The Grand Trunk Saloon in Kitchener

87 King St W, Kitchener, ON N2G 1X2, Canada

★★★★★
(1422 reviews)
Categories: Cocktail bar Restaurant

About

Amazing food and creative cocktails!

Website
grandtrunksaloon.com
Address
87 King St W, Kitchener, ON N2G 1X2, Canada
Plus Code
FG25+4M Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
5 PM–12 AM
Wednesday
5 PM–12 AM
Thursday
11:30 AM–12 AM
Friday
11:30 AM–1 AM
Saturday
11:30 AM–1 AM
Sunday
5–10 PM

Services

Service options
Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Great cocktails Live performances
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Food Food at bar Spirits Wine
Amenities
Toilets Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Groups LGBTQ+ friendly Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Paid parking lot Parking

Photos

Reviews

4.6
★★★★★
1422 reviews

Most Mentioned

chicken and waffles (71) cigarettes (29) brussel sprouts (25) hot sauce (19) soul food (17) southern food (15) gator (8) habanero (7) hush puppies (7) gumbo (7)
5 stars
1055
4 stars
258
3 stars
61
2 stars
20
1 stars
28
★★★★★
December 12, 2024

100% best fried chicken and hot sauce ever! Drinks are a bit pricy but so good. And...their pizzas....wow...out of this world. We were a large group and everyone said they will come back. The food is that good!

★★★★★
December 5, 2024

Great vibes and atmosphere. Cocktails are very superb. Prices are high for the cocktails but to me it’s justified since the ingredients are top notch, and they are made to perfection. They also are strong so you’re more or less casually sipping while enjoying food and talking with your friends. Highly suggest adding here to your list! Perfect for a weekend later night drink

★★★★★
October 30, 2024

One of the top spots in the area. The new location boasts a sweet pizza oven for some wood fired pies! Greatest people. Amazing cocktails. Add it to your must-visit list!

★★★★★
September 24, 2024

The new location is stunning, the food is scrumptious and the cocktails are intricately delicious and magical. We were lucky to be served by one of the wonderful owners. Cannot recommend enough!

★★★★
September 13, 2024

New location on King provides a great atmosphere. Get the fried brussel sprouts and pimento cheese dip. Pizza was great and the mac and cheese wasn’t show stopping but still very good. One of the best spots in DTK for a nice night out.

★★★★★
July 27, 2024

Love the new place! Cocktails are delicious as always! The pizza is on fire! Sooo delicious! We also had the sweet potato Hummas also, *drool*. You guys are doing a great job. Congratulations on the move!

★★★★★
November 19, 2023

Looking for a cocktail bar is relatively easy, but finding a good cocktail bar is a bit harder. The Grand Trunk Saloon is one of those good ones, with both a creative atmosphere and staff that knows what they’re doing. The drinks served here are creative in both appearances and taste, and even if you want something more to your specific taste, the staff can make you just what you’re looking for! Also all the ingredients are vibrant, even the ice. Food-wise it’s delicious, though maybe not super traditional to what one may expect. The frites for example as some assume it’s some special fries, aren’t even potato. That doesn’t remove from the flavour however, they still pack quite the punch! It can be a touch pricey however, but as the saying goes, you pay more for good quality. I do recommend taking a visit here, with friends, a first date, or even yourself if you’re looking for a good drink!

★★★★
June 16, 2019

The new location is fantastic, great atmosphere! Food is always fantastic here, never had a bad dish. The bucket of chicken on Tuesday is a favourite of ours, especially when paired with a couple side dishes.

★★★★★
November 24, 2024

The pizza here blew my mind. So good. My only criticism is that the crust could have been more flavourful, but that s nit picking. 5 stars absolutely.

★★★★★
November 22, 2024

Awesome new location, same delicious food, and friendly service. Tried the pizza at lunch and it was great too. Grand Trunk is worth making the trip into DTK!

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 22, 2024

Wow! Amazing food and drinks. Highly recommend.

★★★★★
November 22, 2024

Dietary restrictions: Yummy plant based options. Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 22, 2024

The best pizza in KW I d dare to say!

November 22, 2024

Average place Food service- Too slow Drinks menu- Multiple options Food menu- Really few choices and still the wait time is too long Vibe- Good

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 22, 2024

The smaller location, felt more western/cozy, but I love seeing the upgrade and their drinks are well balanced and well worth it -- feels like a Toronto/GTA level experience in KW!

★★★
Local Guide
October 22, 2024

They shouldn t call their polenta fries frites . Or explicitly say they arent fries. That honestly threw me off and I didn t like them. Had to read reviews to see what whey were even made of. Just make fries. Or don t call them that. Coffee and cigarette old fashioned and fried chicken are the two good things about this place. Probably won t go back unless my husband wants fried chicken specifically.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 22, 2024

New location is very nice. Parking can be a pain downtown so be prepared to walk a bit for parking. ALTHOUGH! The chicken is fantastic! I highly recommend going for chicken and some apps. You will not be disappointed in the chicken. They have a nice cocktail menu as well. Definitely will go back. Parking: Downtown can be tough to find parking. Be prepared to walk a bit. But worth it!

