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| - Huge disappointment!!! For a Toronto "steak institution", Barberian's didn't live up to its hype or old glories.
It all started out well. We entered and were greeted with an old-time steakhouse vibe: wooden panels, muted lighting, pristine table settings, and buttoned up servers who were really attentive. The table garlic bread was tasty (if you're the type who likes it on the garlic-y side) and the pickled vegetables had a refreshing taste.
Then we got to the appetizers and entrees and it went down from there. We got:
- Caesar salad: Average at best. Leaves were a bit too soaked in the dressing, and the dressing wasn't even good!
- French onion soup: The exception, since it was outstanding. There was A LOT of cheese and bread, which we loved
- Top sirloin steak: Again, average at best in terms of the taste and how well it was cooked - I didn't even finish it! I won't go as far as the other reviewers who say the Keg is better, but definitely nowhere near what you get at Jacob or Hys
- Ribs with baked potato: Really bad! The meat was tough and didn't fall off the bone. The ribs you get at Baton Rouge are waaaaay better, and that's not even accounting for how it's 1/3 the price!
The dessert kinda ended the meal with an upswing, as the housemade ice cream (chocolate with Jack Daniels) and chocolate eclair were both good. That said, they weren't enough to save the meal.
Maybe a decade ago this was the place to be when there weren't enough choices. Sad to say but, save for the French onion soup and the nice decor, it looks like time and tastes have passed Barberian's by.
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