Jack Astor's Bar & Grill Richmond Row — Restaurant in Ontario

By far, no exaggerating, the worst service I have ever experienced yesterday during the Canada v Argentina game.

5 of us entered after playing a soccer game and there was no one available to seat us, no problem, this is common especially when busy.

We sat and were ignored for 15 minutes, servers going by us and not even acknowledging our existence.

We then went to the bar and asked if they could send someone over with at least a pitcher of water, fully expecting that it was taking a while because maybe they were unexpectedly understaffed.

At this point, we recognized one of the servers was chit chatting with a 2 person table, figured they were just settling up.

After another 10 minutes of being completely ignored, at this point we went up to one of the other servers on the opposite section and asked if they could send someone over. We had been watching the same server the whole time, she was STILL just talking to the same 2 guys, having a laugh without a care in the world for the plethora of tables with empty drinks and our table who still didn’t even have water and menus.

After another 5 minutes, the guy working the other section walked by us and said “she should be coming, I don’t know what she’s doing”

We had someone go across the road to Chucks roadhouse, and who was seated and had drinks orders taken immediately, who were just as busy as Jack Astors.

at that point we all left.

I fully understand being understaffed, but this was not the problem. I understand the job is hard if you’re busy, but socializing with the same table for well over 15 minute’s is unacceptable.

Will never, ever, step foot in Jack...

Well. The place was nice and empty. It was Saturday afternoon. Upper porch is a beautiful space, but the nicest tables needed bussing. We sat ourselves. The another couple came up a few minutes later and sat themselves. A server brought them menus. I saw where she got them and grabbed some for us as well. It was still a while before our server had a chance to see us. He was busy, and friendly. Took a drink order for the 6 of us. Came back after a few to say they didn’t have the beer my partner wanted. And took our food order. Came back 20 minutes later to say “she JUST told me didn’t have that one either” “Is she the manager?” We were desperately thirsty. I could see the other drinks sitting at the bar with a few other staff just hanging around them. “No, but you should definitely tell the manager,” said our server. He brought the other drinks. Tiny Diet Coke. Ordered another right then. The food took a long time maybe 40 mins. We had been there for over an hour and food arrived.

But food was decent! Kids loved their burgers. Friends liked their apps a lot. Great! My burger, unfortunately was obviously passed it’s best before date. Partner tried it, and put it back on my plate, with a scowl. A while later, a group of staff came to clear the table. I told them about the burger. They said they would tell my server.

I started to think of what to go get for dinner. Haha. We did enjoy ourselves. And everyone else liked their food. And great location and cool patio with games and refreshing mist. It’s bizarrely expensive. But you know, if it was free, I would still suggest you go seat yourself...

I visited the Richmond location on June 3rd. It was my birthday I was there to have a quick bite before a concert. It was busy but not packed. We sat roof top as a treat for my daughter. It was just the two of us. Our server took our drink order. A lemonade and a coke. Took more than 15 minutes to get. Same server visited a table ordering several drinks 3 times before bringing us anything. I expressed I was a little disappointed in the service so far. Was promised to make it right. We only order a poutine to share. Which he put a rush on. Than we waited again for a refill. During the wait poutine came and it was the sadest thing I had ever seen for almost 15 dollars. The gravy was jelly like. Server was no where to be found. We made the best of it and ate it. We ordered deserts which were good. We got our bill. Still tipped well despite the experience. This was my only birthday outing as I had surgery a few days later. I was very disappointed. More in the poutine than anything. It was awfully sad. The server needed to learn the value of all guests not just those seeming to order several drinks. We usually stop at this location through out the nicer weather for roof top fun. I don't think I will go back after...