Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill

Jack Astor’s has been a staple of this community
Their new menu is delish
The guac is a good starter though they should be mashing down the avocado a bit more
But the real deal is the wings
Hand tossed in the sauce is so much better
Had the sesame ginger wings…
Wow is all I gotta say
Service was great there
Keep doing what you do!!!

It was busy here as my boyfriend and I went the night of a football game. Service was a bit slow, but it was likely due to the high volume of people. I’ve worked in a restaurant before, and sometimes that can’t be helped. The food was good and served hot. Huge selections of beer (both draft and bottled), lots of cocktail and wine options. Some of the drinks that you think are cocktails are actually shots, so make sure to ask your server before you order. Apparently the menu is going to continue to change. Be aware that the food is all listed WITHOUT a side. So be prepared to slap on another $ 2.79-$ 5.00 for a side on EVERY dish on the menu. So a burger will go from $ 11-​$ 15 if you want fries as a side. I had the chicken tacos. Very tasty but the soft shell was falling apart by the time I picked it up, which makes me wonder how long the food was sitting there until it hit the table.

Large space for group events and great service. Food is decent as well — a good go to if you’re in the area and just craving drinks and basic food

I only have one statement to add for this restaurant.
The tomato in my salad was half black & mouldy.
What else can you say about this place. If you serve a mouldy tomato you get one star. End of story!

I don’t know how to give a star rating on this location, I was in between 2 – 3 stars but since more then half of the times I have gone to this location are horrific, I think a 2 star is being generous.
I did however experience one of the best steaks here, on a busy weekend night, go figure! So when I decided to go back on a Monday night you would think the same meal could be duplicated, ummm think again!
Absolutely everything came out wrong, so backwards you would not believe and the place was barely busy.
Asked for the mushrooms on the side, of course they came ON the steak and the fried onions were put on the side instead. I personally would not have got the mushrooms at all but the boyfriend likes them and ordered the same steak so he wanted my mushrooms, no problem for me as long as they are nowhere near my food!
Now for his steak, he ordered the bigger size (10oz) medium-​well and it came out blood pink! umm, no thinks I think I will pass and don’t even bother getting it put back on the grill because it will still come out wrong!
Now back to my steak that was re-​made. I usually never want to get my food re-​made because it will always be cooked rushed, even when you tell them not to rush it because you just want it right, like it should have been the first time. Of course the steak came out like a hockey pock the second time around and we ended up not having dinner and just cutting our loses…
You can take your chance, but 9 times out of 10 it will be wrong.
Oh hey, they are coming out with yet another menu change on the 20^th of this month (October 2015) and are removing more of the popular items like the steak fajita after finally switching back to flank steak from sirloin (who wants a sirloin fajita?) I am so looking forward to the change, ummm yeah, right…

Remember back in the day when Jack’s was a place of pure funny? Funny staff singing and dancing on chairs when it was your birthday? Loud and obnoxious? Well Jack’s is still loud and obnoxious but now it’s because of the customers!
Over the past few years Jack’s has slightly upped it’s game. The food is definitely better than what it used to be — there’s a more international flair to the dishes. I had the Bombay Chicken Curry. Honestly for a chain restaurant it wasn’t too bad. Flavours were there, the rice was nice and fluffly and it even came with naan bread.
Even their drinks have stepped up — you can get an assortment of water — Perrier, Evian or Badoit. C’est tres chic
I can only imagine how busy and loud it gets on a weekend or Friday night. As it is, being in the Shops of Don Mills complex it usually is pretty full. Probably all the people who had to wait too long to get into Joey’s.
Before if you told me that dinner was a Jack’s I would groan, now I don’t mind as much. Service was good and plenty of parking in the front as well as the 4 tier parking garage at the back of the complex.

