Review Joe Kool's - London

I was at Joe Kool's with my family the first week of June 2023. The last time I was at Joe Kool's was 33 years ago during my graduation ceremony from the University of Western Ontario. My trip back to my old hometown London, Ontario -- and in the process of Joe Kool's - was meant to show my two boys the place that shaped me to become who I am today. More importantly, Joe Kool's gave me my first job in 1986 - as a newly arrived 19-years old Immigrant with limited conversational English -- and in the process Joe Kool's supported me in my quest to graduate from Western with a Computer Science [Honors] degree in 1990. And the rest is history.. to be told in my memoir. Why I am writing this long review is because - one of the biggest surprises my life happened during this June 2023 visit to Joe Kool's and London, Ontario. After checking in at our hotel - the Delta Hotels London Armouries - I asked my family to hurry - and "let us go to Joe Kool's." It was around 5:00 PM on Wed, June 8th. I drove my family for early dinner to Joe Kool's because I wanted to show them the amazing venue and food I still remember - before it gets busy in the evening. While sitting and reminiscing the venue, and in the process enjoying the Joe Kool's Nachos with my family -- I noticed an amazingly familiar man. I asked the waitress if she knew who that person was - and she said - yes, that is Mike Smith. This is a man who I last saw 33 years ago - the founder and owner of Joe Kool's. I went to say hello - and he said, "Michael!!" - emotional hugs, etc... I introduced him to my family, etc... - and then another unthinkable thing happens. Mike showed me a man sitting at the bar - older with white hair and beard - but a very familiar smile and face. And yes, it was Ross Cockburn - my mentor who taught me how to become the best dishwasher and then got me promoted to become a bus boy and then a host at Joe Kool's. The chances of both Mike and Ross being at the Restaurant - 33 years later and coincidently meeting my wife and my two boys -- at the place who shaped my future -- was surreal and an emotional moment for all of us. And you thought the story ends here... not yet. Thanks to Mike's and his wife Anne - they threw me a dinner party at their house the next day - and to my surprise - they invited my boss at Joe Kool's - Scot Crawford - whom I saw last 33 years ago. Let me pause here... and I would like to say..... Thank you, Joe Kool's, Mike, Ross, Scot, and my classmate at Western Mike Cookson - for an amazing homecoming!! I plan to return back to Joe Kool's during its 41st anniversary week, March 1-7, 2024 - to celebrate with my [reconnected] family. Michael.

Joe Kool’s ranks up there with Stairway To Heaven ! From the time you’re escorted to your booth like Mick Jagger to the moment food arrives smelling like Red Hot Chili Peppers 🌶️!! The service over all is fit for The King (on the ceiling)…. and atmosphere of course was Tragically Hip.

Best pizza 🍕 I have ever eaten. Great environment, waitress was very pleasant and hard working.

I never visit London without swinging by Joe Kools at LEAST once. Service and food are always top notch. Spring rolls, kitchen sink pizza and the panzerotti are our favorites. The music was incredible once the party kicked off. DJ DoubleDown and DJ Alpha put on a hell of a show. Can’t wait till they’re back at Kools again!

My wife and I had Joe Kool's cater our wedding. They did a fantastic job! Everyone was raving about how good the food was and the bar staff went above and beyond to make sure everything went smoothly. We can't thank them enough for making our special day absolutely perfect!

The food was amazing! The sandwiches were fresh the veggie trays were crisp the pizzas are excellent. The staff are so friendly and engaged with our guests. We booked a room for a private family function and it went off wonderfully because of the staff 💓. Richmond St location

Amazing nachos! Best restaurant nachos I’ve ever had. The Chicago could is also super good. Both were fresh too. Definitely recommend this place. Lots of history too!

Stopped by for lunch! Great old haunt from university days. Still the same ole amazing place! The nachos and quesadillas were amazing! Super friendly staff and amazing choice of beers.

The food was so good, the atmosphere was so good, and our waiter Marcus was so nice it was one of the best restaurant experience I have ever had, I highly recommend Joe kook's

We celebrated Christmas Eve with friends and even though the place was packed we had fast, friendly service. Great food (Santa Fe springrolls and kitchen sink pizza) and great service is the reason tgat Kools has been a landmark in London for over 40 years!