Restaurants
Weslodge Saloon
Weslodge Saloon announces its entrance with an illuminated, slab-lettered marquee and electrifying yellow doors. The restaurant, which opened last week at the base of the soon-to-be-complete Victory Condos, occupies the address on King West that was formerly home to the Mini dealership west of Spadina.
Visually, Weslodge is a knockout. Inside, the space (designed by Munge Leung) is decked out like an old rich uncle's trophy room (if only I had one).
Antlers mounted floor to (incredibly high) ceilings and brass accents pay homage to the western theme, but its the majestic bar, oversized white cabinetry, and melange of patterns and textures that refreshingly bucks the prevailing trend for sparse, thrift store-chic decor.
Here, the intent is to create something original and authentic, sophisticated but still casual; a modern saloon. At only a week old it appears that restauranteurs Hanif Harji and Charles Khabouth (whose collective portfolios already boast top dining destinations like Kultura, La Société and Cube) have already found success with this concept.
The restaurant is bustling and the bar is full. The servers, sporting fun leather holsters, seem unfazed, but they are both gracious and charming as they tend to diners and deliver impeccable service. In the kitchen, executive chef Stuart Cameron and chef de cuisine Kanida Chey show off with food that is heavily technique-driven, but also approachable and easy to eat.
The menu offers a modern take on American cuisine at surprising value. The Scotch Egg ($4) seems modestly priced considering it comes wrapped in chorizo with a soft golden centre that could only be the product of some incredibly delicate and arduous process. Sitting atop a bed of sweet tomato jam and topped with freshly shaved black truffle, the two-bite serving is delightful.
The Seared Bonito ($12) features albacore tuna crusted in Za Ataar spices and garnished with diced tomatoes, avocado pearls and citrus. It is an inspired plate that is as beautiful as it is delicious. The sous-vide Halibut ($26) arrives topped with crispy fried leeks and studded with clams and house-cured lardons.
For dessert, each description is more enticing than the last. The Pannacotta ($8) is artfully plated with a base of pistachio, framing two coconut-dusted pannacotta cubes filled with blood orange gelée.
Like any good saloon, Weslodge features an extensive bar menu including cocktails by the glass or bottle. Behind the bar, Elan Marks (also from Harji's Kultura and Nyood) crafts updated classics like the Tabacco Manhattan ($17/glass) made with housemade bitters and the Barrel Aged Negroni ($14/glass), garnished with a deep toasted orange peel.
Open for lunch on weekdays, dinner seven days a week, and brunch on Sundays, Weslodge Saloon is certainly worth the visit. The exceptional food, service and atmosphere all make this a standout destination – even on an already vibrant stretch of King West.
Photos by Jesse Milns
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Can you say ignorant?
Great atmosphere and service!
I love this place and can't wait to come back.
Must try: seared tuna, tartare, hen and halibut!
After staring at our menus for over 20 mins settling the baby in (which is a daunting task when dealing with a fussy 11 month old!), we had to go back to hostess to ask her to send someone to take our order or at least have someone serve water to our table. After she slowly shuffled to the kitchen-she wasn't very amused with our request- still cant figure out why!- she returned and rather unapologetically informed us that the kitchen was closed and that she had made a mistake.
I understand that mistakes happen (I have not encountered to date a mistake such as this, where the hostess doesn't know the timings of the kitchen, seats you down, makes you wait for a good 20 mins and then are informed that you need to leave- but oh well!?) , however what really bothered us was the hostess's attitude. When she saw our frustration when we were told the kitchen was closed, she dismissively smirked and responded with fakest apology!
weslodge looked great, the menu had some great things on it that i would have loved to try, but after that experience- No way am i going back! There is no way that i would pay money for rude condescending attitudes!
Holy Christ, get over yourself.
I have seen your review on Urbanspoon and as someone who goes to Weslodge atleast once ia week and knows all of the hostesses by name I can guarantee you, either you gave them a reason to act this way or you are blowing something out of proportion. Everyone has off days. Weslodge is a fabulous restaurant! Maybe try going again during normal lunch hours or make a reservation for dinner.
Im sure you will enjoy it.
Stick to Dennys, and on special occasions Swiss Chalet.
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I had to entertain out-of-town friends and was looking for a restaurant that had a load of character and one that wasn't pretentious. I had done my research and read the reviews here and on a few other sites. I had narrowed it down to one other restaurant and this one. The price point of this restaurant made me a little hesitant but we decided to try it after another restaurant didn't have room for us. I am so glad we went to Weslodge instead! Right off the bat, the hostess was incredibly sweet and seated me right away and led my friends over once they arrived. The decor is reminiscent of many wonderful restaurants in Portland and in Vancouver. I am always homesick for the westcoast and this restaurant had many great reminders of home.
At 730pm the restaurant was bustling lively. We had a great server. He was knowledgeable about everything on their menu and was incredibly attentive to a party of three even after his section became incredibly busy. He ensured I was taken care of when I told him I had an almond allergy and went back and forth with the kitchen to check ingredients with everything I ordered.
I had a scotch egg (AMAZING), the bison ribeye (PHENOMENAL) and then the sticky toffee cake (DELICIOUS). I had a glass of malbec and then a well-made latte with dessert. We never felt rushed and my glass of water was always filled by the server. My friend was very impressed with the regular old fashioned that he ordered. He found the featured orange spiced old fashioned a little on the sweet side for his taste.
Even though it was a bit on the pricier side, by the end of our meal, we felt it was very deserving of every penny! Great meal, wonderful ambience, and phenomenal staff! I will definitely be back!