How Much It Really Costs to Dine at The Keg in Canada

Alright, let’s talk about dining at The Keg Steakhouse + Bar in Canada. If you’re planning a visit, one of the first things you’ll likely wonder is, “Okay, how much is this going to set me back?” It’s a smart question to ask upfront so you can go in with realistic expectations and fully enjoy your time there without any bill-related surprises.

I’ve been to The Keg quite a few times over the years, for everything from casual weeknight dinners to celebrating special occasions. Based on my experience, I can walk you through what you can generally expect in terms of cost. Think of this as your friendly guide to navigating The Keg’s menu prices and understanding what that final bill might look like.

Where The Keg Sits on the Price Scale

First off, let’s position The Keg. It’s not a fast-food spot, and it’s not a super-fancy, white-tablecloth, mortgage-your-house kind of place either. The Keg fits comfortably into the upscale casual dining category in Canada.

What does that mean for your wallet? It means you’re paying for quality. You’re paying for good ingredients (especially the steak, which is their specialty), attentive service, and a reliably pleasant atmosphere. You’re getting a significant step up in quality and experience compared to most chain restaurants, but you’re not reaching the top tier of fine dining steak houses where prices can be double or triple.

So, expect prices that reflect this – you’re looking at a mid-range to upper-mid-range cost for a complete meal by Canadian standards. It’s a place you might go for a date night, a birthday, or just when you really want a good steak and don’t mind spending a bit more for it.

Walking Through The Keg Menu Costs (Based on Experience)

Okay, let’s break down the menu section by section. Remember, these are based on what I’ve seen and paid, and exact prices can nudge up or down slightly depending on the specific location and any recent menu updates, but these ranges should give you a very solid idea. (All prices are in Canadian Dollars and are estimates as of late 2024/early 2025).

Appetizers & Starters

I often start with something small to get going. The Keg has a good selection, from salads to seafood bites.

• Basic salads (like the Keg Caesar or Market Salad, often smaller portions) or perhaps a soup might be in the $12 to $17 range.
• Their more popular, slightly heartier starters like Calamari, the famous Baked Garlic Shrimp, or Escargot usually fall between $18 and $25. These are great for sharing if you’re with someone.
• Sometimes they have special feature appetizers that might be a bit more, especially if they involve premium ingredients.

If you skip the appetizer, you save a good chunk right here, maybe $15-$20+ per person depending on what you’d order.

Steaks (Where Your Bill Gets Serious)

Alright, this is often the core of the meal and usually the biggest cost item. Keg is known for its steaks, and they offer various cuts and sizes. The good news is that most steak mains include one side dish (like a baked potato, garlic mashed potatoes, or fries), which adds to the value.

• Their Sirloin steaks, in different sizes, are usually the most entry-level steak option, often ranging from about $35 to $45. A smaller Top Sirloin might be closer to $35.
• More premium and popular cuts like the New York Striploin, Filet Mignon, and Rib Steak will generally cost more, typically starting around $45 and going up to $60+, depending heavily on the size you choose. A larger Filet or Rib Steak will naturally be at the higher end.
• The Prime Rib, a Keg classic, is usually priced similarly to the premium cuts, again depending on the size of the slice you get. It’s often in the $45 to $60+ range.
• Keep an eye out for potential super premium cuts or larger sharing steaks – these can easily push past $70 or $80+.

So, for a steak main, you’re looking at a solid $35 to $60+ before considering anything else.

Other Main Dishes

The Keg isn’t just steak! They have other solid main courses if steak isn’t your thing that night.

• Seafood mains, like their Salmon or Tuna, are usually in the $30 to $45 ballpark. If you’re thinking of adding a Lobster Tail to your steak, be prepared for a significant extra cost – this is often priced based on market value and can easily add $30, $40, or even $50+ to your meal.
• Their Chicken and Ribs dishes offer hearty alternatives, typically priced between $28 and $40.
• Looking for something satisfying but maybe a little less expensive? The Burgers and Sandwiches at The Keg are great and usually the most budget-friendly mains, often priced from $20 to $28. This is a good way to get the Keg experience without committing to a full steak price.

Salads & Bowls as Mains

Yes, you can have a salad or bowl as your main course! These are more substantial than the appetizer salads and might include protein like chicken or shrimp. Expect these to be priced roughly from $20 to $35.

Extra Sides (If You Need More!)

While a side comes with most mains, you might want an extra or a specific premium side. A la carte sides typically run from $8 to $15 each.

Sweet Endings: Desserts

If you save room, a dessert will add to the bill. The iconic Billy Miner Pie is a popular choice. Most desserts are priced between $10 and $15.

