There is a lot going on in Jack's Bakery and Pastry: a bunch of guys are watching Portuguese news and eating cake with a guy in an apron, the radio is blaring some clubby top ten, a child is crying for some sweet bread... and the lottery counter appears to be quite popular. I watch one man purchase "the winning ticket" and wave it in the faces of everyone at his table (all of whom are vaguely disinterested) and tuck it into his wallet with preemptive triumph... Jack's is open 24 hours, and has adopted a few quirks accordingly.
The coffee ($1.43) tastes a bit burnt. In retrospect, I should have had an espresso drink. Because when I got my bill, I noticed my was brew dubbed "Canadian" which usually translates as "not the thing to order." So Jack's is the kind of place that serves good espresso and burnt drip coffee... I notice too late that the regulars are drinking lattes.
I have no reason to believe that the lone bagel flavour (sesame $0.45) will be the best choice given that Jack's is primarily a Portuguese bakery and there's lots of fine looking breads, buns, baguettes. But my mind's been on bagels, and I want some. I take two and they're pretty good. Not really dense or chewy enough, but fresh with a nice toasted sesame taste; definitely a solid bagel for a one-bagel shop. And you can't beat the price.
The mini corn bread buns look hearty ($0.75). They go down tough, a bit on the hard side. But they have that good corn bread texture that leaves me satisfied after a couple, toasted with some cheese and pepper. (I also like the charming hand-written sign someone made for them.)
My best (and most obvious) purchase was the custard tart ($1.00). I've never had a bad custard tart from a Portuguese bakery and this one is no exception. But still, I enjoy it more than most because it comes in a mini size... like the corn bread. I like this trend.
The service was excellent - really pleasant. I like all the minis and I like the quirks here. If I lived closer (or had a car) I'd totally come to Jack's for some midnight bread, a latte and a lottery ticket... the winning ticket, like the one that guy purchased.
Photos by Alyssa Bistonath.
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those portugese tarts look like those from Macau
I used to work at the school around the corner. Jack's is a good place, and I frequented the place back when Nova Era used to be there. The coffee isn't usually burnt though - I've never had that before but it's nothing special, just a regular drip coffee like Tim Hortons or Coffee Time.
I agree about the custard tarts. They are great! (BTW, Macau was a Portuguese "colony" - not sure what the correct word is, but it was governed by Portugal up until 1999. One of the official languages is still Portuguese, so it makes sense that they share food and culture)
Is there a photo of the mini corn bread?
Jacks seems to be only traditional Portuguese Bakery left on Toronto..All the other ones are already to industrialized. From what i know, Jack's Bakery has a pretty traditional way of making its' pastry products and everyone in the team seams to be Portuguese, so i definaly recommend it if your're looking for an old fashion Portuguese bread and cakes.
Authentic Portuguese - Welcome!
Finally, a bakery where you can go to with a group of friends and/or family members with exceptional service. Satisfy your sweet tooth with their endless assortment of pastries baked daily and fresh 24hrs - the custards are my favorite... among others :) Great ambiance with honest and friendly staff.
um cantinho doce de portugal q sabe sempre bem qd s esta longe da terra. Os meus parabens ao Sr carvalho e colaboradores pela brilhante ideia, q seja o primeiro de mts jacks bakery. Já agora saia um cafe e um pastel de nata!
This is a really good place! I'm from protugal but when I was in Canada i used to go every day to jack's bakery and i spent some quality time in there. That place made me feel that i was in portugal, so i recommend the food and the ambiance! Great staff!
Great place!!
You have to see with your own eyes and taste those lovely cakes and sweets!!!
The owners are just FABULOUS!
Big cheers for them!
3 Words: "SIMPLY THE BEST"
When are u guys going to open more Jack's? We need them around my area, Woodbridge! U guys are fantastic! All the best for u. Keep up the good work
The best Bakery in Canada!
Real Portuguese Flavour with nice people and gentle Owners!!!
Saudations my friend!
Well, I say: see for yourself these magnificent pictures and decide what do you think about this fabulous bakery! The taste is even better...
I can say that the owners of this bakery are the most talented and friendly persons I´ve ever met.
