The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Fort Street — Restaurant in Victoria

A Disappointing Valentine’s Dinner at The Keg Victoria

The girlfriend and I planned a Valentine’s weekend trip to Victoria, excited for a steak dinner at The Keg, a restaurant we’ve always enjoyed in Vancouver. Expecting the same level of service and quality, we booked an 8 PM reservation. Unfortunately, our experience fell far short.

We arrived before 8 PM and were asked to wait for our table, which was fine—until we noticed a couple who arrived after us (also booked for 8 PM) being seated first. A bit puzzled, we let it slide and waited another 15 minutes before finally getting our table.

Once seated, our server informed us that they had run out of prime rib, which was disappointing since that was what I had planned to order. Still, I accepted it and ordered a New York Striploin, medium, Chicago char, same as my girlfriend. When our steaks arrived, they were both overcooked—dry and well past medium, closer to medium well. Not the consistency we expected from The Keg.

Then, another issue arose. As we ate, my girlfriend noticed lint all over her black dress. At first, we thought it was crumbs from the table bread, but then I looked at my own dark pants and dress shirt—covered in lint. We quickly realized that the napkins provided by the restaurant were shedding lint all over our clothes. We flagged down a server, who was apologetic and went to find a lint roller. In the meantime, she offered to bring us the dessert menu, as if it were some sort of compensation. We each picked a dessert, but the embarrassment of having to clean ourselves up in the middle of the restaurant lingered.

By 9 PM, The Keg’s happy hour menu kicked in. I noticed prime rib sliders and a prime rib sandwich listed. Out of curiosity, I asked if they were available, but our server reiterated that there was no prime rib left for the night. I accepted it—until, moments later, another server walked past us with a plate of two prime rib sliders for a nearby table. We sat there, stunned. We had been told twice that there was no prime rib, yet here it was, being served right in front of us.

When I asked our server about it, she had no explanation—just a surprised “Wow” and an awkward offer to pack some sliders to go. That wasn’t the point. If prime rib was truly unavailable, why were others getting it?

Frustrated, I asked for the bill, eager to leave. Even our server acknowledged that this hadn’t been the evening we had hoped for. And yet, when the bill arrived, every single item—including the desserts—was charged at full price. No effort to acknowledge the subpar experience.

From being seated after others with the same reservation time to lint-covered clothing, overcooked steak, misinformation about the prime rib, and zero effort to make things right—the Victoria Keg simply did not live up to the standard we expected. A...

I ate here last night with mixed results. The staff was very friendly and helpful. As I was dinning alone I chose to set in the lounge. I ordered my usual pre-dinner cocktail - a White Russian. The waitress asked me if I wanted a double and I said no. Unfortunately, I did not know that “double” in Canadian must mean “with alcohol” as I was basically served a glass of milk. I don’t believe there was any vodka or kahlua in it. And it had a cherry. I like cherries, but I’ve never had a White Russian with one.

Next, I ordered the tuna tartar for the appetizer. It was wonderful! There was a large mound of very fresh and flavorful tuna atop another mound of perfectly ripened avocado. The whole thing tasted delicious. Unfortunately, they brought my entree out before I was done with the appetizer. I find this to be very unprofessional.

For the entree, I order the 8oz sirloin with the lobster and Asiago cheese topping. The waitress explained to me that the lobster and cheese was placed on top of the steak and then melted under a broiler. When it arrived at the table, the lobster and cheese was just sprinkled on top and not melted. I asked the waitress if this was correct and she said “no, it should be melted.” She offered to take it back, but I said no. I’ve worked in enough restaurants to know you never send anything back. Anyway, the steak itself was very good. I ordered it medium-rare and it was cooked perfectly. And, other than a large strip of gristle along one side of the meat, it tasted delicious. Also, the loaded baked potato was very good. A large potato with a generous portion of butter, sour cream, and bacon. However, the green beans that came with it were actually cold.

So, as I said, it was a dinner with mixed results. While the good parts of the dinner were very good, there are enough bad parts to make the meal overall unpleasant. All things considered, I do not believe I will...

Disappointing Experience at a Usually Reliable restaurant chain.

I visited The Keg on Fort Street in Victoria BC with my partner on the evening of January 6th, hoping to enjoy the quality meals and service that I've come to expect from this restaurant chain. Unfortunately, our experience this time was far from satisfactory, a stark contrast to my previous enjoyable visits at other locations.

I ordered a 12 oz top sirloin with mashed potatoes, anticipating a delightful meal. To my dismay, the steak was served cold, which was quite unexpected and disappointing. The mashed potatoes, while extremely hot, were presented in a haphazard manner (picture attached), detracting from the overall dining experience.

My partner's choice of ribs was similarly underwhelming, served colder than what one would reasonably expect. The excessive fat content on the ribs was also off-putting, overshadowing their usually excellent flavor. Adding to our dissatisfaction, the cornbread, which is typically a warm and comforting side, was regrettably stone cold.

In fairness I must comment on Comet’s great service, he was a very good waiter. And the atmosphere was decent.

In an attempt to address these issues privately and constructively, I reached out to The Keg's management through email twice in the weeks following our visit, but I have yet to receive any response from management, only guest relations ensuring management will be in contact soon.This lack of communication only adds to my disappointment with The Keg, as I had hoped for a more proactive approach in resolving customer grievances.

Overall, this visit was a letdown, especially considering the high standards I've experienced in the past at The Keg. I hope this feedback is taken constructively and that future diners do not face...