Wanting to spend time with a friend without too much work or commitment, we decided to head to The Keg in Burnaby. Convenient distance for me and out of the downtown Vancouver core.
Arriving at 3pm the restaurant was empty and the staff highly attentive. We made it in time for happy hour in their bar/lounge until 5pm. We were seated in the regular dining room, where you can unlock the happy hour menu and its offerings if you know to ask for them. And that we did. I had a $100 gift card and we decided to get the most bang for my buck, staying within this discounted menu and on that budget.
You automatically get a complimentary fresh serving of their ciabatta bun, sliced into four quadrants for easy ripping. Still steaming the harder butter easily melted into the chewy bun. The compound butter is like what which you would have with steak, with a strong vegetable flavour.
For drinks it was their happy hour red for me, they have discontinued all US wines and have replaced them with only BC options like this Culmina ‘R&D’ Merlot Blend from the Okanagan Valley. I liked pairing this with our mix matched meal to come.
My guest was enticed by the Black & Blue Margarita with teremana blanco, blue curacao, lime, agave, and black lava salt on the rim. Stunning in colour and tropical in taste.
I came in for their Billy Miner Pie so decided to order it for my entree, to ensure I would have the room for it and to be able to enjoy it in its entirety. Quick to melt this is mocha ice cream, chocolate crust, fudge, and caramel. The menu lists almonds, but I got none. Just as well, I like this for the crust aways.
Along with my wine I had my cake with a side of their Caesar Brussels Sprouts, on special for happy hour at $2 off. It mimics a Caesar salad, but with deep fried brussels sprouts in place of iceberg lettuce. And like a Caesar salad it was topped with a creamy dressing, croutons, and bacon bits. I liked the take, I’ve never seen anything else like this. Although it really didn’t need the salad dressing as each brussel sprout bulb was already fairly salty with the sweet tang of its dressed vinaigrette glaze.
The Scallops and Bacon were underwhelming, served as a single skewer on a large plate, accompanied by a martini cocktail sauce. Already fairly salty with the smoked bacon, a dip in the sauce was overkill. However, necessary, given how dry both the bacon and scallop were. I felt a little better knowing that we are least paid $4 less for this at happy hour pricing.
The Tuna Tartare was just as disappointing, and also $4 off for happy hour. The menu described it as seasoned ahi, although given the look and taste, they might have forgotten to. The fish was bland and the plain avocado did what it could. The crispy wonton chips at least were salted and offered some taste as its base. Sadly found them on the oily side.
The Prime Rib Sandwich is the best thing on the happy hour menu, however, you don’t get much of a discount at $24, $4 off. Same ciabatta as above with horseradish, roasted garlic mayo, caramelized onion, and cheddar. A fulsome entrée with tender ribbons of meat against a crunchy baguette and plenty of tangy kick from the mix of spreads. Normally served with a side of fries, my guest prefers rice, so got their mushroom rice with this instead.
In closing, a great meal out of convenience, and we definitely made the most of our $100 gift card. However, I still prefer their regular menu which includes their steaks.
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar – Burnaby
4510 Still Creek Ave, Burnaby, BC V5C OB5
(604) 294-4626
thekeg.com