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 22, 2024

Currently my second favourite bar DTK. The beer selection contains good beer but its small. The food is good. Edit: They are open relatively late which is awesome! Also No TVs, always appreciated.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 22, 2024

Cocktail was pricey, but delicious. The fried chicken and seitan were fantastic. Must try the habanero cane syrup too. Vegetarian options: They have fried seitan instead of chicken and it was delicious. Mac and cheese was great too.

★★★★★
October 22, 2024

Cool, atmosphere, the coffee and cigarettes cocktail is a great one. Very chilled out vibe. They also do these brussels sprouts which are weirdly good.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 22, 2024

We have been going to Grand Trunk since it opened and have been to their new location on King St twice. The new space is bright and airy yet still the warm and inviting feels like the OG location. At the new location we ve gone as a couple and with friends, had a variety of food and cocktails, and never fails to disappoint. Great food, great service and great new location!

★★★★★
October 22, 2024

Delicious pizza, great service, love the decor & atmosphere.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

Great lunch prices and nice little patio!

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

Really love this place, then they moved and it got better in every way. Cocktails are as A+mazing as ever with an elevated bar experience to boot. Awesome lounge area and a cozy dining room. The wood fire oven is among my favourites of the upgrades. The pizza is the best Ive had in a long time. Were out of town and its definitely worth the drive. Highly recommend checking this place out.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

I don t know how I lived here for over 4 years before finding this place. I ve been vegan over 10 years and have never had better seitan chicken. It is simply out of this world good. Most places have a brussel sprouts dish these days. This one s better and it just happens to be plant based. The pineapple upside down cake is unreal, and again, just happens to be plant based. I can t wait to come back and try the other offerings for vegans (2 different pizzas, roast root veg, a coleslaw, and I ll have to get MORE seitan chicken). I now implicitly trust this kitchen, the food was so incredible. Dining room has a great vibe, our server was great blah blah blah,.. that seitan tho. Vegetarian options: Lots of vegan options.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

Prosciutto Riesling vinaigrette peach salads outrageously good you gotta try this place so delish and the Staff and owner are amazing folks Food was so gd I tried to duplicate it at home the next week...never been so excited mmmm a meat salad Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

New location, same cocktails, and new pizzas. SPAM and pineapple is my favorite

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 22, 2024

Stopped in for a quick lunch, had the peach prosciutto salad which was light, refreshing and hit the spot. Friendly service, sat on the patio but the inside has a great atmosphere, everything is well put together from the decor to the food to the clearest ice in all of Kitchener! Didn t have a cocktail but will definitely be back to enjoy a few.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 22, 2024

Service was top notch, drinks were phenomenal, crowd 5/5. Check out this place

★★★★★
August 22, 2024

Really good food and service! Brussel sprouts were so good. Highly recommend!!

★★★★
Local Guide
August 22, 2024

The pizza was delicious, one of the best Ive had, but it was so noisy it was difficult to have a conversation. Try turning the music down, eh?

★★
August 22, 2024

Im glad we got to eat here when the food was still good! Your new location and has a patio, which is the only improvement. You destroyed your menu by taking off the beef rib, burger, cornbread, pickles... Your fried chicken is no where near as good as it once was either... I used to love The Saloon, not so much anymore

★★
August 22, 2024

The restaurants original location had a quiet charm and cozy atmosphere. It also has a fantastic sign you could actually see. We went to the new location for a birthday dinner and had difficulty finding it. The old sign is gone and the new one is tiny and easy to miss. The interior was supringly chic. The bar looked like it came from the original spot and one of the pianos as well. The only complaint was from the guests facing the open pizza kitchen. Its not pretty. The atmosphere was loud. Thats it, just loud. You had to yell across the table to hear. We didnt mind the music but it was too loud. All the guests had to shout over the music to be heard. When we asked to turn it down we received a sorry, no, if its quieter all we hear are the voices echoing. Aside from her logic being scientifically unsound, she was rude and dismissive. This leads to the review of the service. Little to review honestly.. Way too little in fact. The service was terribly slow. Waited 30 minutes for our drinks and another hour before we saw our food. Our server didnt come back to our table, we had to go to her. Twice. The food though, was excellent and exactly as we expected. Some favourites are off the menu but there is now pizza. I expect its as tasty as the rest of the food. Smelled delicious coming out of the beige cubical pizza oven covered in 80s floor tile. Well continue to be takeout customers, fried chicken is the best around. But we wont be going back to the restaurant nor recommending it to friends. The slow service could have been tolerated if table conversation didnt require screaming.

