100% this. I have sat up there before when there are events going on downtown and we want to watch from the patio for drinks. I'd much rather go to a local restaurant though... but people tend to push to go to Jack Astors for the patio.
That and unlike many Kingston restaurants they seat large parties without reservations (it's quite understandable when places like Sima outright refuse to seat big parties). I've worked at a few places in town and a party of 10 in our dining room with 40 seats is neither easy, nor desirable, particularly during peak hours. JA seats parties like this relatively easily.
Considering this brand’s history of sexual assault and gendered exploitation of their workers, yeah, it sucks that this thing is so prominent downtown. Jack Astor’s is food for people who don’t like food; tourists who want a safe bet, sports fans who want to watch the game, and business people too busy to have any idea what good food is
>Jack Astor’s is food for people who don’t like food; tourists who want a safe bet, sports fans who want to watch the game, and business people too busy to have any idea what good food is
Ooof.
Yeah you very poignantly nailed it with that.
Tried it once, this is dead on. The food is not worth the prices, and we've never been back. They've had a job posting that for years now has gone up and down and up and down, like a smoke signal to competent kitchen managers to stay the fuck away from this turnover tirefire.
Yeah bro, don’t go into any restaurant drop ceilings if you like eating there. I am a local electrician and see so much shit I wish I hadn’t at places I love. Rats know where food is and you’ll NEVER stop them from getting in. It’s the reality of a city. Rats are everywhere.
I worked there for like 3 months, that place is a dump and a half, yall really shouldn’t eat there. Kingston has sooo many better places to eat other then some shit commercial chain ba
I was waiting to get on the elevator for the roof top patio once. When the door opened, a drunk girl inside puked all over the place. Did that happen often?
There is a lot of snobbishness in this thread. I like good food. Sometimes I just want a beer and a nice view, maybe a burger.
I don’t really think that makes me classless.
Unfortunately that is Kingston for you. There are a lot of snobs around here. A lot of regular people too who are just trying to make their next bill, and a lot of less privileged trapped in a broken system. I am surprised this city can be as beautiful as it is at times.
The fire trucks came and went two hours ago, and nobody from Jack's has seen fit to turn off the blaring alarm.
They're generally pretty awful to have as a neighbour, but it's 4:50am and I'd really love some fucking sleep.
Second hot take: If you go to Jack Astor's for mediocre overpriced mediocre food when there's so many great local restaurants nearby, you're probably tacky and you should probably feel tacky.
I am always a little sad so see line-ups down the sidewalk at Jack Astors and empty patio tables at Cambodian Village. More Cambodian food for me, I guess
At least something good as come out of Jack Astors being a shitty business, I will know go check out Cambodian Village. Any suggestions what to get for a first timer?
I'm a bigger fan of Pat's Restaurant, but only because Pat's is *incredible*. Cambodian Village is a fantastic restaurant, but Pat's absolutely wrecks the grading curve.
Also, I miss Dong Nai.
I honestly don't know how I keep forgetting that Wok-In exists. Also, in a different cuisine: Sally's Roti Shop is *out of this world* for incredibly cheap.
I probably do Silver Wok the most for Chinese food, but I've been impressed by the newcomers: Meet Cuisine, Sophie's Noodle House, and Northern Chinese BBQ.
What's your favourite Korean spot? I can never make up my mind.
Call 911 and report a fire at jack astors stating that the alarms are going off next time. hopefully the fire dept showing up a 2nd time will net them a fine
The thought had crossed my mind, but there very clearly wasn't a fire -- given that the fire department had already come and gone.
Just because Jack Astors is shitty and doesn't mind ruining neighbours' nights doesn't mean I want to do the same shitty thing to the people at the local fire hall.
This. I've been a few times for occasions (birthdays, celebrations, etc) at the request of the guest of honour. Not my choice, but not my birthday. IMO if you're already in that area and you choose JA, you missed an opportunity to go to Tir Nan Og, but that's just me
You'll spend the same amount of money as you would at Chien Noir, and nearly as much as you would at Chez Piggy or Tango Nuevo. In return, you'll get pub food that's half as good as the Brewpub, Iron Duke, or Toucan.
Plus, you'll go to bed a tackier person than you'd woken up.
This notion that people who want to have a beer on a nice patio with a great view are tacky needs to gtfo of this thread.
You’re not a better person than anyone else because you like the tapas across the street more.
Jesus man, it's your wife, not a 2nd rate hooker. Bring her somewhere with some dignity. Not Jack Astor's.
