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Duke of Kent
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants Pubs, Restaurants [Edit]
2315 Yonge StToronto, ON M4P 2C6
Neighbourhoods: Mount Pleasant and Davisville, Yonge and Eglinton
(416) 485-9507
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 2 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
29 reviews for Duke of Kent
Review Highlights
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"...definitely coming back during the summer to try the patio." In 8 reviews -
"...topped pot pies, crispy fish and chips, beefy burgers and..." In 3 reviews -
"It often has game nights (upstairs." In 5 reviews
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29 reviews in English
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Review from Warren H.
Toronto, ON
5/2/2012
I have lived in the Yonge & Eglinton area now for almost a year. Due to a tight budget my girlfriend and I have only been to the Duke of Kent a handful of times. Each time we've gone though, the food has been amazing and the service and staff was impeccable.
The burgers, nachos, deep fried pickles, their food selection is amazing. Not to mention they have a great list of beers in bottles and on tap.
For those who have watched "Shaun of The Dead", my girlfriend and I have jokingly referred to the Duke of Kent as "The Winchester". As it is now our "go to" place for food. Especially now that we moved roughly two buildings away. -
Review from Natalie T.
East York, ON
5/10/2012
3.5 Stars
VIBE
Pubby. Inside, it's loud, boisterous and dark like a good English pub should be.
Staff is on and off. Sometimes quick; sometimes not.
I do love the quiz nights that happen here. Good fun.
The upstairs level is a bit more conducive to conversation though the seating is not as comfortable.
WE ATE
I love the mini snack menu that they have here. So for example, if I don't want a big heaping hunk of fish and chips, I can get a two mini portions of halibut and a small packet of fries for $5 (instead of $10 to $12). This is such a smart idea and I hope more pubs come out with a concept like this. Plus, the fish and chips were delish!
Of course, the beer selection is plentiful but I don't venture outside of my normal zone of Heineken.
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
No Kents but great company and cozy atmosphere. Plus, very central to Yonge and Eg. I approve! -
Review from Jay M.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 3/17/2012
Well, the season has changed and this means their policies do as well.
Where my previous review was applauding their ability to handle groups, I should update this to let you know that they only book reservations until 5pm on Fridays. Then its "first come first serve", although I'd like to call shenanigans on that as there were clearly open spots (no drinks on table, no coats on chairs, etc) and told they were being occupied.
I'm still giving this place 3 stars as it is one of the better pubs in the area, but just using this forum as a warning that if going with a group, be prepared to come up with a back up plan.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/23/2012
I find it's hard for a pub to really stand out from just being another pub, unless you start getting… Read more »
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Review from Ben D.
Toronto, ON
2/10/2012
We went to meet some friends for a birthday party. Originally they had called to make a reservation and they said they didn't take reservations of Friday. When they arrived there was some confusion "oh, are you here for the reservation upstairs?"
When we arrive there are no seats for us. A staff member let us know once that we should watch for servers coming in/out of the the kitchen so we tried to squish in as best we could. Then we were addressed again with a "you guys really need to move, that's not a request, you can't be here."
That and they were apologizing to the table beside our group but not us. I can understand the danger of crowding the path to the kitchen but the staff was rude and should have told our group that they couldn't accommodate them in the first place rather than handling it as they did.
Needless to say we left and won't be coming back. -
Review from Behrouz M.
Toronto, ON
1/2/2012
Food: B+
Service: B+
Food presentation: B+
Atmosphere: A-
Prices: A-
Recommended?: Yes
If you're in the Yonge and Eglinton area, this is a good pub to visit. Duke of Kent is pretty much always packed with the young and eligible making it a great place for socializing. Nothing is fancy about this place but I do like this place if I feel like going to a pub. The burgers and the sliders are pretty good and the variety of beers on tap is decent. And if you want to people watch, the best place is on the top floor by the windows. Bottom line, recommended, if you're in the neighbourhood. -
Review from Michael C.
Scarborough, ON
12/22/2011 17 Check-ins Here
A great local bar that is always full of fun and is great for catching a game at. The bar has two levels with the upstairs filling up at night with locals of the area. They have moosehead keiths on tap as well as guiness but no jäger or Canadian. I would highly recommend the nachos with real jalapeño and the sweet potato fries. There is a dinner menu of you arrive early but it fills up starting around 10pm to last call most nights. They don't take reservations during busy seasons and holidays so it's first come first serve.
