Short ribs were tasty and tender. Meatloaf was moist and tasty. Everything we have had at FM Don's has been excellent.

When we sat down for lunch we were told 'there is no salad material'. I did arrive about 15 minutes later, but who opens with no salad? Food was just okay, service so so. read more

Excellent food, but the really outstanding entertainment is Wed. evening, starting around 5:45 pm, outside on the sidewalk, with the two man band, a keyboard player and a guitar player. They have a bar outside as well as tables and seating. I believe they also have live entertainment other nights also. read more

Visited Port Charlotte over Labor Day weekend and had dinner at FM Don's. I ordered the lemon chicken dish and when it arrived I was told that the plate was really hot. When I tried cutting into the chicken with the knife provided, I could tell that the chicken was not edible. It was so tough and dry that I sent it back and ordered salmon instead. The food had all the signs that it had been microwaved and so overdone that the texture was literally like rubber. The salmon arrived less than 2 minutes later and again I was told the plate was hot. The outside was cooked to a toughened texture and the inside was completely raw and still slimy as salmon would be uncooked. I tried to eat a few bites but I could not eat it. It was the worst food I had ever been served in any restaurant. We asked a staff member to have the chef come out and speak to us. Instead, his wife came out and said her husband, "Chef Keith" was too busy. I proceeded to tell her about sending the chicken back and showed her the salmon which was not edible. I asked the question if the food was microwaved and her response was "I'm offended. My husband is a world class chef." I responded that I was offended having been served food that was complete crap. I asked her to take the salmon off of my check to which she responded, "I'm not taking anything off your check." My friend now was starting to record the episode and she tried to grab his phone out of his hand. I told her I was not paying for the salmon to which she replied, "I'm calling the police" and she had her phone in her hand threatening to do so. I begged her to call them but she would not do it. Her husband then came out and I told him what I thought of his food and he was not better than she. The only thing worse that the food in this restaurant is it's chef and his wife. They are truly despicable people. Eat here at your own peril. You have been forewarned. They deserve to lose their business because of the crap they serve and the way they treat customers. read more

Went for the lobster special tonight, it's our second time doing this. Great value for the money but left very disappointed tonight. Service was excellent that we have no complaints on. Our waiter Eric was spot on. But, the claws were raw, Totally inedible. We brought it to our servers attention who then brought it to the kitchen to show the chef. We hated to complain cause we had an excellent meal other than that. Will go back but not for lobster. read more

DO NOT EAT HERE. Totally over priced, poor quality, poor service. Cannot understand how it has any positive reviews. Unless they wrote them themselves. We havebeen to this restaurant three times. First time last summer for lunch. Not very busy but service was extremely slow. The food was virtually inedible and overpriced. He had a fish dish. I had a burger. My husband insisted we give it another try which we did in October this time we waited almost half an hour for a table even though the restaurant was not busy. After we sat down our waitress seem totally disinterested. We ordered drinks and water. The water came and after sitting for 20 minutes we still had no drinks so we just got up and left. Last night was the final straw. Most of the tables were empty but we were told it was a 15 minute wait. We left and came back still plenty of empty tables. We sat at one until we were finally called to sit at a different table. More tha half hour wait for a virtually empty restaurant. Again, long wait for a server, after we ordered it took 15 minutes to get the soup, black bean, topped with under cooked cubes of carrot. The bread if you could call it that, was nothing but a prefrozen sams club style cook and brown roll. It was under cooked looked more like white sausage, Another 15-20 minute for the main course. I ordered meatloaf what got was a steamed burger wrapped in limp bacon, nasty. My husband ordered a pasta dish. He is not a fussy eater, in fact he will eat anything. But he did not east the pasta nor I the so called meatloaf. The only thing edible were the mashed potatoes. The waitress did not question why we did not eat the food, she just wished a happy day. How pathetic is that. Don't waste you time or money read more

Was there last nite and truly enjoyed it. Richard, our server was excellent, personable , knew the menu without questions and was very patient with my wine selection . He was prompt without hovering. Putting the water on the table was a wonderful addition for me. The change in the Blue Wedge Salad was so good !!. Ok here comes my little negative. Where's the chicken? I don't eat a lot of fish (shrimp allergy ). Don't usually order beef out. LOVE chicken. I understand a limited menu but chicken dishes are a strange thing to leave off of it in my opinion . I will miss the casualness of Jack's but Jack's had a high end dinner menu as well, just more selections. read more

Love having Chef Keith back in the kitchen! We went for dinner Saturday night, I wanted the Mussels but they were out, had the salmon and it was very good. My husband had the scallops and said they were delicious too. Wait staff is very attentive and personable. The acoustics are quite loud, wish it was quieter. read more

The food and service were excellent! The menu is varied so there is something everyone. I had Bison Meatloaf and it was delicious.

ok place. not great. service was a little slow. food was decent. got the filet and pasta and seafood.

