The Olde Bryan Inn is teeming with history, great flavor, and a homey ambience. The French Onion Soup alone is worth the drive.

History: The Olde Bryan Inn is the 1832 reincarnation of the log cabin owned and operated by American scout, spy, and patriot Alexander Bryan. He was a discrete Inn Keeper widely respected by the Americans and British alike. His intel helped turn the tide in the favor of the American Revolutionaries.

The vibe at this restaurant is dark and intimate with beautiful artwork. While it is beautiful it isn’t pretentious - plastic seasonal decor hang along expensive red drapes. It feels like dining in a generational middle upper class home. This restaurant would be an ideal place to take family on special occasions. The candlelit dinner amongst the exposed brick and wonderful cocktails make this restaurant a perfect date night excursion as well.

What I ordered: -I put a spell on you poisoned apple cocktail $14 -Pumpkin-licious martini $14 -French Onion Soup $8 -Braised short rib poutine $22 -Fish and Chips $22 -Roasted Garlic Pork Chop with a Roasted Garlic Black Pepper Horseradish Demi-glacé $24 -Morgan’s Chocolate Chip Pie $9 Total: $145.91 (including taxes and tip)

The apple cocktail was a great balance between apple and vodka.

The pumpkin cocktail actually tasted like pumpkin as well.

The French onion soup was the star of the show. The cheese pull was long and meandering, the stock tasted as if it was made in house from a beef consommé. They used high quality baguettes in the center and the depth flavor was mesmerizing bite after bite.

The braised short rib poutine was generously seasoned but was a bit too sweet for my taste. The green onions, ribs, and cheese on top of crispy potato wedges had a mouthwatering synergy. With a bit more cheese and salt, and a little less sweetness, this would’ve been my new favorite poutine. Having said that, I do think $22 is too steep for a traditionally fastfood dish with moderately priced cheeses.

The bread crumbs of the fish were generously seasoned, which was surprising. Usually the breading is overlooked at other restaurants but not so here. The fries were great and had the right amount of salt. The fries are not made in house but they have a nice crunch and the breading is delicious.

The chop was a bit tough and it was a little difficult to cut. I loved the seasonings on top, the char, and the savory sauce. Overall, I highly recommend it for a hearty dinner.

The pie had lower quality chocolate, a store bought crust, and I couldn’t tell if the cookie dough is made in house. It was a bit sugar forward. The walnuts seem to tie together the mix of soft, crispy, and crunchy. Each bite is fun and interesting. It tastes like a pie an Auntie would bring by at Thanksgiving to try. A relative would go back for a second piece if she brought this one, I know I would. $9 is a fair price for both the experience and value. I would gladly pay it again.

Price vs Value: The cocktails are made with higher quality ingredients and I think a $14 price tag is justified. The French Onion soup tastes like a $20, high end French Onion soup and the price is a steal. The fish and chips is to be expected and the braised short rib is a bit overpriced for the value. The chop and pie slice were worth every cent. I think the value is certainly there. For two people, we could’ve easily eaten there for $70 if we had been frugal. Another part of this restaurant’s charm is the flexibility in its pricing and offerings. It is a place to splurge for special occasions and a haven in the winter for a simple cup of soup. I highly recommend The Olde Bryan Inn.