The Quail & Firkin

We walked in and it was empty. The food was alarmingly overpriced ($ 16 for a turkey & avocado on multi grain?!) and the place was very bare bones with no coziness or welcoming atmosphere.
As for the food, forget being overpriced: it was truly TERRIBLE! Keep in mind we were not expecting 5 star cuisine in a pub but we were hungry and willing to eat some greasy pub fare. My friend couldn’t choke back the crispy chicken sandwich. The bun was stale, the crispy chicken was obviously just an old breast that needed to be used up and disguised under a layer of soggy batter. We could smell it. Fries were edible but cold.
I ordered fish tacos. I’m pretty sure it was captain highliner frozen fish battered and smothered in tasteless mayo and wrapped in a stale tortilla.
So Gross! On top of that, the service was slow and both of our plates were half full when we asked for the bill yet there wasn’t even a question of how we liked the food. What a waste of $ 40. We ended up at Starbucks up the street so we didn’t starve.

Alright, after a few years away (4), while looking for a new location for the Toronto Spanish Club I decided to check this locale again. Oh my, have they changed this place around.
Apparently, after my last review and as fate would have it, they went on with a major renovation of the premises and the place now looks like a totally different animal… uh, quail.
The renovation is almost all-​encompassing, with hardwood floors, the lighting, furniture, the flat televisions, the décor and paint, all new. It definitely feels as if the place was reborn like a fiery quail that raised from the carcass of a borderline mediocre bar… which if you think about it, is exactly what happened.
I can also see by looking at the menu they are trying to go ever so slightly up-​market with their prices. Even their cheaper beers are about a dollar+ or so more than nearby pubs. By the way, I am not saying you should have cheap beers, not at all, however, they are always a good baseline to start off when comparing prices in bars, so if you go out with a few friends for a gentlemanly bender — are there any other kinds? — then you will feel the difference when the total bill comes at the end of the night.
The day I was there they had specials on Guinness Stouts for $ 5 so I could not complain as they apparently have specials often and you can’t complain about good beer for $ 5.
Again, it is worth mentioning, the décor really makes the place stand out. The atmosphere is that of a very large, but very cool apartment lounge, or someone’s classy man-​cave both comfortable and fashionable… for a pub, also that British Flag couch is a nice touch too. Oh, and let’s not forget, they have a pool table as well.
I did not have any food the time I was there so I cannot wager if the Quail is attempting to add the gastro-​pub label to their name. Although some of the food that was ordered at our table seemed alright.
It is a good location for larger groups, especially if you can get the lounge section at the back and the pub is not THAT far from a subway station, only a few minutes away.
It is worth noting that to me, the patio seems to be somewhat smaller after the renovation. Perhaps it might be because the patio used to be on top of a wooden deck that made it look more imposing rather than seating on the street as it is now?
Perhaps it could be the new seating arrangement? Either way, do not expect to sit at the patio if you are a larger group than say 4 – 6.
All in all, the Quail’s makeover seems like a success. As it elevates it from being what used to feel like a depressing, afterthought of a dump, one where you could draw your sorrows within its bargain bin, Firkin chain-​like atmosphere as you waited for the next rainy day while pondering, «Why are Firkin pubs so drab?» to a great addition to the Rosedale neighborhood.
Management seems friendly too and, as such, will be adding it to my selection of places to visit while in the area. Perhaps you should too.

Terrible service, was waiting forty five minutes after every order. When the waitress finally showed up, she had gotten the wrong order.

Great place to go in for a few drinks and a bite. Super friendly staff. Food is adequate, and they have different food /​drink specials every night of the week. This tends to be our go to spot in the neighbourhood.

Located 3 minutes walk from Summerhill station the Quail and Firkin is a quintessential Toronto pub… it’s not overly fancy but it does a decent job of being a pub, a restaurant, a sports bar and a gastropub at the same time… the service was quick, friendly (Dana was my barmaid) and knowledgeable.
I enjoyed a few pints of barking squirel with a pulled lamb shoulder sandwich that was delicious.

The Quail has greatly improved since it’s makeover. Food quality is better and beer selection much better. Patio is good for people watching but gets direct sun and street noise. Prices are reasonable and servers are friendly.

I like going to this place for brunch on the weekends. It’s also good to sit at the front patio and have drinks.

Rude blonde server, okay food.

The Quail & Firkin is my local «go to» for a burger, wings and a beer. The food is above average for a Firkin I suppose, the seating is updated and comfortable, there is big screen sports and the staff are very friendly. Diana is an amazing host.

