Bar Wellington — Restaurant in Toronto

Short version: “average place, mediocre- even the servers kinda want you to just choose any of the other 300 bars in the vicinity”

The reason for 1 star was just because of my last experience only. I generally think this place is usually a 3.0/5 max)

Long version: I’ve been coming to the Wellington for quite some time, although I haven’t been back in a while. Has it been closed for some time? Came to have a casual/quick drink while waiting for some friends. I wanted to answer a few emails, even if it’s a holiday, I had some work to do. I was trying to spot an outlet for my laptop, on the patio, the waitress saw me and asked me me smth in the sense of “can I help you” rather than offering me a seat or anything. I ignored the mood and just asked for a seat. She pointed, I asked if there was an outlet on the patio so I can sit close to it. She replied sarcastically that it was inside. FYI I Don’t fully understand why the sarcastic tone (not even condescending, just more as if I made a joke. Don’t get me wrong- i respect sarcasm + I’m not expecting a formal interaction, but I can’t fully understand why the attitude) Anyhow, no matter, I seated myself and wanted to place a drink order on the spot, as I was waiting for other people, but she disappeared before I could ask anything. All good. Or so I thought. eventually, I waited for a good 10 mins before a server came back out. The guy looked at me and said: “let me get you a menu” I stopped him and asked if there were any specials- he again looked at me, raised a finger and said “I’ll get you the menu”. I thought to order on the spot to save him the trouble of walking back and forward but -all good. He hands me the menu and says he will give me a minute to decide. I stop him again and ask him if there are any specials for the day, that I was just there most likely for a drink, and that I didn’t need a full food menu. He told me “no specials”, “also, no Guinness, no Stella” and walked away. I was like…. Ok? So I looked at the menu. Predominantly food menu. A few 20 dollar cocktail (so let’s say I wanted to get a gin tonic on the spot, It’s not like the menu would have told me much more info. Perhaps I would’ve just asked for an aperol spritz or smth like quickly, noticing cocktails were ~20 dollars after reading the menu, I kinda changed my mind. Feels just like… unnecessary, and ironically, bad for business, because the prices actually made me wonder “what is it that I’m paying for here?”

Anyhow, closed the menu and just waited. The waitress came out after about 5 mins post original 10 min wait. “My” waiter ergo the guy, never returned. Eventually, waited so long the sun had gone behind the building lol, and at this point my friends were close by (it had already been 15-20 mins). I didn’t want to bother anymore. The girl waitress eventually asked me if anyone had come to take my order. I said no. She said she could. I said not to bother, that I didn’t want to stay anymore. She said ok, I left, and that’s about it. I can’t quite explain how passive the interaction/ experience was. It was almost as if I had asked her if she knew the time, and she didn’t have it.

I mean.. there are 300 bars, pubs, restaurants, patios, etc in Toronto. I bet they have stocked up for the holidays, they have internet, and they have enough waiters. Since both waiters were in a bad mood I’m gonna go and guess management is just bad, rather than the 2 being bad servers. I’m sure they are great as people, but why would I go to the Wellington, on an empty patio, wait for 20 mins just so someone can take my order for a simple drink, if there are 300 other bars?

Overall, I don’t get how these places make money. All other patios (the well, ruby soho, etc etc) had their patios packed. I feel like considering the competition, they can’t really afford low end of mediocrity? I had about 30- 45 min to waste + potentially my friends would’ve joined there = easy flip of tables+ not only lost my (easy) money, but potentially that of 4 other people. Just.....

Bar Wellington in Toronto is an absolute treasure for anyone looking to enjoy delicious food in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Nestled in a charming area of the city, this spot offers a delightful mix of comfort food, warm ambiance, and a fantastic dog-friendly patio, making it a perfect destination for both food lovers and pet owners alike.

Food and Drinks: Our evening started with an impressive array of dishes that showcased the bar’s ability to put a unique twist on classic comfort foods.

