Esplanade Bier Market

Too trendy and way too expensive

First off, we went to the new one at the new don Mills center but I am sure all 3 have the same menu and selections. After reading all the reviews, it kind of scared me off because I am not one to eat at a place just because it's the place to go too. There were 5 of us and the service was very good. I was not expecting that but I must say the girl did a great job keeping our glasses and tummies full. The big problem I have with this place is the cheapest entree was a $24 hamburger. They call it a T-bone burger made with kobe beef. A decent burger but was kind of bland in taste and they hardly give you any fries. For $24, they should fill that plate regardless if you can eat it or not. Instead they put the fries in this trendy little stainless steel cup. We ordered 2 of these. As for starters, we had no chopice but to order 2 poutines at $14 each! They hardly gave any poutine at all, maybe a hand full in each. Tasty, but way over priced! The girls had this chicken flatbread which was reasonably priced at around $14 but came with no sides. It was tasty. The drink menu was pretty big although the beer is focussed on more of the Euro beers than than anywhere else. A few that I wanted to try were not available. Overall, we had very good service and a good time but I cannot and will not go back and pay that kind of money for a burger just to say I went there where all the cool sports cars are parked outside. If you like trendy, go to the Bier Markt, if you like excellent food at a good price, go somewhere else.

Fondue

I love beer and I love a long list of options recited to me by memory... there seem to be so many negative reviews about the Bier Markt but... it's a pub, really, and a spacious, respectable one with Great Beer at that. I was at the Esplanade location last Friday afternoon around 4pm with my husband and some friends and we had a fantastic time drinking pints of Steigl, Erdinger weissbrau, Jupiler, and sharing fondue--wish there was a ski hill nearby. I've been here often, mainly for the beer, but last Friday the atmosphere was great, really quiet and just right for a late lunch. I wish the decor was a little cozier inside.

Worst experience in customer service

After having a nice meal, we were told we had to vacate our table and move to the bar. At the bar as we were trying to order a drink, an older couple felt we were in their space and started yelling and demanding with extreme use of profanity that we get out of their area and do we know who they are. I asked both the waitstaff and the manager to help my friends and I out. Especially as the waitress witnessed that we did not provoke them in anyway. The waitress simply suggested moving and said that there was nothing she could do. The Manager also said there was nothing he could do. A couple of girls are verbally attacked at a bar and there is nothing they can do? I find that extremely upsetting. I will never go back.

Stopped by 2 weeks ago with colleagues at 6:30pm on a Thursday. We were told to seat ourselves, as we were only there for appetizers and drinks. When our server finally arrived 20 minutes later, we were informed that he would require us to vacate the table by 8pm. We helped him out by vacating immediately and going next-door to enjoy ourselves at Scotland Yard. Here's a tip: If there are time constraints on the seating arrangements, you should specify this at the front door before asking your customers to seat themselves.

Great experience. Wait staff were very friendly and knowledgeble. The salmon was excellent, our apps were great. the selection of beer could not be better. Must go back soon. Only negative aspect was the very large percentage of smokers on dining outside on the patio. I pity the addiction but the reality now is that the outside fresh air dining experience is reserved for those that smoke. Had to go inside for desert...we were surrounded by smokers and it was not as pleasant as it should have been.