*WARNING* Scammer waitress! — I’ll get into the actual food review in a minute but felt I had to address this in the beginning. I’m also really not one to complain about service since I like to give people the benefit of a doubt or cut them some slack but this waitress was just shady af.
Just got back from a night out with a group of friends and a waitress by the name of Vikki K. approached our table. Her attitude right away rubbed me the wrong way as she had asked in a rather irritable tone «Are you guys going to dine in or have drinks or order sporadically?». So we had told her probably the latter as we were expecting more people. Then she said after sighing «OK… Good to know.» First of all, if you’re not mentally prepared to wait on two tables for a group, then either trade with someone or ask for help, but don’t give your customers that type of attitude. Or maybe even DON’T BE A WAITRESS! We are a group of friends in the hospitality field for a luxury hotel chain so we know what and how customer service should be.
Anyway, the night went on and people came in at various times. Kitchen staff were great and the food came pretty quick. I had the Hold the Beef burger which is a vegetarian burger and the quality at this location wasn’t as good as when I had it at Scarborough Town Centre location. Still I enjoyed it a bit so I’d give that a ³⁄₅.
Now comes the bill. Although we were considered a large group, not everyone ate and also everyone had individual bills. How the bill was to be divided up, was never discussed with Vikki K, but it is pretty common that bills are split individually, so they were. Here’s the shady part: she added service charge to every single bill. This was only noticed later on when we had already paid our bills. Before the realization, though, I did notice that she was hovering over my shoulder when I was paying my bills on the debit machine. As soon as they were paid, she dipped pretty quickly and pretty much disappeared after.
It’s just such a shame that someone would go to such level in order to «make a living». If her service and attitude were outstanding from the beginning, then I have no problem giving a bigger tip. But she basically robbed our entire group. The only time she was really being extremely nice was when she was pretty much eyeing my friend’s man. He pretty much got the best service.
If you do go here with a group, be sure to check your bills twice and have someone else serve you.
_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​
Update: I had spoken with the Bar Manager the following day and he was most apologetic. He listened intently and to extend his apologies, he had sent some vouchers right away. Receiving vouchers was never my intention however he insisted that he send some. I personally feel that the original review written above should remain posted just so costumers are completely aware of this. It has been a few weeks so who knows if the waitress is still around.

I really like this Jack Astor’s location. I live in the area, so I’ve had the chance to eat here several times. The service has always been great even when the restaurant was very busy. The chicken fingers here are great and as a lover of hot sauce, I love that they offer the sauced up version. Their veggie burger is pretty good too, although there is a lot of cheese on it so keep that in mind if you’re watching your calorie intake. The pad Thai is also decent. It’s obviously not as good as pad Thai from an authentic Thai restaurant, but still yummy. My only complaint is that it was not spicy enough for me and I wish they had given the option of choosing spicy or mild. The one thing on the menu I would definitely recommend is the bruschetta. I get it every time. I’m not sure what kind of sauce they use on it, but the mixture of the cheese and tomatoes with the sauce is pure heaven. It’s usually fairly busy here, so be sure to make reservations or come during an off period if a crowded restaurant is not your thing.

Loved the food awesome service. Their poutine was excellent. We shared enterees and they went the extra mile by giving us separate portions. Sangria was also amazing.

The food is okay, but honestly for the amount you’re spending you’re way better off going somewhere else. The portions are pretty sad.

This is the Jack’s that I usually go to. I haven’t had a problem with the service yet and I’ve been there countless of times over the years. I’ve probably been at least 10 times this year! I’ve tried most things on the menu and the best things would probably be the steaks and any chicken… so crispy tenders, sauced up tenders, wings (especially the hot wings. delicious). The fajitas are also really good. Don’t go for the pastas… they taste very bland. Not much too it but it’s Jack’s so I wouldn’t really expect pasta to taste anything out of this world. The cookie brownie is my favorite dessert.

Nachos are a must here with added beef and guacamole.
Alex was a great server who recommended Somersby Cider with a shot of butter ripple. O. M G! Caramel apple bliss right here.
Got the chicken tenders in medium, yummm. I always ask for honey garlic on the side so u get spicy and sweet in one bite. The chicken is always so tender and juicy. My go to food always. Everything else at jack Astor sucks arse haha
Conclusion: drinks are great, only get nachos, fajitas, or chicken tenders. DO NOT GO ASIAN (i.e pad thai).

Took around 10 minutes for a server to come greet us and take our orders. But other than that the service was good, staff were friendly and the food is great as always. Their nachos is always a great hit and my boyfriend likes their chicken fingers. I love the patio at this location and will definitely come back again.

