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Name: Jack’s Bistro
Address: 3123 Elliott St, Baltimore, MD, 21224
Telephone: (410) 878-6542
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.30

Jack’s Bistro

3123 Elliott St, Baltimore, MD, 21224

(410) 878-6542
Store is closed

Jack’s Bistro Menu

Appetizers + Salad

Crispy Sous Vide Pork Belly

Meat Bloody Mary

Mac Cheese Chocolate

Spanish Shrimp And Garlic

Poutine

Steamed Bok Choy

Chilled Panang Curry Mussel Salad

Simple Salad
Entrees

Argentine Steak

Sous Vide Duck Breast

Sous Vide Double Cut Pork Chop

Seared Cod Fish

Poached Chesapeake Bay Oysters

Bistro Crab Cake

Asian Tuna Ravioli

Guinness Braised Filet Mignon

Bohdi Dal
Sides

Grilled Asparagus

Sm Gouda Jalapeno Bacon Grits

Seasoned French Fries

Roasted Fingerling Red Pepper

Parsnip Puree

Battered Eggplant Fries

Basmati Rice

Healthy Meal suggestions for Jack’s Bistro

Appetizers + Salad

Crispy Sous Vide Pork Belly [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Meat Bloody Mary [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mac Cheese Chocolate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spanish Shrimp And Garlic [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Poutine [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steamed Bok Choy [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chilled Panang Curry Mussel Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Simple Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Entrees

Argentine Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sous Vide Duck Breast [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sous Vide Double Cut Pork Chop [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seared Cod Fish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Poached Chesapeake Bay Oysters [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bistro Crab Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Asian Tuna Ravioli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Guinness Braised Filet Mignon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bohdi Dal [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

Grilled Asparagus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sm Gouda Jalapeno Bacon Grits [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seasoned French Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Fingerling Red Pepper [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Parsnip Puree [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Battered Eggplant Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Basmati Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Dale B.

I'm new to exploring the Canton area of Baltimore but there's one restaurant that sticks out like a sore thumb while running a Yelp search, and it's Jack's Bistro. It's tucked away on an inconspicuous street corner, you'd never know it was there without beautiful ol' technology. Everything we ate here was groundbreakingly phenomenal. We started with the Korean Pancake. The textures and flavors were completely palette pleasing. I ordered the G&T cocktail. They make their own tonic water and even added real juniper berries, turning this seemingly simple cocktail into an exotic adventure. I had the duck, my wife ordered the restaurant's signature dish, the Guinness braised filet mignon. We didn't speak as we scarfed it all down. For dessert (because after that performance, ya gotta order dessert) we opted for the fried s'mores. Incredible. This restaurant hit a grand slam from the appetizers, to the drinks, to the entrees, to the dessert. They do it all right, and you can't afford to pass it up.
(5)
Molly H.

Jack's does not disappoint! Every time I go their food is delicious, inventive, and perfectly portioned. Today my boyfriend and I went for a mid-week dinner date. We started with the chocolate Mac n cheese (obviously) and then he got the Guinness braised filet, which he says is the best. I tried their newspaper salmon, which is new as of a week or two ago. It was one of the best dishes I've ever had! Salmon was perfectly cooked and seasoned and came with a corn, tomato and crab salad. It was so delicious and satisfying. I highly recommend!
(5)
Susanna W.

The food here is so good! It's very decadent and definitely and indulgence. The chocolate Mac and cheese was delicious! We also got the PB&J shots which were pretty good. The atmosphere itself is kind of dark and cozy, with mostly booth seating in the bar area.
(5)
Jeffrey S.

Not gonna lie, I was very disappointed with Jack's Bistro. I was in the Baltimore area with the gf and we decided to check yelp to find a nice place to eat. One of the top spots on the list was Jack's Bistro. Upon entering the restaurant that day, I was overpowered with an extremely sour sort of smell. Immediately I started questioning if I was at the right place. Nonetheless, we got seated. Unfortunate to us, we were seated in a tight corner at the end of the restaurant pretty much touching an exit door. The menu had some pretty neat items on it. The server did a good job describing the items on the menu. The presentation of the food as it came out was actually pretty darn good too. I got the Moroccan chicken while the gf got the Malaysian Laksa. We both split a Mac + Cheese + Chocolate appetizer. It was pretty cool to get a chocolate mac and cheese, but the taste really isn't for us. The Moroccan chicken wasn't too bad, but the gf didn't care for the Laksa. She felt hers was a bit too strong. Upon finishing our meal, it took the server over a half an hour to visit the table (likely because we were stuffed in the back corner of the restaurant and forgot about) Overall. very disappointed. When you spend around $25 for a meal, you expect so much more. There are a ton of positive reviews out for this place. We may have been just really unlucky, I don't know. What I do know is I won't return.
(1)
Beata K.

Came here for restaurant week and as expected there was a wait but it wasn't too bad...about 35 min to sit at the bar. The atmosphere is great, it's very small and cozy and its loud and chatty and makes you feel comfortable. The staff and service was great. Everyone explained the menu very well and suggested great drinks and to my surprise the food came our very fast (guessing most of it is premade). Onto the food/drinks. We got the chocolate mac and cheese which wasn't as great as everyone says it was...it wasn't cheesy enough and the flavor was interesting. The mussels were great and the jalapeÃ±o sauce they came in was fantastic. The Guinness filet was extremely tender, cut like butter and was cooked to perfection. What really sealed the deal was the sauce it came in and the bacon grits. The bodhi dal was not impressive and far from Indian restaurant quality. Both the fried smores and lime cheesecake were drool worthy. Drinks: jacks muel is fantastic and actually tastes like ginger, wow. Overall it was a great experience but there were defiantly not enough vegetarian options.
(4)
John F.

Wow - finally an absolutely awesome spot in bmore! We went for restaurant week based on a recommendation... and were blown away. We had the Mac&Cheese w/ chocolate... interesting. Then the mussels - super spicy, but delicious and so fresh. After that, the laksa and the teres major steak. The Laksa was definitely the favorite of the evening... amazing flavors. Almost a udon noodle dish, but different. The steak was extremely tender and so well prepared. While it was impressive... it's just steak - without any crazy amazing flavors. We ended the night with the toasted smores and the grilled pineapple. Can understand why the smores are a dish their known for, but it is on the heavier side. The pineapple was very light and refreshing, with great flavors. We'll be back to Jack's - no doubt.
(4)
Jenny B.

If someone asked me what my favorite restaurant in Baltimore is, I would have to go with Jack's Bistro. I came here for restaurant week a couple months ago and had a deeeeelicious dinner! Restaurant week can be pretty overwhelming because there are so many options and not enough time/money, so I made a spreadsheet to help me decide which places to go to and at the top of that list was Jack's Bistro. What I loved about the menu is that it is so eclectic - it is not limited to any particular cuisine. No matter what you are craving you will definitely find something on the menu to suit your fancy. Our waitress told us that the chef travels all around the world to try different cuisines and dishes and uses that as inspiration to create a unique and exciting menu. I had heard about their Chocolate Mac & Cheese, which sounds like a weird combination but was as awesome as I had read from the reviews of my fellow yelpers. The creamy and velvety texture of the cheese melded together with the dark chocolate niblets in a sea of pasta perfection. I could have just eaten chocolate mac & cheese for my entire dinner. It was so good I tried to recreate it myself, but it did not turn out the same so I will be coming back soon! In addition to their Chocolate Mac & Cheese, Jack's Bistro is also famous for their Spicy Somboon New Zealand Style Mussels and Guinness Braised Filet Mignon. Their mussels were tender and seasoned well but not really spicy. I did not try the filet mignon but my friends who got it enjoyed it. For dessert, I opted for the apple tart which was good as well. Out of all of the restaurants that I went to for restaurant week (which is a lot), Jack's Bistro was by far my favorite!
(5)
Kaylee H.

As an update to my previous review: My most recent visit to Jack's was more disappointing than my previous ones. This time, every dish across the board that I and 3 other people ordered was extremely salty. We had many of the same apps and entrees that we had on previous occasions, any nothing changed on the dishes except the salt level. It was quite disappointing because everything was so salty that it was hard to finish the meal. Perhaps the kitchen changed the brand/kind or salt, or maybe the chefs were having an off day. I've never had this problem at Jack's before. The service was great, and the drinks were on point as usual.
(3)
GT W.

An amazing food experience a couple of blocks from Stillwater's Of Love & Regret. The chef here used to create the menu for OLAR. Insane food choices like sous vide pork belly, Guinness reduction filet mignon with grits, smoked tomato with fried feta cheese. These are some of the unreal things our group of six enjoyed. We shared about 6 appetizers and two entrees. For beer, they have a small but rotating list of decent craft-only beer with Union Craft, Ommegang, Leipzeiger Gose, Weyerbacher, Aecht Schlenkerla, etc. You can order small pours of anything on tap. Service was insane. Food was insane. Beer very good. Actually they have quite the extensive bottle list. In summary, a culinary genius as head chef and a solid beer list. Probably more impressive are their mixed drinks, which probably change daily. Bartenders are pros. I loved it. For what you get, prices are very reasonable. Not a break the bank type of place by any means.
(5)
Rosa L.

Jacks bistro seemed appealing , small, intimate it was a bit loud on the night we went. The menu seemed decadent and had a lot of exquisite choice. We started off with the poutine, which was delicious. Needed more gravy but still amazing. Then ordered the Malaysian laksa and bodhi Dali. The laksa, well was way too salty and the noodles were too starchy. That taste that just sort of coats your mouth. It was hard to get past that and all the salt. The Dali lentils were still a bit hard and were missing some flavor. Overall it seemed like the menu was more enticing then the actual food. The flavors were missing and food didn't seem cooked properly. The only good part of my dish was the pita. That was soft and delicious. After much rave and great reviews I wouldn't return here sadly. The food was flat, much to my dismay as they do have a great concept!
(3)
Katy P.

I have been meaning to go to Jack's for the legendary chocolate mac & cheese since they opened, but every time Restaurant Week rolls around, we always end up picking somewhere else, and it's never somewhere we think about any other time. NO MORE. This place is now going in to our regular rotation. I am sure everyone's already covered this, but the chocolate mac & cheese should be a mandatory order. I would never dream up this recipe (despite chocolate and cheese being two of my top three favorite foods), but it's incredible. The chocolate is not too sweet, the cheese is super light and slightly sharp to balance the chocolate out, and the pasta is cooked to perfection. The chocolate on top gets slightly melty without being disgusting looking when it mingles with the cheese.... I don't know how this dish came to be, but it's Nobel Prize worthy, in my humble opinion. The Thai mussels are also great. They come pre-shucked, so no shells to deal with, and no empty shells (a top peeve of mine). The only regret is that without any dipping bread, the phenomenal sauce gets left on the plate! Give me some carbs to dip in the remaining sauce please!!!! The lamb pasta was the only miss of the evening, but nothing compares to the lamb tagliatelle at Bottega, so I don't know why I ordered it to begin with. Fried s'mores dessert was the perfect cap to the evening. I can't describe it in a way that will do it justice. Just go to the gym for a few hours, then get yourself to Jack's ASAP. As far as atmosphere goes, it's a perfect Baltimore spot. Not pretentious. Feels like someone's living room. Only complaint is that they've got a lot of rules on the menu. It's fair that they set expectations as far as wine/beer sampling, meat temp, upcharge for filet during restaurant week, etc. so that there's no questions about how dinner will go, but it's a little off-putting when you feel like you're getting a lecture from a menu. I could also dig one or two more reasonably priced wines, but it's worth the splurge to head here for dinner, regardless.
(5)
Dave S.

This is a rather small, unassuming place. We were lucky to be seated without a reservation. Our server was wonderful -- knowledgeable of both the bar and the menu. Our cocktails were excellent, as was the Korean pancake that we shared as an appetizer. I ordered a medium rare filet that was the best I've had in several years. The sauce was extraordinary. Unfortunately, my partner's duck entree was overcooked and bland. That's what keeps this from being a 5-star review. All in all, we'll definitely try it again. There's a lot to like about Jack's.
(4)
Mallory S.

Went to jack's bistro for Baltimore February 2015 restaurant week and had a great experience. Their speciality is the "chocolate Mac and cheese" which is exactly how it sounds. A mild cheesed Mac and cheese with coco powder on the top. You have to just let yourself know that you're eating chocolate Mac and cheese and roll with it. It's delicious but definitely not something you could eat everyday. I also had the steak with chimmichuri sauce which was cooked perfectly. It came with some crunchy French green beans. Dessert was their signature fried s'mores. Delicious but not what I was expecting. It was basically a tempura ball filled with a marshmallow and covered in hot chocolate sauce. I had the nine inch nail for my cocktail. Perfect whiskey drink but pretty small for the $10 price. All in all this place is delicious and I'll be going back! As long as I can get seated since they don't take reservations.
(4)
Elliott P.

When it comes to dining out in Canton, Jack's Bistro tops my list of best go-to spots. Jack's is a staple for the area and not to be missed. The menu specials have always been on point, perhaps because the chef travels a few times a year to sample different cuisines. How cool is that?! Aside from the specials, there are a few specials that you simply must get: Chocolate Mac & Cheese: It is just like regular mac and cheese, but with chocolate. Need I say more? Poutine Fries: If you're on a diet, this might be a good time to stop reading this. The poutine fries are really amazing. Get an order for the table and stab at that melted cheese before your cohorts do. Bacon Burger thing: This is just a cool concept. For me it was a one and done type thing, but you've got to try it once. It's a ground up bacon burger. No beef! Those are the essentials. The place is a bit tight, so if it is busy, prepare to wait a bit. Trust me though, it is worth the wait. They do take reservations but only for large parties. For a fancy dinner without a super fancy price tag, go to Jack's!
(5)
Golby J.

This is my second time to jacks, went last year with a friend for appetizers and enjoyed it. Came here for restaurant week after seeing the menu online, disappointed when i arrived to see the menu was different. We couldn't decide between three appetizers so we decided to get all three. The tator tots appetizer was cooked well but the sauce on top was thick and oily and the portion size was ridiculously small. The chocolate Mac and cheese tasted great but was literally in a baby bowl, there may have been 10 pieces of macaroni in there. The hummus was also a small portion but came with plenty of bread. The entrees we got the Guinness filet and it was delicious. Also ordered the crab cake and that was mediocre, the shrimp pasta salad it came with was bland. For dessert we got fried smores which came with chocolate ice cream that was too rich. Also got Apple tart with pumpkin gelato which was very good.
(3)
Jocelyn O.

Jack's is a cute little place that unless you knew about it, you wouldn't normally come across it since it is hidden amongst a lot of houses in Canton. They have a lot of interesting specialty cocktails that change frequently. Their food menu changes a bit too, but what they are known for is the chocolate mac-n-cheese. My thought on that is, it's overrated. The mac-n-cheese part was awesome, but the chocolate shavings on top of it, not a huge fan of it. It was worth trying, but not something I would crave on a regular basis. Their crab cakes are also pretty good. Barely any filler which is what I look for in a crab cake. They do have a fried s'mores dessert which is fantastic.
(4)
Mary Kate N.

For vegetarians and meat eaters alike, Jack's is one of the best of Baltimore. As I start to write this review I'm reminded of a Malaysian laksa that is making my mouth water....and then my mind drifts to the aaaamazing dark chocolate Mac and cheese. Let me share something: I hate mac and cheese pretty much 95% of the time. I'm just not a cheesy lady. I don't love dark chocolate. So why is it so amazing together? Why do I dream about it? Surely it's because Jack's has mastered the perfect flavor contrasts here. It ain't no Kraft mac n cheese. Hmmm I'm sounding ready for my next visit.
(5)
Taryn C.

I came into this place during my travels because of the Yelp reviews and I'm glad to say all of the raving reviews are very accurate. I came in on a Wednesday night during restaurant week, which I probably needed a reservation and didn't have one. We were told it would be about 45-50 minute wait and decided to go sit in the car and figure out what we wanted to do (I actually had full intentions on leaving because I was starving and didn't want to wait)...we were half way down the street and the hostess came out after us to let us know that a reservation had been cancelled! She actually ran us down so we could eat there - I thought it was just such a nice touch and felt it was a nice way to show that they care about their clientele. The whole experience was awesome. The food was amazing and not something I would normally eat but I loved it. I had a grilled romain salad to start and then a grilled steak (which literally melted in my mouth it was so tender) with chimichurri sauce, green beans, and rice. For dessert I had a cheesecake with key lime flavoring (which sounded weird) but it was SO good. Definitely come check this place out - not only did they have amazing service but also phenomenal food!
(5)
Alex E.

One of our favorites in Baltimore. We've been here 3 times now and its always a great experience. This time (as well as the previous times) I got the choc mac and cheese cuz of 'merica and freedom and because its amazing. We also went with the braised filet which was melt in your mouth perfect and the laksa my gf got was great too with tons of flavor. We got the cheesecake and smores for dessert and shocking they were excellent too. Keep doing what you're doing JB.
(5)
Josh B.

We came here to try a new local place and it did not disappoint. It was restaurant week, but there were plenty of choices. I got the hummus appetizer, Guinness Filet and the grilled pineapple for dessert. All were very tasty and just the right portion. I loved my drink. It was called "The Works," and was a true Baltimore drink - a Natty Boh rimmed with Old Bay, a siracha ring around the can topped off with crab meat. It doesn't get more Charm City than that. The atmosphere is nice. Very similar to a lot of local spots in B'more. It's a cozy, row house set up which is what I love because it fits right in with the community. The space is on the smaller side so make sure to get there early or make a reservation, but the food and service is worth the wait!
(4)
Katy K.

A little spot out of the way. Yes, little so you may have to wait for a table. They only take reservations on restaurant week and for large groups. My only con of the review is the noise. Because it's a small place it can get loud when full and it's hard to talk to your date. However, I'm usually enjoying the good so much I don't mind. The crab cakes are good. The chocolate Mac and cheese is a surprising treat. My favorite plate there so far has been the berry tart with salted caramel gelato for dessert. Beyond delicious!!!!
(4)
John E.

Wow, just wow, I cannot recommend this place enough! Went down with a couple friends to try it out since we had heard and seen good reviews and we were very impressed. Small cozy location with attentive wait staff, decent beer and wine selection, and delicious food. The most interesting dish that I tried was the chocolate mac and cheese, an interesting concept that was perfectly executed. I must find the recipe to make it at home. We tried a variety of appetizers and entrees and there was not a single one that wasn't absolutely delicious. Wes didn't have a problem getting seats, when we're went, but I would think most nights out its hard to get a seat due to the small size of the place; it is the first floor of a corner row home.
(5)
Elena H.

Food was ok, nothing fantastic. The French fries with cheese curd and fois grois sauce was nothing but a glorified cheese fries. Waitress said she wasn't paying attention and charged me more on my credit card than I authorized and gave me attitude when I needed her to fix it. Overall a cute little spot but not really worth it.
(3)
Lindsay W.

When to jacks for birthday dinner Friday night. Tiny place, great food. We loved the poutine and tots, the chocolate mac and cheese was ok fun to try. I got the noodles and the chicken that tasted like ham that was a bit too salty, someone else got the mega mac that was amazing and the Guinness steak which was so tender. We tried the fried smores for dessert, the whole choice of going here was for the creme brulee, but the waitress explained it's made with a rude smelly fruit that smells and tastes like onions. That was the major sad part. Nice bar too!!
(4)
Jane A.

YUM! After a long day, we came by here to have dinner and happened to snag a table. Everything else was full! The service was fine overall. I ordered a drink but substituted the brand of alcohol for another because I was allergic to the type that was in there. The waiter made a comment about not bothering to change it because I wouldn't taste it anyway (and it was a more expensive liquor). I told him about my allergy and I got this look like I was a pretentious B-. That was the only major strike in my book. The food was delicious. I had their Spicy Somboon Style Mussels that were awesome. I love spice, so it was right up my alley. My boyfriend ordered the Spanish Shrimp and Garlic if I remember right and enjoyed that as well. For entrees we had the Butter Poached Chilean Sea Bass and unfortunately I don't recall what he had. The fish was cooked to perfection and the flavors were all unique and interesting. It was delicious. For dessert we shared their version of a sundae I believe and it was a nice size for sharing without stuffing your face. Overall it was a yummy meal and a nice night.
(4)
M K.

One of my personal favorites in baltimore. I brought my out of town friends here and they were all pleased. It's tucked away in the middle of canton so can be a little difficult to find. The restaurant feels very down to earth. Although the prices for the food can be a little steep, there's nothing pretentious about the restaurant. Each dish has its own unique flavor and was so well prepared. Each dish had a flare of another culture to it so felt unique. had the duck breast which did not disappoint. Would highly recommend it!!!
(5)
Dave J.

My wife and I had the Korean pancake, Guinness braised filet mignon, a crazy mac and cheese with gouda, filet mignon, mushrooms, veggies, and black truffle oil, and Fried S'mores - Graham cracker encrusted chocolate marshmallow cookie, with chocolate sauce, and chocolate ice cream. Everything was perfect. It's been two weeks, since we last ate at Jack's, and I can't stop thinking about that meal and the great service. From the hostess, bartender, waitress, and chefs, this place only hires people that know what they're doing and like being there. The beer on draft is magnificent. I never get beer at restaurants. I'm a beer geek and would rather drink fresh, delicious beer at my house than pay exorbitant prices for common or oxidized beer. Jack's provides a window into a beer world that most have never seen and need to experience. They have a superb selection of drafts that vary in style and are always fresh. Fresh is key. I'd take a place like Jack's eight to ten taps over any fifty tap beer bar I've ever been to every day of the week. Oh, and the price is very nice. It's not inexpensive but I never feel like I've overpaid. If I'm going to take my wife to a nice place we both enjoy, Jack's is the fist place on my mind. Enjoy.
(5)
Rachel L.

I have gotten plenty of recommendations to check out Jack's Bistro in Canton. For dinner a group of my friends and I were looking for a spot and I suggested we give it a try. The menu has a few eclectic options and can be described as American food with Mediterranean influences. Most of the menu items aren't things you will find elsewhere which is what makes Jack's Bistro so unique. Of all of their menu items, the Mac & Cheese & Chocolate came highly recommended so most of our party ordered that as a starter. It was shell pasta, smoked cheese sauce and Columbian dark chocolate. This was not what I expected in terms of flavor. It is definitely worth trying, but I was expecting the flavors to be a little bolder and I found the cheese flavor to be restrained. One of my friends opted to try the Spicy Shrimp Hummus. It was served with warm pita and the pita was delicious. The hummus wasn't bad either, however the shrimp was cold and would have tasted better if it was warm. For our main courses one of my friends opted for the Malaysian Laksa. It was sweet, pungent, spicy coconut milk laksa curry, egg, roasted chicken, gulf shrimp, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and crunchy garlic. This portion was huge and easily enough to have leftovers for another meal. My friend really enjoyed the flavor of the broth and how all the ingredients came together nicely including the nice crunch from the garlic. Another one of my friends ordered the Steak Frites. It was Teres Major Steak cooked to medium rare (which is the only way they would prepare this dish) and served with French fries, white truffle oil, black truffle, herb butter. The french fries were awesome and the steak was great too, however my friend prefers her steak cooked medium and would have wished it was possible. For my main course, I went with the Guinness Braised Filet Mignon. It had a demi glace, grilled French green beans, smoked gouda, jalapeno, bacon grits. The meat was very flavorful and tender and those grits were out of this world. They were creamy and smoky and I cannot sing their praises enough. For dessert, we each ordered the Fried S'more which also came highly recommended. It was graham cracker encrusted chocolate, marshmallow cookie with dark chocolate sauce, chocolate ice cream. We all really liked this dessert a lot and thought it was a fun take on the traditional S'mores. For clever options and menu items you wouldn't traditionally find elsewhere, Jack's Bistro in Canton has at least a few different things that are sure to excite your taste buds.
(4)
Samantha B.

Hands down the best good and service I think I have ever received. Went twice in one week. Must try the Guinness filet mignon also the garlic shrimp. I had the mac and cheese and chocolate omg!!!!!! The fried smore's and the vanilla cheese cake was also great the drink are strong also and very unique. I had a girl scout cookie martini after dinner parked very well with the fried smore's. everthing I have order has been fresh and piping hot. I love it....
(5)
Sarah B.

We came here for restaurant week and I single handedly had the best meal of my entire life. More on that later. The place is small, and loud. Don't let this deter you. I found the server to be extremely helpful, pleasant and attentive despite a packed house. I'll break the meal down for you in sections, each of the 4 of us got something different so we could share and experience as much as possible. Apps: Beef frites with a bacon grit. My husband's dish, beef cooked perfectly, grits phenomenal. Smoked tomato: I called this one the perfect bite. Smokey tomato with the parsley and the fried feta. Complex flavors on my tongue. mussels: served with cilantro, out of shell in a red sort of sauce. This I wish was my own app, because I would have smashed this all to hell. Delicious. shrimp hummus- a tasty hummus, with nice fresh naan. Main: beef tips with truffle fries. All I can tell you is, omg the fries. The server actually set the plate down and said "you know they're going to take your fries, right?" And boy did we. This was a fantastic dish, I would eat it over and over again. Malaysian laksa. Second favorite dish that we were served. A complex broth with noodles and served with a hard boiled egg. From what I understand the flavors melded and it actually became better as a leftover. duck breast with bread crumbs and northern beans. Didn't reheat as well as expected, but still not bad. Duck was tender which was nice as duck has a tendency to be tough. filet minot and green beans. Served as advertised, tender and flavorful. Braised in Guinness. A real treat, but the beef tips stole the show. Dessert: cheesecake: not cheesecake as you would expect it. More like a pudding consistency than a cake, but so good. I would eat this every day of my life. fried smore: by this time we'd all eaten so much we were beyond full, so that fact that we were able to even attempt dessert is a huge feat. my husband who does not waste chocolate... could not finish this. I liked it, and would be interested to try it when I wasn't stuffed to the brim. red velvet batter and shortbread crackers. Crackers served warm, and the batter not too overly sweet. All in all, I can't wait to find a time to make it back here.
(5)
Naif S.

Had the filet... And it was by far... The most incredible filet I've had in Baltimore. Amazing drinks, amazing presentation, and the servers were incredible!
(5)
Florence J.

Great place. Love the atmosphere and the staff is great. I wish I had gotten the name of our server because she was GREAT. She recommended a nice beer for me since they didn't have any of my usual beers on tap available. She had very extensive knowledge of the menu too! She had the answer for every question we asked. I ordered the steak frites. Cooked to perfection and the fries are absolutely to die for!! For dessert I had the red velvet cake batter with cookie dough and butter cookies. Sinfully delicious!! The only criticism I would give is to serve the hot food on hot plates & cold food on cold plates. Other than that it was a perfect meal!
(5)
Hillary G.

Ended up at Jack's bistro on February 15th for Valentines Day, because of crazy Baltimore being booked on Saturday! Well, I have to say that I am thrilled this was the "plan B" because it was one of my favorite meals in Baltimore. News to me and my boyfriend, it was the first night of restaurant week. *groan* I usually see RW as an overpriced, unwanted 3-course meal with smaller portions.. and none of the real show stopper dishes. Well, this menu was different. It had all the most popular dishes and the appetizer course was VERY substantial. No option for garden or caesar salad. Just one salad (a grilled kale), and apps from oysters to guiness filet mignon and their famous grits. I had the jalapeÃ±o oyster salad which was delicious, big oysters, but if you're spice-sensitive, go easy on the jalapeÃ±os. There were a lot. Even then, I'd order this again. Didn't get a chance to taste my boyfriend's kale salad... because he cleared his bowl in about 2 minutes. Strong approval. Main course options were plentiful... lamb pasta, guiness beef in a larger portion, chimichurri steak, duck, some sort of asian noodle bowl, crab cakes, the famous BLT bacon burger, all the good things on the regular menu. I went for the duck, served over a white bean and sausage ragu. Boyfriend chose the chimmichurri steak with basmati rice and green beans. Both were amazing. Steak was incredibly tender, cooked to a perfect medium rare. Green beans were cooked in some kind of deliciousness that allowed them to remain crispy. But I was thrilled with my order. the duck needed no knife to cut, and the white bean ragu was incredibly tasty.. and I don't even like white beans. But I couldn't get enough of these, and the sausage? Ridiculous. Desert was equally fantastic as I went for the fried s'mores. Couldn't not do it. NO regrets. How can that be bad? Served with chocolate ice cream and a chocolate sauce. So rich. So good. Boyfriend went healthy.. again.. and did a grilled pineapple and fruit .. thing. He loved it. Service was great, not too on top of us at all, but very helpful. Even during a busy restaurant week night. I was so pleasantly surprised with this meal and I can't wait to return again!!
(5)
Bryan F.

Oringal, Original, Original! I was very impressed with this tiny place in FP. The menu was eclectic, but not pompous. I had the watermelon and feta salad which hit every taste bud...The steak frites was solid and well-cooked (rare). The truffle fries were def the most memorable part of dinner. Crispy, uniform and delicious.
(5)
Supriya M.

OMG aren't we glad we went back to Jack's! What a fantastic experience. Except for the kowloon chicken dish which was overly salty (we were warned about this), everything was perfect. The chocolate mac n cheese was the talk of the table and of course, 4 out of 7 of us got the crab cake. Everyone was pleased with their choice. The sous-vide steak was perfectly cooked and the bacon burger was delicious. I don't think we could resist licking the end of the red velvet cake batter. The drinks were also amazing and we probably tried everything on the menu among the 7 of us. Overall, worth a second visit and maybe a third and fourth :).
(5)
Joseph B.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Baltimore. The food, the drinks, and the staff are all great. I have never had a bad experience here.
(5)
Annabelle L.

I really really wanted to love Jack's Bistro, and was super excited to come here for Restaurant Week after reading/hearing reviews. Unfortunately though, tonight was a let down and I feel a bit bad for what I'm about to write since everyone was so nice! For appetizers, we split the guiness meat & grits and the spicy somboon style mussels. The guiness meat and grits had great flavor with the demi-glace, and the grits were creamy (although I couldn't detect any of the smoky gouda or bacon). The mussels were really tasty with a complex broth and fresh cilantro. Unfortunately though, both were super salty.... For entrees, I had a duck cassoulet and while I absolutely love duck, this dish sucked :(. It was a duck cassoulet that isn't normally on their menu (perhaps this should have been a warning sign), and it was a very disjointed dish. The duck meat itself was yummy but that's about the only good thing I can say about the dish. The cassoulet was a tomato-y mix of breadcrumbs, white beans, and apparently pork sausage and bacon (per the menu description). The only thing I could taste was the tomato sauce and breadcrumbs, which I am very sad to say reminded me of store bought tomato sauce and breadcrumbs.... and I'm shocked that I couldn't taste the sausage and bacon. There was no continuity between the cassoulet and the duck, so I ate them as separate entities. My bf had the malaysian laksa after the waitress sang its praises. I was a little skeptical of this dish but she said it was a top 10 baltimore dish, so he wanted to try it. It too was SO salty... to the point where I added water to the dish. It had some great flavors though, but nothing so spectacular that I'd recommend this place over a good Thai restaurant at a fraction of the cost. After talking with a friend today who went on Sunday who also tried the malaysian laksa, he said it was really salty as well....(if only he had told me this yesterday). Dessert was delicious: the fried s'more was awesome with the piping hot fried s'more ball and a cold scoop of ice cream. The vanilla cheesecake was light and fluffy, paired well with tangy lime sauce and some really crunchy graham cracker crumbles. Perhaps it was an off day with the saltiness, but very disappointing for a Restaurant week meal. Tl;dr: Dessert was the best part of the meal. Skip the duck cassoulet and the malaysian laksa. Definitely not worth the $80 total we spent.
(2)
Kristen J.

The food here is amazing! I want to try everything. The duck entree is my favorite. Or maybe the Guinness braised filet! The cocktails are unique which makes them find the staff is so nice and the service is speedy. The atmosphere is warm and inviting took I highly recommend!
(5)
Carol C.

Dear Jack, A tip: Answer the phone on Saturday nights. When a potential customer is calling asking whether a table is available, it's beyond annoying to be greeted by a recording. We couldn't find out whether we could get in..
(1)
Dan G.

A note on the chocolate mac and cheese: it's completely overrated and not as good as I had hoped, even on my second visit. It is incredibly challenging to get a cheese sauce that can be underwhelming enough (but cheesy enough for mac and cheese lovers) to let the chocolate flavors that we crave in effectively. Regardless of the disappointing mac and cheese, this is my favorite Canton haunt. Such an incredible beer list that any beer lover would be impressed with, chill bar tenders and fantastic food. I've never had a bad meal here and everyone that I have came here with has enjoyed the food. One of the few places I've been in the DMV that stocks Kostritzer bier. I'll definitely be coming back here for years to come!
(4)
Melissa M.

We went here last night for my friend's 30th birthday and it was absolutely amazing! It was so hard to choose because everything looked so good. Ended up going with the filet and it was melt in your mouth delicious. It comes with grits, which I'm not a huge fan of, but these were really good! Our server Jacqueline was great, too! We definitely have to come back!
(5)
J N.

5-6pm half off bottles of wine. Great time to try more expensive wine and try something new. Great attentive service. I had the guiness filet which i shared with two friends. I get this dish all the time so i'm a little bored with it but my friends loved it. I tried the steak frites (sous vide- slow cookin at low temp in a plastic bag) I would pay $40 for this dish. So good! Oh yeah the wine HH was about to end and the bartender let us know so we could try another great wine. This is a place to order Med rare...they get it right everytime. Smores were amazing!
(5)
jay l.

When did baltimore become so cool? my auntie just moved into the neighborhood and i'm thrilled this cute spot is there for when i visit. The poutine... what to say about their poutine besides the fact my mouth is watering right now as I type this. OMG. I also had some kind of yummy Vietnamese crispy pancake thingamabob. It was a mediation on deliciousness. The waitress was a perfect mix of fun and efficient, the vibe was supercool and the booze runneth over. Who needs Manhattan?
(5)
Christie D.

New favorite restaurant in Baltimore. My husband and I finally had the opportunity to try Jacks last night during Restaurant week and we were far from disappointed! First impression - small but cozy estabishment. The tables are close together so you wont be too far from your neighbors, but it didnt bug us. They do have a bar area if you just want to go for drinks - whiich we'd recomend their Natty Bo special (which comes with siracha, old bay, crabmeat, etc) - yum! The hostess and waitress were great. Very knowledgable of the menu and made some good suggestions on our food selections that didnt disappoint us. Since it was Restaurant week we ordered off their pre-fixed menu. We got their mussels & tator tots for our appetizers. For our entrees I ordered the crab cake and my husband did their filet - it was $8 extra but totally worth it. Dessert was their famous fried smores and a fried banana dessert. Everything was amazing and we cant wait to go back again to try other menu items!
(5)
Tunaidi A.

Jack's Bistro is pretty awesome. I love the fusion foods, the twist on mainstream dishes, and the drinks offered here. The chocolate mac and cheese appetizer is a classic here. Don't let the chocolate turn you off. Be brave and give it a shot. The cheese isn't too rich and cheesy, which allows the chocolate to share a portion of your taste buds. Guinness meats is another staple here, but the bacon grits that came with it was more memorable. The steak and fries were legit. I couldn't stop eating those fries. The crab cake dish was also excellent. It comes with roasted potatoes, brussel sprouts, and aoli sauce. Definitely a good platter combo. For dessert, the chocolate smores are definitely a win. A recently added item, the fruity pound cake, was also to die for. Again, I'm impressed with Jack's Bistro's innovation and the tingles that they bring to my tongue. Service was pleasant and orders come out efficiently.
(4)
J P.

This was a business meeting where I took a couple of Baltimore locals to a place they hadn't been to previously. The first thing that was obvious was that it wasn't in a normal restaurant area. Right in the middle of a residential area that had my UBER driver confused and the people I was meeting with. Very low key environment inside and out. However, the food and service were fantastic. Some decent beers and a very small wine list. We ended up going with the most expensive wine on the list which was around $95 largely because we weren't sure about the others. We shared three appetizers which were the mussels, Korean pancake and garlic shrimp. The mussels and the Korean pancake were the standouts. Entrees were the duck, sous vide, the risotto and the steak with Guiness. The risotto was absolutely the best with the duck being second and the steak coming in third. I'd definitely come here again. Our waitress was fantastic but I don't know what her name is.
(4)
HM P.

(4.5 stars) I don't know why there aren't more reviews for this place! I normally sort my yelp reviews by popularity but now I need to start sorting by rating just from this experience. This is a small restaurant with a very eclectic menu which made it difficult to choose what to order! Everything sounded amazing. For a Wednesday night at around 7pm, we had no problem getting a table for 4 people but shortly after, the restaurant was filled up. Highlights - the Guinness marinated braised filet mignon with grits was one of the best things I have ever tasted (and that's saying something) and poutine fries were delicious. My friends enjoyed their chophouse burgers and steaks. The mussels were also a highlight since they weren't covered in sauce like most places (these mussels are a good option for those trying to eat on the lighter side) Great beer and wine selection and service. I'm eager to come here again to try some of the other menu items --- particularly the durian creme brÃ»lÃ©e!
(4)
Nikki A.

I came here with my three best friends from college, two of whom we were visiting in Baltimore. We had just seen a movie at the Landmark theater (Her, go and see it now!) and called Jack's to see how long the wait would be. To our surprise, there was none! We hopped in a cab and went straight to the restaurant only to find that in the 10 minutes or so it took to get there, all three open tables for four had filled up and the wait was now over an hour. Super bummer and quite annoying. We put our name down and left and ended up getting some pie during this wait. We did end up coming back and luckily the food was very good. and the service was super friendly. I got the lamb pasta, which was delish and I will be having the leftovers for lunch today. Can't wait! Friends got the mussels, chocolate mac and cheese, smoked whole tomato, summer salad and Guinness meat and grits. Everyone enjoyed. Due to the hassle and no reservation for parties under 5, I will not come back, but I am glad that I tried it once.
(4)
Alli Z.

Went for restaurant week and I enjoyed my three courses. Chocolate mac and cheese could have used more cheese, which is surprising for a chocolate lover like me to say. The crab cake was also yummy. The best part of the meal was the s'mores dessert. Yum!
(4)
Neil K.

Extremely friendly and accommodating all female waitstaff. Went there on a Fri nite, was told about 1/2 hr wait and was texted table ready in a half hour. That's the the good news. Bad news, was seated at a VERY nosy bar with drinkers standing directly behind us. Probably the noisiest $100 dinner I've ever had That said, the food was unique and exceptional. Had steak frites and traded out the fries for the poutine. Will worth the $6 up charge. The steak was very flavorful, perfectly medium rare with truffle butter. Super yum! My partner had the crab cake with "al dents" Brussels sprouts (read: undercooked) and a cold pasta shell & shrimp salad. The steak plate was by far the better of the two plates. Can't give it 5 stars b/c of the extreme noise. But the excellent food and outstanding waitstaff sure helped. Let's say four stars.
(4)
Christina O.

The Guinness filet is my favorite thing here. We've ordered the Korean pancake twice which is currently on the menu and it's absolutely delicious too. I will say that I have had some dinners here that I have not enjoyed, I think because the flavors did not all come together. But recently I have enjoyed all my meals and the bartenders make excellent drinks!! Great neighborhood spot!
(4)
Mike D.

Lived across from jacks for 3 years and always had am amazing experience! The one food item on their menu that was disgusting was the smoked tomato (not sure who would ever like this) but I've had nearly everything else on their menu and I LOVE it all! The restaurant is intimate and great to go on a date. They have beer flights with 3 small tasting beers that I typically like to have multiple sets of ;) they have a peanut butter and jelly shot that is pretty tasty too...
(4)
Stephanie I.

The service here is excellent and consistent every single time. They really know what they are doing. The thing I like about Jacks is that their menu changes frequently, but I always know I can get a good steak if I want one. This time we tried the cucumber salad, truffle fries, and pho. The cucumber salad was amazing and really fresh. Truffle fries were awesome and addicting. The only negative was the pho. It was actually in edible for me. I'm not upset about it because I knew I was taking a risk ordering it since I'm used to amazing authentic pho in Columbia. The noodles tasted like angel hair pasta and not rice noodles. The broth was not good at all and wayy over spiced. The meat was really delicious though and good quality. I wouldn't order it again but that's okay because there are plenty of other options for me to try next time. Now that we are walking distance we will definitely be back to try out some of their weeknight specials.
(5)
Devashis R.

We've been talking about going to this place for almost a year now, ever since hearing about the chocolate mac n cheese. On a random Friday, we decided to jump on it for happy hour, which is a great way to sample the apps at $2 off. We ordered the Chocolate Mac n Cheese (of course) and the Guinness meat and grits, accompanied by a Cabernet and Pinot Noir for us. We know we did right, because when we ordered, the waitress said, "excellent choices, my favorites!" Servings were a bit small for my stomach (especially if we were paying full price), but both choices were very good. The tenderness of the meat coupled with the rich sauce and grits was delectable. I'm not a huge mac n cheese guy, but it's certainly worth trying and my dining partner was quite content! Staff was friendly, and I've heard that this place is known to close so the owners can travel. I like that mantra.
(4)
Nancy B.

Went to dinner here last night with my husband, daughter and son-in-law. What a great meal!! My daughter has lived in Fells Point a little over a year and this is by far the best place we've eaten thus far!!! It has a casual atmosphere.but I think upscale delicious food. And our server (can't remember her name) was knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the food and wine! We started off with a watermelon, watermelon radish, feta salad, delicious the combination of flavors was perfect, Sweet, salty a little acid. We also got an order of the mussels served with greens and a delicious broth. The rest of the meal continued at this level. We had shrimp & lentils, an asian chicken & noodles dish, and the guys got the filet with bacon cheese grits! I'm telling you there was not one bad thing on the table. The food loked beautiful and tasted even better!!!
(5)
Emily F.

the place is small so you're going to wait for a table on the weekends but the food is delicious and the menu always has something new and amazing on it plus macaroni and cheese with cholocate...winner
(5)
John S.

We went on a Saturday, upon the advice of a friend. Good advice. The food is terrific (had the laksa and a shrimp and lentils dish, with the smoked tomato and poutine for apps) and well portioned. Great wait staff, very knowledgeable and friendly. As others have pointed out, a noteworthy beer list and a diverse wine selection (from interesting and non-traditional regions). Prices are fair. In truth, it's a 4+, but a couple of minor points to consider, namely, parking is local neighborhood, so on a weekend it's tight. They wouldn't take a reservation for two over the phone for Saturday, so not sure if it is only walk in for smaller groups. Also, as others have noted, loud and close quartered so be prepped for that. We'll be back for sure.
(4)
Dione D.

Briefly came to Jack's because this is my friend's favorite place in Baltimore. We started off with two peanut butter and jelly shots. They are made with cream de casis and castries peanut rum. (For some reason I imagined they would be actual pb&j. Nope!) The shots are a house specialty and were very tasty. I thought mine burned a little at the end, but that might have just been from the rum. My friend ordered the poutine fries -- he said he orders them every time he visits, no excuse. I'm not a big saucy-fry person, but the fries were crisp and the sauce was creamy and hearty without being heavy. Lastly, I had the sangria, which is full of "secrets" (says the menu). I'm not sure what was in it, but I enjoyed it okay. There is something sprinkled on top that I couldn't identify. This was the point where we realized we weren't as hungry as we thought -- lunch at Stuggy's will do that to you. I honestly would have rated this a solid three stars, but as other reviewers mentioned, the people who work here are so darn friendly. We were greeted with a super warm smile as soon as we walked in, the bartender was super nice and attentive, and Chris (sommelier) came out and chatted with us for a couple of minutes. That friendly warm feeling is always worth an extra star, especially from this jaded New Yorker. :)
(4)
Dan K.

Green lip mussels were too salty. Tater tots were just fried tater tots with mayo dressing. Filet mignon had a super sweet sauce on it and the meat tasted like shredded brisket. Duck dish tasted like a pasta dish without noodles. Fried bananas tasted like baby food. The smores dessert was delicious. The wine was the best part. First time here for restaurant week. Weak presentation for sure.
(1)
Francisco P.