PS.
This is not a quiet bar as some people found out the other night when my group's party filled up half the second floor, so expect to not be able to hear half of what's going on. -
Review from Diane C.
11/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
**3.5 stars **
This is my first trip to this pub since moving into the neighbourhood just over a month ago. I must say, so far so good.
It's your typical idea of a pub without being out of control ... It's not too big, and I can talk to my friends above the din. I can even hear the music above people's voices.
Our server this evening was decent - attentive and prompt with orders and drink refills.
The Duke's Ultimate Nachos (with chicken) was super-tasty, with more than enough kick from the jalapeno peppers.
The bite-sized calamari wasn't too bad, and the half-and-half wings (hot/honey garlic) were decent.
I'd say it was a good first visit. Duke to Kent, here's hoping I'll become a regular here, as time goes on. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
Have some time to kill and a growling stomach, I decided to drop by Duke of Kent for a pre dinner drink which ended up to be a pre dinner snack too!
For a Wednesday evening, this pub was surprisingly busy. The bar area was packed, so I ended up sitting at one of the tables at the back of the room.
Duke of Kent is really single friendly has they have $4/$5/$6 little bites or appetizer which are portioned for individuals if no one going to share that $13 nachos with me!
Decent selections of beer, nothing really fancy but one would have find something they enjoy.
Mini Burger and Fries ($4) looks really cute. It tasted decently good a lot better than some other pub food I had.
Services was friendly and prompt. I was served the moment I sat down and the server checked on me a few time making sure I was happy with everything... which I don't really expect in a pub!
I definitely would come back to Duke of Kent for a drink! Too bad the weather is getting cold to enjoy their nice patio! -
Review from Fabio N.
Toronto, ON
4/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Pretty good English pub with good service, good food and reasonable prices. I couldn't really find much not to like here - plus the music selection is awesome!
The only reason why it gets 4 stars instead of 5 is a certain lack of personality. I feel it needs a certain je ne sais quoi to push it above average. Having said that, I'm definitely coming back during the summer to try the patio. -
Review from Terry P.
3/14/2011
Duke of Kent is a cool pub, with good food and reasonable (although not bargain-basement) prices. It can get pretty busy on the main floor, but the second floor is quieter and roomier if you are less interested in socializing (or just want to be able to hear your date).
Service here is solid and the food is reasonably high quality (by pub standards). I can recommend the chicken pot pie, the club sandwich, the burgers, and the sweet potato fries. There is a decent selection of beer on tap as well as wines by the glass.
Dinner for two with a pint each will run you about $50 with tax and tip included.Listed in: Yonge and Eglinton Highlights
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Review from neesa r.
4/18/2011
A nice pub that's open late and offers huge variety of beers and different cocktails.
reasonably priced and has 2nd floor which is a bit less crowded and I think has a patio though I'm not sure about that as it was a pretty cold weather.
the music inside is not loud and allows people to hear their own thoughts and conversations and that was the main criteria why we chose this place.
might be coming back.Listed in: Good for big groups
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Review from jocelyn l.
7/10/2011
Right by my apt, so it's an easy place to swing by for a quick drink/ meet up place with friends.
weak nachos...good sticky toffee pudding cake...fairly affordable wines by the glasses -
Review from Madelaine D.
Toronto, ON
11/30/2010 2 photos
One of the few pub patios in the area that gets a fair amount of sun in the summer (a lot of the rest are shady from all the tall buildings in the area).
For a place that doesn't have a ton of seating inside on the main floor we usually manage to find a table despite the crowd. They also have an upstairs that's rarely busy and can seat a bunch more people though the atmosphere up there is quite lacking compared to the main floor.
The clientele seems to be late 20's and up, and I get the impression they have a lot of 'locals'.
They serve an alright lunch, though it certainly isn't the pubs selling feature. For $8.99 you have the option of a turkey wrap, a ham/bacon/onion quiche, a chicken caesar salad or a burger. You can choose one of the following side: salad, fries, sweet potatoes fries or soup. The wrap was actually pretty good (simple, but not too bad) and the caesar standard if not a little on the garlicy side. Their typical pub food is okay too. Nachoes, wings, nothing really stands out as awesome but none of it stands out as bad either.