With persons like this, it´s obvious that a quick stop at Jack´s Bakery can bring great things to a "regular day" of any person:)!
When are you guys thinking of franchising? If you continue the good work, in a few years, Jack's famous portuguese custards and everything else will be all over Canada, for sure! And I will want your franchise! Thanks for your great service and kindness! I know that one day somebody will look at your dedication and hard work and give you guys a big oportunity! Just keep on believing in what you are doing!
um autêntico desafio ao mais apurado dos sentidos!
A qualquer hora do dia, a certeza de um agradável encontro com os segredos mais bem guardados da pastelaria tradicional portuguesa, para quem não tem medo de se perder: entre o lado mais doce da vida.
Um beijo enorme dos teus queridos Amigos Inês e Helder
Le pain dans cette boulangerie est excellent. Il y en a de toute sorte! Et je vous parle pas des gâteaux; delicieux!!!
Dépéchez vous d'y aller car c'est vraiment exceptionnel de trouver du bon pain comme ça de nos jours!
Jack's bakery&pastry... une vie entière douce et légère:))
Great bakery / fantastic service!!
The quality and freshness of the food (bread, pastries, etc) was remarkable.
I will definitely be going back.
Excited to learn that it is 24 hours.
24 hours??? Wow!!!!
Something amazing and with a big future! Congratulations! Keep up the good work! Nice meeting the owners: Jack and Jason(the famous cute guy!)
Jack's Bakery is a place where I can find a big assortment of pastries with Quality! I love going there. And those portuguese custards... yummmmy:)
Do u guys have wireless internet?
yes, they have internet, just ask them for the password..I heard they are going to have a patio outside, and gelatto which is fantastic..
daque e o ambrosio de sousa a que e radio lousa novo dia de hoje estamos a espera de anucios para jack um abraco para o filho de e para o pai
wow i was there last night eat the famous gelatto ice cream is went down so good taste very well was treated the best and didnt have to wait much 4 service defently go there again
I wonder how everyone that commented on this site got paid for these posting!!!!!!
P.S. The best? You have got be kidding!!!
They all got paid money that u can't afford! Pass by the Bakery and I'll show u around. Your opinion will definetly change. It would be a pleasure to get to know u!
Thank You
diz ao teu pai la para as 5 ou 6 estou ai a limpar la encima manda mais bolos para o nosso email obrigado irmao
LOOKS GREAT FROM THE OUTSIDE,
BUT INSIDE MOST DESERTS ARE SIMILAR TO COMMISO'S ITALIAN BAKERY.
VERY OVER PRICED AND OVER RATED.
OHH MY GOD,
IF YOU CANT TELL ALL THE REPLIES ON THIS SITE ARE FROM THE OWNERS
OF JACKS BAKERY,THEY ARE DESPERATE FOR BUSINESS, NOT TOO MANY PEOPLE GO THERE AND MOST LEAVE UNHAPPY.
JACK WILL JACK YOU OFF
SAVE TIME AND MONEY AND GO ELSEWHERE
THANKS IN ADVANCE
YES I HAVE SEEN THE SAME ONES @ COMMISO'S ITALIAN BAKERY,
AND i AGREE, OVER PRICED. i THINK HE BUYS MOSTLY FROZEN
AND RESALES AT A MUCH HIGHER MARGIN.
DESPERATE FOR BUSINESS HE IS EVEN USING PUBLIC SIDE WALK SPACE
THINKING HE CAN MAKE A PATIO.
WE WILL SEE HOW LONG THAT LASTS.
WOW! THIS BAKERY IS REALLY FAMOUS, IT'S THE ONE WITH MOST COMMENTS, THAT MEANS SOMETHING... EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE GOOD OR BAD!!
JACK'S IS BECOMING REALLY FAMOUS IN TORONTO...
hey, i heard that courense bakery is going to change owners again,they are desperate, young guys that can't take control of what they are doing and there's this women taking over that is ripping off her cousin and ripped off the old owner's son, something crazy i heard... why don't u guys buy the place and open up a Jack's where they are???
hey who ever you are, easy on the comments! this blog is to advertise and not to play around with personal stuff.. Hope this doesn't continue or else i will delete all comments.
