The Hook & Ladder Bar and Grill

Small clean firehouse themed family type breakfast spot, not too many choices in Bala and I really like supporting small family businesses. But only one server on a Sunday morning, friendly but makes a point to tell everyone who enters how over worked she is. Pretty pricey for just regular order of eggs, toast, sausage, bacon and diced hash browns. A couple of bones to pick: 1/ They serve breakfast til 1PM but charge an extra $1.50 after 11. Seems nickel and diming the customer but whatever. 2/ They don't tell you til the bill comes but rye toast is an extra $1.50 too. Taken together, two things we an extra 12 or our party of 4 plus tax and tip. $16 extra seems excessive 3/ Considering your spending $17 a plate for a normal breakfast (plus the above) the portion of hash browns you get is remarkably tiny. I mean if nothing else, pile the 30 cents of potatoes up a bit. Service was good, just doesn't seem like good value, our bill was $120 and we only had coffee.

November 12, 2024 on Google

We arrived at 10:15 am, only moderately packed, waited 1 and a half hours to get our food. Simple breakfast dishes. They didn't inform us of the typical wait time of 45 minutes (they mentioned it to the guests after we were leaving). The staff kept joking about forgetting our orders and mixing up our dishes. When it finally arrived, the toast was either stale or over toasted, even with Butter/Jam and the eggs were over cooked. The atmosphere was the saving grace and they did reduce our checks because everything was late but that will not improve my disappointment in this place.

September 1, 2024 on Google

Atmosphere is good there but overpriced. $3 for tea? Charged extra for breakfast after 11am? Extra for rye toast??? Never told this when ordering. Won't be going there again unfortunately.

August 13, 2024 on Google

Great ambiance, helpful and friendly staff. Great service. A bit expensive, but tasty.

June 30, 2024 on Google

Visit Wednesday June 26 2024. Lunch, party of five. Mobility impaired accessible. Ordered beverages, burger, wrap, pizza and fish & chips. Food was great. Friendly and professional staff. Great menu offerings. Pizza is a fan favourite. Great views near the bridge. Ample outside and indoor dining area. Moderately priced.

June 26, 2024 on Google

I have three kids and I have been trying to eat peacefully for 10 years and it has always been quite difficult and sometimes very challenging because kids get bored easily waiting for food and this is the first and the only restaraunt that has a shelf of toy trucks. My both suns were enjoying it wery much! They were happily entertained all the time we were there! So could have my stake in peace!!! ❤️🤭👍👍👍

April 13, 2024 on Google

While doing a fall tour through Muskoka, we stopped here for lunch. They were quite busy but service was friendly and quite fast. We ordered the Meat Lovers Pizza and it was delicious. There is lots of parking across the road, but crossing the road is a bit tricky with the amount of traffic.

October 25, 2023 on Google

Delicious breakfast, reasonably priced, great atmosphere, and friendly staff! Quick service and food made fresh. Would highly recommend the breakfast and home fries a must! There are lots of items on the menu and gluten-free and vegetarian options. Enjoyed sitting on the patio for breakfast. Well-kept restaurant and clean bathrooms.

June 17, 2023 on Google