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

Best fried pickle and chicken I ve ever had! The fried pickle chips are to die for. They need to make this a regular menu item for sure! Food : 5/5

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

Just an incredible atmosphere and effort level put into everything they do here.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 22, 2024

amazing cocktails and great food!! Recommend the bourdain mortadella sandwich

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

We stopped here after the Cruise night and realized it just opened in its new location.We were impressed with everything and everyone there working hard to make the opening a success.We will be back!

★★★
July 22, 2024

Visited the new location. Prefer the vibe of the old one however this one is very nice. Drink prices are higher than before so its not really worth going anymore. Paid $80 for 4 drinks which still take 10-15 mins to come out.

July 22, 2024

I used to go to the previous place and that place was amazing. Now they lost their vibe. It is too bright as a cocktail bar and too modern. The price became too high as well. Too bad for Winology. The Winology probably spent a lot of money for wood fire oven and hood.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 22, 2024

I have enjoyed this place for years. The food and cocktails are always fantastic!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 22, 2024

Could be a little brighter with the lighting, but the fried chicken and fresh dill coleslaw is amazing so in the mood for that, this is the spot for you. Excellent Bartender as well.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 22, 2024

This place is discreet, but when you enter the environment is very well decorated. I had dinner and enjoyed the great experience in an Old Fashioned, fantastic!

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 22, 2024

The chicken and waffles plate was great. The coleslaw was really yummy too. Adding a side (small cup of coleslaw) to the chicken basket would have been perfect.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 22, 2024

Amazing vibe! Great little hidden gem! I will definitely be back!

Local Guide
April 22, 2024

Overrated

★★★
April 22, 2024

Takeout fried chicken was soggy. The hot sauce recipe has changed since a couple of years ago. Its still good but not as good as expected.

★★★★★
April 22, 2024

Most delicious fried chicken Ive ever had! Brussel sprouts & Mac & cheese are super tasty, as was the shrimp appetizer. Awesome whiskey sour & the service was friendly & accommodating. Only recommendation would be to warm up the back dining area a little.....its very dark which made it feel kind of gloomy and a little bit stark.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 22, 2024

There buttermilk fried chicken and deep fried brussel sprouts are so delish.

★★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

Tried chips n dip, and fried chicken. The chips were freshly made, the fried chicken was tender and juicy and it was made fresh. Amazing quality of food and they have a good variety of cocktails Drinks are a little expensive, but theyre good.

★★★★★
March 22, 2024

The tenderest boneless chicken you ever had in your life. The shrimp with goat cheese mouth watering. MAC and Cheese was awesome! Specialty Drink Dark and Stormy was spot on done exactly right.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

Such a great vibe. If you are looking for great food and delightful drinks and a proper cocktail, this is the place to go.

★★★★★
February 22, 2024

One of the best food experiences Ive had in Ontario. This would be soooo popular in Vancouver. Thank you!

★★★★
February 22, 2024

It was slightly too loud for my liking but I understand that it was also a bar so it makes sense. The drinks are really expensive ($16+) but the chicken is perfection.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

We tried this Bar/Restaurant for the first time last night and we were so pleased! The food and service was great! We had the Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Mac And Cheese and Coleslaw and everything was so flavourful. The chicken was so tender! I also had the Nogroni (non-alcohol) and it was perfect.

★★★★★
February 22, 2024

Chicken and waffles and the Caprese Empanadas were excellent. The bread and butter as an appetizer were tasty but over-priced.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

Knowledgable senior-level bartenders with complex understanding of spirits and the distiller industry. Theyre passionate about guiding customers through the selection at the bar and find something that suits your palette. I learned that palette keeps changing and I found myself appreciating liquors that Id previously discounted. A much appreciated jewel in this region! Letting the staff try out the liquor and empowering them to constantly learn is definitely the right move. I sat at the bar on 2024-02-16, I tried out just the spirits/cocktails.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 22, 2024

Great cocktails! Lovely service! Makes you chill.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Delicious cocktails and food

Local Guide
December 22, 2023

After reading alot of the reviews I decided to give The Grand Trunk Saloon a try with a coworker. Honestly, please avoid. I had a random tobacco cocktail that tastes similar to a glass of bourbon with cigarettes butts in it, had a a $15 Moscow mule that just had all the gin sitting in the bottom insured and they did not have any ameretto to make an ameretto sour. If you need to use the facilities, please go outside. The bathroom was a disaster. Will not return and cannot recommend to anyone. Also, hope you have a high paying job to come here and bring a flashlight, insanely dark inside. Prices are higher than Langdon Hall! Additionally, if you cannot park in the free parking (good luck finding it and it having any open spots) youll have to park across the street for $12 an hour. I didnt even finish any of the drinks, would rather have my time and money back .