For me this place gets 4 stars in the winter and a 4+ in the summer, the difference being that sunny patio. -
Review from Mike C.
Toronto, ON
11/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's a decent pub. Wanted a few pints and a place to watch some footy, worked on both fronts, and the nachos were palatable. Not a place I'd divert to from... anywhere, really, but if I'm there I'll drink there.
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Review from Jonathan S.
York, ON
9/22/2010
As a lifelong Coronation Street fan, I have always hoped to find my own Rover's Return Inn. Corrie fans are already familiar with the place; it's the tattered old pub where half the 'action' occurs. Blood is seldom spilled on the hideous carpets, but plots are advanced through well-lubricated complaints and gossip.
The Rovers Return features a revolving door of owners and saucy bar staff, and specializes in packets of crisps and something called Betty's Hot Pot, which I imagine is something like Soylent Green. It's where the halfway attractive characters end up, to make way for more plotlines involving Norris' ambiguous sexuality and Gail's penchant for choosing literally self-destructive men (seriously; she doesn't even have to kill them. They just drop like flies).
Coronation Street generally appears not to be a destination for foodies. There are token Indian, Chinese and Italian places, but they lie outside of mainstream Corrie consciousness-if you've ever read Stephen King's "The Fog" you'll get the idea. It's a decidedly uncool Britannia; outside the purview Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution; a purgatory next to Hell's Kitchen; a search for adequacy rather than the perfection sought by Heston Blumenthal.
But I digress, except to say that for all it's faults, the idea of the local persists. If such a thing can be applied to Toronto, the Duke of Kent would be mine. I say "if" because the following points fall outside my Coronation Street frame of reference:
A) There's actually places closer to my apartment.
B) It's part of a chain (would "Cheers" have been as memorable if it had been set in a TGI Fridays?")
C) I'm neither alcoholic, nor do I drink until alcohol poisoning sets in (which seem like distinct possibilities given the amount of time the Streeters spend bending elbows).
The Duke offers a good beer selection, with fresh new taps introduced regularly. The odd time one gets an off pitcher, it is quickly replaced. Pricing is at the high end of average. Wine is available, but misses the point.
At brunch, people order Bloody Caesars and Mimosas, only because Guinness might be a bit too heavy at 11 AM, and indifferent bacon-and-egg platters require washing down.
The Duke of Kent's menu embodies the Coronation Street spirit. Pub standards, American bar food, and weekly specials promising creative use of local ingredients.
Chicken curry is politely spicy, and sometimes finds its way into spring roll wraps as a curiously addictive appetizer. Salads may be fresh and crisp, or drearily wilted, or worse-insufficiently dried. Sandwiches featuring roast chicken or turkey require gobs of mayo to make up for dry bird, and a freer hand with the bacon is urged. Fish and chips is by-the-number, served in newsprinty wax paper.
Hummus is just plain wrong and has no business on a pub menu, but sweet potato fries come crisp and fluffy, sided with maple chipotle mayo. Nachos may be the evening's highlight; piled high and drenched with cheese and chopped veg; standard bottled salsa, guacamole and sour cream nestled in tortilla cups. Chilli or grilled chicken can be added for a modest fee. Chicken wings and fingers are undistinguished, and often overcooked.
So it's not gourmet, despite occasional flourishes. The Duke's success lies in the genuinely friendly environment cultivated n a corporate space. On the ground floor, rosy-cheeked regulars celebrate life's smallest milestones: the end of a workday, the beginning of hockey season, the passing-through of friends. A patio curls around the side of the pub, off Yonge street. It is most often occupied by first-daters looking to people-watch while they avoid eye contact. Upstairs, there's a second bar that hosts Tuesday night trivia, among other things. This is where I find my local; with friends I like better each week, and the occasional chance to sound like I know what I'm talking about. -
Review from Imran N.
4/25/2011
Ok the Duke isn't a band pub at all.
- It has a patio
- It has two floors
- It has a lot of regulars
- It often has game nights (upstairs)
- The staff haven't really changed in over a year
Pints, yes, lots of them. Food, not bad at all at reasonable prices (do friday lunches here with a work crew very often). Occasionally, they will have a unique draught.
It's a Yonge and Eg pub and it's not bad at all. -
Review from Avitania B.
