This is definitely mostly a students/sports bar. I came in here twice now. Once for St Pattys and another time with some friends. The place itself looks decent and well kept, however, I found the pace of the place to be slow and slightly disorganized. The host was little to be seen when looking for seating, and the staff looks stressed. That being said, I very much enjoyed the fries and chicken wings I received, and location cannot be beat. read more

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I went there with some coworkers when I am in town. This is a fun place. They have a ton of beers to try there. We arrived pretty late, but they were able to seat us. They were out of a few things by that time of evening but that's understandable. I had a chicken curry and it was good, but I'd probably try something different next time. The waitress was super friendly and took good care of us. read more

Just had a nice dinner with my girlfriend great tasting food and medium sized portions read more

The Shakespeare Arms - Alexandra Keith - British Near Me - Guelph, Ontario

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Great food, fresh ingredients! Great service and good menu choices Good location fast food delivery read more

Great local pub. Totally a hidden gem in Guelph. We came for lunch and it was completely delicious! I had French onion soup and then chicken fingers and fries. All delicious. My partner had the philly roast beef sandwich and also thought it was delicious. 4 starts and not 5 because it is fairly pricey for being a pub. read more

My friend I went here for lunch on the patio yesterday and really enjoyed ourselves. The beer was cold & the food was hot. Their quesadilla was amazing! It kind of looks like pizza as they top it with cheese. Highly recommend dining here! read more

The Shakespeare Arms - Quesadilla, Wings, Poutine & Bam Bam Shrimp - British Near Me - Guelph, Ontario

Come here sometimes for lunch on Friday's with my office. We specify to them that we are on a time limit, and they always ensure to meet our specifications. The food is amazing.. all I ever order is the shepherds pie but I've seen a variety of plates. The server Michelle is awesome! A must try for sure! read more

So coming here, i came on the day after fish Friday. I want to try fish and chips here in Ontario, and my roommate said this is the place to do it. They have blue haddock, 2 pieces for 16.49. The price was expensive for fish and chips comparatively to back home in Nova Scotia.. the fish was alright. It was cooked perfectly, but the blue haddock seemed to throw me off. The tartar sauce was a bit bland, and the fries werent that great. The service was pretty good though, the speed in which we got our food was pretty quick. Overall, I'll come back here. Just not for the fish. read more

I will say, originally I wasn't sure what the food would be like here. That being said, I was very impressed! I got a portobello mushroom sandwich, which could have gone quite wrong. But it actually was very good! Something I would definitely have again. I also tried my friends bruschetta flatbread which was also delicious. The Caesar salad here is average but that's a small thing as it's just a side. I would totally go back. read more

The Shakespeare Arms - Portobello mushroom sandwich - British Near Me - Guelph, Ontario

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The best chicken Cesar wrap in town. I loved the ambience and the staff was really friendly. 4 stars only because of the stale beer smell throughout the place and calamari was over cooked. Very chill place to hang out at after work though. read more

Still have Shakeys as our favourite. Food and service better than ever. Thanks for still being our number one.

By far one of the best homemade burgers I have ever tried. Great service and a cool environment makes for a great night out!