Thank You
yea keep talking bad about jacks backery cuz the more u talk the more your making jacks backery famous !!!
wow jacks at chins picnic im so excited to go check out what they have 4 sale and enjoy the fresh air by the lake and beauitful multi culture
Talk good or bad about Jack's , I bet none of you'll would like a Starbucks or any other {American}francise to come to your neighbourhood. Appreciate the man's service to the community making years old recipes from scratch everyday, as opposed to opening frozen pastries,cakes and bread{yes frozen bread too}like your average bigbox store bakery.When this is gone because we dont patronise , I hope I can stop by all the bad critics house for coffee and pastries.Keep on BAKING !!!!
You have got to be kidding. This is the best in the City? Have you been living under a rock? This place has gone downhill fast, since it was purchased from Nova Era. The sweets are stale. In fact, today I bought some almonds tarts and they were moldy. Everything is old, because nothing sells anymore. They don't have the variety they used to. I don't believe they make anything on the premises. The only reason I go there once in a while is because I live around the corner.
If you want an amazing bakery in the area, go to St. Clair to either patachou or Pain Perdu. it's more expensive, but you won't throw anything in the garbage.
If you want Portuguese, go to St. clair & Caledonia, to the other Nova Era in the area.
If Jack's or the owners really cared about keeping their clientele, they would certainly throw out the stale sweets and breads, and sell ONLY FRESH, so customers aren't throwing money in the garbage every single day.
Jason, if the owners of Jack's really care about their customers and keeping their business, I'm sure they won't be upset by the truthful comments. In fact, if it was my business, I would want to know about all comments, ESPECIALLY the not so nice ones, because I'd like to change and make things better.
When owners don't want to know the truth, they don't care about their customes or their product.
Jack's completes one year this month, I ve been a cust since the begining,many business have struggled thru the bad economy-phase, I wish him and all the hard working entrepreneurs all the sucesses for the coming years and to all those who critisise, eat your words or go to Tim Hortons,Starbucks etc.........
Wow, Poor Jack,
Can't keep a fresh rack of anything, always check for mould and
get your money back,
one year in and gonna have to sell everything back,
cause that's JAck, your neibour hood crack.
Poetic Justice you have been served
honestly, when i first got on this page and began to read the comments, i was blown away at how ridiculously fake they are and i am glad that other readers like maria silva also recognized such poor class. it is very dissappointing that someone in the company, probaby Jack's son Jason, had to stoop to this level. here a piece of advice from someone successful in business: if you want to build a good reputation and build a company that represents quality and excellence, you do it though providing quality products and customer service, because it is your customers that will bring you success and spread the word. not these ridiculous websites or advertising every single event and opportunity given like you have been doing since you have opened. you build giving your customers a great experience when they come into the store. if i were you Jason, i would do myself a favor and shutdown this blog as you mentioned because it just really makes you look bad when everyone reads it and knows you fabricated most it. good luck to you and your business and i hope that your second time around in this industry will be more successful than the first.
Congratulations to Jack's Bakery as Business and Community Leaders! You have been doing an amazing job and as a client from Mississauga that visits you whenever I can, we would really appreciate having Jack's down here! Keep up the Good Work!
OK! I have lived in this area for 15 years. Jacks sucks, he thinks he is in Yorkville
You are right! He should move to Yorkville and everyday he raises the prices. One day I had a soup for 1.50, next day same soup was 2.75. And he is a scrooge bahambug! What a double looser! He did it once some 15 years ago and cheated Revenue canada, what is he up to now?