My non-vegetarian friends were raving about their meat offerings, but their vegetarian/vegan offerings are pretty good too. The veggie risotto and udon noodles were good. The fried banana dessert was OK but I wouldn't order it again. Great selection of cocktails and beer but my G&T was a bit heavy on the T. Note that the only group seating they have is right next to the kitchen.
(4)
Ken M.

Gem of canton dining , irresistible gourmet food with impeccable service , a must go while in canton!
(5)
Alice L.

Came here with a group. It was quiet at 6 pm when we got here, then really picked up. Started with the poutine, very good. Followed by Mega Mac & Cheese, which was awesome and really rich. Fried s'mores were really really good, even the chocolate ice cream that came with it was delicious.
(5)
Brian D.

This place is in our top 5 of restaurants anywhere! You are almost definitely going to wait, and it will be totally worth it. The mixed drinks are great. They infuse their own spirits and have drink making down to a craft. For appetizers we usually go with the chocolate mac & cheese (trust me on this one) and the poutine. We have also had the watermelon salad which was very tasty. The one miss was the cold-smoked tomato. We know others who have really loved it though. For main course we rarely stay from the Guinness braised filet (served on bacon - jalapeÃ±o grits). Best cut of beef I have ever had. You could almost eat it with a spoon (just that tender). If you go on Sunday, it's only $20. The desserts are not spectacular but are a nice finish to the meal.
(5)
Justin K.

So this is my second review for Jack's. The first time we visited the establishment it was restaurant week and we had a not so great experience. My mother-in-law was in town so my wife decided that we need to give this place another try because she loved the food. This time we went down on a Friday evening at around 5:30. When we walked in we were immediately greeted and seated in a booth behind the bar. We started with the booze. Between the hours of 5-6 all wine bottles are half price. Nice! We ordered a bottle of Riesling and I started out with the Southern Tier Pumpking Ale, they had it on tap and couldn't refuse. For appetizers, we ordered the poutine fries with foie gras sauce and the crispy pork belly. This time the fries were seasoned perfectly and the sauce again was just rich and decadent. The pork belly wasn't "crispy" but that didn't matter, it melted in your mouth and had a great Asian tang to it; Loved it. The Entrees. I was informed that the chef's recent travels were to Morocco and one of the specials was a Moroccan Shrimp and lentils dish. I decided to go with that and see how it was. It was outstanding. It had all the classic signs of a great Moroccan dish; the aromatic smell, the heartiness and that complex flavor. It was very good. On the other side my wife went after their burger. The burger was quite sizable and cooked to perfection; it also had a feature that I think every great burger should have, a fried egg on it. I had a bite and I have to say, that was a delicious burger. In fact that will definitely be on my top 5 burger list in Baltimore. Desert. I had the special which was a pound cake with raspberry filling and topped with almonds and walnut whipped cream. Oh man was this good. I don't have a huge sweet tooth but I would eat that any day of the week. It was sinfully good...my taste buds loved it, while my waist line despised it. It is the way it should be. Overall this was an awesome meal. Everything improved from our previous experience, most importantly the service. Our server was great. She answered all of our questions and provided her opinions on each dish we had questions about. She was prompt on all the drinks as well. There were no flaws in her game. Jack's has shown me that they are a restaurant who cares about their customers and the product they provide. After this visit, I will certainly be back and look forward to exposing our friends to this great Canton restaurant. I cannot wait to return.
(5)
Paul A.

This is one of those times you almost don't want to write a great review cause you're worried the rest of Baltimore will figure out how great Jack's is... ...and the one issue with Jack's is that it isn't all that large inside so more people = more wait time. With that said, it's a gem. I live nearby and have eaten there more than a dozen times. I can recommend a bunch of dishes but I've never had anything that isn't very good. Some favorites include the lamb pasta, the steak frites, the guinnes steak grits and (of course) the chocolate mac & cheese. I've had some of the best burgers of my life at Jack's too (get them with poutine if you're interested in dying young and happy). But the menu is always inventive and always changing... so just go for something new and chances are you'll be satisfied. The management runs a really tight ship... the staff is attentive and extremely knowledgeable... if occasionally perhaps a bit stiff. But the entire experience, start to finish is typically excellent. Prices are really fair for what you get. There's a huge drink selection with a ton of craft beers. (Insider tip: they do have Boh and Yuengling if that's your thing, but they're not on the menu, just ask) My only caveat is that if you're coming with a large group, this isn't your place. There's a chance they'll be able to accommodate you, but anything more than a party of 6 is tough in this converted rowhome. And if you want a lot of space to spread out when you eat, this won't be your jam. But it's cozy... not crammed. Oh, and parking can be a challenge if you're driving. It's in a neighborhood and there's no lot. Still, it's usually not that bad. One of my top 5 Baltimore restaurants, no question.
(5)
Jason P.

I love this place and the food is great. The staff is truly one of a kind. The Guinness fillet is one of my favorite dishes. The owners are really great people and always remember my name when I go. Highly recommended
(5)
Luke M.

If anyone asks me what place in town has the best food I will always say Jack's Bistro. The entrÃ©es they offer are always very creative and delicious. My problem with Jack's is I always want to order everything on their menu. The atmosphere is intimate and relaxed at the same time. They have an extensive wine list and some genius house cocktails. If you haven't been you need to go experience Jack's amazing cuisine.
(5)
Heather H.

Loved our delish food experience at jacks- even on a super busy New Years Eve, the dishes were perfectly prepared and the service was the best. The smoked heirloom tomato app was creative and amazing as were the mussels- served already out of their shells which was unique and liked by all 6 diners in our party. The Malaysian Laksa was such a great flavor- good spice without being dominated by the curry flavor alone. Also the sea bass entree was cooked perfectly and with the cream sauce on the side, was a great for a less rich option.
(5)
Christy L.

Why Jack's is one of my top 5 favorite places to eat in Bmore: 1. The servers and bartenders are really friendly and have mastered the art of serving you food and drinks. Yes, good service does exist in Baltimore! 2. THEIR FOOD IS DELICIOUS! 3. Speaking of delicious food, from Wednesday through Saturday nights, their kitchen is open until 1AM!!! Why make a late night run to McDonalds or Royal Farms when you could come here and dine off of their late night menu, which includes their famous all-bacon burger, chocolate mac n cheese, and an ever-changing selection of meats, salads, and pasta dishes. 4. The menu changes pretty much every week. Keeps me going back on the regular to see what new concoction the chef has created. 5. Half price wine from 5-6PM. Includes bubbles. Perfect for when you had a wretched day at work and want to punch every person you see in the neck. 6. It's super close to my house. So close that I can practically log roll home after over-indulging in too much food!
(5)
Ky R.

I love within walking distance of jacks and I always have a good meal there. It's a must when I have friends visit from out of town as well.
(5)
Jeremy R.

I had been meaning to go to Jack's for a while and I am so glad I finally made it. We went early on a Sunday afternoon to catch the wine and Filet specials and were able to snag a table without waiting. Chocolate mac and cheese got mixed reviews. Main courses were generally excellent. The Filet special was amazing. A generous portion, perfectly prepared. The butter poached halibut was also a huge winner. Pasta with Lamb ragout was rich and delicious. The only culinary misstep was the duck breast over cassoulet. the breast was moist, tender and well flavored but the cassoulet was done with a tomato base and was overpowering. It did not compliment the duck as it should have but insulted it caused it to have low self esteem. Part of what made the experience great was our waiter. He was attentive and informative without being intrusive. I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Jenny B.

Amazing food. Amazing service. If you don't get the poutine fries to start; you're doing it wrong. Make a reservation or come in on a slower night tho, cause this place is real small, and in high demand. A Baltimore must see.
(5)
Beverly S.

A great local find in Baltimore! Passion behind every dish in a charming Baltimore row home. Try anything sous vide or Asian inspired, as chef enjoys traveling to Asia. Staff is warm and you will get more excited when you order and they validate all your suggestions with sincere smiles. Beer, wine and cocktails reflect thoughtful selection. Dishes are pretty and taste as good as they look. You will remember your dining experience here and want to return with friends and family to try more.
(5)
C Y.

Great find in what looks like a townhome community. Poutine and Guinness marinated steak are delicious, their respective sauces are very rich. You have to get the deconstructed s'mores for dessert, three little mounds of chocolatey goodness
(4)
A P.

My favorite restaurant in Baltimore. Would give Jack's 6 stars if it were possible. We have been here 11 times now, mainly for special occasions and when we have close friends visiting. It has never disappointed - something I cannot say for any other restaurant that I have been to. Each dish has its own flavors. The waiters are exceptionally knowledgable, and are excellent at pairing drinks and food to your mood. Vast drink selection and the menu changes regularly. Of things that have stayed on the menu, our favorites: Truffle Fries, Malaysian Laksa, Mac + Cheese + Chocolate, Sea Bass, Spanish Shrimp and Garlic and Bodhi Dal. The Durian Pudding is also great. The place is not cheap, but certainly cheaper than one might expect after having enjoyed their offerings. I always pair my meal with a Trappistes Rochefort 8. Bliss. Be sure to call them about hours, as the owners travel the world once a year looking for dishes to add to their menu.
(5)
Cherpumple F.

Poutine, sous vide, beer list, and dessert, all wonderful. Chilean sea bass, chocolate mac and cheese (and I don't even like pasta), are great. Good, hearty portions, too. I like the ballsy-ness of the menu, and this is probably the first "fusion-y" restaurant that I've really liked. The only downer is that their fried s'more isn't really what I had in mind. But then again, I know the chef wasn't reading my mind what it was created. So that's forgiven. It's still so delicious.
(4)
Janeen B.

Wow! What a experience the food is phenomenal if I could afford to eat here everyday I would. The best ever cheesecake it's not served as a traditional slice but a crazy melting pot of flavor prepared with perfection. I will be returning soon. Thumbs up to the chef!
(5)
Robin I.

Fabulous neighborhood bistro! We found Jack's through recommendations and it did not disappoint. We got there right at opening, good for two reasons. One, we were immediately seated. Within an hour, every seat was full. Secondly, bottles of wine are half price between 5 and 6. Such a nice feature, because you can enjoy their pairings for a very reasonable price. Our server was knowledgable and personable. It is such a pleasure to have waitstaff that really know their menu! We started with wilted bok choy. Lovely and flavorful. My husband had the Malaysian Laksa. I enjoyed the duck sous vide served with a wonderful white bean casserole. The duck was perfectly tender and moist. We enjoyed the roasted brussel sprouts, probably the best I've ever eaten. Finished with a lovely apple tart and can't wait to return!
(5)
Robert W.

Incredible! Best food I've had in Baltimore. Unique and well prepared not to mention excellent service. Only minor complaint would be slightly difficult to locate and park (street only). Absolutely 5 plus stars!
(5)
Andrew M.

Jack's, home of the ground bacon burger, now purveys Lardo! Paper thin ribbons of pork fat convey the kitchen's culinary appetizer wizzardry with reckless heart stopping abandon. Throw a dart at the menu: everything is awesome. Lardo, proving you are what you eat.
(5)
Joe J.

My girlfriend and I had been meaning to come here for a while and made reservations well in advance. Little did we know it happened to be restaurant week. We were not disappointed. The beer selection was remarkable. I had a couple of brews from Europe I had never heard of before and both were like no other beer I've ever had. The wine selection was adequate. We had the smoked tomato and chocolate mac and cheese as our appetizers. The smoked tomato combined flavors that complemented each other quite well. The chocolate mac n cheese was not what I expected, but worth trying. Our main dishes were spectacular. My girlfriend went with the Malaysian curry which offered the familiar flavor of a Southeast Asian curry with a subtle but critical twist that really set this dish apart from other curries you'd get elsewhere. I went with the braised filet mignon which was marinated in Guinness. Good god. The texture of the meat was tender and was reminiscent of something that had spent several hours in a slow cooker. The taste of the meat was strangely sweet and hearty. We were both wholly satisfied with our dishes. For dessert, I decided on the cherry gelato and ricotta cookie, which did not disappoint. Those of you who are chocolate fiends should go with the fried s'more and chocolate ice cream. The service was impeccable. The decor was comparatively disappointing. All things considered, this place is deserving of a solid 5-star rating.
(5)
Cassandra S.

Why have it been here three times and this was my first review? I really wish Jack's stood out more in my mind, because I would go here to eat more often. I love the service here, everyone is friendly and the waiter was super patient with us when we couldn't settle on a wine. The food came out quickly with tons of delicious smells. Everything was cooked to perfection: Brussel sprouts were Al dente, truffle fries were hot! My wife is in love with their chocolate mac n cheese too. The prices are reasonable and this place gets busy so get in early (they have a half price wine deal from 5-6p!)
(5)
R U.

Overall fantastic experience and the staff was very flexible with the booking. The appetizer servings were a bit smaller than expected, nevertheless the flavor of the food was great. Everyone raves about the mac and cheese--it was good, but not mind blowing as suggested by the reviews--our table likened it to a cheese and chocolate fondue for pasta. The Teres Major steak was perfectly cooked and the truffle fries were crispy and perfectly seasoned. The duck breast was also another hit, with the fat being perfectly rendered and the moist still being moist. The dessert options were good, but not the highlight of the meal.
(5)
Anna N.

Super interesting good but a little overpriced. Their most interesting appetizer is definitely their mac and cheese and chocolate...which is exactly what it sounds like. A little differen, but you should give it a try. We also got their Moroccan shrimp and Lentils which was pretty good but standard. Their Laksa soup though is amazing! Such a great broth - definitely give it a go.
(4)
Eric J.

The mac and cheese and chocolate is something to try out. There's this guy there that knows wines super well and a lot of food. This is a nice cozy place for a nice meal. The deserts are worth a try.
(4)
Owen R.

It's not business - it's personal. I don't know Jack. I do know that he runs a great bistro with creative appetizers and entrees as part of a larger food/beverage/wine program executed by an attentive staff with a passion for excellence. I know this because I ate there and I watched and listened. I saw an engaged staff cares about the customers' experience as they were greeted and handled. I saw multiple staffers give way to another so that tasks could be accomplished - drink making, glass restocking, order inputting - all with grace and a palpable regard for the tight space that is the Baltimore row house restaurant model. No grousing anywhere. I saw the bar staff tasting drinks with a straw to make sure the craft cocktails tasted as they should and that small details like garnishing/rimming were done correctly. Quality control starts at the top. Yes, the tonics, ginger beer and bitters are made in premises. Try vanishing with a Houdini Martini made with Cynar, St. Germaine, sparkling wine and lemon or channel Jack's version of a Manhattan made with Pikesville rye, Carpano Antica sweet vermouth, smoked balsamic and orange bitters. (Nice detail with the single large ice cube.) I mention this because when the fine cocktails appear amidst the din of a busy Saturday night shift, delivered from helpful, friendly staff who are engaged with your experience, it is the stuff that creates food expectations for procurement, to production to plating. The dinner did not disappoint from the cocktails to the apps to the shared main. The Korean pancake was magic with some heat plus sweet with umami to beat the band. A shrimp and grits riff turned asian with the addition of some pickled elements, adding some cold crunch to a well-flavored dish. But a Kowloon Chicken and udon noodles was an amazing creation. Brined chicken cooked to a velvet-sponge texture with the taste of a Springfield ham. It tasted as if one stumbled across the best Hong Kong street food vendor in the land and they saved an order just for you. So I think for Jack this bistro is personal. He is the chef /owner as has trained his staff is his own eye. The flavor profiles are sophisticated reflecting a world view with out pomposity or ego. His staff are well traveled, veterans of the enterprise and clearly have the customer's experience in mind. Don't be fooled by the bar/dining room/kitchen layout and think you're in some other gastro-pub wannabe. This is the real thing and it's personal.
(5)
Mike W.

Just awesome. Had the turkey leg and couldn't finish it due to its enormous size. Looking forward to eat it later
(5)
Christina P.

i had to have the signiture mac&cheese&chocolate because of all the rave reviews. it was very good but a little sweet for an appetizer - but it can't be categorized as a dessert so it seems a bit lost. also had the Spicy Somboon Style Mussels and couldn't get past the overbearing cilantro - so this app just gets an "eh" from me. However, the fried s'mores are TO DIE FOR! my friend had the "noodles&natty" special and the noodles were very bland - not a recommended dish. i want to love this place because of their unique take on dishes, but for now - it's a solid 3 stars. I do highly recommend for dessert for any chocolate lovers out there.
(3)
Ashlei S.

Very Good. Had the Sunday Night fish special. BF had the Argentine Steak and we split the fried s'more. All very good. A nice treat. Def give it a try.
(4)
Vickie S.

Ah, Restaurant Week. Exposing me to all sorts of Baltimore goodies. Not hard to find. It's on the corner. There's an awning that says "Jack's". Parking... eh. Seats inside? Might be a trouble on weekends and higher traffic nights. The place is not spacious, per se. The beer and wine selection is pretty excellent (especially the beer) though the by-the-glass offerings for wine limit you. Cheapest is $7 a glass, as well. They offer beer flights at a very reasonable rate considering it's three 6 ounce pours of craft beer. As for the food, it was hit and miss. The chocolate macaroni and cheese is a curious delectation of smoky, savory, rich, creamy, and only the tiniest bit of sweet. I didn't actually order it for myself and still pondered in a couple bites how to emulate the flavor profile if I endeavor to try to make it on my own. The whole roast tomato wasn't what I was expecting and was far too juicy to eat in any kind of sense - the onions, breadcrumbs, and goat cheese fritter-thing were neat, but I could get a forkful to house flavors together. Stuff all those things IN the tomato, please. Pleased noises were made over the grits and while the hummus was just hummus, it was evidently quite good for hummus. (Hummus hummus, hummus hummus.) I can't speak to the rest of the menu, because we didn't get to see their regular selections, but the vegetarian plate for restaurant week was a throwaway. Green lentil daal with zucchini, yellow squash, red pepper and red onion with some rice and pieces of pita. 1) Why the pita? Not quite naan, not bad but strangely added to the top. 2) Completely flavorless lentils. Cooked in plain water then tossed with the rest, maybe? Seriously underwhelmed. Great reviews for the salmon with its prickly pear juice and pickles and the Malaysian laksa from the omnivores at the table, though. The fried smore is neat looking, awesome tasting, and fun to eat as it oozes its fudge sauce and marshmallow goo. Perfect portion size and frankly, it was super cute on the pea pod looking plate, too. I tasted the peanut butter sauce to the chocolate chip pancakes and it was warm and rich, though honestly all the sauces could have been from a jar and I wouldn't have been shocked. The - and goodness do I hate this gimmick - deconstructed vanilla cheesecake with fruit was delicious and fresh. Jack's seems like a marvelous locale for a drink and dessert or appetizers, and maybe even for dinner, but I wouldn't spring for the price for their veggie fare again. Hey, at least with Restaurant Week, now I know.
(4)
Melissa Z.

Wow this place is so cute, tiny and romantico. I really enjoyed my date at Jack's even though we arrived late and our only option was to order from the late night menu but it was well worth it. We ordered the Sous Vide Steak Frites (fries-amazing, streak was perfection....a must try!!), garlic shrimp with pita (big shrimp pieces-awesome!! reminded me of the shrimp in garlic sauce from the Portuguese restaurants on ferry st. in Newark, NJ) and fried S'mores (not what i expected, it was so so....will not order next time). Overall the atmosphere was nice and sexy since it's pretty dark in there. It reminded me of a speakeasy. Our waitress was friendly so that's always a plus. This place definitely isn't a place to go with a loud crowd or to pregame, it's more of a date spot or just stuff your face. :)
(4)
Christopher S.

I recently moved from Annapolis to Baltimore and Jack's was the first spot I was told I had to go to and It did not disappoint. My GF and I have been back a few times since, and our experiences have always been consistently great. Everything we have ordered so far has been amazing. Guinness Braised Beef Tenderloin - Like Buttah. Sous-Vide Duck Breast over Cassoulet - Better than Provence. Green Lip Mussels with Spicy Vinaigrette - Out of this world. The only thing that I've seen hyped that I can say I wouldn't order again would be their most 'famous' dish, the Chocolate Mac and Cheese. Could be just my palate, but I found it underwhelming. We've had the same bartender every time and he has been fantastic. I never order a cocktail off the menu...I just ask for something with Gin and an egg white and he conjures up something delicious. The wine selection is great, and they always recommend a wine that goes perfect with both our meals. The only drawback is the wait. The space is small, usually doesn't take reservations (unless restaurant week or a large party), and the place is packed by 7 PM. They turn tables quick, but it still gets very cramped waiting, even for a two top. The crowd is younger and hip, which, combined with the small space, makes me feel like I'm desperately trying to hold a spot near the front row at an Indie concert. That being said, perhaps the not the best spot for Date Night, but the food, cocktails, and wine still make for a fantastic meal.
(4)
Axl R.

FOOD: I went with a big group. We pretty much ordered everything off the menu, and everyone was pleased. I certainly found the food excellent all around. I would NOT get the choc mac'n'cheese which was awful, but everything else was good. I am salt sensitive and so everything was a bit salty for me, but I am on a low salt diet. Also, we had a large group and they were able to accommodate us well. I was very impressed and pleased that we were all served in a timely fashion. I did not give Jack's a 5 star because the prices seemed very high, they seemed excessive, especially for Canton. SERVICE: Attentive, educated about the menu, very efficient. AMBIANCE: Perfect for a large group that wants to keep it cozy, but also for couples and singles. I don't think this place is for families. Oh and big plus, you can actually park easily which is really hard for this area. I can't parallel park at all so normally I have to park blocks away. Jack's is sort of in a corner, so there were plenty of spots. RETURN: Yes, I definitely will. RECOMMEND: I would recommend it to all.
(4)
Dominique F.

Truly a fun dinner experience in Baltimore! Came in with a bunch of coworkers who've been here before and who love the place. The server who was helping us knew her menu pretty well and recommended a ton of things. The drinks were really good, and all the appetizers and dishes that I tried were delicious. Would definitely recommend it. Not a great place for bigger groups though; the space is small and as far as I know they dont take reservations.
(4)
Kim L.

Went here for restaurant week and can't wait to go back! Great hostess who immediately got us drinks for our wait and checked on our meal later on. I had the Guinness Filet Mignon, which was unreal, and Chocolate Mac n Cheese. Very different and rich, so glad I tried it! My husband loved the steak frites and truffle fries. Definitely one of the best meals we've had, so excited to eat here again!
(5)
Nathan V.

Overall this was a pretty good experience. We were not big fans of the interior. It was very crowded with small tables in tight areas. The food, however; was muy tasty and the cocktails....oh yeah. We had the nine inch and the blind melon were our drink choices and they were spot on. For dinner I had the steak frites and the wife had their noodle/chicken/laksa dish. The steak on mine dish was one of the best I've had. They cook it in a sous vide and finish on the grill. The cooking method is perfect for the medium rare steak lovers because it comes out med rare all the way through. We also had the fries s'mores for dessert. If you want decadence, go with that...You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Kelsey H.

THE DUCK BREAST SPECIAL!! You must must must must must must try it. Juicy, flavorful, and even more delicious than everything else on the menu... which is saying something!!
(5)
Tia T.

Chocolate Mac & Cheese: Did not like. Don't get the allure Guinness Beef & Grits: Excellent Malaysian Laksa: Very very tasty Cheesecake: Excellent Fried Smore: Nothing to rave about
(3)
Amy T.

We went for restaurant week. What an amazing meal. I would highly recommend and we will return soon. Mac and cheese is delicious...Guinness filet was one of the best I have ever had. It was cooked to perfection. This was an enjoyable evening with friends in a quaint setting. Love this place, we keep coming back for more
(5)
Katie D.

I'm lucky enough to live two blocks from Jack's. The ever-changing menu always offers something interesting to try - their take on Vietnamese Pho was one of my favorites - and the bartender is always coming up with delicious, unique cocktails. A popular local spot, it is small and does get crowded on weekend evenings so plan accordingly.
(5)
Lois K.

The cucumber ribbon salad, Filet and Sea Bass dishes were all absolutely amazing!!!!! It was our first time there on St . Patrick's Day but we will make it there every other weekend from this point on....Our server Chelsea was amazing and informative!
(5)
Anna K.

We went to Jack's Bistro last night for the first time and had a lovely experience. The specials list was really sizable and everything looked good; it was hard to choose what to order! We started with a round of cocktails - both were spicy and really flavorful (much better than I thought they would be) To start we had an order of the mussels which were really great! (also spicy) For dinner the husband and I both got the burger special which was EASILY the best burger I have had in Baltimore. Delicious!! He got a side of poutine which was OK -- I was really expecting something different and didn't find the flavors to be that compelling. I had a side of the fall salad which was really bright. I loved the pumpkin in the salad. I didn't love the set-up/ambiance of the place but that won't stop me from coming back.
(4)
Marcus W.

I came to Jack's Bistro for dinner with a friend and it was PACKED on a colder, snow in the forecast, January day. Since we did have to wait for table, I set the bar a little higher to match the anticipation. The place isn't exactly designed for large parties but they can accommodate with prior reservation. There are no reservations for smaller parties. I think on a typical day dinner for 2-4 shouldn't be an issue... I think this crowd was a small surprise to even their regulars. . . In any case, It did give us an opportunity to look at the menu before dinner. The menu is a monthly changing one, so the yelp "menu" is inaccurate. I will say I was impressed by the execution. The bar is great. A lot of good house made extracts, good quality bitters, high notes. I trumped my meal with mostly alcohol orders... had jack's tonic, the flor, and the primo. They can also recommend pairings with the kitchen (if you believe in that sort of thing) they have a good wine and beer selection. I can imagine how popular HH could be here. The Chef takes his inspiration from his travels around Europe, Southeast Asia. The menu wasn't daunting in any way, good options for anything you might be interested in for dinner (fish, ramen, steak, duck, and crab cakes). We ended up ordering the Steak Frites. It was prepared sous vide and served pre-sliced topped with W/B truffle butter and served with truffle fries. If you're thinking that's a lot of truffle, you can never have too much truffle oil (end statement). Tender steak and truffle butter go together well normally, and this one is no exception. Definitely recommended. We also shared the chocolate mac and cheese. I won't talk about it too much because I think it's something everyone should try because you probably won't be able to order it anywhere else. Dessert was a little trickier, there is a seasonal menu as well as a normal dessert menu. We ended up ordering two, the durian crÃ¨me brulee and the ice cream sandwich. The ice cream sandwich was an interesting presentation: it was a round of ice cream topped with 4 pieces of sliced strawberry and a cookie served with fried pineapple and a strawberry "ketchup" interesting to say the least. You couldn't pick it up, so it still needed to be eaten with a fork. The durian was good. You don't notice the aroma until you break into the crust. I have personal preferences for how creme brulee is served so I won't comment much on it. But I like durian and this one was finished quickly. Having gone thru the meal, gaining little understanding of the chef and the establishment; there are definitely a few dishes I'd want to go back for to try, and then making it for HH drink and dinner menu. making use of the yelp price system $$ - for a quick meal, but easily $$$ - if you enjoy eating Noise level actually was fine, despite how many people is on the dining room floor. I could hear my friend perfectly fine and this was at the bar side of the room. Parking is limited. If you're on a date, be romantic and find a nice place to walk from.
(4)
Andrea G.

Definitely a hidden jem. I wish the prices were a little lower, but the food quality reflects it. You really cant go wrong with anything on the menu, and I have tried most of it. If I had to complain, I would want a little more variety on the menu, and the restaurant itself is a bit small. but I come back over and over again, one of my favorites in the city
(5)
Lauren S.

Overall: Great place to hang out and have a drink. We didn't eat on this occasion, but everything smelled AMAZING! (my mouth was actually watering) We'll be back to eat. Drinks: One of the few places offering a list of sour beers - thumbs up! The bartender was also knowledgeable about the drinks on the menu and was a real wiz with a cocktail shaker! Had a hard time not staring while the bartenders were making all kinds of interesting looking drinks and pouring them into fancy glasses. The only con is parking -- but I've heard that's a Baltimore city-wide issue. We lucked out with a spot down the street, but parking really is bananas. Dare I say, it's worse than downtown Chicago?
(4)
Wendy M.

Fire codes have all been violated. Nestled in a quiet, residential neighborhood, Jack's is not the place you'd expect to be jam packed on a Sunday night - except it is. For this reason, reservations are not accepted except for parties of 5 or more. Good luck trying to get one anyway - I'm docking a star because these guys don't ever pick up their phone. Called about two days in a row in 2 hour intervals (except for when I ate, showered, and slept) and nobody picked up the phone. It also didn't help that they're closed on Wednesdays. When we got to the door, the hostess asked if we had a reservation. When we bitterly told her no, we didn't, she strategically placed us in the narrow doorway to block the safe exit of other patrons of the restaurant. It was also strategic because people were also trying to come in at the same time, resulting in a nice warm snuggly pungent man-sandwich, perfect in the cold winter months when the door is constantly being opened and people are pouring in and out (whether willingly or not - that was the question). We were seated in about 20 minutes at the bar, which conveniently was located next to some coat racks. I got the chocolate mac& cheese (duh), which was quite nicely sized for an appetizer and is large enough to share with someone else. The mac and cheese itself was quite interesting, and chocolate is a great touch to the classic mac. I can only describe the taste as interesting and delicious for me, although the juxtaposition of sweet and cheesy flavors may be a bit much for those of a different palate preference. I also got the salmon, which came done just right - the skin was richly flavored and crispy, the salmon meat itself was tender, flavorful, and juicy. I don't know how well it paired with the pineapple salsa with raspberry reduction/dressing, but it was a great way to get veggies since the salsa is made with pineapple, squash, and tomatoes. My boyfriend got the steak frites, and let me just say that the portions are very generous. He got a large portion of steak, and an even larger portion of fries. The fries were a little too salty, but each and every one was light and crispy, probably the best shoestring fries I've ever had. Unfortunately I will probably never be able to appreciate fast food fries ever again after that. Dessert followed, of course. I got the fried smore, which was nice simply because of what it is - smores are amazing, and anything fried is amazing, so when you fry a smore you raise amazing to the amazing-th power... But what really amazed me was the cherry ice cream with basalmic vinegar over a cookie. That was something I never thought would go together, but did. A scoop of simple cherry ice cream, topped with almonds and drizzled with basalmic vinegar. Sounds horrendous, right? But no, the sour vinegar brings out the subtle tartness of the cherries, and makes you fully appreciate the sweetness. The cookie at the bottom also isn't your regular sugar cookie - it's freshly baked and tailored to the dish itself. Rather than being a regular sickly sweet cookie, it instead focuses on being almost buttery and breadlike - thick, rich, soft, and the perfect companion to the experience of tart, tangy, and sour cherry before. It really is quite the culinary experience. Oh, and the chef here has won national awards. Heh, I'm really just trolling you guys, because the truth of the matter is that these things might not be on the menu anymore. Our hostess told us that they change the menu up every few weeks - so aside from the really popular items (i.e. chocolate mac & cheese), many of the menu items are quite whimsical and it really does give this place its very own charm. It can be a little pricey, and their PHONE IS NEVER ANSWERED (which is unacceptable for a place that is always packed and offers reservations with no other way to place them other than through phone), but definitely worth coming back time and time again to. It's a way to challenge your taste buds with combinations it's never even dreamed could go together. It's wacky, it's quirky, but it's charming and delicious.
(4)
Chris C.

Small and good. The chef is clearly free to put delicious wild cards out like dark chocolate Mac n cheese. Some may be offended that they only serve steaks to med-rare but I smile at the idea because they are good enough to pull it off. Don't like it? Don't go. More space for me.
(5)
Bob L.

When you walk into Jack's on a Saturday night you get smacked in the face with energy. Jack's Bistro is one of the places to be in Baltimore and it doesn't take much more than a single visit to know why. This past Saturday marked our sophomore visit to the little neighborhood hotspot and, as in our first visit, our jaded expectations were beaten up and shown the door. When you head over to Jack's around 7:30 on a Saturday night you should expect to run into a crowd. Entering the smallish space through the side door you're immediately thrown right into the mix. Claustrophobics need not apply. The waiting area is a closet that comfortably holds about 4 people in very close quarters. On busy weekend nights you have two choices while waiting for a seat to open up - the aforementioned closet or the space between the restroom doors. My only suggestion, aside from reservations (according to their website, for "large parties only"), is to order a drink and people watch. The time will pass quickly, trust me. One of the first things that struck me on this night was the staff. Jack's has one of the most professional, energetic, eclectic and well-trained hospitality teams in the city. Sure, the place was packed, but we were immediately greeted and given menus. Within 5 minutes of our arrival, we had drinks in hand (I went for the 21st Amendment Back in Black and my wife the mango mojito). Sure, we were crammed into the tiny holding space but we were treated as well as anyone in a seated position. One of the staff even kept an eye on two seats at the bar for us and as soon as a couple moved to a table they were ours. It was a beautiful orchestration. Since we had some time to peruse the menu beforehand we arrived at the bar ready to order. The app, a little thing called a Korean pancake. We were guardedly optimistic about this one. Imagine if you will - a soft, doughy rice pancake topped with perfectly cooked and seasoned shredded pork, fresh jalapeÃ±o circles, chopped cilantro, and drizzled with a sweet soy sauce. It was delicious. Now on to the mains - I ordered the Argentine steak and my wife went with the special of little neck clams and pasta. In what was certainly one of the most well-prepared meat dishes I've had in Baltimore, the Argentine steak arrived cooked a drool-inducing mid-rare, gently drizzled with a fresh cilantro chimichurri sauce and paired with a potato mÃ©lange (a fancy word meaning a bunch of different kinds). I could have eaten two of these steaks. The little neck clams special was essentially clams on a bed of pasta shells - about three servings of pasta shells - tossed with a fresh crushed tomato sauce. The pasta was cooked al dente and the 10 or so clams presented with shells agape their meaty insides ready for plucking. Not my thing but my wife enjoyed it. I went with the Route des Ã©pices (Spice route), a Belgian style rye peppercorn ale from the tap. Brewed by the Brasserie Dieu du Ciel in Saint-JÃ©rÃ´me, QC, it's spicy, earthy, and hoppy with just enough of the rye and peppercorn undertones to get your attention. It was a great compliment to my steak and the great glass goblet in which it was served helped to expand the experience well past simple beer. Dessert. Oh yeah, we had to go with dessert. There were three offerings on the menu this go 'round, fried smores, strawberry rum cake and, if memory serves, a chocolate chip pancake with some kind of peanut butter sauce. All three sounded awesome, but we were torn. Whenever this happens, ask those in the know, your servers. The choice was the strawberry rum cake. It arrived in a perfect two-person portion, topped with fresh sliced berries, house-made vanilla cream sauce and doused in bitey rum goodness. It reminded me of a cross between a bread pudding and a strawberry shortcake - with rum. We normally forego the fruity desserts in lieu of the chocolate ones, but we're glad we went server's choice that night. Yeah, Jack's is small, off the beaten path and oftentimes packed to bursting. But take those things and combine them with a stellar staff, warm crowd, and versatile chef who dares you to say "You can't do that!" and you've got one of the true gems of Baltimore. Jack's is romantic and trendy with just enough neighborhood bar feel to keep the pretention at bay. One of our favorites, for sure - Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Yes. P.S. Want something completely nuts? Try their durian (Google it) crÃ¨me brulee.
(4)
Kalvin K.

Made a reservation for 9 at 7:30pm on a Wed. Walked in, hostess said table was just about ready. Waited till 8:15. No real communication from anyone. Would've been longer if I hadn't apologetically asked two tables how long they'd be. One star because hostess/staff never even acknowledged the wait. Don't come if you have a large group or care about an accurate estimate of wait time.
(1)
Emmalee T.

We went on a Sunday night. Two apps, two entrees, 3 (4?) drinks. our server was awesome and it was busy in a Sunday which I think is always a good sign. food was impeccable.
(5)
Alice K.

Jacks is hands down our favorite restaurant! Amazing food and staff! They all work so hard and take pride in what they do, and it shows! Must haves- apps shrimp and garlic, poutine, and choc Mac and cheese. Entrees- burgers, lamb pasta, and either of their steak options. We have never had one bad thing! Thanks To Christie, Ted, Dave, and all of the amazing staff for making our nights out amazing!!!
(5)
Kevin K.

Overall: My Baltimore #1. A unique, insultingly cheap menu of simple ingredients that consistently stun as combined. Excellent alcohol, beer to cocktails. A staff that eats the menu regularly and knows it back to front. Jack's is gastro-pleasure on another level, doing it's own thing so very damn well. _________________________________ Ambiance: 4/5. Tucked in a Canton corner. Easy to miss. Hours aren't helpful and crowds flock suddenly, so arrive before dinner and share the buzz as it quickly fills. Bottleneck at the side entrance during a wait, but the decor, bathroom, and lighting is laid back, simple, unassuming. The three booths fill first, then the bar, then the dining room. Table angles provide intimacy. _________________________________ Service: 5/5. Bartenders throw out recommendations. Friendly, attentive servers are willing to play menu games, pick items, and decide food delivery order. Bartenders and servers are well-versed in the myriad of kitchens' cooking techniques. Food is done FAST yet I've never received a cold plate. You're helped as you walk in. Not as polished as Woodberry, but as hands-off. _________________________________ Drinks: 5/5. Balanced and unassuming. Here there is no deference to one form of alcohol, and this surpasses other restaurants easily as a result: - The beer list is easily better than any Baltimore restaurant of like-quality.The wine list is small but very solid. Mixed drinks are insane, 5-6 so far and none are less than great. Sargento Pimento, Flor de Hibiscus, and the jalepeno-infused chocolate bitters are all fantastic. _________________________________ Food: 5/5. The most complete and diverse menu I've seen in the city, and done through such cheap simplicity. There's so much genius in the pairings, the pure integration of flavors, the textural mastery. Worst to say is that each dish is so rich in flavor that you're bound to feel ultra full. (best to worst) 1) Smoked Tomato - Juicy texture, always fresh, still warm when it arrives. The smoked component sends the brain spinning before the fried feta screams contrast, itself a textural achievement of internal richness vs. delicate exterior. The garnish adds more attention. Perfect. I get one every time I go. 2) Guinness meat and grits - The steak in Guinness and jalapeno brown sauce is decadent, sweet, and lightly chewy when paired with the city's best, smoothest, most richly flavored grits. They melt in your mouth. I get them every time I go. 3) Filet Tartare w/ mushroom, soy, wanton - Tartare texture and flavor preserved amidst smokey soy. The light wanton are incredible, crunchy contrast and the saltiness enhances the soy. Amazing twist on tartare and a large improvement on their more traditional take. 4) Shrimp and Jicama, Grapefruit salad - Shrimp and grapefruit are wonderfully paired, texture and profile, and accompanied by a julienned jicama crunch lest you think the dish too flesh-textured. 5) Gnocchi with flowers - Incredibly delicate myriad of flavors, and all melt in your mouth. Salty and flavorful, balanced if slightly over-rich. Insanely edible. 6) Mac and Cheese and Chocolate - Invokes an earthy switch on expectations: chalky chocolate dryness allows the creamy texture and sweetness of the cheese to thrive. Perfect point-counterpoint. Could use a texture contrast as singularly creamy. 7) Filet Tartare with pita, bread - Awesome meat and incredibly light, no sauce or onion issues despite lacking egg or capers. Still a bit plain, and the pita doesn't provide the requisite crunch contrast. 8) Crispy Sous Vide Pork belly BBQ - Crispy, fatty, and falling apart, the pickled vegetables provide the crunchy contrast to highlight what sous vide does for meat. The spicing and veggie selection leaves it strongly Asian, but that may only make it more amazing. 9) Smoked Shishito Peppers - Had these at Churchkey in DC, where they were plain, boring. Here the soy yields tang, the crisp preserved, and the refreshing crunch aided by dressing. 10) Tuna Tartare - Creamy texture snaps with bright pineapple and grape. Lightly fishy in the finish, but makes up as delicately spicy. Appropriately balanced by the sweet squash crisp on top. Consistency a bit thick, but otherwise great. 11) Roasted Bone Marrow - one of the weaker restaurant marrows I've had, bloodier and spongier than the preferred butter-consistency. Served with pita, which is also a poor textural choice, and no side-salt or capers. But the light onion salad is a fantastic accompaniment, citric and acidic enough to cut the texture and richness, refreshing the palate each time. 12) Sous Vide Argentine Steak - Gamey prep, a bit tough, the chimichuri adds lightness to meal, highlights steak texture, and is amazingly bright. 13) Lamb Pasta - lamb flavor is hidden in sauce a bit but adds light earthy sauce, texture from pasta nice. Plain otherwise. See below for the rest.
(5)
Russ I.

Amazing place. Great everything. Never a disappointment. Highly recommended!
(5)
Jimmie P.

Loved the atmosphere, loved the service, absolutely LOVED the food. Definitely order Guinness braised filet mignon! Crab cake and lamb pasta were also delicious.
(5)
Matt A.

Hands down best restaurant in Baltimore City. Do yourself a favor and get the Guiness Filet w the Mac & Cheese - your head might explode!!!!! AMAZING!
(5)
Vardo N.

The service is superb; staff are knowledgeable, welcoming, helpful, and happy in their work. Ask questions about the food. Ask for advice. And they won't hover or blabber; they just show up when you want them whether you knew it before or not. Their smiles are genuine and their jokes are tasteful. The chefs have fun with the food and try new things. Food is delicious, fresh, and well-prepared. The menu is not huge, but has good range for many tastes, and there are always server-supplied specials, which have always been outstanding. Portions do not stint -- I've just had an appetizer and a drink and felt it was a decent light meal. Over half a dozen visits, and hot food always comes hot and cold food cold. Sure I've liked some things better than others, but nothing has ever been below average for this price point. It's a smallish bar/restaurant in a rowhouse, but we two always were seated, except for once when we ate at the bar. It was fine -- and the bartender was as great as the rest of the staff. The interior is medium darkish but well designed and decorated with a hip modern feel with splashes of charm and color. It can get a bit noisy. Jack's will cost a bit more, but it's worth it -- a great date place or take the folks to impress them with your culinary acumen. The neighborhood is reasonably safe and on street parking is generally easy to find.
(5)
Stephanie P.

It's rare to have a completely unimpeachable dining experience in Baltimore. Jack's delivers this. Ever since we finally made our way there last month, we find ourselves mentioning how we ought to go back to Jack's whenever we're at some other (inferior) restaurant. Their signature dish, the Guinness filet, is out of this world awesome: one of the best steaks I've ever had, and the first time in ages I've had a proper demi-glaze. I was delighted by the globe-sprawling ambitions of the menu and blown away by the masterful cocktails. Beware: you can easily drink half of your check here, and you will want to.
(5)
Maria S.

I found my new favorite restaurant in Baltimore!! I heard great things about this place and finally got to try it this weekend. I went with three other friends so we each ordered different entrees and shared. Sous Vide Argentine, Malaysian Laksa, Sous Vide Duck Breast and Steak Frites were all great. Duck was so tender and flavorful and so was the steak. All the steak dishes were cook median rare only, which were perfect. We shared the dessert, which included a scoop of ice cream, slides of strawberry and sandwiched by two pieces of cookies, and pineapple fries on the side (sorry for not remembering the name of this dessert). It was refreshing and not too creamy. The waitress was attentive and explained the menu patiently. The place is small and cozy. I would definitely go back and try other dishes for sure.
(5)
Emily T.

read the other reviews to hear about the food... it is amazing and one of my favorite places in the city. I really want to point out that people are super super nice here. Every time I walk in I feel at home somehow. other things: the beer selection is awesome, the mac and cheese with chocolate really is that good and the bodi-dal is out of the world long live jacks!!!!!
(5)
Adriana L.

