The Garrison House — Restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake

We visited this pub yesterday. I called first as we were a large party. In hindsight, we should have never gone. The lady who answered informed me, in a very unfriendly manner, that they only did up to tables of six. I asked if it was possible to be sat at two different tables? She asked when we would be arriving. I told her in under ten minutes. She acquiesced and said they'd accommodate us. We arrived in seven minutes. So much so that the table for eleven was still being set up. We are shown to our table and provided menus and the daily specials. Then everything went downhill. There were two in our party who have gluten and dairy allergies. The main menu had indications which dishes were GF. But the specials menu did not have any indicators. My husband asked the rude server if the curries were green or red curry and if they were made with coconut milk. Her reply, "okay sir you see the menu (and pointed at it). There are three curries. If you read the menu you can see what it comes with.The menu says it comes with vegetables and rice." We were all left flabbergasted as not only was she rude and condescending, but she didn't answer the question! At that moment, I was ready to stand up and walk out. But we had guests who had traveled from the States to celebrate a birthday. So, I did not want to make a scene. Another server came around placing side plates. My son, who is a restaurant manager, asked him if he could please provide the ingredients in each of the curries. He did not know but he went to find out for us. A super friendly guy and an asset to the restaurant. He provided us a detailed list of the ingredients. As he is doing this, the less than friendly server approaches the table. She overhears one of the guests explain that she is allergic to coconut milk as nice guy is providing the list of ingredients. The rude server has the gall to say, "you should always ask about and inform your server about allergies, as all of the ingredients are not listed on the menu." Um, we tried that and you belittled us. We all just laughed.

This experience sadly ruined what could have been a lovely evening.

The food is very good. The other servers were very friendly. But this particular server is definitely not an asset to ANY organization. I let my "tip" show my dissatisfaction. She questioned the amount, which I know hurts not only her. But I wanted her to know that her terrible and rude attitude was not appreciated. As we were departing I did speak to someone at FOH. She was very apologetic.

In closing, I would not return nor recommend this restaurant. Only because if you have allergies or food intolerances and end up with this same rude server, you...

Would I Return? - ✔ YES

Generally I'm very hesitant to try out food places in the Niagara on the Lake region because 9 outta 10 times...it's gonna be overpriced and poor quality. This joint however isn't bad, really good service, a fairly decent menu - 🔹️Appetizers that include vegetarian options, seafood, chicken and a small cheese board. 🔹️They also offer up bread and butter👉🏻 I always have a problem with restaurants that list bread as a starter🤷‍♀️ I dunno...roll it in the price ...fool me...do something...just don't list it on the menu like it's an option....and one I have to pay for. Forget Canadian Politics....there's a new breadboard to get behind 👉🏻Save the Table Bread🥐🥖🍞

Anyways.... ✔The Good- 🦑The Panko Crusted Calamari was quite nice👌🏻...soft texture, lightly battered...almost like it was sprinkled with panko, and the dipping sauce was spicy🔥but good. ✔The Really Good- 🍟Oh those Fries/Chips. Really really good. I could eat a bucket of those. Crispy on the outside and almost melty and creamy on the inside. No condiments needed. Kudos to them and those lovely chips. 🤷‍♀️The Not So Bad but Not So Good- 🍔The Garrison Burger - I had high hopes for this burger since many reviewers touted it as "the best ever". Now I'm supposed to know better... I for one am definitely supposed to know better but alas...I fell prey to hunger, my burger craving and a few burger pics and reviews. The burger in no way was horrible....the bun was nice and soft...the horseradish mayo worked lovely, the jammy onions, the crisp bacon...all great toppings but the problem was that's all I tasted👉🏻toppings. The burger patty itself was overcooked(not medium like they said), dry and tasted of...well... nothing. I think they really need to rework that meat patty because it's the meat that's supposed to make a burger, not the toppings.

End Note I still think it's a great place, they have great service and I would be interested in other menu items.

IG...

We have been local customers for longer than the current owners took over this restaurant. We were refused entry, as we did not have the App Downloaded for the Vax approval status , in spite of having full and documented vaccination and 3 negative PCR tests within the last 4 days. We now understand that this is the 'new protocol' that is now in effect. We were abruptly turned away by the on site manager ( non owner ), due to this policy and given no alternative to prove our status Obviously this had nothing to the concern about passing along the virus, which would be completely understandable. We left with a parting comment from the manager to "Have a Nice Life!" We did immediately go to a another similar restaurant (1 minute closer to town , and arguably superior ) We were graciously accepted with the explanation that we must now use the App for verification in future. We took notice that several many other patrons were seated and served with the same circumstance of no APP, but proof of VAX We were aware note on the entrance chalk board which further 'highlights the obvious' referencing required vaccine, distance and masks, as if this is new. A following line read : A minimum charge of $20 per person is in effect. This would not be a factor for us, but serves as a window into the mindset of the owners posted as -'tone deaf' in response to a past review This seems to provide all one needs to know. "Response from the owner 4 months ago Thank you Moe We appreciate that you will never come back." To the Owners---no need to respond---just copy and paste the above to save your much needed business...