Beertown Public House Waterloo — Restaurant in Waterloo

UPDATED APRIL 2024: We ordered takeout from Beertown again this month and, unfortunately, had another terrible experience related to food allergies. I clearly listed all allergies over the phone, and the staff read them back to me correctly. I even specified no goat cheese on one of the salads due to a dairy allergy.

When we picked up the order, I checked the bags and noticed allergy stickers had been randomly applied—some included the allergy information, others didn’t. Given our past issues with Beertown mishandling allergies, I called to double-check. The staff member I spoke to was polite, said they had confirmed everything with the chef, and assured me that all allergies were taken seriously and accounted for.

However, when we got home and opened the food, it was clear this wasn’t the case. The salad meant to be dairy-free was covered in cheese—despite me specifically saying no goat cheese. Both salads were meant to be free of peanuts, but one contained pecans and the other didn’t. I called back again, and the tone was completely different. The person I spoke to this time was dismissive, claimed it was vegan cheese, and transferred me to the chef. While on hold, I could hear laughter in the background, which was incredibly disrespectful considering the seriousness of the situation.

The chef confirmed the salad had goat cheese but argued that it "wasn’t cow dairy," implying it didn’t count—completely missing the point of a dairy allergy. When I brought up the inconsistency with the pecans (not peanuts), he seemed indifferent. At that point, it was clear that there was confusion in the kitchen and a lack of understanding—or care—about how to handle allergens.

We also ordered a brownie I’ve safely eaten before, which was the only item clearly labeled for gluten, dairy, and peanut allergies. Unfortunately, after one bite, both my sister and I (who also has a peanut allergy) began reacting.

While they did refund the meal, the experience left us feeling completely disrespected and unsafe. We were told allergies are taken seriously, but the chaos, mislabeling, and dismissive attitude said otherwise. It was a sloppy, dangerous night in their kitchen, and we won’t be making the mistake of ordering from Beertown again.

Tonight, my husband and I ordered takeout from Beertown. I called in to explain my allergies (peanut and celiac), and in the past, I've always felt confident that Beertown was attentive to allergies. However, when I received my order tonight, I noticed potential gluten contamination. I immediately called the restaurant to confirm and request a refund.

I was thoroughly impressed by the customer service I received from the manager, Sorin. He confirmed there was gluten contamination and he truly empathized and apologized. He went above and beyond to make things right, offering a replacement meal and even delivering it personally to my home. As a thoughtful gesture, he included a couple of extra treats as well.

I’m truly grateful for the exceptional care and dedication Sorin showed. It’s not every day you experience such outstanding customer service, and I truly appreciate Beertown's commitment to getting it right. Thank you, Sorin, for making this experience a...

Update: hello my gluten free sensitive friends, this one’s for you. 🌾 You may have seen some commotion back in March 2024 in the “KW Celiac and Gluten Free” Facebook group about this restaurant - the commotion was about a lack of guarantee for GF cross contamination. For context, I had been eating here as a sensitive celiac since at least 2019 - I only had symptoms once, however my symptoms may be more mild or not as discernible (neurological) than others may have when in contact with gluten. In the comments on this post, the social media manager replied to comments stating they have celiac disease and also guaranteeing that they do have a GF fryer - later I noticed these comments were deleted. However other people were noting the restaurant staff had varying responses relating to this. When I visited the restaurant myself, I also experienced mixed messaging from staff about no guarantee for GF cross contamination (more context, I had never received this messaging prior to March 2024 as an identified celiac, they have always guaranteed GF safety). Our server noted the general manager was there and he came to answer some of my questions. He was overall very vague and disingenuous in his responses (I assume for legality purposes) and essentially said someone had gotten sick so they now have to be careful in what they say. He said they do have a GF fryer, but sometimes put gluten items in it when they are busy so cannot guarantee 100% Gluten Free. The general manager had also contradicted himself and his staff’s previous messaging and said they have never said they had a fully GF fryer. He also said their social media manager deleted those comments as they were not representative of the company’s messaging and was her personal perspective. Overall, there are still yummy non-fryer options for gluten free peeps to eat (shrimp scampi and oven-baked fries), which I did come back after that conversation with the general manager and they gave me a free dessert - which will not deter me from providing information to other gluten free friends in my community. Overall, I’m disappointed in how this was managed and makes me hesitate choosing this place for my next meal out. Also, I think it’s important to note that the restaurant staff themselves are so lovely and I appreciate them greatly.

Original review: My partner and I went to Beertown after we got married at city hall!! We had an incredible time, exceeded our expectations. We inquired about any potential newlywed promotions, and we received a free small bottle of champagne and gluten free dessert. Our server, Kendra, was fantastic and accommodating for all our food needs, including my Celiac disease. We had our first official date at Beertown years ago and returned for subsequent anniversaries. Will definitely continue to be loyal Beertown...

10/10 would recommend.

This is one of the most balanced menus I have ever witnessed. A little taste of everything in my opinion. The vegan options are incredible too, even though I got the brisket.

The service at the front end could have been a little better. It took about a minute for either of the two to say hello so first impression wasn't the best. Our waiter hit a home run though, very knowledgable, kind, and patient. As a past brewery owner having all the options for beer was a little overwhelming for me so I asked her if she could just pick a paddle for me and she nailed it.

Started off with a Jelly King Rasbperry/Blackberry then I had my paddle. We had sweet potato fries with a really unique dip that had a touch of cinnamon and pumpkin spice so it really added to the October theme. My wife ordered the Chicken Pad Thai, and I ordered the BT Brisket Platter.

The Pad Thai was very balanced, and very friendly, good use of sweet, sour, and cilantro. Nothing over powering in taste. However I'm more of an authentic Pad Thai from Phuckett kinda guy but it wasn't for me as I need that spicy sourness. My wife loved it so kudos to the chefs because she really only likes my home made pad thai.

The Briskett was smoked perfectly, pulled apart very easily, a little fatty but rendered very well. They gave me BBQ sauce for it which tasted sweet, spicy, and a touch of smoke, even though I didn't use it I tried it as I'm a foodie. The baked beans were baked beans they didn't 'wow'. The coleslaw was ON POINT. Anyone thinks they can do a coleslaw and I disagree. It was natural taste with a hint of sauce, perfectly crisp and not sitting in a bucket for hours, so fresh fresh fresh with a hint of pepper.

Very clean envoirment including the bathrooms, and very friendly staff all over! After the person left they immediately cleaned and was very glad to see they even cleaned their outside dining area immediately as well.

8/10 First Imression 10/10 waitress and service 9/10 for food - brisket could have had less fat but it was rendered nicely. Chicken in the Pad Thai was a wee bit dry. 10/10...