I've been here twice, once was when my boyfriend and I decided to try some English fare, another was to watch the Raps game. To be honest, we were just in the mood for English food once more than the game for the most part. Either way, the food here brings a bit of nostalgia to me. Being half British, the food tastes almost like how my Mum would make it. This pub is a typical English pub with an ode to Shakespeare. You have your general cottage style outlook much like Stratford upon Avon. You have your picture of Shakespeare along with some other typicalities. Oh, right! And there's a fireplace. Looks like I stepped back to the motherland. Both times that we had gone, it wasn't busy. It wasn't packed like the large amount of pubs that students flock to. Both times, it was just right. I liked it this way, it felt a little more intimate and relaxing as opposed to a lot of bars/pubs that I go to. That being said the service was great. The staff are attentive and polite. They really make sure that you feel at home and try to accommodate you in anyway possible. Service like this is hard to find. We tried the pirogies which may or may not have been random of us but it was a good choice of appetizer. They were hitting the spot just right before the main course. We had also tried the baked potatoes however they weren't very special to begin with. My boyfriend and I had tried better. It was good but that was simply it. Three of the must go to food for mains are stuffed yorkie, shepherd's pie and the Cornish pie. They're made warm and ready, the potatoes to go with the entrees are smooth and delicious. The gravy is to die for. This is precisely how real British food is served and tasted which makes me ecstatic. You can't go wrong with any of these three meals. The food is hearty and filling. To be honest, this is a very good place to go to - whether it be to relax or to eat or to watch a game. It will feel like home. I will most definitely be coming back for more. read more

The Shakespeare Arms - The baked potatoes. Presentation on point - British Near Me - Guelph, Ontario

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I came here for my sister-in-law's birthday, which was a trivia night created by my brother-in-law. We had their private room in the basement, which was equipped with tables, chairs and even a screen for the projector (yes, he went all out). Plus, there was a TV in the private room, so the sports people could steal glances at the game that was happening during the party. Service actually came pretty quickly, which is surprising since we are literally on another level from the rest of the restaurant. i ordered wings, which were gigantic and super meaty. Perfectly cooked. I also got a side of sweet potato fries, which were so good that the person I was sharing with got another order for the table to share. Pretty good selection of drinks, and the place was very chilled out. Definitely a great spot to have a fun, casual party. read more

Located just outside the centre of Guelph, The Shakespeare Arms is a traditional looking British style pub. They serve ales and lagers and a good selection of wines, as well as an awesome Bloody Mary style cocktail called the Caesar which I had several of. The food menu is also vast offering a range of British Pub meals, some with a Canadian twist. I opted for the chicken curry which was really nice. What impressed me most about this place was the service. The place was heaving the whole time we were there. We were a large group and the waitresses were always on hand to take our many orders, providing service with a smile. They even let us all pay separate bills at the end which must have been a mission to work out. I really liked this pub and if I'm ever back this way I'll be back for sure. read more

Great local pub/bar . gets very busy on the weekends so make reservations ! Also they got a bit of live music after 10 ( different band every weekend). Came here with some friends the only reason 4/5 it gets very loud when its busy , otherwise we had a great time, big selection of beer, good food, good desserts, good service . they also have a private party room also which is useful. Will come back when I'm in the area read more

The Shakespeare Arms - Chicken fajita salad . decent portion size - British Near Me - Guelph, Ontario

We went on a Friday night with 4 adults and 3 kids (8,8&6). It was really busy and so we ended up getting a table for the kids first and we were seated shortly after. The waitress approached our children with the kindest smile and treated them like gold! The kids menu offered many choices and they loved the bottles of Dad's Root Beer. We were seated nearby and had the same great service from Cassaundra. The menu offers a lot of variety and the draught beer selection was impressive. Our food came out quickly considering how packed the restaurant was and we ate every single bite. My husband eats there 1-2x per week for lunch as his office is within walking distance, and he always has a positive experience. This was the first time we enjoyed the family experience there, and it definitely won't be the last! read more

Reading the reviews going into this restaurant, we were expecting a great meal for a decent price. The waitress and the atmosphere were wonderful - it was very nice and relaxing. The food, unfortunately, was subpar. The Buffalo Style Chicken (medium spice) tasted as if it was coated in Tobasco Sauce and it didn't taste like much else. We split a pierogi starter which was good, but we received 7 small-sized ones for 11 dollars - but 11 dollars good enough. The upgrade to a Caesar Salad was $2.70, but the bowl was a very small bowl. The Caesar Salad was the only part of my meal I was happy with (if we ignore the price). We were quite displeased with the food we received. Otherwise, the place is excellent. Perhaps it was just the food we ordered, but we've definitely seen better. read more

