Review of Illegal Jack’s, Lothian Road

Illegal Jack’s is a large, clean and pleasant grill serving contemporary Texan Mexican food. It is locally owned and operated.

The restaurant is on the busy Lothian Road, near the Bread Street and Morrison Street junction. It is ideally suited for people doing a movie-dinner combo as its near to both the Odeon Cinema and the Filmhouse.

Illegal Jack’s South West Grill, to use the full name, serves a range of food beyond just the burrito. Fajitas are proper fajitas, served with tortillas separately from the meat and dishes for sour cream, cheese, sauce and cheese on the side. This is a superior experience to tex-mex outlets who drop the rice from a burrito and call it a wrapped fajita. In addition there are nachos, chili bowls (veggie or beef), salad options and buffalo wings.

Food portions are generous however there are ice cream options or pie for anyone who needs an especially large meal. In addition to soft drinks (which are available on unlimited refill just for a little more) Illegal Jack’s has a selection of wine and stocks Brew Dog beer. Prices are good.

On entering the grill, customers pick a table, review the menu and then walk to the counter to place their order. Food like chili bowls and burritos are prepared then and there and this is ideal if you’re in a hurry or looking to make use of their take away option. Other choices, orders that require additional cooking time, are dealt with by supplying a table number and bringing it to you when it is ready.

Staff are friendly and helpful. Free wi-fi is available throughout and its common to find customers with laptops.

The restaurant maintains a website, Twitter account and very popular Facebook page. At the time of posting this review the independent grill has well over 3,000 Facebook Likes and this indicates just how many locals recommend the restaurant.

Illegal Jack’s takes table bookings over Twitter. This is ideal for anyone leading the busy life or who wants to slyly bag a table from work without needing to make a personal call. Booking a table is recommended for parties over six people.

I wholeheartedly recommend Illegal Jack’s. The restaurant is one of my favourite locations in Edinburgh. The food is good, the prices fair and the location is ideal for any trip into the centre of town.