes.

The show stopper?

Delightfully good tarragon gravy. A flourless dark chocolate torte glazed with white and milk chocolate had me wanting to lick the plate.

Reservations are required to guaranteed seating in the renovated 1,100-square-foot cabin. The small, dinner-only menu at JW Restaurant means attention is placed on doing the select dishes well.

An impressive wine list and creative nightly specials sweeten the pot.

JW Restaurant is absolutely worth the drive to Gig Harbor, but don't forgo making reservations. 

[JW Restaurant, 4107 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, 253.858.3529]