XII - Old Fashioned Restaurant — Restaurant in Oakville

Just returned from Old Fashioned and thought I'd share my observations. For context I was a party of 11 which is large for this small restaurant. Upon arrival the atmosphere strikes you first. Wonderfully warm and cozy, like a small steak restaurant in 1960's New York complete with pleasant live music (think Sinatra and Norah Jones).

As for food, the appetizers were excellent (we had lamb 'lollipops' and crab cakes). My strip loin was good, though not great and the baked potato was generous and loaded. Where the food fell down was on the desserts. Everyone at the table agreed the chocolate cake was dry, almost stale. The 'bourbon bread pudding' reminded me of a chocolate chunk muffin with sauce drizzled on the side. Who ever made it has never had bread pudding.

As to service, it started well but started to decline as the restaurant became busier: Our server was confused when I ordered my steak medium-rare. She asked if I liked it red and squishy or pink and firm. I said I don't like it raw and she concluded I wanted it medium. It came as medium. Food orders were delivered slowly, sometimes a couple minutes apart. It took about 10 minutes before everyone had their meal. Server would attend to one or two people at a time and not look at anyone else at the table, so people sat with empty glasses etc, unable to get the servers attention. They forgot my wife and I's dessert even though they asked us to change it as they ran out one option which we accommodated.

My observation is that they are not used to larger parties and their kitchen struggled to keep up. Service staff were earnest to please but need training on larger parties. The place has a lot of promise and I hope they overcome these hiccups. I think if you went as a couple or a four-some you'd have...

This is a very unique place. Came yesterday for a date night and I’ll say that I left very impressed. Atmosphere is top shelf. Food was very good and staff are (generally) very helpful and polite. The major downfalls of our visit had to do with the refinement of the experience, which I attribute to growing pains for just being so new.

When we were entering, a waitress was standing outside who just stared at us while we entered (no greeting or anything, which was odd). We ordered the old fashioned which is made table side (super cool experience) but the waitress making it was not trained or super nervous. The old fashioned was not made correctly (no bitters, no cherry, she squeezed almost a quarter of an orange into it and dumped that orange chunk into the drink instead of expressing the oils). When the bread came with the butter, we had get the attention of someone who finally looked our way to ask for utensils to eat the bread (which had gotten cold).

This seems like a negative review but like I said, these little hiccups just seem like the wait staff need a bit more training. The table bread and butter were delicious even though we ate it after it had cooled. Our steaks were cooked beautifully and to temperature. The spicy broccolini was fantastic. The garlic mash was underwhelming (not well mashed or creamy). The 12 layer cake was perfect.

Once some of those little hiccups are addressed, this place has such a cool vibe that it would hit...

We finally found it, our new favourite restaurant! Located in the heart of Oakville on Lakeshores bustling waterfront, this brand new restaurant was an experience like no other. From the moment we arrived and were greeted by super friendly staff, to the 1950s Rat Pack inspired vibe and followed by the most delicious food, we didn’t want to leave! The super warm and welcoming atmosphere accompanied by live entertainment was top notch but it sure didn’t stop there. From our amazing cocktails to our delicious appetizers it was a perfect dining experience from start to finish. We thoroughly enjoyed the generous portions and amazing taste of the crab cakes and caesar salad but were truly blown away by the juicy burger and NY strip paired perfectly with the most fantastic bordelaise sauce. No detail was missed including roasted garlic and Newfoundland sea salt served with the steak. Even their coffee was top notch and a perfect way to finish the night.

We couldn’t have been happier with our server Jazz who ensured a great dining experience and even the owner Michael came out to make sure all was to our liking. The atmosphere, the live entertainment, friendly staff and owner and especially the food, made this night a night to remember. We will absolutely be back and would recommend this restaurant to anyone young or old looking for a similar dining experience. I would give 6 stars if I could to our new favourite spot - XII Old...