Been to Jack's many times and although the food has been good I seem to have had most problems with service. Went with a group of 6 early New Years eve for dinner and after seating we were cautioned that the kitchen was backed up 15 minutes or so. We were OK with that since we had time. We ordered drinks and appetizers which came fairly timely. Then the wait began. Finally, about an hour later it showed up. Food was good, although the dinner for one in our party was not cooked as ordered; she didn't say anything because of the time it may take to get fixed. I felt sorry for our server because the slowness was not her fault, it was the kitchen. Seems like they should have been prepared for a New Year's Eve crowd, although the restaurant was not full. Some people were leaving after waiting so long. We were there over 2 hours and that was with no dessert or coffee. If I go back, it won't be for a while, or until at least they fix the service problems. read more

Met our friends from Bonita Springs for dinner Sunday. What a special treat! Food was delicious, very fairly priced and the service was wonderful!. Our waitress was very attentive and pleasant! Looking forward to our next visit! read more

This came up as a gluten free restaurant They only had one option. Disappointing. The food we had was nothing special for sure.

My family of 4 visited this establishment last night. Although we enjoyed the crab cake and shrimp appetizers, my husband and I were very disappointed with our entrees. It was very bland and not at all what we were expecting for it to be so pricey. The asparagus was awful. I tried to salvage it with salt and drawn butter but to no avail. The ribeye steak was of poor quality and tasteless...I did enjoy my baked potato at least. My husband had the same thing except he had mashed potatoes and also complained about the utter lack of taste to everything. However, the service from the hostess and waitress were outstanding! No complaints there! If I just wanted to go back for drinks and wonderful hospitality I would, but for the food? No thank you. read more

We dine here everytime we come down from up north the food has always been good you sit outside enjoy warm breezes good music smoke a cigar in public which is a treat in itself people gaze have a few cocktail's life is good . read more

Took an hour and a half to get our lunch and everything was over cooked. I couldn't even finish my hamburger it was so chared. Good spot need a new chief and management change. read more

Terrible! The food was sub-standard at best. The manager needs to learn how to take care of customers.

We were only in Punta Gorda for 4 nights and one night we chose to eat at FM Don's after looking at the menu during the afternoon. The two of us sat in a nice booth and ordered a bottle of white wine. As soon as we tasted it, we commented that it wasn't cold enough. Honestly, it was barely chilled but our server insisted it had been in the wine fridge and was the right temperature. Instead of bringing us a colder bottle, they very clumsily poored our wine into tall glass tumblers and tried to chill it at the table, but it never reached the proper temperature. I am not a wine snob by any means, but white wine does need to be chilled. We had the salad with fresh burrata which was excellent. Then, we both had the roasted lemon chicken, which was also very good. We then ordered the dessert special...a slice of raspberry almond cake. Our server came back moments later and told us it was all sold out. This, mind you, at 7:45 pm on a Friday night! The place was just starting to fill up at this time and there were many tables around us that had yet to order their dinners so we could not believe they were sold out of one of only two desserts they offer so early in the evening! Nate, the manager came over and explained that they only get 2 cakes in per night for the entire restaurant, which is just plain stupid. It would have been nice if he had offered us a complimentary Amaretto or something else with almond flavor, but instead he said "come back next time and I'll give you a slice for free." Between the wine being warm and no dessert at 7:45, we will think twice about going back. read more

I was visiting this area on a Sunday and was looking for a place for lunch. There isn't much choice of restuarants on a Sunday. After reading reviews, we decided on this one. The food is mediocre. I had the Katz chopped salad. It was covered in Chinese noodles and the salad dressing was too sweet. read more

