First time trying Deer Garden was in Vancouver several years ago and it wasn't too bad. Lots of opportunities for customization and the meal came with a drink. Fast forward a couple years and it finally comes to Toronto. Decided to come one weekend for lunch and it was packed. It was almost a twenty minute wait to be seated. This place definitely lacked insulation or heat, even the staff working behind the counter was wearing a puffy jacket.
Good thing the noodles came out piping hot, some customers definitely opted to keep their jackets on for the entire meal. Chose the chauchou style fried fish and minced pork fish soup, the broth was quite flavourful but the parents chose parsley and century eggs fish soup and they found that very bland. They had to ask for chili oil which isn't available on the table. The server will bring you a plastic container with a spoonful. Given a decent amount of noodles and soup, only two choices of topping though but it was just the right amount.
Overall, don't think there will be a return visit. Nothing really stood out and considering everything as a whole, it was a pretty average experience.