I hadn't been inside of this building since maybe 20 years. It used to be Miller's country fare and it's a large footprint for a pub to be cozy so it's a large pub in different rooms. This format sort of reminds me of the way Mamma Martino's is segmented into multiple "phases" because there's an original foot print and added absorbed other space if in fact that's what happened here.
It's not an open space and it fees like this place is in pieces put together. It does make for some privacy and the decor is pretty well done. The place can be really packed it seems. We were there on a Friday and the place seemed to be really full but not capacity. There is a nice outdoor patio space but it's not large. The parking in front is limited to only 6 spaces I think. I was lucky enough to get one.
We arrived around a quarter to 9. On Friday there's a special of 2 Guinness pints for 12 bucks. That's a special? It's maybe save a buck on each pint but if it's better than regular price I suppose.
The service here seems pretty friendly. I did however find myself looking around for our server from time to time. I'd rather have to not look for our server but it was sort of a busy night it seemed.
To eat I had ordered a Hogtowner burger. This burger is HIGHLIGHTED in red on their menu so since it's the feature burger I had to order it. The description is as follows:
"The Hogtowner = Half pound handcrafted burger topped with maple Tankhouse Ale soaked pork loin, aged cheddar, buttermilk fried crispy onion curls and horseradish aioli"
Now as I did with my last 16 dollar burger I will have to measure this one against my last one. The last 16 dollar burger I had was from Dymond's in Burlington. Although this burger was really very good it wasn't as epic as Dymond's DSK burger. The taste of the Hogtowner was good, the size was decent and the highlight of it was the horseradish aioli. It gave such a nice and different flavor that went well with the pork loin and beef burger. It was served on an Ace Bakery bun so I will give it that some of the best burgers I've had are served on an Ace.
Is this feature burger good? Absolutely but not the best 16 dollar burger I've had. In this round, Dymond's DSK still takes the crown.
The overall ambiance of this place is very welcoming. The staff is well trained and the the food I'd have to say is above average for pub food.
I would have liked if our glasses weren't allowed to be empty for a long time and parking could be an issue considering that stretch of Dundas you can't park on the street. I'm really not sure where one would park legally nearby if not in front.