Kelsey’s Winnipeg Manitoba Canada

We originally planned on dining at another restaurant, however with a 30 min line up we decided to give Kelsey’s a shot. We have been to Kelsey’s on several occasions in the past, in various cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton, and Calgary and have never found their food to be anything special, this time would be no exception.


We were promptly seated and our drink orders taken. The waiter, who was very friendly and attentive, laughed at my light hearted comment about only being there because the other restaurant had a wait. On this trip we had a 2 year old boy and 10 year old girl with us. Parents out there can attest that having a well behaved 2 year old in a restaurant for more than 1 hour is sometimes a miracle, and that it can turn ugly rather swiftly when they are hungry, bored, or restless. In an attempt to ensure that we had a happy and occupied child, when the waiter took our order we requested that a small side plate with 10-12 fries be brought out earlier to feed him. The waiter at first seemed a bit confused by our request, but quickly caught on when we said to just take the fries off from one of our other plates. After ten minutes our waiter arrived with a small plate with some fries. As we were primarily focussed on occupying the kids to ensure that they didn't disturb the restaurants other patrons, we hadn't really noticed, until we had nothing left to occupy the child with, that our food had exceeded 30 mins from the time we ordered to arrive.

Approximately 10 minutes before our food came out the waiter dropped by quickly to advise us that our food would be right out. As we had been waiting for a bit, I assumed right away would have meant within the next few minutes. Considering that we both ordered the peppercorn burger with fries and gravy, and his daughter had the mild chicken wings, you’d wonder what took 40 mins to make? Where they slaughtering the cows and chickens in the back? Growing the potatoes maybe? The restaurant really wasn't that busy, and now I remember why I don`t usually come here.

The meals finally came out, although not all at once, as we had to wait for one of the orders of fries. Strangely they actually "deducted" the 10-12 fires they had brought us earlier from one of the plates. Certainly in their right to do so, but a little odd nonetheless. Although the burger was rather plain for toppings, the toppings were enough to offset the peppercorn spice. With two large onion rings, gruyere cheese, and ranch sauce on it, it was rather good. The fries were fresh and the beef based gravy was rather good as well. The chicken wings, keeping in mind my obvious bias for my partner's wings, were mediocre at best. They were medium in hotness, but soggy and tasteless, again something you could buy from the frozen section of your local grocery store and consume without having the hassle of paying a tip or going out.

From right after our drinks were ordered this experience sort of went downhill. I don't think it was really due to the waiter, who was attentive for the most part. Although we when we were ready to leave, we had to sit for another 15 mins to get and pay our bill. This experience has reminded me again why there is absolutely nothing particularly outstanding or memorable about the Kelsey’s chain, and because the food is average at best, the service should be that much more exceptional to make up for it. Odd that in a restaurant vertical that includes Earls, Joeys, and Moxies, Kelsey's still has yet to undergo any kind of renovation or re-inventing of itself. It still looks, feels, and tastes exactly like it did in the 90's...and it wasn't really all that great then either.


Location Visited: 655 Empress St , Winnipeg Manitoba

Ratings:

Ambiance: Casual
Presentation: Average
Price: $15/serving
Service: Below Average
Value: Average



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