Auld Brass Door - Whycocomagh

Wow to the Virginia "novelist" who wrote "OK, Decent Value, Seem To Be Fading Out” ...don't take up writing!Totally rediculous critique that goes on an on about... read more Wow to the Virginia "novelist" who wrote "OK, Decent Value, Seem To Be Fading Out” ...don't take up writing!Totally rediculous critique that goes on an on about how good the food is and fair priced etc etc.... reporting on other customers to boot.... then the nerve to make judgement on fading out! The food was great the owner and his wife who essentially run the the restaurant with behind the scene staff are down to earth and great people. Best clam chowder we've had after several tastings through the Maritimes.My husband and I enjoyed our meal clam chowder and deep fried clams with local brew "Propeller" Stout beer...awsome if you like dark ale.

OVERVIEW: To the best of our knowledge, if you are overnighting in Whycocomagh as part of a trip to Cape Breton, you have two choices for a full-service sit-dow... read more OVERVIEW: To the best of our knowledge, if you are overnighting in Whycocomagh as part of a trip to Cape Breton, you have two choices for a full-service sit-down meal: this restaurant, or one called Charlene’s.We passed both of these on our way to our motel; the two restaurants are within a few hundred yards of one another, and both are less than a mile from our motel. There were only two cars parked in front of this restaurant, while Charlene’s reasonably spacious lot was actually full. So, after checking in, unpacking, getting the kinks out of a day that included a fair amount of car time, and a preparatory adult beverage, we decided to follow the herd and headed for Charlene’s. Upon arrival, however, we found that we would have a substantial wait for a table. Thereupon, we decided instead to head for The Auld Brass Door (the name is a play, of course, for what it’s worth, upon the Bras d’Or Lake a small part of which Whycocomagh overlooks)) and see if it would be at least acceptable.Whether the same people or not, we cannot say, but upon arrival there were still only two cars in the parking lot and, indeed, only two tables occupied. However, after looking at the menu we decided to give it a try.PROs: Our food was actually quite good. I ordered the fried local scallops and my spouse, the seafood platter. All was tasty, seemed fresh, and was not overcooked. The scallops (which were also a part of my spouse’s platter) were the highlight. Although very tasty, I will say that it was clear to us that they were parts of larger scallops rather than actual whole scallops. Even so, the portions left us perfectly satisfied.Service was efficient and friendly. It might be challenged, however, by a busier night; there was one waitress.CONs: We found that restaurants in Nova Scotia generally avoid serving vegetables, and such was the case at The Auld Brass Door. We compensated by each ordering the Caesar salad, by no means cheap at $7 Canadian. However, to be fair, it was an excellent rendition and a very large serving; we both took a good serving home to be used in lunches and, later, a dinner that we ate in our room another night.COMMENTS:So, all in all, we had a tasty meal at a fair price.We have to say that there are a number of signs that this restaurant is spiraling into oblivion.The web site has been taken down and the domain name is up for grabs.They do not answer the phone. I made multiple attempts without success to make reservations (yes, I know, turned out to be totally unnecessary) several days before our visit, and during our meal we observed that the phone rang and was not answered.Even though the menu is short, a number of items were not available. We know this not because of our own experience (it turns out that we were lucky), but because of the table next to us. This Canadian family of four are repeat visitors to Cape Breton – and multiple-time return customers to The Auld Brass Door. The father ordered the seafood chowder – not available. He expressed his disappointment, and how much he had been looking forward to it, looked around the restaurant and said that he guessed they hadn’t just run out. The waitress confirmed that it had not been made that day. He told her they would likely be returning during their visit, and what would be a good day to get the chowder? Answer: well, the chef isn’t making it this summer.The mother doesn’t eat fish. She has previously enjoyed the ribs – not available. What about the chicken dish? Not available. She ended up eating a truly crummy-looking burger that I believe would have been easily bettered by a McDonald’s cheese quarter-pounder.As for us, prior to ordering, I noted to the waitress that the three items listed on the Specials board at the entrance were also on the regular menu. What was the difference? Well, the difference was, that those three items were actually available that evening.Noted for its bar scene and weekend live music in reviews from previous years, the bar was untended and closed (I asked). Although not a direct problem for us, no liquor or cocktails were available, only some pedestrian beers and an extremely limited wine list. To be fair, we ordered a carafe of the house red (a merlot) because we do not care for the other option – pinot grigio – and it was a good value. But options were extremely limited.Asked about live music, the answer was, not this season.The entire staff of what is actually a fairly large restaurant (a second dining room, clearly visible, was closed off) are two: the chef / owner, and his wife the waitress. I wish them luck but the augury is not positive.WOULD WE RETURN?: Probably won’t be an option.WOULD WE RECOMMEND TO FRIENDS?: No.

We were in need of a drink after a long drive and our motel recommended the Brass Door . The waitress in the restaurant told us if we just wanted a drink we wou... read more We were in need of a drink after a long drive and our motel recommended the Brass Door . The waitress in the restaurant told us if we just wanted a drink we would need to sit in the bar which was perfect. The owner served us and then spent a good hour talking with us about our trip and about life in general and giving us insights into his past which was very varied ( he was born in Birkenhead, England and bought up in Scotland) and full of stories about the places he had worked throughout the world but he felt he had found his place right there.It was a most enjoyable interlude relaxing and friendly and concluded with him giving us a malt whisky on the house. We only had one night and had already decided to try Charlene's but the restaurant area did seem busy and with more time would have tried it.

I don't know who wrote the last review which says not to eat here but its a very deliberate attempt to sabotage the reputation of a great place to eat.We eat he... read more I don't know who wrote the last review which says not to eat here but its a very deliberate attempt to sabotage the reputation of a great place to eat.We eat here every time we pass through town which is at least once a week and we have for years now. The food is ALWAYS good and the people who work in this restaurant are very nice. I am not in the habit of commenting on things,but I hate liars too much to pass up on this opportunity. I doubt very much if the person who wrote it has ever been in the restaurant or the bar for that matter. The customers I chat with when I eat here are all extremely happy with whats on offer, Good luck Auld Brass Door. and keep on doing what you do so well.

The food they serve is frozen stuff and tasteless! I think people go there more for drinking than eating. read more The food they serve is frozen stuff and tasteless! I think people go there more for drinking than eating.