I have been to several East Side Mario's restaurants in different cities over the past nearly 20 years. This review will no doubt be largely influenced by my nostalgic recollection of what used to be. Tonight my buddy and I dropped into this location for a beer and a plate of nachos. Pretty simple stuff. We split a pitcher of Rolling Rock. The beer tasted watered down. Both draft glasses were chipped. It took 25 minutes + for the nachos to arrive and they were nothing special. Blob on some salsa (not the good salsa, the cheap out of a jar of no name brand type methinks). Throw on the shredded cheese, some green onions, some olives call it $12. The chips were not stale, but they were not fresh either. 80% of them were not crispy, they were soggy. All in all the nachos were pretty lame. The server, when he was around would drop by and ask how things were. Mediocre wasn't a clue word for him and he was happy to carry on. We next saw him eating lunch at the bar. It seemed odd to me that employees ate in the dining area guests were in, but this isn't the Royal York so okay... next we saw a cook eating in the dining room as well. Apparently this is normal here. The whole time out waiter was on break we just sat there with a pile of soggy nachos and empty beer glasses. Finally we were allowed to pay so we could leave. I have been to this location before. My wife got raw chicken on her nachos. We have never had a 'good' meal here and average is about what you can hope for. It is unfortunate because I recall ESM's past glory where there were peanuts all over the place, the food was good quality, there was service etc. I really doubt this chain will exist in 10 years given their current direction. I have been to other locations and I think the whole franchise is circling the drain. If you are looking for a beer and nachos I would suggest several other nearby locations before ESM. In no order, Ethel's lounge, Morty's pub or the Duke of Wellington. Good luck.

negative

So we took our dog here today, a pit bull lock jawed onto my dogs ear. The owner of the pit proceeded to pick his dog up, full force punch it in the face, and then slam it on the ground. It was clearly animal abuse. The guy quickly left because onlookers were voicing their disgust. I went so numb from just having my dog attacked, that I couldn't get the guys license plate or anything. I want to report the bite, as well as the animal cruelty. Is it too late? Help!?!

negative

Typically when I order from here for lunch the place is pretty decent. However when I decided to order delivery for dinner. The tofu dish that I ordered had crumbled up dried out and burned pieces of tofu. They were absolutely inedible. He could not even chew them or eat them. The dish was soaked in a sauce that was so salty and burned my tongue. After this experience and then reading some of the yelp reviews I will never ever order from here again.

negative

Not a fan. I visited here 4 times over a year ago. Thought the food was mediocre at best. The atmosphere was cool and the service OK. Not interested in returning. Have lots of other options. The atmosphere is unique and cool, but not enough to return.
negative