Originally we wanted to have lunch at the Irish Pub one door down from the Grill On King, but one glance at their menu (posted on the door) and Caron knew it wasn’t our cup of tea. I guess when you feel you don’t have an option, you tend to revert back to places you’ve been before. Last year when we were doing the tourist thing with the girls in this beautiful little town, we had stopped at the Grill On King to recoup our energy and enjoy a tasty lunch. Knowing that the food was of good quality, we decided on having lunch here again.

There wasn’t much of a line as so many restaurants along Queen street, so we had the choice of a patio table or the main dining room of the restaurant. In typical Canadian style, we opted for the patio since it was such a beautiful day. We soon regretted that, as our table was in the direct path of the sun’s rays and after about 10 minutes, we could already feel it’s scorching splendor. So words of caution… if you decide on dining on the patio area, do try to get a table that’s covered. Sun aside, the patio was lovely. Lined with beautiful window-like flower boxes in full bloom and with the constant flow of people and the horse carriages, it’s a great spot to enjoy a glass of wine or pint and people watch.

Our server made a brief introduction, then took our orders. The menu had a lot of choices, with the typical soup of the day, salads, pasta dishes, steak and other appetizing sounding dishes. We decided on ordering off the lunch menu and at just around $10, we decided on the classic burger served with salad tossed in a raspberry vinaigrette and fresh cut fries. I asked for my burger to be medium -well done, but it was explained that it’s against the law in Ontario (or is it Canada) to not fully cook a burger… basically all burgers must be well done. Our drinks arrived and before we could quench our thirst fully (remember we were in the direct sun), our food arrived. WOW! That was amazingly quick.

Caron was the first to attack this massive beast of a burger surround by healthy servings of the salad and fresh cut fries. And I could hear her mumble between bites, that the salad dressing was delightful. My side of mayonnaise arrived (fries must be enjoyed with a good helping of mayo) and after dressing my burger with ketchup locally made by the E.D. Smith company in Stoney Creek Ontario (love to see local businesses supporting each other) and other fixings, I too was pleasantly surprised by the salad. Not just the appetizing dressing, but the assortment of fresh greens that made up the salad.In all honesty the salad alone was worth the price of this complete meal.

Though we could tell that the fries were fresh cut, their sort of limp state and lukewarm finish was somewhat disappointing, but edible. We had a somewhat similar experience with the burgers, where due to being made well done they were a bit dry and just warm inside. With all the cooking it would need to be well done, you’d think it’s temperature would be a bit warmer, even hot. Now don’t get me wrong, the burger was delicious and very big. We could have easily shared one burger and still be full. Are we to assume that the burgers and fries are pre-made in batches? Which would explain why they didn’t have a “just off the grill and fryer” feel to them and why we got served so quickly after being seated.

I realize that it was a peak time of day with the lunch crowd, but we saw our server about 3 times during the entire meal. We found it a bit weird that she never came over to ask if we wanted anything else… not even a refill of our drinks. Our past experience was much better and though this visit wasn’t the greatest, given a chance we would return.

The overall atmosphere and food presentation was a fascinating and with the bill just under $30 with a tip, it’s very affordable (but we didn’t order any alcoholic drinks). Nothing beats sitting on a patio with loved ones or friends and taking in the beauty of Niagara On the Lake, during the short summers we tend to have these days. With the clatter of the horses pulling the romantic looking carriages within view, it made for an ideal spot for lunch while enjoying the outdoor ambiance. Since Grill On King is just off the main thoroughfare of Queen street, you’re not overwhelmed by the constant flow of traffic and people.

If you’re wondering about parking options, I found out that there’s free (but limited) parking at the rear of the restaurant. I heard that if you ask management, they may even allow you to keep your car there even when you’re done dining and ready to hit the shopping area.

Caron was unable to finish her meal and I though I gave a good fight, I too struggled. Remember, unless you want a tan on half of your body, do get a seat in the shaded potions of the patio area.