We were driving past Baltimore on a Friday evening and were starving, so I Yelped a good place to eat and it took us to Jack's Bistro. What a lovely surprise. It's a tiny place, but with all kinds of costumers - people with small kids, families with grandma, out for a nice dinner, people on dates... I really liked the atmosphere of the restaurant. And the food, oh my, was out of this world. At the waitress recommendation, we shared a lamb plate as an appetizer (sorry, I don't remember the name; it's been over a month) and it was just perfect. It came with roasted vegetables and it was just to cry for - seasoned to perfection, cooked to perfection, prepared with love. It was delicious. Then I had two appetizers as my dinner (the beet salad and the mussels, which were served cold, with lemongrass, cilantro, and jalapenos, really awesome) and my husband had the Guinness meat and grits. We were both doing low-carb diets at the time so the grits were not supposed to be eaten until... I tried and I had to ask them to take the plate away, because I was about to eat the whole thing. Those were the best grits I ever had. Smoky, baconny, soft and comforting... Oh, so good! Those are grits made in heaven. We got into their mailing list and I can't wait for another opportunity to be around Baltimore and eat there again. Well done, guys!
(5)
Debjoy M.

Late night happy hour has died and gone to heaven. My sadness knows no bounds. Good thing the food still rocks, but its tougher without the rock bottom prices. I hope it comes back.
(4)
Michael M.

Amazing little place in Canton with an amazing menu. To many great things to say about the menu and the service. Didn't have any of the cocktails but from listening to the bartender he knew his isht and could make one helluva great drink. Will be coming back very soon!
(5)
Jarrod F.

You know the restaurant that All the cool kids love to talk about... The ones that the so called foodies think reign supreme because of the chocolate mac and cheese or picture worthy chacatuerie platter (or whatever its called)... Well jacks is one of those restaurants, or at least it claims to be, which made it that much more disappointing when I ate here with an old buddie of mine who wanted to tell me that he had happily decided to finally come out of the closet... What a joyous occasion and what better way to celebrate. We arrived at 7 and were seated in the back of jacks which is about 10 steps from the front (yes this place is that small). Our waitress rocked her way into my life for a good two hours and although she had great eyes, a beautiful smile and a fun personality.. Her recommendations weren't so hot. We started with some drinks and ordered two of the specials night-- a fish dish and an Arabian stew. Both were meager, overpriced, overthought, and overhyped... But hey we were hungry dudes and getting drunk, fast... So we ate both and licked out plates metaphorically speaking. For dessert we got the Indonesian pancakes. To be honest I've had better panckakes from bisquick. But hey it was all about the company that night. So my recommendation is,if you come here and i hope u dont just take my word for it... be sure to bring a fun friend and get drunk because the food may leave you hungry for more -- literally.
(2)
Kate T.

Love, love, love Jack's Bistro. Jack's Bistro is a hole-in-the-wall in Canton. Surrounded by rowhouses, Jack's Bistro can be hard to find at first. I went here with my parents and two friends this weekend and absolutely loved it. The atmosphere was really quaint and the service was really good. You could definitely tell that the waiter was excited to be there and talk about all his favorite dishes. Every night, they have specials. To start off, the appetizers were amazing. I saw the mac and cheese and chocolate and instantly ordered that. It was rich and gooey and warm and just incredible. My parents also got the hickory smoked whole tomato which had fried Greek feta cheese. Like the waiter described it, it tasted so hearty that you forgot you were eating a piece of meat. For dinner, in my family, we always do this thing where we all agree on the entrees and switch so you eat a little less than a 1/3 of each entree. My dad got the Guinness Braised Filet Mignon with jalapeno, gouda, and bacon grits. I'm normally not a grits person, but I really wanted to steal my dad's plate.
(5)
Angela G.

Went around 11PM and ordered: Poutine -Rating: 2/5 -Not really sure what everyone is raving about, perhaps I went on a night the dish was poorly executed. I received a fairly large dish lightly coated with gravy/glaze piled on top with a generous portion of super skinny fries and finally sprinkled with cheese curds. Although I did like the way the french fries were cut, I was unable to taste the gravy because there was so little of it. The cheese curd was also barely melted so with every bite I ended up with slim fries with a very small amount of gravy and a huge lump of cheese curd in my mouth. I've had poutine in Canada before which was absolutely delicious and it pained me to share with the rest of the table but the poutine I was served here was miles away from that. My boyfriend agreed that he thought the poutine was a disappointment as well, especially after we read all the other reviews for this establishment. Steak and Grits -Rating: 3.5/5 -I forgot the actual name of this dish but it had grits and strips of steak with a thick glaze that contains Guinness. I found the dish delicious. The pieces of steak were moist and you can definitely taste the Guinness in the gravy. At first, I thought the meat was too salty with the sauce, but there's balance once you eat it with the grits. Overall the dish was decent but not worth the price in my opinion. Chocolate Mac and Cheese -Rating: 4/5 -It was definitely the most surprising dish. Mac and Cheese and Chocolate? What? Two amazing comfort foods but would they go together? Turns out, it works. The cheese that's in the dish is very creamy and mellow. It's a white cheese (forgive me, not a cheese connoisseur). Anyway, the dark chocolate is sprinkled generously on top of the mac and cheese. The sweetness of the chocolate went really well with the slight saltiness of the cheese. I almost forgot it was mac and cheese on the bites that contained a lot of chocolate and my brain started registering it as a dessert dish. But as you move down the dish, away from all the chocolate on top, you can really appreciate how the two flavors meld together to make such an intriguing dish. It's daring and it works! Although most of the dishes I've tried were sub-par, I really loved the staff here. They were welcoming and helpful. Initially, I gave this restaurant 3 stars but then I bumped it up to 4 stars because of the staff. I would not mind coming back here to try out their other dishes.
(4)
Quynh T.

Quite an eclectic menu that is sure to make everyone in your party happy. We got there an we shared two plate of fries: the eggplant fries and truffle fries (or what we so affectionately dubbed "crack fries). I'm not a huge fan of eggplant, so I wasn't sold on the eggplant fries but man...those truffle fries. Sooooo good. They were skinny cut so the ratio of fried surface to soft potato was high just like I like it. And as for their entree..I had their version of steak and potatoes which was a wagyu and gnocchi combo. It was crazy rich. I'm like...90% sure they fried their gnocchi, and while I'm usually a purist when it comes to this kind of thing, it worked. It was fluffy and rich, which made their portion more than enough. Overall...it was good times, I'm just bummed that I didn't get a chance to try their bacon burger
(4)
Kojo B.

Wow, this place is really, really, good. Taking advantage of restaurant week, a group of friends and i visited this establishment last night. Now, as has been said the place is really small, kinda reminded me of Hamilton Tavern, but the central area is really small. Anyhow, we had a reservation so it didnt take long until we were seated. Drinks and our meals were taking promptly thereafter, what i liked about our seating arrangement was that we were right next to the kitchen. Seeing the chefs in action is just like a well oiled machine. Churning out food by the sec. Anyhow, on to the food, we all ordered off the restaurant week menu with a few adjustments and additions here and there. For my app, i ordered the grits and guinness fillet, I have never liked grits when i was a young boy growing up in Ghana and frankly have stayed clear of it. I decided to give it a shot, boy was it delicious the grits were creamy and the fillet was delicious. For my entree, the steak and frites was what i intended to go with, but the fact that they serve it only med-rare i became iffy about that. The waitress said i could add $8 and get the chefs signature fillet mignon obviously cooked to my specifications, i went with that along with fries for a $2 substitution. Yes my filet and frites/fries was excellent. People at my table ordered the same thing i ordered along with the lamb pasta. Everyone enjoyed their respective meals. For dessert we had the cheesecake, not too sweet and delicious. The hostess, who did a wonderful job said if you place an order for pickup it is 25% off, guess which guy will be doing that next time. All in all a fantastic eating experience nom nom.
(5)
Keith W.

I was really disappointed that Jack's did not wow me after all of the great reviews I have heard from friends and even read online. I ordered the Rockfish which was a special for the night. The fish was well cooked and flavored and it was served on a bed of mushrooms and green beans. The meal was not big enough to really be a meal and I left dinner a bit hungry. Drinks were overpriced but they did have a nice selection of beers.
(3)
Sean G.

We had a wonderful dinner at Jacks on Saturday evening. Based on a recommendation from the stylist at XXX, we decided to check out the "crazy food place" and we weren't disappointed. Although I wasn't brave enough to try the chocolate Mac n Cheese, I did have the sous vide Argentinian steak, which was a perfect medium rare. My wife had the filet mignon, which was served with a rich sauce that complemented the flavor of the steak very nicely. Our waitress was super friendly, knew the menu backwards and forwards, and was super attentive without being in our faces. The restaurant itself is more like a bar, but the noise level was low, and the tables, although close together, did not feel crowded. The decor was a little odd; prints by Shag (a favorite artist of mine) but no other nods to mid-century modern or cocktail culture. Not at all tacky, just slightly out of place.
(4)
Bryan T.

We've been here a few times and it is always AMAZING. Great dishes from around the world and top notch service. If you live anywhere close, you have to try it.
(5)
Vicky D.

Tiny, hole-in-the-wall place in Canton that serves great food. Went here for restaurant week and tried a lot of their popular items like the chocolate mac 'n cheese, which was good but really rich. I had a crabcake which was served bento-style, pretty good but not the best crabcake I've ever had. I would definitely come here again and not during restaurant week so that I can try other things on their menu. Oh and I had the sangria which was only ok.
(4)
Looti H.

Creative menu with a few Sous Vide dishes. Sous Vide duck and Argentina Steak were really good. I also tried sous vide lamb but the sauce was a little bit salty. Overall a good place to hang out
(4)
Cory C.

This place was great, the food was terrific, there is parking (it's a rowhome, so that's a huge +). The place is incredibly small though so be prepared to make a reservation or wait at the bar for a good while.
(4)
Marti E.

This place is great. Must try the Mac and cheese with dark chocolate, it's so delicious. The bf had sous vide duck breast, which he claims was cooked perfectly. It wasn't too busy when we went, and the service was very good. Drinks were also delicious, very unique mixes along with classics. It's located off the beaten path, but don't let that deter you from trying this place!
(5)
Jaime L.

One of the best places I've ever had the pleasure of dining. The chocolate mac and cheese was incredible. The Malaysian Laksa is probably the best thing I've ever eaten. The service was great. It's packed with locals, which is a good thing.
(5)
Dan A.

Came here on a Thursday night having heard good things about this place. The restaurant was a lot smaller than I had expected (i thought it was actually quite quaint) but they still served good food. My friend and I actually came with the idea of trying the $20 two-course beer tasting menu that is available on Thursday night. However, after looking at the menu offerings, we decided that we'd rather just order off the main menu this time around. We started off with an oyster appetizer (sorry forgot the actual name of the dish). Although it wasn't quite what I expected, the dish (a small ramekin of oysters in a seaweed/garlic soup) was actually quite good and had a good amount of complexity of flavors. It was on the small side but I would not hesitate to order this again. For entrees, I picked the ground bacon BLT burger with poutine fries while my friend ordered pork and beans. The ground bacon burger was quite interesting. I did not know that bacon could be so tender... and while I'm not a super big fan of BLT sandwiches in general, the tenderness and beef-patty-likeness of this particular burger worked. However, it did tend to be a little heavy and salty, especially as you get closer to finishing the burger. Nonetheless, I'd order it again. The poutine side was a bit on the salty side but can be paired perfectly with a slightly hoppy pale ale. I forgot the specific beer I ordered but I'd assume any similar slightly hoppy pale ale would work well. Even my friend, who isn't much of a beer drinker, loved the combo. If the BLT burger and poutine was glorified bar food (i say this in a good way), the pork and beans dish was its exact opposite--a thoroughly modern, well-presented dish that would have been right at home at a some of Baltimore's trendier or fancier restaurants. The pork was extremely tender and flavorful. The baked beans were not what my friend and I expected in that we expected the traditional baked beans while these were tomato-based (think Italian food) with a good kick coming from the spicy sausage inside. A very solid dish! For dessert, we ordered the strawberry rum cake bread pudding and the durian creme brulee. The rum cake bread pudding was decadent and really good. As for the durian creme brulee... I wasn't a big fan. It wasn't the flavor of the durian that threw me off, it was the texture of the creme brulee, which was more closer to say ricotta cheese than your traditional creme brulee. I'll admit I did order it more for the novelty... and now that I did, I don't think I'd order it again. We finished off the desserts with a glass of Justin "Obtuse" Port which was really good, albeit a bit pricey. But did I mention it was really good? haha. Overall, we had a good time. The waiter was very kind and helpful and the food was excellent. The drink selection was pretty solid as well. Personally, while I wouldn't exactly go out of my way to come here, I'd have no problems with going back. But it definitely is worth at least one (or more) visits! It's a very good restaurant choice in Baltimore.
(4)
H G.

Great restaurant to bring out-of-towners. Unique food, recommendations or call ahead is recommended especially with the size of the restaurant. Cocktails are nicely done and the service is great. Overall food is fantastic. Poutine fries are one of my favorites, can't go wrong with cheese, gravy and fries. The Hickory Smoked Tomato is light, fresh and delicious. Guinness Braised Filet Mignon is tender and the flavor has a lot of body. Late night happy hour is the best.
(4)
Jen H.

Jack's Bistro is one of my favorite restaurants in Baltimore! It is a total neighborhood gem- tucked away in a largely residential area of Canton. Beware- their menu is very eclectic and seems to have a huge Asian influence. At one point they had durian creme brulee (sad to admit I didn't get to try it before they removed it from their menu- probably from the notorious durian stinky odor). There are a couple of reasons why I love Jack's Bistro: 1) They have a pretty extensive beer selection and a unique mixed drink list (i.e. cocktail with bubble tea/boba) 2) Their food is unique and stands out from other restaurants in Baltimore. Some of my favorites include the Lamb Pasta and Sous Vide dishes (I have tried their steak), Guinness meat and grits. In terms of dessert, their Fried S'more dessert is fabulous (even for me, someone who doesn't typically like Chocolate). I also highly recommend their Indonesian pancake dessert (it's usually a special) 3) Their specials- on Sundays you can choose among 3 dishes off their entrees for only $12 (normally around $20) if you sit at the bar! Definitely worth trying!! :)
(5)
Kara W.

Definitely a hidden gem! I've wanted to visit for a while to try the bacon burger to scratch it off of my bucket list. Unfortunately, due to dietary restrictions, I had to "settle" for the Poutine, Smoked Gouda and Bacon Grits, Lamb Pasta, and the Shrimp and Edamame Risotto. The Poutine- French fries with demi glace, cheese curds, and foie gras sauce. I've seriously thought about visiting Quebec to try this. Thanks to Jack's, I don't have to dust off my passport. If someone ever told me that I'd be a fan of fries with cheese and gravy, I would have looked at them like they had five arms. But, the shoe string style fries make this dish less heavy than I thought it would be. I'd go back just to get these and a cold beer. Smoked Gouda and Bacon Grits with Jalapeno- less like gritty grits and more like a warm velvety pudding. So buttery and smooth. They make an appetizer that includes sliced braised filet mignon that I simply must try the next time I visit. Lamb Pasta- ground Colorado lamb, plum tomato sauce, rosemary, thyme, basil and Parmesan cheese over linguine. Apparently, lambs in Colorado are succulent as heck! Definitely tastier than Baltimore lambs. Shrimp and Edamame Risotto- with green onions and olive oil. I love risotto, but sometimes the creaminess and saltiness can be a bit much. This had an olive oil base, so it was much lighter and smoother than any other risotto that I had ever had. Too bad this was a special and not a menu staple. The food was cooked to order. Service was remarkable. Our server was very attentive and pleasant. If I had one gripe, it would be the Fried Smore's dessert- graham cracker encrusted chocolate marshmallow cookie, smothered with chocolate sauce and served with chocolate cake batter ice cream. You get two fried Smore's with a scoop of ice cream between them, so if you are dining with someone who does not order dessert, he/she will automatically assume that you will share your dessert. Not cool! In fact, he/she will almost demand it! It happened to me. Don't let it happen to you...
(4)
Kara R.

Macaroni and Cheese with Chocolate!
(5)
Victoria W.

Well, hello there, 5 star restaurant in Baltimore!! I've been waiting for you! First, the only negative, is that this truly is a bistro-sized place. The bar stools are very close to the tables, it's a little tight, but I didn't mind. Chocolate Mac and cheese that everyone talks about is definitely good. It's different and tasty. I probably wouldn't get it again just bc it's so rich, but it was very good. Drinks- well, let me tell you, the bar tenders here are fabulous. Yes, fabulous. I had a few house made cocktails with a house made purÃ©e, tequilla, house made ginger beer... Delicious, honestly amazing. Entrees- I had lamb pasta... Definitely a winner. Lots of ground lamb and tasty pasta with Parmesan and not an overwhelming amount of sauce. Very, very good. Friend had chicken curry dish and she liked it very much. Almost forgot the peanut butter jelly shots! Try them! So yummy! Total bill was about 80 bucks! What a great deal! I'll definitely be back!
(5)
Todd N.

Very interesting dishes and the staff is very good. Does not take reservations and can have waits. I recommend any of the steaks.
(5)
Sam S.

This is one of my favorite restaurants to eat in the bar. They have 2 happy hours every day 5-7 and 11-1. Until I moved, I was in here once a weekend for their late night happy hour. Jamie, the bartender is fantastico! Be a big brave dog and get the BLT burger. It is a ground bacon burger. HOW DO YOU GO WRONG WITH THAT. I know, all the reviews talk about this burger... what they dont talk about is the fries you get with it, perfectly cooked and seasoned shoestring fries that come with a creamy horseradish dipping sauce. On nights I cant handle the bacon burger, I get a salad and a side of fries, why, because I can! :) They have great, original and fun deserts, usually a homemade icecream and cookie combo. Also the drink menu is fun, and the draught beer list is GREAT! They have a signature peanut butter and jelly shot that should not be missed! This is one of the main reasons I miss living in the city!!!!
(5)
Kevin G.

Excellent dinner! Steak was excellent, the smoked gouda grits were off the chain, and the fried s'mores topped the night. Then the peanut butter and jelly shots really topped the night off. Get there before 7 to avoid the rush ! We will return soon !
(4)
J. M.

Tried out the late-night menu and the steak frites were more than adequate. Very good service and a rather tasty meal. Imagine that it's definitely worth exploring the full menu and would recommend that folks do so.
(4)
Danielle J.

Loved this place!! Our server was nice, she was patient when I forgot my ID and 2 out of 3 of us went back to my friend's place to get it! For such a small restaurant they have a great selection of beers!! Had to have the chocolate mac n cheese! It was really good, but I think the cheese could use a little more oomph. I mostly tasted the chocolate. My friend had the duck sous-vide entree, which was good, but the winner for sure was the Argentine steak! Juicy, tender and that green sauce is SOOOO DELICIOUS! I definitely want to try the ground bacon burger and smores dessert next time!
(4)
Megan H.

My husband and I have been going to Jack's for the past 5 years and have never been disappointed. We went last Friday to celebrate our anniversary and started right at 5pm to catch the half price wine bottle feature from 5-6pm each day. Our server was Adam and while admitting that he was still somewhat new, gave perfect recommendations on the whole meal. We ordered the filet tartare special for an appetizer (if it ever gets back on the menu - order it!) and our go-to poutine. My husband always gets the Guiness-braised filet but opted with the lamb loin special and was extremely pleased with his choice. I opted for the lamb pasta as it was a cold and rainy evening and it provided that comfort food feeling I was craving that night. We always end the evening with the fried s'mores and linger to enjoy the last bits of wine. Jack's might get crowded as the evening wears on, but Adam never pushed us to leave and was extremely patient with us while we waited on some friends. We love how the chef consistently changes the specials and how the wine selection never disappoints. We can't wait to enjoy the late night menu this weekend after our friends' wedding!
(5)
Parry B.

SMALL PLACE WITH A BIG SURPRISE INSIDE! DECOR: The place is very narrow and small that can sit 10 people at the bar counter and 6-8 more inside. It's a clean restaurant. FOOD: We ordered the Sous Vide Argentine Steak (entree) and Fried S'mores (dessert) and both were delicious. The quantity was enough for the 2 of us. The steak was perfectly cooked with very unique flavors and the ice-cream was very innovative. SERVICE: 15-20 minutes to serve from the time ordered. The waitress was friendly and polite. PRICE: It's not an inexpensive restaurant (avg $20-25 per person) but it's worth every penny.
(4)
Nancy L.

I hate to write this review because I really love Jack's Bistro. Its always been a favorite of ours, but it slipped off our list recently. The service is always friendly, efficient and warm, but the food disappointed for the first time EVER. I had my usual favorite--the bistro crab cake, and it was actually mushy on the inside, and wasn't nearly as delicious as I remember it. My husband had the sous vide halibut. Sadly, it lacked flavor. The fried s'mores were a hit as they always were, and we did start with a wonderful shrimp appetizer that I didn't recognize from earlier visits--served with pita, it was delicious. We also found it odd that my husband couldn't sample a beer (on tap) that the bartender recommended to go with his meal. There's also a sign saying you can't sample wine as well. Wine I can understand a bit more, given you have to open a bottle, but a beer on tap? Odd. This is actually a place where we take out of town guests, but I'm not so sure it will be our go to place any longer. I did read that since opening Of Love and Regret in Canton, the head chef is only at Jack's on Fridays and Saturdays. Perhaps that's the reason? Not sure, but I think it may be some time before we go back, and we'll be sure to go on a Fri or Sat.
(3)
Grace C.

A lovely bistro with great food and good service. It's a classy, comfortable and friendly place. If you come later in the evening on a weekend night there's usually a wait, but it's well worth it for some of the best food in canton. I always get the Argentine steak, poutine fries, mac and cheese with chocolate!
(4)
Elizabeth J.

My husband and I were looking for a quiet place to grab dinner after having a cocktail at the Fork & Wrench. He was tired and had a headache so we were looking for something quiet and cozy. When we arrived we were offered a small table near the bathroom and my husband quickly shook his head and walked out. I followed him out and the hostess followed us and promised to find us a nice quiet spot. She was super friendly and seated us at the bar until a booth was ready (about 5 min). While it was still too noisy for someone not feeling well, it wasn't overwhelming. Nearly every restaurant and bar in the open, row house layout it pretty noisy in Baltimore. The booths in the front bar area did offer a bit of respite from the crowd. Our waitress was friendly and attentive and had good recommendations. My husband ordered a Jack's House Made Tonic, which was ok, but nothing too exciting. We each had a glass of the Montepulciano, which is one of our favorites ordinarily, but this particular selection wasn't very exciting. We split the roasted beet salad which was both delicious and substantial. This salad had ricotta cheese in place of the more standard goat cheese offerings in Baltimore. We both enjoyed the salad very much. We also split the Sous Vide Argentine Steak, which was flavorful, delicious and perfectly cooked. It came with a bit of Broccolini and some tasty sun dried tomato mashed potatoes, which could not have been healthy but were wonderful for dunking my steak in. We enjoyed our meal, nothing spectacular, but a good experience and good food for the price.
(3)
Philip H.

My wife and I love this place. We have decided this is our residential anniversary location. We come here as often as possible. The menu, for being a smaller place, is pretty abundant. They also have several local beers on tap. It can be very very crowded at peak times. Make sure you have reservations and enjoy the delicious apps while waiting for your entree
(5)
James K.

The menu gets 5 starts but everything else was less than stellar. The service was strange and inconsiderate, the waiter was not that serviceable and seemed to have ulterior motives in serving us. The vegetarian special was a joke and essentially a small collection of multiple dishes found elsewhere on the menu--what I would call a leftover's Sunday dish. If vegetarian, just go for the regular lentils dish, you're wasting your time otherwise.
(3)
Claude K.

Charming little casual spot. Friendly Staff. Good variety and portions. Felt like I could pop in and have a burger and a beer as much as I'd enjoy a date here. It was busy for sure, and our server seemed a bit short with us for a moment, but was helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. The smoked tomato was awesome. I'd say the chocolate mac n cheese is worth a try, but I would recommend getting the chocolate on the side in order to add as you please. My girlfriend and I got the Moroccan shrimp and the duck cassoulet. Nothing spectacular here, but it was very good nonetheless and I really couldn't complain. The menu was fairly original. It was definitely difficult for me to choose between a couple of the burgers, and the cassoulet which I eventually settled for. I loved seeing through to the kitchen from where I sat in the dining room, as there was an expo window between the two. I'll most likely come back here another time. Like I said, it's casual enough to enjoy with a friend for happy hour, but charming enough to please on a date.
(3)
Chaka H.

I absolutely LOVE this place! It's a quaint establishment with a cozy, yet classy, feel. The first time I visited, I ordered the Spanish Shrimp and Garlic... and it is AMAZINGLY delicious!! I was astounded by the flavoring of the sauce and the fact that the pita bread was warm. One word: YUM! I also ordered the crab cake, because as a newbie to Baltimore, I feel and believe in my heart and soul that any restaurant that serves crab cakes needs to BRING IT! Well... they brought it, and then some!! My first experience was such a positive one, that I had to bring my boyfriend for another round. The drinks were fantastic- eggnog martini--- what?!!? And I also had a chance to try the the pork ribs, which were a bit spicy-- soy sauce flavor.... YUM again! I'll definitely be going back! I'd like to actually make this a regular thing, they have TVs to watch football.... so every time I'm there, I feel like I'm WINNING.
(5)
Julia E.

Chocolate Mac & cheese!! My two favorite gluttonous things combined into one dish. Absolutely can't go wrong. Really cool place, not overpriced. They experiment with the flavors and always win. Definitely go!
(5)
Judy C.

After living in Baltimore for 4 years, I finally made it to Jack's Bistro! Came here on a busy Friday night (around 7:30ish), but we were able to get a table pretty quickly. Pretty small bistro, so it has a very cozy ambiance feel to the place. My one friend got the "German prix-fixe menu for $30." Pork shank, beer/cheese soup, and weiner schnitzel. He said all 3 were decent but probably not worth $30 for the meal. Other friend got the consistently-raved-about chocolate mac-and-cheese. That was good! Perfect comfort food: sweet, salty, creamy, and heavy! I then got the sous vide steak frites with eggplant fries. The meat, of course, was incredibly juicy, and it was great! I like the eggplant fries a lot! Consistency like french fries but healthier (taken aside the 'fried' part, hehe!). Ended our meal with the red velvet sundae. That hit the spot for me. Red velvet ice cream (I guess they put red food coloring on chocolate ice cream?!?) with pound cake and cream cheese frosting. Yummmmm!!! Definitely a place to check out for those foodies out there! I'd certainly go back.
(4)
Josh A.

Watch Food Network like it's your religion? Then this is place for you. Jack's Bistro is a foodie's dream, and is one of the few restaurants in town that offers sous vide dishes. The decor is retro-modern and cool. You'll love the artwork, but the food is the real star here. The menu is incredibly inventive and unlike any other in Baltimore. Where else can you start with a mac&cheese complete with smoked cheese sauce and shaved dark chocolate? It's surprisingly delicious! Last time I was there I got the oysters baked in seaweed, and it was like taking a bite of the ocean: perfection! The entrees are just as interesting and everything I've had there has been amazing. The Argentine Steak is especially good, but you really can't go wrong here. The desserts are just as inventive and yummy as the rest of the menu. The fried smores is ridiculously decadent and delicious. They also have a fantastic beer list and a full bar. The menu changes often though, so keep coming back! One word of warning: the space is small and they don't take reservations, so go early and be prepared to wait. It's worth it. And here's one more tip: get on their mailing list. They have great specials and events.
(5)
Kara W.

I went to Jack's Bistro this weekend for Restaurant week with my husband and two friends. We walked in at about 9:15 and had a 20 mintue wait for a table. Jack's Bistro is set up in a converted rowhouse, so it's cozy inside (read: tables were pretty close together in the back). The restaurant week menu was basically a sample of their everday dinner menu. I started with the Guinness meats and grits which was awesome. The strips of filet were prepared nicely with an almost tangy sauce. The grits had bits of jalepeno and bacon in them and complemented the meats well. For my main course I had the Lamb Pasta - not bad but I'm not sure I would order it again. It was a large portion and I took half home. For dessert I ordered the Fried Smore and I would definitely get that again. It was basically a deep fried marshmallow with chocolate ice cream. It was a good serving size - I ate it all without feeling like I was going to explode. All in all, I'd definitely come back! Maybe not so late, we were there until 10:45.
(4)
Albert H.

Excellent menu and service! ...Jack's is definitely a place everyone should stop into. I can't believe I didn't know about this place before! Food is fantastic! ...and they introduce new items on a regular basis. Their beer selection is great as well, have a large selection of bottled beers and a rather small selection of drafts but they regularly rotate them so that there's new beers on draft all the time.
(5)
Spencer B.

Just amazing. The service was incredible. The food was great. The servers know their wine inside and out. Feels like a true neighborhood eatery. Very casual atmosphere but the food is smart and satisfying. Worth every penny! Also, if you try and go a bit earlier than you normally would (say 5:30pm) wine by the bottle is 1/2 price.
(5)
Catherine A.

Mac n Cheese paired with cocoa...as an appetizer....ingenious how they convince you to order a SIDE dish as an app. I return to Jack's religiously, even drove down from Cockeysville, MD to find it closed. Oh well, I'm not angry...I'll be back...because its that good. Guinness braised filet is my normal go to. Tiny spot, hard to walk in & get a table on the spot. Not sure if you can make reservations, I always call to, they never take my name & tell me to come in...I stay off Linwood when I'm in MD so I happily walk 3 blocks (even in the snow, which is big as I'm a brat in cold weather). Tiny door on the corner is shut ....look around the corner for their "real" entrance. Get the smores desserts...Fried dough balls smothered in chocolate gnash with bday cake ice cream... They have a late night bar menu which is essentially smaller portions of their dinner menu...Cute couple with magazine PR in frames on the walls. Well loved in Baltimore and well regarded by yours truly*
(5)
deb y.

Yes, 5 stars. If you don't keep a lookout for it, you can easily miss the storefront...it's just on the corner of the block and looks like a typical Baltimore rowhouse save for its sign. It's definitely one of those local hidden gems with exceptional food. We had the pork sous vide with ranch ice cream. It sounds a bit odd, but that ranch ice cream was delicious. It was kind of like really cold ranch salad dressing on top of a bed of fresh greens, but also paired with steaming hot and super tender pork belly. Everything just melted in my mouth. I had the burger special as my entree which came with crispy shoestring fries. I love burgers. And Jack's Bistro was no exception. We also had the poutine which was shoestring fries, gravy, and melted cheesy goodness. Because it's pretty small, when we arrived, there were no tables available, but we sat at the bar and ordered some beer from their extensive beer selection and we were seated at a table within 5minutes. We also noticed (spied) on a couple on their first date near us. Points to that guy cuz this is definitely an impressive first date kind of restaurant....small but lively and excellent food and drink.
(5)
C B.

Jack's is a little hidden culinary getaway off the main beat in Canton. It's a very small cozy place with limited operating hours. Jack's is neither very expensive nor very cheap. This is a place for the diner who celebrates originality and culinary artistry. Portions are a little on the smaller side and if you are really hungry and looking to feel stuffed like Thanksgiving...well maybe Jack's should wait for another time. The ambiance is not too casual and not formal..like a business casual or jeans/slacks and button up shirt for guys. The dining area is a bit tight and definitely cozy. A great place to take a date for dinner and wine IMO. I only gave 3 stars because the place is not exactly my style and my experience really didn't stand out and didn't strike me as particularly memorable. But don't let that stop you from going there when you want to go somewhere different thats not part of a chain or conglomerate. For the right person or couple, this place could be a very special spot.
(3)
Mark M.

Jack's is really good food served without the hoity-toity attitude you get in most places that serve food of this caliber. It's played out to refer to a menu as being "quirky", but I can't think of a better way to describe the food here. The chef definitely likes to have fun with their offerings, and so long as they're able to pull it off, then I'm okay with that. I don't see it on their current menu, but they used to have a beef short rib on there that was anything but short. It looked like a dinosaur femur on a plate, and it was cooked perfectly, falling off the bone and melt-in-your mouth delicious. I found it difficult to order anything but that dish, but occasionally I would branch out and have the pork chop, the burger, and the steak. All of which were excellent. I never had anything here that I wouldn't recommend or wish to have again. My favorite thing on the menu though? The pink peppercorn and lavender ice cream. SO...AMAZINGLY...GOOD!!! Best dessert I've ever had.
(5)
Brad F.

Out of towers looking to break away from the Homogenization of America. Asked my seat mate on airplane what his favorite neighborhood restaurant was with that description. He was right on. He lives in Canton and his wife and he eat there once a week. The menu is unique. We were told that the owners go to other countries each year and come back with surprises. We had two teenagers that ate the filet making happy noises and then ordered additional sides of their grits. I had their featured asian dish with shrimp and noodles which was different although not overly memorable. I don't care for the soft noodles which are authentic. We liked the fries in their sauce and they had a macaroni with chocolate on it that the kids ate up. Our waitress who looked like a young Jessica Parker was friendly, dead on efficient and very helpful in describing the offerings. Its a small place, hard to find of course and half is a bar but it is worth a meal.
(4)
Tj H.

I went to Jack's tonight for the first time. We (party of 2) arrived early (5:30) trying to beat the crowd that we were told would surely be there for dinner. Food was Great, see notes after my brief rant. First impressions are very important and ours was less then good. From all the reading I have done on this restaurant we have heard that the best seats in the house were the booths in the bar area, so that is was we requested before being told the pretentious and assuming general manager [snip - no names please] that she would not seat us in the booths because we were only a party of 2, it was restaurant week, and important customers might be coming in. POOR FORM: If you don't want to give a table come up with a better excuse then MIGHT. When we left 2 of the 3 filled booths had, you guessed it, parties of 2! "Oh, I guess I could have given you a booth, sorry" she said on our way out. Enough of the rant. The food was excellent! I had the Garlic Shrimp and a Caesar and my +1 had a stake. The waitress made a Great recommendation on the wine and all in all it was a great meal. If you do go here, and you should, you must ask for Becky to wait on you as she is fabulous. And you MUST have one of the coveted Booths, don't take any excuses!
(1)
Meredith J.

Delicious every time I have gone. Mac and cheese + chocolate is delish as is the Guinness Meat + Potatoes
(5)
Jonas M.

At Jack's Bistro, one gets the giddy feeling of attending space camp. Some dishes blast off with novel flavors and textures; others fail to leave mission control. Guinness-Braised Filet Mignon with Jalapeno rivals anything at Morton's or Fleming's: the demi-glaced Guinness sauce and the sharp kick of jalapeno provide a savory and spicy foil for the sous-vided filet's juiciness. The Butter Popcorn Ice Cream with Toffee Crumble was one of the most playfully inventive desserts I've had: essentially an ice cream version of a Cracker Jack, the Jelly-Belly butter popcorn flavored ice cream was rounded by a sweet caramel toffee crunch. However, Pork Belly with Side Salad and Ranch Dressing disproves that notion that dressing on the side is a good idea, especially in ice cream form. And Lavender and Pink Peppercorn Ice Cream hearkens back to the old lavender gum, Thrills, but not in a nostalgic, tasteful way.
(3)
Adrian F.

If you can locate this small gem of a restaurant in Canton, then you are in for a treat! Inspired by Cheers (is what I think the waiter told us?), it's got a very warm, inviting feel to it. Don't be fooled, it may not look like much at first glance, but the food is some of the best I've ever had!! I ordered the Monkfish cheeks, which was the special that night... I had no idea what it was (note: do NOT google monkfish, it's disturbing), but it had a rich, lobster-like consistency! My buddy ordered The bison hangar steak, which I stole of bite of, and can say it was also delicious! They use the most eclectic items in their entrees and sides! For dessert the bartender made us a peanut butter and jelly shot!! CHEERS to Jack's Bistro! 5 Stars!
(5)
Shala M.

Went here based on the recommendation of Maritza and Ray. I have to admit they were absolutely right. THIS PLACE IS GREAT! A "burger" made completely out of bacon. The shrimp in garlic butter with pita bread was fantastic. I ordered the tomato soup and steak and grits special and it was indeed tasty. This place also has the unique distinction of being the pre-game meet up spot before we headed to watch a Roller-Derby bout at the arena up the street. The food and drink were great. Suggest you order the Cucumber Martini and skip the Sangria. It was okay but not as great as the food. I hear the peanut butter and jelly shot is also really good, but we didn't have enough time to attempt such an interesting shot. Maybe on my next trip to "Charm City" If you are in the Baltimore area and looking for a great place to eat, stop and visit Jack's Bistro. I give this place 4 our of 5 stars. The food is great, but the location is small. Get there early. And I almost forgot they have a great Happy Hour special Wednesday-Sunday (believe they are closed Monday and Tuesday), 1/2 off a bottle of wine from 5 to 6 PM. They also have a late night Happy Hour that starts at 11 PM. All in all the place is small but really good.
(4)
Kacie O.

Not bad. Some of the best fancier food I've consumed in Bmore, but one star off for only having one vegetarian entree and it was Indian...not really what I was craving for the start of a night of drinking and sorta awkwardly added to a menu full of more traditional fare. I had the choc mac and cheese appetizer. It was decent, unique for sure. Also the broccoli rabe appetizer was really good. Waitress dealt with our loud, disheveled group really well.
(3)
Mel C.

If I were on death row, I'd ask for the Guinness braised filet mignon for my last meal. Easily tops my list.
(5)
Ian R.

Been living in Canton for a few years and just hit up the bistro for restaurant week. The chilled Spanish soup is phenomenal and tastes like strong crab and scallions. Better yet, the spicy cod fillets mixed with some micro brew IPAs put it over the top. Great food for your money, they didn't skimp on the portions.
(5)
Jon C.

It's a Saturday night, and I'm making my occasional visit to the DC/Baltimore. My fiancÃ© and I decided to meet up with a good friend of ours in Baltimore for dinner since it's been a while since we saw her. Not only that, it's restaurant week in Charm City. After scouting out the numerous participating restaurants, we agreed to meet at Jack's. We arrived just minutes before our friend did, so we went inside to grab a table for three. The first thing we noticed was that it's a very small corner restaurant and bar. Our guess would be that you can fit a maximum of 40 people, including the employees! Because of this, the only thing that was available for a party of three when we arrived was at the bar. After a quick discussion, we decided to stay because we were very interested in their menu for restaurant week. For appetizers, we tried the Mac & Cheese & Chocolate as well as a poutine that featured a demi glaze and foie gras sauce instead of brown gravy. Both dishes were fantastic with the exception that the taste of the the chocolate didn't come out and present itself because of the smokiness of the cheese. For entrees, we sampled the Argentine Steak, the Sous Vide Duck Breast, and the Bistro Crab Cake. The Argentine Steak was cooked medium rare (only way they'll prepare it) that featured a red chimichurri rub and green chimichurri sauce. I've been to steakhouses in NYC, and those places could sell more of this steak than their porterhouses. The duck breast was very moist and seasoned well, but the sauce it came with was unfortunately bland and underseasoned. The crab cake was gone before I had a chance to look over to that dish, enough said. Finally, we tried the Fried S'more and Pink Peppercorn & Lavender Ice Cream. The fried smore was nothing to write home about, especially since the chocolate batter ice cream was nothing special. However, I would like to give Jack's a lot of credit for trying this ice cream. At first, you'll notice that the lavender hits your olfactory senses before you even take the first bite and doubt it's potential for a dessert. Then you fight on and taste the purple frozen confection and realize that there's a mild sweetness that is amplified if you consume it with a piece of the warm sugar cookie. At the end, you get a very subtle feeling of heat from the pink peppercorns. I understand that people either love it or hate it, but I love that they took the chance and put this on their menu despite that there were other chances they took on the menu that didn't pan out so well. Also, my fiancÃ© enjoyed the Eden cocktail that tasted like a orange creamsicle. I was very happy that they had Natty Boh, since I missed that beer after moving away from Baltimore. However, they have a very large (around 90) beer selection. Overall, this restaurant is definitely worth a restaurant week visit or if you want to take advantage of the late night menu (from 11PM to 1AM). During the year, I think it's also worth going as long as you know which dishes work for them and which ones don't. Hopefully, you can use this review as a starting point for figuring out what you're going to have when you visit Jack's Bistro.
(4)
Jan V.

The more I think about this place the better I like it. Jack's Bistro is trendy without being snooty and innovative without being fruity. Service is friendly without being in-your-face. The atmosphere is sophisticated without being stuck up. The food is very accomplished. And all of this for very reasonable prices. The Chocolate Mac & Cheese every one raves about wasn't bad, but the cheese could have been tangier as to complement the chocolate better. The Creme Brulee stout was just too sugary and served a little too coldly. Nonetheless, I enthusiastically recommend this place to anyone.
(4)
Jack F.

Jack's Bistro is the restaurant that every foodie dreams of. It's unique, creative, technically proficient, and surprisingly affordable. Many restaurants try being edgy and modern by fusing various cuisines or attempting outlandish ideas (e.g. molecular gastronomy) but many of these same restaurants fall short on the perfect meal. Fortunately, the kitchen at Jack's Bistro knows how to cook. Most diners would shy away from bizzare dishes like Mac+Cheese+Chocolate or Purple Curry Mussels but these are exactly the novel dishes that foodies crave when executed correctly. I love Sunday dinners at Jack's because they offer a 3-course meal for $34.00. During my most recent visit, the theme was pretty much "Pork 3 Way." Pork Belly tacos, Meatballs (made with pork) soup with vermicelli noodles, and Pork Chops. Words can't describe how much I enjoyed this meal. It's also because I stopped taking notes (both mental and physical) to enjoy a great meal. The Pork Belly taco offered great contrast between savory and spicy flavors and crispy and soft textures. The Meatball Soup was cross between Vietnamese pho and Japanese ramen. The meatballs may have been the headliner but the pork broth definitely stole the show. And, the pork chops - oh, the pork chops - were the biggest pork chops I've ever seen in at a restaurant. Who serves 2 thick inches of pork? Not only was it massive, but it was juicy and tender. Mix it the signature smoked guoda+bacon+jalapeno grits and you've got that party-in-your-mouth sensation. For dessert, we had the bread pudding with butter popcorn flavored ice cream. That's right, butter popcorn flavored ice cream. Just like the Jelly Beans but even better. What makes Jack's Bistro the best? I want to try something new every time I go. And I want to go here every time I'm in Baltimore. I'm glad to award Jack's Bistro my 20th 5-Star Review (out of 480+). [Last Visit: May 30, 2010]
(5)
Ricky N.

This was my second time eating at Jack's and it was just as good as the first time. I had the sous vide steak frites, and I would recommend it. It is very inexpensive for the quality of food you get. I can also recommend the mac & cheese, and the pork belly appetizer. I will be back.
(4)
Amanda P.

This place is super cute. It is in Canton not to far from the square. I like to consider myself a foodie, so I can definitely appreciate a place like this. It has very inventive dishes that you probably have never seen or thought of before. However, the food was extremely heavy. So heavy it was hard to go out after, I kind of just wanted to take a nap. It is certainly somewhere cool to try, but if you are not a big fan of french food (heavy) I would take a pass or maybe split something on the menu. Like I said, the food was really good, but I felt a little sick afterwards. I guess I don't have the stomach for heavy foods.
(3)
Ali B.

Jack's has been a date night staple for my husband and I for the last few years. They never disappoint. The bartender has great seasonal drink options for fall right now. Guinness fillet and the Guinness bistro burger with Gouda and poutine fries is to die for! It's a relaxed atmosphere for foodies :)
(5)
Danielle F.

Love, love, love. What a creative, modern, fun take on food and drink. I had one of the best drinks I've had in my life here - the Hawaiian pizza martini, consisting of pineapple and jalapeno infused vodka with tomato juice. Just try it - best thing ever. The jalapeno margarita-tini made with house-infused jalapeno tequila was good but not the best thing ever - it was almost too spicy to appreciate. Onto the food. The poutine fries are a MUST order. Unlike many takes on poutine (the classic Montreal dish involving fries, cheese curd, and gravy), this one used thin crispy fries. The cheese curd was melted and delicious. But the best part about this item was that in lieu of gravy, it was served with a foie gras sauce that was rich, decadent, salty, and amazing. The Korean taco (or was it a Korean pancake?) was out of this world as well. The tortilla/pancake thing was fried to perfection and topped with perfectly cooked pulled pork, cilantro, jalapeno, and a sweet soy sauce. Amazing. The fried s'mores was good, but not quite as good as the name would lead you to believe. It was essentially a big cake ball (representing the graham?), with a gooey marshmallow center, fried, and then dipped in a dark chocolate sauce. Came with chocolate cake batter ice cream. Yum, but not super yum. Overall, too much chocolate for my taste. There was not enough graham cracker, both in terms of crunchy texture, and flavor. WIsh I could go back for the Argentine steak, the pork belly, the asian tuna ravioli, and the all-bacon BLT burger. If I lived in Baltimore, this place would be a favorite!
(5)
K. Jayne J.

