Federal Jack's — Restaurant in Kennebunk

My family and I often travel to kennebunk during our week vacation and usually always make a stop at federal jacks. However our experience last night was beyond unacceptable and a complete let down.

We were a party of 8 and understood that we would have to wait a while for a table. Half of us got there around 630 to put our names in on the list which they quoted 30 minutes which was fine because we liked to walk around the town while waiting for our other group to arrive. Right around that 30 minute mark they then texted us asking if we wanted indoor or outdoor, which we stated indoor. They said 'ok that will be another 25 minutes'. By the time we sat it was closer to 735 so right on par for the timing we get. But once we sat the service went downhill fast.

We asked for a round of waters that we didn't get, along with ordered drinks which took 15 minutes to get to the table, apps took an additional 25 minutes. We ordered 2 dips and the hummus plate. We inquired for more chips to go with the dip which is when we were informed that it was an additional charge (quoted it would be charged as a side which ranges between $5-$12). We were appalled that it would be an extra charge to the bill. Then there was a 30 minute gap from when apps were finished to when our meals arrived. When they arrived all of our hot meals were cold. We ordered steamers that's were freezing cold, 2 plates of fish tacos, 2 burgers, chicken tenders, lobster bisque and a salad. We sent back the steamers immediately, and shortly after the kitchen manager came back saying that they 'temp checked them and they weren't cold just like warm, but not hot like they should'. We didn't ask for an excuse but the response felt more of an insult because they didn't believe that we said they were cold. We also had someone deliver a lobster scampi which we didn't order and never got the lobster bisque. Excuse being it was 'keyed wrong' which yes is a human error, but put another sour taste in our mouths. We tried to bring up the other issues but it was just an excuse after excuse after excuse. The compensation at the moment was 'you can order a dessert and we won't charge you for it' when all we wanted to do was leave. They didn't want to hear any more complaints about the issues with the food and offered what felt like barely minimum to correct the situation. The manager did take the apps off but those were minimal compared to the money wasted on a very expensive and unimpressive meal.

I understand that restaurants have hiccups and issues but it truly was the service that was presented to us that night that ruined our entire meal and family vacation. The lack of respect to listen to paying customers was something I've never seen before.

You lost dedicated customers who attended multiple...

Do not eat here. Trust me, just don't. We spent a week in Kennebunkport, and this was by far the worst (and only bad) meal we had. We ended up here after where we really wanted to go was too long of a wait for our hungry kids. The host said "hi" and just stared at me which was awkward, so I asked for a table. We were seated outside which was nice. We ordered waters and two cocktails. My husband's rum drink was good. My aperol spritz (a fairly easy cocktail) was not - it needed more aperol. We ordered pretzels/beer cheese which came out quickly and were good. The kids ordered Mac & cheese; I the fish and chips; husband the fish tacos. And then, we waited and waited and waited some more. Our son needed to use the bathroom, so my husband took him. He returned and said the bathrooms were beyond disgusting and no one would be going back in there no matter how bad they needed to go. We continued to wait. We waited well over 30 minutes for our entrees; I think it was about 40 minutes. Possibly longer. Honestly, we could have overlooked this because the view was nice, but 1. the food was horrible 2. The kids were starving and 3. by the time our food was served we could have been seated and likely eating at the restaurant we actually wanted to go to - which was the big gut punch. We wasted a precious vacation dinner at this disgusting place. The kids were not crazy about their Mac & cheese, so I tried it. It was not hot and just okay Mac & cheese. My fish and chips were disappointing. I could immediately tell by the color when it was sat down in front of me that it was not going to be good. I ate about half and mainly because I was so hungry by this point. Granted, we've had fish and chips in Ireland, but these were pitiful no matter the comparison (and we ended up with great fish and chips elsewhere in Kennebunkport at another dinner). My husband's fish tacos were inedible. He said they tasted like someone had accidentally dumped the entire salt container on them. I tried one bite and had to down water immediately afterwards due to the saltiness. He ate some of my fish reluctantly. They did remove the tacos from our tab. The only good out of our meal was our poor waitress who was trying/solid and our outdoor view. We are planning on returning to Kennebunkport next year, but we will never return to this restaurant. There are plenty of other good restaurants within walking distance of this place. Just do...

Federal Jack's is a must-visit spot for anyone in Kennebunkport looking for excellent food, a welcoming atmosphere, exceptional service, and great value.

The food is some of the best in Kennebunkport. This is not a fancy restaurant, so temper your expectations accordingly. I ordered the Haddock Fish & Chips and the Grilled Bacon Cheddar Chicken sandwich on two occasions. Although the Fish & Chips were spectacular, there are better options elsewhere in Kennebunkport. You could tell it was fresh, but some flavor and tenderness were lacking. That said, the value is unbeatable. The dish is competitively priced and delivers two decent-sized pieces of haddock and a basket of fries. The tartar sauce also had a good taste and consistency, which is always lovely. As for the chicken sandwich, it's about what you'd expect: melted cheese, crispy bacon, and blase mayonnaise—good flavor, well seasoned, but nothing crazy or too unique. (Then again, I expected little from a chicken sandwich in a place where seafood is the main attraction.) I'd also be remiss if I did not mention the Hummus & Country Olives appetizer. I'm not even a huge hummus guy, but Federal Jack's does it right, and it's an abundance of food for just $12.

The atmosphere is incredible. There's an immense amount of natural light, the view overlooking the water is gorgeous, and the interior is spacious. It gives you a perfect blend of tourist vibes and local taste. Additionally, the service is exceptional. The servers were amiable, accommodating, and attentive without being invasive.

Unfortunately, I have to give Federal Jack's 4 stars because there's no option for 4.5. Mainly, there is nothing that makes Federal Jack’s genuinely stand out. That said, I did not try any of the beers or alcoholic beverages during my time there, so maybe that's where Federal Jack's truly shines. In any event, the menu offers plenty of variety and enticing options, making Federal Jack's a place you can repeatedly go back to without it...