Jack Rabbit — Restaurant in Buffalo

Came here based on hype while meeting an old friend (initials D.N. - check back on this review around 2037, as he'll be President by then!). We needed a spot for reunion and campaign strategy; we found Dad's 1986 basement bunker instead. Less "cool vibe," more cramped table by sewer pipes and a graffiti-scarred wall. The online raves felt like fiction.

We descended into what felt like a poorly lit storage area. Our table was dollhouse-sized, a comical challenge for four adults. The faint gurgle of plumbing provided the evening's soundtrack. Not exactly the backdrop for plotting world leadership or enjoying a meal.

The menu promised delights; reality bit hard. My wife sought sweet wine (none available), settling for adequate Prosecco. We gambled on loaded tots – the night's only highlight. They were good, a cheesy, chivey delight, but instantly created a greasy landslide on our tiny table, a harbinger of the logistical nightmare ahead.

My beet appetizer? Sad, lukewarm, maroon orbs tasting suspiciously liberated from a can. No flavor, just… beets. My wife's "brined & seasoned" quarter chicken arrived drier than desert sand, the meat profoundly bland. Only the burnt skin held any trace of seasoning, like flavor-ash on a desiccated carcass.

Meanwhile, El Presidente-to-be (D.N.) and his wife split a pizza resembling something from the freezer aisle – think Totino's, maybe warmed somewhere downstairs? The visual evidence suggested minimal effort and maximum disappointment. My own main, the Fish Fry, arrived looking huge but was a cruel deception. This wasn't fish; it was a batter delivery system. The fish-to-batter ratio felt like 1:10. A deep-fried mirage offering mostly greasy crunch.

Compounding these culinary crimes was the service, or lack thereof. Our server was largely MIA, perhaps lost upstairs where actual liveliness seemed to exist. Drink refills were a fantasy. Clearing the mounting debris from our tiny table required skills we lacked, as dirty plates lingered like unwelcome guests. It was DIY table bussing, apparently.

So, who is Jack Rabbit's basement for? Maybe frat bros needing a place to yell, or goth kids seeking gloomy ambiance for a seance including their sacrificial (and tragically bland) chicken? If you enjoy plumbing noises and deciphering ancient initials on brick, perhaps it's for you.

But for anyone seeking Buffalo's "weird but nice" scene, for those who believe appetizers shouldn't taste canned and fish fries should contain actual fish? Seek elsewhere, urgently. This particular rabbit hole leads only to a dimly lit basement of bland food and profound regret. We came seeking strategy and sustenance; we left with indigestion and a story for D.N.'s future memoirs. Consider yourselves warned. Avoid...

Absolutely terrible service if you are not of a preferred customer base. Rude bartender and poor service in my experience. I was ignored for several minutes, no hello, welcome or what can I do for you today as the employee ate wings in my face, blatantly walked around the bar in the opposite direction, counted the register and got drinks for the people at the bar. I sat and waited patiently as they then walked to the back and ignored me as I called out for help from someone. I get serving the customers there 1st. But, it was more than that, and assuming I was a customer waiting to be seated, I would have left based on the experience alone. I was given attitude the whole time after asking simple questions about an order and met with sarcasm upon thanking the employee when finally receiving it. Very unprofessional. I can assure you this was not the 1st time, nor am I the 1st to share this experience, hence the given review. In my opinion, don't expect the best if you aren't what they expect. When I reached out to the owner in good faith and was going to remove the review, I was Instead was met with a threat of taking my job and assured I as a courrier, (still a moving part to the business) did not matter, nor the paying customer in which I was providing a service for. We (both I and the customer who already paid) were not of any major concern. Takeout was not important. I was assured that the type of service given to me was acceptable based on my position as an "independent contractor" even though no one greeted me in any way to know who or what I was. So, one should have assumed I was indeed a paying customer looking for business, but instead, I was ignored and handled with prejudice. Then, I was told that if I did not remove my post, I would lose my job. For an honest review? Nice threat for the holidays as well as more professional practices being utilized. I am fine with that if it keeps others aware of the accepted practices and shared feelings towards service providers, amongst other things in this establishment. The tone of the owner when I reached out met the exact tone of the service I was provided. Poorly handled, but that is acceptable business practices...

Event: birthday party

Hosted my 30th birthday for ~20 people and had the best experience! We were able to hold the back blue room which I absolutely love - it has such a cool aesthetic (needs absolutely no decorations at all!) and a working fireplace (obsessed!). Private bar back there and Kristina provided flowers on the bar and tables for center pieces and colored charger plates which was such an incredible and thoughtful touch.

Kristina made everything easy sharing and advising for which package would make the most sense for my event and budget. We ended up going with shared apps - Kristina was so smart to put them on the bar for a more cocktail reception style welcome and then a sit down dinner which made for a really warm welcome for people to meet one another before sitting down for dinner.

I was able to provide my guests with drink tickets which allowed me to control how much I wanted to spend (not having to overpay for an open bar) and there were multiple ticket tiers so lots of customization available.

The evening itself was fantastic - bartenders were great and quick, our server was quick to clear empty plates and dishes and was very mindful to make sure that our party got food in to stay on track with time for the event and to have the kitchen ready. All the food was great, came out quick, and heard rave reviews.

There was no room reservation fee because our party was over by 9 so it was open to the public but we ended up staying for a while longer, didn’t feel pushed or rushed to be done.

Overall I’m so glad that I had my party at Jack Rabbit - highly recommend! Thanks...