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Keg Steakhouse & Bar
Category: Restaurants Steakhouses Steakhouses [Edit]
165 York StToronto, ON M5H 3R8
Neighbourhoods: Financial District, Downtown Core
(416) 703-1773
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Ambience:
- Classy, Trendy, Upscale
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
25 reviews for Keg Steakhouse & Bar
Review Highlights
"...with the kitchen that the prime rib was to my Dad's "blue..."
(in 4 reviews)
"location has a great back patio/courtyard in the heart of..."
(in 3 reviews)
"...at around a 30-40 minute wait so ALWAYS make a reservation."
(in 3 reviews)
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25 reviews in English
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Review from Joel U.
2/8/2012
First time visit and I'd go back. Had the Teriyaki Salmon (off of the Winter Grill menu which the server said they'd only had a week yet it is mid February) - nicely cooked with a dipping side of the teriyaki.
Restaurant was very busy but we were seated quickly. Service was nicely attentive. Bread was served very warm and was very good. -
Review from Natalie T.
East York, ON
11/9/2011
The majority of the general public come here for their steak (filet mignon for the win) or for their keg sized libations on a Thursday night at the York Street location, but I want to talk to you about the Keg Prime Rib Burger.
VIBE
Like your average chain steakhouse, the Keg knows what it's doing. The revolving doorway brings you into a dim lit modern bar. Mahogany wood and plush velvet booths makes it look fancier than it is and makes you feel like you're getting good value (which you are). Thursday night after work hours is when The Keg (at least it's aforementioned York St. location) is at its peak. But beware: it's banker central. And you may spot an old haired investor with a waitress or two (I've seen it happen). It's appropriate that it's a meat market at a steak house. Zing! That said, the service is exceptional. The staff are friendly, playful and quick. Plus, free coke refills! What's not to like?
NOTE: The York St. location has a great back patio/courtyard in the heart of the financial district. It's a nice summer dinner date.
WE ATE:
I had the Keg Prime Rib Burger when a friend was coming in late from a flight. The Keg has a late night menu (read: you can get served after 11:30 p.m.) but it's their bar menu. So we decided to split a burger. Good decision! The Prime Rib burger is served only well done (the way I like it) and still retains all of its juices. They don't accessorize too much (and they give you extra pickles. This means bonus points) so you can still taste the full flavor of the burger. It has just the right amount of spice. So I took 6 friends out for dinner for a Keg Burger Tasting and they loved it! You also get a side of fries, sweet potato fries or a baked potato. We had all of them and they were all on point. I opted for the baked potato and they give you the appropriate amount of sour cream. Bacon bits and chives also top this potato. For the meal with a coke, tax and tip I think I paid about $17 to $20. WELL worth the value considering the price of other burgers in this city.
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
No need to relive high school memories of getting drunk in a bathtub. This Keg is all you need to get drunk off their juicy meats as long as you steer clear of the meat market that surrounds you.Listed in: 30 Day Challenge, Meat, Burger Time
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Review from eddie c.
10/13/2011
To compare this to an American steakhouse, it's a fancier version of Outback steakhouse or Texas Roadhouse. Price is very reasonable, i went when the Canadian currency was strong than US. I believe 1.00 CAD to 1.06 US.
I had the ribeye (my favorite) along with the double baked potato. Delicious! I usually like to kill my steaks in A1 sauce at chained restaurants, but they seasoned it just right so that i was able to just eat the steaks by itself. They sat us right next to the fireplace so it was a tad warm, but i recommend visiting the Keg for the food and ambiance. -
Review from David T.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 9/6/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I can honestly say that I think this restaurant is consistently the best value in Toronto. Service is impeccable. I remember a year ago when I had a birthday here with friends and one of them commented on their steak, a server overheard this from quite some distance away and immediately brought them a new steak.
This place sets the standard for how a chain should be run.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/13/2010
I think this place is great! Good value considering it's location and stylish decor. Very social… Read more »
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Review from Pati P.
Toronto, ON
8/19/2011
I've always been a fan of The Keg. Went back here for my hubby's birthday and we managed to swindle a table for 5 on the front patio at peak after-work-hours (we had friends head over earlier). The back patio was RIDICULOUSLY packed, so that wasn't even an option, however, that was where we ideally wanted to be. After seeing the madness both inside (which was freezing due to the blasting A/C), and the craziness out back, we were REALLY happy with the front patio score. We could actually hear each other speaking and we got people-watching traffic.
