For the last 20 years, 8 or more of our neighbors have gone out for an early New Year’s Eve dinner in our downtown neighborhood; this year the group swelled to a total of 16; we decided to try The Fat Belgian.
It was a major mistake.
We did not arrive together; however we were all in place shortly after 7pm. My husband, who walked in the door by himself, was greeted by the bartender who demanded “And who are you with?” in a tone one might use for someone seeking the Scott Mission. He mentioned the reservation name of the party, and she abruptly said “upstairs” and turned away.
The evening went downhill from there.
There were two other occupied tables (a party of two, and one of four) upstairs, yet we waited 10 full minutes for the server to appear from downstairs, another 15 for drink orders to be taken, and 15 more for the wines to arrive.
30 minutes after arriving we got menus.
One hour after being seated, our starters were served; one hour after that our mains began to arrive.
The elapsed time by now was over 2 hours. As we were departing on a trip early in the morning we left the restaurant and our friends at 9:40pm, 2 hours and 40 minutes after walking in the door. No dessert. No coffee. But a tab with tip that ran to $140.
No one even wished us a “Happy New Year” as we left.
1. HelenP's Review :: February 19, 2010 HelenP's Rating: Stars |
I can't believe the Fat Belgian is still open... it wasn't so great when it first opened!
2. Kris Elliott's Review :: February 11, 2010 Kris Elliott's Rating: 1 Stars |
For the last 20 years, 8 or more of our neighbors have gone out for an early New Year’s Eve dinner in our downtown neighborhood; this year the group swelled to a total of 16; we decided to try The Fat Belgian.
It was a major mistake.
We did not arrive together; however we were all in place shortly after 7pm. My husband, who walked in the door by himself, was greeted by the bartender who demanded “And who are you with?” in a tone one might use for someone seeking the Scott Mission. He mentioned the reservation name of the party, and she abruptly said “upstairs” and turned away.
The evening went downhill from there.
There were two other occupied tables (a party of two, and one of four) upstairs, yet we waited 10 full minutes for the server to appear from downstairs, another 15 for drink orders to be taken, and 15 more for the wines to arrive.
30 minutes after arriving we got menus.
One hour after being seated, our starters were served; one hour after that our mains began to arrive.
The elapsed time by now was over 2 hours. As we were departing on a trip early in the morning we left the restaurant and our friends at 9:40pm, 2 hours and 40 minutes after walking in the door. No dessert. No coffee. But a tab with tip that ran to $140.
No one even wished us a “Happy New Year” as we left.
3. Helen H's Review :: February 11, 2010 Helen H's Rating: Stars |
I'm surprised to find bad reviews of this place... I've been going there for 8 months and the food is consistently good, and the servers are friendly and helpful. Had a great meal there just last night. Maybe there has been a change in management? Anyway, the ribs are outstanding, and for dessert they have an excellent belgian waffle with chocolate sauce and ice cream... to die for! Great wines and beers too.
4. Sandra Brown's Review :: December 05, 2009 Sandra Brown's Rating: 4 Stars |
I'm surprised by some of the comments on here, because I've started going to this place recently and couldn't be happier with it. Perhaps there were problems with staff before that have been fixed? Anyway, in my experience the servers have been great, very friendly and they seem to know a lot about the beers in particular. There's a huge selection of really interesting Belgian beers (and I think other European ones as well), and the food (at least the food that I've tried) is always excellent. The atmosphere is perfect too - very classy, but comfortable and relaxed at the same time.
5. Jenn's Review :: June 24, 2009 Jenn's Rating: 4 Stars |
Yummmmy! Awesome, attentive staff, cozy atmosphere, great pricing! We had to wait quite a bit for our food-but we didn't mind because our group was gabbing away.
6. Anonymous's Review :: November 13, 2008 Anonymous's Rating: Stars |
should have made a reservation so we could have had a window seat, and a little loud on our floor due to a large party - but the food and service was exceptional. look forward to a return visit.