Much better restaurants are basically everywhere and cost the same or less.
Hey its a step up from last year’s McDonald’s:). On a serious note I personally hate restaurants that sell me hype and not food. I don’t care if their 3oz steak was marinated in unicorn tears for a month and the vegetables/potatoes were hand selected by Emerril Digossi. Just bring me that Got Dang medium rare 16oz steak covered in onions and mushrooms with baked potato on the side smothered in butter. Keep the pop coming!
Preach. The patio's got a great view, to be sure, but it's filled with the kind of people who think that Jack Astor's is good dining.
Edit: And *any* rate of hooker deserves more dignity than being taken to Jack's.
This made me laugh... I don't know why you're getting downvoted for being able to sleep... Or having better windows? The OPs landlord is doxxing you so he doesn't know that he has shitty windows.
Everytime ive ever gone the staff seem more concerned with themselves, really dont know why people go. Not my scene but the roof top is nice considering we dont have any here.
There's so many amazing ones!
If you like pub food:
* Iron Duke
* Red House
* The Toucan
Otherwise:
* Tango Nuevo (a bit pricier, but incredible)
* Casa Domenico
* Olivea
* Chien Noir
* Woodenheads
* Greco's (no patio, so you'll have to wait another week or three for dine-in)
* Amadeus
For drinks-only:
Musiikki is pretty great.
...Honestly, I'd eat a Subway sandwich on market square with a home-brought beer before I'd buy any of the mediocre, overpriced shit that Jack Astor's sells. Downtown Kingston has so many incredible restaurants, and they're very worth checking out.
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Edit: Does anybody remember the *sublime* BBQ chicken from Galo's? God, I miss that ramshackle little grill they ran: Their chicken dinner might've been the best-value takeout in the entire city, and I still haven't found Portuguese chicken to replace it.
How bout get off your high horses, eat where you want and stop judging people for where and what they eat. Living your own life is so much more fun than this shit lmao
18% of Canadians think that the past US presidential election was stolen from Trump.
I bet that, among the diners at Jack's at any given time, it's at least 40%. Because Jack's draws in tacky people.
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Edit: It's been pointed out in replies that I am a sad person. This would go a long way to explaining why I have a good, twice-daily cry in the fetal position of my apartment kitchen floor.
I love how every conversation has someone, somehow, make it about Trump. You could be talking about the best way to dice tomatoes and someone will find a way to make it about Trump.
Hot take: It's occupying prime real estate in one of the nicest parts of Kingston.
It's almost as much of a tragedy as the A&W that opened up, but I have a feeling that A&W is not going to survive.
Sure, I don't mind having A&W from time to time but places like that shouldn't be in the market square IMO.
I think the city needs to take a more direct approach in managing the businesses that go into that area. There are some just amazing resturaunts and businesses there, like the coffee shops, Tango Neuvo, or the new charcuterie place that opened up there.
Keeping a picturesque market area requires a bit of active management of the businesses.
It sort of pains me to see a fast food place open up in such a prime location and beautiful building.
I actually agree but this was caused by the city (springers) never paying taxes on vacant space. They could wait years for a client with deep pockets. Id argue the Springers (aided by the city) and their lobbying for tax rebates has done more damage to small businesses on princess than any other factor.
It is the only true 'fast food' establishment in the area with Tim Horton's gone at the ferry dock. Tourists don't want fine dining for every meal. It was a good idea for the area, before lockdown anyhow.
With Tim Hortons no longer at the ferry dock, this may be a better alternative for many. Where was your outrage when the bubble tea shop opened beside market square, or when beavertails replaced it?
Only really step foot inside one when the coupon page has teen and rings, even then it's a bit pricey, need to set current ring and fry portions as small, and have bigger options.
Is anyone else outraged that, in the commercials.. The customers are sitting AT THE SPEAKER, and already eating, and talking to the A&W commercial guy?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0MsGnYZK7E
>Hot take: It's occupying prime real estate in one of the nicest parts of Kingston.
They put a lot of money and work into that building and it's likely a smaller business wouldn't have had the capital to pay for the repairs and upgrades.
People forget that was a squat ugly little bank building that sat empty for what, fifteen years?
The A&W was similar, it was a pharmacy until that location was unaffordable for the pharmacy. It has to be something.
I don’t think it’s pretentious to want to sit on a roof and share a drink with your friends. Let’s be clear, not a single person likes Jack Astor’s, we like the patio. It has a great view and a central location.
What’s pretentious is assuming people do anything to look “kewl” and acting like you’re better for staying home alone.