Gosh you people are unreal.. if you like the place you go there if you dont just stay away.. i have been there a lot and i will back . Yesterday they had os cantares aos Reis old portuguese tradition, place was full and he served people very nice .. even gave free sweets to all .. really what else do you people want, just be proud of and suport our Portuguese bussiness, i have lived on this neighborhood for over 20 years and have seen other bussiness there and to be honest they were not better then Jacks.. look at all the different things that Jacks have been able to offer i have never seen such an assortment of Portuguese things like he has... about the prices yah you pay.. and we pay every were else the same or more but have you all noticed how much has wheat and grains gone up in the past year or so. realy i think his prices are within every other Portuguese Bakery
So my message is .. keep up the good work Jacks .. and for the ones that like Jacks i am sure none of the negative messages here are going to change the way you feel
Have a happy 2010 all of you
oh i forgot to say.. the famous natas yesterday were given to people free @ nite and they were hot from the oven.. and something else i work for a big company and i bring in Natas every now and then and everyone there says they have never had any better then Jacks.I pick them up in the morning and never had any stale
Sorry Maria but I have to rain on your parade. Our problem with the place is the ignorant style of service. We're obviously not Portuguese and it's openly apparent that they do not want non-Portuguese patronage. Whenever we go in there for anything we're ignored for a couple of minutes while the staff will be standing right behind the counter talking amongst themselves. The older guys will make absolutely no eye contact with us let alone serve us. We're left to rely on the younger staff who will eventually give a cold "Yes?" We always rush to leave the place from feeling very uncomfortable. We've since switched bakeries and only go there as a last resort. Are our cultures that different that such service seems so alien to us who are not Portuguese. And I ask because the place is always filled with smiling Portuguese patrons. It is a Portuguese neighbourhood after all. Or are you in reality a bunch of old world racists operating a business in a multi-cultural city? Here's a challenge for you Jason. Open a Jack's in a Shopping Mall where lots of brown, black, yellow and other non-Portuguese people go. Let's see how that works out for you?
God Bless.
First of all, Thanks for all the good and bad comments, it's a signal that Jack's Bakery has been spreading out the message. All of you are part of our sucess! As you all know, we opened 1 year and 5 months ago, which it looks like it was yesterday but, I think we've done so much and we would like to continue the Project so one day I will see my dream come true...Jack's all over! But first, we know that we have lot of work to do here on Oakwood and South of Rogers.
Origin of Jack's Bakery name: It was thought on the purpose of being an English name to serve all the Multicultural Community. Which is what has been happening and we are proud for that.
For the first Anniversary we did a Customer Appreciation Month which started September 15 and ended October 15 2009. We gave out cupons for Baguettes, we gave out questionaries to know about the opinion of the customers and i was really surprised, which gave us even more strenght to continue. We offer custard tarts when it comes up to weekends, Families have been enjoying coming here and the groups are getting bigger and bigger, we support everything that is related with Human Causes, why? Because we think that we should give in order to receive and that will always be Jack's Bakery in the Present and in the Future.
So here is my challenge for all of you: I would like to get to know you personally and chat a little more. It's always a pleasure getting to know new people. I'm here pratically 7 days a week working on this project, you just have to ask for me and we will sit down and enjoy a coffee and a Jack's custard.
Thanks once again
Jason Carvalho
Well written Jason,
All of you out there go meet him, critisise him ,whatver in person.
Make it a better business for the neighbourhood anyway.
I eat there and will complain or praise the management on spot .
Give small business's a chance ,they dont have the mega bucks like Tim Hortons, Starbucks ,nor do they call you by name,
Independants in Toronto are coming back ,or do you want the franchises all over {same old boring menus ...]
A Bakery is a Bakery ,dont get all tripped up on the origins etc unless you like the smell of frozen pastries ,bread at the grocery stores..
Jason,
Congratulations! The way you have exposed your thoughts to all the people that have left messages on this site only reveals your kind and humanitarian personal character. Strong values and excellent tools to live with personally and professionally. In deed you are a true business man. One with a profound knowledge of your clientele, community and the opportunities offered by being a respectful and humble person.
I know your products for years. I enjoy them. Every person I have introduced to Jack’s Bakery truly enjoy the service and the products.
I have read every single message on this great site. I have to say that I fell very sad by some of the wording and contents of some. Totally uncalled for. Just shows lack of respect and knowledge. Poor choice of words no doubt about it. Shows a very bad and jealous side of people. Very sad!
But on the other hand they can be quite useful to you Jason; by giving Jack’s Bakery free advertising and more motivation for Jack’s Bakery to continue the excellent work and community relations they have done so far.
