The Thirsty Duck

Tried this place last night. I love the atmosphere, really cozy local pub feel to it. The duck sandwich was pretty good. The staff were not that friendly across the board, no one was rude or unprofessional its more like everyone was just a bit frosty (and not in a cool marine corp way). They only accept cash and debit, which was a bit annoying as I had no cash and did not want to use any of their machines. There was a sign on the door, but I did not see it, so it was my bad for not paying more attention. I plan to pay this place another visit to really make up my mind on it. Its got potential.

Stopped in New Year’s Eve on a whim while walking by. We ditched our previously bought and paid for plans to settle in here. East coast charm that welcomes you with open arms. You feel like you’ve been a patron forever and you’re one of the family. Joey and Cherie have brought us a piece of Nova Scotia, and for that we say thank you.

I had been wanting to try this place ever since seeing the sign announcing it was opening in place of the shady Chinese restaurant.
It has the charm of a small-​town, intimate restaurant where you casually run into people you know. It’s very clean and the décor is nice.
The food was great. I had the Thirsty Duck burger, a blend of beef and bacon which keeps the very thick patty juicy and delicious. It may have been the best burger I’ve had at a proper sit-​down restaurant. The beer menu was very good too. Though, maybe a bit pricy. But not out of step with other places nearby.
The space is very small. What I didn’t love was being told that, even though it was 60% empty, we could only sit at a 2-​person table. That really limits the options. There are a bunch of high tops across from the bar, but then you have to sit side by side on a booth and share a very small table that barely fits two plates.
We heard the waitress tell another couple that they had to sit at a small table because they keep all the others for bigger groups and «we get busy». News flash — lots of restaurants do! And people wait if they want to eat there. I get if they don’t want people lingering all night and holding up a table, but surely there must be other methods than preventing people from being more comfortable when the place isn’t busy.

I love this place. It’s casual, it’s cozy, the food is amazing.
I had the fish and chips. Portion was huge and the batter was super crispy. The fish was fresh. The fries are also very good. I loved it.
I could not decide between the duck sandwich or the fish and chips but from the looks of the fish and chips at the table next to us, I was sold. I love bacon but the fish and chips was hailing me.
The menu was very interesting, they had this pepperoni snack that seems to be popular.
The food came fairly quickly and service was good. They were very busy so we didn’t see our waitress for awhile.
Overall it was a good experience and I’m dying to go back to try the other menu items.

This looks like a great little neighbourhood pub. However, the bartender who greeted us had us hating the place within our first 60 seconds. His intention was to make sure he had the opportunity to maximize the revenue opportunity from each of his few tables. Fair enough. We were only staying for a few drinks and we would have been happy anywhere. But the way he went about it left us feeling like we were vagrants trying to bed down in a corner booth.
It’s amazing how a few misspoken words can leave a lasting impression. I’m not going back. EVER.

We’re all for supporting restaurants in our neighborhood, but when you order fish & chips and ask for condiments (mayo) and then made you feel like it was a huge inconvenience and charged extra for it — that doesn’t bode too well in my books. I would much rather go to Prohibition Gastro Pub or the Roy and get service with a smile and free mayo!!!

This place just newly opened and I really wanted to try the East Coast inspired menu.
The Brother’s Pepperoni appetizer was so popular that they ran out when we arrived while the specials on the back of the menu placard were not ready to be primetime either. I took this in stride as new restaurant openings can take some time to smooth out the wrinkles.
I ended up trying the duck burger with a salad as well as trying the homemade butter and bread. The burger had a good amount of duck piled high accompanied by some pickled veg and a nicely toasted bun. The burger was tasty and I am sold on it but I think it could’ve used something to give it a kick. It is one of their most popular entrees at the moment.
I can already see that this place will become a favourite local spot for the neighbourhood. They got some of the local craft beers on tap while keeping the atmosphere casual and jovial.
I think this place deserves another visit once they settle into the neighbourhood.

Everything you want in a cozy neighborhood pub. Well executed east coast comfort food, great beer and whiskey, super friendly staff (Amy is awesome!) and the 60% ground brisket 40% ground bacon burger with an egg and cheese is full of flavor.

The Thirsty Duck is everything you want in a pub — great and laid back atmosphere, good beer selection and good food. Interior is clean and trendy without trying too hard. We had the donair, cobb salad and soup and everything tasted great. The Cobb comes with duck which is a refreshing change. The turkey stuffing soup tasted amazing, one of the best soups I’ve had but at $ 8 for a very very small portion, it’s a little ridiculously priced. It was just a little bigger than a teacup — as much as I loved it, I wouldn’t get it again based on the price to size ratio.

