Stonewater Pub — Restaurant in Ontario

This was my first visit to Stonewater Pub. We were made to feel rushed and unwelcome by a very rude female server.

We came in tonight with two cast members from TIP production following the evening show, around 10:30pm. We were cordially greeted outside by Jack and told to go upstairs and choose a table. When we got to the top, there was another server who looked at us with disdain upon entry and said, “Hey guys, can I help you?” We told her that we had been greeted and told by Jack to seat ourselves. Jack provided us with kind and attentive service but this other server kept walking by our table and looking over, turned off the light near our table, and just repeatedly kept coming by and looking at us as if she wanted us to leave - even though she wasn’t even our assigned server. There were two other tables that were still eating and drinking. Jack asked us to close the tabs which was fine but he said we could stay and finish our drinks. The other server finally sent Jack over to clear our glasses. He abruptly grabbed my sisters glass even though there was still wine in it. She asked for it back and said she would like to finish it. The other server then came by with a broom and started sweeping around us. At that point, we couldn’t take the rudeness anymore.

When we left, there was still a table of four eating and drinking.

The inconsistency of customer service and lack of communication between servers was appalling. Is there a standard...

We came to the Stonewater after taking-in a performance at the 1000 Islands Playhouse.

The food was fantastic (shrimp po boy sandwich, coconut shrimp, fish tacos and Korean cauliflower); great flavours and textures throughout

The low ceilings, exposed stone foundations of the Stonewater B&B and rustic design elements made for a very close, welcoming kind of space

Our server was very pleasant, expressing an interest in the play and chatting with us a bit while we drank our drinks and waited for our food. She seemed to be genuinely amiable -and definitely capable behind the bar- so it's a shame that I found our experience marred somewhat by her wardrobe choices.

While I understand that tips are going to be a major (if not the primary) source of any server/bartender's income and that there are certain social and wardrobe choices that might be made to help bump-up those numbers, the selection of a particularly aggressive scoop-neck shirt might have been taking it just a touch too far for the feel of the Stonewater's other elements; I didn't notice orange short-shorts as a uniform element or owl motifs, after all 🦉🦉.

That one small piece aside, our trip to the Stonewater was lovely and we will absolutely be returning on our next afternoon/evening trip...

Walked in, no issues, seated straight away. Staff? Friendly, switched on, and actually know how to run a floor without chaos.

The food? Bloody fantastic. Those dumplings? Crisp, golden, not greasy, packed with flavour, and served with a dip that actually tastes like something – not your standard bland soy puddle. Garnished with a fresh edible flower, it’s the kind of detail that tells you the kitchen gives a toss.

The pulled pork poutine? Mate, it’s a proper meal, not a sloppy mess. Chips crisp, cheese curds squeaky, pork tender, smoky, dripping with sauce but not drowning it – that’s how you layer a poutine.

Salad? Fresh, vibrant, crunchy, and with pickled onion and crispy strips that actually add texture – not just sad lettuce thrown on a plate.

The fish and chips? Battered beautifully, fish flaky, moist, seasoned perfectly, and chips hot and crisp. You’d think you’re on the coast with fish that fresh.

The whiskey sour? Not the best I’ve ever had, but it was decent and did the job on a warm patio afternoon.

No drama. No disappointment. Just good, honest, well-executed pub food in a warm, welcoming spot that gets it right.

Stonewater Pub, you’ve nailed it. I’d come back in...