Restaurants
Barque Smokehouse
Barque Smokehouse is a new addition to Roncesvalles, located at the corner of Geoffery in the old Bistro 299 space. This casual smokehouse boasts an assortment of classic southern barbecue, crafted cocktails, and seasonal desserts. As its name implies, Barque takes a twist on the classics while still remaining true to their flavour.
Having made reservations in advance, we were seated promptly avoiding the 15-20 minute wait. Take note: The word's out, so plan ahead! However, bar seating was available and takeout was a popular alternative.
Exposed brick, unfinished wood paneling, and mid-century chairs give the space a modern edge without being fashionably uncomfortable - a place for families or even a date.
The rotating drink specials were: Smokey Lemon Bourbon Sour ($10), Mint Julep ($9), and a Bacon Caesar ($8). The Lemon Bourbon was like sunshine in a glass. The smokey notes from the brulee lemon garnish brought out the peat of the Bourbon. By far though, the Caesar with a honey-dipped-candied-bacon-rim was the crowd pleaser. The spiciness of the Caesar contrasted beautifully with the savoury sweetness of the bacon - a constant juxtaposing flavour found in most dishes that evening.
For an appetizer, we decided to try the Brisket Poutine with Veal Gravy ($10). Is it too bold to say that a restaurant can be judged solely on their poutine? If so, it blew us away and by the end of the night they were sold out! The gravy covers your tongue in umami heaven.
By adding a sampler option for one ($20) or two ($36), the approachable menu allows you to try a lot for a little. (Choice of three: Spicy Pork Ribs, Brisket, Beef Ribs, or Chicken Thighs.) The server implored us to get the chicken - but who gets chicken eating out, right? WRONG! The chicken was succulent, needing no sauce.
The beef ribs were covered in a caramelized smokey bark (or should I say barq) and was my favorite by far, although everyone else preferred the chicken. I found the brisket braised beyond recognition and the peppercorn marinade lack luster. The pork ribs were a tad dry but the spicy rub was like crack. For sides, definitely try the Pickle Platter ($4). The sourness is a great palate cleanser balancing the savouriness of the meats with the sweetness of their sauces.
In keeping with its southern roots, a slab of housemade Pecan Pie was in order, with a side of Greg's famous Roasted Marshmallow Ice Cream. Not really a Pecan Pie eater, but I found myself scraping the plate.
Barque is the perfect welcome to summer and now with brunch on the weekends you have even more opportunities to try it out.
Writing and photos by Ryan Spencer
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Where poutine has been respectfully/charmingly upgraded for decades.
I tried the tasting platter for two, and unlike steve (comment above), I found it a great value! Sure the meat portions might *look* a little small at first glance, but the meat is so good and so rich, that my partner and I could hardly finish the whole platter. Plus, the amount of time and effort that goes into smoking the meat has to be compensated.
I do agree that the asparagus is a little lack-luster... but all the other sides we got were great. And the pickle platter was simply AMAZING! I loved the way that the crisp and sour pickled vegetables paired with the heavy and sweet meat. The pretzel bread and butter that accompanied the veggies was delicious as well.
We were way too full for deserts, so I didn't get to try any. On our way out the chef greeted us and asked for our honest opinions about the food. Great place all around - will definitely return for more!
@EW - STFU
The ribs were a bit dryer and lacked a depth of flavour than what I expected. Maybe it was just the rack I was served though.
The only thing that rocked me the wrong way, was when I asked if they could make Poutine during lunch they said no...even though they had all the ingredients available on their Lunch menu, they couldnt put it together for me??
I will go back, I will finally try the poutine and i am sure I will love it!
Didn't let me down. Thanks for the great tips!
Every time we've gone the service has been excellent - more friendly than most Toronto restaurants, without being annoying.
As for the food, the chicken was great, ribs a bit dry, brisket tasty, and the salad sides were fresh with ample toppings (bacon/croutons; pecans/cranberries etc.), but the asparagus was a joke. I think there were 7 spears, MAYBE. Really regretted not getting the pickled veg.
Service was lovely. I'm surprised they were all still in good spirits despite the fact that the combined heat from the busy kitchen and the TO heatwave were overtaking the restaurant.
I would go back to try out brunch and/or poutine.
"FALL OFF THE BONE!"
for the rib meals don't bother ordering them! I was so used to eating at Baton Rouge I forgot to look for this when I went to eat at Barque's !
On the whole - the experience was excellent. The servers were attentive, funny and full of advice when asked.
Chicken and Caesar salad are excellent (which is full of delicious bacon of course), as was the side of homemade gnocchi I also had as a side.
The fact that they pull in chocolates from the new Chocolateria up the street added to the neighbourhood appeal.
Good food, great service, definitely worth a try!
We couldn't understand all the hype around this place, and the fact that you have to book so far in advance to get a reservation? The prices are on the high side considering not all the food quality was consistent.
plus- service was excellent from a waiter named Jonathan , really tasty caesar salad , amazing poutine appetizer , and delicious smoked asparagus side .
minus- sitting at a high table on stools with a reservation booked a week ahead, baby backs were over cooked ,dry and not tender , brisket was extremely fatty and inedible , grilled vegetables were wet, overcooked ,and tasteless .
BTW Pat isn't wrong.... using the restroom is not a great experience. it's not a bonus to see the back section of a busy restaurant's kitchen..... pretty disgusting .
I've been here for brunch and dinner and both times were awesome. The brisket and mashed potatoes were amazing.
My gf had the smoked duck pancakes and i had the barque brisket sandwich.
I did find the bartender to be a little snooty, when I asked for a beer recommendation.
Other than that, awesome place for smoked meats!
Amazing fries as well - I highly recommend this place... Oh ya - It's not that expensive either!!!! A must try.
Please note, they didn't have a full reserved seating after the hour we wanted to arrive at since they still had openings and we were offered a late one. We always eat a lot and tip extremely well, by the way.