I met a friend here last night. It has kind of become our default He likes chain places and I like being accommodating. Plus the location works.
«Pub theme» is somewhat new to me. We did not really have this in Los Angeles. But we had Claim Jumpers, Chilis and countless other, heavily themed chain restaurants. I suppose if you have to have a theme – if your restaurants have to try and be something – «pub» works.
Along with pints, we ordered a platter of wings (BBQ and Cajun). Still hungry, we then put in an order for their take on poutine. All of it was fried and fine. Not the best I’ve had, not the worst. Wings are not something I’m an expert on – eating them as a meal is not nearly as popular where I grew up.
Service was indeed quite excellent.
Prices? They seemed a little above normal. But not having the best grasp on normal pub pricing, I’ll write that any variation compared to a similar restaurant is minimal.
Atmosphere… it has always struck me that up until about 7:30 or 8, this is practically a family restaurant. Husbands and wives bring their kids. From 9 onward it starts getting loud with a crowd of locals in their late 20s on up.
Recommended. It is central and near a subway, safe and predictable. Also, that wonderful LCBO is about a block away if you need to burn up some time before your date or friend shows up.

If I lived nearby, I would probably be a frequent regular. Atmosphere is relaxed, beer is cold, food is good. The nachos are enough to feed a small army, and the cheese dip/​naan combo is addictive. Thumbs up.

The Firkin Pubs have been around for 25 years. In days of yore, Firkin owners would’ve been happy to bid goodnight to drunk male patrons — the pub landscape has changed much since then.
I checked out the Quail & Firkin; the fourth in the chain to undergo renovation. To date, the Firkin chain has spent $ 250,000 and 18 months in research, consulted with Jamie Kennedy and Rose Reisman to revamp their menu, and each location’s facelift ranges anywhere from $ 250 – 600,000 depending on its size.
The old-​school carpeting has been replaced with hardwood floors and the entire space has been brightened up from ye olde Firkin days. My favourite piece of furniture has to be the sofa, plastered with the UK flag — definitely the focal point of the pub.
Larry Isaacs, the director of marketing for the chain said that traditionally, alcohol accounted for 75% of sales and food was an after thought. But the industry landscape has evolved since then.
While the female population has long been alienated (presumably because pubs are where guys whine about their girlfriends/​wives?), breweries are starting to cater towards this oft ignored bunch and pubs are following suit.
As a female, I am glad that we now have choices… I think us gals are more picky when it comes to beer. In my experience, if you pass a guy a beer he’s going to drink it.
I have never been a big pub-​goer because my experience with beer has been limited to a glass of Moosehead with about half a can of Sprite poured in to it — that’s how my dad used to let us drink beer as kids. Beyond that, there was the occasional Corona or Heineken. It wasn’t until this year that I started experimenting with beers — but deep down I’m still a cocktails type of gal.
While the cocktails do not contend with the likes of Barchef, with a healthy list of cold or hot cocktails, it’s a step in the right direction to ensure that there is something for everyone — even the non-​beer-​drinking ladies.
My favourite was definitely the Frost Bite — which tasted like a liquid «Rocket» creamsicle. The blue hue made it fun to sip and the Maraschino cherry made it almost dessert!
While the menu doesn’t deviate too much from the traditional pub fare, you can find healthier items such as pan-​seared red snapper or a turkey cobb salad. And in keeping with the taco trend, a flash-​fried tempura-​battered fish taco.
My favourite was definitely the Stuffed Yorkie (no Benji, ’tis not a pup) — but it is a savory Yorkshire pudding with an eggy bread, stuffed with braised pot roast, smashed potatoes and smothered in a thick layer of Guinness gravy. I could’ve licked the plate clean.
I must also mention the Sticky Toffee Pudding — a decadent and rich dessert but every bite was delectable. It is a little bit much for one person to tackle but perfect for sharing. Two forks please!
The next time I’m having a girl’s night out — I’m definitely going to a Firkin pub… After all the clientele is still predominantly single, eligible bachelors right?

VIBE
I’m not usually a frequent regular of «chain pubs,» but with the Firkin’s new British Revolution makeover, I quite like it. I was invited to the media launch and not obligated to write about this but I felt they did a good job with the overhaul. That said, when it’s crowded it’s crowded and it’s not really well spaced out for that.
The décor is nice. I love the Union Jack couch and mish mash of Victorian furniture. I also like the smattering of booths and countertop seating. The bar area is a bit narrow but the staff are pretty fast, friendly and good at what they do.
I ATE/​DRANK
I had a bit of the new menu (aka I completely inhaled a friend’s two plates. Luckily, she’s on a carb diet). The pan roasted snapper was great: nice and flaky. The Sticky Toffee pudding is TO DIE FOR. Really moist, sticky, soft and sweet. Everything that will attract a cavity and freak out your dentist. The Sheppard’s pie was also pretty great and served in a ramekin which I loved (that said, I’d probably split a regular portion).
I heard good things about the poutine and the yorkshire pudding but didn’t taste them.
The gin and tonics here are good and strong. There’s also a good list of cocktails. I loved the Frost Bite — I can’t remember exactly what’s in it but it’s basically an alcoholic mint chocolate chip cookie in liquid format. Even if you don’t like tequila (not the biggest fan), this may help you become a convert.
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
I think the Firkin has done a great job on its new look and menu. It’s a bit more upscale but hasn’t lost it’s down to earth atmosphere. I think that’s what will make regulars return but also attract new clientele. I also like that this location is a bit out of the way from downtown. Good job!

