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The Keg Mansion
Category: Restaurants Steakhouses Steakhouses [Edit]
515 Jarvis StToronto, ON M4Y 2H7
(416) 964-6609
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 4 pm - 1 am
Sun 4 pm - 12 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
56 reviews for The Keg Mansion
Review Highlights
"...amazing and came with mashed potatoes and a twice baked..."
(in 4 reviews)
"...yet, but who doesn't love an old-fashioned haunted house."
(in 11 reviews)
"I tend to go for the Filet Mignon most times."
(in 4 reviews)
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56 reviews in English
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Review from Elaine K.
1/16/2012
Great steaks, amazing service.
I realize that going to the Keg Mansion at 7:30pm on a Saturday is one of the dumbest things you can do. It's like going to Disneyworld during Christmas break. It was insanely packed when we got there, obviously. The foyer was crowded with people, as were the stairs and the bar area. It was madness. I'd honestly considered going to a different Keg uptown, but the Hubster was already parking the car.
We stood in the bar area, ordered some drinks and waited about one hour to get a seat. I guess we proved to be very nice to the staff around us, because when a new table opened up in the middle of the room of the bar area, the manager asked if we'd like to sit there. He sat us ahead of the surly couple who had gotten there before us, and were having cocktails at one of the high tops at the bar, so either they liked us, or they thought that a couple in their early 30s would cause less of a fuss about sitting at a bistro-sized table in the middle of the room. I'd like to think it's the former.
We had a $100 gift certificate to the place (Christmas gift) so we were able to order without thinking about the cost. I asked for the crab cakes to start, while the Hubster got the bruschetta. I told the server that I had a dairy allergy, which he noted. A few minutes after ordering, the manager came up to us and informed me that the crab cakes do have dairy in them, and suggested a few appetizers that didn't. I really liked this. Too often, a server will just give you the menu and ask you to choose something else, without telling you which are dairy-free options. I went with the bacon-wrapped scallops.
The appetizers were okay. The scallops were cooked just right, but they were nothing special. Just bacon and scallops. You really can't go wrong with that combo. I would have liked them to be a bit more seared, though.
For our entrees, I got the prime rib and the Hubster got the flat iron steak. We both enjoyed our mains immensely. Hubster was a bit put out that the Keg fries were fries, and not frites, but other than that, we were super happy with our meals.
The service was amazing. Our guy was attentive but not intrusive. He even corrected another table who kind of yelled out a request to him while he was dealing with us, patiently saying "I'll be with you in a second, as soon as I'm done here." Class act.
I'm always really satisfied with meals at the Keg, because their quality of service is really great and their food is consistently good. This experience was no exception, though I think we'll try to visit on a quieter night next time.
Note: they don't take reservations on Friday or Saturday evenings. -
Review from Joy L.
Scarborough, ON
2/8/2012
An awesome delicious grilled steak begins with an awesome delicious steak! It's all about marbling and age. To be honest, I am not a fan of going to a steak house. I prefer buying a nice cut of meat and grilling it at home. For the same price, I feel I can buy a better cut of meat! My friends ordered the Seafood Sirloin (Grilled top sirloin with garlic sautéed scallops and Black Tiger shrimp, topped with a seafood velouté sauce (8 oz) $27.95), and Sirloin Oscar (Grilled top sirloin topped with shrimp, scallops, asparagus and Béarnaise sauce (8 oz) $27.95). I ordered the Keg Caesar with Grilled Top Sirloin ((8 oz) $20.95).
While I cannot attest to the food, the decor was beautiful. The stained glass window add a very rustic feel to the atmosphere. The plating was a little sloppy. The steak was not juicy or tender enough for me. The other girls actually said they liked their seafood more than the steak and may go back just for seafood in the future. Sorry Keg, I think chains such as Le Bifthèque, Canyon Creek or Bâton Rouge have better steak than you! :( All in all, I had a great time! You can buy good steak but you can't buy good friends!
http://allaboutnoms.bl... -
Review from JC S.
North York, ON
12/6/2011
I had a pleasant dining experience at this Keg location, primarily because of our server. He was really friendly and attentive. I also loved the "mansion". It was beautiful and had a classy atmosphere.
I ordered Chicken Oscar ($21) and it was delicious! It was accompanied by scallops, shrimp, asparagus and mashed potatoes. Although the chicken was supposed to be the main ... I enjoyed the scallops, shrimps and my mashed potatoes more. The scallops were cooked perfectly and were flavourful. I also tried the Prime Ribs ($24-29) which my boyfriend ordered and it was really tender and juicy.
I wanted to get a dessert .. which contained no peanuts. Our server, however, told us that all the desserts may contain peanuts as they are stored together.. :/ But I enjoyed this place and I look forward to coming back :) -
Review from James M.
Toronto, ON
1/17/2012
My favourite steakhouse. Much more affordable than Morton's, and the service here is top-notch. I've been here a dozen times and it has not disappointed yet. Jay, the maitre-d, is awesome.
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Review from Wayne W.
1/26/2012
LOML and I circled the parking lot for 20 minutes and ended up on a side street to park. The atmosphere is terrific but we couldn't get a table so we sat at the bar. Crab cakes, crab dip and chips, a couple of beers and some wine suited us just fine. I've had the prime rib and steaks here before and I was underwhelmed. But I would go back in a minute just for the atmosphere.