Toronto, ON
8/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Hey, it's a pub! They serve pub food! And beer! Service is pretty expedient, the space is large (good for groups), and there's a nice patio for quaffing and people-watching during warm weather.
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Review from Andriy L.
North York, ON
2/6/2011
I am not sure about some reviews here, but I always question reviews from people who got to eat to the bar. It is the bar isn't it? After all you don't got McDonald's expecting to get first class espresso. Just a thought...I go to this place regularly for one reason. Care to guess which one? :) I ordered nachos with chicken they actually forgot to put the chicken, but i did not mind it because it end up being quite delicious. The location is very convenient and it has a nice patio, although a little small.
If you are looking to do a quick stop by with your friends especially during hot summer days, this place is for you.
Cheers! -
Review from Tina H.
2/22/2011
Yummy food, pretty good value. I'm a fan of the sandwiches.
The cocktail menu is pretty decent for a pub.
Good option if you're in the area and want pub food. -
Review from Eric B.
3/30/2009
I stopped here for lunch last Saturday as I was walking up Yonge towards Lawrence. This IS a nice place to hang out. It's a cozy and welcoming space that draws you in (as long as you open the outside pub door first).
I ordered a pint and some fish and chips. I'm not the biggest fan of deep fried fish, but the batter was fresh and everything (including the chips) were very crisp and delicious, and with no greasy aftertaste. The coleslaw was also fresh. The service was also friendly, helpful and quick. -
Review from Ktimene G.
5/12/2009
Just when I thought pub food wasn't so bad, my prior convictions were confirmed. Yes, there's a reason I only ate Indian food when I lived in London! I was starting to think the presence of curry on a pub menu was reason for a second opinion.
We went to the Duke of Kent for Sunday brunch on Mother's Day, orphans that we are. I was perplexed by the fruit kebab sticks-- the texture was just-thawed-- mushy on the outside. The spinach, on the other hand, was still partially frozen in my eggs florentine! my friend's meal was even less impressive, his french toast looked so...defeated! No fluffiness- it had collapsed in the middle and looked quite chewy.
I left hungry. -
Review from Tiffany G.
Toronto, ON
1/2/2010
After stepping out of a movie at the SilverCity at Yonge and Eglinton, I was slapped fiercly by the winter bite of wind chill and sought out a winter refuge. Thankfully, the Duke of Kent met my needs. It has all the elements you want in a pub - especially on a frosty winter night. The warm red and espresso brown hues wrapped us with its warmth immediately as we entered. The room was filled with smiling chatter and friendly faces. A very welcoming pub indeed.
I decided to opt for wine instead of beer. Although, they have a very good beer selection if that is what you prefer. We had the Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa....it was your typical house wine but paired very well with the Ultimate Nacho's. I highly recommend them...just cheesy yummyness....especially when sided with their guacomole.
The service and atmosphere was great. Definitely a place for some good old conversation! -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
9/14/2008
This is one of the "Duke of" franchises that found the previously independent Duke of Kent and brought some smallish changes to the pub. One thing that has not changed is the sense of local flavour. The regulars who came in, blabbed about English and Scottish football ('soccer' for the Philistines among us), had a pint of whatever they fancied on tap, and carried on as long as possible.
Despite having been brought into the collective of pubs, there is still a strong sense of independence about this place. The menu has been taken over and franchised a bit (I'd never heard of "Bombay Curry Rolls" before, but I'm glad they're here now), the pictures of locals whose soccer teams have been sponsored have moved downstairs in favour of new British-esque iconography ("Oh, Goodness! My Guinness!"), but it's still a good place to hang out.
They have now opened the upstairs into provide more seating with a bar for direct service as well so you're not waiting for your pint to ascend the staircase. Admittedly this may have been there before, but to be completely honest I never ventured past the main bar on the first floor. No need, really. The place still feels homey, the food is now somewhat gentrified, but it's still a good place to meet up. The heart is still there. -
Review from Martin W.
1/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Came in here for some drinks before a movie last night. It is your standard pub. It was really busy but we were politely escorted to the only free table by the manager. I like when businesses do that. Makes you feel special and important. I have been here before for food and I recall it being decent. I like the location of this place the most. It is in a lively area with lots to do and right by a subway stop.
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Review from TOFoodReviews n.
