Chris Rock Tavern — Restaurant in Moncton

As a born and bred Monctonian, I've always heard positive things about Chris Rock Tavern, especially their food. I've never gone out of my way to go there, but today I did, mainly to try their burger fest offering.

I visited at around 2PM on a friday. The place was packed with people, which to me was a good sign.

As New Brunswick's oldest tavern, there appears to be many historical photos on the walls pertaining to the province and the city of Moncton. There is a nice bar area, and a few table games available to patrons.

After waiting roughly 5 minutes to be seated, a waitress appeared and brought me to one of the only free tables they had left. She asked what I wanted to drink, and eventually brought me the glass of water I requested.

The waitress was rather indifferent and cold. I was never told the menu was in a small wooden caddy on the table and was left to discover that on my own.

I ordered their signature burger fest offering and a poutine.

Service was quick, with the food arriving some 10 minutes after ordering.

The burger was definitely underwhelming in contrast to what they described it as. It was dry and lacking flavor and lubrification from the absence of sauce. The burger patty was also quite dry. Overall, the burger was devoid of any distinct flavor, other than the sweetness originating from the bun.

The poutine wasn't anything special either. The fries were semi soggy and lacking crisp freshness. The gravy, although appearing house made, was significantly lacking the savory aspect one would expect.

The only remotely positive aspect was the cost. I've had far more flavourful and juicy burgers from nationally known fast food chains in the same price range.

Would I give Chris Rock another chance? Perhaps, they seemed to have a good diversity of items on their regular menu, but service and flavor left much to be desired.

Also, it would be appreciated if they put a sign on the side of the building advising patrons to enter by the back door. Instead, you only find this out by going to the front door, only to be greeted by a sign directing you...

I've been going to the Chris Rock Tavern on and off for decades. I went for brunch on Sunday and had one of the most ridiculous, absurd food experiences I've ever had. I'll still go back, I'll just make sure I don't get the same server. So I went for brunch with my mother and ordered Jack's Big Boy Breakfast. 3 eggs and a choice of 3 of 4 meats. Bacon, sausage, ham, Bologna. I don't like ham or sausage, and 100% of the time just get extra bologna. Nope. Not with the server I had. In order to get no sausage or ham and just get extra bacon or Bologna, it was going to cost $4 extra. What? I was told in no uncertain terms that I had to choose 3 different meats, not two, not one. Three. If I did not, that was a substitution and that was going to cost $2. Then, because I wanted only bologna, it was going to cost me another $2, because it's a substitution. I repeated my understanding to the server who confirmed everything. So I just took the sausage because I wasn't going to ruin brunch with my mother, but I'm pretty sure this person isn't cut out for serving. If changing meat or not taking meat are substitutions, what about how I want my eggs or my choice of toast? Is cracking the egg not modifying the egg? Is there a default setting for eggs? What kind of toast? I don't know, what is the least modified form? Will there be more surprise fees? Cream and sugar in my coffee...that's another modification. So confusing. Why am I putting this in a review? Because it's ridiculous. Hopefully management/ownership will read it and have a talk with someone. It's the first time I've ever encountered that kind of rigidity at the ChrisRock or any place that...

So I’ve now gone to Chris Rock about 10 times since getting a job nearby and overall the food, menu layout, and service is amazing, but today we’re talking about the 2025 Poutine Festival entry.

I love poutine, and I’m a firm believer that it can be more unique than just a classic fries cheese and gravy and still be a poutine, and I dare say their poutine entry is not only the best poutine I have EVER had in my life, but may just be the literal best food I have ever had the pleasure of putting in my mouth.

My only regret was that I had it for take out and not dine-in as I would have told them in person at the time that they had created a masterpiece and would beg them to make it a reoccurring special.

If you are reading this before Sunday April 13th I extremely highly recommend you go try this poutine. It will change your life, I myself will try and go back one more time before it’s gone.

Anyway last note, if you are reading this after April 13 I’d still highly recommend ordering their regular poutine ask for added fried mushrooms, not counting taxes it comes to $11 I believe and is a large plate and is also...