Northern Maverick Brewing Co — Restaurant in Toronto

I'll apologize in advance for the lengthy review, although worth the time, I promise. Keep in mind folks, I personally have been in the restaurant business just shy of 30 years and I do have very high standards. Let's start. I called to book a reservation for a family reunion. It was very important to me that Northern Maverick was the right place for said event. I spoke to the Manager Meaghan and she sensed my doubt as I asked questions. She then told me if I had time she would love it if I could come in and view the place. I immediately sensed her amazing energy and decided it was worth the trip to meet her and get answers in person. She immediately came to meet me when I arrived with a smile and a firm hand shake, (which I love!) She gave me a tour of the establishment explaining brewing process and explained the difference between IPAs and lager, pilsner. It felt like I was getting a VIP tour. They even have a retail store next door that you can buy there amzing products. So obviously all my doubt whether or not this was the right place had dissipated. The evening went without a hitch. Our server was Laurel. I mean this was obviously an experienced hospitality worker who took her job seriously. From her introduction, to wine, beer pairing and her unbelievable product knowledge of the food was mind blowing. Her ability to  popp and buzz food items, romancing  the dishes was second to none. It was almost as if she was the chef. I know that she wasn't the Chef because the chef actaully came out to check if the food was ok. WHAT! What restaurants do that!? Is this an establishment looking for thier first Michelin star? Did they think I'm a food critic? Even the sous chef came out. Willy, I think his name was? I thought these actions just added to an already excellent evening. Everyone loved the food. We started with a cheese board and charcuterie board. Unbelievable. The specials, Shaved Prime rib sand with cheese and peppers served with a side of creamy horseradish sauce was popular at the table. I got the burger which was in the top 5 on my list, and I have very high standards for burgers. The duck confit salad was next level! The brewed in house beer, and wine was so tasty. I forget how many I had, hmmm. To finish it off we had a few  desserts on the table. Creme Brule, amazing. Their version of tiramisu, amazing. Their was one more dessert that I didn't try, but whole table.....quess what, amazing! So, in short (haha, short, see what I did there) it was a very memorable, special night. To the manager Meaghan, if you hadn't gone above and beyond and invited me in person and do your thing, I'm not sure I would have booked the reservation.  Thank you for stopping by the table numerous times throughout the dinning experience to make sure we were all good. Nice touch. You and your whole team at The Northern Maverick deserve this very long review and a huge round of applause. I mean standing ovation! keep up the great work making customers feel like guests in your own home. That really makes a difference in the guests experience. I...

We had my daughter’s birthday party this weekend at your establishment, it was our first time at Northern Maverick’s, however we probably won’t be back any time soon, if at all. My daughter actually flew in from Alberta to have her 30th birthday party in her hometown with family and friends. We chose your venue because of its location and trendy food menu. In spite of having a reservation we had to wait outside for 15 minutes while they got tables together. We were a group of 24 people and only one server assigned to the group. With a strong server, this would be fine, however our server took drink orders 3 people at a time? In the span of 3 hours the birthday girl and her boyfriend were only given 3 drinks each despite ordering several times and being forgotten. From the beginning the server seemed annoyed with our entire group. We had an additional 2 people join us- I asked if we could pull up chairs from the empty bar area. The server was rude and said “if this was last night this would have been a problem.” He was positively hostile. We honestly received the worst service I think I have ever had. If the server can’t keep up with a 24 person table, then he should have sought out help and management should have been checking on us as well. Our server seemed annoyed with us and that both our food and drink orders were a nuisance. You should also mention that the bar changes to a dance floor when making the reservation, not let us know 15 mins before you start removing our tables and seating, there was no mention of that at all until the very last minute. We were told we had to move while we were still trying to get the birthday cake presented and served. Server brought the cake out, but nothing to cut it with (there was a significant delay before cake lifter appeared to cut the cake) there was not even enough side plates to serve the cake on. While we were gathered around trying to have a birthday moment (still waiting for an implement to cut cake) your staff was literally removing the tables, stools and drinks as people stood up to sing happy birthday. Too bad you weren’t that attentive during the dinner service. Our tab was over $2000, however could have been much more, as everyone was prepared to party and spend money- instead we were all rushed out the door. Both my kids have worked in the service industry for years bartending and waiting tables they were nothing short of astonished at how poor the service was and the disorganization. For perspective we were a mixed group of young adults, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, not an unruly high school crowd. To say we were let down is an understatement. I am pretty sure you will have 24 people reporting to their friends about their...

I've been here 3 times - twice for beers only and once for brunch.

Beers are good. I like that they've taken some risks with what they brew and rotate on tap. The stouts and saison were standouts for me.The bartender that served us the two times we were there for beers was very knowledgeable and attentive. The venue itself is also really large and nice. I've considered the private space they have upstairs for a private event as it's large and quite nice with a balcony view of the restaurant below.

If I was just reviewing this place based on the two times I came here for beers, I would have probably rated this place a 4 or even 4.5/5.

However, the last time we were here was for mother's day brunch and the experience was okay. The brunch menu was very limited and felt a little disjointed (eggs benny to beer and cheddar soup to chicken wings). The food itself was not bad (we had the Eggs in Carnivore Purgatory - $24 and the Burger - $19).

Our server was really nice but we could tell there are still some kinks that are being worked out. We were seated for about 10 minutes before our server even knew we were in his section. Drinks took about 10 mins and our food took nearly 45 mins. We had to swap out our water glasses twice because they still had what looked like orange pulp caked on them. Our server apologized and said it was because they had a rush of people all come in at once but the place was half empty and it was Mother's Day and I guess at the time I felt service would have prepared for a rush right at prime brunch hours.

As an overall restaurant, I have to give this place a 3/5. However, I do still plan on going back to give the dinner menu a try and for the beers. There are some service issues but I was in the restaurant biz and get that these things take time for a new restaurant and new staff. I have high hopes this place becomes a go to in the neighbourhood once service...