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great customer service and GREAAT FOOD...I had the shrimp & grits and the kind waitress explained the octopus & grit promo which I politely declined. The drinks are absolutely amazing...I ordered the Desperado and it was worth the price! Very potent and delicious. Their hot sauce is made in-house and is absolutely delicious. I wish they sold their hot sauce in bottles, I wouldve bought it. Its hard to find a good hot sauce and this place definitely takes pride in making good ones!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Love the chicken on waffle! It s a nice place to drink and hang out with friends. I don t drink but I definitely will come back for the fried chicken. It s so crispy and juicy!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Great food and service. The drinks are also very fun! Not the cheapest but the servings are pretty large ~ will keep coming back

★★
December 22, 2023

I wait for an hour and a half for just taking this poor soup, I don t know why we need for 45 minutes just taking this poor appetizer. And nobody come and check us during that time for asking the continued dishes. So I have to return the rest of the food, poor day

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Absolutely wonderful. The food was fantastic and the barkeep was phenomenal: willing to entertain custom requests and talk us through each drink he made. Cannot recommend enough.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

We wanted to try this place nearby home and it didnt disappoint. Cocktails are super good, and food is also good. We took chicken waffle and the burger. The chicken was really good, the waffle was ok. I guess I am just not a fan of this combination, but wanted to try it out.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

One of my favorite places in KW! The Grand Trunk is perfect for date night or a business dinner. Excellent cocktails!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Excellent service and great food. Very generous portions and super filling. Would recommend the fried pickles!

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I love the atmosphere, a wonderful secluded place to relax. While they are the best cocktails i have ever had... the drinks extremely expensive. $15 per drink. Granted the complexity/depth of the drinks allow you to sip for a good 30 mins per drink, i feel the price is in the Ill visit maybe once every 2 months kind of range. Havent tried the food yet.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great vibe Great menu Friendly staff Would recommend 10/10!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

We got the bucket of chicken and the Mac and Cheese. Both were delicious! The cocktails were also great

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

INCREDIBLE in every aspect -- drinks, apps, mains, service, ambience. An absolutely smashing surprise. 5 stars. Will definitely be back.

★★
December 22, 2023

Ordered the Chicken and Waffles, the Beef Ribs and the Peach Creme Brule. The chicken was juicy and flavourful, the waffles were limp and tasteless. I liked the sausage gravy but felt something sweet was missing. The beef ribs were 29$ and basically were a child size portion. One rib. One. The corn suckatash was ok - my boyfriend was still starving. We decided to have the Peach Creme Brule. It was half warm, half ice cold, not very smooth and the sugar on top was badly burnt. I mentioned it to the server and the response from her was the translation is burnt cream. The sugar was black and tasted like burnt sugar stuck to the bottom of a pan. I had high hopes for this place, but we will not be back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Thank-you for this amazing, genuine Southern chicken experience... Gus in Memphis take note... add now New Orleans Creole style shrimp and grits... wow... deep South food travel experience without the need for a plane ticket. Come and enjoy!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

A great place for some really great food! Totally surpassed my expectations. Cant wait to go back!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Thursday special was amazing! Very nice little pub, great cocktail menu too!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Celebrated our friends birthday. We were a group of 5. Every dish on the simple Mamie was amazing.

December 22, 2023

Dont understand how this place has so many positive reviews. I think this is the worst service Ive ever experienced. The server was rude and it took over 10 minutes for me to receive my drink when there was at most 2 other customers. Dont go here what a waste of time and money for a mediocre drink. Update April 2023: Tried here again, bartender service still slower than ever. Shouldn t take 10 min to pour a beer. Stop twiddling your thumbs behind the counter.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Amazing food in this little spot!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I had a great meal. And our server was very accommodating. Id recommend this place for someone looking for great bourbon drinks

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great cocktails, great ambiance, incredible chicken, the best Brussels sprouts youll ever eat in your life.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Love the zero proof drink options and the pimento cheese with pork rinds was delicious too

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Nice atmosphere and staff

★★★★
December 22, 2023

Love the atmosphere in this place and music. Had one of the cocktails it was great, though its not listed on websites current posted menu. Had the tamales. Never had tamales before but the toppings were delicious. This is a comfort food place, not as many healthy options and a bit pricy. But I enjoyed the experience and the service was great.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great food, great price, great atmosphere

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Amazing time and amazing place! Our server was Aldijana and she was an absolute gem! Cocktails were amazing and powerful! Atmosphere was incredible. Vegetarian options: The vegetarian and vegan options were amazing!! Best fake chicken ever :P the side Mac and cheese was absolutely wonderful and had a nice kick to it!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

The chicken and waffles are amazing! They really should have these waffles as desert, in my opinion, they are so good! This is a cozy little place with nice cocktails and unexpectedly good food, highly recommended! Food

December 22, 2023

Went with a friend at 5.45pm before an 8pm show at CITS. Ordered a few drinks and food right away. Got drinks and an appetizer. Waited over an hour for 2 mains. Finally asked our sever and kept getting told it would be 10 more min. Then we asked for our bill so we could settle up as we had to get to a show. Server took this as we wanted our food cancelled. She comped our food but we explained we still needed to eat. She clearly misunderstood us. We had 12 min to spare to walk up to CITS. She got us our food to go and had to scarf it down while walking up Queen St. Unsure why it took 2 hours for 2 simple mains when the restaurant filled and emptied in the time we were there. Couldnt really enjoy the food as we had to eat it while walking. Then felt quite ill for the rest of the evening (mac and cheese). Disappointing.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