After being turned down at The Rebel House, we walked over to the closest option. The bar, now simply called The Quail as opposed to The Quail & Firkin, has recently gone under massive renovations. Given that we were there on the second night of grand reopening, the place was virtually empty and only started to pick up as we approached midnight.
I’m generally not a big fan of the Firkin pubs but I was quite taken by the atmosphere and décor of The Quail. They are still trying to sell the whole British theme but their new look is more posh and less Cockney than before. The have a big spacious floor with many types of seating options to suit your group. They have booths, bar-​type tables, and a chill out area with a Union Jack couch and a pool table.
They have a pretty standard beer list with the addition of Granville Island, Mr. Huff (pilsner), Tennent’s and Kilkenny.

In truth, The Quail probably deserves a 3.5 rating, but I gave it a bump because I’ve logged enough summer patio hours there to treat it like a good friend. Here, bud, take that extra 0.5 star! *high fives, back pats*
The Firkin chain trades on a degree of consistency: standard full bar offerings, standard menu, standard aesthetic. However, The Quail is my favourite of the bunch. A nice patio, a good daytime crowd, a generous distribution of red velvety booths (and equally well-​distributed wide screens for Olympics viewing)…I’ve spent many hours at 1055 Yonge Street.
Mid-​week nachos and wifi? Yep
Summertime pitchers of Pimms? Un-​hunh
Servers who often double up on mints for me? That, too
Morning-​after brunch of full English breakfast and the restorative combo of sweet potato fries/​chipotle aioli/Frank’s Red Hot? Come’n geddit
Sit on the patio and watch Yonge bustle by, or snag my favourite spot: a booth against the South wall which overlooks the brick-​laid alley way… a view that helps stoke my anglophilia.
Mauricio A. mentioned that there isn’t a subway nearby, but if you’re down with the Yonge line, Rosedale Station is just south of the Quail… should you need a quick TTC-​powered get-​away after one too many.
Unilocal note — a 2-​parter!
1. The Quail is closing next month (September 2012) for a total interior overhaul. Expect a sleek modern take on pub décor, even though — as per reports from servers — there was a shocking amount of local push-​back expressing «hey, no… we actually kinda like the musty beer smell!» (+1).
2. On Thursday and Saturday nights The Quail transforms into what my friends and I jokingly call «Q Lounge»…the crowd is different, the testosterone is amped (thanks, 19 year old crowd) and things are bumpin’. If you’re just wanting a quiet time tucked into a booth, avoid these nights.

Good food. Had the pot roast. Unfortunately just a few pieces of meat. Less then I would have expected for 16 bucks…

Although I’m usually a fan of Firkin pubs, I was less than impressed with this particular venue.
The service was not overly quick or friendly, and I take issue with the falsely advertised poutine. I love poutine, so when you say cheese curds, I expect more than just a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella.
It was also fairly empty, not the usual Firkin scene. Wasn’t the worst pub experience in the world (other than the poutine, the classic pub fare is usually decent), but it really didn’t do it for me.

The Quail & Firkin attracts a good crowd and it offers a decent pint.
The staff seems friendly enough, but they are strictly business when it comes to disciplining the crowd and enforcing last calls. I suppose that is to be expected when they don’t own the joint.

This place is a decent place for a pint and has some half decent pub food. (order from the special list for better food).
But my complaint about this place (and I think all the Firkin pubs) is HALF PINTS! Why can’t a British pub like this serve half pints. I ended up having to order a 4/​5ths. And who in England ever orders a 4/​5ths?
We need a petition to bring HALF PINTs to Firkin pubs.

I was in Toronto on business and was tired of somewhat formal restaurants. When I asked a server in my hotel for directions to a pub someone recommended, he suggested that I try the Firkin a few blocks from the hotel. I was pleasantly surprised. I had the best fish and chips I’d had in many years and they had a nice outdoor patio, which I was happy to use during the lovely weather. I would definitely go back.