J R Mac's Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Saint Paul

I've been to JR Macs three times now, it is a block from my door so I wanted to like it and to give it a fair shot. But its kind of a mess.

The problems start when you open the door, there is nothing to indicate if you should seat yourself or wait. The staff (more on this later) don't seem concerned to help people in this position, either.

The food is ordinary bar food, nothing special to make it uniquely their own. Its not bad, but could be a whole lot better. It also seems that they have either inexperienced or apathetic kitchen staff. Each time I ordered a burger the patty was cut where the cook checked to see if it was done. On this note, each time I ordered my burger medium-rare and received a well done patty.

Now, the staff. None of them seem a bad sort, they just aren't good at providing service. Or, at least, not to anyone who isn't a regular. Each time I went in the staff were far more concerned with talking to regulars then serving others.

The server/bartender didn't seem to have knowledge of the menu or what the kitchen could or could not do. They are friendly but no one seems to be making sure they know the business or are actually working.

The last time I went in I had to ask if could sit outside. The person behind the bar seemd to think 'yes' was all I would need. I sat myself and then waited 15 minutes while multiple employees went in and out of the door to the patio. No one ever asked if I wanted to order or even a glass of water. Even if these people were not servers they could have at least informed someone who was.

Put simply: there is nothing about JR Macs and their food that is so good that you can't get it elsewhere. As such, there isn't any reason to put up with the poor service and smokey patio. Bennett's Chop and Railhouse is one block down the street and is a much...

If you haven’t been to this hidden gem in St. Paul, then go there today! Yes, they do take out and it will be piping hot when you pick it up! Just call them and they will tell you when it is ready, or request your pick up time in advance and it will be made upon your request. It is literally 1/2 mile to the east off 35E on West 7th Street (many people take that exit to go to the left to drive to the MPLS Airport!). Now you know, you should take a right to have a wonderful meal! If you are a burger connoisseur, you have to try one of their burgers and you will be hooked! I know I could go on and on 😉. You’re supporting a 2nd generation St. Paul family in the process during this time! Did I mention you should go...

I’m a life long St. Paul resident and JR Mac’s use to be a great little neighborhood spot, prior to the pandemic.

Over the past few months, I’ve stopped in a few times to grab an appetizer and catch a Wild game. If you’re not a regular, the bartender Joe greets you (after you’ve been there for 15-20 minutes) with a scowl, extremely offensive behavior, and very poor service.

Unfortunately, his counterpart Carly, who is the “waitress” operates in the same manner.

Thankfully, there are other neighborhood places along West 7th where the staff treat customers with dignity and respect, I’d highly recommend avoiding this place until they have new...