Charcoal Steak House — Restaurant in Kitchener

Up DATE What a great company. They read this review and sent out a refund for our dinners. Now THAT'S integrity for sure. They manager gave me a call to discuss the issue and felt very bad. Nice guy! In the 50 years I've been eating there I can not ever remember a bad meal. I'm sure this was simply a less than perfect roast and just a fluke. Any company that fixes their guests up the way they have is TOP KNOTCH in my books. They sought me out to straighten it our. I'm impressed! Eat there again....for sure and looking forward to it. Always one of cities best fine dining spots and as always has been. Mistake happen and this was simply one of those. Wonderful folks !! So I thought I would relay my latest experience at the charcoal Steakhouse. We went last Friday evening with another couple to enjoy a nice dinner. Unfortunately my wife and I did not terribly really enjoy our dinner. We had decided we were going to order the prime rib. She picked the 10 oz and I picked the 14 out size. I cut off a considerable amount of fat and probably had less than she did. Both of us after dinner and after our friends had left on our way home had discussed our meal. I said to her I was not impressed with the prime rib tonight. She agreed and said she was not impressed with hers and was quite disappointed. We both found them to be tough and flavorless. Too much fat and too much sinew. Honestly the meat was kind of tough. I had to cut off considerable amounts of inedible sections out of my piece and so did my wife. We did not want to complain because that just delays the meal and causes an issue. I'm sure they would be friendly about doing something but at the same time at that point it's almost too late. Our friends had ordered different dishes and I think they were a little more satisfied. I did actually enjoy the mashed potatoes and received a generous helping. There was some sort of wilted vegetable underneath my piece of me and I never did figure out what it was. The gravy was good but not terribly hot. I did enjoy the garlic cheese bread. Everyone had a piece and I think everyone enjoyed that. Now onto my appetizer. I ordered the shrimp cocktail. It was a price of $19. I received four shrimp of decent quality. I felt I should have at least received six for that kind of money. The value is very poor. And on a side note I cannot figure out what kind of cocktail sauce they use. To me it was horrible. I've eaten lots of cocktail sauce in my years and I've never had one like that. It was distasteful and I simply could not get past it. I basically ate the shrimp without it which is not really the same as having a shrimp cocktail with a decent sauce. A charcoal whatever that stuff is throw it in the garbage. Go taste some real cocktail sauce and you'll see that is not what people expect. So on another note I would like to get a filet. But they only sell it in a 7 oz size. Which is on the small side for what I like. Most other restaurants have at least a 10 oz and some even a 14 oz to choose if you like. Come on charcoal you're going to charge for it so why not offer a bigger steak. A 7 oz is just not big enough for a lot of guys. I did not get to try your filet but I certainly hope it was better than the roast beef. You need to Quality check that roast beef situation. Basically we spent $100 on two plates of roast beef that were not very good really. So what do you say about something like that? Our server was excellent. He has been there a while and we remember him from the past. Very nice guy and very efficient and very pleasing. We found all the staff to be wonderful and have no issues with anything with anyone who would work there. I found the restaurant to be clean and I enjoy the way the tables are spaced with some distance from your fellow patrons. The parking outside is a little tough but I did manage to find a space. Here's a tip if you have a big vehicle find a smaller one. The parking lot is...

Celebrated my wife's 76th birthday with our first visit to The Charcoal Steakhouse. A little dicey walking up the slope of the parking garage ramp to the front door due to severe ice buildup and lack of sand. The restaurant was nearly full but quiet which we appreciated.

We had a 5:45 reservation on Sunday evening and we asked for a quiet spot and were seated in one of the corner banquettes next to the wine rack which proved to be ideal. Tonya was our first Server but Mallory took over shortly thereafter and her service was superb. My wife ordered a 9 oz. glass of wine ($18) and I had a draft beer.

We shared a large Caesar Salad ($15) which we both enjoyed. My wife ordered the 14 oz. Prime Rib rare and I chose the 14 oz. NY Pepper Steak med rare along with a twice baked potato. Both entrees were cooked absolutely perfectly and were excellent. Trimmed perfectly. The NY steak was the best I have ever enjoyed. Mallory brought an extra serving of peppercorn gravy which I very much appreciated. First time trying a twice baked potato and it was very tasty. We certainly enjoyed the complimentary Birthday dessert and our choice was vanilla cheesecake with cherry topping.

My wife said the Ladies washroom was excellent, large and very well appointed and clean. There was a large bar fairly close to our table with several TVs but it was not an annoyance and it appeals to some customers which is fine.

Overall, the evening was a definite 10+ and we would definitely return again. Total bill with tip and tax was $200. Rather than risk falling on the icy ramp we walked downstairs to the Italian restaurant section and made our way to our vehicle in the parking garage on...

Follow @eatinontario long enough and you will realise that we love a place with a history. Kitchener’s Charcoal Steak House (2980 King St E, Kitchener, ON N2A 1A9) was one place I could not resist for this reason! An upscale venue serving the delicacy of local Ontario steaks and imported Australian-raised select Wagyu beef, this eatery has been Kitchener’s favourite steakhouse for 65+ years.

When I visited, we ordered the stuffed mushroom caps as an appetizer. The panko and cheese crusted cremini mushrooms were golden and crispy, with a rich, smoky filling of smoked pepper cream cheese and garlic. The creamy center paired perfectly with the toasted sourdough, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors: crunchy, smooth, and savory with each bite.

For the entrees, we had the steak and frites (halal) and the seafood risotto (no shrimp). The Cali cut striploin was perfectly cooked, topped with rich maître d’hotel butter, and served alongside truffled fries and aioli. The lobster-based risotto was a savory delight, with lemon-spiked bay scallops and mussels, parmesan, and charred tomatoes. It was all topped with a beautifully seared halibut loin and soft herbs, creating a vibrant and satisfying dish.

While steaks remain their specialty, Charcoal Steak House offers a full menu that also includes an array of juicy burgers and hearty sandwiches for those looking for a more casual but equally flavorful experience.

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