FIFTH STREET BAR AND WOODFIRE GRILL

http://www.fifthstreet.ca/

Fifth Street Bar and Wood fire Grill has long been a favorite of mine.  They have delicious food and drink at VERY reasonable prices and this is probably why this venerable institution is so popular.   The restaurant is huge and airy with warm hardwood floors.  It can be noisy at times but not unduly so, I’d call it appealingly lively! 

Fifth Street has an array of dishes listed on the menu by price.  There are a sizeable number of appetizers available for 5 bucks.  The flat bread is a particularly good bargain.  It’s a large pizza like round of crisp on the outside tender on the inside flatbread slathered in a tapenade with shavings of parmesan.  Steve, who is normally not a fan of olives approves of this snack.  Other stand outs on the 5 dollar menu are the French fries with chipotle aioli, lemon and parmesan, the crispy miso oysters and a huge Caesar salad which is lemony and garlicky and an amazing bargain for the portion size.

Fifth Street has delectable thin crust pizzas (only 10 dollars for a pizza large enough to share).  The flavor is enhanced by the smokiness of the wood fire grill.  Also standout for 10 dollars is a huge plate of tender juicy rotisserie chicken accompanied by mashed potatoes, gravy and tender crisp vegetables.  This is far better than anything you’ll get at Swiss Chalet but at about the same price!    The lemon pepper chicken wings or the maple garlic wings are the best I’ve had anywhere and delicious accompanied by a side of the parmesan fries if you are feeling naughty.  Menu items do not exceed 20 dollars and I have had wonderful pork chop here as well as fish and lamb entrees all cooked in the wood fire oven and all uniformly delicious. Specials change regularly and are worth checking out.  On a recent visit I had a moist salmon fillet accompanied by a beautiful balsamic roasted potato salad.  Healthy and delicious!

I do have a couple of minor quibbles with this restaurant.  The service, while always friendly and knowledgeable has become a little hit and miss.  Fifth Street used to be the best bet for a quick bite before a movie but the wait for the food has become considerably longer.  The last time I was in the restaurant I sat for ages  and the server never removed my dirty plate from the table despite being by several times.   We waited eons for the bill which was mildly frustrating.  However, you’ll find the food at Fifth Street makes it worth the wait as are the wallet friendly prices.  With the varied menu this is a great family destination as there will be something for everyone  and the food is consistently of good quality. Flavors are enhanced by the wood fire cooking method.

Desserts are fairly pedestrian at Fifth Street but the chocolate bottom crème Brule is pretty tasty.  Overall, I’d heartily recommend Fifth Street Grill for delicious food at VERY reasonable prices! 

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