Food was great, exactly what you'd expect from Eastside Mario's however, the staff was absolutely lack luster. I had to get my own take out containers, the restaurant was empty maybe two other tables, and they barely came, they asked us for more soup and salad we said yes and then they brought out our main course which we hadnt asked for yet, and it got cold before we could eat it because we had also just been given more soup and salad. I have never tipped so little in my life. I hope they learn to do better.
My family of 8 had a sixteenth birthday party at this location. I have to say, apart from the excellent food and atmosphere..... it was our service that was exceptional- Bradley was our host and he was incredible. Efficient, kind, great with the kids. His service is what keeps us coming back. He is a true example of customer service! The cooks also deserve recognition. Food was perfect and right on time. Thank you Bradley for making it a 16th birthday diner experience to remember . Thanks East Sides !
DS
Diluksha Silva
Sep 28, 2026
I visited East Side Mario’s with my family today to celebrate my birthday, but unfortunately, the experience was very disappointing.
When we asked the server a few questions about the menu, her response and attitude were extremely rude and unwelcoming. We felt uncomfortable with the way we were treated, and as a result, we decided to leave without having our dinner.
I was especially disappointed because I was looking forward to celebrating my birthday with my family. Unfortunately, the poor customer service completely ruined the experience.
I would appreciate it if management could look into this matter and address the situation with the staff member involved. Customers should be treated with courtesy and respect, especially when they are simply asking questions about the menu.
I hope management takes this feedback seriously and takes appropriate action to prevent other customers from having a similar experience.
Very disappointed with the service, and based on this experience, I would not recommend this location to people I know.
Went to celebrate my daughter’s birthday very disappointed from the time we walked in from the time we left
it took the waitress over 10 minutes to come to a table after being seated my five year-old celebrating her birthday and we already know what we were going to eat prior to showing up. She started to order her a drink and cut her off before she was saying what she wanted to eat, I said we were already ready to order. She did order an orange juice, but brought her apple. I ordered bowtie pasta, and ended up with spaghetti. We had to keep asking for more bread more salad they never come to give us more napkins, nor did they collect the empty dishes. This server in particular has been a problem in the past they need to figure this out.
KS
keytel Systems
Sep 19, 2026
Extremely Disappointing Takeout Experience at East Side Mario’s, Upper James, Hamilton
I had an extremely disappointing experience today, September 19, 2026, at approximately 1:30 PM, while picking up a takeout order at East Side Mario’s on Upper James in Hamilton.
When I arrived, the lady at the reception told me that my order would take 5 minutes. What was frustrating was that it appeared she gave me this estimate without first confirming with the kitchen.
After waiting 5 minutes, I went back and asked how much longer it would take. She said “a few more minutes.” When I showed her the timer on my phone, she seemed offended and asked me, “You have to turn on a timer?” I simply explained that I had started a timer because I had been told the order would take 5 minutes.
She then went toward the kitchen area and started talking with other staff. From my perspective, the interaction after that was extremely uncomfortable, and I felt that my concern about the wait was not being taken seriously.
After another approximately 5 minutes, I asked again how much longer I would have to wait. I was again told 5 more minutes.
What was initially communicated as a 5-minute wait ultimately became approximately 22 minutes. The issue was not simply having to wait; it was being repeatedly given inaccurate waiting times and then feeling that my concerns were being dismissed.
Finally, when my food was handed to me, there wasn't even a basic “Sorry for the wait” or acknowledgment that I had been kept waiting substantially longer than the time originally provided.
This is extremely disappointing customer service.
My request to management: Please look into what happened today around 1:30 PM on September 19, 2026, including how the order was handled and how customers are being communicated with regarding wait times. Please also consider providing additional customer-service training to the staff on how to communicate delays professionally and respectfully.
East Side Mario’s is a well-established brand, and experiences like this can negatively affect the reputation of the restaurant. A customer can understand that a kitchen may become busy and that an order can take longer than expected. What is unacceptable from a customer's perspective is being repeatedly told “5 minutes” or “a few minutes” when the actual wait is significantly longer, followed by no apology or acknowledgment.
I hope management takes this feedback seriously and uses it as an opportunity to improve the customer experience and staff training.