Jack's is one of my all-time favorites in Baltimore and one of the few restaurants that I'll pay the tunnel toll to get to. Ted keeps the experience fresh by switching up the menu on a regular basis. It's extremely rare for me to try one of his new dishes and dislike it. The desserts are also not to be missed. I almost feel required to order dessert whenever I eat at Jack's because I know it will be delicious. All the good reviews exist for a reason -- Jack's rocks!
(4)
Raymond B.

We ate there Friday night 10/14/11 for the second time and ate at the bar, I would recomend getting a table. As before we had a sensational meal, The filet just may have been the best I ever experienced.The jalapeno bacon grits were to dye for. However, the male bartender had a little bit of an attuitude and was not the best server. They have a great selection of draught beer, However, their policy of no pre tasting had me pay $6.50 for a beer that was unacceptable and went to waste. Dinner for two with four drinks was $120 with 20% tip. I think a one ounce taste would have not broke the bank.
(4)
K V.

Great service, great food, great prices. Try the Bacon Burger which 100% ground bacon and absolutely no beef. That's right - ground bacon. Once your brain gets over the sensory confusion, you'll really enjoy this interesting spin on the classic BLT. Also on the late night menu are the wings. Very good.
(4)
Christine K.

I just fell in love with this place!! I went Jack's Bistro for Baltimore Restaurant Week. I got MAC + CHEESE + CHOCOLATE which was just AWESOME. I am a type of person who eat cheeseburger without cheese, but I fell in love with this dish, because of taste of bittersweet chocolate. Then I had BISTRO CRAB CAKE. I have been living in Baltimore for about 10 years which made me to go out and try every good/expensive crab cake in the area of Baltimore and this was just really good. Maybe one of the best for my taste. Also the side, zucchini, was really really good. LASTLY, I got FRIED S'MORE. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! also it comes with the chocolate batter ice cream which was really really good. You must try FRIED S'MORE once in your life time. THIS MADE ME SO~ HAPPY!!! Anyways, really really fun and good place to go there. The place was little tiny for me and it was little loud for me but it was really FUN!!!
(4)
Andrew W.

Fried Schmooressss!!! 4 stars for fried schmoores. Service is always good but there can be hint of Baltimore hipster arrogance from time to time. They do have a great selection of drinks and draft beer. They claim to be the one of the only restaurants in the area that has "Sous Vide" dishes but I think this claim to fame has run its course. Food there is good and electic but the sous vide pork belly was served well done and grey - not very good. Other than that the food is good.
(4)
Gil B.

I brought my son to this restaurant during parent's weekend at Johns Hopkins University. The ambiance is unique. It is built in what appears to be an old row house, with a bar with seating in the front and tables in the back near the open kitchen. The menu was unique, as were the specials. We ordered the Chocolate Mac and Cheese, which had a very different flavor, but was tasty. We also ordered a shrimp appetizer, which was absolutely delicious. I ordered the crab cake entree, and my son ordered the filet minon entree. Both the main courses and the sides that came with the main courses were delicious. The quality of the food was top notch, and the flavors were perfect. The crab cake was cooked exactly right, and the filet was tender with a delicious flavor despite my son ordering the filet med well. The service was perfect as well. A great, off the beaten path restaurant in Baltimore.
(5)
Jimena M.

OMG! Holy crap!! This place gave me the biggest foodgasms ever! Came here with a bunch of food loving/gluttonous folk (this is why I absolutely love them). There were 5 of us, but we ordered about 7 appetizers. Guinness meat and potatoes - awesome braised beef in a delicious demi glace, you can't go wrong with meat and potatoes. Mac n cheese and belgian chocolate - can i just tell you that this was the most awesome taste experience ever! I dunno, maybe it's my crazy, ravenous inner chocoholic, but this was absolutely delicious. Creamy shells topped with 5 cheese and belgian chocolate. One of the diners mentioned that the pasta was over cooked, but I think it just added to the creaminess, it wasn't soggy. Loved this! Spanish shrimp and garlic - not my fave, I make this dish all the time, so i was surprised that they used cream!?! really?!! blasphemy! Poutine French fries - french fries topped with cheese curds and demi glace? yes please! jalapeno/gouda grits - another win, delicious, creamy, lovely velvety goodness. Thai salad with tuna tartare - light, refreshing after all the heaviness above, delicious! Souvide steak, duck breast and pork belly entrees - all of them delicious. I can't wait to go back!
(4)
Gomer K.

I've only been here once but I can't wait to go back. We sat at the bar and the bartenders were very friendly and made great recommendations. We tried the chocolate mac n cheese. It's worth a try once but I don't think I'd order it again. It was kinda blah. The rest of the food was good. My sister had a burger and I had the filet over polenta appetizer. Very good!!! Finally got to go back. The poutine is fucking outta sight. I had the spicy purple curry appetizer. It was awesome. It was bright purple because of the beets (which I usually hate) but it wasn't too beety. The mussels were cooked perfectly for my taste. My friend had the 100% bacon burger which was juicy and tasty but a little salty for me. Definitely not as packed as the rest of Canton. Great place!
(4)
Meep Meep E.

Amazing restaurant. Beef and Grits....Shrimp....Halibut and crab cakes......best flavors ever. 1/2 price wine between 5 and 6 was an unexpected surprise. They even filtered the wine twice when they noticed sediment. The waiter Mark was very helpful ....he even wrote out directions to the ball park and showed us where our seats were located on his I-Phone. I wish it was closer to Philly so we could be regulars. Thanks for a great dining experience Jack's.
(5)
Seth J.

Teeny-tiny place - be prepared to wait, even if you have reservations. We ended up sitting at the bar and still got exceptional service. Even though we had been walking/site seeing around Baltimore all day and probably looked a little out of place :D Bartender was helping in helping us pick a bottle of wine - not a huge selection, but a little bit of everything. Started with the mac 'n cheese 'n chocolate. I know, bizarre combination but it was very, very good. A lot of the menu had 'odd' pairings like this, but believe it or not it goes well together. We ordered the sous vide pork chop and guiness braised filet. Both came with smoked gouda + jalapeno + bacon grits (again, odd combination but fabulous) The pork chop was HUGE. I think it had some kind of dry rub on it that was tasty, the meat itself was good, but paled in comparison to the filet. The filet was out of this world - easily in the top 5 I've ever had. The chef obviously likes to experiment a little, and he/she nailed it with this one. Can't go wrong with the filet. Did I mention we had been out all day? Well we had to get dessert. I'm not normally a dessert person, but my friend really wanted the durian creme brulee and I really wanted to try the fried s'mores... so we ordered both. Be prepared to be disappointed if you don't like durian - many people can't even stand the smell, others love it - so be warned. I enjoyed the few bites I had of it. The s'mores won in my book though - mmmmm.... chocolate cake batter ice cream. Chocolate top with more chocolate. My only complaint was the marshmallow cookies used the marshmallow creme stuff. Maybe it's just in my head, but I think real marshmallows are way better. All in all, wonderful dinner, great atmosphere, and friendly service. Of course I ended up in a food coma after all that and slept for 3 days. :D
(4)
Abigail O.

this place kind of reminds me of project runway, where you can always see where they are coming from *in theory,* and the end products are aesthetically and technically flawless, but you'd never REALLY see someone walking around with that on the street. which is where the analogy falls apart, because i'd be pretty surprised / excited to see someone walkin' around with a steak. anyways, i like the idea of the sous vide method, and i applaud the creativity, but in the end, i LIKE those grill marks on my meat. chocolate and macaroni & cheese are both delicious entities, and i think it's nice that someone tried to go for the gold and combine these two woman-soothers, but it just tasted like... chocolate + mac&cheese, not some toe-tingling, exponentially superior lovechild. all that being said, jack's is an overall great place to dine. our super hippie stoner server threw me at first, but as i kind of like super hippie stoners, definitely made our meal more fun and enjoyable. he knew his shit, that's for sure, and we were never wanting for service. the atmosphere is cozy yet refined, and i have no complaints on the parking, or really anything else. i'd recommend this place because i like its experimental side, and just like i wanted to happen with obama, it's better to actually try and get shit done and not quite hit the mark than not try anything at all. (note: i went here, like, 4 months ago, so i can't remember exactly everything that i had, nor can i remember which underwear i'm wearing right now, so don't judge.)
(4)
David Z.

This place is really interesting and what I had was really tasty! It is gourmet, and not overpriced for the quality of the food. I really enjoyed their creative, gourmet offerings and attention to detail.
(5)
Jeff K.

Always a pleasure to have a meal at Jacks. Just enjoyed a 3 course dinner there during restaurant week and it did not disappoint. Great beer menu and their signature cocktails are excellent. Highly recommended.
(5)
Michael B.

great place .great friendly, accommodating, laid back excellent execution edgy and unlike traditional neighborhood joints. The chef (Ted) is super cool, creative and has it figured out...... Boston Dude
(5)
Gregg W.

Ordered salad and asked for grilled shrimp, this meal became a $20 salad. The food was great quality, and the service was wonderful. It is small and gets busy, so I recommend a reservation. The desserts were wonderful, as well.
(4)
Michelle K.

Jack's is exactly as it should be, a neighborhood pub. I think Jack Tripper would have been proud, that so many regulars "come on knock on [their] door." An old converted row house, gives it an intimate feel. And there is an open kitchen, which I like. The wait staff go out of their way to know who you are and make you feel welcome. Clearly, the majority of their customers are repeat customers. To accommodate the repeat clientele, the menu changes often with specials from around the world. And that might be Jack's greatest strength and weakness. The specials are either extremely tasty or disastrous. For their regular menu items, they are okay. I am not a fan of sous vide meat, (except for the duck breast I once had at WD40 in NYC), but then again I can be pretty caveman about my food. Meat, fire, good. Because I live nearby, I will go to Jack's again and again. But I am unsure if the place warrants wrestling with Canton's atrocious parking situation. Just in case no one has mentioned it yet, Jack's is open Wed-Sun only. They do have a happy hour special from 11pm to 1am, which is fantastic in case you need a snack before you go to bed.
(3)
Christina M.

Yummy. Certainly a fun place to go with a good atmosphere and wonderful food.
(4)
Sam L.

Jack's doesn't take reservations, so when we heard they were taking them for restaurant week, we took advantage. We tried the mac and cheese with chocolate (we had to), and it's unique but not something I'd order again. What I WOULD order again is the Guinness meat (sliced filet) and grits. Also, the BBQ pork belly appetizer was delicious, especially over the jalapeno and corn slaw. The fried s'more dessert was playful and worth getting. We'll be back to sample the rest of the menu, especially during half-priced wine happy hours or on Sunday, when the whole menu is cheaper.
(4)
Samantha C.

Went here based on a friend's recommendation. Simply fabulous! The waitress was really knowledgeable about the food - she even explained how one eats the fried duck tongues on the menu (I declined - a little too experimental for me). The food was delicious. I had the lamb pasta, it blew my mind!
(5)
J H.

Jack's is pretty good. A great neighborhood bistro/bar for foodies. The food here is very very RICH. lots of butter, creams, cheeses, tender sousvide meats, etc. Lots of people rave about the Chocolate + Cheese mac N cheese. I wasn't blown away, but it was a noble experiment. Not really the greatest place for people watching their figure, or vegetarians. I couldn't eat here too often, but when I do go there every other month or so, it's always a treat. Interesting beer selection. FABULOUS Sangria (it's a proprietary recipe, but I do know it has red and white wines) and top notch wait staff and bartenders.
(4)
Ambereen A.

I was really excited to try this place but was underwhelmed. Nothing was bad, but nothing was really good either. For apps we had the chocolate dusted mac n' cheese and the pork belly. The pork belly turned out to be my favorite thing. It had a nice crispness on the top of it. The mac n' cheese that everyone raves about was blah. The cheese had no flavor and the chocolate was ok. The dish basically tasted like flavorless, creamy noodles with some chocolate on top. Again, not good, not bad. For entrees we had the Aregentine steak, lamb pasta and Guinness braised filet mignon. My steak was WAY too salty, buttery and garlic. It over powered the steak and I could barely eat it. It's also served with garlic fries. I'm a lover of garlic but it was still way too much. The guiness steak was ok. The best part of that dish was the grits. they were very well prepared. The lamb pasta was surprisingly good. And unique. I've never seen a dish like that before. For dessert we had to try the fried s'mores. I actually thought they were pretty good. All in all, not a bad experience but I doubt I'll be going back there.
(2)
Smita D.

I came here with my boyfriend around 8pm and it was PACKED, like we were at a frat party. We waited for 30 minutes and reluctantly took seats at the bar, even though we wanted a nice romantic dinner. It was so loud that we couldn't talk to each other and there were about 6-7 people standing and surrounding us. For a place that is supposed to have an upscale ambience and has gourmet food, it was a very disappointing experience. We left as soon as we sat down. They should really take reservations for small groups or get a bigger place.
(1)
Sarah B.

Everything about this place is PERFECT. Everyone that works here is kind, knowledgeable and incredibly helpful. Its a more expensive night out, but WELL WORTH it. The Guiness filet is the best thing on the menu if you ask my opinion. If you haven't been here, you definitely should give it a try.
(5)
Amy J.

Simply delicious! The fried smores was one of the best things I've ever tasted!
(5)
Barbara B.

great neighborhood bar and restaurant; we loved it, great food, great prices, great bar and staff; friendly beyond. yummy eggplant fries, crab cakes with CRAB, super pasta with chocolate and mac and cheese, super salads, we can't wait to go back again and again!!!!
(4)
Catie F.

A real treat. The poutine was phenomenal, and the Argentine steak was perfect! Highly recommended.
(5)
Ben D.

5 stars for their ground filet w/blue cheese burger. 4 stars for taking it off the menu. Sorry Jack, that was a straight up Jill move.
(4)
j j.

One of the best things about Jack's isn't their food, which is pretty tasty, but their bar which has a great rotation of brews on tap and other interesting beers. On one occasion JS was even privy to a peanut butter & jelly shot (novelty was the best it had to offer). JS had a sampler-- the ability to try 3 brews for nearly the same cost as a pint. The glassware in general reflects the spirit of Jacks--knowing that thought goes into the presentation of each drink reaffirms the attention paid to the details that make the food special. The space is pretty great and we were seated in a nice quiet nook. I could watch the kitchen from my seat, which was pretty interesting. JR took note that there was still construction dust on the brick wall behind me. A little disconcerting since the place has been open for enough time to warrant a dusting here and there. We both ordered the burger-- although had we been at the bar for a similar cost we could have had any entree on the main menu. The burgers were delicious. JS had the fried eggplant fries while JR went for the traditional. The eggplant were quite rich, but good to share. The traditional fries were thin and seasoned well. All in all a good dining experience. -JR- Excellent burger with shoe-string fries and a great selection of beers. I'll be back, but on my recession budget i'll probably opt for one of the specials.
(3)
Ashley A.

Great food, great service or one can also refer to Jack's Bistro as having inventive food and friendly staff. Jack's Bistro is definitely a fun place in Baltimore where you can find interesting menu options found nowhere else in the city or maybe even state and I think would even be a challenge to find in all of the 50 states of the US. The atmosphere at Jack's is nice and homey with a friendly host greeting you at the door and even offering to hang your coat up, which was refreshing since you don't usually see or expect this from such a comfy spot. The mac + cheese + chocolate was exactly that. I ordered it because I wanted to taste what all of that mixed together would be like, but it wasn't anything too special, so I tried it once and probably won't order it again. The Guinness Braised Filet Mignon was flavorful and had a nice texture to it. Served on a bed of bacon grits, it offered unique textures in my mouth, different from the smoothness of the regular mashed potato found in most traditional restaurants alongside filet mignon/steak. The Sous Vide Double Cut Pork Chop was huge and definitely worthwhile for the price of $25. I know the bf enjoyed it...he killed it. I have this theory that depending on how your experience is during dessert, assuming that you order dessert, it will determine what kind of review you ultimately give a restaurant. As you can see I gave Jack's Bistro a whopping 5 stars, so the dessert has gotta be good. Yes, indeed it was. I'd like to preface this dessert review, first by explaining what the durian fruit is all about. Durian is a unique, spiky fruit usually found in Southeast Asia. It is famed for its strong and subjectively pungent odor and is definitely an acquired taste. Lucky for me (unlucky for everyone else) I love the stuff and can't get enough of it! You hardly ever find durian being sold in any establishment in the US, so you can imagine my disbelief and excitement upon finding it incorporated in one of their desserts here at Jack's. The durian creme brulee was everything I imagined it would be...a bit pricey considering the amount you're getting, but I thought it was worth every penny...I mean where else are you going to find durian creme brulee?
(5)
Jason R.

Overrated!! The blackened shrimp and grits was like eating spoonfuls of salt!! If blackened seasoning is very salty, then there is no reason to put salt in ANYTHING else on the dish. First 2-3 bites were delicious... but then you only taste pure salt, and I mean pure salt. My friends filet with bacon grits and green beans were delicious (much better than mine) but for $27 wasn't nearly enough food. They need to simply give more grits (and more than literally 4-5 green beans), instead of the miniscule pile hidden under the filet. The place is on the right track, but I think it needs tweaking. Its a hole in the wall they've converted into an "upscale" or wannabe upscale establishment. I sat at a table for 2 right next to the restroom. It's space is meant for a bar, not restaurant. The brownie obsession sundae at TGI Friday's is better than their smores dessert, but not saying it wasn't good. Everyone told me I must try this dessert, and although good- not incredible. At the end of the day, I will probably go back... but not soon. I spent $100 for dinner for two, drinking just water... but apps, entrees and dessert. The service was excellent, and there was no stuffiness from them. Very helpful and patient. The menu consisted af maybe 6-8 choices, and many of them say either, no substitutions; no omissions, med rare only.. so it's very limiting in feel. You get the feeling of a pompous chef in the vicinity, perhaps way too big for his britches. If someone is complimented on TV, or has several good reviews- then they can do no wrong, and it goes to their heads.
(3)
Maria A.

Jacks atmosphere is modern and relaxed and laid back. Pub meets American Bristro urban atmostphere. The burgers are what Jacks is well known for; specially the Blt -Beware this Its not an ordinary BLT, but a little piece of heaven. I could also call it a heart attack on a plate, but I will assume my readers are amazingly healthy and can take this blow to the heart as a treat. So, here is the amazing concept...what bacon genius might have thought of this powerful tastebud concoction. Immagine an all bacon, no beef pattie served in between a nice brioche bun with lettuce and tomatoe...yes call it a BLT ...call it a burger.... I call it palate insanity!!! The steak burger is also extremely flavourful and moist. You know most steak tends to dry up a little when you make it in a burger...well not this one. I truly enjoyed seating next to the kitchen with my date as we had the opportunity to look forward to try all their other entrees. Their beer and wine choices are extensive and the service quite knowledgiable of the food and drinks. It's exciting how American fair can be made more exciting with Asian Flavors, something the Jack's culinary crew does a superb job at incorporating in their menu. The desert list is sinful and tempts even the most non desert lovers (AKA me). I shared the Smore desert and I think I dream of it at night. BTW quit immagining the BLT, just go and get yourself one. Oh and try the mac and cheese with the chocolate dusting...YUM!
(5)
Scott M.

Most people will probably be drawn here by the all-bacon meat burger. It's kinda shaped like a crab cake. I probably should've mashed it around and spread it out, because the bun was way too big for it. It was good though, not as scary and evil as I imagined it might be. The side of poutine fries upgrade for $6 extra seemed overpriced. The shoestrings fries are alright, but good portion size. The Ranch dressing flavored icecream that comes with the pork belly appetizer is absolutely disgusting and it tastes exactly how it should. I hate ranch dressing, so maybe you will love it. (also, I requested the ranch dressing that comes with the bacon burger to be put on the side). The Blueberry Pie cocktail was tasty! And they had a really great German smoke beer. The toasted marshmallows dessert was probably my favorite thing there, but overall everything was very good. Service was good and the V-Day crowd was not chaotic at all.
(4)
Michelle W.

Love how the chef combines tastes you'd never think of like white cheddar popcorn on salad or chocolate in macaroni. Yummy!
(5)
Crystal S.

After a late night happy hour stop here for drinks one night (peanut butter jelly shots! PB&J hasn't been this much fun since elementary school!), my curiosity was sparked and I decided to come back for dinner. I was here with a large group (10+ people) since we wanted to take advantage of the half-price bottles of wine promotion. Despite our large group, service was quite good. I enjoyed the Sous Vide Argentine Steak (very tender with delicious fresh green sauce) in addition to a couple of bites of a friend's chocolate mac and cheese. Very solid food options, plus they had tempting specials that weren't on their standard menu. There's late night food specials that I'll have to go back and try sometime, including the curry mussels and eggplant fries. Best part: 2 bottles of wine (1 white, 1 red) among my group ended up being about $4/person. I'm planning on returning to Jack's Bistro, hopefully in the near future! p.s. the Pumpking ale tastes just like pumpkin pie without all the sugar!
(5)
Steve D.

A really cool little place, but when I went it seemed that the word was out so be prepared for a wait. I had heard good things about the Chocolate Mac & Cheese, but I was a bit underwhelmed with the dish; The chocolate overwhelmed the Mac & Cheese, in my opinion. Also, the beer I ordered was a Creme Brulee Stout, which I thought sounded interesting enough to try: Lets just say, lesson learned about sugary beer. Still, the rest of our meal was fantastic. The service was good, the atmosphere was cool, and the meals were outside of the standard fare enough to make me want to go back. I recommend this place. A good spot in Canton.
(4)
Matthew L.

This isn't McDonalds, so you'd have to grade it against other restaurants of similar quality. The specialty is sous-vide. I've had the pork chop, steak and frites, the duck, and the curry. The Steak was well prepared and had a great light seasoning, but it was average for a steak. The pork chop was dissappointing since I had heard rave reviews about it. The duck was excellent. The Mac and cheese and chocolate appatizer is interesting, but the pasta was soggy. The eggplant fries are excellent. The bacon slider is beautiful, and simple. I would recommend the Baked Aleutian. The decor is simple and sophisticated. Worth a visit, but maybe not a second.
(2)
Nina F.

Sitting down for a meal at Jack's reminds me how much I want them to open their next location in California -- given the creativity of their menu, the Shag paintings on the walls, and the overall chill vibe the place emits, chances are they'd fit right in. Our party was seated at a table near the kitchen making it very convenient for us to pepper the chef with trillions of questions while he was preparing our food. If we were distracting/annoying him, he never let on and never missed a beat in either our conversation or the food. Impressive. Between the six of us we ordered a bunch of items to share, the dinner favorites being the smoked Gouda and milk chocolate mac and cheese, lamb youvetsi, bistro crab cake, and crispy skin rockfish. Although I'm sure not for everyone, I can't say enough great things about the mac and cheese. Smoked cheese and chocolate? Ahh-mazing. I could eat bowls and bowls and likely would have (at least in my mind) if not for the endless array of other goodies that I had to force myself to save room for. The lamb was tender and the crab cakes delicious, but my favorite was the rockfish: served with an herb and shallot cream reduction, crispy risotto, and perfectly cooked green beans. However, the highlight of the evening were the desserts -- lavender peppercorn ice cream, fried s'mores served with s'more ice cream, and chocolate chip pancakes with peanut butter brandy sauce. I'm not sure it gets much better than this dessert-wise. The lavender peppercorn ice cream was a standout -- the exact flavors you'd expect -- sweet, slightly perfume-y lavender and sharp peppercorn, but such a fresh, surprisingly unexpected pairing in ice cream form. Hats off to these guys -- they've got a good thing going here!
(5)
Daniel C.

Simply wonderful creative food. Stopped in for dinner on Saturday night without a reservation. While it was busy, we did not have to wait for a table. It's a narrow dining room but there is enough space between the tables for it not to feel crowded, and the advantage is that it means the waiters are constantly having to walk by your tables, so they can see if you need anything. The result is very attentive service. I'm sure they have some kind of policy of over the top friendliness, in fact, as the waiters seem to put in extra effort in that regard. Could be too much for some people.... Now, onto the food. The Chocolate Mac and Cheese was actually delicious. More than the novelty aspect, it was perfectly cooked and the flavors worked well. A great way to start. We also had an Albanian sausage stater from the specials list, which came with a beautifully tangy tomato sauce and some pickled garlic and cabbage. The flavors worked wonderfully well together. The mains - both of us went for the 'Sous Vide' steaks - which were absolutely delicious. I don;t know much about the cooking style, and imagine they were pretty good steaks to start with, but the came out so tender and juicy it was sensational. The sauces (truffle on one, chimmichurri on the other) were perfect accompaniments. The side vegetables were nice but unremarkable - the meat was certainly the centerpiece. Deserts were great too - the Fried Smores balls were oh so good - rich and chocolatey - and while the Peach Melba was not quite as good as the Smores, it was still tasty. So overall, a great dining experience. Will certainly be back next time I am in the area.
(5)
Matt B.

A quick glance at the menu might lead you to believe that Jack's is pushing the culinary envelope with luxurious ingredients and edgy new cooking techniques. Don't be fooled! A dribble of truffle oil, a hint of fois gras, and the invocation of trendy sous-vide cooking can never replace basic attention to menu planning and core kitchen skills. Jack's comes up short where it matters most. On a recent visit to Jack's my table ordered three entrees and two apps. All of the entrees came with fried potatoes and little else. Fearing the onset of scurvy, I had to request ketchup and a salad for the table. The only difference between the Argentine Steak and the Steak Fritte Sous-Vide was a single teaspoon of parsley chimchurri plopped onto the small cut of sirloin. Is this really how the gauchos do it? The steaks were both perfectly medium rare. That's where my praise stops. Jack's managed to waterbath both of them into gelatinous, spongy mediocrity. I suppose this might be a virtue --but only if you are wearing mal-fitting dentures. To be fair, the crab cake, with its delicate, crispy crust, was pretty good. But its small size, and the fact that it was plated with home-fry potatoes and two lonely tablespoons of so-so cole-slaw left me thinking that profit margins must be pretty high on this menu item. The green salad, once it was finally delivered, was passable. However, Jack's use of plain white popcorn in the place of croutons came across as desperately quirky. Having endured enough culinary gimmickry, we left without dessert. Jack's dining area is dark and 1960s modern. There's just enough light in Jack's for you to notice that the person across from you got potatoes on their plate too. The staff is stylish and friendly but they seemed to pay much more attention to their iPhones than to the diners on my visit. Wish I would have thought to text my server for ketchup instead of waiting for her to look up between clicks! The bar looked pretty good and there seemed to be abundant drink specials. Jack's clearly separates itself from those finer restaurants that build their plates and menus around high-quality, local, seasonal produce and farm-pedigreed proteins. I wonder why? Among Jack's few vegetable offerings this October evening was asparagus. Any content farm will tell you that October isn't asparagus season. What gives, Jack? Did you know that there's a farmer's market every Sunday under the JFX? October means Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, beets.... OK, I'll stop. I left Jack's disappointed. Everything tasted the same. Jack's made big promises and totally failed to deliver. I might catch a drink at Jack's sometime but I don't think I'd eat there again unless they changed everything.
(1)
Ken Y.

I went here one night looking to order one of those delicious Guiness burgers that Jack's is known for. To my disappointment, it was not on the menu, but staff recommended a new menu item- the ground bacon burger. Not a huge pork fan, but this burger was dee-licious. Fried s'mores? Double plus good. Pretty good selection of seasonal beers, too.
(4)
Caitlin S.

I liked this place, but don't feel like it lives up to all the hype. I heard about it on NPR and decided I had to give it a shot. I had the macaroni and cheese with chocolate that wasn't as good as I had anticipated. I think the issue was that the cheese was smoked. I love smoked gouda mac and cheese, but it didn't blend well with the sweetness of the chocolate in my opinion. I ordered tuna paired with a fruit topping. I was surprise when the tuna arrived singing a song that sounded similar to snap, crackle, pop. Pop rocks candy was added to the fruit accompanying the tuna! I appreciate the creativity, and it definitely tasted interesting, but this is not something I will ever crave or even order again. The service and the decor were not especially memorable. I went because of the food, which didn't impress me given the prices. However, if the service and decor was amazing, I think I would head back because there are many other items on the menu that I would like to try. It's possible my only experience was a miss, and if you're into food, I would say give it a shot.
(3)
Jena L.

My favorite place to eat a nice dinner in Baltimore. Have had their nachos which have amazing flavors! (you wouldn't think its that hard to make nachos but there is something special about these!) Also their steamed shrimp are cooked a special way and are great! BEST crab cake I have ever had and I grew up in Baltimore! I am not sure exactly what it comes with but it all goes together so well! My bf always gets their steak frites. Says they are always cooked great and the flavors are amazing. Their shoestring french fries are so tasty! BEST fired smore dessert! Comes with a fried smore and ice cream. Definitely leave room for that! I have had their mango mojito which is great but their peanut butter and jelly shot is so awesome. It sucks they don't take reservations but it is always well worth the wait!
(5)
Faith P.

I've visited Jack's 3 times now, each being greater than the last. The service is impeccable, the front and back of the house staff is clearly trained with the utmost respect for food and spirits!
(4)
Suzette F.

Loved this place! I had been here twice already and they had changed the menu from the first time that I was there. They have a unique and eclectic dinner menu for those who are a little daring. The first time I was there I had the tuna tar tar as an appetizer and it was served in a bowl that had a live fish in it (see photo). Their dinner specials seem to hit the 5 star mark every time. They have great specialty cocktails, like the green tea vodka bubble tea and the mango mojito. The dessert menu is small, but if you have room, you must try the smores. TO DIE FOR!
(5)
George L.

A lovely little foodie sort of place on a street corner - and from the outside one would not guess at the craft of the cooking behind the doors. I went there at about 11 pm to sample the late night appetizer menu. I had the poutine, which is a high grade remake of a classic Canadian comfort food of fries, cheese curds and brown gravy. Here at Jack's they use homemade shoe string fries, which are thus extra crispy, cheese curds melted onto the fries and instead of regular brown gravy they use demi-glace, which is both extremely meaty in flavor and adds salt to the dish - it went quite well with my soda water and lime but if you drink it screams out for an IPA. I also noticed they have Owl's nest white ail on tap, which is a brew out of Japan and quite good. Finally, I took home an order of the pepper and lavender ice cream with a warm sugar cookie for my f friend Ken (since he is letting me couch surf, even though I snore like all get out, and I got an order for myself. An interesting experience, the Ice cream was a beautiful lavender color and quite rich, and the sugar cookie, perfect. All in all I recommend trying Jack's - they do mention they do a number of their dishes Sous Vide, which is where the dish is hermetically sealed in plastic and then simmered for up to 24 hours in a hot water bath - they do their duck cassoulet this way and I would love to try it before I finish my vacation in this part of the world.
(4)
Julia A.

Perfectly cooked, tender, moist pork loin! It was a perfect entree (wintery) dish with brussel sprout leaves, sausage stuffing and a nice demi reduction on the plate. For an appetizer, we had a delicious mushroom, poached egg on toast with truffle oil. It was yummy, except we wanted more toast to scoop up the last remaining bits on the plate. Dessert was a home-made root beer float with cinnamon ice cream. It was good too! Jack's is a perfect neighborhood gem! Also, I'd request to sit near the kitchen. It's warm and it's fun to see all the different dishes coming out from the kitchen.
(4)
Arthur R.

I've dined at Jacks several times. First, its a small joint and I would recommend making reservations. Great bar with a lots a adult beverage options. The Mac and Cheese is a great app. The Belgium chocolate shavings make an incredible creamy combo. Don't knock it until you try it. We also had the empanadas and shrimp appetizer also. The empanadas were very small, but had great flavor and a spicy dipping sauce. The shrimp dig app is about 8 shrimp with a garlic butter sauce. Very solid. For dinner I had the chop house burger. This is a fliet mignon, and NY strip burger with smoked Gouda. I also added the "Guinness style." This means the burger is finished in a Guinness sauce. The others that were with me had the Guinness Beef. Both raved about this. Everything that came out of the kitchen looked incredible. I strongly suggest this if your looking for a great meal.
(4)
Christina B.

I went here for dinner and it was awesome! Anyone that knows me will know that I am hard to please and do not give five star ratings easily. This is quite a drive from Inner Harbor (or perhaps we got lost several times?) but it was well worth it. There is plenty of street parking. We went in and were seated immediately. It is a very small and intimate setting. Our waiter was prompt, courteous, and efficient. We asked him what dishes people ordered the most and ordered them. Our menu: Appetizer: Shrimp with pita Entrees: Steak and fries and Cod with rice and bok choy Dessert: Toffee bread pudding and ice-cream Drinks: Mango mojito and some beer my boyfriend ordered (dunno which one it was but he said it tasted very similar to a beer he really liked in Malaysia) Everything was superb and cooked perfectly. The portions were awesome. We didn't feel stuffed or feel like we didn't get enough to eat. Also, the items were served literally after cooking. I couldn't even touch the pita bread because it was pipping hot! The shrimps were cooked well and the sauce it came in tasted like a bisque. The steak was supposed to be cooked medium rare, but came out as medium but it was so tender that it was easy to overlook. The steak came with fries drizzled in truffle oil and rosemary (My Favorite!). The cod was good although I could have done without the dressing they served on top. The bok choy with their seasoning was amazing! They served it with basmatti rice which was okay but I would have preferred jasmine. The dessert took about ten minutes because they make the bread pudding fresh. I was surprised that they served the bread pudding and ice-cream separately. We mashed them together and it was divine! The butterscotch on the bottom was so yummy. My boyfriend literally licked the plate-lol. My mango mojito was good. Not awful but not spectacular. We plan to go to Jack's Bistro again and try other dishes and drinks there. Everything they brought out looked so good! The prices were very reasonable. I think our bill came to under $80. Try this place. I know you will love it as much as we did.
(5)
Keith R.

Jack's has become the stuff of legend for any intended trip to visit my brother in Baltimore. It's truly one of the most outstanding restaurants in the Washington-Baltimore corridor, and while Canton offers some great fare, this place stands out. As a beer connoisseur as well as a love of all things gastronomic, I've been impressed with the ability of this place to serve up outstanding haute cuisine along side a slammin' burger and great snacks. It's really an exceptional place, and while intimate in size and a little stiff on the wallet, it's been worth it every single time.
(5)
Allie H.

Love this place for it's non-pretensions atmosphere yet still has great, creative menu items, a great drinks menu and very nice staff. Of course the mac and cheese with chocolate is a favorite, but everything else is great too, haven't ordered anything bad yet!
(4)
Lisa L.

Never ever go here. We made a reservation a month ago. The manager, Christy sat 5 tables before us. I'm really not sure the point of even having a reservation. We waited 45 minutes before we were sat. Great establishments apologize and comp drinks not here! When we finally sat down most of the specials were not available. Don't make a reservation and don't go it is NOT worth the wait!
(1)
Mike D.

I think this is my favorite restaurant in the city. We've been about 4 times in the past 2 years, and every time we've been, about half the menu had changed since the previous visit. Thats one of the things I love about this place--it never gets old. I won't go into detail about the benefits of sous vide cooking, or the exotic menu, as those subjects have been fairly well covered in the other reviews. (Although I do have to plug a couple of dishes - the cassoulet with duck breast, the Guinness braised steak, the peppercorn/lavender ice cream with sugar cookie, truffle oil poutine, to name a few) I will say that one thing I love about this place is that it's clear that the owner (a guy named Ted, ironically) loves this place, and loves being able to experiment, and that really comes through in the food and menu options. He's always back there in the kitchen, preparing a lot of the meals himself. It's a small rowhouse restaurant with an intimate, test-kitchen sort of feel. It's casual and unpretentious, but serves food that those who dress up and pay a lot of money for food would appreciate. Excellent beer and wine menu. The server (we always seem to have the same one) is exceedingly polite and friendly, and makes you feel at home. For the Outback Steakhouse/Olive Garden kind of crowd, this place may be a waste, but if you really love food, and aren't afraid to experiment, this place is somewhere you have to go if you're in Baltimore.
(5)
Steven G.

The flank steak and crab meat are delicious! Reasonable prices, good selection of food and wine, service is good and the place is very clean inside. The restaurant is pretty narrow inside since it is not a stand alone building. Its a pretty tight squeeze for a large party (8+) to dine together. Overall, the experience was great, and the food was excellent, compensating for the small seating area, giving this place a 5star!!!
(5)
Steve K.

I like Jack's, it's interesting and it mostly works. Sous-vide cooking (a method of cooking used by top restaurants that heats meals in vacuum-sealed plastic bags in special machines) is a major specialty. It's a mixed bag in terms of food quality, but it's quite inventive. Pros: - Eclectic, creative food (chocolate mac and cheese, bubble tea vodka, etc.) that's fun to try - Lively, friendly atmosphere Cons: - The experimental food goes wrong sometimes, and some dishes are mediocre - Very cramped seating - Sometimes so loud you can't hear yourself think Comparable restaurants: - Salt has better food and more dining space but is a bit less inventive and more sterile
(4)
Drew D.

My favorite dinner spot around! I've gone there so much I feel like family. I do miss the argentinian beef skewers though.
(4)
meredith p.

I have had the most random, and most delicious dishes at Jack's. From braised ribs to shrimp salad on a hotdog - you just can't go wrong. I went with a group of four to celebrate a birthday, and considering the amount we ate and drank, our check was reasonable. My only regret is they don't take reservations, which is why I don't eat there more often. The establishment is on the small side, so if you go on a weekend - best of luck to you.
(5)
Tracy H.

This has to be my all-time favorite restaurant. The food is incredibly innovative and rich and delicious. The staff is incredibly friendly and will go out of their way to accommodate you. Their drinks are delicious and they introduced me to a liquor called Amarula and I was never the same again. If you visit or live in the Baltimore area, you must visit this place! If you can avoid being tempted by the drinks, you can eat there rather reasonably. Most of the appetizers can function as meals (cheeseburger balls, logom, meat and potatoes) and they have two happy hours with $2 off specialty drinks and appetizers (5-7 and 11-1). My faves - macaroni and cheese and chocolate, meat and potatoes, guinness tenderloin, cheeseburger balls, salad ciferri, short rib, seared scallops... I can almost name the whole menu.
(5)
Robert W.

Amazing Sous-vide Halibut, eggplant fries, egg and pork cooked for 2 hours at 145 degrees. Service was great. Wow!
(5)
Lee M.

Good food with a rather unique selection. The chef was personable and friendly. The hostess was somewhat of a dope and the portions were too small for a guy like me (6'3", 260 Lb).
(3)
Anonymous B.

i have been here a number of times, and i always enjoy my meal. past favorites are shortrib, pork and beans, and guinness meat and potatoes. i love the pork belly appetizer, and the desserts are always amazing. their drinks are great too! try the peanut butter and jelly shot, the mojitos, or my personal favorite, the jalepeno margarita.
(5)
Andre C.

Great modern-American cuisine with a terrific beer list. I had the All-bacon burger which, while innovative and ultimately fairly enjoyable, was incredible salty. It might be difficult to have that much bacon (it was an 8 oz patty, don't expect 15 strips of bacon or something) without it being that salty but it was pretty overwhelming at times. The poutine was great for what is was but, as a Canadian, I have pretty high standards for poutine. However, I'm not hating on it--i just wished for more cheese and gravy like they do in my home land. My fiance had the sous vide steak frites which she called "perfect." The other two guests had the crab cake (loved it but she's not from Baltimore so I don't know...) and the Pho soup (he loved it as well). All in all, a great dining experience. Also, the chocolate mac and cheese is worth trying as it was an interesting and unique flavor yet subtle, but I doubt I would order it again (and I will definitely be going again).
(4)
Andi M.

I really like this restaurant! We went on a Thursday around 730 and got seated right away. I had the beer that was on special- so good! The boy got the bacon burger. Interesting to try once but super salty. I got the filet and will again. It was a little overcooked (from medium rare) but it didn't matter at all the meat was so tender. The grits were amazing and I don't care for grits normally.
(4)
Katie M.

I really want to give this place a 4.5. I heard about this place through a friend who had been who told me they had a bubble tea cocktail. I love bubble tea, so I decided I needed to try this out. Their menu is incredible and something I wouldn't really expect to see in Baltimore. The bubble tea cocktail was actually not great. It had green tea vodka in it and I think flavored vodkas just tend to make me sick, but I really appreciate the effort and innovation. For an appetizer I had macaroni and cheese and chocolate. It sounds terrible but it was awesome- so delicious. I had another appeteizer for dinner after all that richness, and I got the Guinness meat and potatoes, which was braised beef over cinnamon scented potatoes. The meat and sauce were seriously so awesome but the potatoes were sort of ehhh texture wise. But again, I appreciate the effort. For dessert we split fried smores, and I'm so glad we split them. They were marshmallows dipped in grahm cracker crumbs and then fried with some sort of chocolate somewhere, I was so overwhelmed I don't remember. A lot of the food is really heavy and rich and I took home a stomach ache (because I couldn't NOT finish it!), but I was really satisfied and can't wait to go back again. They have all sorts of specials on different nights, including homeade soft pretzel with toppings (like crab), and different happy hours too.
(5)
Marin G.

We ate here back in Oct 2009, and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I had a beef dish (maybe sirloin, I can't remember) with a side of bacon and cheese grits. I wasn't sure how I would feel about the grits, but they were creamy and full of a wonderful smoky flavor. For dessert, my husband and I split the lavendar ice cream with the sugar cookie. Wow! What an incredible combination! Whenever I think about our meal at Jack's Bistro, my mouth starts watering. :-)
(5)
Mike M.

I strongly recommend Jack's for other foodies but not for food snobs. This is not the most refined dining establishment, but if you enjoy stimulating flavors, innovative ways of cooking, or are curious about sous vide check this place out. It's also nice to be able to go somewhere that doesn't need a reservation months in advance or having to dress-up. We just showed up 6:45 on a Friday night and were easily seated. The service was very good and the staff was welcoming and friendly. It was also wonderful to have a creative chef-driven restaurant with a casual down-to-earth Baltimore vibe. I often miss that in fancier big city places. The menu was fascinating. The pork belly appetizer was so flavorful and went nicely with a pinot noir. The duck breast and cassoulet were also delicious. I had that with a cote du rhone. It was an OK pairing. Their pork chop with cheese dressing, I would also recommend. For dessert, Chef Ted's take on sachertorte was fun. It wasn't like the cloying sweet traditional cake but had all the flavor elements present. I definitely plan to return to try the other creations Chef Ted has to offer and recommend his place to other open-minded foodies who appreciate good, creative cooking and a casual atmosphere.
(4)
Bill B.

This place has amazing food. The Argentine Steak was cooked to perfection. The steak had amazing flavor and melted in your mouth. I have yet to have a dish that is not great quality here. The servers are down to earth and helpful. My only gripe about this place is that they charge entirely too much for their drinks. A bottle of Flying Dog for $6? A six pack is $9 at the store.
(5)
Miles B.

Awesome food and good drink selection too.
(5)
Noah C.

Every time I come here I am impressed. I could argue that, from my experience, this is the best chef in Baltimore. The dishes are exciting, innovative, and delicious. And even more importantly, everything is perfectly prepared. My only quibble is that the wine by the glass that I had tonight was only ok.
(5)
Christopher W.

This is a place that is perfect for Baltimore Restaurant week. Why? because the highlight of this place is the chocolate Mac and Cheese. You normally don't go to a restaurant for just an appetizer, but because of the mechanics of restaurant week, you get the mac and cheese and a decent dinner for just the right price. **Warning for Restaurant Week** Please PLEASE do not try and expect a table without a reservation. You will get burned so hard. Parking is hit or miss, as it is all street parking and no Valet.
(4)
Jeffrey G.

