Left Field Brewery (Liberty Village) — Restaurant in Toronto

We visited Left Field for the first time yesterday from out of town and enjoyed ourselves, but were a little overwhelmed with the setup of things. When we got there we were put on a waitlist (which was fine) and when we finally got a table, the seater told us there was an additional 50 minute wait for food from the point of ordering, and that the host would’ve told us this when we put our names down (but they didn’t). We weren’t expecting this but sucked it up because we really wanted to eat here. The ordering system was new to us - the server didn’t take your order. You ordered through a QR code and paid your tab through your QR code and got up and left when you were done, it seemed a little like Skip the Dishes but delivered to your table. After waiting the 50 minutes for food to arrive, someone who I’m assuming was a manager came by to ask if our server had told us they were out of one of the things we ordered on the menu (which they didn’t), so we had to choose something new after waiting all that time. They were very kind in offering a replacement and trying to get it to us quickly, so we ordered nachos without jalapeños and it arrived with jalapeños. Mistakes happen, I’m happy to pick them off, but at that point it felt like one tiny thing after another had been missing in our communication that night. When I went to take care of the online tab I discovered that they covered a portion of our tab, which was a really kind gesture and very much appreciated. The staff were very friendly and apologetic about any miscommunication and the food was great! The thing I’d appreciate for our next visit is a bit better communication between the servers and the guests. With the ordering system setup the way it is, it takes away that regular point of communication between the staff and the guests that we’re used to having at restaurants back home. It was quite busy and I’m sure the servers were doing the best they could, we just felt like something was missing tonight and hope our next visit goes a little...

Online menu is difficult to read, and flagging down literally anyone to ask questions for dietary needs is even harder. Only one male server we approached from a totally different section was able to answer questions for gluten free drink options (almost none as there’s cross contamination from everything being made in the same kegs and running through the same lines without being 100% sanitized, no GF kegs or lines..?!) but another blonde server from our section by the front window contradicted what we heard. We didn’t know what to do and nobody seemed to have straight answers which is a red flag in service. We also asked the blonde server in our section about gluten free options which she didn’t know, so she got us a paper menu with the limitations listed. Only about 3 things didn’t list they contained gluten but she said the fryer was shared with other items. Effectively making almost nothing gluten free. A little surprising that no staff were able to memorize the only 3 items that are “gluten free”. Also the host in the blue hat with long dark hair was extremely rude when seating other guests, a simple smile and “excuse me” goes a long way. Paying out the bill we were charged multiple times when the checkout page told us error, so we kept trying to process the payment until we finally just went up to the bar to ask for help cause servers never stop by your tables. Our server finally came and we figured out the charge went through multiple times (not the staffs fault). Took forever to get a refund. My seat was dirty when I arrived, and we only had one napkin the whole service to clean up spills (wonky tables). Considering how you have to do all the work ordering and paying yourself on your phone, you’d think the service would be amazing. Not...

There are very places that stick around in my mind and have me wanting to come back again and again. Left Field Brewery - Liberty Village is hands down one of those places.

System for ordering is fantastic. Scan the QR code, create a tab, and order as you see fit. Whether it be drinks, apps, or food, it's all there as you want it. Prices are fluid and reflective of timings, so happy hour prices are when you order and change later as the day and time spent enjoying Left Field move on.

Service has been awesome each of the times we've been there. You still have a server who pops by to check on how you're doing and address any questions you may have. The team is also supportive, so things come as they are ready, either from the bar or the kitchen.

Portions are satisfying, and the food is full of flavour. I can't imagine anywhere else I'd order a hot dog, but now I've got two on the menu that I'm going to wrestle mentally between on my next visit.

Location is fantastic all around. From its physical space in Liberty Village, to how they have transformed the space to match the aesthetic of Left Field as a whole.

Really can't wait to go back. Hopefully this review has inspired you to find somewhere else that can compare so you can send it my way to try, this way there'll be a table for me at Left Field...