The Hungry Pug Cafe — Restaurant in Kenora

The Hungry Pug is one of my favorite breakfast restaurants, and well worth a visit! Street parking only (and plug the meter even on Saturdays, because the City of Kenora is greedy.) It's not really accessible as there is a step and a tight turn with two doors to get in. That being said, I have seen a person in a wheelchair getting wrangled in by a burly helper. (There used to be a indoor ramp from the hotel next door but it's now a separate entity and not an option anymore.)

There are restrooms in back as well. ➡️ Update: March 10, 2023 I checked the washrooms, and they were -as expected- spotless, spacious (if you can consider a washroom spacious) and very clean. I went back out and complimented the owner on the cleanliness.

There is plenty of seating both 2 seaters and 4 to 6 seater tables. Service is prompt and the meals are very tasty. I like the chicken and waffles myself but it's all great.

I have to compliment the Pug on the bakery goods they offer, fresh scones, cinnamon buns and peanut butter cookies to name a few, all fresh baked. The owner is a trained bakery chef. I wanted more scones to takeout afterwards, and he made a fresh batch and baked them up while I was having breakfast! That is great Kenora service.

➡️Update March 6, had a "naked" cinnamon bun, which is my term for an non-iced bun. Delicious

The Pug is closed two days a week (Tuesday , Wednesday at present) and open in the mornings, so check first. I usually look the day before at the hours posted on a sign in the window.

➡️Update, see photo attached.

It's located between the old Kenricia Hotel and Dinos Greek restaurant on Second Street. Did I mention it's really worth visiting? October 6 2024 update The placard enticed me to try Turkish eggs. Well, I did and the dish was, as always, delicious. I literally wiped the plate clean. Excellent service and well worth the wait...

So, I love eating here!!

I’ve tried quite a few vegan items-

1.) Cinnamon roll- delicious and moist. (5/5)

2.) Tofu scramble- it’s amazing, especially the garlic brings everything together. (4/5)

3.) Steamed bao bun- it was a lunch special, and i loved it!! (4.5/5)

4.) French Toast- pretty good, even though I’m not a fan of it. The icing brings everything together. (3.5/5)

5.) Vegan Burrito- Delicious. Love the filling. I’d recommend eating with tomato salad on the side, as hash browns can make it quite heavy. (4.5/5)

6.) Vegan Benny- My favourite!! Love everything. (5/5)

7.) Chick ‘n’ Waffle (Seoul Style)- Waffle is so moist, and the chick ‘n’ and kimchi goes really together. (4.5/5)

5.) Pierogi- Was another special, it was the best!! I love how chef had vegan substitute for things, w/o taking away from the taste. (5/5)

6.) Caprese Toast- So herbal and light!! (4.5/5)

7.) Brownie- It’s a bit dry for my liking, but the icing makes it better. (3/5)

8.) Cupcakes- Have tried Blueberry and Kiwi flavour. Again, I find it a bit dry, and think flavour can be bit enhanced. (3.5/5)

9.) Smoothies- Love all three, blueberry lagoon is my fav. (4/5)

10.) Scones- No pictures, but it was my first time trying and I loved...

Cute little cafe and brunch place that is very popular on weekends! Food was great and portions were large for popular menu items!

I ordered the goddess toast for a lighter meal and a pug mug tea. Their toast was on the harder side for my toast and our table mates’ meals. One of my friends actually cut a finger on a slice of toast!

The pug mug tea was so refreshingly delicious and it was a nice twist on a class green tea. The service on the Saturday we went was very slow. While I understand weekend rush, there were only 2 servers for a full restaurant and they were also manning the front counter as well. Not sure if they were short staffed that particular day but it was way too long of a wait for breakfast foods.

Overall, the taste of their food was great, adorable atmosphere and definitely a small town hometown feel to them!

Would come back and try their other menu items maybe on a weekday to let them redeem themselves for the...