Special evening. Crab cake as an appetizer. Steak Frites and truffle fries. Great staff to make recommendations. And many fun people to chat with at bar.
(5)
Catherine A.

Mac n Cheese paired with cocoa...as an appetizer....ingenious how they convince you to order a SIDE dish as an app. I return to Jack's religiously, even drove down from Cockeysville, MD to find it closed. Oh well, I'm not angry...I'll be back...because its that good. Guinness braised filet is my normal go to. Tiny spot, hard to walk in & get a table on the spot. Not sure if you can make reservations, I always call to, they never take my name & tell me to come in...I stay off Linwood when I'm in MD so I happily walk 3 blocks (even in the snow, which is big as I'm a brat in cold weather). Tiny door on the corner is shut ....look around the corner for their "real" entrance. Get the smores desserts...Fried dough balls smothered in chocolate gnash with bday cake ice cream... They have a late night bar menu which is essentially smaller portions of their dinner menu...Cute couple with magazine PR in frames on the walls. Well loved in Baltimore and well regarded by yours truly*
(5)
deb y.

Yes, 5 stars. If you don't keep a lookout for it, you can easily miss the storefront...it's just on the corner of the block and looks like a typical Baltimore rowhouse save for its sign. It's definitely one of those local hidden gems with exceptional food. We had the pork sous vide with ranch ice cream. It sounds a bit odd, but that ranch ice cream was delicious. It was kind of like really cold ranch salad dressing on top of a bed of fresh greens, but also paired with steaming hot and super tender pork belly. Everything just melted in my mouth. I had the burger special as my entree which came with crispy shoestring fries. I love burgers. And Jack's Bistro was no exception. We also had the poutine which was shoestring fries, gravy, and melted cheesy goodness. Because it's pretty small, when we arrived, there were no tables available, but we sat at the bar and ordered some beer from their extensive beer selection and we were seated at a table within 5minutes. We also noticed (spied) on a couple on their first date near us. Points to that guy cuz this is definitely an impressive first date kind of restaurant....small but lively and excellent food and drink.
(5)
C B.

Jack's is a little hidden culinary getaway off the main beat in Canton. It's a very small cozy place with limited operating hours. Jack's is neither very expensive nor very cheap. This is a place for the diner who celebrates originality and culinary artistry. Portions are a little on the smaller side and if you are really hungry and looking to feel stuffed like Thanksgiving...well maybe Jack's should wait for another time. The ambiance is not too casual and not formal..like a business casual or jeans/slacks and button up shirt for guys. The dining area is a bit tight and definitely cozy. A great place to take a date for dinner and wine IMO. I only gave 3 stars because the place is not exactly my style and my experience really didn't stand out and didn't strike me as particularly memorable. But don't let that stop you from going there when you want to go somewhere different thats not part of a chain or conglomerate. For the right person or couple, this place could be a very special spot.
(3)
Mark M.

Jack's is really good food served without the hoity-toity attitude you get in most places that serve food of this caliber. It's played out to refer to a menu as being "quirky", but I can't think of a better way to describe the food here. The chef definitely likes to have fun with their offerings, and so long as they're able to pull it off, then I'm okay with that. I don't see it on their current menu, but they used to have a beef short rib on there that was anything but short. It looked like a dinosaur femur on a plate, and it was cooked perfectly, falling off the bone and melt-in-your mouth delicious. I found it difficult to order anything but that dish, but occasionally I would branch out and have the pork chop, the burger, and the steak. All of which were excellent. I never had anything here that I wouldn't recommend or wish to have again. My favorite thing on the menu though? The pink peppercorn and lavender ice cream. SO...AMAZINGLY...GOOD!!! Best dessert I've ever had.
(5)
Brad F.

Out of towers looking to break away from the Homogenization of America. Asked my seat mate on airplane what his favorite neighborhood restaurant was with that description. He was right on. He lives in Canton and his wife and he eat there once a week. The menu is unique. We were told that the owners go to other countries each year and come back with surprises. We had two teenagers that ate the filet making happy noises and then ordered additional sides of their grits. I had their featured asian dish with shrimp and noodles which was different although not overly memorable. I don't care for the soft noodles which are authentic. We liked the fries in their sauce and they had a macaroni with chocolate on it that the kids ate up. Our waitress who looked like a young Jessica Parker was friendly, dead on efficient and very helpful in describing the offerings. Its a small place, hard to find of course and half is a bar but it is worth a meal.
(4)
Tj H.

I went to Jack's tonight for the first time. We (party of 2) arrived early (5:30) trying to beat the crowd that we were told would surely be there for dinner. Food was Great, see notes after my brief rant. First impressions are very important and ours was less then good. From all the reading I have done on this restaurant we have heard that the best seats in the house were the booths in the bar area, so that is was we requested before being told the pretentious and assuming general manager [snip - no names please] that she would not seat us in the booths because we were only a party of 2, it was restaurant week, and important customers might be coming in. POOR FORM: If you don't want to give a table come up with a better excuse then MIGHT. When we left 2 of the 3 filled booths had, you guessed it, parties of 2! "Oh, I guess I could have given you a booth, sorry" she said on our way out. Enough of the rant. The food was excellent! I had the Garlic Shrimp and a Caesar and my +1 had a stake. The waitress made a Great recommendation on the wine and all in all it was a great meal. If you do go here, and you should, you must ask for Becky to wait on you as she is fabulous. And you MUST have one of the coveted Booths, don't take any excuses!
(1)
Meredith J.

Delicious every time I have gone. Mac and cheese + chocolate is delish as is the Guinness Meat + Potatoes
(5)
Jonas M.

At Jack's Bistro, one gets the giddy feeling of attending space camp. Some dishes blast off with novel flavors and textures; others fail to leave mission control. Guinness-Braised Filet Mignon with Jalapeno rivals anything at Morton's or Fleming's: the demi-glaced Guinness sauce and the sharp kick of jalapeno provide a savory and spicy foil for the sous-vided filet's juiciness. The Butter Popcorn Ice Cream with Toffee Crumble was one of the most playfully inventive desserts I've had: essentially an ice cream version of a Cracker Jack, the Jelly-Belly butter popcorn flavored ice cream was rounded by a sweet caramel toffee crunch. However, Pork Belly with Side Salad and Ranch Dressing disproves that notion that dressing on the side is a good idea, especially in ice cream form. And Lavender and Pink Peppercorn Ice Cream hearkens back to the old lavender gum, Thrills, but not in a nostalgic, tasteful way.
(3)
Adrian F.

If you can locate this small gem of a restaurant in Canton, then you are in for a treat! Inspired by Cheers (is what I think the waiter told us?), it's got a very warm, inviting feel to it. Don't be fooled, it may not look like much at first glance, but the food is some of the best I've ever had!! I ordered the Monkfish cheeks, which was the special that night... I had no idea what it was (note: do NOT google monkfish, it's disturbing), but it had a rich, lobster-like consistency! My buddy ordered The bison hangar steak, which I stole of bite of, and can say it was also delicious! They use the most eclectic items in their entrees and sides! For dessert the bartender made us a peanut butter and jelly shot!! CHEERS to Jack's Bistro! 5 Stars!
(5)
Shala M.

Went here based on the recommendation of Maritza and Ray. I have to admit they were absolutely right. THIS PLACE IS GREAT! A "burger" made completely out of bacon. The shrimp in garlic butter with pita bread was fantastic. I ordered the tomato soup and steak and grits special and it was indeed tasty. This place also has the unique distinction of being the pre-game meet up spot before we headed to watch a Roller-Derby bout at the arena up the street. The food and drink were great. Suggest you order the Cucumber Martini and skip the Sangria. It was okay but not as great as the food. I hear the peanut butter and jelly shot is also really good, but we didn't have enough time to attempt such an interesting shot. Maybe on my next trip to "Charm City" If you are in the Baltimore area and looking for a great place to eat, stop and visit Jack's Bistro. I give this place 4 our of 5 stars. The food is great, but the location is small. Get there early. And I almost forgot they have a great Happy Hour special Wednesday-Sunday (believe they are closed Monday and Tuesday), 1/2 off a bottle of wine from 5 to 6 PM. They also have a late night Happy Hour that starts at 11 PM. All in all the place is small but really good.
(4)
Kacie O.

Not bad. Some of the best fancier food I've consumed in Bmore, but one star off for only having one vegetarian entree and it was Indian...not really what I was craving for the start of a night of drinking and sorta awkwardly added to a menu full of more traditional fare. I had the choc mac and cheese appetizer. It was decent, unique for sure. Also the broccoli rabe appetizer was really good. Waitress dealt with our loud, disheveled group really well.
(3)
Mel C.

If I were on death row, I'd ask for the Guinness braised filet mignon for my last meal. Easily tops my list.
(5)
Amanda P.

This place is super cute. It is in Canton not to far from the square. I like to consider myself a foodie, so I can definitely appreciate a place like this. It has very inventive dishes that you probably have never seen or thought of before. However, the food was extremely heavy. So heavy it was hard to go out after, I kind of just wanted to take a nap. It is certainly somewhere cool to try, but if you are not a big fan of french food (heavy) I would take a pass or maybe split something on the menu. Like I said, the food was really good, but I felt a little sick afterwards. I guess I don't have the stomach for heavy foods.
(3)
Jon C.

It's a Saturday night, and I'm making my occasional visit to the DC/Baltimore. My fiancÃ© and I decided to meet up with a good friend of ours in Baltimore for dinner since it's been a while since we saw her. Not only that, it's restaurant week in Charm City. After scouting out the numerous participating restaurants, we agreed to meet at Jack's. We arrived just minutes before our friend did, so we went inside to grab a table for three. The first thing we noticed was that it's a very small corner restaurant and bar. Our guess would be that you can fit a maximum of 40 people, including the employees! Because of this, the only thing that was available for a party of three when we arrived was at the bar. After a quick discussion, we decided to stay because we were very interested in their menu for restaurant week. For appetizers, we tried the Mac & Cheese & Chocolate as well as a poutine that featured a demi glaze and foie gras sauce instead of brown gravy. Both dishes were fantastic with the exception that the taste of the the chocolate didn't come out and present itself because of the smokiness of the cheese. For entrees, we sampled the Argentine Steak, the Sous Vide Duck Breast, and the Bistro Crab Cake. The Argentine Steak was cooked medium rare (only way they'll prepare it) that featured a red chimichurri rub and green chimichurri sauce. I've been to steakhouses in NYC, and those places could sell more of this steak than their porterhouses. The duck breast was very moist and seasoned well, but the sauce it came with was unfortunately bland and underseasoned. The crab cake was gone before I had a chance to look over to that dish, enough said. Finally, we tried the Fried S'more and Pink Peppercorn & Lavender Ice Cream. The fried smore was nothing to write home about, especially since the chocolate batter ice cream was nothing special. However, I would like to give Jack's a lot of credit for trying this ice cream. At first, you'll notice that the lavender hits your olfactory senses before you even take the first bite and doubt it's potential for a dessert. Then you fight on and taste the purple frozen confection and realize that there's a mild sweetness that is amplified if you consume it with a piece of the warm sugar cookie. At the end, you get a very subtle feeling of heat from the pink peppercorns. I understand that people either love it or hate it, but I love that they took the chance and put this on their menu despite that there were other chances they took on the menu that didn't pan out so well. Also, my fiancÃ© enjoyed the Eden cocktail that tasted like a orange creamsicle. I was very happy that they had Natty Boh, since I missed that beer after moving away from Baltimore. However, they have a very large (around 90) beer selection. Overall, this restaurant is definitely worth a restaurant week visit or if you want to take advantage of the late night menu (from 11PM to 1AM). During the year, I think it's also worth going as long as you know which dishes work for them and which ones don't. Hopefully, you can use this review as a starting point for figuring out what you're going to have when you visit Jack's Bistro.
(4)
Jan V.

The more I think about this place the better I like it. Jack's Bistro is trendy without being snooty and innovative without being fruity. Service is friendly without being in-your-face. The atmosphere is sophisticated without being stuck up. The food is very accomplished. And all of this for very reasonable prices. The Chocolate Mac & Cheese every one raves about wasn't bad, but the cheese could have been tangier as to complement the chocolate better. The Creme Brulee stout was just too sugary and served a little too coldly. Nonetheless, I enthusiastically recommend this place to anyone.
(4)
Jack F.

Jack's Bistro is the restaurant that every foodie dreams of. It's unique, creative, technically proficient, and surprisingly affordable. Many restaurants try being edgy and modern by fusing various cuisines or attempting outlandish ideas (e.g. molecular gastronomy) but many of these same restaurants fall short on the perfect meal. Fortunately, the kitchen at Jack's Bistro knows how to cook. Most diners would shy away from bizzare dishes like Mac+Cheese+Chocolate or Purple Curry Mussels but these are exactly the novel dishes that foodies crave when executed correctly. I love Sunday dinners at Jack's because they offer a 3-course meal for $34.00. During my most recent visit, the theme was pretty much "Pork 3 Way." Pork Belly tacos, Meatballs (made with pork) soup with vermicelli noodles, and Pork Chops. Words can't describe how much I enjoyed this meal. It's also because I stopped taking notes (both mental and physical) to enjoy a great meal. The Pork Belly taco offered great contrast between savory and spicy flavors and crispy and soft textures. The Meatball Soup was cross between Vietnamese pho and Japanese ramen. The meatballs may have been the headliner but the pork broth definitely stole the show. And, the pork chops - oh, the pork chops - were the biggest pork chops I've ever seen in at a restaurant. Who serves 2 thick inches of pork? Not only was it massive, but it was juicy and tender. Mix it the signature smoked guoda+bacon+jalapeno grits and you've got that party-in-your-mouth sensation. For dessert, we had the bread pudding with butter popcorn flavored ice cream. That's right, butter popcorn flavored ice cream. Just like the Jelly Beans but even better. What makes Jack's Bistro the best? I want to try something new every time I go. And I want to go here every time I'm in Baltimore. I'm glad to award Jack's Bistro my 20th 5-Star Review (out of 480+). [Last Visit: May 30, 2010]
(5)
Ricky N.

This was my second time eating at Jack's and it was just as good as the first time. I had the sous vide steak frites, and I would recommend it. It is very inexpensive for the quality of food you get. I can also recommend the mac & cheese, and the pork belly appetizer. I will be back.
(4)
Danielle F.

Love, love, love. What a creative, modern, fun take on food and drink. I had one of the best drinks I've had in my life here - the Hawaiian pizza martini, consisting of pineapple and jalapeno infused vodka with tomato juice. Just try it - best thing ever. The jalapeno margarita-tini made with house-infused jalapeno tequila was good but not the best thing ever - it was almost too spicy to appreciate. Onto the food. The poutine fries are a MUST order. Unlike many takes on poutine (the classic Montreal dish involving fries, cheese curd, and gravy), this one used thin crispy fries. The cheese curd was melted and delicious. But the best part about this item was that in lieu of gravy, it was served with a foie gras sauce that was rich, decadent, salty, and amazing. The Korean taco (or was it a Korean pancake?) was out of this world as well. The tortilla/pancake thing was fried to perfection and topped with perfectly cooked pulled pork, cilantro, jalapeno, and a sweet soy sauce. Amazing. The fried s'mores was good, but not quite as good as the name would lead you to believe. It was essentially a big cake ball (representing the graham?), with a gooey marshmallow center, fried, and then dipped in a dark chocolate sauce. Came with chocolate cake batter ice cream. Yum, but not super yum. Overall, too much chocolate for my taste. There was not enough graham cracker, both in terms of crunchy texture, and flavor. WIsh I could go back for the Argentine steak, the pork belly, the asian tuna ravioli, and the all-bacon BLT burger. If I lived in Baltimore, this place would be a favorite!
(5)
K. Jayne J.

Jack's is one of my all-time favorites in Baltimore and one of the few restaurants that I'll pay the tunnel toll to get to. Ted keeps the experience fresh by switching up the menu on a regular basis. It's extremely rare for me to try one of his new dishes and dislike it. The desserts are also not to be missed. I almost feel required to order dessert whenever I eat at Jack's because I know it will be delicious. All the good reviews exist for a reason -- Jack's rocks!
(4)
Raymond B.

We ate there Friday night 10/14/11 for the second time and ate at the bar, I would recomend getting a table. As before we had a sensational meal, The filet just may have been the best I ever experienced.The jalapeno bacon grits were to dye for. However, the male bartender had a little bit of an attuitude and was not the best server. They have a great selection of draught beer, However, their policy of no pre tasting had me pay $6.50 for a beer that was unacceptable and went to waste. Dinner for two with four drinks was $120 with 20% tip. I think a one ounce taste would have not broke the bank.
(4)
K V.

Great service, great food, great prices. Try the Bacon Burger which 100% ground bacon and absolutely no beef. That's right - ground bacon. Once your brain gets over the sensory confusion, you'll really enjoy this interesting spin on the classic BLT. Also on the late night menu are the wings. Very good.
(4)
Christine K.

I just fell in love with this place!! I went Jack's Bistro for Baltimore Restaurant Week. I got MAC + CHEESE + CHOCOLATE which was just AWESOME. I am a type of person who eat cheeseburger without cheese, but I fell in love with this dish, because of taste of bittersweet chocolate. Then I had BISTRO CRAB CAKE. I have been living in Baltimore for about 10 years which made me to go out and try every good/expensive crab cake in the area of Baltimore and this was just really good. Maybe one of the best for my taste. Also the side, zucchini, was really really good. LASTLY, I got FRIED S'MORE. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! also it comes with the chocolate batter ice cream which was really really good. You must try FRIED S'MORE once in your life time. THIS MADE ME SO~ HAPPY!!! Anyways, really really fun and good place to go there. The place was little tiny for me and it was little loud for me but it was really FUN!!!
(4)
Andrew W.

Fried Schmooressss!!! 4 stars for fried schmoores. Service is always good but there can be hint of Baltimore hipster arrogance from time to time. They do have a great selection of drinks and draft beer. They claim to be the one of the only restaurants in the area that has "Sous Vide" dishes but I think this claim to fame has run its course. Food there is good and electic but the sous vide pork belly was served well done and grey - not very good. Other than that the food is good.
(4)
Gil B.

I brought my son to this restaurant during parent's weekend at Johns Hopkins University. The ambiance is unique. It is built in what appears to be an old row house, with a bar with seating in the front and tables in the back near the open kitchen. The menu was unique, as were the specials. We ordered the Chocolate Mac and Cheese, which had a very different flavor, but was tasty. We also ordered a shrimp appetizer, which was absolutely delicious. I ordered the crab cake entree, and my son ordered the filet minon entree. Both the main courses and the sides that came with the main courses were delicious. The quality of the food was top notch, and the flavors were perfect. The crab cake was cooked exactly right, and the filet was tender with a delicious flavor despite my son ordering the filet med well. The service was perfect as well. A great, off the beaten path restaurant in Baltimore.
(5)
Jimena M.

OMG! Holy crap!! This place gave me the biggest foodgasms ever! Came here with a bunch of food loving/gluttonous folk (this is why I absolutely love them). There were 5 of us, but we ordered about 7 appetizers. Guinness meat and potatoes - awesome braised beef in a delicious demi glace, you can't go wrong with meat and potatoes. Mac n cheese and belgian chocolate - can i just tell you that this was the most awesome taste experience ever! I dunno, maybe it's my crazy, ravenous inner chocoholic, but this was absolutely delicious. Creamy shells topped with 5 cheese and belgian chocolate. One of the diners mentioned that the pasta was over cooked, but I think it just added to the creaminess, it wasn't soggy. Loved this! Spanish shrimp and garlic - not my fave, I make this dish all the time, so i was surprised that they used cream!?! really?!! blasphemy! Poutine French fries - french fries topped with cheese curds and demi glace? yes please! jalapeno/gouda grits - another win, delicious, creamy, lovely velvety goodness. Thai salad with tuna tartare - light, refreshing after all the heaviness above, delicious! Souvide steak, duck breast and pork belly entrees - all of them delicious. I can't wait to go back!
(4)
Gomer K.

I've only been here once but I can't wait to go back. We sat at the bar and the bartenders were very friendly and made great recommendations. We tried the chocolate mac n cheese. It's worth a try once but I don't think I'd order it again. It was kinda blah. The rest of the food was good. My sister had a burger and I had the filet over polenta appetizer. Very good!!! Finally got to go back. The poutine is fucking outta sight. I had the spicy purple curry appetizer. It was awesome. It was bright purple because of the beets (which I usually hate) but it wasn't too beety. The mussels were cooked perfectly for my taste. My friend had the 100% bacon burger which was juicy and tasty but a little salty for me. Definitely not as packed as the rest of Canton. Great place!
(4)
Meep Meep E.

Amazing restaurant. Beef and Grits....Shrimp....Halibut and crab cakes......best flavors ever. 1/2 price wine between 5 and 6 was an unexpected surprise. They even filtered the wine twice when they noticed sediment. The waiter Mark was very helpful ....he even wrote out directions to the ball park and showed us where our seats were located on his I-Phone. I wish it was closer to Philly so we could be regulars. Thanks for a great dining experience Jack's.
(5)
Seth J.

Teeny-tiny place - be prepared to wait, even if you have reservations. We ended up sitting at the bar and still got exceptional service. Even though we had been walking/site seeing around Baltimore all day and probably looked a little out of place :D Bartender was helping in helping us pick a bottle of wine - not a huge selection, but a little bit of everything. Started with the mac 'n cheese 'n chocolate. I know, bizarre combination but it was very, very good. A lot of the menu had 'odd' pairings like this, but believe it or not it goes well together. We ordered the sous vide pork chop and guiness braised filet. Both came with smoked gouda + jalapeno + bacon grits (again, odd combination but fabulous) The pork chop was HUGE. I think it had some kind of dry rub on it that was tasty, the meat itself was good, but paled in comparison to the filet. The filet was out of this world - easily in the top 5 I've ever had. The chef obviously likes to experiment a little, and he/she nailed it with this one. Can't go wrong with the filet. Did I mention we had been out all day? Well we had to get dessert. I'm not normally a dessert person, but my friend really wanted the durian creme brulee and I really wanted to try the fried s'mores... so we ordered both. Be prepared to be disappointed if you don't like durian - many people can't even stand the smell, others love it - so be warned. I enjoyed the few bites I had of it. The s'mores won in my book though - mmmmm.... chocolate cake batter ice cream. Chocolate top with more chocolate. My only complaint was the marshmallow cookies used the marshmallow creme stuff. Maybe it's just in my head, but I think real marshmallows are way better. All in all, wonderful dinner, great atmosphere, and friendly service. Of course I ended up in a food coma after all that and slept for 3 days. :D
(4)
Abigail O.

this place kind of reminds me of project runway, where you can always see where they are coming from *in theory,* and the end products are aesthetically and technically flawless, but you'd never REALLY see someone walking around with that on the street. which is where the analogy falls apart, because i'd be pretty surprised / excited to see someone walkin' around with a steak. anyways, i like the idea of the sous vide method, and i applaud the creativity, but in the end, i LIKE those grill marks on my meat. chocolate and macaroni & cheese are both delicious entities, and i think it's nice that someone tried to go for the gold and combine these two woman-soothers, but it just tasted like... chocolate + mac&cheese, not some toe-tingling, exponentially superior lovechild. all that being said, jack's is an overall great place to dine. our super hippie stoner server threw me at first, but as i kind of like super hippie stoners, definitely made our meal more fun and enjoyable. he knew his shit, that's for sure, and we were never wanting for service. the atmosphere is cozy yet refined, and i have no complaints on the parking, or really anything else. i'd recommend this place because i like its experimental side, and just like i wanted to happen with obama, it's better to actually try and get shit done and not quite hit the mark than not try anything at all. (note: i went here, like, 4 months ago, so i can't remember exactly everything that i had, nor can i remember which underwear i'm wearing right now, so don't judge.)
(4)
David Z.

This place is really interesting and what I had was really tasty! It is gourmet, and not overpriced for the quality of the food. I really enjoyed their creative, gourmet offerings and attention to detail.
(5)
Jeff K.

Always a pleasure to have a meal at Jacks. Just enjoyed a 3 course dinner there during restaurant week and it did not disappoint. Great beer menu and their signature cocktails are excellent. Highly recommended.
(5)
Michael B.

great place .great friendly, accommodating, laid back excellent execution edgy and unlike traditional neighborhood joints. The chef (Ted) is super cool, creative and has it figured out...... Boston Dude
(5)
Gregg W.

Ordered salad and asked for grilled shrimp, this meal became a $20 salad. The food was great quality, and the service was wonderful. It is small and gets busy, so I recommend a reservation. The desserts were wonderful, as well.
(4)
Ali B.

Jack's has been a date night staple for my husband and I for the last few years. They never disappoint. The bartender has great seasonal drink options for fall right now. Guinness fillet and the Guinness bistro burger with Gouda and poutine fries is to die for! It's a relaxed atmosphere for foodies :)
(5)
Michelle K.

Jack's is exactly as it should be, a neighborhood pub. I think Jack Tripper would have been proud, that so many regulars "come on knock on [their] door." An old converted row house, gives it an intimate feel. And there is an open kitchen, which I like. The wait staff go out of their way to know who you are and make you feel welcome. Clearly, the majority of their customers are repeat customers. To accommodate the repeat clientele, the menu changes often with specials from around the world. And that might be Jack's greatest strength and weakness. The specials are either extremely tasty or disastrous. For their regular menu items, they are okay. I am not a fan of sous vide meat, (except for the duck breast I once had at WD40 in NYC), but then again I can be pretty caveman about my food. Meat, fire, good. Because I live nearby, I will go to Jack's again and again. But I am unsure if the place warrants wrestling with Canton's atrocious parking situation. Just in case no one has mentioned it yet, Jack's is open Wed-Sun only. They do have a happy hour special from 11pm to 1am, which is fantastic in case you need a snack before you go to bed.
(3)
Christina M.

Yummy. Certainly a fun place to go with a good atmosphere and wonderful food.
(4)
Sam L.

Jack's doesn't take reservations, so when we heard they were taking them for restaurant week, we took advantage. We tried the mac and cheese with chocolate (we had to), and it's unique but not something I'd order again. What I WOULD order again is the Guinness meat (sliced filet) and grits. Also, the BBQ pork belly appetizer was delicious, especially over the jalapeno and corn slaw. The fried s'more dessert was playful and worth getting. We'll be back to sample the rest of the menu, especially during half-priced wine happy hours or on Sunday, when the whole menu is cheaper.
(4)
Samantha C.

Went here based on a friend's recommendation. Simply fabulous! The waitress was really knowledgeable about the food - she even explained how one eats the fried duck tongues on the menu (I declined - a little too experimental for me). The food was delicious. I had the lamb pasta, it blew my mind!
(5)
J H.

Jack's is pretty good. A great neighborhood bistro/bar for foodies. The food here is very very RICH. lots of butter, creams, cheeses, tender sousvide meats, etc. Lots of people rave about the Chocolate + Cheese mac N cheese. I wasn't blown away, but it was a noble experiment. Not really the greatest place for people watching their figure, or vegetarians. I couldn't eat here too often, but when I do go there every other month or so, it's always a treat. Interesting beer selection. FABULOUS Sangria (it's a proprietary recipe, but I do know it has red and white wines) and top notch wait staff and bartenders.
(4)
Ambereen A.

I was really excited to try this place but was underwhelmed. Nothing was bad, but nothing was really good either. For apps we had the chocolate dusted mac n' cheese and the pork belly. The pork belly turned out to be my favorite thing. It had a nice crispness on the top of it. The mac n' cheese that everyone raves about was blah. The cheese had no flavor and the chocolate was ok. The dish basically tasted like flavorless, creamy noodles with some chocolate on top. Again, not good, not bad. For entrees we had the Aregentine steak, lamb pasta and Guinness braised filet mignon. My steak was WAY too salty, buttery and garlic. It over powered the steak and I could barely eat it. It's also served with garlic fries. I'm a lover of garlic but it was still way too much. The guiness steak was ok. The best part of that dish was the grits. they were very well prepared. The lamb pasta was surprisingly good. And unique. I've never seen a dish like that before. For dessert we had to try the fried s'mores. I actually thought they were pretty good. All in all, not a bad experience but I doubt I'll be going back there.
(2)
Smita D.

I came here with my boyfriend around 8pm and it was PACKED, like we were at a frat party. We waited for 30 minutes and reluctantly took seats at the bar, even though we wanted a nice romantic dinner. It was so loud that we couldn't talk to each other and there were about 6-7 people standing and surrounding us. For a place that is supposed to have an upscale ambience and has gourmet food, it was a very disappointing experience. We left as soon as we sat down. They should really take reservations for small groups or get a bigger place.
(1)
Sarah B.

Everything about this place is PERFECT. Everyone that works here is kind, knowledgeable and incredibly helpful. Its a more expensive night out, but WELL WORTH it. The Guiness filet is the best thing on the menu if you ask my opinion. If you haven't been here, you definitely should give it a try.
(5)
Amy J.

Simply delicious! The fried smores was one of the best things I've ever tasted!
(5)
Barbara B.

great neighborhood bar and restaurant; we loved it, great food, great prices, great bar and staff; friendly beyond. yummy eggplant fries, crab cakes with CRAB, super pasta with chocolate and mac and cheese, super salads, we can't wait to go back again and again!!!!
(4)
Catie F.

A real treat. The poutine was phenomenal, and the Argentine steak was perfect! Highly recommended.
(5)
Ben D.

5 stars for their ground filet w/blue cheese burger. 4 stars for taking it off the menu. Sorry Jack, that was a straight up Jill move.
(4)
j j.

One of the best things about Jack's isn't their food, which is pretty tasty, but their bar which has a great rotation of brews on tap and other interesting beers. On one occasion JS was even privy to a peanut butter & jelly shot (novelty was the best it had to offer). JS had a sampler-- the ability to try 3 brews for nearly the same cost as a pint. The glassware in general reflects the spirit of Jacks--knowing that thought goes into the presentation of each drink reaffirms the attention paid to the details that make the food special. The space is pretty great and we were seated in a nice quiet nook. I could watch the kitchen from my seat, which was pretty interesting. JR took note that there was still construction dust on the brick wall behind me. A little disconcerting since the place has been open for enough time to warrant a dusting here and there. We both ordered the burger-- although had we been at the bar for a similar cost we could have had any entree on the main menu. The burgers were delicious. JS had the fried eggplant fries while JR went for the traditional. The eggplant were quite rich, but good to share. The traditional fries were thin and seasoned well. All in all a good dining experience. -JR- Excellent burger with shoe-string fries and a great selection of beers. I'll be back, but on my recession budget i'll probably opt for one of the specials.
(3)
Ashley A.

Great food, great service or one can also refer to Jack's Bistro as having inventive food and friendly staff. Jack's Bistro is definitely a fun place in Baltimore where you can find interesting menu options found nowhere else in the city or maybe even state and I think would even be a challenge to find in all of the 50 states of the US. The atmosphere at Jack's is nice and homey with a friendly host greeting you at the door and even offering to hang your coat up, which was refreshing since you don't usually see or expect this from such a comfy spot. The mac + cheese + chocolate was exactly that. I ordered it because I wanted to taste what all of that mixed together would be like, but it wasn't anything too special, so I tried it once and probably won't order it again. The Guinness Braised Filet Mignon was flavorful and had a nice texture to it. Served on a bed of bacon grits, it offered unique textures in my mouth, different from the smoothness of the regular mashed potato found in most traditional restaurants alongside filet mignon/steak. The Sous Vide Double Cut Pork Chop was huge and definitely worthwhile for the price of $25. I know the bf enjoyed it...he killed it. I have this theory that depending on how your experience is during dessert, assuming that you order dessert, it will determine what kind of review you ultimately give a restaurant. As you can see I gave Jack's Bistro a whopping 5 stars, so the dessert has gotta be good. Yes, indeed it was. I'd like to preface this dessert review, first by explaining what the durian fruit is all about. Durian is a unique, spiky fruit usually found in Southeast Asia. It is famed for its strong and subjectively pungent odor and is definitely an acquired taste. Lucky for me (unlucky for everyone else) I love the stuff and can't get enough of it! You hardly ever find durian being sold in any establishment in the US, so you can imagine my disbelief and excitement upon finding it incorporated in one of their desserts here at Jack's. The durian creme brulee was everything I imagined it would be...a bit pricey considering the amount you're getting, but I thought it was worth every penny...I mean where else are you going to find durian creme brulee?
(5)
Jason R.

Overrated!! The blackened shrimp and grits was like eating spoonfuls of salt!! If blackened seasoning is very salty, then there is no reason to put salt in ANYTHING else on the dish. First 2-3 bites were delicious... but then you only taste pure salt, and I mean pure salt. My friends filet with bacon grits and green beans were delicious (much better than mine) but for $27 wasn't nearly enough food. They need to simply give more grits (and more than literally 4-5 green beans), instead of the miniscule pile hidden under the filet. The place is on the right track, but I think it needs tweaking. Its a hole in the wall they've converted into an "upscale" or wannabe upscale establishment. I sat at a table for 2 right next to the restroom. It's space is meant for a bar, not restaurant. The brownie obsession sundae at TGI Friday's is better than their smores dessert, but not saying it wasn't good. Everyone told me I must try this dessert, and although good- not incredible. At the end of the day, I will probably go back... but not soon. I spent $100 for dinner for two, drinking just water... but apps, entrees and dessert. The service was excellent, and there was no stuffiness from them. Very helpful and patient. The menu consisted af maybe 6-8 choices, and many of them say either, no substitutions; no omissions, med rare only.. so it's very limiting in feel. You get the feeling of a pompous chef in the vicinity, perhaps way too big for his britches. If someone is complimented on TV, or has several good reviews- then they can do no wrong, and it goes to their heads.
(3)
Maria A.

Jacks atmosphere is modern and relaxed and laid back. Pub meets American Bristro urban atmostphere. The burgers are what Jacks is well known for; specially the Blt -Beware this Its not an ordinary BLT, but a little piece of heaven. I could also call it a heart attack on a plate, but I will assume my readers are amazingly healthy and can take this blow to the heart as a treat. So, here is the amazing concept...what bacon genius might have thought of this powerful tastebud concoction. Immagine an all bacon, no beef pattie served in between a nice brioche bun with lettuce and tomatoe...yes call it a BLT ...call it a burger.... I call it palate insanity!!! The steak burger is also extremely flavourful and moist. You know most steak tends to dry up a little when you make it in a burger...well not this one. I truly enjoyed seating next to the kitchen with my date as we had the opportunity to look forward to try all their other entrees. Their beer and wine choices are extensive and the service quite knowledgiable of the food and drinks. It's exciting how American fair can be made more exciting with Asian Flavors, something the Jack's culinary crew does a superb job at incorporating in their menu. The desert list is sinful and tempts even the most non desert lovers (AKA me). I shared the Smore desert and I think I dream of it at night. BTW quit immagining the BLT, just go and get yourself one. Oh and try the mac and cheese with the chocolate dusting...YUM!
(5)
Scott M.

Most people will probably be drawn here by the all-bacon meat burger. It's kinda shaped like a crab cake. I probably should've mashed it around and spread it out, because the bun was way too big for it. It was good though, not as scary and evil as I imagined it might be. The side of poutine fries upgrade for $6 extra seemed overpriced. The shoestrings fries are alright, but good portion size. The Ranch dressing flavored icecream that comes with the pork belly appetizer is absolutely disgusting and it tastes exactly how it should. I hate ranch dressing, so maybe you will love it. (also, I requested the ranch dressing that comes with the bacon burger to be put on the side). The Blueberry Pie cocktail was tasty! And they had a really great German smoke beer. The toasted marshmallows dessert was probably my favorite thing there, but overall everything was very good. Service was good and the V-Day crowd was not chaotic at all.
(4)
Michelle W.

Love how the chef combines tastes you'd never think of like white cheddar popcorn on salad or chocolate in macaroni. Yummy!
(5)
Crystal S.

After a late night happy hour stop here for drinks one night (peanut butter jelly shots! PB&J hasn't been this much fun since elementary school!), my curiosity was sparked and I decided to come back for dinner. I was here with a large group (10+ people) since we wanted to take advantage of the half-price bottles of wine promotion. Despite our large group, service was quite good. I enjoyed the Sous Vide Argentine Steak (very tender with delicious fresh green sauce) in addition to a couple of bites of a friend's chocolate mac and cheese. Very solid food options, plus they had tempting specials that weren't on their standard menu. There's late night food specials that I'll have to go back and try sometime, including the curry mussels and eggplant fries. Best part: 2 bottles of wine (1 white, 1 red) among my group ended up being about $4/person. I'm planning on returning to Jack's Bistro, hopefully in the near future! p.s. the Pumpking ale tastes just like pumpkin pie without all the sugar!
(5)
Steve D.

A really cool little place, but when I went it seemed that the word was out so be prepared for a wait. I had heard good things about the Chocolate Mac & Cheese, but I was a bit underwhelmed with the dish; The chocolate overwhelmed the Mac & Cheese, in my opinion. Also, the beer I ordered was a Creme Brulee Stout, which I thought sounded interesting enough to try: Lets just say, lesson learned about sugary beer. Still, the rest of our meal was fantastic. The service was good, the atmosphere was cool, and the meals were outside of the standard fare enough to make me want to go back. I recommend this place. A good spot in Canton.
(4)
Matthew L.

This isn't McDonalds, so you'd have to grade it against other restaurants of similar quality. The specialty is sous-vide. I've had the pork chop, steak and frites, the duck, and the curry. The Steak was well prepared and had a great light seasoning, but it was average for a steak. The pork chop was dissappointing since I had heard rave reviews about it. The duck was excellent. The Mac and cheese and chocolate appatizer is interesting, but the pasta was soggy. The eggplant fries are excellent. The bacon slider is beautiful, and simple. I would recommend the Baked Aleutian. The decor is simple and sophisticated. Worth a visit, but maybe not a second.
(2)
Nina F.

Sitting down for a meal at Jack's reminds me how much I want them to open their next location in California -- given the creativity of their menu, the Shag paintings on the walls, and the overall chill vibe the place emits, chances are they'd fit right in. Our party was seated at a table near the kitchen making it very convenient for us to pepper the chef with trillions of questions while he was preparing our food. If we were distracting/annoying him, he never let on and never missed a beat in either our conversation or the food. Impressive. Between the six of us we ordered a bunch of items to share, the dinner favorites being the smoked Gouda and milk chocolate mac and cheese, lamb youvetsi, bistro crab cake, and crispy skin rockfish. Although I'm sure not for everyone, I can't say enough great things about the mac and cheese. Smoked cheese and chocolate? Ahh-mazing. I could eat bowls and bowls and likely would have (at least in my mind) if not for the endless array of other goodies that I had to force myself to save room for. The lamb was tender and the crab cakes delicious, but my favorite was the rockfish: served with an herb and shallot cream reduction, crispy risotto, and perfectly cooked green beans. However, the highlight of the evening were the desserts -- lavender peppercorn ice cream, fried s'mores served with s'more ice cream, and chocolate chip pancakes with peanut butter brandy sauce. I'm not sure it gets much better than this dessert-wise. The lavender peppercorn ice cream was a standout -- the exact flavors you'd expect -- sweet, slightly perfume-y lavender and sharp peppercorn, but such a fresh, surprisingly unexpected pairing in ice cream form. Hats off to these guys -- they've got a good thing going here!
(5)
Daniel C.

Simply wonderful creative food. Stopped in for dinner on Saturday night without a reservation. While it was busy, we did not have to wait for a table. It's a narrow dining room but there is enough space between the tables for it not to feel crowded, and the advantage is that it means the waiters are constantly having to walk by your tables, so they can see if you need anything. The result is very attentive service. I'm sure they have some kind of policy of over the top friendliness, in fact, as the waiters seem to put in extra effort in that regard. Could be too much for some people.... Now, onto the food. The Chocolate Mac and Cheese was actually delicious. More than the novelty aspect, it was perfectly cooked and the flavors worked well. A great way to start. We also had an Albanian sausage stater from the specials list, which came with a beautifully tangy tomato sauce and some pickled garlic and cabbage. The flavors worked wonderfully well together. The mains - both of us went for the 'Sous Vide' steaks - which were absolutely delicious. I don;t know much about the cooking style, and imagine they were pretty good steaks to start with, but the came out so tender and juicy it was sensational. The sauces (truffle on one, chimmichurri on the other) were perfect accompaniments. The side vegetables were nice but unremarkable - the meat was certainly the centerpiece. Deserts were great too - the Fried Smores balls were oh so good - rich and chocolatey - and while the Peach Melba was not quite as good as the Smores, it was still tasty. So overall, a great dining experience. Will certainly be back next time I am in the area.
(5)
Matt B.

A quick glance at the menu might lead you to believe that Jack's is pushing the culinary envelope with luxurious ingredients and edgy new cooking techniques. Don't be fooled! A dribble of truffle oil, a hint of fois gras, and the invocation of trendy sous-vide cooking can never replace basic attention to menu planning and core kitchen skills. Jack's comes up short where it matters most. On a recent visit to Jack's my table ordered three entrees and two apps. All of the entrees came with fried potatoes and little else. Fearing the onset of scurvy, I had to request ketchup and a salad for the table. The only difference between the Argentine Steak and the Steak Fritte Sous-Vide was a single teaspoon of parsley chimchurri plopped onto the small cut of sirloin. Is this really how the gauchos do it? The steaks were both perfectly medium rare. That's where my praise stops. Jack's managed to waterbath both of them into gelatinous, spongy mediocrity. I suppose this might be a virtue --but only if you are wearing mal-fitting dentures. To be fair, the crab cake, with its delicate, crispy crust, was pretty good. But its small size, and the fact that it was plated with home-fry potatoes and two lonely tablespoons of so-so cole-slaw left me thinking that profit margins must be pretty high on this menu item. The green salad, once it was finally delivered, was passable. However, Jack's use of plain white popcorn in the place of croutons came across as desperately quirky. Having endured enough culinary gimmickry, we left without dessert. Jack's dining area is dark and 1960s modern. There's just enough light in Jack's for you to notice that the person across from you got potatoes on their plate too. The staff is stylish and friendly but they seemed to pay much more attention to their iPhones than to the diners on my visit. Wish I would have thought to text my server for ketchup instead of waiting for her to look up between clicks! The bar looked pretty good and there seemed to be abundant drink specials. Jack's clearly separates itself from those finer restaurants that build their plates and menus around high-quality, local, seasonal produce and farm-pedigreed proteins. I wonder why? Among Jack's few vegetable offerings this October evening was asparagus. Any content farm will tell you that October isn't asparagus season. What gives, Jack? Did you know that there's a farmer's market every Sunday under the JFX? October means Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, beets.... OK, I'll stop. I left Jack's disappointed. Everything tasted the same. Jack's made big promises and totally failed to deliver. I might catch a drink at Jack's sometime but I don't think I'd eat there again unless they changed everything.
(1)
Ken Y.

I went here one night looking to order one of those delicious Guiness burgers that Jack's is known for. To my disappointment, it was not on the menu, but staff recommended a new menu item- the ground bacon burger. Not a huge pork fan, but this burger was dee-licious. Fried s'mores? Double plus good. Pretty good selection of seasonal beers, too.
(4)
Caitlin S.

I liked this place, but don't feel like it lives up to all the hype. I heard about it on NPR and decided I had to give it a shot. I had the macaroni and cheese with chocolate that wasn't as good as I had anticipated. I think the issue was that the cheese was smoked. I love smoked gouda mac and cheese, but it didn't blend well with the sweetness of the chocolate in my opinion. I ordered tuna paired with a fruit topping. I was surprise when the tuna arrived singing a song that sounded similar to snap, crackle, pop. Pop rocks candy was added to the fruit accompanying the tuna! I appreciate the creativity, and it definitely tasted interesting, but this is not something I will ever crave or even order again. The service and the decor were not especially memorable. I went because of the food, which didn't impress me given the prices. However, if the service and decor was amazing, I think I would head back because there are many other items on the menu that I would like to try. It's possible my only experience was a miss, and if you're into food, I would say give it a shot.
(3)
Jena L.