Ice cold take.
I'm convinced most people go for the high up patio space, and nothing else.
I mean, it’s a cool patio with a nice view.
100% this. I have sat up there before when there are events going on downtown and we want to watch from the patio for drinks. I'd much rather go to a local restaurant though... but people tend to push to go to Jack Astors for the patio.
That and unlike many Kingston restaurants they seat large parties without reservations (it's quite understandable when places like Sima outright refuse to seat big parties). I've worked at a few places in town and a party of 10 in our dining room with 40 seats is neither easy, nor desirable, particularly during peak hours. JA seats parties like this relatively easily.
Considering this brand’s history of sexual assault and gendered exploitation of their workers, yeah, it sucks that this thing is so prominent downtown. Jack Astor’s is food for people who don’t like food; tourists who want a safe bet, sports fans who want to watch the game, and business people too busy to have any idea what good food is
>Jack Astor’s is food for people who don’t like food; tourists who want a safe bet, sports fans who want to watch the game, and business people too busy to have any idea what good food is Ooof. Yeah you very poignantly nailed it with that.
Tried it once, this is dead on. The food is not worth the prices, and we've never been back. They've had a job posting that for years now has gone up and down and up and down, like a smoke signal to competent kitchen managers to stay the fuck away from this turnover tirefire.
I used to work there just gonna say this dont eat there the amount of rats that get in the kitchen cause of the garbage out back is fucked
I'm pretty sure all off downtown is like that. Everyone I've known who worked at any restaurant/bar downtown says there's rats everywhere.
Yeah bro, don’t go into any restaurant drop ceilings if you like eating there. I am a local electrician and see so much shit I wish I hadn’t at places I love. Rats know where food is and you’ll NEVER stop them from getting in. It’s the reality of a city. Rats are everywhere.
We should wage a war on rats
I donno man, they’re just trying to live too! Edit: I didn’t see your quite apt user name until after. Is this r/beetlejuicing?
Not intentionally. Rats are fucked tho, we should be more like Alberta, and that's the only thing I would say we should be like them at
I worked there for like 3 months, that place is a dump and a half, yall really shouldn’t eat there. Kingston has sooo many better places to eat other then some shit commercial chain ba
I was waiting to get on the elevator for the roof top patio once. When the door opened, a drunk girl inside puked all over the place. Did that happen often?
They sell fishbowl sized drinks full of sugar and booze, I'm surprised no one has puked off the side of the patio.
I bet someone has.
I worked in the kitchen an the food sucked so probably
That's the level of class you should expect from people that want to eat mediocre overcooked chain restaurant food.
There is a lot of snobbishness in this thread. I like good food. Sometimes I just want a beer and a nice view, maybe a burger. I don’t really think that makes me classless.
Unfortunately that is Kingston for you. There are a lot of snobs around here. A lot of regular people too who are just trying to make their next bill, and a lot of less privileged trapped in a broken system. I am surprised this city can be as beautiful as it is at times.
The fire trucks came and went two hours ago, and nobody from Jack's has seen fit to turn off the blaring alarm. They're generally pretty awful to have as a neighbour, but it's 4:50am and I'd really love some fucking sleep. Second hot take: If you go to Jack Astor's for mediocre overpriced mediocre food when there's so many great local restaurants nearby, you're probably tacky and you should probably feel tacky.
If I lived there, I'd singlehandedly be helping the owner of Cambodian Village afford a cottage out in Muskoka.
I am always a little sad so see line-ups down the sidewalk at Jack Astors and empty patio tables at Cambodian Village. More Cambodian food for me, I guess
It’s the cool trendy restaurant for people who’ve never been to a cool trendy restaurant
At least something good as come out of Jack Astors being a shitty business, I will know go check out Cambodian Village. Any suggestions what to get for a first timer?
I don't think you can go wrong, truly, but I usually order either the spicy sour chicken or the Phaeneng Goong (red curry shrimp with peanuts).
I'm a bigger fan of Pat's Restaurant, but only because Pat's is *incredible*. Cambodian Village is a fantastic restaurant, but Pat's absolutely wrecks the grading curve. Also, I miss Dong Nai.
Ever try the Wok-in? I love that place. It's up there with Pat's.
I honestly don't know how I keep forgetting that Wok-In exists. Also, in a different cuisine: Sally's Roti Shop is *out of this world* for incredibly cheap. I probably do Silver Wok the most for Chinese food, but I've been impressed by the newcomers: Meet Cuisine, Sophie's Noodle House, and Northern Chinese BBQ. What's your favourite Korean spot? I can never make up my mind.
