Jack's Hunt Club — Restaurant in Ottawa

First ever visit to Jack Astor's, so weren't sure what to expect

The atmosphere is very relaxed. Somewhat similar to Montana's, but with a more sophisticated, urban tilt. However, as JA's is also a sports bar, this appears to be a bit of a mixed message. Also, we felt the sound level on the TV's was a tad too loud

The food selection has fairly standard range of choices for a bar & grill. As a senior, the one disappointment that I found was that all the burgers were only available with two 4-oz patties. Myself, I would have preferred a single 4-oz patty. Also, there is no "basic" hamburger. The burger choices start with a cheeseburger and go from there, though, this wasn't a problem for me, but it may be for others

Being in the mood for a burger, I got the Cheeseburger with fries and a Mango Mojito, while my with ordered the Asiago Chicken Bow-Ties with Valpolicella red wine. Our son had a Bacon Cheeseburger with Seasonal Vegetables (in this case green beans) and a Mango Fishbowl

The food all tasted great. My wife, in particular really enjoyed he Asiago chicken pasta. The quantity of fries with my burger was overwhelming. In contrast, however, the quantity of green beans with my son's burger was disappointing

If you like mango, I would highly recommend either the Mango Mojito or the Mango Fishbowl. Neither has an overpowering mango flavour. Instead, it just a very nice balance of mango with the other flavours. Tasting my son's Fishbowl, I personally enjoyed it a little more than my Mojito; but they are both great choices

The service is very good; well balanced between being there when needed but giving the space when you want it

The restaurant has fully accessible parking, their entrance and circulation throughout the bar & grill. However, the seating in the booth where we were seated was tight. Getting into (where gravity is in your favour) was not too bad; but, getting back out (after a terrific meal)...

Unfortunately, this will be my last time at this location. It was my Mom's birthday and she lives an hour from the city. We decided to pick her up and bring her for a birthday lunch. When I called to ask for a specific booth, the gentleman who answered the phone was very friendly and accommodating, and the atmosphere was great. This is where the positive stuff ended. My daughter and I ordered ceasar salad as our side dish. It was wilted, soggy, and had some brown edges. We weren't going to make a big deal of it until I came across a black hair. Our server didn't seem to be overally concerned and asked if I wanted another salad. Umm... no thanks! My daughter sent hers back, also realizing it was likely mixed in the same large bowl prior to us receiving it. We got a bowl of fries instead. There was a dessert special at half price, which my Mom ordered. There was a long wait for our server to bring us take out boxes and even longer for the bill. When the bill came, she realized she didn't adjust for the dessert, but we were charged full price for the meals. I wasn't rude, but I said that I'm a bit surprised and disappointed that there was no amount taken off considering finding a hair and could she please address this with her manager. Her facial expression was clear that she was annoyed. We saw her speak with the manager and then we again waited a while for her to return. When she did, I realized they deducted only $11 from the bill. Maybe my expectations are too high.. but having worked in customer service for most of my life, this is what I feel should have happened: The manager should have come to the table, apologized, and advised how this would be addressed with kitchen staff (since I've read in these reviews this has happened before). Then, take the meal off the bill. Since it's very costly to eat out these days, I'm not going to spend my money at a restaurant that doesn't make things right when...

The Jack Astor's menu has several items that deserve a detailed review:

LOBSTER & CRAB DIP A friend of mine introduced me to this appetiser, and ever since I've always ordered it when there.  It's Atlantic lobster and crab meat with cream cheese, sautéed mushrooms, peppers and onions, served next to nacho chips and pita triangles. This must be one of the best dips I've ever had.  It's creamy and rich, but not heavy ... they discovered the perfect combination of ingredients that flow together nicely, without one overpowering the others. It's also great that you can substitute the nacho chips with more pita, because this dip is best enjoyed with pita.

CLASSIC POUTINE Their poutine is excellent because of the gravy, it's exceptional. I also tried the truffle fries; they were good, but nothing special.

ASIAGO CHICKEN BOW-TIES I'm not a fan of pasta in general, but I would order this plate any time.  The pasta itself is properly cooked, the creamy cheese sauce is delicious, and the semi-sundried tomatoes is a nice touch ... but the secret to this plate is the slightly burnt chicken that gives this plate its unique flavor. No suprise this plate is voted a staff favorite.

Last but not least ... the TACOS Taste wise, and in terms of presentation, this plate is excellent.  My only disappointment (and it's a major one), the 3 tacos have to all be either chicken or fish ... you can't have a combination. I wanted to 2 chicken and the third as fish, just to try the fish, but the server said it's not possible.  I'm not sure why they have that limitation when other restaurants allow you to mix and match your tacos.  Anyway, I ended up having the chicken, in case the fish wasn't good ... but I guess we'll never know, would we!  I recommend they change that rule and even introduce a...