The Crazy Canuck Kitchener — Restaurant in Kitchener

Advice for new visitors: Read reviews over the overall star rating.

The Crazy Canuck (Kitchener) filled us to the brim with tasty dinner! The portions were very sizeable, and the poutine gravy was delicious! The double patty burgers were tasty and we left stuffed.

When seeing the Crazy Canuck through Google Maps we attempted to book a reservation online, and the website required us to fill in a form with our chosen location (Waterloo vs Kitchener), preferred date and number of guests (no time selection area?) and wait for confirmation email (which never came). We had “booked” the Waterloo location, and when we called to confirm they seemed to be unaware of our reservation, and also concerned as our 730pm request would not have been possible since they close at 8pm. They recommended we visit the Kitchener location which closes later. All to say - if you are looking to book a reservation, call, don’t book online.

This was our first time at a Crazy Canuck location, and this specific location was surprising when we arrived. From what we could tell there was no parking lot, we found free 2hr street parking. To get to the restaurant you enter through the bottom level of a building and walk down a bit of a winding hallway, past a movie theatre. When you enter the restaurant the spot is decorated in fun Canadian fashion, many tables, a separate party dining room, and an area for comedy. The restaurant is divided from the hallway by glass walls, some area of which is blocked by a black curtain (no windows to the outdoors). There are big speakers on stands spread across the space (most likely used for comedy nights), and when we were there music seemed to be streaming through Bluetooth to these speakers from a personal device. Something to note the chairs are small and made of a bit of a flimsy plastic.

From what we could tell there was one server and one chef on site, and the server was friendly. Although it was a Friday night the space was very empty, and we were one of the only customers over our 2 hour visit, with a few others coming in for take out. This said, from our experience a reservation definitely wasn’t needed. When we finished our meal we waited to pay the bill at our table, but later realized we needed to go up to the til to pay.

I would recommend this location of the Crazy Canuck as a great spot for post-drinks late night food or takeout. Their food is filling and well-priced ($15+ tax for a double patty burger, original poutine, and pop!). That said, the atmosphere could definitely be improved (better seating, more reliable Bluetooth music connection, and honestly a move to a different location may serve them well). If you are looking for a well-rounded dining experience this may not be the place. As the food was great we look forward to trying the...

Let me start with a pro tip: this place is tucked away in a plaza, so street parking on Ontario street is probably best if it's available.

Anyway, we walked in, and there was no staff anywhere to be found. No greeter, no sign saying to seat ourselves. One table of 4 were the only other customers in the whole place.

Eventually someone emerged and said to sit anywhere, gave us menus, then hustled away without taking a drink order, so I thought "oh, maybe they do things a bit different here as part of the Canadiana gimmick". This was apparently confirmed 5 minutes later, when the server dropped off cutlery, a bottle of water and glasses. We were happy to have drinks, so while we poured them, the server saw his opportunity to scuttle away without asking if we were ready to order (we were). Not a big deal, as every restaurant is a different experience.

Another 5 or so minutes later, after my wife caught the server bustling about and let him know we were ready, he took our order, and seemed absolutely miserable to be doing so. Can I just remind you that we were the only other table besides the group of 4 who already had their food when we arrived? Anyway, we placed our order, including a starter to kick things off. Canuck bread with Canuck dip! I was super curious as to what that meant.

My curiosity would have to wait, as 25 minutes later, our entree arrived. No starter, as apparently they had an issue with the oven. It eventually came after (spoiler alert: it's cheesy garlic bread and the Canuck Dip is gravy). We ate up and then paid up, and left.

Look, it's not that it was bad. But everything from the service, to the experience, to the food was as mediocre as it gets. The reason I gave it 3 stars instead of 2 was that the smashed burger itself was easily 8/10. The rest of the food, if I'm being generous, was a 6 at best.

I will try it again at a different location to see whether it is this particular one or just the franchise itself. I love the Canadiana of it all, I just wish it offered something above average beyond...

I very rarely comment on businesses on google. The only reason why I have taken the time to comment The Crazy Canuck is because this place is amazing.

So let's begin. This restaurant is similar to a sub or pita place where you order/pay for your order then they make it. That being said it has not taken long for the chefs to make the food the times that I have been there.

Now let's talk about the food, which is most important in a restaurant review in my opinion. I have ordered pretty much everything on there menu. They change it daily. I tend to order burgers, pizza and wraps (simple food) which I have never been disappointed. They have a decent vegetarian menu which I will never try. Great quality food that is made relatively quickly. No messing around.

The staff here are great. Do I need to say more? Well okay. Friendly and always seem to be happy. Most important is they are there to serve the customer first. The cohesiveness among the staff is second to none.

The restaurant itself has a very nice layout. It is quite large with lot's of room in between tables. There are sections that are open, but also sections for privacy. I have only come in the winter months, but they also have a very nice outdoor patio that looks like a hidden gem in DTK.

The only thing that I can critique about this restaurant is the location. This restaurant is in the RBC building on Duke st. DTK. They have a sign on Duke st, but people may walk by not knowing there is a great restaurant in this building. Costco does not advertise and look how busy they are always.

It is only a matter of time before people working, living, and eating in DTK find...