Le Pub du Bon Vivant

Dreadful. Let’s just start with the fact that a kitchen staff came out of the stall in the men’s room and did not wash his hands and proceeded immediately to the kitchen. That automatically gives them the 1 star, but…
Follow that up with slow service and a hockey puck they tries to pass off as a burger. Soggy fries and cold mozzarella sticks and we have a perfect storm of crap.

I work near this restaurant and have enjoyed many drinks and meals since it first opened.
I was looking forward to a nice lunch out with a friend on the patio today for what was supposed to be a lovely day. Knowing how popular it can be, I called and left a message making a reservation on Tuesday, for our Friday lunch. I specifically asked for a patio table and to let me know if there were any problems.
When I showed up today (Friday), they had no patio reservation for us and said that in fact, they don’t take reservations for the patio. I can understand that and just wish that they had actually called back and told me that on Tuesday as we might have come earlier. But, that was not the reason that I will never go back.
When we were told that, we asked to sit at one of the empty tables on the front patio. The host said that the 4 tables for two were taken and that the people were in the washroom. It seemed strange that 8 people were in the washroom but we went to our table inside.
We watched and nobody ever went back. We asked our waitress and explained and she said that to her knowledge, we CAN make reservations on the patio. I went back to ask the man about that but then noticed that all four tables were still empty. I asked where these people were since they didn’t appear to be in the bathroom and he said they were holding the tables for a group — only some people had arrived. I then asked how that was possible since they don’t take reservations. If it’s first come, first served and we were there first, we should get a table. He said again that some of the group had arrived already. Just to add, the empty tables were actually set significantly apart from the other tables. In the ten minutes we were there, nobody had come so we left and went to a patio where we were welcomed.
What disappoints me the most isn’t that they don’t take patio reservations, nor the fact that they couldn’t be bothered to call me back to tell me that so that I might arrive earlier, which I would have. What bothers me is that the host actually lied about those tables. If you’re holding them for a group, man up and say so. Don’t lie about it. Maybe the hypocrisy of your earlier statement to us was too embarrassing to defend. Apparently he thinks his patrons are too stupid to notice or question it.
I’ve been many times for lunch and dinner but will probably never go again. Too bad as it’s a nice little spot. But many places would like my patronage so I’ll choose a place that doesn’t care to mislead its patrons.

Newly opened pub in the business area in Gatineau! This pub has been open since summer of 2013 and is a welcome addition in an otherwise sleepy business only district. They have the typical offering in alcohol with the usual prices. In fact you might say they are slightly more expensive. But they have done great work in the kitchen. The food is very good and in good portion sizes. The staff and service is also very good without being bothersome to your experience. I visited twice and had the chicken and pasta and the fish and chips. Both were well done.
The interior is done very nicely and shows as a classy pub without being too dimly lit. The finish and detail with the bar and furniture in contrast to the older brick walls is beautiful. There are also 2 patios, one at the front and the other at the back so you can choose a street view or view of the bridge.
They have a few TVs for sports but its not a sports bar so don’t expect the wall of TVs.
Overall a very nice atmosphere to have some comfort food with a beer.