Local Review: The Tipsy Fox Pub & Grill in Owen Sound
Chain restaurants offer consistency, but is that always a good thing? This review of the Tipsy Fox Pub & Grill in Owen Sound explores the highs, lows, and what makes this spot stand out.
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION
There are pros and cons to dining at a chain restaurant. On the plus side, most large towns and cities have a variety to choose from, and often they are themed, so you know what kind of food to expect. Knowing what the menu holds is an advantage for group or family outings because there will be lots of choices to suit most tastes. Canada-wide and US-based chains are particularly useful for this.
For some diners, that plus is a minus. There are no surprises. What you ate last month is still on the menu and likely will taste exactly the same. There may be specials, but these appear according to a formula from head office, not from the creative hands of the chef.
Prices tend to be reasonable, and service standards are high because the dining experience at one venue reflects on the brand, so restaurant management must meet the chain’s requirements.
All of that means that I expect my experience to be good, if not excellent, when I eat at most major chain restaurants, and I’m especially interested when it is Ontario-owned.
Which brings us to today’s review subject, the Tipsy Fox Pub & Grill on Owen Sound’s west side, one of seven locations in southern Ontario.
The menu offers such a wide selection that it takes a while to decide. Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options are available in several categories.
On a recent visit, the starters were outstanding. Cauliflower Bites with chilli Thai sauce and Deep Fried Pickles with BBQ ranch dip were both lightly battered and crunchy.
The vegetarian burger was acceptable, but the side Caesar was disappointing, since my companion didn’t notice that bacon was available for an extra charge.
The Pulled Port Cheese Melt had to be disassembled to eat and was not worth the effort. The cheese was tasteless, and the bread only vaguely toasted.
The drinks menu is as vast as the food list, but don’t look for local microbrews here. All of the beers, except for a handful of imports, are Molson Coors brands. Spirits and cocktails include a selection of mocktails, as well as several Ontario wines and imports.
We found the service welcoming and genuinely friendly. You’ll find the Tipsy Fox Pub & Grill, 640 10th St W, Owen Sound, (226) 537-0175, and online at TipsyFoxPub.com. The Owen Sound location has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 12 am.
Thank you to sponsors of The Owen Sound Current Writers’ Fund, who make these community contributions possible. Contributions from the community do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of The Owen Sound Current and its editor or publisher.
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