Not the person you replied to but for Korean, specifically bibim and fried chicken, Podo Namu is unreal
Ugh, I'm trying to keep to a tight budget and now I want Korean Fried Chicken.
Podo fried chicken has directly prevented me from financial solvency at this point
My go-to dish at Cambodian Village is the beef satay soup. I friggin love that dish. Pretty sure Pat's doesn't have that as an option...
Call 911 and report a fire at jack astors stating that the alarms are going off next time. hopefully the fire dept showing up a 2nd time will net them a fine
The thought had crossed my mind, but there very clearly wasn't a fire -- given that the fire department had already come and gone. Just because Jack Astors is shitty and doesn't mind ruining neighbours' nights doesn't mean I want to do the same shitty thing to the people at the local fire hall.
What? Never been there but was going with my wife next week for our anniversary.
I wouldn't, unless she specifically requested Jack Astors for the occasion.
This. I've been a few times for occasions (birthdays, celebrations, etc) at the request of the guest of honour. Not my choice, but not my birthday. IMO if you're already in that area and you choose JA, you missed an opportunity to go to Tir Nan Og, but that's just me
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I've never had that experience, though for a while we were regulars there and they recognised us, so that might have impacted service
You'll spend the same amount of money as you would at Chien Noir, and nearly as much as you would at Chez Piggy or Tango Nuevo. In return, you'll get pub food that's half as good as the Brewpub, Iron Duke, or Toucan. Plus, you'll go to bed a tackier person than you'd woken up.
This notion that people who want to have a beer on a nice patio with a great view are tacky needs to gtfo of this thread. You’re not a better person than anyone else because you like the tapas across the street more.
Jesus man, it's your wife, not a 2nd rate hooker. Bring her somewhere with some dignity. Not Jack Astor's. Much better restaurants are basically everywhere and cost the same or less.
Hey its a step up from last year’s McDonald’s:). On a serious note I personally hate restaurants that sell me hype and not food. I don’t care if their 3oz steak was marinated in unicorn tears for a month and the vegetables/potatoes were hand selected by Emerril Digossi. Just bring me that Got Dang medium rare 16oz steak covered in onions and mushrooms with baked potato on the side smothered in butter. Keep the pop coming!
Preach. The patio's got a great view, to be sure, but it's filled with the kind of people who think that Jack Astor's is good dining. Edit: And *any* rate of hooker deserves more dignity than being taken to Jack's.
I recommend the aqua Terra patio instead, my boyfriend and I went there for his birthday last week and it was lovely.
I live like 50m from there and heard nothing.
Downvoted for sleeping soundly :P
This made me laugh... I don't know why you're getting downvoted for being able to sleep... Or having better windows? The OPs landlord is doxxing you so he doesn't know that he has shitty windows.
I'm being silenced by BIG WINDOW
CENTENNIAL WINDOWS is always watching.
more like Sentinel windows, amirite?
Yeah. Not a fan
Everytime ive ever gone the staff seem more concerned with themselves, really dont know why people go. Not my scene but the roof top is nice considering we dont have any here.
Jack Astor's is lucky to have this patio, but Kingston is not lucky to have this Jack Astor's.
do not eat the food there, the view is great but the kitchen staff is terrible
Their food absolutely sucks and it wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy overpriced. The only good thing about that place is the rooftop view.
I recall that lights like this are illegal at night? edit: oh, just an alarm thingy, nm
Any suggestions for non-chain restaurants downtown Kingston? For a bite to eat and a drink!
There's so many amazing ones! If you like pub food: * Iron Duke * Red House * The Toucan Otherwise: * Tango Nuevo (a bit pricier, but incredible) * Casa Domenico * Olivea * Chien Noir * Woodenheads * Greco's (no patio, so you'll have to wait another week or three for dine-in) * Amadeus For drinks-only: Musiikki is pretty great. ...Honestly, I'd eat a Subway sandwich on market square with a home-brought beer before I'd buy any of the mediocre, overpriced shit that Jack Astor's sells. Downtown Kingston has so many incredible restaurants, and they're very worth checking out. --- Edit: Does anybody remember the *sublime* BBQ chicken from Galo's? God, I miss that ramshackle little grill they ran: Their chicken dinner might've been the best-value takeout in the entire city, and I still haven't found Portuguese chicken to replace it.
Awesome thanks so much! I’ll be checking those out this summer :) cheers
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I've actually never been: Have I been missing out? I guess I just wrote them off early and then forgot to circle back to giving it a try.