Enjoyed our lunch here today. There were 4 of us and we ordered several things from the menu, as well as a cocktail and beer flight. The tuna stack appetizer was fresh, as was the wedge salad which came with chunks of blue cheese. Cocktail was good and the beer flight had 4 tastings of their craft beers and was very good as well. Service was prompt and friendly. Would definitely return for lunch or dinner read more

We have eaten at Jacks quite a few times over the past 2 years, and were never disappointed, until our last visit. I ordered the slow roasted prime rib medium rare and it was served cold. After it was taken back, it was medium well. The meat was tough and flavorless, which was a surprise. Another patron saw that I had the same cut as his and he asked if mine was as tough as he found his to be. The manager offered another cut, but my wife was done with her dinner and I had had enough and after the other gentlemen's comment, I wasn't going to waste any more time. The manager also provided a free desert, but it was too little too late. This was the first time we were disappointed, and since we go out to eat usually 3-4 times per week and there are so many other restaurants available, we will probably not go back for some time, read more

I have been here three times and everytime it is a great experience. My service is good at the bar or at a table. Everthing I have ordered has been cook perfectly and presented well. I will become a regular since I now live in town. I recommend this place to anyone looking for a comfortable place with great food! read more

Our family had lunch there and the food was really not very good. 3 of us ordered wine or beer, the wine was served in large glasses. I ordered the crab cake sandwich and the crab cake had a lot of shells in it and was mushy. The bun it was served on was stale. 2 people ordered the mango chicken salad sandwich and both enjoyed their lunch. One other of our group ordered the grouper po boy and was unable to finish their food because the fish had a bad texture and strange flavor. read more

Sat outside on an average night, not busy and no wait. The food was ok, nothing to brag about and the service was pretty good...when the waitress was around. Feel like she disappeared numerous times during the meal and everything seemed to take an eternity to show up. Maybe something exciting was going on inside that we missed because I'm telling you it was 15-20 min at a time she disappeared. I hope she's ok, I haven't seen her since I started this review....had to come back and edit review 10 min later and she is still not here, I am going to now alert the authorities or walk away from this meal without paying because I'm sick of waiting for the bill!!! read more

We were lucky enough to get there early for the Sofrito Pork and Macadamia encrusted Talapia both were superb. My husband got a Caesar salad and I opted for the Calypso soup neither of which were too memorable. I highly recommend Jack's the service was exemplary, and the main dishes outstanding. If you like Lechon Asado, you will love Sofrito Pork. read more

This place is hit or miss for me. Have been here several times. Sometimes it is good food and other times it is just ok. Very inconsistent. But I keep going back for the great appetizers and wine. read more

Dinner there tonight. Been there several times as good always go service. Cheryl was our server A+ service

Went with a group of 8 and a reservation. We were seated immediately upon arrival, even though we had a few stragglers. There was an issue with a couple of the drinks that was handled immediately and to everyone's satisfaction. The food is worth the splurge in price! I had mahi mahi, coconut shrimp, scallop, veg and rice. It was pleasant to look at and delectable. Several others had fish and chips, all were enjoyed nicely. Grilled swordfish for another was raved over. Shrimp and grits for one had ordered the etouffee on the side as it was very spicy to their taste, but they did use and enjoy some of it. Braised short rib was a delight for #8. To top it all off the double chocolate and the tres leches cakes were delish. Would go back again and again. Four out of five stars because I'm old school and nobody really gets a fiver unless everything is way above and beyond. This was close, but not quite. read more

We are glad to have you back as a chef in Punta Gorda, Keith! Your commitment to fresh ingredients is always evident in your dishes! I have always loved your rendition of a beet salad as well as the seared scallops you prepare. So, I always want both! However, as you are quoted recently in the local paper, you believe American servings are too large. and I agree totally! So, my dilemma is this: neither dish is optimal as a leftover taken home but I really enjoy a small salad before my entree! Could you consider a "mini" salad (could be beet, mixed greens, Caesar, whatever) that you serve with the entree? Last week I ordered both the beet salad and the scallops.......just too much food ........so maybe one less scallop (or a little less of the wonderful veggies) and accompany it with a small salad of some sort? Ultimately, I will keep eating there regardless, but it would be absolutely perfect if that were to happen!! Keith, you are the best in Punta Gorda! read more