Grill On King
233 King, Niagara On The Lake, ON L0S1J0
Phone: (905) 468-7222

For more pics of our lunch date at Grill On King, do visit us on our Facebook page.. you can also get coupons and other fun stuff there. Plus you’ll get to keep up on our latest escapades through Ontario. You can also check out our videos on the YouTube Channel… maybe you made it onto one of our videos! Finally… before you go, do share your thoughts in the comment section below as we’d love to hear from you. Even if it’s just to say hi!

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It’s been a few years since we first drove through Niagara on the Lake during our hunt for “pick your own” cherries and I always wanted to go back and take in the vibe of this hip little town. Flooded with tourists when we first drove through, today was no different. But it was nice hearing all the different accents and languages spoken as we browsed the many specialty stores.

Last summer was a bust for us and we didn’t do much with our girls, so this year it’s our intention to do as much as we can… the winter takes a toll on us so we MUST enjoy the few warm months we get. From Hamilton it’s a short 40 minute drive and as soon as you get off the QEW you find yourself driving through all the beautiful vineyards and fruit orchards. And do watch out for the many people you’ll pass on bicycles.

Parking! Is a bit on the premium side, as the place gets packed in the summer months. There are plenty metered parking spots, but who wants to have to go back to feed the metal beast every couple hours? WARNING – there are tons on parking “police” so be sure to watch all signs and ensure you’re parked where you’re supposed to or risk getting a ticket.

Dining! Niagara On the Lake is a bed and breakfast type town fueled by tourists, so we were prepared to pay “tourist” prices in the restaurants and other specialty food stores. Lunch for the 5 of us (no dessert or booze) cost us about $75 with tip, and well worth it. The atmosphere was great, service tops and food excellent. There are many patio type restaurants where you’ll find a wide assortment of menus to choose from. Bear in mind that as a tourist town, you may have to join a line to get a good seat… especially if you want a seat at a popular patio.

Rather than go on writing about the town, I’ll let some of the pics we took help you appreciate Niagara On The Lake (great for a day trip with your family or a romantic evening with someone special)…

Niagara-on-the-Lake, often called the loveliest town in Ontario, has a long and distinguished history. Site of the old Neutral Indian village of Onghiara, it was settled at the close of the American Revolution by Loyalists coming to Upper Canada, many of whom had been members of the much feared Butler’s Rangers based during the American Revolution at Fort Niagara, then under British control.

Its many attractions include historic sites – Fort George and the Historical Society Museum, the Shaw Festival with its three theatres, the marina, our heritage business district for shopping, golf courses, parks and beautiful farmland, agricultural markets and our world famous Niagara wineries. Take a carriage ride through the Old Town, or a jet boat up the Niagara River. A short drive along the scenic Niagara Parkway leads to Queenston Heights and Niagara Falls. Check out the Butterfly Conservatory at the Niagara Parks Commission site.

Directions….

From Toronto and destinations east/west via QEW:
Follow the QEW towards Niagara. after crossing the Garden City Skyway at St. Catharines exit the QEW at exit 38B, follow the Niagara-on-the-Lake signage onto Highway 55. Take Highway 55 12km(7mi) northeast until it ends at Queen Street. A right turn will take you into the Heritage Business District.

From New York State and USA destinations

Via Buffalo:
Take the QEW to exit 38 and follow the signage onto Highway 55 and into town as above. OR – follow the signage at the Peace Bridge to the scenic Niagara Parkway and follow it from Fort Erie right into Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Via Niagara Falls:
Cross the Rainbow Bridge and follow signage to the Niagara Parkway north to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Via Lewiston:
Cross the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge and follow signage to the Niagara Parkway north to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Via Detroit:
Take Highway 401 and 403 to Hamilton, Ontario and then follow directions above from Toronto down the QEW to Niagara-on-the-Lake.