The staff know their stuff when it comes to mixology thats for sure! Its always such a treat for date night to pop in for a cocktail and some buscuits! Coffee and Cigarettes is always an instant win! Parking: There is free parking around the area depending on time and if you know where to look

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Fried chicken and their gravy sauce are the best. Great selection of cocktail too

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great place to chill and relax.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

The best cocktails in Kitchener. Get something with the hominy fries, they are unique and unreal.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I love this place. Best fried chicken in kw! The drinks are always pretty cool too.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Food was really good, decent portion. I tried a non alcoholic drink and was highly disappointed (including my buddy who had got same stuff). Atmosphere is ok, definitely need more light. Couldnt feel satisfied comparing to cost of dinning. To management: please use simple English for the menu where people can actually understand what the food is. 5 of us, no had much idea to translate, kept asking the server and she was in a rush.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

They hosted a last-minute event for 30 of us and did a phenomenal job! The cocktails were some of the best I ve ever had. The server was wonderful and the ambience was just right. Good choice of music without being overbearing. Highly recommend!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Unique and fun cocktail bar. REALLY good cocktails. Great atmosphere. Fun. Our go to when in Kitchener for the evening Vegetarian options: Couple good options

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

So great for chicken !!!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Staff were great. Had the chicken and waffles. Waffles were fine, chicken was outstanding.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

My favourite fried chicken in KW.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Fabulous drinks, food and waitstaff. Love the low lighting and overall ambiance. Worth a visit!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Really enjoyed my burger, hominy fries, and cocktail. After a strange and unsettled day, I was really set right by well-prepared food and friendly staff. Thank you so much for your hospitality and for the care you put into preparing your unique menu. The Grand Trunk will be my first recommendation for newcomers to the area looking for a comforting meal.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great drinks and atmosphere. Bartender Dan is awesome and takes great pride in his craft.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Never disappoints. Great spot.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Nestled in the heart of Kitchener, the Grand Trunk Saloon is a hidden gem that caters to both the connoisseurs of fine cocktails and those seeking a memorable dining experience. If I were to sum up my recent visit in one word, it would be artistry. From the moment you step inside this charming establishment, you are transported into a world where cocktails are elevated to a form of high art. The first thing that struck me upon entering Grand Trunk Saloon was the exquisite ambiance. The dimly lit interior is adorned with vintage decor, creating an intimate and inviting atmosphere. Its the kind of place where you feel comfortable whether youre dressed to the nines or just stopping by after a long day. The cocktails are the true stars of the show. Each drink is a work of art, a masterpiece meticulously crafted to please both the eyes and the taste buds. In fact, the cocktails are so visually stunning that you almost hesitate to take that first sip, not wanting to disrupt the intricate arrangement of ingredients. The mixologists at Grand Trunk Saloon have a genuine talent for turning drinks into pieces of art, and they take immense pride in their creations. What truly sets this place apart, however, is that these cocktails arent just beautiful; they taste even better than they look. The use of handcrafted juices and syrups is evident in every sip. You can taste the freshness and quality in every ingredient. The balance of flavors is nothing short of perfection. The delicate presentation, with a garnish of edible flowers, added a touch of whimsy to an already enchanting concoction. Whether you prefer something sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, the extensive menu has something for everyone. The staff at Grand Trunk Saloon are knowledgeable and passionate about their craft. They are more than happy to recommend a drink that suits your preferences or even create a custom cocktail if youre feeling adventurous. Their enthusiasm is contagious, making the experience even more enjoyable. In addition to the cocktails, the food offerings are equally impressive. The menu features a selection of small plates and entrees, all thoughtfully curated to complement the drink offerings. The flavors are bold, and the presentation matches the same level of artistry as the cocktails. The Grand Trunk Saloon is a place that truly stands out in a sea of dining options. Its a haven for those who appreciate the finer things in life, and is a must-visit for anyone looking to elevate their dining and drinking experience. While the cocktails might look almost too beautiful to drink, they will leave you with memories that are as unforgettable as they are delicious. Grand Trunk Saloon is not just a restaurant; its a masterpiece for the senses.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

The best in KW! Food , cocktails. Has the best ambiance and vibe my favourite KW spot !!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

If you havent been, you need to go. The best fried chicken the region has to offer. Incredible cocktails alongside some top notch staff. Been numerous times and will continue to go. Support local!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

August 2023- get the hominy fries and fried pickles. wow. wow. wow. called in an order after walking at Victoria park and picked up a bucket ochicken, side of mac cheese/pickles/cornbread and brought home. Must have the habenero syrup with the chicken. Even our son who is a picky eater enjoyed the chicken. Definitely recommend.

