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Illegal Jack's South West Grill
American, Mexican and Tex-Mex Restaurant and Takeaway
Price: ££
Licensed: Yes
BYOB: No
Pre-Theatre: No
Takeaway: Yes
Delivery: No
Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1200-2200
Fri-Sat: 1200-2300
Sun: 1200-2200
Menus:
Tags: wifi restaurant licensed mexican american illegaljackssouthwestgrill takeaway texmex illegaljacks southwestgrill southwest burrito fajitas
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11 user reviews:
from MartinR (88%) on January 6th, 2010 (2 years ago)
Illegal Jack's South West Grill, 113 Lothian Road, EH3 9AN, Edinburgh
One of the reasons why Edinburgh Menus is such a worthy venture is that it offers restaurant diners the opportunity to give feedback on their experience, which may be of use to other diners. This is useful because, in my years of dining in restaurants, it is rare that Restaurateurs themselves really want to know what you think of their service, as can be seen by those establishments which constantly linger in the 'worst rated' chart on Edinburgh menus.
It is very welcome, then, that my original review of Illegal Jack's illicited a response from the owner and, even more welcome is the fact that the restuarant has actually responded to customer comments, and I am more than happy to update my review.
Initially, I gave Illigal Jack's 3.5 out of 5, and said that whilst I enjoyed the experience, I wasn't sure I would recommend it to friends.
However, now the teething issues have been ironed out, I am more than happy to recommend Jack's and give them 4.5 stars. 4 of the stars are for the quality and service, and the extra half is for the fact that here is a restaurant that listens to its customers and strives to improve it service and quality; a rarity these days and something which should be praised and supported.
Jack's has really surprised me, and I wish them many years of successes as an independent Edinburgh restaurant. Go check them out. I will certainly be returning.
I have left the restaurant's original response below.
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THE RESTAURANT RESPONDS
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In reply to MartinR above, hi this is Jack from the South West Grill. Thanks for your contribution and interest in what I'm doing. As a result I will take on board everything you have said' the following changes will be made immediately. Firstly, handwipes! Fair comment, will get some in tomorrow. Sometimes you can't see the wood for the trees...! Secondly, refills are now clearly on the menu in response to feedback we've had in the last couple of weeks. Thirdly after the initial breaking-in period my staff are now more than competent on the food service line, hopefully this is seen by anyone coming in. Unlike the big chains out there I don't have a New Store Opening team to fly in, so we've done our best. Finally, re the tacos, they're popped in the oven throughout service now which should solve any crispness issues. Perhaps they had too much salsa in them, am not sure.
Hopefully this is of some use and interest. Any feedback to Jack's is more than welcome and I deal with all of it personally to make sure we improve week on week. One example of this is a move to a local butcher's - Campbell Brothers - after a few comments about our steak. This week am pleased to report the only comments in that department have been most positive.
Best regards -
Jack.
(0) (+1) (-2)
from cargo (21%) on December 22nd, 2009 (2 years ago)
Illegal Jack's South West Grill, 113 Lothian Road, EH3 9AN, Edinburgh
Illegal Jack's is a new tex mex place that's recently opened up where Pizza Hut used to be on Lothian Road. The restaurant is bright and minimalist, and offers a selection of tex mex favourites that include burritos, quesedillas, tacos and fajitas. Having been a little confused what the deal was when we arrived, our waiter soon put us at ease. He explained the concept of the restaurant well, and was also able to advise us about particular dishes. I opted for mixed fajitas, and my friends chose the mixed fajitas and the beef burrito, with chicken wings to share. Althought everything was lovely, be warned, the portions are huge - that was by far the biggest burrito I have ever seen in my life! The chicken wings were absolutely divine however, and I would go back for them alone. Overall this is a great new place - really cheap for what you get with great food and helpful staff - and I will definately go back.
(+5) (+2) (0)
from catlover (12%) on July 17th, 2010 (1 year ago)
Illegal Jack's South West Grill, 113 Lothian Road, EH3 9AN, Edinburgh
I was testing this place out as a possible venue for the office 3rd-week-in-December outing (groan). OK, it's bare tables, plastic cutlery, burritos served in foil, nachos served in baskets - and the best chili I have ever had in my life, anywhere. I had 2 versions, veg and beef, just to be sure ;-)
Excellent laid-back ambiance, delightful staff, super-clean - so who needs silver service? Casual but not sloppy, friendly but not pushy. I'm going back soon.
(+2) (+3) (+1)
from dfscot (12%) on January 9th, 2011 (1 year ago)
Illegal Jack's South West Grill, 113 Lothian Road, EH3 9AN, Edinburgh
Have eaten at Jack's on a couple of occasions - and had a delivery last week. Chilli was described by daughter as almost as good as her mum's! Great Burritos of all types; Love the Quesiladas! Staff always friendly and training is obviously paying off as they (mainly young people and students) are getting better. The new selection of beers and margarita pitchers have yet to be sampled but one always needs something to which one can look forward!
Unusual for a fastfood restaurant to accept table bookings by Twitter (@illegaljacks) but a great idea.
