Gilly's Snug Harbour Restaurant & Marine — Restaurant in Carling Township

Really disappointed with our last visit to Gilly’s, our family has been going to Gilly’s/Snug Harbour for over 25 years and always enjoyed it as a treat while we were camping but our most recent visit was terrible from start to finish. We called ahead and tried to reserve but were told reservations were minimal but lots of space is left for walk-ins, so we walked in, put our name on the list and were told 10-15 minutes, we sat at the outdoor table to wait, we were seated about 35 minutes later. We were ok with the wait knowing they were busy. Once seated the waitress took our drink order and food order at the same time, another 30 minutes later we asked the waitress if our drinks would be arriving soon, she responded that the bar was very busy. A few minutes later our drinks and food arrived all at once. As a result, when we were finished our food we had really not had the opportunity to enjoy our drinks, rather than chug them prior to leaving they were left unfinished (9 dollar drinks). When my mum went to pay the bill, she mentioned this to the waitress who offered no apology. My mum paid the bill and left a small tip, one she felt was worthy of the service we had received, but a tip nonetheless. As she left, a man who said he was the owner followed her out of the restaurant and questioned her for leaving a small tip, my mum explained and he then grabbed the log book and asked for her name she provided her name but advised it had been her daughter who logged us in and provided my name, he then located it and stated “so you walked in and you’re complaining about drinks?” He then put two stars beside my name. We are unsure of the intention of that but it was threatening and intimidating behaviour that was not appreciated. I have emailed the restaurant directly to request an explanation but unfortunately have not received a response. I’m assuming by his comment that walk in customers are not valued or respected, although our money is just as good as far as we’re concerned. In future we will be sure to...

August 17th we visited Gilly’s as we do several times each year in the summer for nearly 25 years. Always had patience for the long waits and appreciate the hard work they do to keep everyone happy. However this visit was different. We asked the server (Ryan) for a few things in a polite manner. Napkins extra butter and another drink to go with dinner and also water we did not receive. We were patient and kind throughout. We did ask about one appetizer that was taking a bit long and thought the he might have forgotten it. Dinner came and we had no drinks no napkins no water and when we mentioned the drink he said it was coming. It was very strange. Also when we ordered our dinners, he came back 5 minutes later to tell us they did not have the trout dinner my son ordered. Usually they do that right away and not 5 minutes later. . My son changed the dinner to pickerel dinner and the server did not ask what sides he wanted since there were different options. We didn’t bother asking about it and he got a baked potatoe. Sara took over serving us and we figured she noticed the service was not up to standard as I have come here for years. Our desserts came and it was difficult eating them without water we had asked for I thought I should mention that the service was not that good to Sara and she said that the server said we were rude. I was shocked. We asked kindly for things we should have when being served and it was counted as being rude? Then she went on as a lecture how hard everyone works there for 12 hour shifts. I was shocked. We were never once rude. If asking for things = rude then I don’t know what to say. I tipped 15% as I always leave a tip. I have waited many times over an hour to be seated and have always been patient and understanding about it knowing how busy they are. I found the pickerel dinner I had was not as good as usual. It might have had to do with the poor service. I will never visit Gilly’s again. It was so upsetting for me. It’s always been a highlight but...

My partner and I went here after camping at Killbear P.P. hoping for a nice afternoon meal. We chose this restaurant based on a great experience we had the last time we dined there. Unfortunately, our recent experience with the food and service was not up to par with our last visit.

The restaurant was busy and we did not have a reservation so we put our name down for walk-in for a 2-person table around 1:45pm. When asked about the wait time, the host could not provide us with a time frame on when we would be seated because he was only taking names and assured us it would be very "shortly". We ended up waiting 1 hour before being seated at a table and noted that another couple behind us also without a reservation was seated within 15 minutes of arriving. As well, other parties who walked in were actually provided with an approximate time.

Nonetheless, we placed our order right away. I ordered the 2pc pickerel fish and chips in the photo which was less than spectacular. Both the fries and fish appeared to be very dark in colour, which looked like it was either over cooked in the fryer or fried in old oil. There was a bitter taste to the batter. The pickerel itself was probably fresh, but was not properly deboned. I found small bones in one of the pieces and was a "fun" surprise. Our waitress did not check in with us throughout our dine-in experience and we were now in a rush to leave the restaurant for our next destination due to unforseen wait times. Based on this, I did not bother to inquire further or send the food back.

I sadly will not be returning due to the quality and service, even if out of convenience of a restaurant close...