Original Joe's Restaurant & Bar

I ordered take out from the Nanaimo location… I got an impossible burger with fries/dill dip and sesame brown rice. There was no sesame sauce on the rice, so it was plain brown rice, and instead of dill dip I received ranch. Pretty unsatisfactory, when I order take out from other restaurants around Nanaimo my orders are always accurate to how I requested. In this case I did not even make any special requests, just ordered off the menu and was still disappointed. I like Ojs food and I like going into the restaurant to eat, but it’s not worth ordering take out from here just to get home and realize 1/2 your order is incorrect. Your attention to detail was abysmal today Ojs. Although I do realize it is a holiday so I empathize with staff working but still, I feel it’s pretty easy to make sure the dishes get correct dips/sauces.

Really great service, lots of good drinks and always amazing service never leave you with an empty drink or plate!

Perfect if you enjoy the generic chain bar experience with mediocre food and mediocre service. Granted I’ve only been once but kitchen managed to forget both sauce on the burger and salad dressing. Blandest meal I’ve had in a long long time. Service practically non-existent until it was time for the bill, then all smiles in expectation of at least the “default” 18% tip. I tipped 10% out of pity and even that left a bad taste in my mouth. I won’t be back.

I ate The West Coast Chop salad with prawns added & the Cinnamon Bun cheese cake and washed it all down with a glass of lemonade yesterday evening

The service was great and the food was good except that my steak came very under cooked and we ordered our food to go so I couldn't just send it back.

If you're trying to be covid conscious, the patio is totally enclosed. You're basically just inside the restaurant with overhead heaters. That was disappointing.

Food:
Brussels sprout appy was good - crispy and seasoned just enough.
Crispy chicken burger didn't sit very well with me. Couldn't finish.

The menu is a bit congested.

Wife and I were here several months ago, and the food was terrible. It was also with the older interior. Since, the interior has upgraded, but the food is still tasteless. Last time we actually said something and was offered a refund. We declined the refund. This time we tried the same thing, and it wasn't even the same as last time, and still tasted poor. No consistency. It was good the one time, 1 year ago, and ordered the same thing.

My wife asked if the dish she ordered could be made vegan, we were told yes. It was half vegan. No effort made to accommodate.

This is officially our last visit. We will spread the word. Thanks anyways.

Great food, drinks and service. I had this twist on chicken fettuccine alfredo and it was great. She had the quesadillas which were also great. Lager on special was fantastic. Will return

Jayden (?) and Navin (?) were exceptional at dealing with a small kitchen mishap. The Au Jus was really watery or something, and they immediately corrected the issue perfectly, and fairly.

18: 00 06/26

Friendly and respectful staff. Loud environment on Sunday at 5pm. Food is 1 step above fast food. Chose not to finish the burger. Fries were bitter.shows me the oil needs changing or being shocked regularly. Unfortunately with restaurant food this place is on par with its peers. (read. Average Joe's). Next time will find something with better quality at a higher price.

Generally sit at the bar, excellent bar tenders and attention to detail. Good food and atmosphere for a chain sports bar.

Ordered take out and was treated by a very lovely lady, however after I spoke with her another woman came up and was just very snarky and pretty passive aggressive and super rude. Other then that the good was great

Went there recently and was pretty amazed by the service being provided at Joe’s. First time coming here and we celebrated our dinner spontaneously. Apparently this place is very gorgeous for hangout with friends, in groups or with the family and definitely their servings are extreme for fun goers. Probably it was weekend so we kinda felt like the service was bit slow may be for no particular reason but as the food arrived we just literally made up our mind on it.

Excellent location, delicious food and great service all the way. I will surely be back someday when in Nanaimo!

Breanne is the bestest server! Kept our drinks full! Recommended awesome menu items! 11/10 - Request Breanne as your server when you come in!

Surprisingly good food, drinks and service for a chain restaurant! We've enjoyed each time we've come here.

I am writing to express our dissatisfaction about the service of Original Joe’s. On November 25th, I visited the restaurant with my husband to celebrate our special occasion. We ordered two burgers and asked staff to not add any kind of meat/chicken/bacon to our food as we are pure vegetarian since birth. Even after confirming for 3 to 4 times with the staff, they served us a burger with BACON! That ruined our special night! This is VERY DISAPPOINTING!

