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| - I should preface this review by stating that I really, REALLY want to like The Rose & Crown. Living a block away, I always hoped The Rose & Crown would be my go-to bar in the neighbourhood, my watering hole in the concrete desert that is Yonge and Eglinton.
Unfortunately, every visit to this bar diminishes that dream slowly but surely.
The first thing you will notice about this bar is the size; it's massive. If you sit at the back, you will realize everyone walking through the crowd from the front to the back will look like they just trekked through a labyrinth of some sort. Interestingly, despite the cavernous layout, it's really tough to find a place to sit if you have a party of five or more. Last weekend, they closed off the entire back section for no apparent reason. I asked a busboy if we can sit there, and he just looked confused as he pointed to a sign that said "Section Closed". Eventually people just started sitting there, and I wished I could only be as bold.
The food is below average. I've had their philly cheesesteak au jus, the fish & chips, the nachos and a bunch of other pub fare. You don't really expect great food from a pub, but it should at least be average. The nachos tasted like I was biting into an onion.
The service is also lacking. My last two visits were very frustrating since the waitresses were never around. One waitress asked why I wanted two additional glasses when my table of five already had two (filled with a different beer, no less). I guess they have a limited supply of glasses.
The bar can also get very loud. You almost can't hear the person sitting across from you when a band is playing.
During my last visit, they were handing out free bottles of Carlsberg. I thought that was pretty cool (until I drank it), but I also realized it was really strange since they don't even have Carlsberg on their menu.
I will still probably go to The Rose & Crown only because it's convenient, but only if I'm with people who know what to expect. It's not a place I'd recommend to newcomers, and I will likely never eat here again.
I gave it two stars: one for the friendly staff, and another for hope that it will someday turn around.
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