Went for dinner and a beer. Selection of beer wasn't amazing, but decent. Food was excellent. I had a deluxe veggie burger and sweet potato fries. Great food! read more

This restaurant doesn't accommodate for life-threatening peanut/nut allergies, I was disappointed because it was an after work outing with co-workers. The waitress let me go somewhere in the same plaza that accommodates nut allergies, get take-out and then I was able to bring it into the restaurant so I could still eat with my co-workers. read more

A good place to hang out with friends and have a meal. The meat pies are made in house and excellent in texture and flavor, and our server was very friendly and helpful. Would be happy to come again. read more

Live music on a Saturday afternoon was nice! The interior could use an update, very dark with tired furniture and flooring. Beer selection was great. Waitress was friendly and efficient. We ordered fish and chips and steak and mushroom pie. Big portions and all was delicious. read more

I love this restaurant! The decor is awesome, the food is great, and the service is always friendly! This is a great place to come for group dinners and birthday celebrations. There is usually something going on, so it does get loud. The prices are also mid-high but I find the atmosphere and the good times worth it. See you soon, Shakespeare's! read more

Quite simply, terrific. I had the fish and chips ( swapped out my fries for a Caesar salad - strange but great choice ) Fish was the best I have ever had. My wife stole some and agreed whole heartedly. My wife had the Portabello Sandwich. Not my taste but she raved about it. Waitress really helpful on choices. Obviously she had tried most of the menu items to be that informed. Going to go back for the pub pies. Homemade and they looked great when they went by our table. No problem finding something for everyone. All I can say is " if you are close by, drop in for a pint and a great meal " read more

I came here with the basketball team on a Monday for 89¢ wing night and the wings were phenomenal! I would highly recommend this place for bar food. I think they were the best wings I've had in Guelph. They are huge, perfectly cooked, and the sauces are all great. We also had nachos (free for teams) and they were amazing as well. Inside it looks like an olde English pub, so the atmosphere is great, the servers were really friendly, and they have darts and TVs. Shakespeare Arms also has a pretty good tap selection. What more could you want in a bar! I would highly recommend. read more

three stars's good. been there a few times as well. I thought it's just okay. Food okay, drink okay, service okay. would go back again.

Just a quick note as the Raptors start their FIRST ever NBA finals and it reminded me about this gem of a place. I am from BC and was there visiting a few weeks ago on a business trip. Some of my colleagues suggested Shakespeare arms to watch the games after work as the Leafs were on as well. I can't stand the Leafs but Raptors were on at same time (both teams in playoffs). I was with a table of 14 of us. Games started and I found I was watching the single TV that had the Raptors (all the others were on the Leafs - total of about 6 TV's), but all was fine. Five minutes in the game the manager switches the only TV that had the Raptors on to the Leafs game.....remember ALL the other TV's had the game on and remember BOTH teams were in the playoffs, so slightly important games. Her explanation was that one table, with four people at it, wanted to face the one TV I was watching. I was common trash to them apparently. I explained that we had set up there specifically for both events but to no avail. I asked politely several times because this made no sense because you could see the hockey on at least 6 TV's. I ended up watching the Raptors on my phone!! If you are watching Raptors at this bar do me a favor and give the manager the biggest finger you have!!! ....food was garbage too read more

What happened to my fingers?! Went to Shakey's today and boooo for making the chicken fingers so much smaller. I still love the food and a big yaaaay for adding sweet potato fries, but what about my fingers?! read more

Ok so I'm not an easy guy to impress, having worked in some of the best kitchens in Ontario but I must say, I haven't had a better breakfast in years. I haven't gone to a restaurant in a long time that I had nothing to complain about but even though it was only breakfast, I have nothing bad to say. The bacon was perfect, the eggs, although not actually over easy (they were basted which most people don't even know what that is) were cooked perfectly, the hash browns were crispy and seasoned very well and garnishes were fresh. Our servers and hosteses were happy and friendly and the bathrooms (although the stalls had broken locks) were sparkling clean. This is the best breakfast I've had in a long long time! Finally someone who does it right. Highly reccomend this place as an amazingly simple breakfast. Koodos!! Chef Terry Foster read more