7. Anonymous's Review :: May 04, 2008 |
should have made a reservation so we could have had a window seat, and a little loud on our floor due to a large party - but the food and service was exceptional. look forward to a return visit.
8. R. Vivier's Review :: May 04, 2008 R. Vivier's Rating: 4 Stars |
Probably one of the most undesireable restaurants in the city. I had expected better.
9. Dan Levine's Review :: April 14, 2008 Dan Levine's Rating: 1 Stars |
We decided to go back last night to celebrate our friend becoming a surgeon. We were a table of 12 that came in for a quick drink and some munchies. We ordered our drinks from a very standoffish server. One in our party ordered a chocolate martini($11.00) that was TINY and not worth the price tag. We asked to send it back and all hell broke loose. Our server was rude and indignant. From there on in the night went down hill. Our celebration turned into a confrontation with management when the server lied and sad the section was closing (10:25 on a Saturday night) because she wanted to settle a score with our party due to the returned drink and us calling her on her poor service. She told management some of the people in our party were intoxicated. We didn't find this out until we were leaving. We asked management to explain their position on continuing to serve other tables and not ours. They explained the intoxication allegations and we asked them to point out which one of us was drunk. Of course they couldn't. As it was a boldfaced lie. It soon came to the management's attention that we were in fact NOT intoxicated and that we were the ones that had been wronged NOT their rude server.
All in all a bad experience and I would never step foot in their establishment again.
10. Jeff's Review :: December 16, 2007 Jeff's Rating: 1 Stars |
Went 3 times in our visit in early June this year. Excellent food and good beer. We would recommend it to anyone. Sit outside on warm summer night.
11. Anonymous's Review :: October 27, 2007 |
Went 3 times in our visit in early June this year. Excellent food and good beer. We would recommend it to anyone. Sit outside on warm summer night.
12. Ken Sutcliffe's Review :: October 27, 2007 Ken Sutcliffe's Rating: 4 Stars |
Seated upstairs overlooking the patio - windows open to hear sounds and voices of hustle & bustle added to atmosphere. Service was friendly & quick, but did not make us feel rushed. Food is great. Ambiance perfect. Clean and inviting. A definite "to repeat often" experience.
See you soon!
13. Anonymous's Review :: July 26, 2007 |
Seated upstairs overlooking the patio - windows open to hear sounds and voices of hustle & bustle added to atmosphere. Service was friendly & quick, but did not make us feel rushed. Food is great. Ambiance perfect. Clean and inviting. A definite "to repeat often" experience.
See you soon!
14. Ron & Jocelyne's Review :: July 26, 2007 Ron & Jocelyne's Rating: 4 Stars |
This place doesn't just serve great food. The bartender was way above average for the 'entertainment district.'
Makes me remember the times when it wasn't all about making a tip, but about engaging the customer and enjoying the work you do. The bar is underrated - don't just go there to eat. It's a great place to bring co-workers or clients for great discussion and service.
Great job!
15. Anonymous's Review :: January 29, 2007 |
This place doesn't just serve great food. The bartender was way above average for the 'entertainment district.'
Makes me remember the times when it wasn't all about making a tip, but about engaging the customer and enjoying the work you do. The bar is underrated - don't just go there to eat. It's a great place to bring co-workers or clients for great discussion and service.
Great job!
16. Ron Keagan's Review :: January 27, 2007 Ron Keagan's Rating: 4 Stars |
My friends recently brought me out to a new restaurant they've been raving about. The Fat Belgian. I thought they might be hyping it up too much, but as I found out, the praise was well deserved. I had the porterhouse steak and mussels. Both were excellent. And the service was good too. The menu leans toward meat and other rich food, so if that sounds good to you, I definitely recommend you check it out!
17. Ed Baker's Review :: January 17, 2007 Ed Baker's Rating: 4 Stars |
My friends took me out to a new place, The Fat Belgian. I had the porterhouse steak and mussels. They were excellent. And the service was good too. The menu skewers to meat and other rich foods, so it that's your thing, I definitely recommend that you check it out!
