rev:text
| - Just read the FFWD review on The Libertine and I would agree their review. From Stephen Avenue, The Libertine is easy to spot with its big glass windows on the 2nd floor and large main floor patio. Inside, the ambience is trendy, warm, fun. The Libertine looks almost like an NYC warehouse with fun, antique-looking wall fixtures/ pictures. There are a few TVs above the bar only; thankfully, the volume was not ridiculously loud.
I can see why The Libertine is quickly becoming the "place-to-be-after work-on-Stephen-Ave." You can sit at the bar and chat it up with the bartender or your neighbor; you can sit inside/ outside with gang of friends.
There are lots of draught beer choices (mainly from British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta) and unique share-able appetizers like the massive roasted massive bone marrow bones! Try it- it's like horse-radish meets decadent hot pate...I know, sounds weird, but it's pretty delicious! Definitely a high fat treat! I washed it all down with a flight of 3 small-pint beers for $9... There are some decently priced wines (per bottle) too.
My boyfriend had the wild boar burger and I had the soft shell crab burger. Both were flavorful with their respective sauces and seasonings. Our salads weren't boring either: Spring mix with berries, almonds and a thyme vinaigrette. I liked that the food wasn't your typical pub fare. Presentation was a little bit sloppy and my salad was missing strawberries.
Service: Friendly and knowledgeable, helpful. We had several servers help us out (appears to be a team-type approach which I like). One past experience tip: Always offer water.
Given that we went on a Saturday evening, I'm not surprised that a few (I counted at least 4) of the draught selections were not available (our waitress confirmed that Friday nights are very busy). However, what surprised me the most was that they ran out of their duck roll appetizer and pork dishes (which included a pork belly burger and flatbread). Hence, the 3 out of 5 rating... The Libertine should be better prepared and well-stocked with their popular items to keep their customers consistently happy.
Overall, I will return to The Libertine to see if they're better stocked after a Friday. Maybe we'll order a whole roasted pig for $400 (5 days notice required;-)
|