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Service and atmosphere were fantastic Chicken waffle was so disappointed, waffles were soggy and only two pieces of small chicken were given. Food : 2/5

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Amazing food and drinks! They don t charge enough for what you get.

★★★
December 22, 2023

The food was good, the service was horrible! Took 10 min to get drinks and there were only 2 tables there so not busy. Didn t check in on us, some of the food to the table was so late that 5 of us finished and she asked us if we wanted the bills and 1 persons food didnt even come out yet, no companion on it what so ever.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great selection of Cocktails, really unique & fantastic Id say! The place small so you will be lucky if you get a table but they usually start you off at the bar if no tables available. The ambience is Dark but is a full vibe. The servers/bartenders are great. They have limited options on their food menu but everything is incredible! I had the Chicken and Waffles and it was to DIE for! Chicken was soo soo good and it paired so well with the spicy cane syrup! I had the Fig-based cocktail and it was yum! Their fiery cheese dip is great; literally on Fire! Their 6-piece Fried Chicken is also very popular and is the same chicken that come with the Waffles so Id recommend getting the 6 piece if you are going to share with a larger group or else indulge in the Waffles like I did. Definitely going back again! The only downside is this place has terrible parking options, youll spend at least 20mins to find parking and they do no reservations. So it might get inconvenient sometimes.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

I was pleasantly surprised by this place. The layout is a bit odd/narrow but the food and drinks are amazing. I need to particularly highlight the drinks. I m a cocktail snob and the drinks we had were better than most of the popular cocktail bars in Toronto. They had a great selection that covered most palettes and the drinks were inventive and super well balanced. Loved the Venn diagram for the drink menu. Looking forward to coming back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

First time there and their new burger (apparently just added tonight) was sooooo good. I dont even remember what was on it, but the flavors were amazing.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I really like this place. Cool vibe, great decor and delicious food and drinks. My only complaint is the price: $45 seemed high for a beer, a cocktail and a small appetizer. Its not that fancy of a spot to justify those sort of prices. Otherwise, I enjoyed it.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I tried this place for the first time, the chicken was great! It came out really hot and juicy. Well seasoned on the outside and all the pieces were thigh pieces which is great. The prices did vary in size white a bit. There Tuesday special used to be 10 pieces for $20 but is now $30. A higher price point then I would like but still a solid meal as far as the taste goes. Great for making chicken burgers with the leftovers too.

Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Came here and was told the wait would be around 30 minutes. We waited for about 50 minutes and called it quits and only received a phone call at the 1 hour 10 minute mark and had decided to go someplace else. In the time we waited we saw nearly 7 groups leave, and the wait staff didnt seem too concerned with even telling us how much longer it would take or if we would even be seated before the kitchen closed. Also wanted to mention that in the entire period we waited, people.kept leaving, but they didnt seat anyone. The food here IS good as known from previous experience but the time management on the account of the staff and host staff was terrible. Its really disappointing that this one expérience soured our opinion for this place. Wont be back.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

This is literally the best food you can get in KW. They have the best friend chicken, brussel sprouts and Mac n cheese ive ever had. Ive been 6 times and each time they have been consistently amazing Parking: Parking right behind the restaurant. Free after 5. Decent amount of spots. Only once Ive had to park somewhere else

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great selection of drinks. Really good food items, like the Brussel sprouts dish.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Incredible fried chicken, great vibes, very cute date spot. Mac and cheese is also incredible.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great adult vibe. Havent eaten there lately but always like the fried chicken.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Smaller menu, but what they have, is done well. Cocktails are delicious, but do seem a tad bit expensive. Nice atmosphere, and friendly staff.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

fantastic cocktails!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

This intimate old time setting easily has the best cocktails in town. They always have at least one solid vegan item on the menu as well, along with both lounge-style, bar, and table dining. Great staff!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Have been with friends a few times. Great cocktails and the fried chicken is fantastic. Sometimes a little slow service, and it can be hard to hear those sitting right by you when it gets busy. But a good time nonetheless!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Best cocktail drinks made here. Friendly staff. Amazing customer service. Celebrated new year eve with a champagne!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great food, great service. Definitely try the fried chicken and a cocktail!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Delicious food, fantastic cocktails

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Was happy to be able to finally enjoy some coffee and cigarettes! Love the Grand Trunk!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great atmosphere, delicious food and pleasant staff! This is the perfect place to eat and be merry! The chicken and waffles are highly recommended. The location is conveniently located just off King St, not too far from Victoria Park. We will definitely be back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Went there for Dinner. Cocktail menu was great. But even better.... Was the fried Chicken. So ready. Great pub. Cant wait until all Covid restrictions to be gone. Going to bring all my friends for my Birthday party to this place. Until then.... Lots of fried chicken take-out.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Fried chicken and mac n cheese is really good. Nice decor and vibe.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

