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Ratings and reviews

RATINGS
Food
Service
Value

Details

CUISINES
American, Bar, Canadian, Contemporary
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Dinner
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meals, features, about
Reviews (157)
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Traveller rating
71
42
23
11
7
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Time of year
LanguageEnglish
Traveller rating
71
42
23
11
7
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All reviews masala cod burger onion rings great service great food relaxed atmosphere smoked salmon jag st appetizers john salt
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Reviewed February 15, 2023 via mobile

Exile is in my top 3 restaurants for St. John’s. I’ve been dining there 2-5 times a year since their doors opened. It doesn’t matter if I have 1 or 25 guests - everybody always leaves happy with 0 complaints, which is rare! Exile -...I love you, you never disappoint! I love the rock & roll vibe; hands down the most comfortable chairs (great if you suffer from back pain); service is always fast, friendly and professional; food is consistent and delicious; I never have to ask for a drink or refill; and you always accommodate my special requests or modifications - you are amazing! You ROCK!More

Date of visit: February 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cory Abbott, Marketing at Exile Restaurant and Lounge, responded to this reviewResponded today

Thanks so much for the kind words. We really appreciate you taking the time to share a review with us. Thanks for continuing to support us and we look forward to seeing you again soon!

Reviewed February 14, 2023 via mobile

Starter was lovely, a pear salad! The main which was a fish dish was awful. Overcooked and chewy and when I complained it wasn’t received well. The dresser wasn’t much better than the main. Wouldn’t bother to eat here again. There are much better places...in St John’s to eat.More

Date of visit: February 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cory Abbott, Marketing at Exile Restaurant and Lounge, responded to this reviewResponded today

On behalf of our entire team, I would like to apologize for failing to exceed your expectations with your visit. Your satisfaction is important to us as a valued guest. We will be using your feedback to make improvements so that we can provide exceptional...More

Reviewed November 21, 2022

Food quality was slightly below what we expected since our last visits. Our group just didn't find the flavors to grab us. Still love the floor length windows, warm ambiance, and turned up music. The mid room seating - both chairs and banquette while attractive...are just not at all comfortable. Fully understand that serious challenges are upon our locally owned eateries - we will try again!More

Date of visit: October 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cory A, Marketing at Exile Restaurant and Lounge, responded to this reviewResponded December 9, 2022

Very sorry to hear you were not completely satisfied during your last visit to Exile. We appreciate your feedback. Glad to hear that you enjoy the ambiance of the restaurant. We look forward to your next visit and to giving us another opportunity to provide...More

Reviewed August 21, 2022

If you find this review helpful, please let us know by clicking the like button below! Thank you! First visit here but won't be our last! Quick efficient service - Great Selections - Great Atmosphere! Good Drinks, food was quick and fresh served hot! Deserts...were limited but very much worth having! We will be back!More

Date of visit: July 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cory Abbott, Marketing at Exile Restaurant and Lounge, responded to this reviewResponded August 23, 2022

Thanks so much for the 5-star review! We really appreciate it.

Reviewed August 13, 2022 via mobile

The atmosphere and decor focused on various musical artists. The music playing was classic rock mostly. Not too loud. I had the trout which was well seasoned and I enjoyed it. Others had the cod and burger. Everyone liked the meals. The desserts were also...tasty. Overall we enjoyed our visit.More

Date of visit: August 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cory A, Marketing at Exile Restaurant and Lounge, responded to this reviewResponded August 19, 2022

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us a review. Very glad that you enjoyed your meal and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Reviewed July 29, 2022 via mobile

Food was absolutely terrible! To our big surprise everything was deep fried. Just not good enough for a restaurant. Drink were good.

Date of visit: July 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed July 23, 2022

A beautiful menu punctuated by extraordinarily good service. The food was wonderful. I would recommend eating here to anyone visiting St. John’s.

Date of visit: July 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cory A, Marketing at Exile Restaurant and Lounge, responded to this reviewResponded August 10, 2022

Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We really appreciate it!

Reviewed June 9, 2022 via mobile

We didn’t stay in the hotel, but visited this restaurant for breakfast. The food was great, and the service was as well. Really enjoyed the creative decor both inside the restaurant and outside in the hotel lobby area. Very comfortable seating and relaxed atmosphere.

Date of visit: June 2022
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cory A, Marketing at Exile Restaurant and Lounge, responded to this reviewResponded July 8, 2022

Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We really appreciate the feedback!

Reviewed May 1, 2022

Located inside the Jag Hotel. Pros - allowed me to substitute fries for a garden salad in my cod fish and chips; good portion of cod - smoked salmon fettuccini was tasty - service - dining room Neutral - wished there was a little more...fettuccini ConsMore

Date of visit: April 2022
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cory A, Marketing at Exile Restaurant and Lounge, responded to this reviewResponded May 26, 2022

Thank you very much for the review. We really appreciate the feedback!

