THE GRAND TRUNK SALOON 30 ONTARIO ST. S., KITCHENER 519-578-8282 WWW.GRANDTRUNKSALOON.COM
Hours
Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.
Wheelchair accessibility
No, the washrooms are four stairs up from the restaurant level.
Atmosphere
Cool, with interesting artwork on the walls and a well-chosen playlist ranging from plaintive country to upbeat N’awlins jazz. The room is open and L-shaped with wood floors, tables and chairs that bounce sound around. I imagine it could get quite rockin’ on a busy night.
Cuisine
Soul food and cocktails; the chefs make many elements of the dishes — like the outstanding pepper jam and sauce, and the Tasso ham — in house.
Drinks
I’d return to Grand Trunk on the basis of their well-priced innovative cocktails alone, many of which feature in-house infusions and bitters. They also have a fine selection of bourbon and other spirits, and a thoughtful, smaller selection of beer and wine.
Service
A single server was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and friendly.
The bill
$ 89.20 (including tax but not tip) for two appetizers, a shared main, one dessert and three cocktails
In a nutshell
Destined to be a local hangout popular with millennials, this subtle saloon is a relaxed spot for a drink and a selection of modestly-priced shareable dishes, with a menu that changes quarterly.