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Review from hangover n.
Toronto, ON
11/20/2011
I had such high hopes for this place, partly based on these reviews, that I brought my boyfriend here for his birthday. I wish I had made another choice. On the positive side, this is a beautiful building. Old, stately, lovely interior. However, upon entering we were basically thrust into a teeming crowd. Servers running every which way, a nearly deafening level of noise. . . I had my doubts right away. We started upstairs at the bar. Another red flag: not a single place to sit, a 20 minute wait for a drink, and one of the most poorly made vodka sodas I've ever had. A double tasted weaker than a regular single. Loud dance music blared, servers and patrons jostled each other. We couldn't hear to speak to each other. usually in such scenarios I would leave, but we were hungry and didn't feel like wandering the streets seeking sustenance. We were finally seated, not in the downstairs area that we had requested but in the upper dining room, where there was no respite from the cacaphony. Under the circumstances, the service was great. But it isn't, to me, a very pleasant dining experience when one's waiter appears exhausted and overworked. The people working here are doing their best, but since the management don't allow reservations on friday or saturdays (and it's obvious why: you can get many more people to come and wait for ages if you don't reserve seats), it really isn't possible for the staff to do much in the way of personalized service.
The steak was decent. But the whole assembly-line, get everyone in and out as fast as possible atmosphere was stressful. We ate hurriedly and got out fast. Not what I had been hoping for in an expensive restaurant that tries to portray itself as 'upscale.'
Perhaps it was simply a mistake to come on a friday night. I'm still willing to give this place a chance; perhaps stopping by the bar level on a monday night might be an idea. -
Review from Jay C.
6/14/2011
We were urged to try out the keg by a really nice guy named Mike who we met on a golf course. That might have been the greatest suggestion of my life.
We walked up from our hotel to find a really cool looking building that serves as the location for the Keg. We're from Boston, so we have been into the Smith and Wollensky in our city that has a similar vibe (it's in a historical landmark called the Castle).
The vibe inside was pretty hectic. We went in at 9pm and were told there'd be a 45 minute wait. We walked up the elaborate staircase to the bar, got three seats, and ordered drinks. Now, this is where the adventure begins. There were five of us to three seats, but two seats just happened to open up, so we had five seats at the bar. Three of us wanted to sit at a table, two didn't. Our wonderful bartender, Alex, suggested we stay and eat. Great idea! We ordered our apps and more drinks, and the apps were fantastic. We asked her many questions about the city, the food, the drinks; all of which were expertly answered. She knows her stuff. She was really engaging, asking us questions, joking with us, and taking our general Bostonian loudness and sense of humor very well.
After several well made drinks, we opted for a bottle of Merlot, again suggested by Alex. It was fantastic and paired well with our meals, of which I had the 7oz filet, blue rare. The steak was perfection. At this time, we were really getting excellent service from Alex, and she enlisted bartender #2 to help, since we were a large workload for a bar. Her name is Tiuu, and was equally as impressive as Alex. A nice gentleman and his newlywed bride had taken two seats next to us and we started up a conversation. Really nice guy. He set up the whole bar with shots of Patron to commemorate his new marriage. That just opened us up to more general goofiness. The bartenders were making us drinks that we'd never heard of, and they were fantastic.
We were told by our excellent bartenders that the building was haunted. After several minutes of intrigue, they called the restaurant manager over to tell us more. He did, and since we were so intrigued, he took us up to the 4th floor where there is only office and storage, but is haunted. He said they don't usually take people up there, but since we're from Boston and liked the historical story, he'd show us around. I mean, is that service or what?!
All in all, it will go down as one of the best nights of my life. We were there from 9pm-2am. Just an excellent evening, excellent food, and the best service I've encountered from a restaurant. The bill was not at all exorbitant, as the steaks are really well-priced for the segment. I'd recommend this particular Keg to anyone in the Toronto area. Do yourselves a favor and ask for Alex and Tiuu. You won't be sorry. -
Review from Lynn C.
6/1/2011
I love The Keg. Anyone who claims s/he doesn't is lying. How can you not love a restaurant that consistently serves delicious, perfectly cooked aged beef while treating you like a king/queen for a reasonable price?
Beyond the usual great food the Keg usually serves (my Classic New York dinner was so good, i actually cleaned my plate of the 12oz of beef, mushroom, beans, and mashed potatoes), what is so great about this location is that it is reminiscent of your traditional steakhouse with the dark ambiance and rich decor..you'd have no idea that it was a chain steakhouse.
I'm not a huge fan of how dark it is inside, nor do I like the fact that it's really difficult to get reservations here, but at least you always have the lounge.
And, as usual, service is impeccable. -
Review from Ted A.
Toronto, ON
7/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The Keg Mansion is my go-to place when friends are visiting and they want to have a nice night out for dinner. Delicious food, amazing atmosphere, great value, and service that is so friendly it's almost a little eery.
