Southside Johnny's Bar and Grill — Restaurant in Toronto

I have been attending this bar for about 5 years. The fact that:

they accommodate several days nice live music they have a good variety of beers and cocktails Johnny (the owner) is super nice, guaranteeing a safe atmosphere and celebrating your events buying you a drink or a cake the kitchen is open until one in the morning

and the service was impeccable (even though the bar was super busy, the waiters served you in record time). Were the reasons that this bar was really a nice gem of the area.

The whole old team is gone. the new team of waiters are all smiling and quick except for the senior in service. The other Wednesday me and some of my friends went not too late to get a couple of drinks. The waitress was working alone (although not too busy). She was putting her jacket on and went out often to smoke. We sat in front of the musicians' stage, waiting for her to show up. It's been about 20 minutes when we decided to go to another place. We did everything to get her attention (wave our hands and or call her) but nothing. She gave us the impression that she was ignoring us purposely by continuing to engage in long conversations with some of her friends sitting at the bar. Too bad that Johnny was not there. Never been embarrassed in front of my friends for taking them to a place I know. Surely the waitress will have felt to be the pioneer of the place (even if she works only for about a year and a half or two). It should learn from the owner that when he it is busy or not he serves in person and helps keep the service high. In the past I had given 5 * to the old team, to the atmosphere and exclusively to Johnny. But this time the negative judgment is exclusively for the service...

DISAPPOINTMENT... I thought it was a good bar but the last 2 times I went was the first time I saw the Owner and he was Rude, Impolite and looked at every customer like they were beneath him. First time I went the waitresses and staff were polite and really sweet but the moment the owner came in he was rude to his staff, was so critical to everyone that you could tell that he made it seem uneasy of a work place but I didn’t think anything of it until the second time where he literally put his hand in MY face saying he didn’t want to do business with my boyfriend and myself for no reason when all we were trying to do was celebrate getting a new apartment that’s just a block away. We were even there 3 days prior with no problems. We asked him what the problem was and instead just cussed and disrespected us not just as customers but as human beings literally making a COMPLETE FOOL OF HIMSELF AS AN OWNER when his bar was EMPTY, wasn’t closing for another 4 HOURS and saying NO TO A SALE? I wouldn’t recommend this place to work but good luck if the owners there cause HE WILL MAKE YOUR GOOD NIGHT OR CELEBRATION HELL!

This bar restaurant would be a whole lot better with a...

This place is really a hidden gem with a great menu & great service! I recently visited Southside Johnny’s for a quiet night out, and I have to say, it did not disappoint! The atmosphere was laid-back, perfect for unwinding after a long day. But what really made it memorable was the food and service!! 10/10!! If you’re a fan of hearty meal, you have to try their beef ribs !!! The loaded nachos were an ideal appetizer to start things off!! Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with toppings. Honestly, I could have eaten the nachos as a meal in itself! (Definitely more of a share!!) What really made the night stand out, though, was the bartender. The brunette behind the bar was not only friendly and welcoming, but she had a fantastic sense of humor that really brightened up the quiet evening. Her service was spot on she was efficient, attentive, and genuinely fun to talk to. All in all, Southside Johnny’s hit all the right notes, and I’ll definitely be back. Whether you’re craving great food or just looking for a chill place to grab a drink, this spot is well...