Only one complaint; not particularly handy for lunch since I'm usually based in Glasgow - my Edinburgh colleagues don't deserve all the breaks! Please open in Glasgow soon.
(+1) (0) (0)
from Edinburger (12%) on August 15th, 2011 (9 months ago)
Illegal Jack's South West Grill, 113 Lothian Road, EH3 9AN, Edinburgh
Being a vegetarian I am usually a little apprehensive about trying new places because all too often the vegetarian option seems to come in a poor second to the more meaty offerings. I am pleased to say this was not the case with Illegal Jacks - I had a quesadilla with vegetarian chilli and it was absolutely delicious. I can't wait to go back! The only downside I can see is that it was smaller portion-wise than the burritos my friends had - still perfectly enough for me though, and at that price it was great value for money. If however you want as much of that tasty filling as you can get, go for the burritos!
(+1) (+1) (0)
from theweirdone (10%) on January 9th, 2011 (1 year ago)
Illegal Jack's South West Grill, 113 Lothian Road, EH3 9AN, Edinburgh
Have been a big fan of Illegal Jacks for a while now. Was doubly impressed that I was made aware of their existence when they started following me on twitter.
The restaurant always has a warm welcome feeling with lovely staff. They don't even mind when I fuss over cheese etc due to my lactose intolerance. My friends love the massive burritos while I love the bowl of beef chilli with chicken fajitas being a close second.
We keep going back again and again despite living in Leith, so I think that speaks for itself!
(+1) (0) (0)
from brindy (9%) on January 9th, 2011 (1 year ago)
Illegal Jack's South West Grill, 113 Lothian Road, EH3 9AN, Edinburgh
Having heard a lot about Illegal Jacks on twitter I finally managed to get there (from Falkirk) just before Christmas. It was the ideal place to meetup with a couple of old colleagues, enjoy some excellent tex-mex food and a few beers. The establishment is clean, friendly and the staff are helpful. A really fun place to eat.
(+1) (0) (0)
from jaydleith (8%) on December 9th, 2009 (2 years ago)
Illegal Jack's South West Grill, 113 Lothian Road, EH3 9AN, Edinburgh
Really enjoyed my first Illegal Jacks experience. Much better quality food than typical takeaway but much cheaper than typical restaurant. Can't ask for much more than that.
Great idea - kinda like Subway but Tex-Mex. Will definitely be back.
(+1) (+2) (0)
from Surfpunkian (7%) on January 9th, 2011 (1 year ago)
Illegal Jack's South West Grill, 113 Lothian Road, EH3 9AN, Edinburgh
I have visited Illegal Jacks about 15 times since it opened and can confidently give 5 stars for the following reasons.
1. highly tasty, good value food that is veggie/vegan friendly
2. relaxed friendly atmosphere that suits both work & social
3. well trained, customer focused staff who enjoy their jobs
4. bookings & music requests taken via twitter - total win IMO
5. great online engagement where customers are valued & listened to.
I rate this eatery so highly that when deciding on a new Edinburgh office location recently the walking distance to Illegal Jack's was taken into account.
I have taken friends, clients & colleagues to Illegal Jack's and will continue to do so. For me a restaurant that serves great value food can become truly excellent by genuinely engaging with their customers and carving a unique voice in an often bland gastronomic landscape.
Please note: I am not affiliated with, employed by or incentivised in any way by Illegal Jack's. I am however a clear example of how a brand can foster enthusiasm and loyalty through simply getting it right.
Sincerely contented customer.
Ian Daniels
@Surfpunkian
(+1) (+1) (0)
from Lilthefrog (6%) on January 9th, 2011 (1 year ago)
Illegal Jack's South West Grill, 113 Lothian Road, EH3 9AN, Edinburgh
The previous review from Ozscot has clearly been written by someone with bad intentions. Illegal Jacks is one of my regular haunts and I have never ever seen a dirty table there. The staff are extremely friendly and the food is just simply awesome. Not a bad word to say about the place!
(+1) (0) (0)
from Ozscot (3%) on January 5th, 2011 (1 year ago)
Illegal Jack's South West Grill, 113 Lothian Road, EH3 9AN, Edinburgh
Very poor quality food (no better than a burger chain really), staff with blank looks in their eyes, filthy tables... Oh dear, I think this should be illegal!!
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THE RESTAURANT RESPONDS
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In response to Ozscot above, hi this is Jack from the South West Grill. Must say am surprised by your review. And having been in the building 24/7 for the last few weeks can honestly say I disagree with it. My staff are a delight - bright, smart, engaging, and really care about the place. Indeed as an independent operator the staff have made this place what it is - popular with a regular and growing clientele. The tables are most certainly not filthy - have been working front of house a lot lately so would be the first to spot this if it were the case. And finally re the food, for the price point we are one of the best value eats in town. Our steak is supplied local butcher's from a farm in Perthshire, and everything is prepared fresh daily on the premises. Am happy to take this opportunity to invite you in for lunch should you be interested - am very passionate about what we do here, as are the staff, and do not believe that your review is a true representation of a restaurant which has attracted a following of over 1500 on Facebook and almost 1800 on Twitter in only a year.
Best wishes - Jack
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