After reading about this as a place with a Maritimes vibe, I brought two of my East coast friends here for dinner and drinks while watching the Jays game. Luckily the food and beverages were better than the Jays as they lost game 1 of the ALCS.
We ordered fish and chips, beef ribs, and the chicken wings. Although tempted by the donair and plethora of duck dishes, we stuck to pretty traditional pub grub. The fries and ribs were the highlight. The ribs were big, meaty, and the sauce was a good combination of sweet and tangy. The fish and chips were also above average, although the specialty fish and chip shops (including Reliable down the street) are better.
As this restaurant has recently opened, parts of their menu feature, «coming soon» signs. These include daily specials. I wish they’d ironed all that out before opening, as this didn’t appear to be a soft opening (we weren’t told as much either).
We’ll have to come back once they are 100% operational. We also have to try the donair.

This is a great old school style pub/​bar with really impressive food. The staff’s great and there are a lot of good beers on tap like Goose Island.
The ribs are probably the best beef ribs I’ve ever had. It comes with two massive ribs and the meat falls of the bone. The fries which it comes with are great as well. This place has only been open a month but I’ve had the ribs 3 times already.
There are a couple tv’s which show whatever sports are on. It’s not really a place you’d go to to watch sports specifically as the TV’s aren’t huge and not all seats have a great view, but that’s not what this place is about really.
One thing that’s kind of funny, when you’re not tall, is the basement bathroom ceilings. The ceilings are the lowest I’ve seen for a bathroom and at 5’10 my head touches it in places.

Gluten-​free review:
Please note that this review is targeted towards others who cannot consume gluten. If you can have gluten then you will not have a problem here and will have a great experience.
The gluten-​free food options here are extremely limited. I was first told that I could have any sandwich without the bun, and after I put my order in I was later told that all their meats have breadcrumbs in them. Everything else was either battered and deep fried or had beer as an ingredient in the sauce. The fries are also a no-​no because they’re fried in the same vat as everything else. They don’t make accommodations on their dishes (i.e. cornmeal covered fish and chips, baked/​pan fried wings, etc.). What you see on their menu is what you get.
I was then left to choose between two salads — the caesar salad (minus croutons) or the wedge salad. I went with the large caesar salad which was an ok size but definitely not worth $ 13. I left here hungry and stopped by another joint for food.
As for drinks, they only had one cider and it was strongbow. There are so many great ciders, especially from Ontario, so it’s a shame that is the only one they offer. I didn’t ask about other gluten-​free drinks, but I’m sure they have the usual drinks — rum and coke, house wines, etc.
The other not so great things were:
— no lock on the bathroom stall door I used (not sure about the second stall)
— they keep the front door open so I kept having to shoo away flies from our food
— can’t pay with credit card; only debit and cash
Overall the atmosphere is great and the staff were very polite and attentive. For this positive aspect I’m giving them two stars instead of one.
If you require a gluten-​free meal, don’t bother going here. If you want good food at roughly the same price point just go a few doors down to skin and bones.

Delish!
Had the duck sandwich, hubby had the burger — which, I should add, is 40% bacon! So good! Fries were super crispy and house cut. Service was friendly and inviting. Will definitely be back.

Only came for a glass of wine to check out the newest hot spot in leslieville and i am instantly in love. Ive never reviewed a place before but felt compeled to share what a great vibe this place has. And joey! The owner, personable, friendly, engaging, made me feel like a friend in his home. Definately a welcoming place that i love to be a part of. See for yourself :)
…only not giving 5 stars because i haven’t tried the food.

Best donair I’ve had outside of Nova Scotia! Great atmosphere, and friendly staff. I will be back!

We’ve been watching this place prepare to open, and voila! It’s here! Turns out it is owned by the same people who own Eastside Social, so that explains how smoothly things are going just one week after opening. The place was PACKED at 6:00. We got one of the last few available tables. The atmosphere is pub casual, and there’s a great energy here. Full bar, but no cocktail menu yet. Lots of great beers, and three red, and three whites. For an appetizer we HAD to try the bread because I caught a whiff of a loaf walking in. It was VERY yummy :) For dinner we both chose the house special Thirsty Duck burger, and while I can’t remember everything on it, it was huge and great. I do remember some aioli and crisy onions in there :) Overall we had a great meal and are thrilled to have this place so close to home!

Excellent gastro pub. The chicken wings are unbelievable, potentially the best I’ve ever had. Great selection of beers, and fantastic décor. Also screens to watch sports. This’ll become a Leslieville favourite

I work at Leslieville area & I always want to look for lunch options as most restaurants are close during weekdays. The Thirsty Duck just opened this week & was already pack during lunch time. Surprisingly food was fast & Joey’s fish & chips was delicious! Upgrade to sweet potato fries & you won’t be disappointed! Need to go back soon when they have the full beer menu & lunch special!