Jack Astor's

Now Batting 50%

Confession: I don't come here for the food. I come because I live close by and I like the environment, especially when I'm eating alone. It's just a fun place to spend an hour, and I'm sure that's why it's always busy and obviously a successful business. I've been twice recently, and both times I ordered the sirloin steak. I'd normally stick to burgers and wings at this type of place, but the waitress was very convincing that steak was their specialty. The first time she was right! The first steak I had was every bit as good as what you'd get at, say the Keg on a good nite. I was quite impressed! So I went back two weeks later and ordered the same steak dinner. This time I was disappointed. Although it was cooked perfectly (to the medium rare spec I ordered), the beef wasn't of high quality. Instead it was tough and full of grizzle. Not a great experience and certainly not acceptable for a $25 entree. I'll no doubt go back to Jack Astors but I'm going to stick to pub fare. That's obviously what they're good at.

Just a bad night?

Okay, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. Still though, I was frustrated. I went to JA's on Fanshawe for dinner last Thursday evening, around 9PM. It was a bit late and I was alone, and so thought JA's would be a good choice for food and some TV's and stuff to keep me company. Too bad no one there wanted to serve me! Much to my amazement, I sat at a table in the bar area for over 5 minutes and wasn't even offered a drink. If it was busy, I could understand. But there were twice as many staff as there were patrons at this time, but all the staff were busy in conversation with each other! I sat and waited, watched the wait and bar staff chat amongst themselves, got up and put my coat on, and walked next door to Swiss Chalet. During all that time, not one person at JA's so much as said hello. Weird, eh! I'm going to suggest this was a one-off experience, maybe following an exceptionally busy night earlier. Still, the staff at these places need to remember why they're there and to stay focused on their customers.

grest place for food

This is a great place for food and fun. one of my regular spots its been a place where alot of amazing memories have happened

Ive been here several times with one person or a large group. I always get the same thing. The garlic pan bread, the buffalo strips, and the apple crisp. They make the best buffalo strips, hands down. They actually taste freshly breaded, not frozen with a super thick coating. I dont really enjoy their fries..but for those strips, I deal with it

You don't come here expecting an amazing...

You don't come here expecting an amazing restaurant with great ambiance, but it's a great place for some tasty food as a treat, and a casual atmosphere. They are great with constantly refilling drinks without having to be asked, and the food comes in a timely manner. Some really tasty options here. Nothing too healthy, but that's what I love about it!