Carver's Steakhouse & Lounge — Restaurant in Saskatoon

Disappointing Experience at Carver’s – More Like a Comedy of Errors Than a Steakhouse

I stayed at the Sheraton for a week and, having visited Carver’s about 15 years ago, I decided to give it another shot. I remembered the oysters being solid back then, and while the steaks weren’t anything to write home about, no one in my family had major complaints.

Fast-forward to now — I called ahead to order, only to be told I had to come down in person because people apparently place orders and ghost. Fair enough, I respect that policy… until I show up, place my order, and they don’t even ask for payment. Isn’t that defeating the exact purpose of the no-call-in rule?

Then I ask for a beer to go. The staff tells me they can’t let me leave with an open one, so they need to “wrap it.” Instead of just handing me a sealed beer can, the guy cracks it open and then puts Saran Wrap over it like it’s some kind of bootleg travel cocktail. What?

By the time I get my food, it’s been plated… then literally scooped off the plate into a takeout container. At that point, why bother with plating at all? Save the extra dishwashing.

As for the food: • The steak bites were decent — good flavor, probably the only redeeming part of the meal. • The calamari tasted like soggy onion rings wearing squid costumes. • The crab cake was basically a deep-fried salt puck. • And the steak? Tough enough to be part of my wardrobe. I’m not sure if I was eating sirloin or my belt.

Overall, for a steakhouse attached to a hotel in downtown Saskatoon, I expected way more. Carver’s feels like it’s stuck in the past — and not in a good way. This was...

I had a reservation for the lounge on February 16th for 7:30. I had requested that my daughter be my server. It was my birthday and I thought it would be nice to celebrate at her workplace. When I arrived I was so blown away by how beautiful she had set up the table for my birthday. She had all my gifts set up at the table and she had folded the napkins into beautiful little fans on top of the plates. I waited to be joined by my friend and my other daughter who both drove in from Warman to have this meal with me. It was a very busy work day and I was really looking forward to this. As my daughter was getting me settled in and I was opening a couple of my gifts a very nice young lady pulled my daughter to the side. When my daughter came back to the table she said that her manager, Leah, said she couldn't stay and serve us because the lounge wasn't busy enough. She had already started serving our table which made us her table and before I made the reservation my request was for my daughter to be our server. We were then told we would be served by the bartender. I have to say that I'm extremely disappointed. My daughter told me all about the amazing food and wines that are served at Carver's. This quite honestly ruined my birthday. I wanted her as my server, but because of what happened I left and went elsewhere. I didn't want to make a scene at my daughter's workplace but that was a terrible experience. I expected more from an establishment...

Cocktails were good and well priced. The cocktail menu comprised of classic cocktails which I really liked. The lounge has very nice ambiance. The seating is very comfortable and the floor plan is well designed where you can still see other customers while being able to have your own conversation. We had the scallops for an appy and they were very good. Great flavour, nice sear but were warm. That seemed to be the theme of the evening. None of the dishes that came out of the kitchen were hot. I’m not sure if it’s because it was sitting in the pass or bad timing. I had the lamb ($47). It was alright. The sweet potato pave was good. My partner had the steak and said it wasn’t great ($51). He liked the potatoes. We both enjoyed the broccolini. I wouldn’t pay more than $30 for either of our entres.

Our evening began poorly. There was a miscommunication between the service staff and our table wasn’t greeted for at least 5 minutes (but no more than 10 mins). Wouldn’t have been a big deal if they were busy but the servers and bartender were just chatting at the well. When our server was present she was good (Britany). This used to be our go to spot but unfortunately it is not as good as it used to be (food and service) and we will...