The whole restaurant is in an old mansion, which is a really nice, classy atmosphere to eat in. My favourite area to eat would be on the main level at the very back, where there is a smaller, separate room with a little more character, containing some paintings and (if I remember correctly) a fireplace. There are some fun little cards at the front that explain the history of the mansion, as well as some ghost stories about it being haunted. There is more of a bar/lounge area upstairs which is a nice place to get some drinks and snacks, or to hang out while you wait for a table to be ready.
The food -- AMAZING. I've had a number of steaks here and loved them all, but my favourite is the peppercorn New York steak. Absolutely exploding with delicious flavour in every bite. Perfectly seasoned. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. For a nice place, it is all very affordable as well. If you want to, you can get a steak dinner with salad and mashed potatoes for about $25 I believe.
The service is fantastic. There is just an extremely friendly aura around all of the staff. Kitchen staff walking by will smile at you even though they don't need to, and the servers are constantly attentive and helpful.
The restaurant does not take reservations on weekends. This is pretty annoying and makes it difficult to plan a night out with friends, but of the two Saturdays I've been here, we had to wait an hour on one of them, and the other the place was pretty much dead. I haven't picked up the pattern on the least-busy time to come yet.
Yes, The Keg is part of a chain, but you'd never know unless someone told you. There is a lot of unique character to the restaurant and the quality is bar none. I grew up in Oshawa, and the comparison to our Keg there is like night and day.
For a nice night out in the city, you need to check this place out. You will not be disappointed! -
Review from Jim G.
8/28/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I'm choosing to review not the Keg restaurant but the bar on the upper floor. I've eaten in the dining room, and it's fine, but the bar is where it's really at. I've been coming here for years and have been poured out its doors at the end of the night many times. If I win the lottery I'm buying this place and booting out the Keg, but I'll keep the bar open with the full menu, don't worry.
The bar is sizable and comfortable. It's just too easy to order a Keg-sized cocktail, a little pricey at around $10, but your martini or bourbon sour or white Russian or Manhattan will be delicious. You can order from the full menu at the bar or at one of the tables in the nearby rooms or snugs, so why would you ever bother with the dining room?
I have many fond memories at the Manson. I've seen hockey players walking through after a game. I even saw a couple basically having sex on one of the couches in the bar. That's an unusual event for the Mansion, I have to say, but it's something you don't forget seeing in a steakhouse bar.
Just a note on the building: the Keg Mansion was at one time owned by Hart Massey of the famous Massey family. Former Governor General Vincent Massey and Hollywood star Raymond Massey once lived right to the north of the mansion. Many rumours of spirits and hauntings abound in the Mansion. There's an open oval in the floor near the washroons where a maid who served the family is alleged to have hung herself, and some report they've seen her ghostly body hanging there. Lillian Massey, the daughter of Hart Massey, is said to have died in the mansion and some have said they've felt her presence, especially in the washrooms for some reason. (Why are washrooms often said to be haunted? Would you want to spend your afterlife flushing toilets and turning lights on and off?) There are also reports of children laughing and a little boy who runs around the mansion playing and spying on diners. Despite the alleged hauntings, the Keg Mansion remains one of the most popular places to eat and drink in the area, and I'll go there either until it closes or I find myself hauntings its hallways myself.Listed in: Best Happy Hour
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Review from Avitania B.
Toronto, ON
4/4/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I'm not the kind of person that usually digs chain restaurants. However, I make an exception for The Keg. The food is pretty good, the service has always been attentive, and lately it's been one of the few restaurants that my paleo-diet loving husband and I (an avowed carb eater) can both find something to suit our tastes.
The steaks here aren't the best I've ever had (in terms of meat quality), but for the price it's pretty good. The selection of side dishes is nice, too - the vegetables are never overcooked, and the salad greens are always fresh. I've yet to try dessert here, because I'm usually too full by the time the meal ends.
I'm particularly a fan of this location of the Keg, because the candlelit atmosphere makes it casually romantic -- perfect for a weeknight dinner date. The bar upstairs is a nice place to have a glass of wine before dinner, too. The wine list is kinda meh, but the lounge area has some nice vantage points to hang out or people watch before your table is ready. -
Review from RJ S.
Mississauga, ON
1/22/2011 2 photos
Very beautiful place to enjoy a steak!
I've only gone here once and all I have to say is WOW! This place is a masterpiece. The moment you walk in the decor really grabs your attention. From all the crown mouldings to the fixtures to the look that you are in an immaculate house.
If you don't make a reservation at this place you will be waiting a very long time and I mean very long time. I waited about thirty minutes for my table even though I made a reservation which kinda made me mad a bit but that was okay because it gave me the opportunity to check the place out.
While waiting for my table one of the servers took us upstairs to the bar/lounge area. It was very nice I was kinda glad that I didn't get my table right away b/c it gave me an opportunity to talk with my friends in a closer area instead of spread out on a table. The drinks at the bar are decently priced like any restaurant and they have a bigger variety of drinks available.
After 30 minutes or so we finally got our table. After settling in our server came and told us a little history about the keg mansion, which mind you was very interesting. It got really good until she told us that the Mansion was haunted. I wasn't surprised b/c honestly which huge mansion in the world is not somewhat haunted. But when she told us that they have heard some things going on in the restroom while no one was there that's when I got a little freaked out. I didn't want to go to the restroom after hearing that b/c you know the next thing I know I'm doing my business and something starts coming towards me or soap just starts floating out of thin air. OMG! so anytime one of boys was getting up I'd be like "you going to the washroom? I'm coming with you"
The one thing I don't like about the Keg in general is that it is overly priced! Especially when the food doesn't fill you up! Don't get me wrong though they absolutely have one of thee best steaks and prime ribs anywhere.