My favorite place to eat a nice dinner in Baltimore. Have had their nachos which have amazing flavors! (you wouldn't think its that hard to make nachos but there is something special about these!) Also their steamed shrimp are cooked a special way and are great! BEST crab cake I have ever had and I grew up in Baltimore! I am not sure exactly what it comes with but it all goes together so well! My bf always gets their steak frites. Says they are always cooked great and the flavors are amazing. Their shoestring french fries are so tasty! BEST fired smore dessert! Comes with a fried smore and ice cream. Definitely leave room for that! I have had their mango mojito which is great but their peanut butter and jelly shot is so awesome. It sucks they don't take reservations but it is always well worth the wait!
(5)
Faith P.

I've visited Jack's 3 times now, each being greater than the last. The service is impeccable, the front and back of the house staff is clearly trained with the utmost respect for food and spirits!
(4)
Suzette F.

Loved this place! I had been here twice already and they had changed the menu from the first time that I was there. They have a unique and eclectic dinner menu for those who are a little daring. The first time I was there I had the tuna tar tar as an appetizer and it was served in a bowl that had a live fish in it (see photo). Their dinner specials seem to hit the 5 star mark every time. They have great specialty cocktails, like the green tea vodka bubble tea and the mango mojito. The dessert menu is small, but if you have room, you must try the smores. TO DIE FOR!
(5)
Ian R.

Been living in Canton for a few years and just hit up the bistro for restaurant week. The chilled Spanish soup is phenomenal and tastes like strong crab and scallions. Better yet, the spicy cod fillets mixed with some micro brew IPAs put it over the top. Great food for your money, they didn't skimp on the portions.
(5)
George L.

A lovely little foodie sort of place on a street corner - and from the outside one would not guess at the craft of the cooking behind the doors. I went there at about 11 pm to sample the late night appetizer menu. I had the poutine, which is a high grade remake of a classic Canadian comfort food of fries, cheese curds and brown gravy. Here at Jack's they use homemade shoe string fries, which are thus extra crispy, cheese curds melted onto the fries and instead of regular brown gravy they use demi-glace, which is both extremely meaty in flavor and adds salt to the dish - it went quite well with my soda water and lime but if you drink it screams out for an IPA. I also noticed they have Owl's nest white ail on tap, which is a brew out of Japan and quite good. Finally, I took home an order of the pepper and lavender ice cream with a warm sugar cookie for my f friend Ken (since he is letting me couch surf, even though I snore like all get out, and I got an order for myself. An interesting experience, the Ice cream was a beautiful lavender color and quite rich, and the sugar cookie, perfect. All in all I recommend trying Jack's - they do mention they do a number of their dishes Sous Vide, which is where the dish is hermetically sealed in plastic and then simmered for up to 24 hours in a hot water bath - they do their duck cassoulet this way and I would love to try it before I finish my vacation in this part of the world.
(4)
Julia A.

Perfectly cooked, tender, moist pork loin! It was a perfect entree (wintery) dish with brussel sprout leaves, sausage stuffing and a nice demi reduction on the plate. For an appetizer, we had a delicious mushroom, poached egg on toast with truffle oil. It was yummy, except we wanted more toast to scoop up the last remaining bits on the plate. Dessert was a home-made root beer float with cinnamon ice cream. It was good too! Jack's is a perfect neighborhood gem! Also, I'd request to sit near the kitchen. It's warm and it's fun to see all the different dishes coming out from the kitchen.
(4)
Arthur R.

I've dined at Jacks several times. First, its a small joint and I would recommend making reservations. Great bar with a lots a adult beverage options. The Mac and Cheese is a great app. The Belgium chocolate shavings make an incredible creamy combo. Don't knock it until you try it. We also had the empanadas and shrimp appetizer also. The empanadas were very small, but had great flavor and a spicy dipping sauce. The shrimp dig app is about 8 shrimp with a garlic butter sauce. Very solid. For dinner I had the chop house burger. This is a fliet mignon, and NY strip burger with smoked Gouda. I also added the "Guinness style." This means the burger is finished in a Guinness sauce. The others that were with me had the Guinness Beef. Both raved about this. Everything that came out of the kitchen looked incredible. I strongly suggest this if your looking for a great meal.
(4)
Christina B.

I went here for dinner and it was awesome! Anyone that knows me will know that I am hard to please and do not give five star ratings easily. This is quite a drive from Inner Harbor (or perhaps we got lost several times?) but it was well worth it. There is plenty of street parking. We went in and were seated immediately. It is a very small and intimate setting. Our waiter was prompt, courteous, and efficient. We asked him what dishes people ordered the most and ordered them. Our menu: Appetizer: Shrimp with pita Entrees: Steak and fries and Cod with rice and bok choy Dessert: Toffee bread pudding and ice-cream Drinks: Mango mojito and some beer my boyfriend ordered (dunno which one it was but he said it tasted very similar to a beer he really liked in Malaysia) Everything was superb and cooked perfectly. The portions were awesome. We didn't feel stuffed or feel like we didn't get enough to eat. Also, the items were served literally after cooking. I couldn't even touch the pita bread because it was pipping hot! The shrimps were cooked well and the sauce it came in tasted like a bisque. The steak was supposed to be cooked medium rare, but came out as medium but it was so tender that it was easy to overlook. The steak came with fries drizzled in truffle oil and rosemary (My Favorite!). The cod was good although I could have done without the dressing they served on top. The bok choy with their seasoning was amazing! They served it with basmatti rice which was okay but I would have preferred jasmine. The dessert took about ten minutes because they make the bread pudding fresh. I was surprised that they served the bread pudding and ice-cream separately. We mashed them together and it was divine! The butterscotch on the bottom was so yummy. My boyfriend literally licked the plate-lol. My mango mojito was good. Not awful but not spectacular. We plan to go to Jack's Bistro again and try other dishes and drinks there. Everything they brought out looked so good! The prices were very reasonable. I think our bill came to under $80. Try this place. I know you will love it as much as we did.
(5)
Keith R.

Jack's has become the stuff of legend for any intended trip to visit my brother in Baltimore. It's truly one of the most outstanding restaurants in the Washington-Baltimore corridor, and while Canton offers some great fare, this place stands out. As a beer connoisseur as well as a love of all things gastronomic, I've been impressed with the ability of this place to serve up outstanding haute cuisine along side a slammin' burger and great snacks. It's really an exceptional place, and while intimate in size and a little stiff on the wallet, it's been worth it every single time.
(5)
Allie H.

Love this place for it's non-pretensions atmosphere yet still has great, creative menu items, a great drinks menu and very nice staff. Of course the mac and cheese with chocolate is a favorite, but everything else is great too, haven't ordered anything bad yet!
(4)
Lisa L.

Never ever go here. We made a reservation a month ago. The manager, Christy sat 5 tables before us. I'm really not sure the point of even having a reservation. We waited 45 minutes before we were sat. Great establishments apologize and comp drinks not here! When we finally sat down most of the specials were not available. Don't make a reservation and don't go it is NOT worth the wait!
(1)
Mike D.

I think this is my favorite restaurant in the city. We've been about 4 times in the past 2 years, and every time we've been, about half the menu had changed since the previous visit. Thats one of the things I love about this place--it never gets old. I won't go into detail about the benefits of sous vide cooking, or the exotic menu, as those subjects have been fairly well covered in the other reviews. (Although I do have to plug a couple of dishes - the cassoulet with duck breast, the Guinness braised steak, the peppercorn/lavender ice cream with sugar cookie, truffle oil poutine, to name a few) I will say that one thing I love about this place is that it's clear that the owner (a guy named Ted, ironically) loves this place, and loves being able to experiment, and that really comes through in the food and menu options. He's always back there in the kitchen, preparing a lot of the meals himself. It's a small rowhouse restaurant with an intimate, test-kitchen sort of feel. It's casual and unpretentious, but serves food that those who dress up and pay a lot of money for food would appreciate. Excellent beer and wine menu. The server (we always seem to have the same one) is exceedingly polite and friendly, and makes you feel at home. For the Outback Steakhouse/Olive Garden kind of crowd, this place may be a waste, but if you really love food, and aren't afraid to experiment, this place is somewhere you have to go if you're in Baltimore.
(5)
Steven G.

The flank steak and crab meat are delicious! Reasonable prices, good selection of food and wine, service is good and the place is very clean inside. The restaurant is pretty narrow inside since it is not a stand alone building. Its a pretty tight squeeze for a large party (8+) to dine together. Overall, the experience was great, and the food was excellent, compensating for the small seating area, giving this place a 5star!!!
(5)
Steve K.

I like Jack's, it's interesting and it mostly works. Sous-vide cooking (a method of cooking used by top restaurants that heats meals in vacuum-sealed plastic bags in special machines) is a major specialty. It's a mixed bag in terms of food quality, but it's quite inventive. Pros: - Eclectic, creative food (chocolate mac and cheese, bubble tea vodka, etc.) that's fun to try - Lively, friendly atmosphere Cons: - The experimental food goes wrong sometimes, and some dishes are mediocre - Very cramped seating - Sometimes so loud you can't hear yourself think Comparable restaurants: - Salt has better food and more dining space but is a bit less inventive and more sterile
(4)
Drew D.

My favorite dinner spot around! I've gone there so much I feel like family. I do miss the argentinian beef skewers though.
(4)
meredith p.

I have had the most random, and most delicious dishes at Jack's. From braised ribs to shrimp salad on a hotdog - you just can't go wrong. I went with a group of four to celebrate a birthday, and considering the amount we ate and drank, our check was reasonable. My only regret is they don't take reservations, which is why I don't eat there more often. The establishment is on the small side, so if you go on a weekend - best of luck to you.
(5)
Tracy H.

This has to be my all-time favorite restaurant. The food is incredibly innovative and rich and delicious. The staff is incredibly friendly and will go out of their way to accommodate you. Their drinks are delicious and they introduced me to a liquor called Amarula and I was never the same again. If you visit or live in the Baltimore area, you must visit this place! If you can avoid being tempted by the drinks, you can eat there rather reasonably. Most of the appetizers can function as meals (cheeseburger balls, logom, meat and potatoes) and they have two happy hours with $2 off specialty drinks and appetizers (5-7 and 11-1). My faves - macaroni and cheese and chocolate, meat and potatoes, guinness tenderloin, cheeseburger balls, salad ciferri, short rib, seared scallops... I can almost name the whole menu.
(5)
Robert W.

Amazing Sous-vide Halibut, eggplant fries, egg and pork cooked for 2 hours at 145 degrees. Service was great. Wow!
(5)
Lee M.

Good food with a rather unique selection. The chef was personable and friendly. The hostess was somewhat of a dope and the portions were too small for a guy like me (6'3", 260 Lb).
(3)
Anonymous B.

i have been here a number of times, and i always enjoy my meal. past favorites are shortrib, pork and beans, and guinness meat and potatoes. i love the pork belly appetizer, and the desserts are always amazing. their drinks are great too! try the peanut butter and jelly shot, the mojitos, or my personal favorite, the jalepeno margarita.
(5)
Andre C.

Great modern-American cuisine with a terrific beer list. I had the All-bacon burger which, while innovative and ultimately fairly enjoyable, was incredible salty. It might be difficult to have that much bacon (it was an 8 oz patty, don't expect 15 strips of bacon or something) without it being that salty but it was pretty overwhelming at times. The poutine was great for what is was but, as a Canadian, I have pretty high standards for poutine. However, I'm not hating on it--i just wished for more cheese and gravy like they do in my home land. My fiance had the sous vide steak frites which she called "perfect." The other two guests had the crab cake (loved it but she's not from Baltimore so I don't know...) and the Pho soup (he loved it as well). All in all, a great dining experience. Also, the chocolate mac and cheese is worth trying as it was an interesting and unique flavor yet subtle, but I doubt I would order it again (and I will definitely be going again).
(4)
Andi M.

I really like this restaurant! We went on a Thursday around 730 and got seated right away. I had the beer that was on special- so good! The boy got the bacon burger. Interesting to try once but super salty. I got the filet and will again. It was a little overcooked (from medium rare) but it didn't matter at all the meat was so tender. The grits were amazing and I don't care for grits normally.
(4)
Katie M.

I really want to give this place a 4.5. I heard about this place through a friend who had been who told me they had a bubble tea cocktail. I love bubble tea, so I decided I needed to try this out. Their menu is incredible and something I wouldn't really expect to see in Baltimore. The bubble tea cocktail was actually not great. It had green tea vodka in it and I think flavored vodkas just tend to make me sick, but I really appreciate the effort and innovation. For an appetizer I had macaroni and cheese and chocolate. It sounds terrible but it was awesome- so delicious. I had another appeteizer for dinner after all that richness, and I got the Guinness meat and potatoes, which was braised beef over cinnamon scented potatoes. The meat and sauce were seriously so awesome but the potatoes were sort of ehhh texture wise. But again, I appreciate the effort. For dessert we split fried smores, and I'm so glad we split them. They were marshmallows dipped in grahm cracker crumbs and then fried with some sort of chocolate somewhere, I was so overwhelmed I don't remember. A lot of the food is really heavy and rich and I took home a stomach ache (because I couldn't NOT finish it!), but I was really satisfied and can't wait to go back again. They have all sorts of specials on different nights, including homeade soft pretzel with toppings (like crab), and different happy hours too.
(5)
Marin G.

We ate here back in Oct 2009, and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I had a beef dish (maybe sirloin, I can't remember) with a side of bacon and cheese grits. I wasn't sure how I would feel about the grits, but they were creamy and full of a wonderful smoky flavor. For dessert, my husband and I split the lavendar ice cream with the sugar cookie. Wow! What an incredible combination! Whenever I think about our meal at Jack's Bistro, my mouth starts watering. :-)
(5)
Mike M.

I strongly recommend Jack's for other foodies but not for food snobs. This is not the most refined dining establishment, but if you enjoy stimulating flavors, innovative ways of cooking, or are curious about sous vide check this place out. It's also nice to be able to go somewhere that doesn't need a reservation months in advance or having to dress-up. We just showed up 6:45 on a Friday night and were easily seated. The service was very good and the staff was welcoming and friendly. It was also wonderful to have a creative chef-driven restaurant with a casual down-to-earth Baltimore vibe. I often miss that in fancier big city places. The menu was fascinating. The pork belly appetizer was so flavorful and went nicely with a pinot noir. The duck breast and cassoulet were also delicious. I had that with a cote du rhone. It was an OK pairing. Their pork chop with cheese dressing, I would also recommend. For dessert, Chef Ted's take on sachertorte was fun. It wasn't like the cloying sweet traditional cake but had all the flavor elements present. I definitely plan to return to try the other creations Chef Ted has to offer and recommend his place to other open-minded foodies who appreciate good, creative cooking and a casual atmosphere.
(4)
Annabelle L.

I really really wanted to love Jack's Bistro, and was super excited to come here for Restaurant Week after reading/hearing reviews. Unfortunately though, tonight was a let down and I feel a bit bad for what I'm about to write since everyone was so nice! For appetizers, we split the guiness meat & grits and the spicy somboon style mussels. The guiness meat and grits had great flavor with the demi-glace, and the grits were creamy (although I couldn't detect any of the smoky gouda or bacon). The mussels were really tasty with a complex broth and fresh cilantro. Unfortunately though, both were super salty.... For entrees, I had a duck cassoulet and while I absolutely love duck, this dish sucked :(. It was a duck cassoulet that isn't normally on their menu (perhaps this should have been a warning sign), and it was a very disjointed dish. The duck meat itself was yummy but that's about the only good thing I can say about the dish. The cassoulet was a tomato-y mix of breadcrumbs, white beans, and apparently pork sausage and bacon (per the menu description). The only thing I could taste was the tomato sauce and breadcrumbs, which I am very sad to say reminded me of store bought tomato sauce and breadcrumbs.... and I'm shocked that I couldn't taste the sausage and bacon. There was no continuity between the cassoulet and the duck, so I ate them as separate entities. My bf had the malaysian laksa after the waitress sang its praises. I was a little skeptical of this dish but she said it was a top 10 baltimore dish, so he wanted to try it. It too was SO salty... to the point where I added water to the dish. It had some great flavors though, but nothing so spectacular that I'd recommend this place over a good Thai restaurant at a fraction of the cost. After talking with a friend today who went on Sunday who also tried the malaysian laksa, he said it was really salty as well....(if only he had told me this yesterday). Dessert was delicious: the fried s'more was awesome with the piping hot fried s'more ball and a cold scoop of ice cream. The vanilla cheesecake was light and fluffy, paired well with tangy lime sauce and some really crunchy graham cracker crumbles. Perhaps it was an off day with the saltiness, but very disappointing for a Restaurant week meal. Tl;dr: Dessert was the best part of the meal. Skip the duck cassoulet and the malaysian laksa. Definitely not worth the $80 total we spent.
(2)
Kristen J.

The food here is amazing! I want to try everything. The duck entree is my favorite. Or maybe the Guinness braised filet! The cocktails are unique which makes them find the staff is so nice and the service is speedy. The atmosphere is warm and inviting took I highly recommend!
(5)
Carol C.

Dear Jack, A tip: Answer the phone on Saturday nights. When a potential customer is calling asking whether a table is available, it's beyond annoying to be greeted by a recording. We couldn't find out whether we could get in..
(1)
Dan G.

A note on the chocolate mac and cheese: it's completely overrated and not as good as I had hoped, even on my second visit. It is incredibly challenging to get a cheese sauce that can be underwhelming enough (but cheesy enough for mac and cheese lovers) to let the chocolate flavors that we crave in effectively. Regardless of the disappointing mac and cheese, this is my favorite Canton haunt. Such an incredible beer list that any beer lover would be impressed with, chill bar tenders and fantastic food. I've never had a bad meal here and everyone that I have came here with has enjoyed the food. One of the few places I've been in the DMV that stocks Kostritzer bier. I'll definitely be coming back here for years to come!
(4)
Melissa M.

We went here last night for my friend's 30th birthday and it was absolutely amazing! It was so hard to choose because everything looked so good. Ended up going with the filet and it was melt in your mouth delicious. It comes with grits, which I'm not a huge fan of, but these were really good! Our server Jacqueline was great, too! We definitely have to come back!
(5)
J N.

5-6pm half off bottles of wine. Great time to try more expensive wine and try something new. Great attentive service. I had the guiness filet which i shared with two friends. I get this dish all the time so i'm a little bored with it but my friends loved it. I tried the steak frites (sous vide- slow cookin at low temp in a plastic bag) I would pay $40 for this dish. So good! Oh yeah the wine HH was about to end and the bartender let us know so we could try another great wine. This is a place to order Med rare...they get it right everytime. Smores were amazing!
(5)
jay l.

When did baltimore become so cool? my auntie just moved into the neighborhood and i'm thrilled this cute spot is there for when i visit. The poutine... what to say about their poutine besides the fact my mouth is watering right now as I type this. OMG. I also had some kind of yummy Vietnamese crispy pancake thingamabob. It was a mediation on deliciousness. The waitress was a perfect mix of fun and efficient, the vibe was supercool and the booze runneth over. Who needs Manhattan?
(5)
Christie D.

New favorite restaurant in Baltimore. My husband and I finally had the opportunity to try Jacks last night during Restaurant week and we were far from disappointed! First impression - small but cozy estabishment. The tables are close together so you wont be too far from your neighbors, but it didnt bug us. They do have a bar area if you just want to go for drinks - whiich we'd recomend their Natty Bo special (which comes with siracha, old bay, crabmeat, etc) - yum! The hostess and waitress were great. Very knowledgable of the menu and made some good suggestions on our food selections that didnt disappoint us. Since it was Restaurant week we ordered off their pre-fixed menu. We got their mussels & tator tots for our appetizers. For our entrees I ordered the crab cake and my husband did their filet - it was $8 extra but totally worth it. Dessert was their famous fried smores and a fried banana dessert. Everything was amazing and we cant wait to go back again to try other menu items!
(5)
Tunaidi A.

Jack's Bistro is pretty awesome. I love the fusion foods, the twist on mainstream dishes, and the drinks offered here. The chocolate mac and cheese appetizer is a classic here. Don't let the chocolate turn you off. Be brave and give it a shot. The cheese isn't too rich and cheesy, which allows the chocolate to share a portion of your taste buds. Guinness meats is another staple here, but the bacon grits that came with it was more memorable. The steak and fries were legit. I couldn't stop eating those fries. The crab cake dish was also excellent. It comes with roasted potatoes, brussel sprouts, and aoli sauce. Definitely a good platter combo. For dessert, the chocolate smores are definitely a win. A recently added item, the fruity pound cake, was also to die for. Again, I'm impressed with Jack's Bistro's innovation and the tingles that they bring to my tongue. Service was pleasant and orders come out efficiently.
(4)
J P.

This was a business meeting where I took a couple of Baltimore locals to a place they hadn't been to previously. The first thing that was obvious was that it wasn't in a normal restaurant area. Right in the middle of a residential area that had my UBER driver confused and the people I was meeting with. Very low key environment inside and out. However, the food and service were fantastic. Some decent beers and a very small wine list. We ended up going with the most expensive wine on the list which was around $95 largely because we weren't sure about the others. We shared three appetizers which were the mussels, Korean pancake and garlic shrimp. The mussels and the Korean pancake were the standouts. Entrees were the duck, sous vide, the risotto and the steak with Guiness. The risotto was absolutely the best with the duck being second and the steak coming in third. I'd definitely come here again. Our waitress was fantastic but I don't know what her name is.
(4)
HM P.

(4.5 stars) I don't know why there aren't more reviews for this place! I normally sort my yelp reviews by popularity but now I need to start sorting by rating just from this experience. This is a small restaurant with a very eclectic menu which made it difficult to choose what to order! Everything sounded amazing. For a Wednesday night at around 7pm, we had no problem getting a table for 4 people but shortly after, the restaurant was filled up. Highlights - the Guinness marinated braised filet mignon with grits was one of the best things I have ever tasted (and that's saying something) and poutine fries were delicious. My friends enjoyed their chophouse burgers and steaks. The mussels were also a highlight since they weren't covered in sauce like most places (these mussels are a good option for those trying to eat on the lighter side) Great beer and wine selection and service. I'm eager to come here again to try some of the other menu items --- particularly the durian creme brÃ»lÃ©e!
(4)
Nikki A.

I came here with my three best friends from college, two of whom we were visiting in Baltimore. We had just seen a movie at the Landmark theater (Her, go and see it now!) and called Jack's to see how long the wait would be. To our surprise, there was none! We hopped in a cab and went straight to the restaurant only to find that in the 10 minutes or so it took to get there, all three open tables for four had filled up and the wait was now over an hour. Super bummer and quite annoying. We put our name down and left and ended up getting some pie during this wait. We did end up coming back and luckily the food was very good. and the service was super friendly. I got the lamb pasta, which was delish and I will be having the leftovers for lunch today. Can't wait! Friends got the mussels, chocolate mac and cheese, smoked whole tomato, summer salad and Guinness meat and grits. Everyone enjoyed. Due to the hassle and no reservation for parties under 5, I will not come back, but I am glad that I tried it once.
(4)
Alli Z.

Went for restaurant week and I enjoyed my three courses. Chocolate mac and cheese could have used more cheese, which is surprising for a chocolate lover like me to say. The crab cake was also yummy. The best part of the meal was the s'mores dessert. Yum!
(4)
Neil K.

Extremely friendly and accommodating all female waitstaff. Went there on a Fri nite, was told about 1/2 hr wait and was texted table ready in a half hour. That's the the good news. Bad news, was seated at a VERY nosy bar with drinkers standing directly behind us. Probably the noisiest $100 dinner I've ever had That said, the food was unique and exceptional. Had steak frites and traded out the fries for the poutine. Will worth the $6 up charge. The steak was very flavorful, perfectly medium rare with truffle butter. Super yum! My partner had the crab cake with "al dents" Brussels sprouts (read: undercooked) and a cold pasta shell & shrimp salad. The steak plate was by far the better of the two plates. Can't give it 5 stars b/c of the extreme noise. But the excellent food and outstanding waitstaff sure helped. Let's say four stars.
(4)
Christina O.

The Guinness filet is my favorite thing here. We've ordered the Korean pancake twice which is currently on the menu and it's absolutely delicious too. I will say that I have had some dinners here that I have not enjoyed, I think because the flavors did not all come together. But recently I have enjoyed all my meals and the bartenders make excellent drinks!! Great neighborhood spot!
(4)
Mike D.

Lived across from jacks for 3 years and always had am amazing experience! The one food item on their menu that was disgusting was the smoked tomato (not sure who would ever like this) but I've had nearly everything else on their menu and I LOVE it all! The restaurant is intimate and great to go on a date. They have beer flights with 3 small tasting beers that I typically like to have multiple sets of ;) they have a peanut butter and jelly shot that is pretty tasty too...
(4)
Stephanie I.

The service here is excellent and consistent every single time. They really know what they are doing. The thing I like about Jacks is that their menu changes frequently, but I always know I can get a good steak if I want one. This time we tried the cucumber salad, truffle fries, and pho. The cucumber salad was amazing and really fresh. Truffle fries were awesome and addicting. The only negative was the pho. It was actually in edible for me. I'm not upset about it because I knew I was taking a risk ordering it since I'm used to amazing authentic pho in Columbia. The noodles tasted like angel hair pasta and not rice noodles. The broth was not good at all and wayy over spiced. The meat was really delicious though and good quality. I wouldn't order it again but that's okay because there are plenty of other options for me to try next time. Now that we are walking distance we will definitely be back to try out some of their weeknight specials.
(5)
Devashis R.

We've been talking about going to this place for almost a year now, ever since hearing about the chocolate mac n cheese. On a random Friday, we decided to jump on it for happy hour, which is a great way to sample the apps at $2 off. We ordered the Chocolate Mac n Cheese (of course) and the Guinness meat and grits, accompanied by a Cabernet and Pinot Noir for us. We know we did right, because when we ordered, the waitress said, "excellent choices, my favorites!" Servings were a bit small for my stomach (especially if we were paying full price), but both choices were very good. The tenderness of the meat coupled with the rich sauce and grits was delectable. I'm not a huge mac n cheese guy, but it's certainly worth trying and my dining partner was quite content! Staff was friendly, and I've heard that this place is known to close so the owners can travel. I like that mantra.
(4)
Nancy B.

Went to dinner here last night with my husband, daughter and son-in-law. What a great meal!! My daughter has lived in Fells Point a little over a year and this is by far the best place we've eaten thus far!!! It has a casual atmosphere.but I think upscale delicious food. And our server (can't remember her name) was knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the food and wine! We started off with a watermelon, watermelon radish, feta salad, delicious the combination of flavors was perfect, Sweet, salty a little acid. We also got an order of the mussels served with greens and a delicious broth. The rest of the meal continued at this level. We had shrimp & lentils, an asian chicken & noodles dish, and the guys got the filet with bacon cheese grits! I'm telling you there was not one bad thing on the table. The food loked beautiful and tasted even better!!!
(5)
Emily F.

the place is small so you're going to wait for a table on the weekends but the food is delicious and the menu always has something new and amazing on it plus macaroni and cheese with cholocate...winner
(5)
John S.

We went on a Saturday, upon the advice of a friend. Good advice. The food is terrific (had the laksa and a shrimp and lentils dish, with the smoked tomato and poutine for apps) and well portioned. Great wait staff, very knowledgeable and friendly. As others have pointed out, a noteworthy beer list and a diverse wine selection (from interesting and non-traditional regions). Prices are fair. In truth, it's a 4+, but a couple of minor points to consider, namely, parking is local neighborhood, so on a weekend it's tight. They wouldn't take a reservation for two over the phone for Saturday, so not sure if it is only walk in for smaller groups. Also, as others have noted, loud and close quartered so be prepped for that. We'll be back for sure.
(4)
Dione D.

Briefly came to Jack's because this is my friend's favorite place in Baltimore. We started off with two peanut butter and jelly shots. They are made with cream de casis and castries peanut rum. (For some reason I imagined they would be actual pb&j. Nope!) The shots are a house specialty and were very tasty. I thought mine burned a little at the end, but that might have just been from the rum. My friend ordered the poutine fries -- he said he orders them every time he visits, no excuse. I'm not a big saucy-fry person, but the fries were crisp and the sauce was creamy and hearty without being heavy. Lastly, I had the sangria, which is full of "secrets" (says the menu). I'm not sure what was in it, but I enjoyed it okay. There is something sprinkled on top that I couldn't identify. This was the point where we realized we weren't as hungry as we thought -- lunch at Stuggy's will do that to you. I honestly would have rated this a solid three stars, but as other reviewers mentioned, the people who work here are so darn friendly. We were greeted with a super warm smile as soon as we walked in, the bartender was super nice and attentive, and Chris (sommelier) came out and chatted with us for a couple of minutes. That friendly warm feeling is always worth an extra star, especially from this jaded New Yorker. :)
(4)
Dan K.

Green lip mussels were too salty. Tater tots were just fried tater tots with mayo dressing. Filet mignon had a super sweet sauce on it and the meat tasted like shredded brisket. Duck dish tasted like a pasta dish without noodles. Fried bananas tasted like baby food. The smores dessert was delicious. The wine was the best part. First time here for restaurant week. Weak presentation for sure.
(1)
Francisco P.

My non-vegetarian friends were raving about their meat offerings, but their vegetarian/vegan offerings are pretty good too. The veggie risotto and udon noodles were good. The fried banana dessert was OK but I wouldn't order it again. Great selection of cocktails and beer but my G&T was a bit heavy on the T. Note that the only group seating they have is right next to the kitchen.
(4)
Ken M.

Gem of canton dining , irresistible gourmet food with impeccable service , a must go while in canton!
(5)
Alice L.

Came here with a group. It was quiet at 6 pm when we got here, then really picked up. Started with the poutine, very good. Followed by Mega Mac & Cheese, which was awesome and really rich. Fried s'mores were really really good, even the chocolate ice cream that came with it was delicious.
(5)
Brian D.

This place is in our top 5 of restaurants anywhere! You are almost definitely going to wait, and it will be totally worth it. The mixed drinks are great. They infuse their own spirits and have drink making down to a craft. For appetizers we usually go with the chocolate mac & cheese (trust me on this one) and the poutine. We have also had the watermelon salad which was very tasty. The one miss was the cold-smoked tomato. We know others who have really loved it though. For main course we rarely stay from the Guinness braised filet (served on bacon - jalapeÃ±o grits). Best cut of beef I have ever had. You could almost eat it with a spoon (just that tender). If you go on Sunday, it's only $20. The desserts are not spectacular but are a nice finish to the meal.
(5)
Justin K.

So this is my second review for Jack's. The first time we visited the establishment it was restaurant week and we had a not so great experience. My mother-in-law was in town so my wife decided that we need to give this place another try because she loved the food. This time we went down on a Friday evening at around 5:30. When we walked in we were immediately greeted and seated in a booth behind the bar. We started with the booze. Between the hours of 5-6 all wine bottles are half price. Nice! We ordered a bottle of Riesling and I started out with the Southern Tier Pumpking Ale, they had it on tap and couldn't refuse. For appetizers, we ordered the poutine fries with foie gras sauce and the crispy pork belly. This time the fries were seasoned perfectly and the sauce again was just rich and decadent. The pork belly wasn't "crispy" but that didn't matter, it melted in your mouth and had a great Asian tang to it; Loved it. The Entrees. I was informed that the chef's recent travels were to Morocco and one of the specials was a Moroccan Shrimp and lentils dish. I decided to go with that and see how it was. It was outstanding. It had all the classic signs of a great Moroccan dish; the aromatic smell, the heartiness and that complex flavor. It was very good. On the other side my wife went after their burger. The burger was quite sizable and cooked to perfection; it also had a feature that I think every great burger should have, a fried egg on it. I had a bite and I have to say, that was a delicious burger. In fact that will definitely be on my top 5 burger list in Baltimore. Desert. I had the special which was a pound cake with raspberry filling and topped with almonds and walnut whipped cream. Oh man was this good. I don't have a huge sweet tooth but I would eat that any day of the week. It was sinfully good...my taste buds loved it, while my waist line despised it. It is the way it should be. Overall this was an awesome meal. Everything improved from our previous experience, most importantly the service. Our server was great. She answered all of our questions and provided her opinions on each dish we had questions about. She was prompt on all the drinks as well. There were no flaws in her game. Jack's has shown me that they are a restaurant who cares about their customers and the product they provide. After this visit, I will certainly be back and look forward to exposing our friends to this great Canton restaurant. I cannot wait to return.
(5)
Paul A.

This is one of those times you almost don't want to write a great review cause you're worried the rest of Baltimore will figure out how great Jack's is... ...and the one issue with Jack's is that it isn't all that large inside so more people = more wait time. With that said, it's a gem. I live nearby and have eaten there more than a dozen times. I can recommend a bunch of dishes but I've never had anything that isn't very good. Some favorites include the lamb pasta, the steak frites, the guinnes steak grits and (of course) the chocolate mac & cheese. I've had some of the best burgers of my life at Jack's too (get them with poutine if you're interested in dying young and happy). But the menu is always inventive and always changing... so just go for something new and chances are you'll be satisfied. The management runs a really tight ship... the staff is attentive and extremely knowledgeable... if occasionally perhaps a bit stiff. But the entire experience, start to finish is typically excellent. Prices are really fair for what you get. There's a huge drink selection with a ton of craft beers. (Insider tip: they do have Boh and Yuengling if that's your thing, but they're not on the menu, just ask) My only caveat is that if you're coming with a large group, this isn't your place. There's a chance they'll be able to accommodate you, but anything more than a party of 6 is tough in this converted rowhome. And if you want a lot of space to spread out when you eat, this won't be your jam. But it's cozy... not crammed. Oh, and parking can be a challenge if you're driving. It's in a neighborhood and there's no lot. Still, it's usually not that bad. One of my top 5 Baltimore restaurants, no question.
(5)
Jason P.

I love this place and the food is great. The staff is truly one of a kind. The Guinness fillet is one of my favorite dishes. The owners are really great people and always remember my name when I go. Highly recommended
(5)
Luke M.

If anyone asks me what place in town has the best food I will always say Jack's Bistro. The entrÃ©es they offer are always very creative and delicious. My problem with Jack's is I always want to order everything on their menu. The atmosphere is intimate and relaxed at the same time. They have an extensive wine list and some genius house cocktails. If you haven't been you need to go experience Jack's amazing cuisine.
(5)
Heather H.

Loved our delish food experience at jacks- even on a super busy New Years Eve, the dishes were perfectly prepared and the service was the best. The smoked heirloom tomato app was creative and amazing as were the mussels- served already out of their shells which was unique and liked by all 6 diners in our party. The Malaysian Laksa was such a great flavor- good spice without being dominated by the curry flavor alone. Also the sea bass entree was cooked perfectly and with the cream sauce on the side, was a great for a less rich option.
(5)
Christy L.

Why Jack's is one of my top 5 favorite places to eat in Bmore: 1. The servers and bartenders are really friendly and have mastered the art of serving you food and drinks. Yes, good service does exist in Baltimore! 2. THEIR FOOD IS DELICIOUS! 3. Speaking of delicious food, from Wednesday through Saturday nights, their kitchen is open until 1AM!!! Why make a late night run to McDonalds or Royal Farms when you could come here and dine off of their late night menu, which includes their famous all-bacon burger, chocolate mac n cheese, and an ever-changing selection of meats, salads, and pasta dishes. 4. The menu changes pretty much every week. Keeps me going back on the regular to see what new concoction the chef has created. 5. Half price wine from 5-6PM. Includes bubbles. Perfect for when you had a wretched day at work and want to punch every person you see in the neck. 6. It's super close to my house. So close that I can practically log roll home after over-indulging in too much food!
(5)
Ky R.

I love within walking distance of jacks and I always have a good meal there. It's a must when I have friends visit from out of town as well.
(5)
Jeremy R.

I had been meaning to go to Jack's for a while and I am so glad I finally made it. We went early on a Sunday afternoon to catch the wine and Filet specials and were able to snag a table without waiting. Chocolate mac and cheese got mixed reviews. Main courses were generally excellent. The Filet special was amazing. A generous portion, perfectly prepared. The butter poached halibut was also a huge winner. Pasta with Lamb ragout was rich and delicious. The only culinary misstep was the duck breast over cassoulet. the breast was moist, tender and well flavored but the cassoulet was done with a tomato base and was overpowering. It did not compliment the duck as it should have but insulted it caused it to have low self esteem. Part of what made the experience great was our waiter. He was attentive and informative without being intrusive. I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Jenny B.

Amazing food. Amazing service. If you don't get the poutine fries to start; you're doing it wrong. Make a reservation or come in on a slower night tho, cause this place is real small, and in high demand. A Baltimore must see.
(5)
Beverly S.

A great local find in Baltimore! Passion behind every dish in a charming Baltimore row home. Try anything sous vide or Asian inspired, as chef enjoys traveling to Asia. Staff is warm and you will get more excited when you order and they validate all your suggestions with sincere smiles. Beer, wine and cocktails reflect thoughtful selection. Dishes are pretty and taste as good as they look. You will remember your dining experience here and want to return with friends and family to try more.
(5)
C Y.

Great find in what looks like a townhome community. Poutine and Guinness marinated steak are delicious, their respective sauces are very rich. You have to get the deconstructed s'mores for dessert, three little mounds of chocolatey goodness
(4)
A P.

My favorite restaurant in Baltimore. Would give Jack's 6 stars if it were possible. We have been here 11 times now, mainly for special occasions and when we have close friends visiting. It has never disappointed - something I cannot say for any other restaurant that I have been to. Each dish has its own flavors. The waiters are exceptionally knowledgable, and are excellent at pairing drinks and food to your mood. Vast drink selection and the menu changes regularly. Of things that have stayed on the menu, our favorites: Truffle Fries, Malaysian Laksa, Mac + Cheese + Chocolate, Sea Bass, Spanish Shrimp and Garlic and Bodhi Dal. The Durian Pudding is also great. The place is not cheap, but certainly cheaper than one might expect after having enjoyed their offerings. I always pair my meal with a Trappistes Rochefort 8. Bliss. Be sure to call them about hours, as the owners travel the world once a year looking for dishes to add to their menu.
(5)
Cherpumple F.

Poutine, sous vide, beer list, and dessert, all wonderful. Chilean sea bass, chocolate mac and cheese (and I don't even like pasta), are great. Good, hearty portions, too. I like the ballsy-ness of the menu, and this is probably the first "fusion-y" restaurant that I've really liked. The only downer is that their fried s'more isn't really what I had in mind. But then again, I know the chef wasn't reading my mind what it was created. So that's forgiven. It's still so delicious.
(4)
Janeen B.

Wow! What a experience the food is phenomenal if I could afford to eat here everyday I would. The best ever cheesecake it's not served as a traditional slice but a crazy melting pot of flavor prepared with perfection. I will be returning soon. Thumbs up to the chef!
(5)
Robin I.

Fabulous neighborhood bistro! We found Jack's through recommendations and it did not disappoint. We got there right at opening, good for two reasons. One, we were immediately seated. Within an hour, every seat was full. Secondly, bottles of wine are half price between 5 and 6. Such a nice feature, because you can enjoy their pairings for a very reasonable price. Our server was knowledgable and personable. It is such a pleasure to have waitstaff that really know their menu! We started with wilted bok choy. Lovely and flavorful. My husband had the Malaysian Laksa. I enjoyed the duck sous vide served with a wonderful white bean casserole. The duck was perfectly tender and moist. We enjoyed the roasted brussel sprouts, probably the best I've ever eaten. Finished with a lovely apple tart and can't wait to return!
(5)
Robert W.

Incredible! Best food I've had in Baltimore. Unique and well prepared not to mention excellent service. Only minor complaint would be slightly difficult to locate and park (street only). Absolutely 5 plus stars!
(5)
Andrew M.

Jack's, home of the ground bacon burger, now purveys Lardo! Paper thin ribbons of pork fat convey the kitchen's culinary appetizer wizzardry with reckless heart stopping abandon. Throw a dart at the menu: everything is awesome. Lardo, proving you are what you eat.
(5)
Joe J.

My girlfriend and I had been meaning to come here for a while and made reservations well in advance. Little did we know it happened to be restaurant week. We were not disappointed. The beer selection was remarkable. I had a couple of brews from Europe I had never heard of before and both were like no other beer I've ever had. The wine selection was adequate. We had the smoked tomato and chocolate mac and cheese as our appetizers. The smoked tomato combined flavors that complemented each other quite well. The chocolate mac n cheese was not what I expected, but worth trying. Our main dishes were spectacular. My girlfriend went with the Malaysian curry which offered the familiar flavor of a Southeast Asian curry with a subtle but critical twist that really set this dish apart from other curries you'd get elsewhere. I went with the braised filet mignon which was marinated in Guinness. Good god. The texture of the meat was tender and was reminiscent of something that had spent several hours in a slow cooker. The taste of the meat was strangely sweet and hearty. We were both wholly satisfied with our dishes. For dessert, I decided on the cherry gelato and ricotta cookie, which did not disappoint. Those of you who are chocolate fiends should go with the fried s'more and chocolate ice cream. The service was impeccable. The decor was comparatively disappointing. All things considered, this place is deserving of a solid 5-star rating.
(5)
Cassandra S.

Why have it been here three times and this was my first review? I really wish Jack's stood out more in my mind, because I would go here to eat more often. I love the service here, everyone is friendly and the waiter was super patient with us when we couldn't settle on a wine. The food came out quickly with tons of delicious smells. Everything was cooked to perfection: Brussel sprouts were Al dente, truffle fries were hot! My wife is in love with their chocolate mac n cheese too. The prices are reasonable and this place gets busy so get in early (they have a half price wine deal from 5-6p!)
(5)
R U.

Overall fantastic experience and the staff was very flexible with the booking. The appetizer servings were a bit smaller than expected, nevertheless the flavor of the food was great. Everyone raves about the mac and cheese--it was good, but not mind blowing as suggested by the reviews--our table likened it to a cheese and chocolate fondue for pasta. The Teres Major steak was perfectly cooked and the truffle fries were crispy and perfectly seasoned. The duck breast was also another hit, with the fat being perfectly rendered and the moist still being moist. The dessert options were good, but not the highlight of the meal.
(5)
Anna N.

Super interesting good but a little overpriced. Their most interesting appetizer is definitely their mac and cheese and chocolate...which is exactly what it sounds like. A little differen, but you should give it a try. We also got their Moroccan shrimp and Lentils which was pretty good but standard. Their Laksa soup though is amazing! Such a great broth - definitely give it a go.
(4)
Eric J.

The mac and cheese and chocolate is something to try out. There's this guy there that knows wines super well and a lot of food. This is a nice cozy place for a nice meal. The deserts are worth a try.
(4)
Owen R.

It's not business - it's personal. I don't know Jack. I do know that he runs a great bistro with creative appetizers and entrees as part of a larger food/beverage/wine program executed by an attentive staff with a passion for excellence. I know this because I ate there and I watched and listened. I saw an engaged staff cares about the customers' experience as they were greeted and handled. I saw multiple staffers give way to another so that tasks could be accomplished - drink making, glass restocking, order inputting - all with grace and a palpable regard for the tight space that is the Baltimore row house restaurant model. No grousing anywhere. I saw the bar staff tasting drinks with a straw to make sure the craft cocktails tasted as they should and that small details like garnishing/rimming were done correctly. Quality control starts at the top. Yes, the tonics, ginger beer and bitters are made in premises. Try vanishing with a Houdini Martini made with Cynar, St. Germaine, sparkling wine and lemon or channel Jack's version of a Manhattan made with Pikesville rye, Carpano Antica sweet vermouth, smoked balsamic and orange bitters. (Nice detail with the single large ice cube.) I mention this because when the fine cocktails appear amidst the din of a busy Saturday night shift, delivered from helpful, friendly staff who are engaged with your experience, it is the stuff that creates food expectations for procurement, to production to plating. The dinner did not disappoint from the cocktails to the apps to the shared main. The Korean pancake was magic with some heat plus sweet with umami to beat the band. A shrimp and grits riff turned asian with the addition of some pickled elements, adding some cold crunch to a well-flavored dish. But a Kowloon Chicken and udon noodles was an amazing creation. Brined chicken cooked to a velvet-sponge texture with the taste of a Springfield ham. It tasted as if one stumbled across the best Hong Kong street food vendor in the land and they saved an order just for you. So I think for Jack this bistro is personal. He is the chef /owner as has trained his staff is his own eye. The flavor profiles are sophisticated reflecting a world view with out pomposity or ego. His staff are well traveled, veterans of the enterprise and clearly have the customer's experience in mind. Don't be fooled by the bar/dining room/kitchen layout and think you're in some other gastro-pub wannabe. This is the real thing and it's personal.
(5)
Mike W.