I love to see any business growing in the community. I respect peoples hard work. I know that some are more successful, more giving than others. But at the end every business person (so I choose to believe) try to do their best. At least what they believe to be the best for the clientele and community they represent. There is enough clientele for every body to serve what they produce. The consumer chooses where to go. No silly messages on this site is going to change that.
I know Jack for almost 20 years. I have always respected him, his work ethics and his humanitarian side.
The community should be proud for having a decent business making Oakwood looking clean and decent to attract residents from all over the city and even from outside of Toronto.
Jason and Jack, please continue your dedication and good work. As we say in Portuguese… “Os cães ladram mas a caravana passa”!
All the best!
PS: I will be there this weekend to get a few “Broas” for me and my friend Ivana. They are the best in town.
Idalina
Okay its not only me as many of my friends have said the same thing but if you don't speak portugese or at least appear it the service is horrible. I have stood waiting ignored for minutes and than to eat pastries that are stale and gross. I really really do want to support local buisnesses especially in the oakwood st.clair region but you HAVE TO HAVE CUSTOMER SERVICE! If you don't PEOPLE WILL NOT SHOP AT YOUR STORE! If I am going to be ignored when i walk into your store I WILL leave and support other companies like Starbucks or second cup, because at least there they are friendly and helpful.
wow i went to my friends baptism , and the cake that they got it from was from jacks , and let me tell you ppl....it looked outstanding !!! amazing job that they did , who ever makes the cakes there should be recognized , cuz wow ..
By far the best veal sandwich and most delicious egg tarts... oh and the cherry coconut cupcake thingy
heaven...
Jack's is the only bakery that sells day old bread.
my wife just went there to get the traditional (caseiro) and ask the server if it was fresh, at what she replied it was, when she got home we realized it was old bread.
this guy should be ashamed of doing this.
I do agree with some people that some of the pastries there are not so fresh. Not the Natas, which sell quickly. But I've tried the carrot cake and brownies, and they taste stale, and these are my favorite desserts but these are not very good. I would stick to their breads and natas which are baked more frequently. I did like the Nova Era better, it just seemd that Jacks is trying to do too much, there is way too much products and many of them don't sell. Focus on a few things and do them well.
Also, @Shay, I do agree that the customer service could be worked on in this place. It takes forever to get one of the servers attention when you walk in.
I agree with Carol. I live a few streets away and have lived in the area for a few years with mixed results from Jacks. If you buy the standard Portuguese buns those are always fresh because they sell a lot of them, but if you buy the multigrain buns or bread baguettes not always that fresh. The Natas (custard tarts) have always been fresh but some of the other pastries have been hit or miss. I agree they should make less variety and focus on freshness. In terms of customer service it could definitely be better. I am Portuguese but look more English/German and have had both good and bad service at Jacks and other Portuguese bakeries. Customer service and friendliness could be better for all patrons full stop. I used to live near St. Clair and Bathurst and I also recommend Pain Perdu and Patachou on St. Clair; they are more expensive but really good. Jacks for standard buns and custard tarts:)
Hi Jeff, just in case you dont know this delicious nastas are traditionally called "Pasteis de Belem", then "Pateis de Nata". In Canada we called them "Nata".
If you want to know there history, google "Fabrica de Pateis de belem em Lisboa".
Enjoy!
Best
Idalina
EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWwwhere have you people been hiding under a rock????? This place SUCKS!!!!!!Its is dirty, the food sucks and the people are rude!!!! I don't know how this place has stayed open, not to mention if you complain about anything they don give a shit. The best thing too happen is for this place to close down, or at least clean up and change the staff. I don't know how this guy gets a pass and is still open. I agree with the previous comment this guy must be paying people off. There are many other great bakeries in the area that deserve the business and acually have some class YUCK!!!!YUCK!!!!YUCK!!!!
I went today, to try out their Natas and they were great! I asked the staff member that was working what else she would recommend, and she pointed out the éclairs, so I got the mocha éclair. To my disappointment, it was incredibly stale. So I guess I will stay away from everything other than Natas from now on.
OBviously you wouldent know a proper portugese bakery if it bit you in the ass. I think if you hate it so much you should keep it to yourself and just dont go there.
UM you obviously dont know anything about Bakery's. How did you know that the bread was one day old anyway...????