Jacks Monterey

When we looked up this restaurant we didn’t know that it was inside the hotel. But we found it. 🤣🤣 It was really nice inside but we were looking for more of a romantic place. Also the menu we seen on the reviews was not the menu we received, it was like half the options we seen online. The waiter we had was really nice and got everything we asked for. Our food was really good too. In the end we had a really nice time. It was more of us just celebrating of anniversary together. O and the sweet potato tater tots were amazing.

My family and I dined here and while I am giving it 5 stars, I still would like to share my experience and provide feedback. Upon arrival, it was apparent that it was a busy evening. The desk was empty and a few minutes later, the hostess shouts from another side of the restaurant that she’ll be right with us (long line forming at this point). She was obviously very flustered. When she made it to the desk, there was not any greeting but she made eye contact, so I approached her and asked how she was and I received a “overwhelmed!”. Asked for a table for 4, and was told she needed to ask the servers. Then she came back and asked us to pick from a booth or table. We picked the table and when handing us a menu, told us that the servers were extremely overwhelmed and we needed to be patient with them. My husband comes from a background in this line of work and was extremely annoyed by this and her approach about it. I’m not sure if she might not have been in this role for long but her doing this almost ruined our dinner and gave us a bad first impression of the restaurant. We contemplated if we should leave at that point for faster service, as we had our small children with us. We were anticipating a longer than usual wait, but surprising we were greeted by our server Izabella within 10 mins. We had waters, lemonade, and our food about 10 minutes after that. Izabella was very polite and prompt and went out of her way to find crayons and a kids menu that the hostess had passed out to every child but ours (I say this because I watched her pass them out after restocking them. They were all out when customers were being seated). Izabella went above and beyond and was very friendly and professional. She is definitely the reason this review became 5 stars. Other than the super weird experience with the hostess (which is the first impression of every restaurant), the food was great as well as the dessert and we really enjoyed it. Food came out promptly and was hot and fresh. Lots of flavor and great presentation. Kids menu was a plus and had good options for the littles. The ambiance was great and would love to return but hope we don’t get the same hostess.

This is our in-laws favorite place to go so we join them when in town & are never disappointed. It’s located in the plaza of the Portola Hotel. The service is fast and friendly. We love the calamari and garlic fries. Last time we came they had cheesy skillet with dinner rolls as an appetizer that were AMAZING! We were so sad to see they are no longer on the menu. We got the bread boule instead but it wasn’t as good. It taste fine but the cheese is hard and dry and it’s difficult to pull apart and eat. BRING BACK the other appetizer!! Other than that we love the atmosphere.

Paella was great. Lots of food. Wife had Filet Mignon and loved it.

Quiet and service was great

Great food, amazing service, great drink selection. For those trying to find it, it’s in the hotel lobby - maps make it a little bit difficult to find if it’s your first time here. 9/10

Best Prawn Scampi ever! Recommended by waitress and it was incredible!

We ate jack's chowder, softshell crab and ahi tuna sandwich. The food is really good. The service is also good!

Great food and service unexpected for a hotel lobby restaurant. Comfortable seating in the atrium and very kid friendly for such an upscale dining option.

Cinnamon French toast with crispy bacon. Delicious. The bacon was crispy but not overcooked, and the French toast has crispy edges and a fluffy inside. The wait staff were very attentive and friendly. Their service was excellent. Thank you, Plu and Aldi.

Although the dishes are small, a little spendy, they are absolutely worth it! Delicious! I had the flank steak and was not disappointed! Melted in my mouth. Local beers on draft, super elegant atmosphere. Would recommend.

Stayed at the hotel, and was skeptical to eat here. But my wife and I were starving, so we tried their breakfast. Boy was it delicious! The Javier skillet and the huevos rancheros was yummy!!! Don't forget to add the hot sauce!

The service was great. It was just me but my server didn't rush me, so I felt I could really take my time and enjoy my meal.
*Pink panther cocktail- wasn't overpowered with alcohol which allowed me to taste the other flavors
*buttered garlic bread. Nice that it had chunks of garlic. If you aren't into slightly larger than minced pieces of garlic, I wouldn't recommend.
*Steak with Yukon potatoes and asparagus was very good.
I asked for medium and for the most part it was.
*the bomb was literally just that, the bomb! The sorbet paired nicely with the ice cream and chocolate.

The ambiance was nice too. Although there were lot of people, I didn't feel like I was on top of anyone when dining

You would never expect to find such a fantastic place to eat in a hotel lobby! Lots of local farm fresh items on the menu. Service is great!

My wife and I messed up and started coming to Jack's the last night or so of our stay in the hotel they are attached to. Man, oh man, I wish we'd have tried them sooner. Appetizers, salads, entrees, all of it was delicious. The bartenders are great, wait staff was friendly. I'll miss this place most of all.

Had a lovely glass of smooth red wine that waiter suggested, since wasn't on menu yet. Later had HUGE "solo" serving of fried calamari that was more than enough for 2, $17, and truly enjoyed a the deep dish fresh baked rolls in pan with creamy artichoke sauce on top ("solo" serving was $7,plenty to share) was delicious. Cozy modern bar with great service, generous serving sizes, a fireplace fireplace area, in Monterey Portola Hotel. Lovely tables in atrium for full meals. Highly recommended, but not inexpensive.

Filet sandwich was killer. Great remodel, love the wood ceiling and new layout.

Great burger! Great beer! I'm a Monterey local and this is my secret favorite place now. Danny was patient and helpful, recommending we split the burger and save room for dessert. Smart. Definitely eat here. Atmosphere 10/10.

We had a great dinner with a large group. They accommodated us well. The salads were especially good. Pro tip - the "solo" portion is giant for anyone. The "sharing" portion is two complete meals.

We'll be back for sure when we're in Monterey next.

We were staying at the Portola Hotel that jacks sits inside, so it was a convenient choice and it has a visually appealing bar and eating area and an extensive varied menu to choose from. My children had pizza and my daughter was disappointed she could not just have ham (it was already pre mixed with pepperoni so she figured she could pick those pieces off, but it was a mix of lots of little pieces so she ended up pulling the whole topping off) but apart from that the three of us loved our choices - my husband loved his filet mignon with the leeks, and my son enjoyed his pizza, and for me it was the nicest salad I had in whole trip to 8 places across California! I had the strawberry fields forever and it was just delicious including the goats cheese with it is something I have not tried before and hope to enjoy again one day. We enjoyed our drinks, wine and fruit juices. Servers and all staff were friendly.

Excellent, we enjoyed our meal .
It was very good and our waiter was very helpful with questions we have had with there new menu. The open atrium dining area is unpleasant and cold and really no privacy as compared to the previous setting. Please go back to the original setting it was Sophisticated, Comfortable and made the dining experience an EXPERIENCE!!! The Whites