Items to definitely get
- keg sized prime rib
- keg sized filet mignon
- keg sized new york strip-loin
- Crab, Parmesan & Spinach Dip -
Review from Jason E.
8/31/2011
The Keg, it's a chain but a good one. Keg Mansion is in a most impressive Victorian house and walking in it just feels a little special. It's always crowded downstairs but you can always find a seat upstairs in the bar and the food is the same. Their king crab legs are divine but the prime rib is always good too, so I normally order sufficient to feed a small village and unfortunately rarely leave much on the plate. This is a great place to come if you feel your jeans are just a little to loose or you need an excuse or you find the space between your belly and the steering wheel intimidating and you want to close that gap.
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Review from Shane W.
York, ON
12/21/2011
Always had great service here and the food has been good each time too. Lost a point for being a bit too loud and cramped.
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Review from J H.
Toronto, ON
7/23/2011
sorry to be the one tainting the reviews. perhaps i am giving an extra-critical review in the face of the hype and the glowing reviews. does that make me a hater? ugh, probably
i came here with a $100 gift card that was a re-gift, so i wasn't shy ordering. we had the scallops wrapped in bacon to start (too salty) and something else; i don't remember. shrimp? it was bland.
my dining partner had some sort of surf and turf thing. it was unimpressive. i had some sort of peppercorn steak and it was kind of rough.
we both had drinks and split a desert and the bill was around $180. service was good but the waitress didn't seem pleased we were using a gift card.
honestly, i just don't get the big deal. it's a handsome-looking place and all, but i have had way better steak. in honesty, my dad makes a more delicious steak (although his is very delicious, so this isn't saying that much).
i am starting to think that maybe i just have really high standards for steak? but i can't be alone. the person who re-gifted their card to me obviously felt the same way. -
Review from Katrina L.
Richmond Hill, ON
11/22/2010
WOW! This was my reaction to walking into the historic Keg mansion. I love the architecture that dates back to Confederation. I could spend all night exploring the different rooms and studying the intricacies of the banister carvings. But clearly this isn't a review site for architecture but for FOOD!
While the wait on a Saturday night (the only night they do not take reservations) was a bit long, the wait was between 1 hour 15 minutes - 1 hour 30 minutes, honestly it was 7:15pm on a Saturday night, I expected this. We got a little pager (fyi it doesn't work outside) and went to the bar, which was equally rammed and got a drink. We managed to snag the window seat, located between the first and second flight of stairs. Had our drink and proceeded to wait.
Approximately 25 minutes into our wait a nice lady came up to us with a platter of sample appetizers and I got to try the most delicious crab mixture on a crispy flat bread...YUM! Ok so now that my thirst and a bit of my hunger was quenched, another server came along and asked if we wanted to order appetizers, in any other case I would have totally said yes but I was waiting as my hunger had been temporarily satisfied.
By a little after 8pm, we were seated. Not a bad guesstimation hostess lady friend. Our server named Kevin, who bore a striking resemblance to our lovely CM Vivek, quickly came by and greeted us and took our water preference. Honestly, I can't say anything bad about this server, he was prompt and came and checked on us at the perfect times, although there was one somewhat long stretch in which I didn't see him at all, but I'm just nit picking now because I didn't require his service. What really sealed it in for me was at one point, my partner and I were in an intense part of a conversation (don't worry it wasn't arguing) but he took note of this and decided that it would be better if he didn't interrupt on this particular moment...5 STAR RATING FOR KEVIN!!!!
What can I say about the food, it was Keg-tastic. Prime rib was cooked to perfection, I ordered rare and was informed by wonderful Kevin that it may come medium rare as they may not have that cut but it came rare and it was delicious! I asked for my veggies to be simply blanched as I did not enjoy having garlic or butter on them and they came naked!
Now let's get to the best part and the main reason that I decided to come to the Keg. The BILLY MINER PIE!!!!!!!!!!!! I seriously come here just to have dessert. The mocha ice cream atop of an oreo cookie crumb crust, drizzled with caramel and chocolate sauce with almond shavings..... *DROOOOOOOOLLL* I enjoyed this dessert so much that my neighbour said, "Excuse me, but what is that you are eating?!" with the most curious look on his face. People might've have thought that I achieved Moksha or something! I never have to look at the dessert menu at the Keg, I actually don't even know what else they serve but I don't care, because the Billy Miner Pie seriously satisfies every one of my cravings.
Thank you Keg Mansion for scaring the crap out of me, we decided to read about how it was haunted while waiting and for providing me with wonderful stories to tell another day. -
Review from Chow L.
12/21/2010
Hip happening joint with some really random music playing in the background, apparently there's a few locations throughout Toronto.
The food was pretty wacky..reminded me of Outback steakhouse in taste and presentation but higher prices.
It's basically American style cuisine done wrong. Weak drinks don't do it for me either.
I'll Pass. -
Review from Giuliana B.
