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Keg Steakhouse & Bar
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants Steakhouses Bars, Steakhouses [Edit]
1712 Market StHalifax, NS B3J 2E3
(902) 425-8355
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
16 reviews for Keg Steakhouse & Bar
16 reviews in English
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Review from Catherine M.
Halifax County, NS
3/8/2012
I wasn't super wowed by The Keg. The food was good and the ambiance was pretty well what I expected.
On a rare childless Friday night, the hubs and I decided to go down town for a bite to eat. We had a gift certificate for The Keg, so we thought we'd give it a try. I called to book a reservation, only to discover they don't take reservations on the weekend. We decided to give it a try anyway and were pleasantly surprised to walk right in and get a table.
Our server was excellent. He was prompt and knowledgeable of the menu. Our salads arrived quickly and the house salad with the mustard vinaigrette was really very good. The salad was fresh and the house made dressing was arguable the best part of the meal. Our steaks arrived about 15 minutes later. I ordered the prime rib, which was cooked to perfection, and the hubs ordered the New York strip pepper steak. He found it a little too peppery, and I have to agree, although it was cooked exactly as he had ordered it.
Otherwise the meal was rather unremarkable. The potatoes were dry and over cooked, and the asparagus shouldn't have even been on the menu. It was tough and bitter.
Also I have to say that the food was pretty pricey. I enjoyed a decent meal but I don't think we'll be rushing back. -
Review from Tracy R.
Halifax, NS
2/4/2012
What ever happened to the "good ol' stand by"? The Keg may not be exotic, but it's usually a pretty safe bet in terms of decent food (albeit rather pricey), comfy atmosphere, and friendly wait staff. But tonight was altogether different. Really disappointing...especially because I literally starved myself today in anticipation of a major feast. I just got home and am still hungry...because I didn't get to actually EAT supper. Grr....
As usual, despite arriving ridiculously early (5:00 pm), we still couldn't even get a table for two in the dining room and had to sit in the lounge, which was fine I suppose, except for all the TV screens broadcasting sporting events which I really don't think makes for a good girls' night out ambiance. Anyway...
Our server was crusty and impatient, to the point that I almost asked her if she was angry at us. Because I felt so pressured, in haste I ordered the prime rib sandwich, expecting a succulent open faced prime rib melt on a fresh garlic baguette. Big mistake. After taking the top off my sandwich, I could barely saw through the bread with my gigantic steak knife, it was that tough. And speaking of tough, the prime rib was not only bland but it was hard as leather. Don't get me started on the fries - clearly of the frozen bulk persuasion and so greasy that after 5 or 6 I thought I might hurl.
So I very politely told our server why the meal was unacceptable and sent it back, and while eventually I found out that she did take it off the bill, she was still completely unapologetic and made it very clear that it was against their "no refunds" policy. Yeesh. Sorry!
Then I decided to order the "Sweet Treat Trio" desert, hoping to at least end the "meal" on a good note. Mistake number 2. You know when you store something in the fridge, uncovered, next to something like, oh, I don't know....a big slab of sea bass or a plate of raw scallops, and then that first something ends up tasting like the other? It was kind of like that. Gross.
The only reason I am giving 2 stars rather than 1 is that the garlic shrimp appie was pretty frigging tasty and at least my girlfriend and I were able to have a good laugh at my misfortune....oh, and her meal was yummy so that was somewhat redeeming.
I'm going to eat a bowl of cereal now. Sigh... -
Review from Chrissy M.
Halifax, NS
1/23/2012
When I was a kid we often went to The Keg for family dinners, but as an adult I have only been one other time. The bf and I decided to go for our Saturday night date this past weekend and we were very pleased with the food and most of the service!
Yes, expect a wait on the weekends when you go here, and they don't take reservations on Friday and Sat. Already prepared with this info, it didnt throw me off. We were told a 45 minute wait and we just hung out in the car having a chit chat beforehand. We went in at the 30 min mark and were seated only moments after, in a booth for two on the lounge side. It was perfect for us that night. The hockey game was on, music was playing but the atmosphere and service made it feel like it was just that extra bit of special.
The caesar salad was great, fresh shaved parm makes the difference here. A fresh mini-loaf of bread was served along side the salad, and it was piping hot and as bread is my fave food - it was heavenly!
I had the grilled top sirloin with garlic mash (served with asparagus and roasted peppers) and the bf had Sirloin Oscar. Both were cooked perfectly to our specification and we had lots of good things to say as we ate.
We had also ordered the truffle mac n' cheese to share, but it never appeared at our table! The server was apologetic, but also run off his feet so no offer to reduce the bill or make up for it was made.I was ok with that, as we were pleasantly full from the rest of the food. The universe was helping us out on that one.
We decided to have dessert, shared the chocolate cake (amazing!) and creme brulee (I dont think I like creme brulee!) and went home perfectly stuffed, happy and ready to return in the future. -
Review from Sue A.
10/22/2011
I visit The Keg about every eight years. This week was my husband's birthday so the whole family went for supper.