Not too impressed by this place. I think it’s overrated.
The patio here is awful, way cramped and narrow, and good luck getting decent service if you sit there. I prefer downtown locations for patios in the summer. Spacious, and Much better access too.
Food is average at best, and for the prices and portions id argue even that. Drinks aren’t cheap either. Menu is pretty basic bar food that you can get anywhere for better price and quality. Plus the new menu items suck and they took away the old good ones… Gaucho fries are nasty, garlic pan bread is a WASTE of money (if I wanted a big chunk of tasteless greasy dough Id make it myself and save the $ 10.) nachos are served with creamy liquid cheese… So unappetizing.
Service is slow and inattentive. Takes forever to get seated, and when you finally do it takes even longer to get your order taken, let alone your food. Foods already cold when it gets to you.
Employees generally seem careless and apathetic. Management is only concerned with bringing you back, not your satisfaction. They are also selective about their «look» so don’t be surprised if you’re not being treated as graciously because you’re in sweatpants, or not in the white upper middle class bracket.
I’ve seen the kitchen and it’s disgusting. I once heard a woman at the table next to me complain about GLASS in her salad to which the manager accused her of. I’m concerned about eating here really.
It’s really loud and hectic at this location, I don’t think it’s well organized at all. Probably explains the poor service.
Overall If you want good food and great service, this place isn’t for you, especially if you’re not into paying serious money for it.

Horrible experience at this particular location.
Was there last night, over 15 minutes to take our order after being seated. Waitress comments that she was waiting on my friend to get off the phone.
Finally ordered a couple of beers. And a calamari, which was burnt tiny and bitter. There was no flesh just burnt crumbs.
Staffs look like they aren’t interested in there customers.
Been to other JA locations, which are way better and no complains.
This place in a prime Scarborough location. Is horrible will never go back in there

I remember the old Jack Astors in Toronto. The Scarborough town center one in particular. I remember the food being horrible and trying everything on the menu and being disappointed. Well it seems like all that is in the past now and theu revamped their restaurants and menu. To be honest I’ve been here quite a bit in the last year. The new menu and hockey season had me coming back.
Watching a leafs game here is not the greatest. The TV’s are small and the game is not usually aired with sound unless you sit closer to the bar. The restaurant is also usually rammed with parties, families, you name it, going on. It’s better to watch the game as a side thing rather than come out of your way just for hockey.
The new food menu is good and they change it up every few months. I still enjoy the fish and chips along with their burgers. I feel the quality of the food is much improved from the old days. I’ve tried the monthly specials including their poutine and pulled pork sandwiches. They are decent, but nothing I haven’t had a better version of somewhere else in the GTA. Overall a good restaurant to eat at while the Leafs play.

no matter in what part of the city you’re in, if all else fails, Jack AStorS is your last resort. Situated along other restaurants at Shops on Don Mills, this place is definitely HAPPENING! especially on a Friday night.
Both my friend and I originally tried getting a seat at the bar, but failed, so the next best thing was a small booth which worked out to be perfect!
After she ordered the… cocktail (forgot which one) I opted for their Argentine Malbe (Yes i love red) and we placed our order for their shareable nachos.
Our server T*** (due to identity) was awesome! he provided us some recommendation when it came to either adding beef or chicken, thankfully we chose chicken.
Portions were huge, so huge we both couldn’t finish it, as we both had dinner earlier.
Prices are decent, vibe is kickin and service was kick assssss.

Came here couple nights ago. Good atmosphere. Very open and large bar area in restaurant. Service and food were good. Got trashed again with my quebecois friends (seems to be a trend here in TO). Good sit around and chat with friends atmosphere with sports on the big screen tracking most games.

I am not a fan of this Jack Astor because I find the service to be lacking here. It took forever for food to come and the place wasn’t even busy! I ordered a pizza here and the only flavour it had was salt. Thank goodness for the salad on top of the pizza to balance out the flavour a bit. It was quite an odd pizza to eat so I wouldn’t order it again.
I would come back to Jack, not for a full meal but perhaps just appetizers or desserts because I think they do those the best. For a meal, I would choose one of the other restaurants close by before coming here!

My friend recently moved into the condo’s located at the «Shops at Don Mills» and this has be our go to spot. We have been there twice in the last week alone. I enjoy the service and the customer interaction. When we arrived last Friday night we were hoping to be seated in the bar. they only had a table to seat 5 guests and in total we would be 6. Since all the guests have not arrived as of yet the hostess suggested that we take the table for 5 and when another table opens up we can move over to that area. I was a little hesitant because it was a night filled with different important sports games on all screens. We happened to be very lucky because as we sat down another table close by was leaving and they attracted the table to ours to accommodate everyone. That night we noticed the food was delicious, service was fast and the environment was welcoming.
They second time we went we sat inside the lounge/​dinning area. great service just like the time before. our waitress was great with product knowledge, and helping my friend decide on what to order. She was extremely peppy and upbeat. Great attitude for sure which is what will keep us coming back