Just awesome. Had the turkey leg and couldn't finish it due to its enormous size. Looking forward to eat it later
(5)
Christina P.

i had to have the signiture mac&cheese&chocolate because of all the rave reviews. it was very good but a little sweet for an appetizer - but it can't be categorized as a dessert so it seems a bit lost. also had the Spicy Somboon Style Mussels and couldn't get past the overbearing cilantro - so this app just gets an "eh" from me. However, the fried s'mores are TO DIE FOR! my friend had the "noodles&natty" special and the noodles were very bland - not a recommended dish. i want to love this place because of their unique take on dishes, but for now - it's a solid 3 stars. I do highly recommend for dessert for any chocolate lovers out there.
(3)
Ashlei S.

Very Good. Had the Sunday Night fish special. BF had the Argentine Steak and we split the fried s'more. All very good. A nice treat. Def give it a try.
(4)
Vickie S.

Ah, Restaurant Week. Exposing me to all sorts of Baltimore goodies. Not hard to find. It's on the corner. There's an awning that says "Jack's". Parking... eh. Seats inside? Might be a trouble on weekends and higher traffic nights. The place is not spacious, per se. The beer and wine selection is pretty excellent (especially the beer) though the by-the-glass offerings for wine limit you. Cheapest is $7 a glass, as well. They offer beer flights at a very reasonable rate considering it's three 6 ounce pours of craft beer. As for the food, it was hit and miss. The chocolate macaroni and cheese is a curious delectation of smoky, savory, rich, creamy, and only the tiniest bit of sweet. I didn't actually order it for myself and still pondered in a couple bites how to emulate the flavor profile if I endeavor to try to make it on my own. The whole roast tomato wasn't what I was expecting and was far too juicy to eat in any kind of sense - the onions, breadcrumbs, and goat cheese fritter-thing were neat, but I could get a forkful to house flavors together. Stuff all those things IN the tomato, please. Pleased noises were made over the grits and while the hummus was just hummus, it was evidently quite good for hummus. (Hummus hummus, hummus hummus.) I can't speak to the rest of the menu, because we didn't get to see their regular selections, but the vegetarian plate for restaurant week was a throwaway. Green lentil daal with zucchini, yellow squash, red pepper and red onion with some rice and pieces of pita. 1) Why the pita? Not quite naan, not bad but strangely added to the top. 2) Completely flavorless lentils. Cooked in plain water then tossed with the rest, maybe? Seriously underwhelmed. Great reviews for the salmon with its prickly pear juice and pickles and the Malaysian laksa from the omnivores at the table, though. The fried smore is neat looking, awesome tasting, and fun to eat as it oozes its fudge sauce and marshmallow goo. Perfect portion size and frankly, it was super cute on the pea pod looking plate, too. I tasted the peanut butter sauce to the chocolate chip pancakes and it was warm and rich, though honestly all the sauces could have been from a jar and I wouldn't have been shocked. The - and goodness do I hate this gimmick - deconstructed vanilla cheesecake with fruit was delicious and fresh. Jack's seems like a marvelous locale for a drink and dessert or appetizers, and maybe even for dinner, but I wouldn't spring for the price for their veggie fare again. Hey, at least with Restaurant Week, now I know.
(4)
Melissa Z.

Wow this place is so cute, tiny and romantico. I really enjoyed my date at Jack's even though we arrived late and our only option was to order from the late night menu but it was well worth it. We ordered the Sous Vide Steak Frites (fries-amazing, streak was perfection....a must try!!), garlic shrimp with pita (big shrimp pieces-awesome!! reminded me of the shrimp in garlic sauce from the Portuguese restaurants on ferry st. in Newark, NJ) and fried S'mores (not what i expected, it was so so....will not order next time). Overall the atmosphere was nice and sexy since it's pretty dark in there. It reminded me of a speakeasy. Our waitress was friendly so that's always a plus. This place definitely isn't a place to go with a loud crowd or to pregame, it's more of a date spot or just stuff your face. :)
(4)
Christopher S.

I recently moved from Annapolis to Baltimore and Jack's was the first spot I was told I had to go to and It did not disappoint. My GF and I have been back a few times since, and our experiences have always been consistently great. Everything we have ordered so far has been amazing. Guinness Braised Beef Tenderloin - Like Buttah. Sous-Vide Duck Breast over Cassoulet - Better than Provence. Green Lip Mussels with Spicy Vinaigrette - Out of this world. The only thing that I've seen hyped that I can say I wouldn't order again would be their most 'famous' dish, the Chocolate Mac and Cheese. Could be just my palate, but I found it underwhelming. We've had the same bartender every time and he has been fantastic. I never order a cocktail off the menu...I just ask for something with Gin and an egg white and he conjures up something delicious. The wine selection is great, and they always recommend a wine that goes perfect with both our meals. The only drawback is the wait. The space is small, usually doesn't take reservations (unless restaurant week or a large party), and the place is packed by 7 PM. They turn tables quick, but it still gets very cramped waiting, even for a two top. The crowd is younger and hip, which, combined with the small space, makes me feel like I'm desperately trying to hold a spot near the front row at an Indie concert. That being said, perhaps the not the best spot for Date Night, but the food, cocktails, and wine still make for a fantastic meal.
(4)
Axl R.

FOOD: I went with a big group. We pretty much ordered everything off the menu, and everyone was pleased. I certainly found the food excellent all around. I would NOT get the choc mac'n'cheese which was awful, but everything else was good. I am salt sensitive and so everything was a bit salty for me, but I am on a low salt diet. Also, we had a large group and they were able to accommodate us well. I was very impressed and pleased that we were all served in a timely fashion. I did not give Jack's a 5 star because the prices seemed very high, they seemed excessive, especially for Canton. SERVICE: Attentive, educated about the menu, very efficient. AMBIANCE: Perfect for a large group that wants to keep it cozy, but also for couples and singles. I don't think this place is for families. Oh and big plus, you can actually park easily which is really hard for this area. I can't parallel park at all so normally I have to park blocks away. Jack's is sort of in a corner, so there were plenty of spots. RETURN: Yes, I definitely will. RECOMMEND: I would recommend it to all.
(4)
Dominique F.

Truly a fun dinner experience in Baltimore! Came in with a bunch of coworkers who've been here before and who love the place. The server who was helping us knew her menu pretty well and recommended a ton of things. The drinks were really good, and all the appetizers and dishes that I tried were delicious. Would definitely recommend it. Not a great place for bigger groups though; the space is small and as far as I know they dont take reservations.
(4)
Kim L.

Went here for restaurant week and can't wait to go back! Great hostess who immediately got us drinks for our wait and checked on our meal later on. I had the Guinness Filet Mignon, which was unreal, and Chocolate Mac n Cheese. Very different and rich, so glad I tried it! My husband loved the steak frites and truffle fries. Definitely one of the best meals we've had, so excited to eat here again!
(5)
Nathan V.

Overall this was a pretty good experience. We were not big fans of the interior. It was very crowded with small tables in tight areas. The food, however; was muy tasty and the cocktails....oh yeah. We had the nine inch and the blind melon were our drink choices and they were spot on. For dinner I had the steak frites and the wife had their noodle/chicken/laksa dish. The steak on mine dish was one of the best I've had. They cook it in a sous vide and finish on the grill. The cooking method is perfect for the medium rare steak lovers because it comes out med rare all the way through. We also had the fries s'mores for dessert. If you want decadence, go with that...You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Kelsey H.

THE DUCK BREAST SPECIAL!! You must must must must must must try it. Juicy, flavorful, and even more delicious than everything else on the menu... which is saying something!!
(5)
Tia T.

Chocolate Mac & Cheese: Did not like. Don't get the allure Guinness Beef & Grits: Excellent Malaysian Laksa: Very very tasty Cheesecake: Excellent Fried Smore: Nothing to rave about
(3)
Amy T.

We went for restaurant week. What an amazing meal. I would highly recommend and we will return soon. Mac and cheese is delicious...Guinness filet was one of the best I have ever had. It was cooked to perfection. This was an enjoyable evening with friends in a quaint setting. Love this place, we keep coming back for more
(5)
Katie D.

I'm lucky enough to live two blocks from Jack's. The ever-changing menu always offers something interesting to try - their take on Vietnamese Pho was one of my favorites - and the bartender is always coming up with delicious, unique cocktails. A popular local spot, it is small and does get crowded on weekend evenings so plan accordingly.
(5)
Lois K.

The cucumber ribbon salad, Filet and Sea Bass dishes were all absolutely amazing!!!!! It was our first time there on St . Patrick's Day but we will make it there every other weekend from this point on....Our server Chelsea was amazing and informative!
(5)
Anna K.

We went to Jack's Bistro last night for the first time and had a lovely experience. The specials list was really sizable and everything looked good; it was hard to choose what to order! We started with a round of cocktails - both were spicy and really flavorful (much better than I thought they would be) To start we had an order of the mussels which were really great! (also spicy) For dinner the husband and I both got the burger special which was EASILY the best burger I have had in Baltimore. Delicious!! He got a side of poutine which was OK -- I was really expecting something different and didn't find the flavors to be that compelling. I had a side of the fall salad which was really bright. I loved the pumpkin in the salad. I didn't love the set-up/ambiance of the place but that won't stop me from coming back.
(4)
Marcus W.

I came to Jack's Bistro for dinner with a friend and it was PACKED on a colder, snow in the forecast, January day. Since we did have to wait for table, I set the bar a little higher to match the anticipation. The place isn't exactly designed for large parties but they can accommodate with prior reservation. There are no reservations for smaller parties. I think on a typical day dinner for 2-4 shouldn't be an issue... I think this crowd was a small surprise to even their regulars. . . In any case, It did give us an opportunity to look at the menu before dinner. The menu is a monthly changing one, so the yelp "menu" is inaccurate. I will say I was impressed by the execution. The bar is great. A lot of good house made extracts, good quality bitters, high notes. I trumped my meal with mostly alcohol orders... had jack's tonic, the flor, and the primo. They can also recommend pairings with the kitchen (if you believe in that sort of thing) they have a good wine and beer selection. I can imagine how popular HH could be here. The Chef takes his inspiration from his travels around Europe, Southeast Asia. The menu wasn't daunting in any way, good options for anything you might be interested in for dinner (fish, ramen, steak, duck, and crab cakes). We ended up ordering the Steak Frites. It was prepared sous vide and served pre-sliced topped with W/B truffle butter and served with truffle fries. If you're thinking that's a lot of truffle, you can never have too much truffle oil (end statement). Tender steak and truffle butter go together well normally, and this one is no exception. Definitely recommended. We also shared the chocolate mac and cheese. I won't talk about it too much because I think it's something everyone should try because you probably won't be able to order it anywhere else. Dessert was a little trickier, there is a seasonal menu as well as a normal dessert menu. We ended up ordering two, the durian crÃ¨me brulee and the ice cream sandwich. The ice cream sandwich was an interesting presentation: it was a round of ice cream topped with 4 pieces of sliced strawberry and a cookie served with fried pineapple and a strawberry "ketchup" interesting to say the least. You couldn't pick it up, so it still needed to be eaten with a fork. The durian was good. You don't notice the aroma until you break into the crust. I have personal preferences for how creme brulee is served so I won't comment much on it. But I like durian and this one was finished quickly. Having gone thru the meal, gaining little understanding of the chef and the establishment; there are definitely a few dishes I'd want to go back for to try, and then making it for HH drink and dinner menu. making use of the yelp price system $$ - for a quick meal, but easily $$$ - if you enjoy eating Noise level actually was fine, despite how many people is on the dining room floor. I could hear my friend perfectly fine and this was at the bar side of the room. Parking is limited. If you're on a date, be romantic and find a nice place to walk from.
(4)
Andrea G.

Definitely a hidden jem. I wish the prices were a little lower, but the food quality reflects it. You really cant go wrong with anything on the menu, and I have tried most of it. If I had to complain, I would want a little more variety on the menu, and the restaurant itself is a bit small. but I come back over and over again, one of my favorites in the city
(5)
Lauren S.

Overall: Great place to hang out and have a drink. We didn't eat on this occasion, but everything smelled AMAZING! (my mouth was actually watering) We'll be back to eat. Drinks: One of the few places offering a list of sour beers - thumbs up! The bartender was also knowledgeable about the drinks on the menu and was a real wiz with a cocktail shaker! Had a hard time not staring while the bartenders were making all kinds of interesting looking drinks and pouring them into fancy glasses. The only con is parking -- but I've heard that's a Baltimore city-wide issue. We lucked out with a spot down the street, but parking really is bananas. Dare I say, it's worse than downtown Chicago?
(4)
Wendy M.

Fire codes have all been violated. Nestled in a quiet, residential neighborhood, Jack's is not the place you'd expect to be jam packed on a Sunday night - except it is. For this reason, reservations are not accepted except for parties of 5 or more. Good luck trying to get one anyway - I'm docking a star because these guys don't ever pick up their phone. Called about two days in a row in 2 hour intervals (except for when I ate, showered, and slept) and nobody picked up the phone. It also didn't help that they're closed on Wednesdays. When we got to the door, the hostess asked if we had a reservation. When we bitterly told her no, we didn't, she strategically placed us in the narrow doorway to block the safe exit of other patrons of the restaurant. It was also strategic because people were also trying to come in at the same time, resulting in a nice warm snuggly pungent man-sandwich, perfect in the cold winter months when the door is constantly being opened and people are pouring in and out (whether willingly or not - that was the question). We were seated in about 20 minutes at the bar, which conveniently was located next to some coat racks. I got the chocolate mac& cheese (duh), which was quite nicely sized for an appetizer and is large enough to share with someone else. The mac and cheese itself was quite interesting, and chocolate is a great touch to the classic mac. I can only describe the taste as interesting and delicious for me, although the juxtaposition of sweet and cheesy flavors may be a bit much for those of a different palate preference. I also got the salmon, which came done just right - the skin was richly flavored and crispy, the salmon meat itself was tender, flavorful, and juicy. I don't know how well it paired with the pineapple salsa with raspberry reduction/dressing, but it was a great way to get veggies since the salsa is made with pineapple, squash, and tomatoes. My boyfriend got the steak frites, and let me just say that the portions are very generous. He got a large portion of steak, and an even larger portion of fries. The fries were a little too salty, but each and every one was light and crispy, probably the best shoestring fries I've ever had. Unfortunately I will probably never be able to appreciate fast food fries ever again after that. Dessert followed, of course. I got the fried smore, which was nice simply because of what it is - smores are amazing, and anything fried is amazing, so when you fry a smore you raise amazing to the amazing-th power... But what really amazed me was the cherry ice cream with basalmic vinegar over a cookie. That was something I never thought would go together, but did. A scoop of simple cherry ice cream, topped with almonds and drizzled with basalmic vinegar. Sounds horrendous, right? But no, the sour vinegar brings out the subtle tartness of the cherries, and makes you fully appreciate the sweetness. The cookie at the bottom also isn't your regular sugar cookie - it's freshly baked and tailored to the dish itself. Rather than being a regular sickly sweet cookie, it instead focuses on being almost buttery and breadlike - thick, rich, soft, and the perfect companion to the experience of tart, tangy, and sour cherry before. It really is quite the culinary experience. Oh, and the chef here has won national awards. Heh, I'm really just trolling you guys, because the truth of the matter is that these things might not be on the menu anymore. Our hostess told us that they change the menu up every few weeks - so aside from the really popular items (i.e. chocolate mac & cheese), many of the menu items are quite whimsical and it really does give this place its very own charm. It can be a little pricey, and their PHONE IS NEVER ANSWERED (which is unacceptable for a place that is always packed and offers reservations with no other way to place them other than through phone), but definitely worth coming back time and time again to. It's a way to challenge your taste buds with combinations it's never even dreamed could go together. It's wacky, it's quirky, but it's charming and delicious.
(4)
Chris C.

Small and good. The chef is clearly free to put delicious wild cards out like dark chocolate Mac n cheese. Some may be offended that they only serve steaks to med-rare but I smile at the idea because they are good enough to pull it off. Don't like it? Don't go. More space for me.
(5)
Bob L.

When you walk into Jack's on a Saturday night you get smacked in the face with energy. Jack's Bistro is one of the places to be in Baltimore and it doesn't take much more than a single visit to know why. This past Saturday marked our sophomore visit to the little neighborhood hotspot and, as in our first visit, our jaded expectations were beaten up and shown the door. When you head over to Jack's around 7:30 on a Saturday night you should expect to run into a crowd. Entering the smallish space through the side door you're immediately thrown right into the mix. Claustrophobics need not apply. The waiting area is a closet that comfortably holds about 4 people in very close quarters. On busy weekend nights you have two choices while waiting for a seat to open up - the aforementioned closet or the space between the restroom doors. My only suggestion, aside from reservations (according to their website, for "large parties only"), is to order a drink and people watch. The time will pass quickly, trust me. One of the first things that struck me on this night was the staff. Jack's has one of the most professional, energetic, eclectic and well-trained hospitality teams in the city. Sure, the place was packed, but we were immediately greeted and given menus. Within 5 minutes of our arrival, we had drinks in hand (I went for the 21st Amendment Back in Black and my wife the mango mojito). Sure, we were crammed into the tiny holding space but we were treated as well as anyone in a seated position. One of the staff even kept an eye on two seats at the bar for us and as soon as a couple moved to a table they were ours. It was a beautiful orchestration. Since we had some time to peruse the menu beforehand we arrived at the bar ready to order. The app, a little thing called a Korean pancake. We were guardedly optimistic about this one. Imagine if you will - a soft, doughy rice pancake topped with perfectly cooked and seasoned shredded pork, fresh jalapeÃ±o circles, chopped cilantro, and drizzled with a sweet soy sauce. It was delicious. Now on to the mains - I ordered the Argentine steak and my wife went with the special of little neck clams and pasta. In what was certainly one of the most well-prepared meat dishes I've had in Baltimore, the Argentine steak arrived cooked a drool-inducing mid-rare, gently drizzled with a fresh cilantro chimichurri sauce and paired with a potato mÃ©lange (a fancy word meaning a bunch of different kinds). I could have eaten two of these steaks. The little neck clams special was essentially clams on a bed of pasta shells - about three servings of pasta shells - tossed with a fresh crushed tomato sauce. The pasta was cooked al dente and the 10 or so clams presented with shells agape their meaty insides ready for plucking. Not my thing but my wife enjoyed it. I went with the Route des Ã©pices (Spice route), a Belgian style rye peppercorn ale from the tap. Brewed by the Brasserie Dieu du Ciel in Saint-JÃ©rÃ´me, QC, it's spicy, earthy, and hoppy with just enough of the rye and peppercorn undertones to get your attention. It was a great compliment to my steak and the great glass goblet in which it was served helped to expand the experience well past simple beer. Dessert. Oh yeah, we had to go with dessert. There were three offerings on the menu this go 'round, fried smores, strawberry rum cake and, if memory serves, a chocolate chip pancake with some kind of peanut butter sauce. All three sounded awesome, but we were torn. Whenever this happens, ask those in the know, your servers. The choice was the strawberry rum cake. It arrived in a perfect two-person portion, topped with fresh sliced berries, house-made vanilla cream sauce and doused in bitey rum goodness. It reminded me of a cross between a bread pudding and a strawberry shortcake - with rum. We normally forego the fruity desserts in lieu of the chocolate ones, but we're glad we went server's choice that night. Yeah, Jack's is small, off the beaten path and oftentimes packed to bursting. But take those things and combine them with a stellar staff, warm crowd, and versatile chef who dares you to say "You can't do that!" and you've got one of the true gems of Baltimore. Jack's is romantic and trendy with just enough neighborhood bar feel to keep the pretention at bay. One of our favorites, for sure - Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Yes. P.S. Want something completely nuts? Try their durian (Google it) crÃ¨me brulee.
(4)
Kalvin K.

Made a reservation for 9 at 7:30pm on a Wed. Walked in, hostess said table was just about ready. Waited till 8:15. No real communication from anyone. Would've been longer if I hadn't apologetically asked two tables how long they'd be. One star because hostess/staff never even acknowledged the wait. Don't come if you have a large group or care about an accurate estimate of wait time.
(1)
Emmalee T.

We went on a Sunday night. Two apps, two entrees, 3 (4?) drinks. our server was awesome and it was busy in a Sunday which I think is always a good sign. food was impeccable.
(5)
Alice K.

Jacks is hands down our favorite restaurant! Amazing food and staff! They all work so hard and take pride in what they do, and it shows! Must haves- apps shrimp and garlic, poutine, and choc Mac and cheese. Entrees- burgers, lamb pasta, and either of their steak options. We have never had one bad thing! Thanks To Christie, Ted, Dave, and all of the amazing staff for making our nights out amazing!!!
(5)
Kevin K.

Overall: My Baltimore #1. A unique, insultingly cheap menu of simple ingredients that consistently stun as combined. Excellent alcohol, beer to cocktails. A staff that eats the menu regularly and knows it back to front. Jack's is gastro-pleasure on another level, doing it's own thing so very damn well. _________________________________ Ambiance: 4/5. Tucked in a Canton corner. Easy to miss. Hours aren't helpful and crowds flock suddenly, so arrive before dinner and share the buzz as it quickly fills. Bottleneck at the side entrance during a wait, but the decor, bathroom, and lighting is laid back, simple, unassuming. The three booths fill first, then the bar, then the dining room. Table angles provide intimacy. _________________________________ Service: 5/5. Bartenders throw out recommendations. Friendly, attentive servers are willing to play menu games, pick items, and decide food delivery order. Bartenders and servers are well-versed in the myriad of kitchens' cooking techniques. Food is done FAST yet I've never received a cold plate. You're helped as you walk in. Not as polished as Woodberry, but as hands-off. _________________________________ Drinks: 5/5. Balanced and unassuming. Here there is no deference to one form of alcohol, and this surpasses other restaurants easily as a result: - The beer list is easily better than any Baltimore restaurant of like-quality.The wine list is small but very solid. Mixed drinks are insane, 5-6 so far and none are less than great. Sargento Pimento, Flor de Hibiscus, and the jalepeno-infused chocolate bitters are all fantastic. _________________________________ Food: 5/5. The most complete and diverse menu I've seen in the city, and done through such cheap simplicity. There's so much genius in the pairings, the pure integration of flavors, the textural mastery. Worst to say is that each dish is so rich in flavor that you're bound to feel ultra full. (best to worst) 1) Smoked Tomato - Juicy texture, always fresh, still warm when it arrives. The smoked component sends the brain spinning before the fried feta screams contrast, itself a textural achievement of internal richness vs. delicate exterior. The garnish adds more attention. Perfect. I get one every time I go. 2) Guinness meat and grits - The steak in Guinness and jalapeno brown sauce is decadent, sweet, and lightly chewy when paired with the city's best, smoothest, most richly flavored grits. They melt in your mouth. I get them every time I go. 3) Filet Tartare w/ mushroom, soy, wanton - Tartare texture and flavor preserved amidst smokey soy. The light wanton are incredible, crunchy contrast and the saltiness enhances the soy. Amazing twist on tartare and a large improvement on their more traditional take. 4) Shrimp and Jicama, Grapefruit salad - Shrimp and grapefruit are wonderfully paired, texture and profile, and accompanied by a julienned jicama crunch lest you think the dish too flesh-textured. 5) Gnocchi with flowers - Incredibly delicate myriad of flavors, and all melt in your mouth. Salty and flavorful, balanced if slightly over-rich. Insanely edible. 6) Mac and Cheese and Chocolate - Invokes an earthy switch on expectations: chalky chocolate dryness allows the creamy texture and sweetness of the cheese to thrive. Perfect point-counterpoint. Could use a texture contrast as singularly creamy. 7) Filet Tartare with pita, bread - Awesome meat and incredibly light, no sauce or onion issues despite lacking egg or capers. Still a bit plain, and the pita doesn't provide the requisite crunch contrast. 8) Crispy Sous Vide Pork belly BBQ - Crispy, fatty, and falling apart, the pickled vegetables provide the crunchy contrast to highlight what sous vide does for meat. The spicing and veggie selection leaves it strongly Asian, but that may only make it more amazing. 9) Smoked Shishito Peppers - Had these at Churchkey in DC, where they were plain, boring. Here the soy yields tang, the crisp preserved, and the refreshing crunch aided by dressing. 10) Tuna Tartare - Creamy texture snaps with bright pineapple and grape. Lightly fishy in the finish, but makes up as delicately spicy. Appropriately balanced by the sweet squash crisp on top. Consistency a bit thick, but otherwise great. 11) Roasted Bone Marrow - one of the weaker restaurant marrows I've had, bloodier and spongier than the preferred butter-consistency. Served with pita, which is also a poor textural choice, and no side-salt or capers. But the light onion salad is a fantastic accompaniment, citric and acidic enough to cut the texture and richness, refreshing the palate each time. 12) Sous Vide Argentine Steak - Gamey prep, a bit tough, the chimichuri adds lightness to meal, highlights steak texture, and is amazingly bright. 13) Lamb Pasta - lamb flavor is hidden in sauce a bit but adds light earthy sauce, texture from pasta nice. Plain otherwise. See below for the rest.
(5)
Russ I.

Amazing place. Great everything. Never a disappointment. Highly recommended!
(5)
Jimmie P.

Loved the atmosphere, loved the service, absolutely LOVED the food. Definitely order Guinness braised filet mignon! Crab cake and lamb pasta were also delicious.
(5)
Matt A.

Hands down best restaurant in Baltimore City. Do yourself a favor and get the Guiness Filet w the Mac & Cheese - your head might explode!!!!! AMAZING!
(5)
Vardo N.

The service is superb; staff are knowledgeable, welcoming, helpful, and happy in their work. Ask questions about the food. Ask for advice. And they won't hover or blabber; they just show up when you want them whether you knew it before or not. Their smiles are genuine and their jokes are tasteful. The chefs have fun with the food and try new things. Food is delicious, fresh, and well-prepared. The menu is not huge, but has good range for many tastes, and there are always server-supplied specials, which have always been outstanding. Portions do not stint -- I've just had an appetizer and a drink and felt it was a decent light meal. Over half a dozen visits, and hot food always comes hot and cold food cold. Sure I've liked some things better than others, but nothing has ever been below average for this price point. It's a smallish bar/restaurant in a rowhouse, but we two always were seated, except for once when we ate at the bar. It was fine -- and the bartender was as great as the rest of the staff. The interior is medium darkish but well designed and decorated with a hip modern feel with splashes of charm and color. It can get a bit noisy. Jack's will cost a bit more, but it's worth it -- a great date place or take the folks to impress them with your culinary acumen. The neighborhood is reasonably safe and on street parking is generally easy to find.
(5)
Stephanie P.

It's rare to have a completely unimpeachable dining experience in Baltimore. Jack's delivers this. Ever since we finally made our way there last month, we find ourselves mentioning how we ought to go back to Jack's whenever we're at some other (inferior) restaurant. Their signature dish, the Guinness filet, is out of this world awesome: one of the best steaks I've ever had, and the first time in ages I've had a proper demi-glaze. I was delighted by the globe-sprawling ambitions of the menu and blown away by the masterful cocktails. Beware: you can easily drink half of your check here, and you will want to.
(5)
Maria S.

I found my new favorite restaurant in Baltimore!! I heard great things about this place and finally got to try it this weekend. I went with three other friends so we each ordered different entrees and shared. Sous Vide Argentine, Malaysian Laksa, Sous Vide Duck Breast and Steak Frites were all great. Duck was so tender and flavorful and so was the steak. All the steak dishes were cook median rare only, which were perfect. We shared the dessert, which included a scoop of ice cream, slides of strawberry and sandwiched by two pieces of cookies, and pineapple fries on the side (sorry for not remembering the name of this dessert). It was refreshing and not too creamy. The waitress was attentive and explained the menu patiently. The place is small and cozy. I would definitely go back and try other dishes for sure.
(5)
Emily T.

read the other reviews to hear about the food... it is amazing and one of my favorite places in the city. I really want to point out that people are super super nice here. Every time I walk in I feel at home somehow. other things: the beer selection is awesome, the mac and cheese with chocolate really is that good and the bodi-dal is out of the world long live jacks!!!!!
(5)
Adriana L.

We were driving past Baltimore on a Friday evening and were starving, so I Yelped a good place to eat and it took us to Jack's Bistro. What a lovely surprise. It's a tiny place, but with all kinds of costumers - people with small kids, families with grandma, out for a nice dinner, people on dates... I really liked the atmosphere of the restaurant. And the food, oh my, was out of this world. At the waitress recommendation, we shared a lamb plate as an appetizer (sorry, I don't remember the name; it's been over a month) and it was just perfect. It came with roasted vegetables and it was just to cry for - seasoned to perfection, cooked to perfection, prepared with love. It was delicious. Then I had two appetizers as my dinner (the beet salad and the mussels, which were served cold, with lemongrass, cilantro, and jalapenos, really awesome) and my husband had the Guinness meat and grits. We were both doing low-carb diets at the time so the grits were not supposed to be eaten until... I tried and I had to ask them to take the plate away, because I was about to eat the whole thing. Those were the best grits I ever had. Smoky, baconny, soft and comforting... Oh, so good! Those are grits made in heaven. We got into their mailing list and I can't wait for another opportunity to be around Baltimore and eat there again. Well done, guys!
(5)
Debjoy M.

Late night happy hour has died and gone to heaven. My sadness knows no bounds. Good thing the food still rocks, but its tougher without the rock bottom prices. I hope it comes back.
(4)
Michael M.

Amazing little place in Canton with an amazing menu. To many great things to say about the menu and the service. Didn't have any of the cocktails but from listening to the bartender he knew his isht and could make one helluva great drink. Will be coming back very soon!
(5)
Jarrod F.

You know the restaurant that All the cool kids love to talk about... The ones that the so called foodies think reign supreme because of the chocolate mac and cheese or picture worthy chacatuerie platter (or whatever its called)... Well jacks is one of those restaurants, or at least it claims to be, which made it that much more disappointing when I ate here with an old buddie of mine who wanted to tell me that he had happily decided to finally come out of the closet... What a joyous occasion and what better way to celebrate. We arrived at 7 and were seated in the back of jacks which is about 10 steps from the front (yes this place is that small). Our waitress rocked her way into my life for a good two hours and although she had great eyes, a beautiful smile and a fun personality.. Her recommendations weren't so hot. We started with some drinks and ordered two of the specials night-- a fish dish and an Arabian stew. Both were meager, overpriced, overthought, and overhyped... But hey we were hungry dudes and getting drunk, fast... So we ate both and licked out plates metaphorically speaking. For dessert we got the Indonesian pancakes. To be honest I've had better panckakes from bisquick. But hey it was all about the company that night. So my recommendation is,if you come here and i hope u dont just take my word for it... be sure to bring a fun friend and get drunk because the food may leave you hungry for more -- literally.
(2)
Kate T.

Love, love, love Jack's Bistro. Jack's Bistro is a hole-in-the-wall in Canton. Surrounded by rowhouses, Jack's Bistro can be hard to find at first. I went here with my parents and two friends this weekend and absolutely loved it. The atmosphere was really quaint and the service was really good. You could definitely tell that the waiter was excited to be there and talk about all his favorite dishes. Every night, they have specials. To start off, the appetizers were amazing. I saw the mac and cheese and chocolate and instantly ordered that. It was rich and gooey and warm and just incredible. My parents also got the hickory smoked whole tomato which had fried Greek feta cheese. Like the waiter described it, it tasted so hearty that you forgot you were eating a piece of meat. For dinner, in my family, we always do this thing where we all agree on the entrees and switch so you eat a little less than a 1/3 of each entree. My dad got the Guinness Braised Filet Mignon with jalapeno, gouda, and bacon grits. I'm normally not a grits person, but I really wanted to steal my dad's plate.
(5)
Angela G.

Went around 11PM and ordered: Poutine -Rating: 2/5 -Not really sure what everyone is raving about, perhaps I went on a night the dish was poorly executed. I received a fairly large dish lightly coated with gravy/glaze piled on top with a generous portion of super skinny fries and finally sprinkled with cheese curds. Although I did like the way the french fries were cut, I was unable to taste the gravy because there was so little of it. The cheese curd was also barely melted so with every bite I ended up with slim fries with a very small amount of gravy and a huge lump of cheese curd in my mouth. I've had poutine in Canada before which was absolutely delicious and it pained me to share with the rest of the table but the poutine I was served here was miles away from that. My boyfriend agreed that he thought the poutine was a disappointment as well, especially after we read all the other reviews for this establishment. Steak and Grits -Rating: 3.5/5 -I forgot the actual name of this dish but it had grits and strips of steak with a thick glaze that contains Guinness. I found the dish delicious. The pieces of steak were moist and you can definitely taste the Guinness in the gravy. At first, I thought the meat was too salty with the sauce, but there's balance once you eat it with the grits. Overall the dish was decent but not worth the price in my opinion. Chocolate Mac and Cheese -Rating: 4/5 -It was definitely the most surprising dish. Mac and Cheese and Chocolate? What? Two amazing comfort foods but would they go together? Turns out, it works. The cheese that's in the dish is very creamy and mellow. It's a white cheese (forgive me, not a cheese connoisseur). Anyway, the dark chocolate is sprinkled generously on top of the mac and cheese. The sweetness of the chocolate went really well with the slight saltiness of the cheese. I almost forgot it was mac and cheese on the bites that contained a lot of chocolate and my brain started registering it as a dessert dish. But as you move down the dish, away from all the chocolate on top, you can really appreciate how the two flavors meld together to make such an intriguing dish. It's daring and it works! Although most of the dishes I've tried were sub-par, I really loved the staff here. They were welcoming and helpful. Initially, I gave this restaurant 3 stars but then I bumped it up to 4 stars because of the staff. I would not mind coming back here to try out their other dishes.
(4)
Quynh T.

Quite an eclectic menu that is sure to make everyone in your party happy. We got there an we shared two plate of fries: the eggplant fries and truffle fries (or what we so affectionately dubbed "crack fries). I'm not a huge fan of eggplant, so I wasn't sold on the eggplant fries but man...those truffle fries. Sooooo good. They were skinny cut so the ratio of fried surface to soft potato was high just like I like it. And as for their entree..I had their version of steak and potatoes which was a wagyu and gnocchi combo. It was crazy rich. I'm like...90% sure they fried their gnocchi, and while I'm usually a purist when it comes to this kind of thing, it worked. It was fluffy and rich, which made their portion more than enough. Overall...it was good times, I'm just bummed that I didn't get a chance to try their bacon burger
(4)
Kojo B.

Wow, this place is really, really, good. Taking advantage of restaurant week, a group of friends and i visited this establishment last night. Now, as has been said the place is really small, kinda reminded me of Hamilton Tavern, but the central area is really small. Anyhow, we had a reservation so it didnt take long until we were seated. Drinks and our meals were taking promptly thereafter, what i liked about our seating arrangement was that we were right next to the kitchen. Seeing the chefs in action is just like a well oiled machine. Churning out food by the sec. Anyhow, on to the food, we all ordered off the restaurant week menu with a few adjustments and additions here and there. For my app, i ordered the grits and guinness fillet, I have never liked grits when i was a young boy growing up in Ghana and frankly have stayed clear of it. I decided to give it a shot, boy was it delicious the grits were creamy and the fillet was delicious. For my entree, the steak and frites was what i intended to go with, but the fact that they serve it only med-rare i became iffy about that. The waitress said i could add $8 and get the chefs signature fillet mignon obviously cooked to my specifications, i went with that along with fries for a $2 substitution. Yes my filet and frites/fries was excellent. People at my table ordered the same thing i ordered along with the lamb pasta. Everyone enjoyed their respective meals. For dessert we had the cheesecake, not too sweet and delicious. The hostess, who did a wonderful job said if you place an order for pickup it is 25% off, guess which guy will be doing that next time. All in all a fantastic eating experience nom nom.
(5)
Keith W.

I was really disappointed that Jack's did not wow me after all of the great reviews I have heard from friends and even read online. I ordered the Rockfish which was a special for the night. The fish was well cooked and flavored and it was served on a bed of mushrooms and green beans. The meal was not big enough to really be a meal and I left dinner a bit hungry. Drinks were overpriced but they did have a nice selection of beers.
(3)
Sean G.

We had a wonderful dinner at Jacks on Saturday evening. Based on a recommendation from the stylist at XXX, we decided to check out the "crazy food place" and we weren't disappointed. Although I wasn't brave enough to try the chocolate Mac n Cheese, I did have the sous vide Argentinian steak, which was a perfect medium rare. My wife had the filet mignon, which was served with a rich sauce that complemented the flavor of the steak very nicely. Our waitress was super friendly, knew the menu backwards and forwards, and was super attentive without being in our faces. The restaurant itself is more like a bar, but the noise level was low, and the tables, although close together, did not feel crowded. The decor was a little odd; prints by Shag (a favorite artist of mine) but no other nods to mid-century modern or cocktail culture. Not at all tacky, just slightly out of place.
(4)
Bryan T.

We've been here a few times and it is always AMAZING. Great dishes from around the world and top notch service. If you live anywhere close, you have to try it.
(5)
Vicky D.

Tiny, hole-in-the-wall place in Canton that serves great food. Went here for restaurant week and tried a lot of their popular items like the chocolate mac 'n cheese, which was good but really rich. I had a crabcake which was served bento-style, pretty good but not the best crabcake I've ever had. I would definitely come here again and not during restaurant week so that I can try other things on their menu. Oh and I had the sangria which was only ok.
(4)
Looti H.

Creative menu with a few Sous Vide dishes. Sous Vide duck and Argentina Steak were really good. I also tried sous vide lamb but the sauce was a little bit salty. Overall a good place to hang out
(4)
Cory C.

This place was great, the food was terrific, there is parking (it's a rowhome, so that's a huge +). The place is incredibly small though so be prepared to make a reservation or wait at the bar for a good while.
(4)
Marti E.

This place is great. Must try the Mac and cheese with dark chocolate, it's so delicious. The bf had sous vide duck breast, which he claims was cooked perfectly. It wasn't too busy when we went, and the service was very good. Drinks were also delicious, very unique mixes along with classics. It's located off the beaten path, but don't let that deter you from trying this place!
(5)
Jaime L.

One of the best places I've ever had the pleasure of dining. The chocolate mac and cheese was incredible. The Malaysian Laksa is probably the best thing I've ever eaten. The service was great. It's packed with locals, which is a good thing.
(5)
Dan A.

Came here on a Thursday night having heard good things about this place. The restaurant was a lot smaller than I had expected (i thought it was actually quite quaint) but they still served good food. My friend and I actually came with the idea of trying the $20 two-course beer tasting menu that is available on Thursday night. However, after looking at the menu offerings, we decided that we'd rather just order off the main menu this time around. We started off with an oyster appetizer (sorry forgot the actual name of the dish). Although it wasn't quite what I expected, the dish (a small ramekin of oysters in a seaweed/garlic soup) was actually quite good and had a good amount of complexity of flavors. It was on the small side but I would not hesitate to order this again. For entrees, I picked the ground bacon BLT burger with poutine fries while my friend ordered pork and beans. The ground bacon burger was quite interesting. I did not know that bacon could be so tender... and while I'm not a super big fan of BLT sandwiches in general, the tenderness and beef-patty-likeness of this particular burger worked. However, it did tend to be a little heavy and salty, especially as you get closer to finishing the burger. Nonetheless, I'd order it again. The poutine side was a bit on the salty side but can be paired perfectly with a slightly hoppy pale ale. I forgot the specific beer I ordered but I'd assume any similar slightly hoppy pale ale would work well. Even my friend, who isn't much of a beer drinker, loved the combo. If the BLT burger and poutine was glorified bar food (i say this in a good way), the pork and beans dish was its exact opposite--a thoroughly modern, well-presented dish that would have been right at home at a some of Baltimore's trendier or fancier restaurants. The pork was extremely tender and flavorful. The baked beans were not what my friend and I expected in that we expected the traditional baked beans while these were tomato-based (think Italian food) with a good kick coming from the spicy sausage inside. A very solid dish! For dessert, we ordered the strawberry rum cake bread pudding and the durian creme brulee. The rum cake bread pudding was decadent and really good. As for the durian creme brulee... I wasn't a big fan. It wasn't the flavor of the durian that threw me off, it was the texture of the creme brulee, which was more closer to say ricotta cheese than your traditional creme brulee. I'll admit I did order it more for the novelty... and now that I did, I don't think I'd order it again. We finished off the desserts with a glass of Justin "Obtuse" Port which was really good, albeit a bit pricey. But did I mention it was really good? haha. Overall, we had a good time. The waiter was very kind and helpful and the food was excellent. The drink selection was pretty solid as well. Personally, while I wouldn't exactly go out of my way to come here, I'd have no problems with going back. But it definitely is worth at least one (or more) visits! It's a very good restaurant choice in Baltimore.
(4)
H G.

Great restaurant to bring out-of-towners. Unique food, recommendations or call ahead is recommended especially with the size of the restaurant. Cocktails are nicely done and the service is great. Overall food is fantastic. Poutine fries are one of my favorites, can't go wrong with cheese, gravy and fries. The Hickory Smoked Tomato is light, fresh and delicious. Guinness Braised Filet Mignon is tender and the flavor has a lot of body. Late night happy hour is the best.
(4)
Jen H.

Jack's Bistro is one of my favorite restaurants in Baltimore! It is a total neighborhood gem- tucked away in a largely residential area of Canton. Beware- their menu is very eclectic and seems to have a huge Asian influence. At one point they had durian creme brulee (sad to admit I didn't get to try it before they removed it from their menu- probably from the notorious durian stinky odor). There are a couple of reasons why I love Jack's Bistro: 1) They have a pretty extensive beer selection and a unique mixed drink list (i.e. cocktail with bubble tea/boba) 2) Their food is unique and stands out from other restaurants in Baltimore. Some of my favorites include the Lamb Pasta and Sous Vide dishes (I have tried their steak), Guinness meat and grits. In terms of dessert, their Fried S'more dessert is fabulous (even for me, someone who doesn't typically like Chocolate). I also highly recommend their Indonesian pancake dessert (it's usually a special) 3) Their specials- on Sundays you can choose among 3 dishes off their entrees for only $12 (normally around $20) if you sit at the bar! Definitely worth trying!! :)
(5)
Kara W.

Definitely a hidden gem! I've wanted to visit for a while to try the bacon burger to scratch it off of my bucket list. Unfortunately, due to dietary restrictions, I had to "settle" for the Poutine, Smoked Gouda and Bacon Grits, Lamb Pasta, and the Shrimp and Edamame Risotto. The Poutine- French fries with demi glace, cheese curds, and foie gras sauce. I've seriously thought about visiting Quebec to try this. Thanks to Jack's, I don't have to dust off my passport. If someone ever told me that I'd be a fan of fries with cheese and gravy, I would have looked at them like they had five arms. But, the shoe string style fries make this dish less heavy than I thought it would be. I'd go back just to get these and a cold beer. Smoked Gouda and Bacon Grits with Jalapeno- less like gritty grits and more like a warm velvety pudding. So buttery and smooth. They make an appetizer that includes sliced braised filet mignon that I simply must try the next time I visit. Lamb Pasta- ground Colorado lamb, plum tomato sauce, rosemary, thyme, basil and Parmesan cheese over linguine. Apparently, lambs in Colorado are succulent as heck! Definitely tastier than Baltimore lambs. Shrimp and Edamame Risotto- with green onions and olive oil. I love risotto, but sometimes the creaminess and saltiness can be a bit much. This had an olive oil base, so it was much lighter and smoother than any other risotto that I had ever had. Too bad this was a special and not a menu staple. The food was cooked to order. Service was remarkable. Our server was very attentive and pleasant. If I had one gripe, it would be the Fried Smore's dessert- graham cracker encrusted chocolate marshmallow cookie, smothered with chocolate sauce and served with chocolate cake batter ice cream. You get two fried Smore's with a scoop of ice cream between them, so if you are dining with someone who does not order dessert, he/she will automatically assume that you will share your dessert. Not cool! In fact, he/she will almost demand it! It happened to me. Don't let it happen to you...
(4)
Kara R.

