The Grand Trunk Saloon — Restaurant in Kitchener

Nestled in the heart of Kitchener, the Grand Trunk Saloon is a hidden gem that caters to both the connoisseurs of fine cocktails and those seeking a memorable dining experience. If I were to sum up my recent visit in one word, it would be "artistry." From the moment you step inside this charming establishment, you are transported into a world where cocktails are elevated to a form of high art.

The first thing that struck me upon entering Grand Trunk Saloon was the exquisite ambiance. The dimly lit interior is adorned with vintage decor, creating an intimate and inviting atmosphere. It's the kind of place where you feel comfortable whether you're dressed to the nines or just stopping by after a long day.

The cocktails are the true stars of the show. Each drink is a work of art, a masterpiece meticulously crafted to please both the eyes and the taste buds. In fact, the cocktails are so visually stunning that you almost hesitate to take that first sip, not wanting to disrupt the intricate arrangement of ingredients. The mixologists at Grand Trunk Saloon have a genuine talent for turning drinks into pieces of art, and they take immense pride in their creations.

What truly sets this place apart, however, is that these cocktails aren't just beautiful; they taste even better than they look. The use of handcrafted juices and syrups is evident in every sip. You can taste the freshness and quality in every ingredient. The balance of flavors is nothing short of perfection. The delicate presentation, with a garnish of edible flowers, added a touch of whimsy to an already enchanting concoction. Whether you prefer something sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, the extensive menu has something for everyone.

The staff at Grand Trunk Saloon are knowledgeable and passionate about their craft. They are more than happy to recommend a drink that suits your preferences or even create a custom cocktail if you're feeling adventurous. Their enthusiasm is contagious, making the experience even more enjoyable.

In addition to the cocktails, the food offerings are equally impressive. The menu features a selection of small plates and entrees, all thoughtfully curated to complement the drink offerings. The flavors are bold, and the presentation matches the same level of artistry as the cocktails.

The Grand Trunk Saloon is a place that truly stands out in a sea of dining options. It's a haven for those who appreciate the finer things in life, and is a must-visit for anyone looking to elevate their dining and drinking experience. While the cocktails might look almost too beautiful to drink, they will leave you with memories that are as unforgettable as they are delicious. Grand Trunk Saloon is not just a restaurant; it's a masterpiece...

An interesting soul-inspired menu, and a great cocktail list. Vibe is dark, cosy, and a little eclectic/funky, which might put some people off, but that's the defining character of the place, in both atmosphere and food.

The chicken and waffles were well enjoyed. Waffles came thinner than anticipated, but were well seasoned, and ended up being just the right amount of light and crunchy. Chicken was fried well, and the collard greens were sweet and nutty, albeit a little less than tender. The "gravy" sauce on the side went well with everything on the plate.

Alligator nuggets were more of a novelty than anything noteworthy. The half-mouthful sized nuggets coated in a tangy sauce, with something like salsa on the side seemed like it would work well in concept. However, the nuggets were tough and a bit stringy, perhaps either from leg meat being cooked less than ideally, or tail meat not being as fresh as it should have been - it was hard to tell.

Beetroot and chocolate torte was rich, and chocolatey. Unfortunately, the beetroot did not play much of a role in enhancing the torte, and was only noticeable from the occasional sliver of beetroot that managed to find its way into a mouthful. The spiced yogurt was delicious and creamy, much like a cross between icecream and cream, and brought needed sweetness to the plate.

Finally, the drinks. Proper cocktails, mixed by people who know what they're doing. The selection comprised of mostly classic whiskey cocktails with a twist (ordered the old fashioned, and rob roy-esque "Grand Debacle"). Prices are on the higher end of cocktails, but they don't hold back on the good stuff - these drinks are strong, like they should be. With modest presentation, and packing a punch, these drinks are a winner.

Seating is quite limited, and it may be hard to seat groups 4 when busy. Prices ranging around $15 for appetizers, $20 for entrees, and $12 for cocktails mean that it's probably out of price point for everyday fare. This place is a recommend for character, a fun menu, and a good...

Must have caught this restaurant on a bad day because the reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

I've struggled with giving 3 or 4 stars because the staff was extremely friendly and amazing (I could be wrong, but I believe the young lady that helped us was named Kelsey or Candice?) along with a few menu items that tasted amazing.

However, the shortcomings were too much of an issue and I hope this catches the eye of management/ownership because when I was there, on Aug 3, there was a lot of room for improvement.

Here is my synopsis on our meal:

Catfish slider - awesome dish from start to finish

Biscuits - good flavour, could use a little more salt, but cold in the middle--butter couldn't melt and that's a big disappointment.

Hushpuppies - very tasty and cooked well.

mac and cheese - I'm sorry for being frank, but it was flat out awful. The worst mac and chese I've ever eaten. It lacked salt and had no cheese flavour. A little parmesan on top or some cheap chedder in the sauce would have enhanced it. It was basically macaroni in a bland white cream sauce.

Chicken & Waffels - one of the best chicken and waffles I've ever had--and I've eaten plenty in Nashville and other southern states.

Habenero syrup - really good for the most part. The sugar cane added some great flavour, but when I see habanero, I expect heat and that was lacking.

Again, the staff was great and maybe I caught them on an off day. I know the industry is struggling with staff and managing their costs because of the closures. It can't be easy.

There were some gems (catfish sliders & fried chicken) and I'd still eat...