Before placing our order, we explained to the staff that in past we had an experience in this restaurant when we were served with non vegetarian food even after requesting for pure vegetarian. We were lucky in past to find out this before actually eating the food but please be extra careful this time to not add any kind of meat/chicken/bacon!

After half an hour from placing our order, we received the food on our table. We again asked the staff that please confirm that the food DOES NOT include any kind of meat/chicken/bacon. We explained that we are vegetarian and we can not have any kind of meat as it is against our culture. In our culture we consider animals as God.

The staff confirmed that it is vegetarian and does not include any meat/chicken/bacon. As soon as my partner took first bite from his burger, he saw bacon in his burger. We called the staff and they told us that the chef made a mistake and forgot to take out the bacon from the burger.

We left the restaurant right away after this experience.
Now there are many people in Canada who can not have non vegetarian food because of various reasons, like- culture, health, allergy or by choice!

How can someone trust this restaurant and their staff after this kind of experience? What if someone have an allergy and the chef makes a mistake which can result in big damage to someone’s health! This needs to be reported and someone should take an action against this!

We gave both dinner and lunch a chance here. After these experiences and after reading recent reviews, I can say that I won't be back.

We had dinner on a Monday evening. The place was semi-lively, but not packed by any means. We arrived at 6: 30 and it took over 35 minutes for our entrees to be brought to our table from the time we ordered, and they were lukewarm. We noticed that it took over a half an hour for the table next to us to be cleaned after the customers left.

We dined in for lunch about a month later on a Tuesday afternoon. It was post-lunch rush, and only a few were dining inside. This time, we waited over 25 minutes for our appetizer and an additional 10 minutes for drink refills. Once our entrees finally arrived, they were also lukewarm. My side Caesar salad was swimming in dressing. Our fries had become soggy by this point too. It was a subpar experience.

I gave recent reviews a read once we left, and saw that a few others had a similar experience. Not only this, but the allegations that an employee was fired for raising concerns about racism to management are especially alarming, if true. This has also influenced my decision to not return.

Cold food that should have been hot. 2nd bad episode at the Nanaimo location. Heat lamps aren't the best

We were given a gift card so decided to try it. I noticed the one paper card the hostess gave me said the table had been sanitized, but I had to ask for it to be cleaned as it had ring marks from glasses in various spots. One meal was good, the other was missing one thing, fatty, dry and over done. The coleslaw had way too much onion. The bun on the beef dip was nothing special. I had to ask for a new tea cup as the one brought was all stained and dirty looking inside. The servers were all great, but it seemed sad they were all wearing such short or highly slit tight skirts that seemed tacky and degrading. I doubt we will go back.

I’ve had nothing but wonderful experiences at Original Joes Nanaimo. The staff is always so accommodating and you can see the level of teamwork just by watching. The owner is so hands on and very present at the location and as a member of the community supporting many causes and sponsoring many local teams and events. Thank you to everyone at Original Joes Nanaimo for always providing incredible service and going above and beyond. I always feel welcome coming in! Keep up the great work guys!

You need new management, it’s 2022 discrimination is NOT acceptable! In the most disrespectful way possible YOU ARE THE PROBLEM!

Excellent service and nice that they were open on the holiday. Lots of gluten free menu options too

Shame on you OJs, for firing an employee who experienced racism from patrons instead of supporting her. The customer is sometimes in the wrong, like when they call out slurs at their server. Your priority should be ensuring your employees feel safe at work, not firing them when they bring up a concern. Can honestly say I will never visit your restaurant, especially if this situation is not rectified. Zero stars!

You guys are terrible for firing someone for standing up against themselves you guys should feel very embarrassed and ashamed go back and Learn how to do your job responsibly and treat people how you would want to be treated

Surprisingly good food, drinks and service for a chain restaurant! We've enjoyed each time we've come here.

I was in the restaurant last Saturday night and had the most stuck up ignorant server I've ever encountered at a restaurant don't worry i won't be back to spend my hard earned money in your place of business.overall the worst exprience of my life

Fire chicken burger. Fries are bunk. Either old taters or y’all never clean the oil. I ain’t the first person to think this. And I won’t be the last. Set your game up OJ’s

But honestly the burger was great

The food is well made and served in large portions. Nice drinks and service is consistently good! Little more on the pricey side but it's worth it.

