Joe Kool's

Still a go to place for nachos. But the last time I was going to order for delivery, I was informed that any delivery orders now had to be made through one of the ridiculous ordering apps. I really appreciated the fact that you used to be able to phone the restaurant directly and order, as trying to find a place to park just to run in and get food, is a pain in the a**. I will never use a delivery app, so I guess the option of delivery anymore is out the window. Too bad.

Katie and Marissa are the absolute best. We met them away from the establishment and are absolutely hooked. We will be there asap!

I was at Joe Kool's with my family the first week of June 2023. The last time I was at Joe Kool's was 33 years ago during my graduation ceremony from the University of Western Ontario.

My trip back to my old hometown London, Ontario - and in the process of Joe Kool's - was meant to show my two boys the place that shaped me to become who I am today. More importantly, Joe Kool's gave me my first job in 1986 - as a newly arrived 19-years old Immigrant with limited conversational English - and in the process Joe Kool's supported me in my quest to graduate from Western with a Computer Science [Honors] degree in 1990. And the rest is history.to be told in my memoir.

Why I am writing this long review is because - one of the biggest surprises my life happened during this June 2023 visit to Joe Kool's and London, Ontario.

After checking in at our hotel - the Delta Hotels London Armouries - I asked my family to hurry - and "let us go to Joe Kool's. " It was around 5: 00 PM on Wed, June 8th.

I drove my family for early dinner to Joe Kool's because I wanted to show them the amazing venue and food I still remember - before it gets busy in the evening.

While sitting and reminiscing the venue, and in the process enjoying the Joe Kool's Nachos with my family - I noticed an amazingly familiar man. I asked the waitress if she knew who that person was - and she said - yes, that is Mike Smith.

This is a man who I last saw 33 years ago - the founder and owner of Joe Kool's. I went to say hello - and he said, "Michael! " - emotional hugs, etc. I introduced him to my family, etc. - and then another unthinkable thing happens.

Mike showed me a man sitting at the bar - older with white hair and beard - but a very familiar smile and face. And yes, it was Ross Cockburn - my mentor who taught me how to become the best dishwasher and then got me promoted to become a bus boy and then a host at Joe Kool's.

The chances of both Mike and Ross being at the Restaurant - 33 years later and coincidently meeting my wife and my two boys - at the place who shaped my future - was surreal and an emotional moment for all of us.

And you thought the story ends here.not yet. Thanks to Mike's and his wife Anne - they threw me a dinner party at their house the next day - and to my surprise - they invited my boss at Joe Kool's - Scot Crawford - whom I saw last 33 years ago.

Let me pause here.and I would like to say. Thank you, Joe Kool's, Mike, Ross, Scot, and my classmate at Western Mike Cookson - for an amazing homecoming!

I plan to return back to Joe Kool's during its 41st anniversary week, March 1-7,2024 - to celebrate with my [reconnected] family.

Michael.

Had lunch with a friend. The club sandwich was fantastic. The server was aces. Guinness was cold.

We had a great time. The waitress dealt with our large group and everyone arriving and leaving at different times with grace. Food was great. Atmosphere is engaging. It was a terrific experience.

Wild, fun, and historic place. High energy, laid back and stuffed full of memorabilia. Don't miss out!

It was very discriminated against the people; they were racist with a friend—this last weekend.

I love to come here for food and drinks on the patio, and it's always an amazing time. The inside club scene is not the same crowd from pre pandemic days (which is fine, just noteable), and the layout of the place is just one huge bottleneck. If you're hoping to dance, maybe look elsewhere unless you don't mind the zombie moshpit dancefloor

Service was good before 10pm, after that the bouncers were on some power trip when I went outside willingly because I was aware of being over stimulated and decided to sit outside until my ride came and instigated a situation with me even tho I was minding my own business. Decided to question why I was sitting on the ground while waiting for my ride and made unnecessary comments about me sitting in “homelessness piss” when I wasn’t bothering anyone. Be more mindful of who you are hiring to be your customer service providers. Seem very judgmental and regardless of how much an individual has to drink, if they willingly walk outside to have a minute to themselves, be more aware of mental health issues and watch what you say around individuals who are trying to enjoy life but may struggle with large group settings. Your job isn’t that important, get off your power trip and don’t antagonize individuals when they are aware of when they are over stimulated and need fresh air. You get paid minimum wage cause you failed to be a police officer. I willingly walked outside and sat on the ground and joe cools bouncers made unnecessary comments and made remarks about homeless people and sitting in their “piss”. Not a joke when it’s currently a crisis in London. Hire better people.

The new updates for the Jays in 2023 are great. The price of beer and food is still astronomical.

Always a great time on a Saturday night, especially during the summer time with the patio balcony being open! This spot attracts a nice crowd of diverse faces. Continuing, the DJ serves up jams that cover multiple genres that the multicultural patrons can all enjoy!

Great atmosphere overall, Staff are always awesome. You can't go wrong with Joe kools. Whether you wanna grab food, some pitchers with some friends, or a combo of the two, it's a must-go.

Kitchen sink deep dish pizza! Enough said. Best ever! Always remember you’re ordering from a very busy bar if you order in the evening. Don’t whine.

Used to love kools. Terrible experience last time. The waiter downstairs took $40 from me and tried to gaslight me into thinking it was only $30. Disappointed, don’t know if anyone else has had this experience.

Unfortunately take out orders are not priority! Don't tell a time when order will be ready when you can't fulfill! Staff did not even care that we had to wait. Last time there!

Went here for a night cap, ordered "scotch" she knew i wasnt overly traditional, it was energizing and non-alcoholic, just the way i take it, i dont drink alcohol and didnt have to explain it

Had lunch with friends who've frequented Kool's on Fridays for 3 decades. Always a pleasure to come back to town and enjoy great food (the deep dish deluxe Kitchen Sink pizza was fab) and cold beer served by their friendly and attentive staff.even the owner came by and gave us a nod. A London institution!

Average food, soapy beer glasses. And a security staff that won't hesitate to assault dine in customers. Over crowded to the point they can't even serve efficiently. Miss managed establishment with staff who like to make derogatory comments about native people.

Had my Birthday dinner at Kools. Food and drinks were great all around, Highly recommend the Jumbo Panzerotti!

I come here every month for a gathering of people with like minds. The staff are always amazing and accommodating. The food is pub food, but still agreeable. The atmosphere could use an update.

Next to the Ceeps, this is THE most legendary university bar in London. Great food and beer variety, and the staff are friendly and helpful!

Had a couple of fine, cold draft beers. No food on this visit. Our server was great, attentive, and very friendly. A nice stop!