As per usual, and per Keg style, the customer service was excellent, and all our food was awesome. Only reason I don't give The Keg five stars is because there's usually a case of "I ordered medium-rare and this is rare" or some sort of slight mix-up with the cooked-to-your-liking choice, and have had overly-sinewy cuts before. It's not a huge deal, but it is a steak house. And you do pride yourself on being able to cook it to perfection. Staff has always done something to ensure I left happy (a free slice, on the house meal, etc.). The GMs are really good at what they do and it shows in the staff's performance too.
Last night's meal, for me, was perfection. Pecan, goat cheese, sirloin. Cooked Chicago-style-medium-well. Normally, I wouldn't get it so done, but I'm pregnant and want it cooked.
I would always recommend The Keg if anyone would ask if they should go. -
Review from Marie M.
8/19/2011
My mentor and I came here right after drinks at Againist the Grain. He had a friend who was here with a bunch of people and wanted to go in and make an appearance. When you're a lawyer or any type of professional that requires interaction with others, it is very important to make an appearance even though you don't want to or you don't have time, if even for a second (but it's never really for a second).
This Keg is snazzier and way more trendy than all the other Kegs I've been to, not that I've been to many because I'm vegan. It's dark, with beautiful furniture and interior design with a cool lounge atmosphere. Sadly we didn't get to enjoy the interior, my mentor's friends were outside on the patio. According to my mentor, when this Keg first opened its patio, it was the most happening patio and the one you want to be seen on. Tonight it was still pretty 'happening': it was packed full of suits, the typical Bay Street types from the surrounding office towers. It was loud and everyone was having a good time, or at least seemed like it. I honestly couldn't hold a meaningful conversation because I couldn't hear the people around me and had to shout alot, which sucks because that's not my type of convos that I like to have. The drinks were ok, I had a glass or two of a Cab, but I can't comment on the price because I didn't see the drink menu, nor did I pay for it. When you're with a group of people you just met, I find it easier to go with the flow and take what they offer you.
I'm not sure if I'll come back... maybe with a suit and when I'm invited. Definitely not my first choice of after-after work drinks place, but I'm easy going and able to adapt to different surroundings. Bar hopping on a Thursday night... with this being the second bar of the night, it kind of exhausted me before 10PM. -
Review from Johnny R.
11/9/2010
I hope I'm reviewing the right one. We went to the one around the corner from the Hilton on Richmond.
We stopped in for a drink and that morphed into a late dinner. I had the Steak Oscar which was pretty nice. The bar side of the restaurant was hip and happening. It was also very popular and got crowded later on, but not in a bad way. -
Review from Char C.
Toronto, ON
3/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
LOVE IT!!!! It's busy but the sections where people dine are really quite and you can talk to someone over a fantastic prime rib...drool...
The service is always good! I once got a wine that was suggested by the server and it went sour. I told the waiter this and the manager came apologized comp'ed our wine and gave us a free dessert. I actually wish she didn't give us the dessert because now every time I go there I have to have a billy miner...drool!
The prime ribs are amazing, as I talk about it my boyfriend is hinting we should go tonight. The apps are fantastic we usually get the ahi tuna... It is fantastic it is served with mushrooms and a wasabi sauce. He hates wasabi but we always fight for this dish!
This place is good for families but during weekdays after work it's REALLY hard to navigate as many people who work around the area go for after work drinks. The weekends are also really difficult to get a place if you're walking in after 7pm. During busy times you're looking at around a 30-40 minute wait so ALWAYS make a reservation.
The food is always enough to fill us and the way it's grilled is perfect...
I think I'm going for a steak tonight!
Cost: 2 people, 1 apps, 2 mains, 2 desserts $120 ish.
Food quality: 5/5
Food quantity: 5/5
Wine Selection: 4/5
Service: 5/5
Perfect for: After work drinks, anything BUT a first date, anniversary, celebrations, great for groups (if you make reservations)
Would I Go Again: Tonight?? -
Review from Monika C.
10/4/2010 1 photo
For my second trip to Toronto for a tradeshow I ended up staying at the same hotel (Sheraton Toronto) and eating at one of the same restaurants .... the Keg Steakhouse!