SCARBOROUGH, ON
12/9/2010
I've come here numerous times over the years, mostly for friends Birthday parties or random get togethers, however I have never come here for the steak. Yes, I know that's strange and wrong. However, up until very recently (a few weeks to be exact) I did not enjoy steak, so that might explain why I have never had the Keg's steak before.
I have, however had lots of their appetizers and countless of their cocktails, and I have yet to be disappointed. The shredded steak dip is delicious, as are their nachos, and trio of sliders. All very, very yummy.
Their cocktails, from the Mojitos to their Martini's are well executed and just potent enough to not knock me over after a couple.
The atmosphere in this place is great - historical and classy. I really like it here. My only complain would be that the last time I was here it was so super busy that my friend's and I felt a bit neglected by our server, but nothing tragic.
My next visit to The Keg (which will be pretty soon) will include a big, juicy steak. -
Review from Tom K.
9/15/2010
Take the veritable Keg chain menu, add a Victorian era mansion, sprinkle in tales of ghosts and you'll have the Keg Mansion.
It's as if Ruth's Chris suddenly purchased the Merchant's House in NYC and preserved the exterior in a mashup called "Ruth's Chris House".
I've dined at Kegs before while visiting other parts of Canada and was quite pleased to discover this particular location, given the unique environs. It's not every day I get to eat in a historical mansion.
On a Sunday night at 10pm the place was still buzzing but reservations were not required. According to the hostess, the prime wait time is usually 6-9pm.
Many tables featured well dressed people. Our table was not in that category but we felt comfortable enough and were treated as if we were indeed puttin' on the ritz.
The service here was exceptionally good. Genuinely friendly people seemed to work here, from our first encounter to the last good bye.
The menu is typical Keg and by that I mean steak-heavy (although salads, chicken and ribs are available).
We started with an appetizer baked goat cheese which was presented with crushed almonds, tomato salsa and crostini. We made it through all of our crostini and were promptly given more. The warm goat cheese was easy to spread on the crostini and even easier to eat.
For my steak course I selected the grilled top sirloin, keg size please. (Price difference is 19.95 vs 23.95- I was hungy!)
The steak arrived with a baked potato (sour cream) and a tomato slice. Somewhat spartan but sides are available to augment the entree.
My sirloin was ordered medium and arrived just how I like it. My wife's request for well was also honored.
New york strips are available as are rib steak, filet mignon, prime rib-- the beefeater will not want here.
The Keg's sweet temptations dessert was a sensible way to ,ahem, watch calories but also indulge the sweet teeth. There are five mini dessert shots to choose room so we split an order of three for $6.95. The banana caramel shot had a rich, butterscotch flavor that had me wishing for a sudden size increase. Lemon blueberry and chocolate fudge were also small but deadly good.
No ghosts were observed during the eating of this meal. I'd highly recommend that the Travel Channel's Ghost Adventures, Sci-Fi's TAPS and any other ghost crew stop by to investigate , probably come up empty on the paranormal front but have an excellent Keg meal.Listed in: Whither Canada? Eats, Shoots…
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Review from Sharky L.
Toronto, ON
9/11/2010
It was pretty good. The ambiance was nice and quiet.
I ordered their classic Top Sirloin and my date ordered the Peppercorn steak, both medium rare. Hers came out perfect, mine was too well done but were still her. Hers was actually pretty amazing. I highly recommend that one.
We also ordered Crab Parmesan Spinach dip, we did not taste any crab so we sent it back. The waiter asked if we wanted mushrooms and we said yes. The waiter totally forgot.
The portions were large, ended up taking half it home for breakfast!
If you want intimacy ask to be seated upstairs, we went up there afterward and it was empty.Listed in: Romantic Date places
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Review from Mariko M.
2/5/2011
* Pre-emptive apologies for possible spelling mistakes. SpellCheck isn't co-operating with me.*
Always wanted to come here because I thought the mansion was so pretty from the outside. Well, I guess today was my day. The parental unit wanted a break from cooking so they suggested eating out tonight (02.05.11).
I called The Keg earlier to make a reservation, but was told that it was a 'first come, first serve' basis. Fair enough. The weather was going to be crap tonight so I thought, 'no biggie.' We arrived at around 6:30 (free parking in the lot after six) and entered the Mansion. It was packed! We were told that the wait time was 30-40 minutes. The parental unit and I sat on the chairs by the door and we could smell the 'aroma' of tobacco. Apparently it's against the law to have patrons smoke right in front of the door.
An hour later, 20-30 minutes beyond wait time we were given, the parental and I were seated in a cozy booth, far from the craziness. It was nice and quiet, which made it easier to have a conversation.
The food was pretty good and it didn't take as long as the time we had to wait. Our server, Lori, was efficient. We ordered the prime rib was great, the vegetables not so much.
I want to go back, but the fact that you can't make a reservation is deterring me from going back. -
Review from Paul M.
10/29/2010
My gf and I visited Toronto for the weekend. I found this place here on Yelp and it was excellent. We had to wait at the bar for our table for a half an hour, but that was just enough time to have a few drinks and make some friends. Not to mention the fact that we got to watch the bartender at the upstairs bar knock 12 shots of Jager into pint glasses with Red Bull. It was perfect domino effect of all the shots into the glasses. I wish I had seen that done before I went to college because I definitely would have tried it!