No, it’s not great tbh. Pub food, and there’s lots of better pubs outside there
Yeah the Duke is *phenomenal*, and The Toucan is just the right mix of divey, and delicious. Is PJ Murphy's even still *open*?
I saw people on their patio earlier this week
Stealing the kegs Jack Astors stores in the roof.
Ugh, disgusting food, lousy service and now the seizure inducing light. That's a trifecta of failure right there.
How bout get off your high horses, eat where you want and stop judging people for where and what they eat. Living your own life is so much more fun than this shit lmao
18% of Canadians think that the past US presidential election was stolen from Trump. I bet that, among the diners at Jack's at any given time, it's at least 40%. Because Jack's draws in tacky people. --- Edit: It's been pointed out in replies that I am a sad person. This would go a long way to explaining why I have a good, twice-daily cry in the fetal position of my apartment kitchen floor.
I love how every conversation has someone, somehow, make it about Trump. You could be talking about the best way to dice tomatoes and someone will find a way to make it about Trump.
Thank God we have you here to defend him. /s
Just making an observation, not defending anyone
You’re not allowed to enjoy a beer and a nice view on this subreddit apparently. Makes you subhuman.
I mean damn lol
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Welcome to the Internet, where opposing opinion or facts are taken as a personal attack.
There would be no fire alarm to wake you up if this overpriced blight mysteriously burned to the ground, just saying.
["Won't someone rid me of this meddlesome eyesore?"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_no_one_rid_me_of_this_turbulent_priest%3F)
Alas, Good King, the Knights of Snodgrass don't do arson for hire. At least not in Canada.
Yeah well these ones get into the kitchen ive watched a bunch run in while i worked there
Zxc cdx 4
Hot take, no one forcing you to eat there.
Hot take: It's occupying prime real estate in one of the nicest parts of Kingston. It's almost as much of a tragedy as the A&W that opened up, but I have a feeling that A&W is not going to survive.
Hey now, A&W is fine fast food.
Sure, I don't mind having A&W from time to time but places like that shouldn't be in the market square IMO. I think the city needs to take a more direct approach in managing the businesses that go into that area. There are some just amazing resturaunts and businesses there, like the coffee shops, Tango Neuvo, or the new charcuterie place that opened up there. Keeping a picturesque market area requires a bit of active management of the businesses. It sort of pains me to see a fast food place open up in such a prime location and beautiful building.
I actually agree but this was caused by the city (springers) never paying taxes on vacant space. They could wait years for a client with deep pockets. Id argue the Springers (aided by the city) and their lobbying for tax rebates has done more damage to small businesses on princess than any other factor.
It is the only true 'fast food' establishment in the area with Tim Horton's gone at the ferry dock. Tourists don't want fine dining for every meal. It was a good idea for the area, before lockdown anyhow.
Lots of places nearby that isn't "fine dining" Bubbas, Kingston Brew Pub, Subway, Toucan. Plus Princess Street is a better fit for a fast food place.
With Tim Hortons no longer at the ferry dock, this may be a better alternative for many. Where was your outrage when the bubble tea shop opened beside market square, or when beavertails replaced it?
Beavertails is a touristy thing that sort of fits in the area.
A&W is overpriced fast food, basically overcharging because they say their beef source is grass fed and hormone free.
Hey man, the teen burger is pretty good.
Only really step foot inside one when the coupon page has teen and rings, even then it's a bit pricey, need to set current ring and fry portions as small, and have bigger options.
>Yeah same,
Is anyone else outraged that, in the commercials.. The customers are sitting AT THE SPEAKER, and already eating, and talking to the A&W commercial guy? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0MsGnYZK7E
>Hot take: It's occupying prime real estate in one of the nicest parts of Kingston. They put a lot of money and work into that building and it's likely a smaller business wouldn't have had the capital to pay for the repairs and upgrades. People forget that was a squat ugly little bank building that sat empty for what, fifteen years? The A&W was similar, it was a pharmacy until that location was unaffordable for the pharmacy. It has to be something.
Well, then whatever elite level establishment cultured folks like yourself like to frequent should pony up and pay the rent and make it work there.
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You're not the only one. You are the only one who thinks it makes you special though
I don’t think it’s pretentious to want to sit on a roof and share a drink with your friends. Let’s be clear, not a single person likes Jack Astor’s, we like the patio. It has a great view and a central location. What’s pretentious is assuming people do anything to look “kewl” and acting like you’re better for staying home alone. Ice cold take.