From the BarHome Page:'The best cheer is in here! 'Established in 1999, the Whale and Ale lies about 5 minutes from downtown Kitchener. Offering a wide selection of beers on tap, and a great selection of wines and spirits, together with hearty, traditional Pub fare. The Whale and Ale has a laid-back atmosphere generated by the friendly staff, and is a long-time favorite with locals and a destination for newcomers.OUR SERVICESmore...See more text
I had ordered the schnitzel special with potatoes. I asked about the mashed and the girl said they are not made in house that they are instant out of a bag. I opted for the baked instead.
While we are waiting for the meal we are watching the bartender wash beers glasses by just dipping and turning them in soapy water then I guess rinsing, she was doing this out of a bucket sitting on top of the bar, where someone would normally sit and drink. When the meal did come the schnitzel was dry and over cooked, my wifes salad still had the stem of the lettuce in it, looks like the avocado was squeezed out of a tube, and the bowl had dried food from the previous meal..
I would not go back, this place needs kitchen help
The food always seems to be good in my experience here. I typically order pulled pork poutine (very good, unique), burgers, wraps, etc. I've never been disappointed during my somewhat extended history of visiting the pub.
The decor is very busy, typical of brit pubs here, and the service is friendly and timely, not overbearing.
Food waiting times are suitable and I've never heard anyone in my party of regulars complain of flat beer, dirty glasses, or hair in their food, as other reviews here indicate.
They do have a patio, albeit small and fills up fairly quickly during lunch hour or immediately after work.
The girlfriend and I both ordered pies from the pub fare menu - I jumped at the Steak & Kidney pie as I love it and it is so hard to find on Canadian menus.
The food was GARBAGE. The girlfriend's mashed potatoes literally tasted like plastic. The pie crusts on both were soggy and mushy (they were covered with gravy in an attempt to hide this); her pie tasted as though it was freezer burned and mine both tasted and smelled "off".
Both of us sent the pies back, finished our beers and walked over to the other restaurant nextdoor for supper - we will never go back!
The only highlight of this pub was the service, which we found to be good. That being stated, I would suggest you avoid this pub unless you are simply in for a few sociables, in which case I would recommend you dine elsewhere first.
Great chicken wings and great selection of beer!!! The service is great and very friendly. We like to go on a Tues night for cheap wings and the atmosphere is very cozy!!!!
I love this place.
If I am at the other side of Kitchener with a hankering for some pub grub... This is the place to go. The meals have always been consistantly great and they have some beers on tap that no one else does - one word - TENNANTS--- mmmmmmmmm. We had the whale combo, which was great. The service was friendly and Chelsea beat Man. Unit. on the big screen. What a great day :)