18. Ed Baker's Review :: January 17, 2007 Ed Baker's Rating: 4 Stars |
Hey Becky,
Are you part owner of the Fat Belgian? It's a little too brochure-speak for the average dining customer... especially for a place that's clearly sub-par.
R.M.
19. Anonymous's Review :: January 12, 2007 |
I cannot get enough of the Fat Belgian! The service isexcellent, the atmosphere is extremely inviting and comfortable and the food istoo die for. The duck melted in my mouth and the lamb duo is amazing. I have been several times and take a different set of friends everytime. I highly recommend the Fat Belgian.
20. Anonymous's Review :: January 11, 2007 |
I cannot get enough of the Fat Belgian! The service isexcellent, the atmosphere isextremely inviting and comfortable and the food istoo die for. The duck melted in my mouth and the lamb duo is amazing. I have been several times and take a different set of friends everytime. I highly recommend the Fat Belgian.
21. Becky McCarron's Review :: January 11, 2007 Becky McCarron's Rating: 4 Stars |
The duck confit at the Fat Belgian is way too salty. The sweet potato fries are overcooked. Overall, it is not worth revisiting.
22. Winnie's Review :: January 08, 2007 Winnie's Rating: 1 Stars |
The Fat Belgian served me some bad mussels yesterday. The worst thing is that neither the waitress nor the chef would admit it. There was a foul smell escaping from the dish, some of the mussels were sticking to their shells, and they were sticky and stringy overall. The scary part is that the chef could not tell or would not admit it.
Also, the Fat Belgian's website advertises half price mussels every Thursday with live entertainement. We went on a Thursday and there was no live entertainement and they wouldn't give us the half price deal.
23. Vince's Review :: January 05, 2007 Vince's Rating: 1 Stars |
delicious food at a very good price
engaging owners and staff
the best New Year's Eve party I've been to in years
rich atmostphere is cozy and fun
a place I could go to once a week
24. Jeannie Callaghan's Review :: January 02, 2007 Jeannie Callaghan's Rating: 4 Stars |
The Fat Belgian has now become a favorite for myself and clients. Such a great find that I want to keep it to myself but have to honour this restaurant and spread the word. Never mind the great atmosphere, the value you recieve here is astonishing. The quality of their food (almost tried the whole menu) at those prices is incredible. Even if your not hungry, go for the great selection of beer.
See you there!
25. Richard Manning's Review :: December 01, 2006 Richard Manning's Rating: 4 Stars |
This place is a nice addition to the "entertainment" district. Maybe will clean that area up a bit. Great beers and beautiful ambience! I would go back again also! check out the place as I did at this link: http://www.streets.to/assets/recent/fatbelgian.html - kinda neat tour of the place with animated building you can enter!
26. Joan Hamoui's Review :: November 14, 2006 Joan Hamoui's Rating: 4 Stars |
Everything was great. This is a restaurant worth recommending.
27. G & J's Review :: November 13, 2006 G & J's Rating: 3 Stars |
Mediocre food, won't go again.
28. Shelley's Review :: November 06, 2006 Shelley's Rating: 2 Stars |
Thank you Fat Belgian!
Beautiful place you have. We are all looking forward to booking an event with you. Food was wonderful and I loved the Fruli beer. Thank you John for making me try it. I never knew I could like beer.
29. Elizabeth Thorton's Review :: June 06, 2006 Elizabeth Thorton's Rating: 4 Stars |
I Must say this is the place to be. On their opening week I was able to escape twice to The Fat Belgian. First with clients. Being nervous taking clients to a restaurant I had never been to, I was quickly put at ease. The wait staff was excellent, the atmosphere was relaxed and the food and beer were nothing less than amazing....the Veal is a must! The Second time was later in the week with friends. No work, just play. Finally a place in Toronto that's got it right! With out attitude. A place you can feel comfortable and important. The Fat Belgian is a great value and I highly recomend it.......try the DELIRIUM!
30. Ryan Audrick's Review :: June 06, 2006 Ryan Audrick's Rating: 4 Stars |
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