The food was excellent. My steak was perfect and so was my gf's. The one thing that was lacking at this place was grunting cavemen and bearskin rugs. After a nice steak I enjoy wrapping myself in a nice bear skin hide and sitting by the hearth while listening to Hall and Oates. If you can tell me a restaurant where I can make this happen, let me know. -
Review from Heather L.
Toronto, ON
3/1/2011
I have always said that The Keg is the Starbucks of Steak places: you get the exact same product, no matter which location you visit. The service is pretty consistent too. As with Starbucks, you can probably get a better product elsewhere... but you would be taking a chance. At least with The Keg, I know exactly what I am getting every time.
I like this particular location a lot. Every time I have visited, there has been at least a 15 to 30 min wait for a table, but the bar they seat you in is great (and if you don't want to wait for a table, they will serve your food to you at the bar). Once you are seated in one of the dining rooms, the atmosphere is that of a fancier place rather than a chain. I think that's the best part: comfort food in an upscale setting. -
Review from Jen D.
Toronto, ON
11/19/2011
My husband took me here on valentines day. It was beautiful, the menu was lovely and everything tasted absolutely amazing. The decor was also amazing. Definitely recommend it.
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Review from Jay Y.
North York, ON
6/15/2011
This place is known for its SERVICE...and service is exactly what I got. I wish I could remember the managers name, but she was on top of everything. She knew that our table was late in getting seated, and came by to apologize and even gave us a free appetizer. Then my steak was over cooked a little, and she came by and said she was sorry and would take care of my meal on the house. Little things like this really made my visit to the Keg Mansion memorable even though my steak wasnt the way I ordered it. I would definitely recommend this place to everyone.
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Review from Anna V.
Toronto, ON
11/19/2008
The Keg Mansion is where people who never go out to dinner, go out for special occasion stuff like Valentine's day. It's also where people from the suburbs who move downtown go for a "nice dinner". If you ask me, it's the Olive Garden in a dress. However, I hear that the steak is good.
The layout is like a big house, with lots of regular dinning tables and snuggly little nooks with fire places and stuff. That part is okay, but the service is mediocre and I'm just not into paying a lot for something that feels like a chain no matter how you cut it. -
Review from Paul R.
Toronto, ON
9/15/2009
A steak restaurant for those who don't know steak restaurants. Make no mistake, the food is always good and I never have anything to complain about with the service, but it's the atmosphere that gets me every time. I always ask myself, why am I sitting around a beautiful old mansion fitted with mahogany eveything and great looking finishings everywhere, yet filled with groups of guys in thier TAPOUT t-shirts shirts and backwards hats talking about how "f%&king awesome" their steak is?
It certainly has the appearance of a classy place to go but is far from it. It is a shame indeed because it is really a great looking location, the customer base ruins it. -
Review from Craig P.
Brampton, ON
10/3/2011
Tastes just as good as all the other Kegs, but you get to eat inside this really cool old house which may or may not be haunted.
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Review from Moritz H.
Toronto, ON
7/22/2011
Love the mansion. 18oz steak - oh yeah
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Review from Jason K.
Toronto, ON
1/19/2010
If you like steak and are prepared to spend a nice sum of money one one you will remember for a very long time, then check out this restaurant in a swanky historical (and haunted) Victorian Mansion.
At my most recent meal here at one point I felt the steak I was eating was too good for me. But I kept quiet and pretended otherwise. -
Review from Quincy S.
8/19/2010
My gf took me to dinner there the other night after my first day in Canada. This place is set up pretty cool, it's an old mansion (as the name implies) that has been completely redone and turned into a restaurant. We were in a side room on the 2nd floor that only had 2 other parties (one was a 10 top) along with 2 servers so the service was pretty attentive. We started with some drinks and the server (Tommy or Johnny) was nice enough to entertain my gf's request for something 'fruity that doesn't taste too much like alcohol'. I had a special cocktail with Hendricks gin, lime, lemon and cucumber that tasted too much like lemonade to me but my gf of course loved it.
This is a steak restaurant and I ordered the prime rib at the suggestion of the server and my gf had a NY sirloin with roasted red peppers and goat cheese. Both were amazing and came with mashed potatoes and a twice baked potato, respectively. Also, mine came with some au jus and some homemade horseradish that was amazingly strong. Both of our meals were delicious and I will certainly go back next time I'm in Toronto.
There were two faults that account for the missing star: first, the prices do not match the clientele and atmosphere. The noise level was up there and I saw at least 8 people wearing t-shirts, jean shorts, etc. Second, It took a while for the server to notice that we were ready to settle up, only the 10 top remained at this time but we still sat there waiting for a check, even with 2 servers.
Overall: great food and friendly staff, will def return. -
Review from Kevin D.
Toronto, ON
1/29/2009
I LOVE THE KEG!
We go on average once a month and are always pleased. You get decent service, great value, good wine and a beautiful steak for like $150 all in! (That includes martinis, appetizer, mains, bottle of wine, cognac and coffee). Talk about value!
The Tempura Asparagus and Snap Peas are unbelievable! One of my very favourite first courses. I tend to go for the Filet Mignon most times. They prepare your preferred colour of steak to perfection.
