Malt & Barley Public House is a Celtic-inspired pub in Kitchener, Ontario, known for hearty East Coast-style comfort food, generous portions, and a laid-back atmosphere. Located in the heart of the Williamsburg community, it’s a local gathering spot for cold beer, daily food specials, live music, and trivia nights. Guests can enjoy pub classics like fish and chips, burgers, wings, and donairs, alongside vegetarian options and house-made desserts. With fair prices, friendly service, and a welcoming patio, Malt & Barley is Kitchener’s go-to pub for casual dining, drinks with friends, or private events.
Multiple customers reported long wait times for service and orders, with some leaving due to lack of attention from staff.
Food Quality
While many enjoyed the food, there were complaints about inconsistency, particularly with certain dishes like chicken wings and the new owners' changes to recipes.
Atmosphere
The pub has a lively and welcoming atmosphere, often featuring live music and events, making it a popular spot for social gatherings.
Staff Performance
The staff received praise for their friendliness and attentiveness, although there were instances of poor service noted by some customers.
Value for Money
Customers expressed mixed feelings about pricing, with some finding it reasonable while others felt certain items were overpriced.
CM
Cora Miller
Dec 16, 2025
1.0
I came here on the weekend, to go out for lunch. We were seated quickly but we were waiting for more than 10 minutes and no one had came to offer us a drink or take our order. It should not take that long to even come and offer someone a drink. We left because it should not take that long. Will not be coming back, i’ve seen numerous other reviews with this same thing happening to other people. Do better.
AJ
Anil Jose Jacob
Dec 16, 2025
5.0
A great place to have drinks and good food with music and watching sports. I tried Crispy Calamari and Dave's Hot chicken which felt great for me. Good place to try a variety of Cocktails and mocktails. It also has a collection of scotch and irish whiskeys.
MS
Mark Smith
Dec 13, 2025
4.0
A solid pub style restaurant. Good vibe, decent food and great service.
MM
mayleen
Dec 12, 2025
5.0
Fue una experiencia única, con música muy agradable y todos en geral .
SH
Sapna H
Nov 26, 2025
4.0
A group of us frequently attend trivia nights on Tuesdays here and it's always a fun time!
The food is great... for the most part - the fish and chips, pot roast, and liver and onions are some of my favorite dishes here. I don't recommend the Cajun chicken pasta, though, as it was seriously missing flavor (just black pepper is not the equivalent of Cajun spices) and the sauce was very dry. Also, the accompanying garlic toast seemed to be missing the "garlic" part. But that's just one meal out of many.
However, my one complaint that kept me from giving this place five stars is the service. Typically, the servers are pleasant, but there have been times when we made reservations and they somehow "lost" it or we've had to repeatedly ask about an order as it was taking forever or they've mixed up items items when issuing bills.
I think a better system for reservations and servers actually writing orders down instead of relying on memory would do wonders to improve the service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Malt & Barley Public House
Does Malt & Barley Public House accept reservations?
No, Malt & Barley Public House does not accept reservations.
What is the address of Malt & Barley Public House?
Malt & Barley Public House is located at 1187 Fischer-Hallman Road, Kitchener, ON N2E 4H9, Canada.
What type of cuisine and atmosphere can I expect at Malt & Barley Public House?
You can enjoy hearty East Coast-style comfort food in a casual, laid-back Celtic-inspired pub atmosphere with live music and trivia nights.
What are the operating hours of Malt & Barley Public House?
They are open Monday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Friday and Saturday until midnight, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Does Malt & Barley Public House offer takeout or patio dining?
Yes, they offer dine-in, takeout, curbside pickup, and patio dining options.
What payment methods are accepted at Malt & Barley Public House?
They accept American Express, Visa, Mastercard, cash, and contactless payments.
Does Malt & Barley Public House host private events or parties?
Yes, they provide private event space and catering for small groups.
What nearby places can I visit before or after dining at Malt & Barley Public House?
Nearby places include The Centre for Family Medicine for healthcare needs, Dollar Mart and Shopcrate for discount shopping, and Sobeys Pharmacy for groceries and pharmacy services.
Are there other dining options near Malt & Barley Public House?
Yes, nearby restaurants include Shivas Dosa Restaurant (Indian/Halal), Bento Sushi, Antalya Turkish Restaurant, and Lisboa Bakery & Grill (Portuguese and European).
Which community facilities are near Malt & Barley Public House for social or recreational activities?
The Williamsburg Community Centre is nearby and offers community services and social events, making it a good spot before or after visiting the pub.