Always delicious. Nice atmosphere. Friendly staff. American portion sizes (2 sides! Great for people who can't pick).

I usually really like the food but this time I had the lettuce wraps delivered and the noodles were not cooked at all and I got the super green lettuce which was super tough.
My beef dip was good though

Ordered a large take out order at 930 pm. Everything was amazing and fresh. The wraps had just the right amount of sauce! Super delicious

Great staff, good food. I gave it 4 stars as it's quite pricey. I go once a month or so but but I prefer more reasonable spots.

It's terrible the food It's over coke and it's verycold. French fries it's to dark dry cold terrible food. I do not recommend to anyone at all. I just paid for something that was not worth it

Waiting is a popular past time at this establishment. Wait to get in. Wait for your table. Wait twice as long for your bill as it took to get your meal. That last wait just ruined the average dinner.

Come if you have time to kill.

Also worth mentioning it's a pretty poor environment for entertaining kids but that's on me for assuming this place would surprise me in this aspect of the dining experience.

Best appetizers here and the service was excellent. The One in Victoria doesn't compare to the one in Nanaimo great job Nanaimo. Victoria you definitely need to step it up.

Very prompt, courteous and friendly service! Though the place was busy there was only a very short wait to get in and we were served immediately and food came quickly. The music is always a bit loud, so definitely not a place for quiet conversation - but great to relax and watch a game.

Food and service is great but for a Saturday noon at half full, they were really short staff in the kitchen. Hopefully they can get more people there

Our 'dry ribs' came on a plate with a deep pool of grease. My burger was also dripping with grease. The yam fries were so over seasoned that they were inedible. The server just kind of giggled when we told her. Sad when my mom wanted to go there for her birthday and we couldn't finish our meals. We won't be back.

The staff is amazing and friendly! I had tomato bacon soup with crustinis! Shared a plate of nachos. Only order crimkle cut fries. The other fries are not good!

Really liked the food. The outdoor area looks great, and is quiet being outside.
Great menu selection, and not too expensive really.
Our server forgot a spoon with the meal. And decided to shout a dessert to apologise. A great gesture something we didn't really mind.
The cinnamon bun cheesecake was delicious by the way.

In a similar vein to Cactus and Browns I'd say.

Service was good food was good but the noise was extremely noisy and i explained to my waitress (hayley) that the loud noises of too many people talking to loud but she told me that theres nothing she could do about it and i explained to her that i am diabetic and too much noise really stresses me out and that kind of stuff is not good for me and she did understand but when she told me theres nothing she can do about it that made me feel like she violated my health concerns and thats not okay. Disappointed

Burgers are never fully cooked. We have had endless gift cards given to us for this, but my friends who went there last night had the same issue. This has been going on 6 months now.

Been coming here since opening.always great service, never questioned. Food.usually great. Father's day.ordered steak sandwich, massive mistake. Says 6 Oz, closer to 3. Ordered rare, arrived well done. 2 chewy membranes in the 3 inches of meat that had to be spat out.inedible. Burgers, chicken strips.all good, steak sandwich shouldn't be offered because they have no clue how to make it. 25 dollars buys you a tbone at the keg or beefeaters, little ridiculous.

Good food reasonably priced. Service was great! They do a good job with distancing and they keep it very clean! Good job!

Patio service lovely and spacious with heaters. Great food. Dynamite Tempura Shrimp and West Coast Chop Salad so good!

Very disappointing dinner. Quesadilla with pretty much no toppings. This quarter had tiny amount of chicken one piece of avocado and barest sprinkle of cheese. The toppings were just near the middle the edges were bare and dried up. Side was veggies and dip. Which was 2 carrot sticks, two pepper sticks two carrot sticks and two soggy inedible cucumbers. The other person got a nice side caeser salad and fries as the burger has two sides. Mine was awful.

Orginal Joes is the only place in town with a complete package

No complaints can be made about the food. My meal always arrives quickly, the portion sizes are above average and always delectable.

The service is almost always fantastic, the ladies here really put in a good effort and actually have some character. Buttttt April is the best lady in house so just ask for her section.

Thanks Girls.and Cole.

Good food and good prices. Modern esque sports bar atmosphere. Service was slow but they were understaffed for the night. Would go again for some cocktails. Price is on par with cactus club.

