We dropped into Steamy’s yesterday to give it a shot. Steamy’s is a new-ish restaurant on Quinpool road in Halifax. There’s been a bit of an influx of new restaurants there so my wife wants to check them out to see what their deal is.
So the food at Steamy’s is meant to give you that authentic Montreal fast food feel. They do burgers, hot dogs, fries, poutine, battered fish, etc… How was it? Well it depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for something that has that definite Montreal flavour to it, you’re in luck. This is the closest you’ll get to it in Halifax. Have cabbage on your hot-dog, that ever-so-slightly spiced gravy on the poutine, it’s all there. If you’re not used to this kind of stuff, then it’ll be up to you as to how amazing their food is. It’s all good food so you don’t have be concerned about that, it’s just that you’ll likely hear things like, “the best poutine in Halifax!” Well I’ve come to find out that poutine is like wine, Everyone has a favourite and if you ask 10 people in a room, you’ll likely get at least 4 or 5 different answers.
The service was pretty terrible, mostly due to one employee who quite clearly did not want to be there and didn’t really seem to know much about what was going on. The owner(s)? were there and they seemed full of energy and very happy, but the front-line was about as upbeat as a goth funeral. My order only was put into a money saving combo after we asked for that. We also were over-charged for “upsizing” the combo from fries to a poutine according to their printed menu ($1.50 vs $1.00). Finally my apple juice transmuted itself into an orange juice somehow. Then again, I suppose if you’re used to Montreal, then this kind of service is about par for the course.
All-in-all, the food was a notch above average, service looks like a complete crap shoot, either great or terrible. Overall value wasn’t great but it wasn’t bad either. We both ate for a bit above $20 and got some better than average fast food.
If you want authentic Montreal junk food, this is the only place in the city to go. If not, this is just another place to get a hot-dog and hamburger.
Ling // May 31, 2009 at 10:34 am
I know what you mean about some restaurant staff who drive you nuts. First, they obviously don’t want to be there, and it’s plain that they’re onlydoing at as a last resort. And it makes them angry when you call them over. They don’t remember what you said, and it spoils the whole experience. If I find myself stuck with someone like that, I usually just walk out, rather than endure the torture.
Gorj Design // Jun 2, 2009 at 8:27 am
Well.. more and more places are becoming as the one you described. There are always problems, if not the food than the service . I usually don’t go and check new restaurants, I stick with one that I found is good for me and ask my friends if they checked the new ones .
Hotel Hiley // Jun 2, 2009 at 10:18 am
Bit of a generalisation, but often find fast food and lousy service go hand in hand. Often temporary staff who don’t really care as they’re not staying there that long.
On the other hand I’ve had poor service at expensive restaurants, and because you’re paying a lot more, it seems even worse!
Vero Beach movers // Jun 2, 2009 at 1:33 pm
I agree what you said about the different kinds of poutine. I’ve had it at a few places in Montreal and they were all a bit different. I usually like it, but I don’t like them all the same.
fast property sale // Jun 4, 2009 at 4:20 am
Nice review. I don’t understand how restaurants don’t get that service is one of the most important reasons why people would ever go back to their restaurant. I mean if a restaurant does average-above average food then of course its going to be the good customer service that brings back the customer isn’t it?
Beanie Babies // Jun 8, 2009 at 2:24 am
Oh man, I would kill for some poutine, its so deliciously good!
Real Time // Jun 11, 2009 at 1:03 am
Steamy’s! I’ve been there! I completely agree, it’s a fantastic dining experience.
Wedding Cake Toppers // Jun 15, 2009 at 8:27 am
hey i had also same experience in that Steamy s restaurant !thanks you reminded me that moment t!
PAT Testing // Jun 17, 2009 at 10:45 am
I have been to Steamy’s too. I love the whole evening and the venue
Training Courses // Jun 18, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Yes!! Good old Steamy’s, I love that place.
Steve // Jun 23, 2009 at 7:51 pm
The Montreal flavour is some of the best food around. I will have to give it a shot.
Seiko Watches // Jul 21, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Man! It is so frustrating to get bad service with ok food. It always seems to make the food taste bad as well. And I hate it when menu’s aren’t updated!