Jerk Drumsticks: These were the star of the night. They were perfectly cooked with a crispy exterior and juicy interior, seasoned with a spicy, flavorful jerk rub that had just the right amount of heat. The accompanying sauce added an extra layer of tanginess, complementing the spice perfectly.

Mac 'n' Cheese: This dish was a creamy delight, made with a rich blend of cheeses that created a luscious, gooey consistency. The breadcrumbs on top provided a pleasant crunch, adding texture to every bite.

Deconstructed Nachos:** A creative take on a traditional favorite, this dish featured a delightful mix of fresh ingredients. Each component—from the crispy tortilla chips to the perfectly seasoned beef and fresh salsa—came together beautifully, offering a burst of flavors with each bite.

Poutine:** As a quintessential Canadian dish, Bar Wellington’s poutine did not disappoint. The fries were golden and crispy, generously topped with rich gravy and squeaky cheese curds that melted into the hot fries, creating a savory, satisfying experience.

Cheeseburger:** The cheeseburger was everything you could want—juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The toppings were fresh, and the cheese melted just right, making for a hearty, delicious bite.

The drink menu was equally impressive, featuring a wide selection of craft beers and inventive cocktails. The bartender’s expertise shone through with each drink, perfectly balanced and refreshing, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Atmosphere and Service: The atmosphere at Bar Wellington is inviting and relaxed, making it a great spot for both casual gatherings and special occasions. The interior exudes a warm, rustic charm with its wooden accents and cozy seating arrangements. The dog-friendly patio is a standout feature, providing a comfortable space for diners to enjoy their meals with their pets. It’s rare to find such a welcoming and accommodating spot for both humans and their furry friends, and this definitely adds a unique touch to the overall experience.

The service was top-notch. The staff were attentive, friendly, and genuinely enthusiastic about their offerings, which added to the enjoyment of the evening. They were quick to make recommendations and ensured that all our needs were met, from food allergies to pet accommodations.

Overall Experience: Bar Wellington is a true gem in Toronto’s dining scene. It’s the perfect place to unwind with friends, enjoy a hearty meal, and bring along your pet for a relaxing evening out. The combination of delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service makes it a must-visit spot. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Bar Wellington is a destination that promises a memorable...

This was a rather disappointing experience. The service was surprisingly uninterested in my small table despite the relatively empty dining room. When we were finally attended to the waiter gave us no time to peruse the menu before repeatedly and breathlessly telling us “I can come back.” At this point I attempted to order a drink, however the five or so seconds I took to review the cocktail menu elicited another solicitation to return and as I was becoming uncomfortable I demurred. After about twelve minutes (having long since selecting our orders) I was able to wave down the waiter who had not in fact returned as promised.

When our order did arrive, the appetizer was not made as ordered, including the jalapeños we had specifically asked to be omitted. When I first attempted to bring this to the attention of the server I was ignored. It was only when another member of our party pressed the issue that the order was reluctantly taken back. The order was replaced with suspicious alacrity, and it was immediately obvious that it was the exact same dish with the offending peppers removed. For the asking price this is a bad look, and had the request been made on the basis of medical need this approach risks cross contamination. My party and I overlooked it, but it was not professional.

The food was unremarkable for the price. While the burger was quite good (perhaps not $23 good, but still good), the fried that they were served with were cold and tasted a touch stale. They weren’t worth finishing.

Our meal and drinks were finished about twenty minutes before the waiter returned. It would likely have been longer had I not again flagged him. In fairness the dining room had become considerably busier, though the service during the first hour when the bar was relatively empty was similarly disengaged. In the end my party and I agreed that the restaurant was disappointing.

Ultimately I cannot say I would return at this time. I think this bar has a good deal to offer, but the service and food is not quite commensurate to the price tag. I wish the proprietors and employees the best, and I hope that in the future they will serve food fresh and as ordered, replace incorrectly prepared food, and do their best to attend to...