St. Louis Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Toronto

For starters, it was a lunch "Slow Rush." When my friend and I stepped into the restaurant, we were greeted by our waitress. Our options were to either sit at the bar or be seated at a table. We sat for a few minutes and looked over the menu before our waitress came back to us. We placed our drinks and continued looking over the menu. The restaurant had about 4 tables full with different groups- orders placed and waiting to pay for their meals. I noticed that our fountain drinks and one cocktail were not brought to us when it passed the 10-minute mark. Our waitress cashed out every table before our drinks were made. I also noticed that she was working by herself. I between running between tables and going back and forth to the kitchen and bar, she did not wash her hands 🤢🤮. Hand hygiene is a must!!! My friend and I kept calm and accepted our drinks when they were brought to the table - almost. My fountain drink was brought back, and I asked her for a bottled drink. My friend continued to sip her drink as she didn't see much. Another 20 minutes to 30 minutes pass by, and our food is brought to the table. I ordered chicken tenders with fries, a salad, and chicken wings (bone in). My friend and I ate. While eating, my friend and I could over hear our waitress use foul language while speaking with another customer - with them, not at them. Not to mention, the customer sitting at the bar was served their drink before my friend and I even though they came into the restaurant after us. Going back to the food, the food was blah. After finishing up our meals, I fan down our waitress (only two parties left in the restaurant at this time). I asked our waitress for the bill, "Yes, we need the machine. Just by curiosity, do you know what the rating for this restaurant is?" 😏 At this point, my friend was on Google look for the STARS. "Well, you know my former location didn't do well," she replied. Long story short, I politely told her in a discreet manner that I would not recommend this place simply because of the service. The food is burnt and undercooked, your hand hygiene is poor - I watched you handle the debt machine, food, drinks, receipts, and possibly money and did not wash your hands. Not only that, we waited for you to cash out every customer before making our drinks and served another customer even when they arrived after us. She looked at us, walked away, and never came back to our table. When I was finished paying for our meals, I brought the machine to the bar and left - oh yes, she did say thank...

Editing on November 5th: went in and got our usual takeout order and this time the food wasn't fresh and made us both sick. I guess because of me calling they were petty and did something to our order. Since Fred came out and was peaking at me talking to Meghann and was eavesdropping but could not say hello. There is no way I will let this slide money does not grow on trees and I will take the food back for a refund. Edit on Tuesday October 29th: They differentiate and aren't so friendly to returning customers. It is always the same people working here. I called in to ask why there was charge for dip when last time there wasn't was given excuses. Edited on Tuesday October 15th: We went in and it was extremely busy so we decided to do takeout instead we ordered at the bar and paid. Meghann was friendly and remembered me from the last time we were there. There was no room to stand or sit so we went outside for about 10 minutes and came back in since it was cold. Fred saw us step outside before and like I said there was no room and we were standing near the bar he asked us to move and asked us what we needed and I said hello Fred Flintstone how are you and told him we were waiting for our take out order. Fred's tone was rude and his attitude was different this time around not friendly one bit same with Delaney no smile. I guess their attitudes differ depending on if they are busy or not and they treat you better when you are dining in and leaving tips. They messed up the spelling of the name for our takeout order and when Fred carried it out from the kitchen he said the wrong name only once instead of saying the order and left it at the bar. They should treat all customers the same not depending on their gender. My original review" I went here with my daughter and as soon as we walked in the place was not busy at all. We were welcomed by Meghann who seated us right away. Delaney was our server and she was so friendly and helped me choose the perfect sauce for my chicken wings. I absolutely loved her recommendation. She was very attentive and kept checking up on our table. I spoke to the manager Fred when we were leaving he said you can call me Fred like Fred Flintstone. and told him how thanks to Delaney we had a great dining experience and will definitely be going back. I totally recommend this location and the servers are all very friendly. I hope everything and everyone will stay like that (unfortunately...

I have been coming to St. Louis Bar & Grill at the Fairview Mall since December 29, 2013. A few things have changed over the past decade. But it has always been one of my favorite places to go on dates, hang out with friends, and get some work done by myself.

Speaking of change, there have been a few different General Managers over the years. I don’t intend to throw shade at any of the predecessors but I never got to know any of them. I could be mistaken but I don’t recall them being an active presence at the establishment. However, that all changed a couple of years ago when Fred took the helm.

Since Fred took charge of this establishment, I have noticed a metamorphosis in the right direction. Contrary to his predecessors, he has been an active presence at the restaurant. For example, he frequently interacts with customers, continually utilizes a hands-on approach pertaining to customer service and inquiries, actively helps staff members with common tasks, and holds everyone accountable.

Secondly, I noticed much quicker service. In years past, I’d wait an average of 10-30 minutes for my chicken wings. Now, I only wait an average of 2-10 minutes for the same order. The aforementioned wait times do not include busy nights; but, the wait times are still better than the past ten years. Whether this is a result of Fred’s leadership or just a coincidence, take it for what it is.

Lastly, there has also been a shift in attitude, especially amongst staff members. Now, I am not suggesting that previous workers had a poor attitude or anything of that nature. I have always had fun interactions with staff members over the years. But, under Fred’s leadership, I noticed the presence of a strong family-like vibe. In other words, it’s crystal clear that servers genuinely care about their customers. Examples include remembering names, faces, old conversations, following up on important life events, etc. Anyone who’s worked in the service industry knows that it’s important to be friendly. But, St. Louis Fairview takes it to a new level.

Thank you to all staff members who have made St. Louis Fairview a fun place to be over the years. Cheers to many more years at this establishment! Special shoutouts to (past and present): Alex (x6), Joanna, Delaney, Reema, Joan, Mia, Ashley, Hibra, Cassandra, Matthew, Jaycie, Jackie, Kayla, Meghann, Irene, Helia, and Shadisa. Sorry if I...