See you tonight...Listed in: KD's Top Restaurants
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Review from C M.
North York, ON
2/2/2011
The Keg is a great example of a chain that doesn't really feel like a chain, especially when visiting this landmark location.
My husband and I have frequented this restaurant many times and every time we leave happy, from our experience to our bellies. I don't think I have ever had a bad experience at this Keg. The location is a historic old mansion, complete with resident ghost and haunted washrooms, apparently. Most of the staff are versed in the history of the house and will spend the time talking about it and answering questions, which is nice. The first time we visited this location I spent most of the first hour just looking around immersed in the environment. Even though the seating can be tight due to the irregularly small rooms (it was a home at one point) I never feel cramped, just very intimate and cozy.
Staff is always excellent and knowledgeable about the menu. The bread is fine but we never eat it because the real food is just so good you don't want to fill up on plain old bread. For appetizers we order the Thai Calamari which is just excellent, I can't say enough about this little appetizer which is essentially lightly breaded calamari tossed in a chili Thai sauce and served with a tangy honey soy sauce. We also get the spinach dip which is fine, and have started trying the grilled mozzarella flat bread with balsamic glaze which I really enjoy.
For dinner I have the Teriyaki sirloin which I get each and every time and the one time I didn't I was sorry because this steak has the perfect flavour balance in my opinion, but I tend towards sweet/tangy combinations. They tend to be on the safe side of cooking so I order medium rare and it comes closer to medium which is fine. The garlic mashed potatoes are excellent as a side although sometimes they form a slight crust and you can tell they were the first item to be placed on your plate, but still delicious. Sometimes I switch out for fries and they have a nice taste like they have been cooked in bacon grease or something All steaks have a tomato with some melted cheese included on your plate which I never eat and can't comment on but I sometimes feel guilty because it seems like a waste of food!
The only time I didn't order the teriyaki sirloin I ordered the teriyaki chicken and it was actually pretty good but still not as good as the steak counterpart. My husband orders the fillet mignon which he also enjoys.
The Keg has perfected the Cesar and I usually order it or wine.
All in all a great dining experience, from the location to the consistent food and great service. Maybe not the fanciest or trendiest places but definatley one of our faves.
Ps. don't bring a nice car the parking lot is insane!! -
Review from Ken L.
Toronto, ON
11/5/2010
My food rating for the Keg chain is typically 4-5 stars as I've only had one bad experience over the 20 or so years of eating at their restaurants. That one really negative experience just happened to be at this location which I have since forgiven them (read my experience as described in the next paragraph). My most current experience is reviewed at the new Keg location on the Esplanade which better reflects their typical quality of food and service. The review I'm giving here is still a 4 star rating based on my numerous visits to this location over the years. This place is smaller and has tighter spacing between tables with lots of old world charm. It's an old historic manor with some interesting footnotes for those who like stories (last paragraph)
This is the story which you will hopefully never encounter at any restaurant: It was a significant birthday occasion and there were only 4 of us. Despite having made reservations the wait for a table took an hour while we sat at the bar and we were actually debating to leave. After getting seated, it took 15 minutes to get us a menu, 20 minutes to return to take our order and 40 minutes to bring us our food and drinks. It's been over 2 hours since we arrived and I was starved... eagerly biting into my steak only to discover it was f**king cold! I bitched and it took them another 15 minutes to nuke it and now it was overcooked. No one came back for another 30 minutes. Needless to say I was pissed and so were my friends. 3 hours to get seated, served and eat my meal. We asked to speak with the manager and complained... he apologized because they got a bus load of people and were short staffed. Lousy excuse.
I asked the manager why they never told us at the beginning while we waited. He didn't have a response but he hesitantly comped us the meal... so we ordered dessert but left still steaming cos it felt like they were doing us a favour. 4 hours to complete one dinner under any circumstances should not happen and then serve us cold food. We wrote the head office a letter and received a letter of apology from a senior VP but the experience still left a bad taste in my mouth for more than a decade during which other restaurants got my patronage. It may have been our experience and letter that caused them to alter their policy about making reservations and wait times. I've never forgotten that evening's experience and it seems they may have learned some lessons on service. The only reason we went back was due to a decision by my staff to have a company Christmas dinner there. I have since gone back numerous times and as a matter of fact, they rejected my reservation and that is how I ended up at the Keg Esplanade a few weeks ago.
Other food for thought... this location was Julie's Mansion (before they closed and the Keg took over in the mid-1970's) and my friend worked there up til they shut down. For those not familiar with that era Julie's was one of the most expensive places to eat in the city (a cheapskate was the person ordering the daily special meal for two costing $90 as that was a lot of moolah those days... think average house price in Toronto was $50,000 so that meal is equivalent to spending $700 today and you're a cheap ass lol). My buddy told me typical dinners there cost $500-$1000 since celebrities and Texan oil businessmen were their typical customers. Let's say I would never know since I don't drop $4-$8 grand on meals and I suppose I can't complain that the Keg charges a measly $33 for their rib eye as my whole dinner could be had for under 50 bucks.
