Jake's Restaurant & Grill

Jake’s Restaurant & Grill — Authentic Pinoy flavors. Big portions. Warm, homey service.

Restaurant Category: Casual Filipino eatery; generous portions; mid-range pricing with lunch deals.

Menu Highlights:
– Lomi (Batangas-style; “lomi overload”)
– Chicken inasal (noted for two-leg portions)
– Dinuguan with a well-balanced timpla
– Bicol Express with big pork cuts and bagoong-forward flavor
– Liempo with a traditional marinade
– Crispy spicy tofu
– Batchoy with added veggies
– Halo-halo with fine, bingsoo-like ice
– BBQ lunch deal

Service Highlights:
– Warm hospitality and a welcoming, mom-and-pop vibe
– Quick service; accommodating even close to closing time
– Owners are hands-on and friendly
– Consistent execution that keeps travelers and locals coming back
– Portion sizes are generous and often good for sharing

Notes:
– Prices can seem high at first, but many mention servings feed two
– Sauce substitutions may have an extra charge
– One diner felt a sauce pairing didn’t match the dish

Logistics:
– Convenient stopover in Red Deer for drives between Calgary and Edmonton
– Located in a small strip with neighboring shops, easy to find when passing through

Customers come for the hearty, true-to-home Pinoy flavors and the generous servings. Lomi gets a lot of love—some folks say it channels Batangas with that thick, loaded bowl—and the batchoy stands out for a tasty broth and extra veggies. Chicken inasal was a favorite among inasal hunters, especially with the two-leg portion, while the dinuguan hits the right timpla for picky palates. Diners enjoy the Bicol Express with its chunky pork and bagoong kick, classic liempo marinade, crispy spicy tofu, and even a BBQ lunch deal that feels sulit. Halo-halo with finely shaved ice rounds things out nicely, especially for those craving a cold, nostalgic finish.

The vibe is friendly and homey, like a proper mom-and-pop spot where staff greet you with smiles and take care of you quickly, even near closing time. Some diners mention chatting with the owners—JunJun in particular gets a shout for being humble and hospitable—which adds to that community feel. Travelers driving between Calgary and Edmonton often stop in, and several say it’s become a regular detour whenever they pass through Red Deer.

A few caveats pop up: a couple of folks were initially hesitant about prices, though many later felt the portions justified the cost, with dishes often feeding two. There’s also mention that swapping sauces can come with an extra charge, and one person felt a sauce pairing didn’t quite match their dish. Still, most diners leave satisfied, calling out consistent flavors, generous plates, and that welcoming service that makes the place feel like home.