Browns Socialhouse Waterloo — Restaurant in Waterloo

We go to Browns Social almost every month, and this time, we had such a disappointing experience; which is very unlike Browns.

We were a group of six, and from the moment we sat down to the time we left, our server was just plain rude and irritated for no reason. When we tried to order drinks, she wouldn’t even let us finish; cutting us off mid-sentence and saying “okay, I’ll get it” in a dismissive way. Every time we asked for something, her attitude made it feel like we were bothering her.

At one point, my water had a hair in it. I politely asked another server if it could be changed, and instead of handling it discreetly, our server came up to me with the same glass and asked, “What’s wrong with this?” in a confrontational tone. I mean; why would I return a drink for no reason?

Then came the bill. We had clearly asked for it to be split between 5 people (since it was a birthday and we didn’t want the birthday person to pay). Twenty minutes later, she brought it split into 6. When we reminded her, she snapped back with, “Why would I split it into 5?” even though we had already told her the reason.

After another 20 minutes, we had to walk up to the door to ask what was going on. That’s when we saw both the manager and our server trying to figure out the system; and the manager actually yelled at us, saying, “The system is old! I don’t know what to do with it!” Honestly; what are we supposed to do about that? Is it our fault?

There was not a single apology throughout this whole issue. Instead, it felt like we were being treated as if we were in the wrong just for asking the bill to be split. We ended up paying one bill in full, which was also confusing because the receipt had so many unclear transactions; I wish I could attach it here.

This was supposed to be a fun birthday night for our friend, but unfortunately, it turned out to be one of the worst experiences we’ve had at Browns.

I’ve always loved coming here, and that’s exactly why I’m writing this review; because this was such a drastic shift from what we’re used to.

Server name on the bill says Daniella (not sure if...

10/10 Service. Hats off to Victoria!

From the second we walked through the door we were welcomed by 3 servers and directed to our seats immediately. Victoria, our server, was incredibly kind and attentive. We mentioned we hadn't been here before so she recommended some dishes and turns out her recommendations were spot on.

It was amazing seeing the person taking care of the dishware spot checking every wine glass, steaming, and polishing. If I was to drink I would be happy to sip wine out of their glasses.

9/10 Food

We started with the Kung Pao Sesame Chicken Lettuce wrap. This was easily the best-tasting appetizer I've had in my entire life. Perfectly spiced and authentic taste and they nailed the crunch with the sesame. Not overly oily or spicy. Was a wonderful taste. I only wish they had 6 lettuce wraps instead of 5 as it's a shareable and my wife and I almost divorced over the last one... Haha.

My wife ordered the Dragon Bowl, which we both adored. This was one of Victoria's recommendations. Nothing overpowering in this dish and it was wonderfully balanced. The display was just as beautiful as the dish too. I can't critique anything on this one.

I ordered the Szechuan beef noodle bowl. This was mind-blowing but if I could change one thing I would. The beef was perfectly charred, tender, and spiced incredibly well. All the vegetables were perfectly cut and cooked so nothing was too big for the bite. The noodles were on point too. The only thing I would change is the sauce-to-oil ratio. The oil seemed to overpower the taste of the sauce but once I made it halfway through the dish I got down to the balance I desired and it became more balanced. Very well displayed as well.

9/10 Atmosphere

Beautiful, welcoming, and a great ambiance! Everyone in there had a smile and you could tell they loved the food. The only thing I would change is the volume of the music by about 1 notch. It was great music indeed but a little too loud but that's a personal preference.

I'm incredibly surprised this is a...

I dropped by Brown’s Socialhouse in Waterloo recently with my colleage, looking for a laid-back spot to enjoy a lunch and I wasn’t disappointed. The place has this great vibe—warm lighting, a casual yet polished atmosphere, and friendly service that makes you feel right at home. Now, let’s talk about the food.

Parmesan Fries with Onion Dip: These were a total hit! The fries came out crispy and golden, topped with a generous dusting of Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. What really took it up a notch was the onion dip—creamy, with just the right amount of savory flavor. It was one of those appetizers where you take a bite and immediately want more. It’s the kind of snack I could happily munch on with a drink in hand.

Steak with Pasta and Demi-Glaze: This dish was pure comfort. The steak was cooked perfectly—tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, especially with that rich mushroom demi-glaze drizzled over it. It paired nicely with the fettuccine pasta, which was creamy and indulgent, with little bits of bacon that added a nice, salty kick. If I had one small critique, it’s that the pasta was a bit on the heavy side, but honestly, if you’re in the mood for something filling, this will definitely hit the spot.

French Dip Sandwich: I also had the French dip, and it was everything you want from a sandwich like this. The roast beef was tender, the bread soft but sturdy enough to hold together, and the au jus was just right—not too salty, but flavorful enough to make each dip count. It’s the kind of sandwich that feels like a hug in food form.

Overall, Brown’s Socialhouse delivered exactly what I was looking for—a cozy, satisfying meal in a relaxed setting. The food was hearty and comforting, and I left feeling full and happy. It’s definitely a place I’d recommend if you’re in Waterloo and looking for a reliable spot to unwind...