"Messy as heck, sauce everywhere, but 100% worth it"
The other day, I finally made my way into The Guild, an iconic spot right on Stephen Ave for lunch, and wow, what a lunch it was. I’ve walked past this place more times than I can count, always meaning to give it a shot, and let me tell you, I’m kicking myself for not going sooner. Got there right at noon, and the place was absolutely buzzing, every table packed, lively chatter filling the space. The atmosphere was fantastic, giving that perfect blend of upscale yet welcoming. Between the warm lighting, the hum of the open kitchen, the whole experience felt a notch above your average lunch break. Speaking of that open kitchen, what a setup. Watching the chefs work their magic while waiting for your food just adds another level of excitement.
Now, onto the real star of the show, the food. I went with the Smokehouse Burger, and let me tell you, this thing was a unit. Two smashed Alberta beef patties, applewood-smoked cheddar, garlic aioli, BBQ sauce, onion, and bacon all stacked between two beautiful buns. If that sounds like a lot, it’s because it was. A glorious, indulgent, and slightly intimidating tower of flavor. First bite? Absolute chaos. Messy as heck, sauce everywhere, but 100% worth it. The beef was juicy and packed with that perfect char, the bacon had just the right cook, and the cheese, oh man, they did not skimp on the cheese, which I fully respect. The garlic aioli tied it all together with a little extra punch, making each bite better than the last. Safe to say, I inhaled it.
Alongside the burger came a mushroom soup with truffle cream, and I’ve got to say, I didn’t expect to be raving about soup, but here we are. Thick, creamy, and bursting with deep, earthy mushroom flavor, it was the kind of soup that makes you pause for a second just to appreciate it. Not too heavy either, which meant it paired perfectly with the burger without tipping me into full on food coma territory.
All in all, The Guild delivered big time. The atmosphere was spot on, the staff were fantastic, attentive without being intrusive, and that open kitchen just added to the whole experience. But most importantly, the food? Unreal. Way better than my usual thrown-together lunch or a quick fast food fix. Safe to say, I’ll be back soon to explore more of the menu. If you haven’t been yet, do yourself a favor and check it out because you won’t regret it.