The North Coal Kitchen & Bar — Restaurant in Burlington

Not going to lie, upon seeing the 4.6 rating and plenty of positive reviews, I had high expectations for this establishment, but I left feeling disappointed. Let me explain in full excruciating detail, because I think management deserves to hear the feedback so they can have a chance to improve.

My father wanted to treat me to a nice celebratory dinner for a recent personal accomplishment, so we chose here. Upon arriving, the hostess was very warm and pleasant in greeting and seating us. But that's where things started to falter. Normally a server should come over within a few minutes to introduce us to the menu and grab drinks, after which we would take a further look at the menu and order food when the drinks arrive 5-10mins later. This simply didn't happen.

It took at least 15 minutes for us to have anyone visit our table, at which point we had already decided to order our food and drinks. We both ordered the 8oz steak frites, and asked to upgrade to the truffle parm fries for an extra $4. I then ordered a certain beer, and was told that particular one wasn't in stock, so I went with a similar replacement, no sweat. Relatively harmless blights, maybe the floor was busy when we arrived, and it was a Sunday evening so maybe kegs aren't restocked until a weekday.

After about 10mins, our server brings out our beers and clarifies with us, "so which appetizer did you order again?" checking some messy handwritten notes. We say no app, just the steak frites and beers, she looks at her notes again and says "ok good that's what I have here, but wasn't sure". We assumed the truffle parm fries were there in her notes, so we didn't go the extra mile of mentioning that again as we were only asked about an appetizer.

But then after a further 10+ mins of waiting after ordering, a different server comes over to inform us that the 8oz steaks we ordered weren't actually in stock, and that they only had 6oz steaks, but that they would discount our bills appropriately for the replacement (we weren't told how much, and obviously didn't ask). I would have paid up for a larger 12oz size, but only the 8oz was listed on the menu so I had no choice. We were quite hungry, and quite frankly didn't want to be one of "those guests" who act picky, so we accepted the offer and assumed all would be fine, the food must be tasty enough and hey, it would be discounted too, sweet. Next time, I'll know to just order something else.

Another 15mins for our food to be prepared, and when it came out, boy I was disappointed. We got the equivalent of kiddie child steaks, accompanied by a 3/4 full plate of normal fries. No parmesan or no truffle oil. So much for that, I guess that was lost in transmission.

The food was alright. I mean, the steak was tasty but overcooked. I asked for medium-rare and received medium-well, with little juices or pinkness to it. And I probably ate it in 5 bites too. So much for dinner. The fries tasted authentic for restaurant shoestring style, but it's a shame that's what stood out from our meal.

We were still hungry, but figured we'd wrap things up and get ice cream elsewhere downtown. When handed the bill, I did the math and was shocked to find that our "discount" was a measly $3, from $28 to $25... Are you kidding me? We received 25% less portion than what we ordered and a meal we left hungry from after waiting almost an hour for, but paid $80 (plus tip) for it. Wow. Way to celebrate, huh?

As mentioned, I had much higher hopes that a Canadian branded restaurant with solid reviews would surely have large portions, homestyle service and an honest feeling, but we only left feeling rinsed. I still want to like this place, trust me, perhaps I will return for the ribs that I was coveting as an alternative to the mini steak, but I'm not convinced yet if I'm going to have a repeat experience as last time. Hopefully management takes the time to read this and work out the kinks but yeah, this was merely okay for me on my first visit and fell short of expected...

Came here for a date, ended up going to another spot later to make up for the lacklustre experience. The setting was nice and cozy and we had our hopes up however we quickly realised their food was awful. We got the brisket sandwich and brie melt, and their prices had both increased then as advertised on their websites online menu. The brisket was tough and was not for me. whilst the brie melt had this jam that clashed against the brie and arugula and lacked balance in my opinion. Not to mention the brisket was lukewarm and fries soggy and some cold, seemed reheated, dissapointing. For small sandwiches that cost 20-30 dollars each I was expecting a much better meal. We came here excited to try good barbecue, this is not the place. I was still considering reccomending this place, given that the setting was nice-ish and it is possible that it might have been an off day or we might have ordered the wrong items. These hopes were dashed by the abysmal service. Not once did a waiter check on us after the food had been served. We waited 25 minutes for a waiter to notice us after we had finished our meals and when we got up and asked our waiter for the bill we waited another 15 minutes for the bill. Not only was the restaurant practically empt but they were overstaffed. The service here was practically synonymous with neglect and put the final nail in the coffin for our experience here. Thoroughly disappointed and unfortunately cannot reccomend.

Sorry just wanted to note. We have only been once and simply may have ordered the wrong items, that being said I highly dissuade others from getting the items we ordered. The brisket on pretzel bun seemed microwaved, and the fries were downright atrocious. Some were cold, at best lukewarm and they were anything but crispy, somehow a mistake seems to have been made in the fries that appeared to...

Stopped back in Burlington to visit old friends and decided to give this new place a try as the reviews were good. We were NOT disappointed! The food, service, and space were exceptional! The new owners took out the high top tables formally part of Honeywest and opted for regular tables, but they also spruced up the patio. However, since it was a rainy day we went inside. Tables are spaced out and service was quick. Nice beer selection too, but onto the main event...the food!

I ordered the pulled port BBQ sandwich, the BBQ sauces was a delicious, home made black, thick slightly sweet and tangy sauce. It was unique and really delicious. The pork was melt in your mouth good and the string fries were crunchy, hot and delicious. I tried my partners Baffin burger, equally as delicious and seasoned to perfection! I’d definitely order it next time! My friend ordered the power bowl with the salmon which she said was amazing.

For the sweet tooth, the highlight was a big surprise to me as I would never typically order cheesecake, but we ordered the apple crumble cheesecake. Wow, it was one of the best desserts I’ve tried! The cheesecake was almost soufflé-like, so light, whipped and airy with a ginger biscuit base and slathered in apple, oaty crumbles and a delicious caramel sauce. It’s one not to be missed. My only suggestions would be to change the chairs, the back bars of the chairs are only wide enough for a smaller bum, and my 6ft 200lb partner found them quite uncomfortable. Highly impressed with everything else here and will...