Food: Good
Ambiance: Good
Value: Umm, I wasn't paying! :o)
Location: Conveniently near the Sheraton Toronto Centre
Service: Good
Although I'm not a big steak lover I've come to embrace meat when eating in a group while on business travel. At first I stuck steadfast to salmon at steak restaurants, but recently I've come to order red meat. Hey, when in Rome.. you know.
The restaurant is huge and this year and last year it seems that our group was seated almost immediately. The service was good and the salad was good as well. I liked the steak but didn't love it (I never do), and I'd totally be up for eating here again.
We all had good wine, good steaks, and shared a number of deserts. I didn't hear one complaint from my party of four.
If you're in the area looking for a steak, try the Keg out. And if you don't want a steak, you're in good luck! This steak restaurant had the largest selection of non-steak entrees I can remember ever seeing at a "steak place". It almost swayed me to try the halibut! But in the end, dead cow it was. And it was yummy! -
Review from Wendy H.
Toronto, ON
3/20/2010
Ish is about to get wordy, y'all.
Here's the situation: Mother, Father, Aunt, Uncle are visiting from Nova Scotia, staying at the Sheraton. Walkable dinner location for a meat & potatoes group? Pretty obvious. We head to The Keg at 8pm.
Waiting area is crammed - but it's a Friday night. Of course. Lady hands me a spaceship beeper and we're lucky to score a just-abandoned table in the bar.
Then things got a little awkward. 2002 R&B blasting on the speakers, loud financial young bucks talking loudly in our peripherals. Not the ideal scene for a group of 50+ maritimers who unironically enjoy truck stop dining (which, as an aside, I also happen to enjoy A LOT). However, once some cocktails started flowing, everyone got comfortable and perhaps I even saw some head-nodding to the beats, Auntie Cynde?
Anyway. Fast-forward 45 minutes later and we still haven't been seated. No biggie, but I went to ask for an ETA on our table. The hostess apologized and said it shouldn't be much longer. Minutes later, Mr. Manager himself came to apologize - insisted that he was working on getting us a table asap, and PLEASE, will we have some appetizers while we wait? He even kneeled down to our eye level. Real this-guy-knows-how-to-be-a-Manager type stuff.
They whisked us off to a table and almost immediately filled our faces with apps (1 more than we ordered). From then, things were unbelievable. Our waitress was perfect - just chatty enough and checked in on us with just the right frequency. Mr. Manager would ensure everything was perfect, even checking with the kitchen that the prime rib was to my Dad's "blue rare" liking. (*shudder*) Just wonderful, wonderful service.
See, it warmed the cockles of my heart that The Keg staff are so accommodating - we didn't even mind sitting at the bar for 45 minutes, but they did everything in their power to make the rest of our evening run seamlessly. It seems that in many cases, people get that kind of treatment when they complain, but to know that they still take care of the easy-going folk is brilliant.
(Minus one star for the King street crowd - when it comes to atmosphere, I mos def prefer the Mansion!) -
Review from Eric B.
4/5/2009
My first Keg dinner experience was with Gayle and our Calgary friends (Jim and Kathy) at Banff. It was a great meal and a wonderful time together. That Keg had sort of a family lodge feel and was certainly a full step (or two) above Outback or Black Angus.
A few weeks ago, I was on a business trip in Sarnia Ontario. After a full Friday work day, 3 of us decided to make the 3-4 hour drive up to Toronto (via the 402/401) for the weekend. There was a fair amount of truck traffic coming up, so we didn't roll into Centre City until around 10 PM. We were all tired and being a morning person, I would of been happy to check into the hotel and fade into the evening. However, my project leader (whose family lives in Scarborough) insisted that we have dinner together before she headed home. And with a Keg close by to our hotels, why not?
This Keg took my Banff experience and added a cool city look and feel. Since there was a 20 minute wait for a dinner table, we started out in a bar that was filled with stylish and happy people who were starting their weekend. We sat at the bar and enjoyed our beer and appetizers and before we knew it, we were seated.
When I'm in Canada, I tend to stick to local choices, including wine. The Niagara region in Ontario has some excellent choices, and to we found a delicious red that matched my most excellent "Bleu Cheese Filet" and some great conversations perfectly.
It's nice when the stars align after a long and stressful day (especially when you initially didn't want to go to dinner). I went back to the hotel full and happy, with a deeper positive understanding of my colleagues and our company, and with directed motivation to have a great weekend in Toronto. -
Review from Deanna W.