On a normal day, I would call this one of the best bars/restaurants in Ontario. The atmosphere is the perfect blend of rustic and nice. The music is basically a playlist of my all time favourites or would-be favourites. The staff is polite, fun, and attentive. The food? O. M. G. However, lately I ve been making a point to come here after visiting a relative in the hospital. After a long day of commuting (with more to come) and a very emotional visit, the Grand Trunk became an incredible comfort to me. The food was so good it would cost X2/3 in Toronto, and definitely qualifies as comfort food for me (suuuuper delicious but not unhealthy, with GF/V/VE options), and with the music and friendly staff, it suddenly become a big HUG of a bar when I needed it most. I first came here when I worked briefly in KW. I could tell then it was special (Gumbo on the menu??? *at the time), but I can tell now that it is one of those truly special establishments that will stay with me for a long time. Thank you so much to the staff in FOH and BOH, and anyone else. You made a huge difference in this person s life.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Fantastic food, great cocktails, nice atmosphere

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Food and drink have always been great. Love the dark, moody interior atmosphere and the little alleyway patio is great in the warmer months!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The vibe in this place is on point. Peaky Blinders would have loved the sultry couches in the front, period lighting and smoky feel to the joint. Think worn leather + bourbon + occasional old west gun fights. Drinks are layered with elevated flavours and the menu has a ton of delicious gluten free options. Portion sizes are generous and hearty.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

First time here I definitely will he coming back! Was welcomed in by a friendly and knowledgeable server. Wasnt sure about their tap beer available and they where kind enough to give me a sample to try. I had the Brussel sprout appetizer, it was filling and flavourful. My double bacon cheeseburger was cooked perfectly and most important the bun wasnt soggy.

Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Do not go here unless you are from the 60s. Dirty Smells The locals love it but for fine dining no way. Weird food. Theres many other options close by.

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

There are too many others places in the area to waste your time going here. Understaffed, dirty, smelly, but lots of regulars who dont care. We didnt get it. Sorry I usually support business.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Fantastic ambiance, food and drinks.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

We got the chicken and waffles and burger. The food was fresh, high quality, made from scratch and so delicious! The service was kind and fast. The restaurant is small but modern and comfortable. Its dark inside but the eyes adjust after a few minutes. Cute decor of a modern wild west. Prices are fair. Great place. I will definitely come back. And they have a sister restaurant nearby thats a Hawaiian theme (Grand Trunk). I will visit that too knowing how delicious this place was.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Blown away... food was amazing, service was beyond excellent, drinks were creative and delicious. I got the chicken and waffles for dinner and wooowww....fresh, seasoned perfectly and big portion for the price... I will be back and cant wait to try their sister location up the street.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Unique cocktails and amazing chicken and waffles.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Solid experience as always. Coffee & Cigarettes + Bucket of Chicken is always a good combo. Helena and Maddie were two and made it a great experience.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The fried chicken here is off the hook. Other great items include the Brussel sprouts, cheese dip, and mac and cheese.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Nice atmosphere, food was meh, not great but not bad. The drinks were good but a little on the pricier side. Id give it a 3.5 if they had the half star!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Interesting menu and good drinks and bar. You have to like a side of broiled crab claws. Their bucket of Chicken is great.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

What a great experience. From the cocktails, which define creativity, to the appetizers that come with carb free dippers, to the unique take on dessert, it is a very recommended option for date night or to just hang out!! We will definitely be back, there are more cocktails to try!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great food and drinks. The soup of the day was delicious and the fried chicken (10 piece special for $25 on Tuesdays - regular is 6 piece for $25) had a nice crunch with a bit of spice!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great spot for mixed drinks downtown, try the Coffee and Cigarettes

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Very neat little place. Was out with friends and they brought us here. Would have never know it was there. Had some very good food and some even better drinks. Good service to boot.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Absolutely love this restaurant! I feel like its definitely one of those hidden gems in Kitchener. The staff are super friendly, and the overall atmosphere is great! The food is also delicious and there are a good amount of vegetarian options too.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Full of Character and Great Taste. We love this place. Definitely a unique vibe for KW. The food is amazing, following a SW theme, and in particular the fried chicken and waffles is a standout. On top of the food, their cocktails are the big draw. Mostly based on bourbon, they span the gamut from standard fare, to some pretty interesting combinations. Coffee and Cigarettes comes to mind, made with their own tobacco styled bitters. We ve left KW, but when we return, this is definitely on the list.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Came in on Saturday night and had Cass as my server, she was so knowledgeable and friendly - recommended tasty drinks and the Brussel sprouts (which were delicious!) and saw her helping out staff on the floor as well.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Very good fried chicken but the coleslaw was really bitter and the Brussels sprouts were a little over cooked and soaked in oil. Drinks were good tho not mind blowing

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

We were lucky that we could grab a table on a Friday evening. The fried chicken, biscuits, hominy frites and brussel sprouts were amazing! Great value for the portion size, it fed 3 of us and we took home leftovers. Service was friendly too. The drink menu is full of unique and delicious cocktails. Thanks for a great meal!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Love this place. Great food, amazing cocktails and super service. Highly recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The food was outstanding as was the service.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Delicious food and libations

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

One of those places Ive always wanted to go. Mac and Cheese was AMAZING along with the service! Drinks were expensive and beer menu was limited. Took a while to get the drinks and was pretty disappointed with them overall (perhaps Im not mixology worthy but just my thoughts) ...

