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| - In need of a basic pub-type restaurant for my dad, I remembered a friend had once recommended Harbord House.
Upon arrival, there was no wait staff to be found, so we grabbed the only available table, half wiped with the cloth still sitting on the table.
Not picky about such matters, we grabbed some menus off a neighboring table while waiting for wait staff to swing by. After 5 minutes or so, a waitress did swing by to get us cutlery and take our drinks orders.
Thus far, a very suspect experience, though with quick drinks delivery and quick ordering, the place started to redeem itself.
I ordered the calamari to start. Arriving about 5 minutes later was a plate with a very small portion of tiny rings. I was upset initially, as for $10 I expect a healthy serving. Luckily, the rings were cooked to perfection, which can be a challenge with calamari. I figured the quality-over-quantity here justified the $10.
For my main, I chose the pulled pork sandwich ($12). Served with hot, crisp yukon gold fries, the perfect side, the pork was cooked in a tasty barbecue sauce with a hint of pepper and other spices which added a hint of heat. Extremely tender meat on a fluffy sesame bun is just what's required for a pulled pork sandwich, and though a bit smaller in size compared to my preferred food truck-style sandwiches, it got the job done.
Wait staff did not inquire as to whether we wanted our drinks re-filled, or if additional water was necessary, which is a big no-no for me.
At the end of the day, this was pub fare, and I've learned that at pubs, unless you're paying exorbitant prices, the food is always going to be just that - pub fare. Keeping in mind that chain restaurants offering similar food are now priced slightly higher than Harbord House, overall I'd give this place a solid 7/10 and would definitely return.
Service be damned, these days, it is nice to pay $12 and get some home cut fries and a fresh pulled pork sandwich.
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