6/27/2009
This is my favourite Keg in the downtown core. It's sleek, sexy and dark with flat screen tvs abound in the bar area for extra entertainment. A little intimidating with the suits mingling in the bar area and the back patio on most weekday nights but hey we can all hang right? The inner dining rooms are fairly quiet, spacious booths and tables for eating and drinking. Drink list is varied which is must for a steakhouse; if you're gonna eat steak it's nice to have your pick of liquids to wash it down with.
I've been here often enough with my better half and we usually enjoy a ceasar salad or escargots followed by our choice of steak. He prefers the striploin whereas I'm partial to the prime rib here (always tender and served with horseradish) or if I have to deviate then the juicy baseball cut will do for me, it's a thick piece of meat and they grill it just right to lock in the obligatory juices.
True the Keg is a chain and this Keg is perhaps the most 'corporate' in tone of them all but if i'm looking to engage in some carnivorous fun then this place does it for me in terms of value and comfortability. I still get a kick however gaffawing over the cheesiness of their tv commericials. -
Review from Kat L.
7/6/2011
More of a bar scene for the financial district. It is filled with regular customers and large groups for happy hour. I ordered a Ceasar salad and wished I had asked for dressing on the side; it was drenched. My salmon was very good and perfectly cooked.
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Review from Chris L.
8/8/2010
Good steaks and stiff drinks.
It's a whole lot bigger that it looks from the outside, and a lot swankier than the name suggests. -
Review from Vivek S.
4/20/2009
My favourite Keg is located in the heart of the financial district and usually chock full of d-bags. If you like guys in suits hit it up on Thursday nights: it's packed. The decor is unlike the pastoral layout of your typical Keg restaurant; the York St location features an uber-trendy lounge with spacious couches and long bars to lean against and mingle. If you like Caesars, get them Keg-sized.
Obligatory Title Pun: A powder KEG of d-baggery.
Menu Readability: The Keg menu we all know and love. Serifs on cream coloured paper and pleather binding. A menu-lover's dream.
Need to Mention: The hostess will actually look at you with a straight face and tell you it's a 2.5 hour wait.
What this place teaches me about myself: I don't actually hate everyone that works in the financial district.Listed in: Yet Another Good for Groups…, Hail Caesar!
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Review from Steph L.
1/14/2010
Talk about a meat market.... oh yeah, this place has steaks too.
Thursday -- time to celebrate the almost-weekend!
Hint: Book a meeting in your calendar so you can duck out of work discreetly... then run to grab an empty table!
Or to reserve your standing space at the bar.
I can't comment on the decor because all I saw were suits.
A gigantic crowd of suits...which can be fun, depending on your scene.
Anyways, the Keg is the happening place for an after work drink.
Appetizers are always good. The menu is extensive and you can't go wrong with nachos and calamari.
I enjoy dinners at the Keg, but I've never felt this location was actually for dining, more like hanging out, getting your drink on, and trying not to lose your Blackberry. -
Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
5/13/2010
I am basing this review SOLELY on the service I received when I went to pick up a gift card for a client.
Yesterday I visited this location in hopes that I could duck in, grab a gift card, and duck out all in the span of 5 minutes. Yeeeeeah.... so not the case.
I went to the front and asked to purchase a gift card. Not just *any* gift card, but one valuing $250. That's definitely not chump change, so I was ready to get served in serious style. The 3 people at the front smiled and just asked me to wait a few moments. Now a few, that's like 3-5ish right? Uh... try 25. Not kidding. I waited, I waited and I waited. It's not like this was a hard sale either - woman gives you $250, you give her a card in return. No extended service required... so what the problem is?
The girl at the front first called one manager who was apparently 'too busy' to help me, so then 25 minutes later, another manager came around the corner with my gift card. 20 minutes in, I almost marched out but lucky for them, I didn't have a backup plan for a gift idea.
Overall, a very disappointing experience. If this is how they help a customer who doesn't require service beyond "please sign here for your gift card", then imagine how the service would be if I was actually sitting at a table and dining with friends.
It's safe to say that my 'should have been brief but really wasn't' experience left a bad taste in my mouth and I've really got no reason to give these guys another go. -
Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
2/2/2010
I had no idea what the Keg was when I moved to Toronto. They don't have them in the U.S., but boy would they love the Keg there! I don't go often, and usually when I do, it's with colleagues and clients, but everytime I go, I enjoy it.
