Foods from Jack Astor's
Comments
2009 Feb 27
Rich - Some of us are not so much cynical as we are skeptical... this site gets more than it's fair share of TROLLS, SHILLS and One-Hit-Wonders... and generally speaking Jack-@sses. Unfortunately for you, they often utilize the same format that you have chosen... First Review a Scathing one, Second Review a Glowing One... always for two restaurants in the same neighbourhood.
As for proving things... That is totally up to you pal, and what you have to bring to the table (so to speak). Hopefully, you'll prove us skeptics wrong.
Cheers!
PS... I for one can say that I am a fan of Jack's, and that my recent visit even surprised me... they sure have upped their game recently. On the otherhand, I find it hard to believe that Joey's Only has indeed fallen so far as you state. Maybe time for another visit.
As for proving things... That is totally up to you pal, and what you have to bring to the table (so to speak). Hopefully, you'll prove us skeptics wrong.
Cheers!
PS... I for one can say that I am a fan of Jack's, and that my recent visit even surprised me... they sure have upped their game recently. On the otherhand, I find it hard to believe that Joey's Only has indeed fallen so far as you state. Maybe time for another visit.
2009 Feb 26
Since moving to Kanata two years ago this has consistently been the place we always go to when we want decent food, great service and most importantly, somewhere we can eat without the kids driving us nuts.
Kids menu is awesome as is the entertainment (crayons, games, TV) for them. Main menu is great day and night (buffalo fingers - YES!) and I can honestly say in probably 30 visits, I've never come out disappointed in any aspect of the place. They even serve a great beer and specials like floaters.
One of my other big likes about this place is you can see clearly into the kitchen from a few areas of the restaurant. I always like that as I'm generally suspicious of what goes on back there in certain places.
Excellent, excellent place. I honestly haven't found a family-friendly restaurant to beat this place in Ottawa. I'd love to hear about any though as we need to stop just going to JA all the time!
Kids menu is awesome as is the entertainment (crayons, games, TV) for them. Main menu is great day and night (buffalo fingers - YES!) and I can honestly say in probably 30 visits, I've never come out disappointed in any aspect of the place. They even serve a great beer and specials like floaters.
One of my other big likes about this place is you can see clearly into the kitchen from a few areas of the restaurant. I always like that as I'm generally suspicious of what goes on back there in certain places.
Excellent, excellent place. I honestly haven't found a family-friendly restaurant to beat this place in Ottawa. I'd love to hear about any though as we need to stop just going to JA all the time!
2008 Nov 29
I was back here tonight for a late meal after watching a movie. Having forgotten my previous bad experience with the oreo milkshake I ordered it again this time. It was quite good! Not too much oreo and not too salty (I'm guessing the salt is in the oreo cookie crumbs they use). My wife thought her hot chocolate was pretty okay too.
On the other hand, the calamari we shared were a little rubbery and greasy although the portion was generous. Not worth a repeat.
We also shared a slice of their Skor cheesecake. We're always disappointed with restaurant cheesecakes, especially the flavoured ones, and this was no exception. Also not worth a repeat. The baked to order apple pie looks quite awesome but we didn't have time to wait for it so couldn't try it.
On the other hand, the calamari we shared were a little rubbery and greasy although the portion was generous. Not worth a repeat.
We also shared a slice of their Skor cheesecake. We're always disappointed with restaurant cheesecakes, especially the flavoured ones, and this was no exception. Also not worth a repeat. The baked to order apple pie looks quite awesome but we didn't have time to wait for it so couldn't try it.
2008 Nov 19
Went to Jack Astor's with friends on a weekend afternoon. We ordered the buffalo chicken fingers. Usually my favourite, however, the vinegar was overpowering. I could barely eat them. I have gone to many Jack Astor's and the truth is, YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO GET! Sometimes, the buffalo chicken fingers are awesome, can't stop thinking about them days after having them, but sometimes, I can't finish even one of them. There is no consistency at any of the Jack Astor's.
2008 Apr 4
I was here for a work lunch today and wanted to try the garlic pan bread and milkshakes after hearing good things. To allow this I had to order a salad, as anything else would be too heavy.
Anyway, I was underwhelmed with the pan bread (sorry Momomoto) -- it's just bland white rolls with garlic butter melted over the top and sides. The milkshake (oreo for me) was not good at all -- too much oreo and quite salty. A far cry from the awesome oreo milkshake I had at the Works a week ago (for about the same price).
On the other hand, my California Grilled Chicken Salad was really very good. Unusually tasty chicken, nice greens, balsamic dressing, and even some pine nuts. I recommend this one, but will probably have fish and chips next time. :-)
Anyway, I was underwhelmed with the pan bread (sorry Momomoto) -- it's just bland white rolls with garlic butter melted over the top and sides. The milkshake (oreo for me) was not good at all -- too much oreo and quite salty. A far cry from the awesome oreo milkshake I had at the Works a week ago (for about the same price).
On the other hand, my California Grilled Chicken Salad was really very good. Unusually tasty chicken, nice greens, balsamic dressing, and even some pine nuts. I recommend this one, but will probably have fish and chips next time. :-)
Older
2008 Jul 14
Wifey had the Beer-Battered Fish and Chips at my recommendation. She was as impressed as I was. Here is the description:
"An old fashioned English recipe. White fish fillets, dipped in a beer batter. Served crispy with tartar sauce made from scratch, fresh lemon and fries. Malt vinegar highly recommended!"
My only complaint is that if they recommend malt vinegar, they should serve it or at least offer it! You need to ask for it if you want it.
This picture is out of focus but you get the idea. It's just a really well done very normal looking plate of fish and chips. The fries are good, the batter is tasty, and the fish is not overcooked.
