So I finally had the chance to get some lunch at The Works. I drive home past this new location in Oakville everyday and almost always the place has been just packed! Before going I read up on the reviews to get an idea what to get or avoid. The biggest concerns about the place seemed to be cost, line ups & service.
Line ups are a sign a place is good and although this place could be worthy of this type of line up I think it was more the result of the service. The reviews about the service were bang on. We arrived at noon sharp and they had a full staff. They were very friendly but there was an odd wait after our drink order that had people asking if they should find a server?
Then some of the drinks came in the wrong size, which requires another mention. The small sized milk shake is very small almost pointless really. I think most children would protest its size!
Then as we waited for our food to be prepared we watched as small line ups would form with empty seats in the restaurant? It seemed that they had problems with the flow at the front of house. The staff weren't talking amongst themselves or doing other things. They just didn't pick up on the usually obvious signs that a table was ready to order or needed something.
The prices weren't to bad but are top tier and do add up very quickly. This isn't 5 guys but it isn't the Keg either. So as a treat it could be fine or if hanging out in the area but it isn't a regular burger stop for this price point. Though the location and layout would make it a great place in the summer for a meal were you want to take your time and hang out a bit. A warning though if you're trying to fit in a trip to the works on your lunch hour you may get in trouble for taking an extra long lunch break.
The burger was excellent and worth the money. The fries were upgraded to the poutine and though good I really feel they would have been better left as just fresh cut fries and the savings would have made the price a fair one. The milk shake was very good but again the price when added to the incredibly small size makes it a no go for value or feeling satisfied.
Being a new location they have things to work out and hopefully they will in a reasonable amount of time but there is work that needs to be done if they are to really have a long term future.
After reviewing this for a few friends I was giving the big question, will you go back? The answer is yes but not in the near future while there are a number of other locations I have yet to try and this just wasn't "that special". Though with improvements and a nice summer day it could be!