Barley Vine Rail Co

Last minute hunger pangs hit on a 3 hour drive from Pearson Airport to Bruce County. This is one of those places you will likely NEVER stumble upon on a Sunday drive. Armstrong Street is one of many quirky, directionally confused offshoots of Broadway- the downtown of my hometown. We were starving, jet lagged and did NOT expect a stellar dining experience at 4:30 on an April Saturday. It was close, well reviewed and open. The public parking lot beside it was a plus. The large " Entrance" sign guided us down obscure alley that starts to make you doubt you are on the right track. Trust me...keep going. Taryn met us with wonderful professionalism you'd expect from a seasoned hostess twice her age. She didn't sugar coat it. We could eat, but not make an evening of it. We had inadvertently arrived on the verge of a sold out night. No reservation. No idea this was a Hotspot for many reasons. - Amazing building. Old polished wood. Plush velvet benches and chic modern chairs. Craft beer bar side. Tables for 12. Variety. Character. Comfortable and cool. - Palma. Probably the most efficient, genuine and aware serving expert in Dufferin County. It's a tough balance. In a very short time you have to convey patience, build rapport, put new clients at ease and remember to list your specials and answer inane questions while remembering multiple drink orders. Palma was friendly but not intrusive. No false banter just to make you feel guilty at tip time ;) - Food. Look at the menu online and you will see a surprisingly inclusive selection. Wings if you are in jeans. Ginger salmon if you showed up in a suit. Enchiladas for those of you upset the USA is fighting Mexico as well as us. PEI mussels came piled high and hot. Beef Short Rib and mashed potato were elegant on the plate but down home delicious. Duck fat French fries under Haddock? Even fish and chips can be fancy. Vegan and vegetarian things are on the menu but I am not the person from whom you want unpaid advice on those selections. Gluten free things are an option because everything is reportedly house made. Even BVR ketchup. As we finished up and were paying the place was gearing up for an evening people would remember. That buzz in the air as tables filled, energy crackling almost audibly. We had truly snuck in and shared a family moment in a place we really shouldn't have experienced without a plan and reservations. Thank you to the ownership who clearly- whoever you are - imbue your food creators and front of house staff with confidence and support them at being very good at their jobs. Thank you.

Good but not great. The 3 of us were greeted in a friendly manner, but we were quickly told inside seating was the only option. We were seated in a nice windowed table area, but next to a large party with kids running all around and under theirs. The fish & chips was ok, but the gluten penne pasta was too aldente (read hard & chewy), oh and I got 3 or maybe 4 pieces of breaded calamari that were overpriced for my appetizer. Dessert (no dairy free option). Btw, if you get nauseous with the heavy bass from a loud band, beware because you'll be treated to that experience no charge when they start playing downstairs.