The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - York Street — Restaurant in Toronto

Was pretty let down by this Keg location, and I've been to a lot. The Keg is usually very consistent, which is why we choose it for most of our celebrations. This time, we were attending a Leafs game on Saturday as a Christmas/anniversary gift, so we picked the York Street location due to proximity to the arena. Knowing the game started at 7, I made a reservation at 5:15 to give us enough time to eat and make the 15 minute walk over. I did not expect it to be nearly as busy as it was at 5:15, but it was a Saturday with a Leafs game and close to New Year's. We had to wait a while at the front before they could seat us. It looked like other customers were enjoying a glass of complimentary champagne/wine while waiting but we weren't offered any (but I could see it at the front).

After we were seated, the waiter did approach us quickly and we informed him we were in a bit of a rush - so we ordered on the spot. We only ordered a Keg caesar and the 24oz prime rib to share. The bread and caesar came without a hitch. Now the prime rib - not sure if the waiting time felt like it was prolonged because we were in a rush, or if it really just take forever, but usually I don't wait 35 minutes between my appetizer and entrée. I was especially surprised because we did mention we were in a rush, and we could have ordered something simpler if we were informed that the kitchen was slammed / it would take a while for our entrée. We noticed other tables in our sections also looking impatient, and basically vacuuming down their food and getting the bill once it came. We waited 35 minutes for a delicious prime rib, but there were large sections of fat that we didn't touch so it felt more like an 18oz.

We also did not get the level of service that I typically expect at a Keg. Usually we do not need to ask for a water refill, as that should be taken care of. Also due to the longer wait time, we could have been offered another round of bread. We usually are also asked whether we are celebrating something special, which I did put in the reservation, but there was no mention of it the whole night.

Overall the dining situation put a damper on our night. Not sure if this is normal on a busy Saturday but I think it could have been anticipated by the Keg based on the time of year and Leafs game. I may be back due to the convenient location, but definitely not if I'm on a...

Food was excellent. Ambience, as always, on point. Service was solid—until Jackie, the dining room manager, decided to involve herself. That’s when the night went from enjoyable to appalling.

I have been a loyal guest of this Keg location for years. It was my favourite. I’ve hosted corporate events, cocktail hours, and family dinners here. But after Sunday night, this place is dead to me. I will never return—not even if it’s the last restaurant left standing on scorched earth.

Here’s what happened: halfway through my meal, I ordered a second virgin mojito. One sip and it was clear there was alcohol in it. I’m allergic. My reaction is immediate and severe. The meal I’d been enjoying was instantly ruined.

Enter Jackie. Instead of handling a very serious mistake with even a shred of accountability or care, she decided this was a perfect time to “teach me a lesson” about allergies—as though I hadn’t been ordering the exact same drink and meal safely for years at this very restaurant. The arrogance and condescension were breathtaking.

Her solution? Remove the drinks (one of which was wrong to begin with) and leave me with a ruined $95 meal I couldn’t eat. No apology. No ownership. No attempt to make it right. Just smug dismissal.

So I left, nauseous, clutching a grocery bag in the back of an Uber, trying not to vomit everywhere—while Jackie and her staff pocketed my money and sent me off sick.

This wasn’t just poor service. It was reckless, irresponsible, and frankly dangerous. Food safety and allergy protocols exist for a reason. The fact that the bartenders didn’t bother to double-check, and that Jackie doubled down with attitude instead of accountability, speaks volumes about the culture at this location.

There are plenty of steakhouses in Toronto that understand the basics of customer safety and empathy. The York Street Keg is not one of them.

So congratulations, Jackie. You collected $95 from me tonight—but you cost your location a loyal customer of many years, and I will make sure others know...

✨ The Keg on York Street – A Memorable Experience! ✨

From the moment I stepped in, The Keg on York Street radiated such a warm and inviting vibe 🌆💫. It’s no wonder this location is so highly rated—everything from the atmosphere to the service feels top-notch.

I chose to sit on the back patio 🌿🍃, which is mostly covered, making it perfect for all kinds of weather. Even if a little rain shows up ☔, you remain cozy and comfortable. That extra touch of thoughtful design really enhances the overall dining experience. And for sports fans 🏀⚽, there’s even a TV out on the patio, which adds a fun, lively element—ideal for catching a game while enjoying your meal.

Now onto the food 🤤🔥… I started with the bacon-wrapped scallops 🥓🦪, and let me just say—they were absolute perfection! Perfectly cooked, tender on the inside, and crisp on the outside. Every bite was bursting with flavor, and the cocktail sauce on the side was a surprising star 🌟. Normally, I’m not the biggest cocktail sauce fan, but The Keg managed to deliver a version that completely won me over. It was tangy, balanced, and paired beautifully with the scallops.

The service was equally impressive 👏. Helena, who was working the bar, was incredible throughout the evening. She was not only professional and attentive but also warm, genuine, and approachable 🙌💖. She patiently answered all of my questions, making me feel truly welcomed and valued as a guest.

🌟 A huge thank-you to Helena—your hospitality elevated the entire experience to something truly memorable.

📍 Overall: The Keg on York Street is a place I’d wholeheartedly recommend whether you’re out for a casual evening, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving phenomenal food with a relaxed yet classy vibe. Between the atmosphere, the food, and the outstanding service, it’s the kind of spot that keeps you coming back again and...