Macaroni and Cheese with Chocolate!
(5)
Victoria W.

Well, hello there, 5 star restaurant in Baltimore!! I've been waiting for you! First, the only negative, is that this truly is a bistro-sized place. The bar stools are very close to the tables, it's a little tight, but I didn't mind. Chocolate Mac and cheese that everyone talks about is definitely good. It's different and tasty. I probably wouldn't get it again just bc it's so rich, but it was very good. Drinks- well, let me tell you, the bar tenders here are fabulous. Yes, fabulous. I had a few house made cocktails with a house made purÃ©e, tequilla, house made ginger beer... Delicious, honestly amazing. Entrees- I had lamb pasta... Definitely a winner. Lots of ground lamb and tasty pasta with Parmesan and not an overwhelming amount of sauce. Very, very good. Friend had chicken curry dish and she liked it very much. Almost forgot the peanut butter jelly shots! Try them! So yummy! Total bill was about 80 bucks! What a great deal! I'll definitely be back!
(5)
Todd N.

Very interesting dishes and the staff is very good. Does not take reservations and can have waits. I recommend any of the steaks.
(5)
Sam S.

This is one of my favorite restaurants to eat in the bar. They have 2 happy hours every day 5-7 and 11-1. Until I moved, I was in here once a weekend for their late night happy hour. Jamie, the bartender is fantastico! Be a big brave dog and get the BLT burger. It is a ground bacon burger. HOW DO YOU GO WRONG WITH THAT. I know, all the reviews talk about this burger... what they dont talk about is the fries you get with it, perfectly cooked and seasoned shoestring fries that come with a creamy horseradish dipping sauce. On nights I cant handle the bacon burger, I get a salad and a side of fries, why, because I can! :) They have great, original and fun deserts, usually a homemade icecream and cookie combo. Also the drink menu is fun, and the draught beer list is GREAT! They have a signature peanut butter and jelly shot that should not be missed! This is one of the main reasons I miss living in the city!!!!
(5)
Kevin G.

Excellent dinner! Steak was excellent, the smoked gouda grits were off the chain, and the fried s'mores topped the night. Then the peanut butter and jelly shots really topped the night off. Get there before 7 to avoid the rush ! We will return soon !
(4)
J. M.

Tried out the late-night menu and the steak frites were more than adequate. Very good service and a rather tasty meal. Imagine that it's definitely worth exploring the full menu and would recommend that folks do so.
(4)
Danielle J.

Loved this place!! Our server was nice, she was patient when I forgot my ID and 2 out of 3 of us went back to my friend's place to get it! For such a small restaurant they have a great selection of beers!! Had to have the chocolate mac n cheese! It was really good, but I think the cheese could use a little more oomph. I mostly tasted the chocolate. My friend had the duck sous-vide entree, which was good, but the winner for sure was the Argentine steak! Juicy, tender and that green sauce is SOOOO DELICIOUS! I definitely want to try the ground bacon burger and smores dessert next time!
(4)
Megan H.

My husband and I have been going to Jack's for the past 5 years and have never been disappointed. We went last Friday to celebrate our anniversary and started right at 5pm to catch the half price wine bottle feature from 5-6pm each day. Our server was Adam and while admitting that he was still somewhat new, gave perfect recommendations on the whole meal. We ordered the filet tartare special for an appetizer (if it ever gets back on the menu - order it!) and our go-to poutine. My husband always gets the Guiness-braised filet but opted with the lamb loin special and was extremely pleased with his choice. I opted for the lamb pasta as it was a cold and rainy evening and it provided that comfort food feeling I was craving that night. We always end the evening with the fried s'mores and linger to enjoy the last bits of wine. Jack's might get crowded as the evening wears on, but Adam never pushed us to leave and was extremely patient with us while we waited on some friends. We love how the chef consistently changes the specials and how the wine selection never disappoints. We can't wait to enjoy the late night menu this weekend after our friends' wedding!
(5)
Parry B.

SMALL PLACE WITH A BIG SURPRISE INSIDE! DECOR: The place is very narrow and small that can sit 10 people at the bar counter and 6-8 more inside. It's a clean restaurant. FOOD: We ordered the Sous Vide Argentine Steak (entree) and Fried S'mores (dessert) and both were delicious. The quantity was enough for the 2 of us. The steak was perfectly cooked with very unique flavors and the ice-cream was very innovative. SERVICE: 15-20 minutes to serve from the time ordered. The waitress was friendly and polite. PRICE: It's not an inexpensive restaurant (avg $20-25 per person) but it's worth every penny.
(4)
Nancy L.

I hate to write this review because I really love Jack's Bistro. Its always been a favorite of ours, but it slipped off our list recently. The service is always friendly, efficient and warm, but the food disappointed for the first time EVER. I had my usual favorite--the bistro crab cake, and it was actually mushy on the inside, and wasn't nearly as delicious as I remember it. My husband had the sous vide halibut. Sadly, it lacked flavor. The fried s'mores were a hit as they always were, and we did start with a wonderful shrimp appetizer that I didn't recognize from earlier visits--served with pita, it was delicious. We also found it odd that my husband couldn't sample a beer (on tap) that the bartender recommended to go with his meal. There's also a sign saying you can't sample wine as well. Wine I can understand a bit more, given you have to open a bottle, but a beer on tap? Odd. This is actually a place where we take out of town guests, but I'm not so sure it will be our go to place any longer. I did read that since opening Of Love and Regret in Canton, the head chef is only at Jack's on Fridays and Saturdays. Perhaps that's the reason? Not sure, but I think it may be some time before we go back, and we'll be sure to go on a Fri or Sat.
(3)
Grace C.

A lovely bistro with great food and good service. It's a classy, comfortable and friendly place. If you come later in the evening on a weekend night there's usually a wait, but it's well worth it for some of the best food in canton. I always get the Argentine steak, poutine fries, mac and cheese with chocolate!
(4)
Elizabeth J.

My husband and I were looking for a quiet place to grab dinner after having a cocktail at the Fork & Wrench. He was tired and had a headache so we were looking for something quiet and cozy. When we arrived we were offered a small table near the bathroom and my husband quickly shook his head and walked out. I followed him out and the hostess followed us and promised to find us a nice quiet spot. She was super friendly and seated us at the bar until a booth was ready (about 5 min). While it was still too noisy for someone not feeling well, it wasn't overwhelming. Nearly every restaurant and bar in the open, row house layout it pretty noisy in Baltimore. The booths in the front bar area did offer a bit of respite from the crowd. Our waitress was friendly and attentive and had good recommendations. My husband ordered a Jack's House Made Tonic, which was ok, but nothing too exciting. We each had a glass of the Montepulciano, which is one of our favorites ordinarily, but this particular selection wasn't very exciting. We split the roasted beet salad which was both delicious and substantial. This salad had ricotta cheese in place of the more standard goat cheese offerings in Baltimore. We both enjoyed the salad very much. We also split the Sous Vide Argentine Steak, which was flavorful, delicious and perfectly cooked. It came with a bit of Broccolini and some tasty sun dried tomato mashed potatoes, which could not have been healthy but were wonderful for dunking my steak in. We enjoyed our meal, nothing spectacular, but a good experience and good food for the price.
(3)
Philip H.

My wife and I love this place. We have decided this is our residential anniversary location. We come here as often as possible. The menu, for being a smaller place, is pretty abundant. They also have several local beers on tap. It can be very very crowded at peak times. Make sure you have reservations and enjoy the delicious apps while waiting for your entree
(5)
James K.

The menu gets 5 starts but everything else was less than stellar. The service was strange and inconsiderate, the waiter was not that serviceable and seemed to have ulterior motives in serving us. The vegetarian special was a joke and essentially a small collection of multiple dishes found elsewhere on the menu--what I would call a leftover's Sunday dish. If vegetarian, just go for the regular lentils dish, you're wasting your time otherwise.
(3)
Claude K.

Charming little casual spot. Friendly Staff. Good variety and portions. Felt like I could pop in and have a burger and a beer as much as I'd enjoy a date here. It was busy for sure, and our server seemed a bit short with us for a moment, but was helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. The smoked tomato was awesome. I'd say the chocolate mac n cheese is worth a try, but I would recommend getting the chocolate on the side in order to add as you please. My girlfriend and I got the Moroccan shrimp and the duck cassoulet. Nothing spectacular here, but it was very good nonetheless and I really couldn't complain. The menu was fairly original. It was definitely difficult for me to choose between a couple of the burgers, and the cassoulet which I eventually settled for. I loved seeing through to the kitchen from where I sat in the dining room, as there was an expo window between the two. I'll most likely come back here another time. Like I said, it's casual enough to enjoy with a friend for happy hour, but charming enough to please on a date.
(3)
Chaka H.

I absolutely LOVE this place! It's a quaint establishment with a cozy, yet classy, feel. The first time I visited, I ordered the Spanish Shrimp and Garlic... and it is AMAZINGLY delicious!! I was astounded by the flavoring of the sauce and the fact that the pita bread was warm. One word: YUM! I also ordered the crab cake, because as a newbie to Baltimore, I feel and believe in my heart and soul that any restaurant that serves crab cakes needs to BRING IT! Well... they brought it, and then some!! My first experience was such a positive one, that I had to bring my boyfriend for another round. The drinks were fantastic- eggnog martini--- what?!!? And I also had a chance to try the the pork ribs, which were a bit spicy-- soy sauce flavor.... YUM again! I'll definitely be going back! I'd like to actually make this a regular thing, they have TVs to watch football.... so every time I'm there, I feel like I'm WINNING.
(5)
Julia E.

Chocolate Mac & cheese!! My two favorite gluttonous things combined into one dish. Absolutely can't go wrong. Really cool place, not overpriced. They experiment with the flavors and always win. Definitely go!
(5)
Judy C.

After living in Baltimore for 4 years, I finally made it to Jack's Bistro! Came here on a busy Friday night (around 7:30ish), but we were able to get a table pretty quickly. Pretty small bistro, so it has a very cozy ambiance feel to the place. My one friend got the "German prix-fixe menu for $30." Pork shank, beer/cheese soup, and weiner schnitzel. He said all 3 were decent but probably not worth $30 for the meal. Other friend got the consistently-raved-about chocolate mac-and-cheese. That was good! Perfect comfort food: sweet, salty, creamy, and heavy! I then got the sous vide steak frites with eggplant fries. The meat, of course, was incredibly juicy, and it was great! I like the eggplant fries a lot! Consistency like french fries but healthier (taken aside the 'fried' part, hehe!). Ended our meal with the red velvet sundae. That hit the spot for me. Red velvet ice cream (I guess they put red food coloring on chocolate ice cream?!?) with pound cake and cream cheese frosting. Yummmmm!!! Definitely a place to check out for those foodies out there! I'd certainly go back.
(4)
Josh A.

Watch Food Network like it's your religion? Then this is place for you. Jack's Bistro is a foodie's dream, and is one of the few restaurants in town that offers sous vide dishes. The decor is retro-modern and cool. You'll love the artwork, but the food is the real star here. The menu is incredibly inventive and unlike any other in Baltimore. Where else can you start with a mac&cheese complete with smoked cheese sauce and shaved dark chocolate? It's surprisingly delicious! Last time I was there I got the oysters baked in seaweed, and it was like taking a bite of the ocean: perfection! The entrees are just as interesting and everything I've had there has been amazing. The Argentine Steak is especially good, but you really can't go wrong here. The desserts are just as inventive and yummy as the rest of the menu. The fried smores is ridiculously decadent and delicious. They also have a fantastic beer list and a full bar. The menu changes often though, so keep coming back! One word of warning: the space is small and they don't take reservations, so go early and be prepared to wait. It's worth it. And here's one more tip: get on their mailing list. They have great specials and events.
(5)
Kara W.

I went to Jack's Bistro this weekend for Restaurant week with my husband and two friends. We walked in at about 9:15 and had a 20 mintue wait for a table. Jack's Bistro is set up in a converted rowhouse, so it's cozy inside (read: tables were pretty close together in the back). The restaurant week menu was basically a sample of their everday dinner menu. I started with the Guinness meats and grits which was awesome. The strips of filet were prepared nicely with an almost tangy sauce. The grits had bits of jalepeno and bacon in them and complemented the meats well. For my main course I had the Lamb Pasta - not bad but I'm not sure I would order it again. It was a large portion and I took half home. For dessert I ordered the Fried Smore and I would definitely get that again. It was basically a deep fried marshmallow with chocolate ice cream. It was a good serving size - I ate it all without feeling like I was going to explode. All in all, I'd definitely come back! Maybe not so late, we were there until 10:45.
(4)
Albert H.

Excellent menu and service! ...Jack's is definitely a place everyone should stop into. I can't believe I didn't know about this place before! Food is fantastic! ...and they introduce new items on a regular basis. Their beer selection is great as well, have a large selection of bottled beers and a rather small selection of drafts but they regularly rotate them so that there's new beers on draft all the time.
(5)
Spencer B.

Just amazing. The service was incredible. The food was great. The servers know their wine inside and out. Feels like a true neighborhood eatery. Very casual atmosphere but the food is smart and satisfying. Worth every penny! Also, if you try and go a bit earlier than you normally would (say 5:30pm) wine by the bottle is 1/2 price.
(5)
Bill B.

This place has amazing food. The Argentine Steak was cooked to perfection. The steak had amazing flavor and melted in your mouth. I have yet to have a dish that is not great quality here. The servers are down to earth and helpful. My only gripe about this place is that they charge entirely too much for their drinks. A bottle of Flying Dog for $6? A six pack is $9 at the store.
(5)
Miles B.

Awesome food and good drink selection too.
(5)
Jeffrey G.

Special evening. Crab cake as an appetizer. Steak Frites and truffle fries. Great staff to make recommendations. And many fun people to chat with at bar.
(5)
Christopher W.

This is a place that is perfect for Baltimore Restaurant week. Why? because the highlight of this place is the chocolate Mac and Cheese. You normally don't go to a restaurant for just an appetizer, but because of the mechanics of restaurant week, you get the mac and cheese and a decent dinner for just the right price. **Warning for Restaurant Week** Please PLEASE do not try and expect a table without a reservation. You will get burned so hard. Parking is hit or miss, as it is all street parking and no Valet.
(4)
Dale B.

I'm new to exploring the Canton area of Baltimore but there's one restaurant that sticks out like a sore thumb while running a Yelp search, and it's Jack's Bistro. It's tucked away on an inconspicuous street corner, you'd never know it was there without beautiful ol' technology. Everything we ate here was groundbreakingly phenomenal. We started with the Korean Pancake. The textures and flavors were completely palette pleasing. I ordered the G&T cocktail. They make their own tonic water and even added real juniper berries, turning this seemingly simple cocktail into an exotic adventure. I had the duck, my wife ordered the restaurant's signature dish, the Guinness braised filet mignon. We didn't speak as we scarfed it all down. For dessert (because after that performance, ya gotta order dessert) we opted for the fried s'mores. Incredible. This restaurant hit a grand slam from the appetizers, to the drinks, to the entrees, to the dessert. They do it all right, and you can't afford to pass it up.
(5)
Jeffrey S.

Not gonna lie, I was very disappointed with Jack's Bistro. I was in the Baltimore area with the gf and we decided to check yelp to find a nice place to eat. One of the top spots on the list was Jack's Bistro. Upon entering the restaurant that day, I was overpowered with an extremely sour sort of smell. Immediately I started questioning if I was at the right place. Nonetheless, we got seated. Unfortunate to us, we were seated in a tight corner at the end of the restaurant pretty much touching an exit door. The menu had some pretty neat items on it. The server did a good job describing the items on the menu. The presentation of the food as it came out was actually pretty darn good too. I got the Moroccan chicken while the gf got the Malaysian Laksa. We both split a Mac + Cheese + Chocolate appetizer. It was pretty cool to get a chocolate mac and cheese, but the taste really isn't for us. The Moroccan chicken wasn't too bad, but the gf didn't care for the Laksa. She felt hers was a bit too strong. Upon finishing our meal, it took the server over a half an hour to visit the table (likely because we were stuffed in the back corner of the restaurant and forgot about) Overall. very disappointed. When you spend around $25 for a meal, you expect so much more. There are a ton of positive reviews out for this place. We may have been just really unlucky, I don't know. What I do know is I won't return.
(1)
Beata K.

Came here for restaurant week and as expected there was a wait but it wasn't too bad...about 35 min to sit at the bar. The atmosphere is great, it's very small and cozy and its loud and chatty and makes you feel comfortable. The staff and service was great. Everyone explained the menu very well and suggested great drinks and to my surprise the food came our very fast (guessing most of it is premade). Onto the food/drinks. We got the chocolate mac and cheese which wasn't as great as everyone says it was...it wasn't cheesy enough and the flavor was interesting. The mussels were great and the jalapeÃ±o sauce they came in was fantastic. The Guinness filet was extremely tender, cut like butter and was cooked to perfection. What really sealed the deal was the sauce it came in and the bacon grits. The bodhi dal was not impressive and far from Indian restaurant quality. Both the fried smores and lime cheesecake were drool worthy. Drinks: jacks muel is fantastic and actually tastes like ginger, wow. Overall it was a great experience but there were defiantly not enough vegetarian options.
(4)
John F.

Wow - finally an absolutely awesome spot in bmore! We went for restaurant week based on a recommendation... and were blown away. We had the Mac&Cheese w/ chocolate... interesting. Then the mussels - super spicy, but delicious and so fresh. After that, the laksa and the teres major steak. The Laksa was definitely the favorite of the evening... amazing flavors. Almost a udon noodle dish, but different. The steak was extremely tender and so well prepared. While it was impressive... it's just steak - without any crazy amazing flavors. We ended the night with the toasted smores and the grilled pineapple. Can understand why the smores are a dish their known for, but it is on the heavier side. The pineapple was very light and refreshing, with great flavors. We'll be back to Jack's - no doubt.
(4)
Molly H.

Jack's does not disappoint! Every time I go their food is delicious, inventive, and perfectly portioned. Today my boyfriend and I went for a mid-week dinner date. We started with the chocolate Mac n cheese (obviously) and then he got the Guinness braised filet, which he says is the best. I tried their newspaper salmon, which is new as of a week or two ago. It was one of the best dishes I've ever had! Salmon was perfectly cooked and seasoned and came with a corn, tomato and crab salad. It was so delicious and satisfying. I highly recommend!
(5)
Susanna W.

The food here is so good! It's very decadent and definitely and indulgence. The chocolate Mac and cheese was delicious! We also got the PB&J shots which were pretty good. The atmosphere itself is kind of dark and cozy, with mostly booth seating in the bar area.
(5)
Noah C.

Every time I come here I am impressed. I could argue that, from my experience, this is the best chef in Baltimore. The dishes are exciting, innovative, and delicious. And even more importantly, everything is perfectly prepared. My only quibble is that the wine by the glass that I had tonight was only ok.
(5)
Jenny B.

If someone asked me what my favorite restaurant in Baltimore is, I would have to go with Jack's Bistro. I came here for restaurant week a couple months ago and had a deeeeelicious dinner! Restaurant week can be pretty overwhelming because there are so many options and not enough time/money, so I made a spreadsheet to help me decide which places to go to and at the top of that list was Jack's Bistro. What I loved about the menu is that it is so eclectic - it is not limited to any particular cuisine. No matter what you are craving you will definitely find something on the menu to suit your fancy. Our waitress told us that the chef travels all around the world to try different cuisines and dishes and uses that as inspiration to create a unique and exciting menu. I had heard about their Chocolate Mac & Cheese, which sounds like a weird combination but was as awesome as I had read from the reviews of my fellow yelpers. The creamy and velvety texture of the cheese melded together with the dark chocolate niblets in a sea of pasta perfection. I could have just eaten chocolate mac & cheese for my entire dinner. It was so good I tried to recreate it myself, but it did not turn out the same so I will be coming back soon! In addition to their Chocolate Mac & Cheese, Jack's Bistro is also famous for their Spicy Somboon New Zealand Style Mussels and Guinness Braised Filet Mignon. Their mussels were tender and seasoned well but not really spicy. I did not try the filet mignon but my friends who got it enjoyed it. For dessert, I opted for the apple tart which was good as well. Out of all of the restaurants that I went to for restaurant week (which is a lot), Jack's Bistro was by far my favorite!
(5)
Kaylee H.

As an update to my previous review: My most recent visit to Jack's was more disappointing than my previous ones. This time, every dish across the board that I and 3 other people ordered was extremely salty. We had many of the same apps and entrees that we had on previous occasions, any nothing changed on the dishes except the salt level. It was quite disappointing because everything was so salty that it was hard to finish the meal. Perhaps the kitchen changed the brand/kind or salt, or maybe the chefs were having an off day. I've never had this problem at Jack's before. The service was great, and the drinks were on point as usual.
(3)
GT W.

An amazing food experience a couple of blocks from Stillwater's Of Love & Regret. The chef here used to create the menu for OLAR. Insane food choices like sous vide pork belly, Guinness reduction filet mignon with grits, smoked tomato with fried feta cheese. These are some of the unreal things our group of six enjoyed. We shared about 6 appetizers and two entrees. For beer, they have a small but rotating list of decent craft-only beer with Union Craft, Ommegang, Leipzeiger Gose, Weyerbacher, Aecht Schlenkerla, etc. You can order small pours of anything on tap. Service was insane. Food was insane. Beer very good. Actually they have quite the extensive bottle list. In summary, a culinary genius as head chef and a solid beer list. Probably more impressive are their mixed drinks, which probably change daily. Bartenders are pros. I loved it. For what you get, prices are very reasonable. Not a break the bank type of place by any means.
(5)
Rosa L.

Jacks bistro seemed appealing , small, intimate it was a bit loud on the night we went. The menu seemed decadent and had a lot of exquisite choice. We started off with the poutine, which was delicious. Needed more gravy but still amazing. Then ordered the Malaysian laksa and bodhi Dali. The laksa, well was way too salty and the noodles were too starchy. That taste that just sort of coats your mouth. It was hard to get past that and all the salt. The Dali lentils were still a bit hard and were missing some flavor. Overall it seemed like the menu was more enticing then the actual food. The flavors were missing and food didn't seem cooked properly. The only good part of my dish was the pita. That was soft and delicious. After much rave and great reviews I wouldn't return here sadly. The food was flat, much to my dismay as they do have a great concept!
(3)
Katy P.

I have been meaning to go to Jack's for the legendary chocolate mac & cheese since they opened, but every time Restaurant Week rolls around, we always end up picking somewhere else, and it's never somewhere we think about any other time. NO MORE. This place is now going in to our regular rotation. I am sure everyone's already covered this, but the chocolate mac & cheese should be a mandatory order. I would never dream up this recipe (despite chocolate and cheese being two of my top three favorite foods), but it's incredible. The chocolate is not too sweet, the cheese is super light and slightly sharp to balance the chocolate out, and the pasta is cooked to perfection. The chocolate on top gets slightly melty without being disgusting looking when it mingles with the cheese.... I don't know how this dish came to be, but it's Nobel Prize worthy, in my humble opinion. The Thai mussels are also great. They come pre-shucked, so no shells to deal with, and no empty shells (a top peeve of mine). The only regret is that without any dipping bread, the phenomenal sauce gets left on the plate! Give me some carbs to dip in the remaining sauce please!!!! The lamb pasta was the only miss of the evening, but nothing compares to the lamb tagliatelle at Bottega, so I don't know why I ordered it to begin with. Fried s'mores dessert was the perfect cap to the evening. I can't describe it in a way that will do it justice. Just go to the gym for a few hours, then get yourself to Jack's ASAP. As far as atmosphere goes, it's a perfect Baltimore spot. Not pretentious. Feels like someone's living room. Only complaint is that they've got a lot of rules on the menu. It's fair that they set expectations as far as wine/beer sampling, meat temp, upcharge for filet during restaurant week, etc. so that there's no questions about how dinner will go, but it's a little off-putting when you feel like you're getting a lecture from a menu. I could also dig one or two more reasonably priced wines, but it's worth the splurge to head here for dinner, regardless.
(5)
Dave S.

This is a rather small, unassuming place. We were lucky to be seated without a reservation. Our server was wonderful -- knowledgeable of both the bar and the menu. Our cocktails were excellent, as was the Korean pancake that we shared as an appetizer. I ordered a medium rare filet that was the best I've had in several years. The sauce was extraordinary. Unfortunately, my partner's duck entree was overcooked and bland. That's what keeps this from being a 5-star review. All in all, we'll definitely try it again. There's a lot to like about Jack's.
(4)
Mallory S.

Went to jack's bistro for Baltimore February 2015 restaurant week and had a great experience. Their speciality is the "chocolate Mac and cheese" which is exactly how it sounds. A mild cheesed Mac and cheese with coco powder on the top. You have to just let yourself know that you're eating chocolate Mac and cheese and roll with it. It's delicious but definitely not something you could eat everyday. I also had the steak with chimmichuri sauce which was cooked perfectly. It came with some crunchy French green beans. Dessert was their signature fried s'mores. Delicious but not what I was expecting. It was basically a tempura ball filled with a marshmallow and covered in hot chocolate sauce. I had the nine inch nail for my cocktail. Perfect whiskey drink but pretty small for the $10 price. All in all this place is delicious and I'll be going back! As long as I can get seated since they don't take reservations.
(4)
Elliott P.

When it comes to dining out in Canton, Jack's Bistro tops my list of best go-to spots. Jack's is a staple for the area and not to be missed. The menu specials have always been on point, perhaps because the chef travels a few times a year to sample different cuisines. How cool is that?! Aside from the specials, there are a few specials that you simply must get: Chocolate Mac & Cheese: It is just like regular mac and cheese, but with chocolate. Need I say more? Poutine Fries: If you're on a diet, this might be a good time to stop reading this. The poutine fries are really amazing. Get an order for the table and stab at that melted cheese before your cohorts do. Bacon Burger thing: This is just a cool concept. For me it was a one and done type thing, but you've got to try it once. It's a ground up bacon burger. No beef! Those are the essentials. The place is a bit tight, so if it is busy, prepare to wait a bit. Trust me though, it is worth the wait. They do take reservations but only for large parties. For a fancy dinner without a super fancy price tag, go to Jack's!
(5)
Golby J.

This is my second time to jacks, went last year with a friend for appetizers and enjoyed it. Came here for restaurant week after seeing the menu online, disappointed when i arrived to see the menu was different. We couldn't decide between three appetizers so we decided to get all three. The tator tots appetizer was cooked well but the sauce on top was thick and oily and the portion size was ridiculously small. The chocolate Mac and cheese tasted great but was literally in a baby bowl, there may have been 10 pieces of macaroni in there. The hummus was also a small portion but came with plenty of bread. The entrees we got the Guinness filet and it was delicious. Also ordered the crab cake and that was mediocre, the shrimp pasta salad it came with was bland. For dessert we got fried smores which came with chocolate ice cream that was too rich. Also got Apple tart with pumpkin gelato which was very good.
(3)
Jocelyn O.

Jack's is a cute little place that unless you knew about it, you wouldn't normally come across it since it is hidden amongst a lot of houses in Canton. They have a lot of interesting specialty cocktails that change frequently. Their food menu changes a bit too, but what they are known for is the chocolate mac-n-cheese. My thought on that is, it's overrated. The mac-n-cheese part was awesome, but the chocolate shavings on top of it, not a huge fan of it. It was worth trying, but not something I would crave on a regular basis. Their crab cakes are also pretty good. Barely any filler which is what I look for in a crab cake. They do have a fried s'mores dessert which is fantastic.
(4)
Mary Kate N.

For vegetarians and meat eaters alike, Jack's is one of the best of Baltimore. As I start to write this review I'm reminded of a Malaysian laksa that is making my mouth water....and then my mind drifts to the aaaamazing dark chocolate Mac and cheese. Let me share something: I hate mac and cheese pretty much 95% of the time. I'm just not a cheesy lady. I don't love dark chocolate. So why is it so amazing together? Why do I dream about it? Surely it's because Jack's has mastered the perfect flavor contrasts here. It ain't no Kraft mac n cheese. Hmmm I'm sounding ready for my next visit.
(5)
Taryn C.

I came into this place during my travels because of the Yelp reviews and I'm glad to say all of the raving reviews are very accurate. I came in on a Wednesday night during restaurant week, which I probably needed a reservation and didn't have one. We were told it would be about 45-50 minute wait and decided to go sit in the car and figure out what we wanted to do (I actually had full intentions on leaving because I was starving and didn't want to wait)...we were half way down the street and the hostess came out after us to let us know that a reservation had been cancelled! She actually ran us down so we could eat there - I thought it was just such a nice touch and felt it was a nice way to show that they care about their clientele. The whole experience was awesome. The food was amazing and not something I would normally eat but I loved it. I had a grilled romain salad to start and then a grilled steak (which literally melted in my mouth it was so tender) with chimichurri sauce, green beans, and rice. For dessert I had a cheesecake with key lime flavoring (which sounded weird) but it was SO good. Definitely come check this place out - not only did they have amazing service but also phenomenal food!
(5)
Alex E.

One of our favorites in Baltimore. We've been here 3 times now and its always a great experience. This time (as well as the previous times) I got the choc mac and cheese cuz of 'merica and freedom and because its amazing. We also went with the braised filet which was melt in your mouth perfect and the laksa my gf got was great too with tons of flavor. We got the cheesecake and smores for dessert and shocking they were excellent too. Keep doing what you're doing JB.
(5)
Josh B.

We came here to try a new local place and it did not disappoint. It was restaurant week, but there were plenty of choices. I got the hummus appetizer, Guinness Filet and the grilled pineapple for dessert. All were very tasty and just the right portion. I loved my drink. It was called "The Works," and was a true Baltimore drink - a Natty Boh rimmed with Old Bay, a siracha ring around the can topped off with crab meat. It doesn't get more Charm City than that. The atmosphere is nice. Very similar to a lot of local spots in B'more. It's a cozy, row house set up which is what I love because it fits right in with the community. The space is on the smaller side so make sure to get there early or make a reservation, but the food and service is worth the wait!
(4)
Katy K.

A little spot out of the way. Yes, little so you may have to wait for a table. They only take reservations on restaurant week and for large groups. My only con of the review is the noise. Because it's a small place it can get loud when full and it's hard to talk to your date. However, I'm usually enjoying the good so much I don't mind. The crab cakes are good. The chocolate Mac and cheese is a surprising treat. My favorite plate there so far has been the berry tart with salted caramel gelato for dessert. Beyond delicious!!!!
(4)
John E.

Wow, just wow, I cannot recommend this place enough! Went down with a couple friends to try it out since we had heard and seen good reviews and we were very impressed. Small cozy location with attentive wait staff, decent beer and wine selection, and delicious food. The most interesting dish that I tried was the chocolate mac and cheese, an interesting concept that was perfectly executed. I must find the recipe to make it at home. We tried a variety of appetizers and entrees and there was not a single one that wasn't absolutely delicious. Wes didn't have a problem getting seats, when we're went, but I would think most nights out its hard to get a seat due to the small size of the place; it is the first floor of a corner row home.
(5)
Elena H.

Food was ok, nothing fantastic. The French fries with cheese curd and fois grois sauce was nothing but a glorified cheese fries. Waitress said she wasn't paying attention and charged me more on my credit card than I authorized and gave me attitude when I needed her to fix it. Overall a cute little spot but not really worth it.
(3)
Samantha B.

Hands down the best good and service I think I have ever received. Went twice in one week. Must try the Guinness filet mignon also the garlic shrimp. I had the mac and cheese and chocolate omg!!!!!! The fried smore's and the vanilla cheese cake was also great the drink are strong also and very unique. I had a girl scout cookie martini after dinner parked very well with the fried smore's. everthing I have order has been fresh and piping hot. I love it....
(5)
Jane A.

YUM! After a long day, we came by here to have dinner and happened to snag a table. Everything else was full! The service was fine overall. I ordered a drink but substituted the brand of alcohol for another because I was allergic to the type that was in there. The waiter made a comment about not bothering to change it because I wouldn't taste it anyway (and it was a more expensive liquor). I told him about my allergy and I got this look like I was a pretentious B-. That was the only major strike in my book. The food was delicious. I had their Spicy Somboon Style Mussels that were awesome. I love spice, so it was right up my alley. My boyfriend ordered the Spanish Shrimp and Garlic if I remember right and enjoyed that as well. For entrees we had the Butter Poached Chilean Sea Bass and unfortunately I don't recall what he had. The fish was cooked to perfection and the flavors were all unique and interesting. It was delicious. For dessert we shared their version of a sundae I believe and it was a nice size for sharing without stuffing your face. Overall it was a yummy meal and a nice night.
(4)
M K.

One of my personal favorites in baltimore. I brought my out of town friends here and they were all pleased. It's tucked away in the middle of canton so can be a little difficult to find. The restaurant feels very down to earth. Although the prices for the food can be a little steep, there's nothing pretentious about the restaurant. Each dish has its own unique flavor and was so well prepared. Each dish had a flare of another culture to it so felt unique. had the duck breast which did not disappoint. Would highly recommend it!!!
(5)
Dave J.

My wife and I had the Korean pancake, Guinness braised filet mignon, a crazy mac and cheese with gouda, filet mignon, mushrooms, veggies, and black truffle oil, and Fried S'mores - Graham cracker encrusted chocolate marshmallow cookie, with chocolate sauce, and chocolate ice cream. Everything was perfect. It's been two weeks, since we last ate at Jack's, and I can't stop thinking about that meal and the great service. From the hostess, bartender, waitress, and chefs, this place only hires people that know what they're doing and like being there. The beer on draft is magnificent. I never get beer at restaurants. I'm a beer geek and would rather drink fresh, delicious beer at my house than pay exorbitant prices for common or oxidized beer. Jack's provides a window into a beer world that most have never seen and need to experience. They have a superb selection of drafts that vary in style and are always fresh. Fresh is key. I'd take a place like Jack's eight to ten taps over any fifty tap beer bar I've ever been to every day of the week. Oh, and the price is very nice. It's not inexpensive but I never feel like I've overpaid. If I'm going to take my wife to a nice place we both enjoy, Jack's is the fist place on my mind. Enjoy.
(5)
Rachel L.

I have gotten plenty of recommendations to check out Jack's Bistro in Canton. For dinner a group of my friends and I were looking for a spot and I suggested we give it a try. The menu has a few eclectic options and can be described as American food with Mediterranean influences. Most of the menu items aren't things you will find elsewhere which is what makes Jack's Bistro so unique. Of all of their menu items, the Mac & Cheese & Chocolate came highly recommended so most of our party ordered that as a starter. It was shell pasta, smoked cheese sauce and Columbian dark chocolate. This was not what I expected in terms of flavor. It is definitely worth trying, but I was expecting the flavors to be a little bolder and I found the cheese flavor to be restrained. One of my friends opted to try the Spicy Shrimp Hummus. It was served with warm pita and the pita was delicious. The hummus wasn't bad either, however the shrimp was cold and would have tasted better if it was warm. For our main courses one of my friends opted for the Malaysian Laksa. It was sweet, pungent, spicy coconut milk laksa curry, egg, roasted chicken, gulf shrimp, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and crunchy garlic. This portion was huge and easily enough to have leftovers for another meal. My friend really enjoyed the flavor of the broth and how all the ingredients came together nicely including the nice crunch from the garlic. Another one of my friends ordered the Steak Frites. It was Teres Major Steak cooked to medium rare (which is the only way they would prepare this dish) and served with French fries, white truffle oil, black truffle, herb butter. The french fries were awesome and the steak was great too, however my friend prefers her steak cooked medium and would have wished it was possible. For my main course, I went with the Guinness Braised Filet Mignon. It had a demi glace, grilled French green beans, smoked gouda, jalapeno, bacon grits. The meat was very flavorful and tender and those grits were out of this world. They were creamy and smoky and I cannot sing their praises enough. For dessert, we each ordered the Fried S'more which also came highly recommended. It was graham cracker encrusted chocolate, marshmallow cookie with dark chocolate sauce, chocolate ice cream. We all really liked this dessert a lot and thought it was a fun take on the traditional S'mores. For clever options and menu items you wouldn't traditionally find elsewhere, Jack's Bistro in Canton has at least a few different things that are sure to excite your taste buds.
(4)
Lindsay W.

When to jacks for birthday dinner Friday night. Tiny place, great food. We loved the poutine and tots, the chocolate mac and cheese was ok fun to try. I got the noodles and the chicken that tasted like ham that was a bit too salty, someone else got the mega mac that was amazing and the Guinness steak which was so tender. We tried the fried smores for dessert, the whole choice of going here was for the creme brulee, but the waitress explained it's made with a rude smelly fruit that smells and tastes like onions. That was the major sad part. Nice bar too!!
(4)
Sarah B.

We came here for restaurant week and I single handedly had the best meal of my entire life. More on that later. The place is small, and loud. Don't let this deter you. I found the server to be extremely helpful, pleasant and attentive despite a packed house. I'll break the meal down for you in sections, each of the 4 of us got something different so we could share and experience as much as possible. Apps: Beef frites with a bacon grit. My husband's dish, beef cooked perfectly, grits phenomenal. Smoked tomato: I called this one the perfect bite. Smokey tomato with the parsley and the fried feta. Complex flavors on my tongue. mussels: served with cilantro, out of shell in a red sort of sauce. This I wish was my own app, because I would have smashed this all to hell. Delicious. shrimp hummus- a tasty hummus, with nice fresh naan. Main: beef tips with truffle fries. All I can tell you is, omg the fries. The server actually set the plate down and said "you know they're going to take your fries, right?" And boy did we. This was a fantastic dish, I would eat it over and over again. Malaysian laksa. Second favorite dish that we were served. A complex broth with noodles and served with a hard boiled egg. From what I understand the flavors melded and it actually became better as a leftover. duck breast with bread crumbs and northern beans. Didn't reheat as well as expected, but still not bad. Duck was tender which was nice as duck has a tendency to be tough. filet minot and green beans. Served as advertised, tender and flavorful. Braised in Guinness. A real treat, but the beef tips stole the show. Dessert: cheesecake: not cheesecake as you would expect it. More like a pudding consistency than a cake, but so good. I would eat this every day of my life. fried smore: by this time we'd all eaten so much we were beyond full, so that fact that we were able to even attempt dessert is a huge feat. my husband who does not waste chocolate... could not finish this. I liked it, and would be interested to try it when I wasn't stuffed to the brim. red velvet batter and shortbread crackers. Crackers served warm, and the batter not too overly sweet. All in all, I can't wait to find a time to make it back here.
(5)
Naif S.

Had the filet... And it was by far... The most incredible filet I've had in Baltimore. Amazing drinks, amazing presentation, and the servers were incredible!
(5)
Florence J.

Great place. Love the atmosphere and the staff is great. I wish I had gotten the name of our server because she was GREAT. She recommended a nice beer for me since they didn't have any of my usual beers on tap available. She had very extensive knowledge of the menu too! She had the answer for every question we asked. I ordered the steak frites. Cooked to perfection and the fries are absolutely to die for!! For dessert I had the red velvet cake batter with cookie dough and butter cookies. Sinfully delicious!! The only criticism I would give is to serve the hot food on hot plates & cold food on cold plates. Other than that it was a perfect meal!
(5)
Hillary G.

Ended up at Jack's bistro on February 15th for Valentines Day, because of crazy Baltimore being booked on Saturday! Well, I have to say that I am thrilled this was the "plan B" because it was one of my favorite meals in Baltimore. News to me and my boyfriend, it was the first night of restaurant week. *groan* I usually see RW as an overpriced, unwanted 3-course meal with smaller portions.. and none of the real show stopper dishes. Well, this menu was different. It had all the most popular dishes and the appetizer course was VERY substantial. No option for garden or caesar salad. Just one salad (a grilled kale), and apps from oysters to guiness filet mignon and their famous grits. I had the jalapeÃ±o oyster salad which was delicious, big oysters, but if you're spice-sensitive, go easy on the jalapeÃ±os. There were a lot. Even then, I'd order this again. Didn't get a chance to taste my boyfriend's kale salad... because he cleared his bowl in about 2 minutes. Strong approval. Main course options were plentiful... lamb pasta, guiness beef in a larger portion, chimichurri steak, duck, some sort of asian noodle bowl, crab cakes, the famous BLT bacon burger, all the good things on the regular menu. I went for the duck, served over a white bean and sausage ragu. Boyfriend chose the chimmichurri steak with basmati rice and green beans. Both were amazing. Steak was incredibly tender, cooked to a perfect medium rare. Green beans were cooked in some kind of deliciousness that allowed them to remain crispy. But I was thrilled with my order. the duck needed no knife to cut, and the white bean ragu was incredibly tasty.. and I don't even like white beans. But I couldn't get enough of these, and the sausage? Ridiculous. Desert was equally fantastic as I went for the fried s'mores. Couldn't not do it. NO regrets. How can that be bad? Served with chocolate ice cream and a chocolate sauce. So rich. So good. Boyfriend went healthy.. again.. and did a grilled pineapple and fruit .. thing. He loved it. Service was great, not too on top of us at all, but very helpful. Even during a busy restaurant week night. I was so pleasantly surprised with this meal and I can't wait to return again!!
(5)
Bryan F.

Oringal, Original, Original! I was very impressed with this tiny place in FP. The menu was eclectic, but not pompous. I had the watermelon and feta salad which hit every taste bud...The steak frites was solid and well-cooked (rare). The truffle fries were def the most memorable part of dinner. Crispy, uniform and delicious.
(5)
Supriya M.

OMG aren't we glad we went back to Jack's! What a fantastic experience. Except for the kowloon chicken dish which was overly salty (we were warned about this), everything was perfect. The chocolate mac n cheese was the talk of the table and of course, 4 out of 7 of us got the crab cake. Everyone was pleased with their choice. The sous-vide steak was perfectly cooked and the bacon burger was delicious. I don't think we could resist licking the end of the red velvet cake batter. The drinks were also amazing and we probably tried everything on the menu among the 7 of us. Overall, worth a second visit and maybe a third and fourth :).
(5)
Joseph B.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Baltimore. The food, the drinks, and the staff are all great. I have never had a bad experience here.
(5)

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Address : 3123 Elliott St
Baltimore, MD, 21224
Phone (410) 878-6542
Website https://www.jacksbistro.net
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Jack’s Bistro

3123 Elliott St, Baltimore, MD, 21224

Jack’s Bistro Menu

Appetizers + Salad

Entrees

Sides

Healthy Meal suggestions for Jack’s Bistro

Appetizers + Salad

Entrees

Sides

Dale B.

Molly H.

Susanna W.

Jeffrey S.

Beata K.

John F.

Jenny B.

Kaylee H.

GT W.

Rosa L.

Katy P.

Dave S.

Mallory S.

Elliott P.

Golby J.

Jocelyn O.

Mary Kate N.

Taryn C.

Alex E.

Josh B.

Katy K.

John E.

Elena H.

Lindsay W.

Jane A.

M K.

Dave J.

Rachel L.

Samantha B.

Sarah B.

Naif S.

Florence J.

Hillary G.

Bryan F.

Supriya M.

Joseph B.

Annabelle L.

Kristen J.

Carol C.

Dan G.

Melissa M.

J N.

jay l.

Christie D.

Tunaidi A.

J P.

HM P.

Nikki A.

Alli Z.

Neil K.

Christina O.

Mike D.

Stephanie I.

Devashis R.

Nancy B.

Emily F.

John S.

Dione D.

Dan K.

Francisco P.

Ken M.

Alice L.

Brian D.

Justin K.

Paul A.

Jason P.

Luke M.

Heather H.

Christy L.