RESTAURANT WITH A HOMEY TOUCH,
Prime Bar-B-Q’s website describes itself as “Kitchener’s best kept secret” even though it is hiding in plain sight in a small strip mall on busy Highland Road West.
Judging by the crowd when my husband and I arrived for dinner at the end of April, the secret is now out. Although it was a Wednesday there were hardly any tables left.
It is a seat-yourself restaurant, so we chose a table for two near a half-wall which acts as a small divider midway through the relatively limited seating area. As you enter through the front you can either turn left towards the tables, or find a seat at the bar.
The restaurant is decorated with homey touches and ornamental light features, although the space is looking a little worn. But the wooden tables were clean and well maintained despite the regular turnover.
With several television sets around the bar and dining room, you can watch the game, or the news. The bar was almost full so it appears to be a popular local spot for a drink after work.
The restaurant clientele included families, couples of all ages, and groups of young people. By the time we arrived, most people had either already ordered or been served their food, so during our stay it began to quiet down.
The one server on the floor had her hands full. An extra server or someone to help bus tables for the dinner rush would improve the atmosphere. However, our server was extremely friendly and welcoming, and knew some of the patrons by name. She was efficient without making us feel rushed, and replaced a glass without even being asked when she noticed that it was water spotted.
The menu has a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, mains and seafood, Greek dishes and a daily special, and, of course, barbecued steak. As we decided on our food we each ordered a bottle of beer ($4.52).
Having observed the generous portions of food being delivered to neighbouring tables we decided to split an appetizer and ordered the Deep Fried Scallops to start. Through error, we ended up with Deep Fried Shrimp ($6.50) which we decided to stick with despite the offer to replace them.
The shrimp were simple, but good. Large and split down the middle, lightly breaded and fried and served piping hot with seafood sauce, they were tasty.
For my main I chose the Chicken Souvlaki Dinner ($14.95). It came on a large plate which contained two generous skewers of chicken, Greek salad, rice and a baked potato. I could only finish half of the food but was happy to bring home the leftovers.
The chicken was well flavoured and nicely cooked, and went well with the rice and side of tzatziki sauce. The baked potato was done perfectly and was served with a side of sour cream. Unfortunately, as good as the Greek salad was, it was muddled with everything being served all on the same plate. It had been dressed with traditional Greek-flavoured oil and vinegar dressing with plenty of chopped vegetables, olives, and a really good slice of feta cheese.
My husband ordered the Gyro ($9.50) which was a large portion of food for the price. It consisted of marinated pieces of pork with tzatziki sauce on a thick pita, and Greek salad. He enjoyed it but found it somewhat plain.
The house-made dessert was Coconut Cream Pie ($4.50) and with our server’s encouragement we ordered one slice, and one slice of Butter Pecan Pie ($4.50). With flaky pastry, thick and creamy coconut filling, and a whipped topping, the house specialty is very good. My only criticism would be that fresh whipped cream on top would be better. The butter pecan pie, however, was not very good.
Overall, we enjoyed our food but with a little extra attention to staffing and upkeep, dining at the Prime Bar-B-Q could be just that much better.