Toronto, ON
12/18/2010
The Duke of Kent serves up traditional pub food in a cozy spot at the corner of Yonge and Eglinton. Kent is just one of a series of 'Duke Pubs' scattered around Toronto, and judging from the fairly comprehensive website, each has a slightly different décor, but all of them seem to tap into that English corner pub ambience.
After a long week at work, I was on the hunt for a casual space to grab a pint, enjoy some hearty food, and catch up with some friends; the Duke of Kent was a great choice...for the most part.
I snagged a corner booth with my dinner group on a busy Friday night. When we first walked in, it seemed hopeless. We wanted dinner, but there was nary a table to be seen. The staff did everything they could to make a space for us so we weren't forced back out into the cold to one of the other countless restaurants in the area. That is what service is all about, and we were happy to stay. Many thanks to the serving staff for being so accommodating on a hopping Friday night!
As for the food, it is the expected and welcomed pub spread. They offer up fish & chips (yes, served in a basket on paper), pot roast and potatoes with buttered peas, and even bangers and mash. You will find an array of reasonably priced English pub food on the menu, with entrees coming in at about $12 across the board.
As I've said before, I tend to go for the specials, and that night it was Moroccan Stew. Unfortunately, I am sad to say it was disappointing. The dish was somewhere between a curry and a Mexican chili, and I was given a healthy serving for the $12.99 price-point. But, I couldn't help but become envious of those around me who had gravy-topped pot pies, crispy fish and chips, beefy burgers and gooey quesadillas. I probably would not have been as put-off by the it if it was labelled on the menu, as it was on my bill - just 'vegetable stew'. It was not as exotic as the name lead me to believe, and with a delicious-looking curry dish on the main menu, I expected more spice and life in my 'Moroccan' Stew special.
For a visit to the Duke, I suggest going full-English. I saw enough plates of fish and chips go by to convince me that it is a popular item, and how much more traditional can you get than that? Also, I have the 'famous' deep-fried pepperoni targeted - it has to be famous for a reason!
At the end of it all, the Duke of Kent draws in a wonderfully lively crowd, and provides a great atmosphere and service, albeit a bit slow - but hey, it was busy! My food may have only been so-so, but the brew was cold, and my night was great. -
Review from Andre D.
Edmonton, AB
12/20/2010
I have frequented the Duke of Kent on more than one occasion. A hop skip and a jump from the Eglinton subway station, it's one of the old establishments of the young and eligble AKA Yonge & Eglinton area. I chose this place as a matter of convenience for a recent tweetup with some political and soccer frenzied folks.
It seems from the last time I went here, they've stepped up their game. I was a tad disappointed they still do not have Rickard's Dark yet and they have Rickard's White as a "new edition" to the beer menu. They still have the regular English ales and lagers on tap as well as Strongbow cider, which is my other fave.
It's a dimly lit pub with an upstairs area for the overflow crowd - atypical of an English pub. It has your normal British fare with the additions of nachos and wings. I ordered the nachos for our group but I think she mistakenly added an additional order which ended up being wasted. I still couldn't believe though extra cheese was $5. Even on pizzas it isn't that much. It's cheddar for crying out loud.
Other than that our server was very attentive without being overly annoying, which is something I like. There has always been something that made me go back to this place over the Rose & Crown or any of the other pubs south of Eglinton or west of Yonge. So for a great atmosphere amongst friends, I would definitely recommend this place.Listed in: You just need to experience…
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Review from Keith C.
9/29/2010
Not a bad place to go if you're early for a movie or have just come out of a movie. It's a good place to go for a nice relaxing evening if you just want to catch up with a couple of friends or just want to sit and knock a couple brews down. It's kind of dark inside and the crowd is more laid back. You won't pick up many girls in this place and there are a bunch of old people who come to drink at the bar. The food was ok. Nothing that completely blew me out of the world but nothing that was bad. The burgers were ok. There is just nothing really special about going here unless you're in the area with a couple of friends and just want to catch up on times.
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Review from Julianna B.
Toronto, ON
4/21/2009
This is my favourite pub-food-with-friends or quick-bite-before-movie spot at Y&E. Everything's good. Try the second floor if the main floor's too loud for conversation. My friend swears by the curry.
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Review from Philip F.
Toronto, ON
7/27/2010
A relatively quite pub for friends to hang out. I really enjoy this bar!