I went with my dad to this restaurant and it was awesome. As soon as I walked in I was greeted by a wonderful staff ready and willing to serve. Needless to say the service was fantastic. The food we had was equally fantastic. There is a simple menu to order from which is not cluttered with a million different items and options. The food was served fast and correctly. I had the Jack's Burger and let me tell you it was great. My dad had the Pastrami Pretzel sandwich and he loved it. The restaurant itself is very nice and modern. There is an outside patio to enjoy your meal with plenty of space. There is a full service bar and the bartender made some very good drinks. Jack's is a good place to go with friends or family to enjoy a lunch or a night out with friends. I'm telling you I was really impressed. read more

HORRIBLE SERVICE, SNARKY. We went to Jack's at 5:15 Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 to beat dinner crowd. We were seated in an area of about 10 tables. First issue. We ordered dinner and frozen daiquiris. At $5 a pop, not cheap, not too pricey. What we got was two glasses filled with reddish colored ice slush. NO strawberry flavor at all, and certainly no discernable alcohol. By 5:45, all the tables were full and we had no dinner. By 6:15, some of the tables seated after us had their dinners. By 6:30 ALL the other tables had food and we did not. We stood up to leave after I left money for the drinks. The "manager" came over, told us the food was "right here". I said all the others seated after us had theirs and we were leaving. He said, "DON'T TRY US AGAIN!", turned his back and walked away. My wife and I were insulted and angry. Other diners confirmed what the manager said. This place may or may not have good food..........but plan on WAITING FOREVER and BEING INSULTED. read more

My friend and I have found our new favorite restaurant. My friend has gluten intolerance. She asked for a Gluten free menu, but was told they had no menu, however, they would be happy to work with her. Waitress left, and we looked at the menu. As we were reading (they have a 2 for $25.00 on the menu...I am not sure it this is a special or not, but my gosh the selection was mouth watering) the General Manager came to our table. Her and Rhonda went over the menu TOGETHER.. Have you EVER had a general manager come to your table and give such personal service?? We have not...Sheena Booze, the general manager, let Rhonda know what was in each food selection. There are NO fillers in the potatoes. Lots of restaurants put flour and powered creamers in potatoes to give them more "umph". Jacks does not. We had tilapia encrusted hazelnuts with with apricot orange sauce, green beans and garlic mashed potatoes. I had Calypso seafood soup and Rhonda had a salad. The soup was wonderful!!! Oh, my, I could of ate just the soup for a meal...Creamy, and with a coconut base with lots of bay scallops and shrimp. Rhonda's salad was a nice size salad with thick slices of tomato's and cucumbers. When dinner arrived the fish was PERFECT. FRESH Green beans and Real potatoes. So much food we both brought home some. Our service was delightful. Coffee hot and fresh, everyone who worked there smiling. Oh...also, on Thursday's around seven there are a couple of gentleman outside playing instrument's. We sat outside and had a cocktail as we listened to some awesome music and singing as we watched people dance and have a great time. Like I said, we just found our new favorite restaurant for our girls night out. read more

Here's a place that while it enjoys a certain amount of local popularity, it can be very hit or miss. Sometimes we get an excellent server, but other times our server can be inattentive or their demeanor is just not conducive to a pleasant dining experience. Most times the macad.grouper and risotto dishes are good. Vegetables and salads are mundane, showing very little creativity or effort. Soup is usually a better choice. Service out of the kitchen can be very slow and I have had on occasion experienced one persons dish in our party coming out much later than everyone else (always really annoying). Many dishes are just plain disappointing and over-priced. I'd skip shrimp or scallop dishes. They are a particularly poor value. As for the martini bar which connects to the restaurant...skip it. Drinks are over- priced and service is poor. Most times there is no bartender at the bar and you have to wait for drinks to come over from the bar next-door at Jack's. I expect. More attentive service than that, especially if I'm buying a $9 drink. Also carpet and lounge area is shabby. They should consider a makeover with decor and staff. Closing off bar from Jack's with doors would also improve vibe and quiet down bar. Also get rid of pop videos on big screen and go with cool but sophisticated music. read more

ok so i tired it...wont be back. food has an asian theme and the restaurant is all tropical! kinda confused....oh well food was ok, thank goodness for the coupon, drinks took long to get but at least they had alcohol in them. oh well heard they have good entertainment on thursdays.... yeah also tried that over this past weekend, hope you like getto music and over priced drinks! gotta love this town read more