I've always really liked this place, but the last time I was there they had a ribs special, so I ordered them. They were so tough, that just cutting them was difficult, and then you had to tear them off the bone which took some serious force! The waitress asked us specifically how the ribs were - she'd been sent over by the manager to check. Two of us had ordered the ribs, so we told her how they were - she told the manager, and..............nothing. He clearly knew they were going to be tough, and was ok with it - no discount or apology. Ownership has changed, and it appears this is the result. Too bad. read more

This place was load and packed when I visited. I expected as much since it was opening night of hockey season. The beer was good and their selection was impressive. I had the fish and chips and it was excellent. I didn't stay for the entire game as things were getting louder and louder. Would be a great place to come with a group of friends for a game and beer. read more

This place was great. Found it on yelp during a recent business trip to the Univ of Guelph. Great place to grab beer and dinner, super friendly staff, good beer and food options. Loved it. read more

We have been coming here for years and years. The last (4) times we were here something was wrong with the food. The last time the Steak & Mushroom Pie that I have had for years and years was almost frozen in the middle. Today the Taco Salad had unseasoned ground beef, cold, in the middle of a lettuce salad. The only thing 'taco' was the tortilla bowl. I don't think we will be back after years and.... read more

Great food, great atmosphere....it's just a shame about the nasty servers. There are better pubs to support in Guelph.

Nothing special about the place - the food is ok for a pub, it has the usual variety found in Brit Pubs and they do a good job of keeping the drinks cold. But, Racism in a restaurant is subtle. No one acknowledges that colored people aren't served fairly - (or more appropriately - not served at all) because of their skin color. But colored people have enough experience to sniff out when an establishment partakes in this kind of behavior and does not like to serve them, and this is one of those places unfortunately. I have been going to this place for several months now as this serves as convenient meeting place for a group of us to meet up after a hard working week. To demonstrate the behavior, I have waved my white friends over to the bar after I get there first, to get drinks and much to their amazement / disappointment, they always get served while I or my colored friends wait until we simply cannot be ignored anymore - The usual actions is for them to serve anyone but us. I would like to point out that we always attend the premises well dressed and have never been overly intoxicated or caused any problems that would give cause to us being banned or thrown out of this place. (Just in case that might be an excuse) read more

Catering to an older crowd, this pub is starting to look like its cliental. The seating and decor are fading and getting a bit threadbare. The service is average but friendly and accommodating. The menu and food quality is adequate considering the place is a pub not a restaurant. They over-reach on some items but the fare is as advertised. The beer selection is fairly pedestrian and their offering of Guinness is nothing like what it should be, but that is common. Overall, it is a nice place for a quiet meal. read more

Go here all the time... the food is usually good and the service is usually good but sometimes they have an off day. It's often pretty loud at dinner because of all the bar patrons but it's not terrible. Prices are pretty standard. I keep going back, so obviously it's good enough for me! read more

went with my ball team for wings and beer tonight. wings were adequate until i bit into the raw one. my server (sam according to the receipt) didn't offer an apology, but did offer the insight that it was likely due to that wing being larger than the others (an observation both brilliant and useful). when the bills came, she had removed the price of one wing from my bill, but had added a charge for extra sauce which i did not order. i told her about this inaccurate charge, she questioned me about it again, i repeated myself, and she walked away saying "you don't have to be rude about it". after serving raw chicken to a customer, removing the price of one wing from the bill seems inadequate. calling that customer rude after potentially giving them food poisoning and then adding extra charges to their bill is beyond inadequate. it's stupid and terrible service. i've been going to this pub for a long time, but certainly won't be back after this terrible experience. read more