I called around 6:00 to make a reservation only to be told that they were not taking anymore reservations until 8:15, but that there were plenty of tables open. So we rolled down there and were promptly seated at a table for six (party of four). Sure enough the place did fill up closer to the Avril Lavigne concert, but still a little strange to be told to come on down.
My husband and I both ordered the 8 oz. sirloin steak. The house salad it came with was obviously premade and nothing special although the dressing was tasty enough. The steak and fries were a-ok as you would expect at this steakhouse although they could use an extra small serving size of 4-6 oz. as a menu option. The kids had chicken fingers which are difficult to mess up.
While the décor is certainly lacking (it's like eating in a decommissioned sauna circa 1978 crossed with a salad bar-less Ponderosa), the service was A-1 . Our server was exceptional, going above and beyond to keep us and especially our crabby 4-year-old happy. She made sure we weren't waiting between courses and that our waters were topped up.
For the price, the experience is kind of strange. Steak with French fries and a mediocre salad for $20+. Yet, I can see the attraction of the predictable chain menu and the fact that the steak is good quality. I'll probably be back in eight years.Listed in: 30 Day Yelp Challenge
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Review from Vanessa J.
Halifax, NS
10/10/2011
The Keg is not someplace I would normally go, but I was with was a group who at the last minute decided to come here for dinner. It was busy and we didn't have a reservation, but we got in without too much of a wait. I will say we had five star service, our server was friendly and attentive. On a whim, I ordered a pina colada which I hadn't had in years, and it was really delicious.
That's where the good ends.I love a good bread course, but the whole table was in agreement that the bread, while nice and warm was utterly tasteless, I think they forgot to add any salt at all. I had the garden salad, which was fine, if a little on the dull side.
For my main, since I don't eat steak, I decided to try the grilled thai chicken dish. It was awful, the chicken was tasteless and rubbery, like it was frozen from M&M meat shops. I know what some of you may be thinking, "that's what you get for ordering something other than steak at a steakhouse". That's fair, but I feel if you are going to have an alternative on the menu, do it properly. Don't just slap a dish on the menu as an afterthought. I rather it not be on the menu, I'll order dessert and eat when I get home or elsewhere later. This is what I will do next time I'm invited to the Keg.Listed in: 30 Day Challenge Lists
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Review from Stephanie P.
Halifax, NS
10/6/2011
The Keg is one of those places I will gladly go to, at the suggestion of someone else. If it's left up to me, I'll usually choose somewhere different for a steak dinner. My most recent trip to this particular location was to celebrate a friend's new job. We had a good time, but it was nothing to write home about.
It was a 20 minute wait on a Saturday evening which was expected, but the waiting area is barely conducive to keeping 4 or 5 waiting guests comfortable. Considering there were between 15 and 20 including us, there was limited seating (the bar was full) and way too much congestion in the entry way. We couldn't stand anywhere without getting in the hostess's way, or being awkwardly close to people already dining.
Our server was very nice and accommodating. He wasn't speedy, but considering the place was full, I believe he did his best in the circumstances. He was able to suggest some good virgin drinks for my pregnant friend which made her happy. I find they don't bring bread to the table unless you ask for it these days. I'm not sure if this is a new policy or not. My steak was nicely cooked and I always enjoy the garlic mashed potatoes.
Another friend had opted out of the dinner because of a pricey perception. My bill was less than $30 which is what I would pay at most restaurants so I find that unless you're drinking, you can have a reasonably priced meal. That being said, the friend with the new job did order drinks which were outrageously marked up.
I've read in a few other reviews that this location hasn't done justice to other venues, and I agree. The first time I ever went to The Keg was in St. John's, Newfoundland and I had a wonderful experience that set high expectations in terms of food and service for when I returned to Halifax. While this location usually falls short of these, it was a nice evening out. -
Review from Ashley M.
Halifax, NS
4/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
After experiencing perfection at the Keg in Moncton, I was terribly disappointed by the Halifax Keg!!
-45 minutes wait- understandable on a Sat night.
-The hostess was so RUDE. She never said a word to us and when she turned around to walk away, she had the most irritated, 'I don't want to be here' look on her face. You're a hostess- it's your job to smile. Way to sooth the 45 minute wait.
- Medium steak was well done. They graciously took it back but I had to wait 15 minutes for my new one. My fiance's food was cold while we waited.
-When it came back, it was rare! A steak house should know how to cook a steak. I didn't return it- didn't want to wait.
-Our mashed potatoes had no flavor and the bread was really doughy.
-The worst part was the restaurant. It is so outdated. It needs a reno-desperately.
-When I got the bill, it was $85 for 2 meals and one Pepsi. Unacceptable. I would give this place another chance if it wasn't so expensive.
-The Caesar salad was delicious and my server was very nice. They comped my drink because of the steak so there were a few positives.
I don't recommend this restaurant- especially after what I've been reading from other people. -
Review from Ben B.