Reviewed March 12, 2022

Went there today to try their burger for the burger challenge; My friend chose the moose Marsala dish. Burger was smothered in purple slaw and the patty was bland and unflavoured. The Moose Marsala was also not great. The moose was tough and the rice...dry with no sauce. Chutney thick and cold. Just OK food.More

Date of visit: March 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cory A, Marketing at Exile Restaurant and Lounge, responded to this reviewResponded March 16, 2022

We’re sorry to hear that you were displeased with the quality of your recent meals at Exile. We feel our team created a unique burger for this challenge and we have gotten a number of rave reviews on it. We do understand that everyone’s tastes...More

Reviewed November 27, 2021 via mobile

Similar to last time we tried this place… just OK. Very nice atmosphere and off the charts on interior design and detail, however service and staff knowledge is middle of the road. Also the fact the bar closed at 10 PM was surprising!! Staff informed...us it was still on COVID Hours…. 12 PM is more reasonable.More

Date of visit: November 2021
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cory A, Marketing at Exile Restaurant and Lounge, responded to this reviewResponded March 14, 2022

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We appreciate all the feedback we receive both good and bad. Very sorry that we didn't meet your expectations on your last visit. With COVID restrictions lifting we hope to return to more regular...More

Reviewed October 9, 2021

Our experience at Exile was incredible all around. Excellent cocktails, amazing service, and a delicious, well balanced, bright duck dish. However, the star of the meal was the moose donair onion rings. This was, hands down, the best appetiser I have had in St. John’s...in years. The combination of salt and savoury and sweet, with the variety of textures, was unbeatable. I cannot recommend this dish enough. I had dreams about it the night after. I have craved it ever since. It was a feature for that night, but most Fridays and Saturday, similar culinary delights are on as the special. However, I insisted to the staff that this item in particular needs to be a permanent menu item.More

Date of visit: October 2021
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cory A, Marketing at Exile Restaurant and Lounge, responded to this reviewResponded October 15, 2021

Thanks so much for the feedback! So glad you enjoyed the moose donair onion rings!

Reviewed September 1, 2021

The tenderloin was excellent and cooked as requested but two ordered duck, but no duck. Had to order moose lasagna which arrived only warm with cheese not even melted. Had to send back for microwave and even then was dry and tasteless. Lesson learned, don’t...order something from a big pan made earlier in the day and then served after a quick microwave warmup. Desserts were generous size and tasty. Ordered a whiskey drink and charged extra to make with bourbon instead of the premium rye advertised. Menu was limited as one diner doesn’t do fish. No homemade pasta, nothing special. Had nice comfy seats and a pleasant server. Other server clearing the table asked two diners to pass her their plates, never saw that before. I expect more when spending 500$ on a dinner with only one wine and drinks.More

Date of visit: September 2021
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cory A, Marketing at Exile Restaurant and Lounge, responded to this reviewResponded October 15, 2021

Thank you for taking the time for a review and we appreciate your feedback. We are disappointed we didn't exceed your expectations. Your satisfaction is important to us and we will be using the feedback you provided to make improvements to ensure we offer an...More

Reviewed August 23, 2021 via mobile

Arrived for dinner at 8, it was quite busy and was informed of same upon arrival. A bit slow to get drink orders out but since it was slammed that was ok. My drink was quite tasty (the cherry oh baby), boyfriend didn’t quite enjoy...his (expected a stronger whiskey drink vs the sweet one he got but that’s what you get when you order the unknown). Ordered olives and feta with extra bread, it was good. A bit surprised I was charged 4$ extra for a little bread where anywhere else would’ve just sent some out as there’s quite a large portion of dip to bread ratio. Friends ordere scallops, I think they were 13$? Two medium and one tiny scallop on some purée? Def not worth it. Brussels sprouts looked burnt but a big portion and they seemed to enjoy it. They had no beef as apparently a table of 25 showed on the day they had not booked? Which was a major disappointment. Because the beef was what the couple raves about as being very good. Cod was ok? Stuffed Chicken was ok. Desserts were delicious and big portions. Server was friendly enough but we didn’t need to hear her grievances with the table of 25 or how slammed she was at every interaction. We get it. Overall I would return, it’s nice atmosphere and good was good overall.More

Date of visit: August 2021
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cory A, Marketing at Exile Restaurant and Lounge, responded to this reviewResponded October 15, 2021

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us a review. We really appreciate the feedback. We strive to provide a superior guest experience and your valued comments will help us improve.

Reviewed August 18, 2020

Great atmosphere, staff, food and drinks with reasonable prices. Stayed at the hotel and a perfect place to dine. First time I could easily hear and enjoy the great music but could also hear my wife talk without shouting like other loud restaurants. We’ll be...back, LOVED the scallops appy, and paella main!More

Date of visit: August 2020
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
918cva, Marketing at Exile Restaurant and Lounge, responded to this reviewResponded August 19, 2020

Thanks so much, Tony for the 5-star review! So happy you enjoyed your first visit and we can't wait to see you again.

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EXILE RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE, St. John's - Downtown - Updated 2023 Restaurant Reviews, Menu & Prices - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Exile Restaurant and Lounge

Exile Restaurant and Lounge is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4
  • Service: 4.5
  • Value: 3.5