Maximize profits vs. dining experience
We made reservations for an early diner to make sure the restaurant was not too busy. When we arrived, we were promptly seated. Service is a major thing you pay for and confusion started right away, as they could not figure out who our server would be. Overall service was poor as food service was slow, server was inattentive and mistakes were made to our order.
The overall menu is sparse with nothing for vegetarians. The price of sides add up quickly: sausage is two small pucks, bread $5, pickled egg best value $1.50 but undercooked for me. We felt the menu was overpriced for the quality and especially small portion sizes.
We enjoyed the mixed drink selection, as it is creative. The beer drinker in our group felt the Craft beer selection was good but some big company cartel beers could be eliminated. Frosted mugs are nice but they do require a coaster for the moisture from eventual melting. Wine is expensive starting at $60 a bottle, glasses $2/oz.
The décor is nicely done.
Wifi is very spotty - constantly connects on and off - probably need a new router.
Our first interaction with the Maple Leaf Tavern was walking by one afternoon after it had recently opened. The chef gave us a menu to review but when we returned it and we asked the General Manager if we could take a quick look inside he said no. Said to come back at 5pm. We felt this was poor marketing as we are in their target market.
We support all our neighbourhood restaurants but cannot justify going back to this one. Our party felt the restaurant was designed to maximize profits with less regard for the overall dining experience.