12/15/2010
Having just reviewed The Keg in Moncton, I feel weird having to give such a drastically different take for this location of the same chain. After loving the gourmet salads and tempura veggie appetizers in New Brunswick, I was actually pleasantly surprised when we were given $150 in gift certificates for The Keg - quite the change for this vegetarian. By the time we went, I already had picked out what I was having and was looking forward to it. Then we arrived.
Our server was stoic and not all that interested in providing us service that night. Questions went unanswered, drinks went unserved, and he made me feel like an idiot for noticing that the Halifax and Moncton menus are completely different - that is, the Halifax location only offered sweet potato fries and steamed asparagus for those of us who don't eat meat. I couldn't even order the Caesar salad that they offer as a side to steak for some reason along the lines of, "we only serve it as a side".
No thanks.Listed in: Soul Harbour
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Review from Diane K.
Dartmouth, NS
9/25/2011
I can honestly say that I have never been disappointed when I go to the Keg. My husband and I celebrate all our special occasions there. The food is great and service above par. I love the Cajun Chicken with garlic mashed potatoes. I think they have the best cheesecake I have every tasted and I have 2 sister-in laws that can make cheesecake that can make you weep. My husband is still upset that they took the chicken fingers off the starter menu but honestly he doesn't really need them. Can't wait to find a reason to go back.
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Review from S M.
Halifax, NS
2/7/2012
Went to Keg a couple of week.s ago. We were willing to wait the 20-30 imns. But had to leave because we almost froze at the front before we even stepped into the resaurant. Felt badly for the host, they had to really cold. Bowed out and "may" come back when the temperature ruses.
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Review from Krista P.
Halifax, NS
3/19/2011
Sigh. The Keg. To sum it up in simple terms: tasty food, irritating service. I don't go here often. In fact, I hadn't been in a few years, as I'm not generally a huge fan of steak. However it was Mike's birthday recently, and his parents took us there to celebrate. Free food and great company, we weren't going to complain!
I realize they are a steakhouse and steaks are obviously the type of food they are most devoted to. I do wish though that they had a bit more variety on their menu, the vast majority of which consists of either steak or shellfish dishes (or a combination of the two). Kind of a bummer when you're not a big red meat eater, and you're allergic to shellfish. Again, steakhouse I know, but along the lines of Ben's argument, it wouldn't kill them to have a few more entree alternatives then they do (one or two chicken and one or two salmon dishes). But that 's just my two cents, for whatever it's worth, which probably isn't much, considering a helluva lotta people love steak and shellfish, and therefore probably The Keg.
One thing I won't budge on though is the quality of the service, which I've often found to be lacking (unfriendly and uninterested). I ordered the prime rib (I know, I know, I just ranted about not having a love for steak, but I wasn't in the mood for chicken or salmon, and I figured when in Rome...) with garlic mashed. I asked for the steak to be cooked medium rare. It came back still mooing. Well, still bleeding and extremely rare, that is. So I asked the server if he would take it back again and cook it the way I had asked for. It came back literally no more than a minute later, rare AGAIN. This time I asked the server if my steak had been cooked to medium rare, and was told "yes". To which I pointed out that Mike's steak was also ordered medium rare, and was cooked on the outside much more than mine. Then I asked them to cook it some more, possibly to the level of Mike's mom's steak, which was medium well (cooked more than I like, but I figured maybe if they undercooked a medium well steak, I would get the medium rare I was after). I was right, it came back medium rare.
Once I got the prime rib I had ordered, I was happy to discover it was actually quite delicious, as were the potatoes, but the debaucle that occurred while trying to get what I had asked for kind of soured the experience a little bit.
So to sum up the night, quite good food, but due to lacklustre service and a limited menu, I don't think I'll be rushing back anytime soon. Cows of Nova Scotia, you are safe for now. Well, from this omnivore anyway. -
Review from None N.
Moncton, NB
1/18/2011
Well just left the keg and it was delicious as always. fast friendly service, no issues at all. if your looking for a great tasting steak, not veggie platter, this is the place for you.
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Review from D B.
Halifax, NS
5/11/2011
The Fam took me here for Mom's Day last Sunday - our experience was great! Hubs and I both had surf and turf and our steaks were almost fork tender and not at all salty - expertly cooked. The lobster tails were nice and large and came with butter for dipping - daughter had nachos and was not able to finish the portion - only slight complaint is they did not have a huge variety for their kid's menu. Our server was very courteous and always came back to regularly check on us. All in all a great experience overall.
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Review from Troy M.
Dartmouth, NS
3/10/2011
The food and service was... GREAT! Somewhat over-priced but well worth the extra.
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Review from Ross M.
12/29/2010
I had to leave this review after reading the previous two. I was at this Keg last week, and had a great meal. Service and food was great. No complaints. Perhaps we ought to have more reviews from people who go to this *steakhouse* for steak, or even just meat. :)
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Review from Tim B.
Hammonds Plains, NS
10/2/2010
I've always enjoyed the Keg in the past, but it seems to have gone off lately. Probably cutting back on the staff bill. Had to send the salmon back TWICE on our last visit in September 2010. Bill was reduced, but the evening was ruined.
