Jack's Restaurant — Restaurant in Selwyn

Update: June 19th, 2021

I did get the manager to respond whom apologized, worked with me to figure out what went wrong and refund me (I did not ask for a refund) - mostly due to it's covid, people are struggling, even their staff even when things go wrong. After discussing with the family we do intend to try this again one day, but I don't feel comfortable giving a heads up when because I want to see true change happen, not just when someone gets notified. I appreciate the follow ups - even if I hadn't a chance to respond (sorry I fell ill and my spouse didn't verify the contact till days after). So we'll try this again another time, but I want that authentic reaction instead of a planned one, otherwise it defeats the purpose of these reviews if I get special treatment over the standard. Should it better next time I'll raise the rating again. Until next time, please live with a 3s (bumped from a 2s).

Original Review:

To get this out of the way I don't leave bad reviews often - you can view all my reviews to verify that I usually am fair about it.

I spent $80 for grease - $20 of that a tip and we ordered 2 hours in advance for takeout pickup. We couldn't even taste the fish because the cook didn't think to shake the grease out from the basket when they finished cooking it. Onion rings were undercooked, some of the fish was even questionable. This was not our best experience here and that's a shame because this used to be pre-covid our go to spot in Lakefield for fish and chips. Today whomever made this, didn't care; the grease was piling on our plates it was so much oil. We did not finish this meal, it was not up to standard - McDonalds has done better than this. Although our pics may show that it doesn't look too bad - well it's real hard to show pics of oil while out for a picnic. It even wrecked our table cover, but since it's black hard to get a pic of it. We won't be asking for our $ back, but we won't ever be going back - for anyone who doesn't have passion for cooking doesn't deserve customers. Again $20 tip and we got this subpar garbage.

PS. I will say they did the fries right, I don't get how they messed up the fish itself and the...

I ordered on line which gave them a half hour from the time they quoted it would be ready. We arrived and at 30 minute later mark I went into the place to find out where my husband was. Apparently the meals weren’t ready even though they contacted my cell and said it was ready for pick up. I spoke to a young waitress and told her that if it’s been sitting for three quarters of an hour by this time I don’t want it. She assured me that it was just being completed. Out comes my husband and we go across the road to eat it ( we were over the line of starvation). Out I pull the onion rings which are white. They were warmish and definitely not cooked through. Next was the toasted western sandwich. My sandwich had no peppers or ham at all. Just egg and a bit of onion. The egg was reheated to rubbery. The bread was soggy as in the whole thing had been sitting in the foil wrapper stewing. My husband had the same with the inclusion of a salad. The salad was the only part of the dinner you could call fit to eat. Normally this place has great food and I’ve reviewed it saying that but sending us out the door with meals that were 100% sitting there for 3/4 of an hour was horrible service. It was a waste of 45.00. My husband says that others that were seated were complaining how slow the service was. One guy said it was 30 minutes waiting on his bill so he could leave. I mean how hard is it to hand someone their bill? Personally I think they do it to keep the seat unavailable to those waiting to be seated. So what did we learn? That the place is unreliable and it’s hit and miss to the service and food lol. So best of luck. If you order on line and do take out , check your order before you head out the door and...

D says, "Wonderful salad!" Wait staff was exceptional and personable. Known for ribs, chicken and fish. I had a late breakfast ... you can have it at lunch .. just have to ask. New short order cook ... he'll get better. Good family restaurant and reasonably priced. July 18 2021 edit ... 2 of the last 3 times have not been good. We will actually be looking for Monique or (drats forgot her name!) if they aren't there will go across the road to The Loon. I would rather pay more and have it right. Twice now it has involved a friend and severe allergy. This is too crazy.

Months later ... Dec 11th 2021. Just popped in on a crazy windy night! Richard is a great chef and young waitress Kayla did an admirable job. Really enjoy the effort of our chef!!! Thanks so much. Mahi Mahi for Darla which she quite enjoyed ... I love the all day breakfast. June 3.22 Still great! Thanks service Christine and love your singing!!!

(Nov 1 2022) Thoughts and prayers for Chef Richie, working hard and dealing with challenges. Great food and always good service. (JAN 2023) Lovely breakfast and terrific service! (June 2023) Richie, you're looking great! D enjoys the salads and I love the all day breakfast, my personal preference for home fries over french fries. Really is a family style restaurant as you see friends and easy chatting with other diners. Excellent set up. Caring wait staff. Thanks Danielle!!! our waitress today.

(September 2023) A new waitress to us, Christina, did a wonderful job, great personality, young, pleasant, wishing her...