"An old fashioned English recipe. White fish fillets, dipped in a beer batter. Served crispy with tartar sauce made from scratch, fresh lemon and fries. Malt vinegar highly recommended!"
My only complaint is that if they recommend malt vinegar, they should serve it or at least offer it! You need to ask for it if you want it.
This picture is out of focus but you get the idea. It's just a really well done very normal looking plate of fish and chips. The fries are good, the batter is tasty, and the fish is not overcooked.
2010 Feb 17
I was dragged here before a concert last night and was pleasantly suprised on the food. Chicken batter was cripsy. Served with plum sauce and fries. Reasonably priced.
My friend ordered some sort of spicy chicken wrap on rice paper but the waiter came out with a different plate all together (not to my knowledge).. anywho our waiter was really cool about it and offered her free dessert or a new entree.
Kudos to JA for being able to serve a full house (they even started playing John Mayer music for all of the anxious fans), the service was so fast yet we didn't feel rushed at all.
My friend ordered some sort of spicy chicken wrap on rice paper but the waiter came out with a different plate all together (not to my knowledge).. anywho our waiter was really cool about it and offered her free dessert or a new entree.
Kudos to JA for being able to serve a full house (they even started playing John Mayer music for all of the anxious fans), the service was so fast yet we didn't feel rushed at all.
2008 Jul 25
I went here today for lunch with colleagues. I would not return unless it was a group event. I also had the hot buffalo chicken fingers - they were a bit soggy, although the heat level was what I was expecting. The worst part were the fries! cold and absolutely covered in salt. I couldn't eat them - this is a first for me. I told the waitress when she came to pick up the plate, and she peered them and said - they don't look too salty.
Work was footing the bill so I didn't care, but be warned!
We also shared the nacho platter and the hot crab and lobster dip. Neither was particular spectacular. The Nacho plate was big, but they only provided one tiny container of salsa - more was brought on request.
A colleague had the beef salad and it looked pretty good - I'd go with that the next time. Generally it's better to stay away from these places.
Work was footing the bill so I didn't care, but be warned!
We also shared the nacho platter and the hot crab and lobster dip. Neither was particular spectacular. The Nacho plate was big, but they only provided one tiny container of salsa - more was brought on request.
A colleague had the beef salad and it looked pretty good - I'd go with that the next time. Generally it's better to stay away from these places.
2008 Jul 14
Having heard that the chicken strips here are prepared fresh to order (not frozen) I opted to try their Buffalo Chicken Fingers. I asked for the hot buffalo wing sauce, but on the side because I don't like soggy fried stuff. When it arrived, it appeared that the sauce was missing altogether. I pointed it out to the server and she said that they'd already tossed the chicken in the sauce and she'd take it away and bring me a new one (kudos for that). Not wanting to waste food, and seeing that the chicken wasn't soggy, I chose to keep what I got.
In retrospect, I should have sent it back because this was so spicy that I couldn't really taste the chicken and batter to notice any benefit from its fresh preparation. They offer mild, medium, or hot. Anyway, I can't say much about it except that the hot is pretty hot! :-)
In retrospect, I should have sent it back because this was so spicy that I couldn't really taste the chicken and batter to notice any benefit from its fresh preparation. They offer mild, medium, or hot. Anyway, I can't say much about it except that the hot is pretty hot! :-)
2010 Jul 30
SEŅOR JACK'S JALAPEŅO BURGER $12.92
Jalapeņo Monterey Jack cheese, jalapeņo bacon, jalapeņo zucchini relish, tomato, lettuce and chili hot sauce.
Pretty tasty burger. Had a bit of a kick. Not enough of a kick for me though. Made my on condiment by adding a bunch of tobasco to my side of mayo and spreading that on the lettuce tomato side. I meant to ask the deal with the jalapeno bacon is. I mean... how they make it even though I'm guessing it's pre-made somehow I'm still curious. You could definately taste some heat right in the bacon. Bun wasn't super fresh but not as bad as it looks in the photo. Waitress was very attentive. Fries were ok. I'd go back for lunch.
Jalapeņo Monterey Jack cheese, jalapeņo bacon, jalapeņo zucchini relish, tomato, lettuce and chili hot sauce.
Pretty tasty burger. Had a bit of a kick. Not enough of a kick for me though. Made my on condiment by adding a bunch of tobasco to my side of mayo and spreading that on the lettuce tomato side. I meant to ask the deal with the jalapeno bacon is. I mean... how they make it even though I'm guessing it's pre-made somehow I'm still curious. You could definately taste some heat right in the bacon. Bun wasn't super fresh but not as bad as it looks in the photo. Waitress was very attentive. Fries were ok. I'd go back for lunch.
2010 Jun 17
I had the Smokey Jack's Burger and was impressed by how juicy and delicious it was. The meat patty is of high quality and not too thick. The smoked mozza and hickory bacon provided interest. Certainly one of the better burgers I've encountered.
I opted for the Garden Salad to accompany my burger instead of fries and they brought it to me in advance of the burger. It's the way to go if you want to feel great without bloating! One weird thing: no Thousand Island dressing. I went with Ranch.
I opted for the Garden Salad to accompany my burger instead of fries and they brought it to me in advance of the burger. It's the way to go if you want to feel great without bloating! One weird thing: no Thousand Island dressing. I went with Ranch.
stallion
First post for this user
The beer was very cold and the food was OK -- but I just can't understand why they're so rushed to get me out of there. There were empty tables and several available chairs but no one seemed concerned when I asked them to slow it down a bit. "That's how we do it here."
Unfortunate.