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Grand Trunk has it figured out, small menu that executes every item to incredible perfection. Great staff and interesting cocktails. We also like their sister location, Grand Surf. Tiki themed drinking hole just down the block

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Loved everything here ! The cocktails were fantastic we ordered the Firebird & Cabin Fever and both were 10/10. They were able to get all the flavours mentioned in the description into the drink. Nothing tasted fake or too sweet or overpowering but instead I found the drinks perfectly balanced. We also ordered the polenta fries which I could probably eat everyday. Don t skip on those they are a must ! (Hominy fries) the potato chips were also good and tasted home made.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The stars of this menu are the cheesy grits and the watermelon salad. The cocktails and mocktails are creative and very well executed. The place has a cool, speakeasy vibe. Excellent date night place. Intimate and down to earth, thoughtful and carefully considered menu and service.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

BEST FRIED CHICKEN IN TOWN! no joke, dont look further, you wont regret it!!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Great place. Its like a cool NYC spot, upscale bar mixed with grunge/dark vibe, with good music. Really enjoyed the cocktails, the tequila one and the Rob Roy specifically. Loved the fried chicken and collard greens, the scotch egg was out of this world good. Service was also good. Cant wait to go back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Love this place. Give the bartender some freedom and youll have a blast. The boiled peanuts are quite nice, and in general food is reliable with a Southwest flair.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Great cocktail bar with a fun atmosphere and good menu!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

This is our favorite place!!!! The food is phenomenal and do not skip the whiskey bar. Original drinks and laid back atmosphere! Trust me, Get the chicken and waffles!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Sam and Madison were amazing!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Amazing food, amazing staff and aMazing experience

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great beer

Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Unfortunately I sat at the bar. I heard the food is good and so I made the trip down to check it out. As a business traveller, usually alone, the bar is often the best place to sit. The two staff behind the bar, as I sat down, were clearly engaged in some other super important conversation, based on the way they were staring at their phones, because it took a good 5 min for them to recognize I was there. Although to their credit, I was was the only one at the bar so I could see how they missed me. I was greeted like I had just (5 minutes earlier) interrupted their personal time and asked reluctantly if I wanted anything. I ordered and drank my craft beer, which was very good, and sat waiting for some kind of interaction which unfortunately never came. They had many other important things to do like, look up and write down very import drink recipes and juice oranges. Anyway long story short. Don t sit at the bar. Even though they re 3 away, you might as well be 50 away. They don t care. Thankfully I won t be back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The chicken is amazing! Maddison was excellent with her suggestions and service. Will definitely come back and recommend to friends and family.

★★
December 22, 2022

Had dinner here last night. Venue is very cute, wait staff are fantastic, had one of the cocktails which was amazing! The food..... terrible in my opinion. Polenta fries??? Why? And chunks of polenta on the bottom of my tamales. Why?? A cute spot for drinks definitely - food? Never again.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Ive been here about 3 times now and have never been disappointed. From service, to atmosphere, to food, they dont disappoint. I always get the same thing (chicken and waffles) and each time it tastes amazing. Since I dont eat pork I ask to have the collards subbed for the fried brussel sprouts which I find goes perfectly with dish. The portions are great so Im never left feeling hungry. Ive also tried a few cocktails and a mocktail that have also been really good. Their drinks arent on the sweet side (I usually prefer my drinks sweet), but the flavors are so well balanced theyre still delicious for someone like me. Not pictured is the creme brulee I had for dessert which was also quite yummy.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The beer was amazing. The waffles? Even better. But the best part of this Grand Saloon, above all else, was Cassandra s impeccable customer service. For that, I would travel over 4700km, from Vancouver, where I currently live, but occasional travel back home, to visit my friends, family, and of course, the Grand Trunk Saloon. An exquisite experience, every time, you won t regret YOUR time, at the Grand Trunk Saloon.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Stayed down the street, took a walk and was blown away with cocktails and appetizers at the Grand Trunk Saloon. The fried pickles are the best I ve ever had and that s saying a lot, they re a little spicy and so well executed. You can tell the creativity and passion that comes from the kitchen and it shows in the food. Cocktails we re perfect, stiff and unique. Loved the evening here, our server was amazing and I easily would return. Cheers!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great vibe. Better music. Amazing cocktails.

★★
December 22, 2022

Was better pre-pandemic, recipes changed, staff are not that friendly, just not the same :(

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great music, good food and drinks. Very cool saloon.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Best fried chicken in town.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Cute little neighbourhood spot! Staying up the street at the Wallper hotel! Amazing Paloma , fabulous homemade cesare salads and the Mac and cheese with 1 piece of chicken!