There was no wait when we arrived we got our drinks right away it was busy so food took a bit longer which is ok. I always have the same burger as I love the Kona burger. Well unfortunately they have changed the sauce and the burger was dry. That is unfortunately the last time I will be going to Original Joe’s. ️

I ordered the long beach fish tacos with a mixed greens salad. The tacos were good but the greens salad was infested with bugs. I do not recommend

I enjoy their food. However, the other day I left a phone message that I would like to pre-order for lunch pick-up. Phoned around 1: 20ish. Day later, still no phone call back. Guess they don't care about my business.

While it was not busy, it took some time to get served. The barman was busy with pickup food orders who got priority over customers sitting at the bar. They have daily specials, overall expensive for what is served.

My partner and I had a lovely date dinner at Orginal Joe's. We made it for happy hour and got both food and drinks. The drinks were super good and well priced. I got the dragon boat lettuce wraps for dinner. They were great. Our food and drinks came out quick. The waitress was friendly. Overall it was a nice evening out.

5 stars. Great food and smiling efficient staff. Red house wine is good quality and reasonably priced

Always satisfied when I come here. Big drink selection. Food is always good and servers always helpful and friendly.

Loved the wonton moodle soup.
But I found the seating to be to close to each other.
It was horrible to get out of your seat to leave and get by people.

Food is always awesome whether you eat in or have it to go. Everyone is usually happy and efficient!

Isabelle gave me the best service ever! Wonderful food & drink selection. The lettuce wraps are popular for a reason - I would have enjoyed the poutine more if it wasn't swimming in sauce but that's just my preference.

I ordered the fish tacos and was shocked when I got what tasted and looked like pork. I am not restricted in my dietary choices so I ate them anyway. I mentioned it to the waitress who said that they changed from fried white fish, to a crumbled patty. It was very disappointing firstly because I didn’t get my crispy fish, and secondly because I wasn’t given a choice. The description in the menu needs to change. And no offer of a discount to compensate either. Will not order that again.

Decent selection on tap, and solid food. The pacific rim soup was great, as well as the Asian lettuce wraps. Highly recommend the cider; crisp and dry just as it should be! Only critique is that the service felt impersonal, but maybe it was just an off night.

I've eaten in Original Joe's on numerous occasions and have always been happy with the food and service. Today's visit was not up to their normal standard, the eggs benny's were poor, spoiled by a really nasty hollandaise sauce complemented by a side of bacon I would rather forget about. I guess anywhere can have an off day.

Great service, definitely not short on portion size and the food was good overall. Fries were a bit soggy and the oil could have been changed, but they were quite busy.

Was on the island for a work trip, stopped by here at 10pm for a really late dinner. Food was great and the staff was also. Had the lettuce wraps as recommend by the waitress. Worth it. Came back next day for dinner before jumping back on the ferry. This time sat at the bar. Bartender was awesome, very personable. Had the fish and chips, was pretty good but a little oily. Don't often get fish and chips so not sure how to compare. I would recommend this place and when I'm back on the island I'll stop by again.

Excellent, comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. Servers were all super lovely and helpful. The variety of food is awesome. The food and drinks we had were just perfect. Great end to a great getaway.

Too F ING LOUD! Seems management doesn't know this is an issue. How many people dont complain but never return.
Smarten up!

If you are ever in the mood for some great poutine. Get "the big pig" pulled pork poutine it is very good. During happy hour it's only 10$. Sadly while I was there they were out of lemonade ️. The servers were great at catering to such a big group of us definitely appreciate everything the staff did for us!

Passing through Nanaimo and needed a place that was open late. It was 9: 30pm and we were starving. My husband had the cajun chicken burger, I had the beef dip and we shared a calamari starter.
You get two sides with burgers and "handhelds" so my husband got a double order of fries and gravy. Burger was good, but he says there wasn't enough gravy. "Double order of fries means there should be double the gravy too. "
My beef dip was good, much too big, but luckily my husband has a big appetite and finished it off. The food came very quick, even before we finished the calamari, and the waitress was very attentive, constantly checking how we were doing.
It was a positive experience overall.

As you can see; we were unable to take a picture fast enough before we started to dig in! The happy hour specials are wonderfully enjoyable for what you end up with. While I know that the restaurant is quite loud when later on the day, we had a really nice time before the evening crowd ended up joining!