This Keg has it down. They are always rammed, but they get you through unscathed, and in fact, better than that: they get you through with lots of libations, flavourful thick steaks, and a lighter wallet. It's not cheap, but you get what you pay for. I really think they do a great job with a hectic crowd. Even for extra-large groups, they get it right here. I have never ever had a bad steak or a bad morsel of any food at this Keg.
Do NOT go if you are looking for a quiet night. I mentioned earlier, this place gets rammed. And other reviewers have said it before: lots of suits. This is a place to go with some colleagues for drinks - it's a party in here. A party with lots of good cuts of beef. My kind of party!Listed in: MEAT
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Review from rennie w.
5/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place was so busy and bustling with all the after work city folk winding down. We had a 25min wait for a table of 4 and had good service. Food was good if a bit pricey, the lobster comes with a little butter sauce cooking in its own candle warmer. Ask for the specials if not offered, had the cod fish but it was just overcooked a little but still nice overall. Our waiter also came with the complimentary refills of soft drink without being asked - thanks Lewis from Spain :)
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Review from Agnes F.
4/5/2011
Not bad for a chain, my colleagues and i had salads (different ones) and they were pretty decent. Service was ok but the only thing i didn't understand was why they put 5 of us in those terribly small round booths. We literally were elbowing each other.
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Review from John I.
Toronto, ON
4/25/2010
The Keg on York Street is a very lively Keg with crowds of people from primarily the business community. The interior of the restaurant is modern and everything appears to be clean and well presented.
The service was good in both the lounge and main dining room. The servers appeared knowledgeable and offered us substitutions and changes subject to our tastes and/or allergy positions.
Dinner consisted of the beef tenderloin and a side of french fries. The meat was chewy and too rare. Although I asked without seasoning (that Keg salt/seasoning can sometimes be quite extreme), the meat tasted off almost "tinny". The fries were warm, but weren't amazing.
Breads were served and seemed fresh.
This Keg didn't blow me away and this is my second visit to the York Street location. I would recommend other steakhouses in the area.
Good luck! -
Review from Solomon C.
3/15/2009
If you've never heard of the keg (aka you're American) it's nothing like outback's steakhouse. it's a classy joint. This location is pretty busy but on a cold friday night, the wait was probably 20 min which isn't bad at all! Not to mention the hostesses wore hot little black dresses and come around with free h'or douvres for people in the waiting area. (Thats right FREE!)
I forgot what our table ordered but I had the bacon wrapped scallops and the baseball top sirloin.
The bacon wrapped scallops were smaller than I thought but still pretty good. (small as in they were served in escargot pods)
the baseball top sirloin was fantastic! It's a steak so thick med-rare is as far as they can cook it! SO GOOD!!! YUM! -
Review from Aaron B.
5/26/2010
I came here for an early dinner with my parents and their two dogs. The dogs had to tied to the fence outside and so we grabbed a table on the patio. No problem. The waiter we had was excellent. His recommendations were good, the service was attentive, he even brought water out for the dogs. We all tried several different items from the menu: crab chowder, calamari, shrimp, crab dinner, sirloin, and a few other little things. All very good. Not excellent, but very good. It seems a bit over priced for the quality, but with this location and the great server it was an above-average experience. I'd go again, but after reading some other reviews I'd definitely go early again...it's not worth more than a five minute wait to be seated.
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Review from John G.
Toronto, ON
10/2/2009
Attentive staff, great food, great patio. Definitely a favorite! I'm a regular here and have been for over 4 years. The staff go out of their way to get to know you and take care of you. This has been consistent year over year. Credit goes to the management of this Keg in that they keep hiring excellent staff! The steaks are consistently great. Anytime anything is wrong, you are taken care of HUGE! Wine list if reasonable and beers on tap are good. Not much to not like which is why it is busy year in year out!
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Review from brian b.
11/12/2009
Primo steakhouse. Great sides that come with the steaks, great appetizers, excellent martinis and they seemed to have a extensive wine list. I was quite impressed by our very young waitress who knew the wine selection amazingly well and was able to suggest various entrees and wines for our table that all turned out to be perfect. Yes you will pay dearly for this level of quality and service but for the occasional treat, this place is worth every penny. I also have to comment on my perfectly made Stoli martini and excellent creme brullee for dessert.