On a historical note, the story behind this location may be of more interest to some than the food. It's an old historically designated building built in the year of Canada's confederation (1867) and owned at one time by the very wealthy Masseys. It's during this period where certain deaths have rumours circulating about ghosts. One of the dining rooms and the second floor where the washrooms apparently are spooked if you believe in that kind of thing. I have not personally experienced any unusual moving apparitions of any kind but eat at your own risk. The only thing I find eerie is the awful colour of the yellow brick exterior (not very appetizing). Parking here is a premium so TTC, taxi or walk it may be the better way. If you've read this far, I'll apologize for this long ass review but it has taken 20 years for me to get it off my chest (they didn't have internet back then so no place for me to blog) and I promise to keep any future reviews much shorter. -
Review from Vanessa G.
Toronto, ON
9/4/2008
This Keg location - commonly referred to as the Keg Mansion - is HUGE. It's set up in a old house on Jarvis so it's very ambiance is very dark and Gothic.
I went here with my boyfriend about six months ago on Friday night. They told us there would be a 45 minute wait. My boyfriend told me that hostesses always exaggerate wait times so that people won't crowd up the restaurants. Boy was he right! We were seated in 15 minutes. (I've realized this is true for most restaurants in the city, so keep that in mind).
Before we were seated we went to the bar area upstairs which was really nice. It was very busy but there was lots of seating and definitely a happening vibe throughout the floor.
When we were seated we enjoyed the very high ceilings, and the rich, luxurious and comfortable seats. Our waitress was very friendly and the atmosphere was very quiet, private and romantic. I had a New York Strip which was delicious and covered in a rich wine sauce - definitely a great choice. My boyfriend had the tenderloin which was buttery smooth and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
The Keg ain't cheap though. You'll pay a pretty penny for your steak but it's good quality. However, if you want the ULTIMATE steak experience, I recommend Hy's Steakhouse for the best beef in town! -
Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
12/8/2008
Why has no one mentioned that this place is HAUNTED? I've heard quite a few entertaining stories from friends of friends, and there's a little brochure you can pick up in the front entrance to learn all about the dead little children who apparently haunt the place. I haven't had any encounters yet, but who doesn't love an old-fashioned haunted house?
Besides the whole ghost thing, the Keg Mansion is great. I love love love a cozy atmosphere, and the Keg has that down pat. It may be a chain restaurant, and this location may be pricier than most, but I am all for it as long as I get to sit in an awesome antique chair in a haunted house.
Expect to spend upwards of $30-40/person for a full meal (app/main/dessert), not including wine. It's a steak and lobster kind of place that doesn't stray too far from your basic meat and potatoes. But yeah, it is the kind of place you go for a special night out if you don't feel like taking a risk on some trendy new King Street restaurant. The Keg Mansion is tried and true, which is probably why the ghosts stick around. -
Review from Thomas B.
North Bay, ON
5/22/2009 2 Check-ins Here
Best Keg I've ever been to. Nothing more to be said.
I base all my ratings and reviews on a couple simple categories: the food, the service, and the venue (which includes the washrooms.)
This place gets five stars in all of those categories. I could go on forever about how good it is if I don't leave it at that. Cannot compliment this place enough.
If your looking for a Keg and have some time: seek out this location. It is more than worth any trouble you'll put into getting there or finding it (it's not hard to find). -
Review from Brenna K.
Toronto, ON
6/15/2009
I give this one five stars because they actually do not mark up thier wine that much. You can get a decent bottle of wine for a great price.
Oh and steak, atmosphere and service are also good. Yes it is a chain but I am never disappointed.
The value is good for what you get here. -
Review from Joe N.
10/24/2009
What a wonderful experience. The Keg mansion continue to be one of the best spots in the city with AMAZING STEAKS, WONDERFUL SERVICE, and EXCELLENT ATMOSPHERE. I justed finished a dinner at the Keg. we came late so didnt get a table at one of the main dining rooms... hence, we headed to the 2nd floor... to the Bar...(The bar has no reservations policy, just came in, grab a chair or a table.. and enjoy nice music, cool people... and some Hockey as well :) )
The service by TERRY was the best ever. She is just a very good representation for most of the beautiful waitress who worked aside her during this shift.
When we had a tiny 'hiccup' with the service, MATT, the manager approached us, solved the issue in no time, and ensured the dinner will continue to be just perfect. he said and I quote 'you hold us to the highest standards which we hold ourselves to...' (What a nice thing to say supporting the customer, and showing how much he appreciate the place and the brand he works for)
As you can see by my reviews.. I eat in restaurants many times a week, but I NEVER received so much attention when raising an issue by the manager, who took my 'well being' on himself, ensuring a wonderful experience.
No doubts, the Keg is my favorite place for a good steak (I ate the NY which was fabulous). Also, I love those small desserts they serve in the end of the meal. give it a try, you wont be disappointed.
Matt, Terry - Thank you for making my Saturday night so nice and tasty! -
Review from S C.
9/10/2008
Though a chain, this Keg "Mansion" location is really nice, housed in an old house with an English country club feel to it. The service here is really nice - from the bartenders upstairs to the servers at your table. The steaks were good and cooked really well. Didn't feel like a chain at all.
The only thing lacking was the cocktails - the mojitos tasted like lemon soda. Stick to beer, wine or straight up drinks.