Drinks (The Part That Adds Up FAST)

Okay, pay attention here, because this is where the bill can really climb without you perhaps realizing it until it arrives!

• Non-Alcoholic: Soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, and sparkling water are standard restaurant prices, usually $3 to $6. If you stick to water, this cost is zero!
• Alcoholic Beverages: This is the variable part.
  • A glass of beer (draft or bottle) is typically $8 to $12.
  • A glass of wine varies hugely depending on the wine, but expect a range from about $10 for a house wine up to $25 or more for a premium pour.
  • Cocktails are often in the $12 to $18+ range, especially their signature drinks.
  • A bottle of wine starts around $40-$50 for basic options and goes up into the hundreds for higher-end selections.

Seriously, having just one or two alcoholic drinks can easily add $20-$40 per person to your bill before food. If you’re having multiple rounds or a bottle of wine, this becomes a significant portion of the cost.

Let’s Look at Some Real-World Bill Examples (Estimates)

Based on my dining experiences, here’s what a bill might look like before tax and tip, depending on your choices:

Scenario 1: The “Just a Good Meal” Solo Diner

You came in by yourself after work, just wanted a decent meal.

• Main: A standard Sirloin steak with included side (~$40)
• Drink: One craft beer (~$10)
• Estimated Subtotal: ~$50

Scenario 2: Classic Dinner for Two

A fairly typical date night where you’re getting the “Keg experience.”

• Shared Appetizer: Baked Garlic Shrimp (~$20)
• Main 1: 8oz Filet Mignon (~$55)
• Main 2: Rib Steak (~$50)
• Drinks: Two glasses of wine each (4 glasses total, assuming $15/glass) = ~$60
• Estimated Subtotal: ~$185

Scenario 3: Treating Yourselves (Couple or Friends)

You’re celebrating or just splurging a bit more.

• Appetizers: Calamari (~$18) + Caesar Salad (~$14) = ~$32
• Main 1: Large Prime Rib (~$60) + Add-on Lobster Tail (~$45) = ~$105
• Main 2: New York Striploin (~$48)
• Drinks: Bottle of mid-range red wine (~$70)
• Shared Dessert: Billy Miner Pie (~$12)
• Estimated Subtotal: ~$267

Again, these are just examples to illustrate the range. Your actual subtotal will fall somewhere based on exactly what you pick.

Factors That Really Bump Up That Final Number

You’ve picked your food and drinks. What else impacts the final amount you pay?

1. Your Specific Order: This is the most obvious one. Steak costs more than a burger. Filet costs more than Sirloin. Lobster is a premium add-on.
2. How Much You Drink (Especially Alcohol): I cannot stress this enough. Two rounds of cocktails for two people can easily add $60-$80+ to your bill, sometimes exceeding the cost of one of the main courses! If you’re on a budget, sticking to water or a single non-alcoholic drink is the easiest way to save.
3. How Many Courses: Adding appetizers and desserts for everyone quickly adds $20-$40+ per person.
4. Add-ons: Getting extra sauces, sautéed mushrooms/onions on your steak, or substituting for premium sides will increase the main course price slightly.
5. Location (Minor Impact on Price): While The Keg’s prices are generally consistent across Canada, there can be minor price variations between provinces or specific high-rent locations to account for local operating costs. We’re usually talking a dollar or two difference on some items, not a massive change.
6. Tax: This is non-negotiable! You’ll pay your provincial sales tax (PST/GST or HST, depending on where you are) on the food and drinks subtotal. This adds anywhere from 5% (like in Alberta) to 15% (like in Atlantic Canada or Ontario) to your bill.
7. Tip: Tipping is customary in Canada for sit-down restaurant service. The standard expected tip is 15-20% of the pre-tax subtotal for good service. If you had fantastic service, some people tip more. Always factor this into your budget. That $150 pre-tax bill turns into roughly $172 – $188 after adding 15-20% tip plus the tax.

From Experience: Is The Keg “Worth It”?

In my opinion, for what it is, yes, The Keg generally offers good value. You’re paying a premium over casual dining, but you’re getting a consistently good steak, a pleasant environment, and reliable service. It’s a solid choice for a consistent steakhouse experience that isn’t overly stuffy or prohibitively expensive for many people on occasion. You’re paying for that reliable quality and atmosphere.

My Tips for Managing Your Keg Bill

Want to enjoy The Keg without feeling like you’ve completely emptied your wallet? Here’s what I often do or recommend:

• Look at the Menu Online Before You Go: This is the single best tip! The Keg has its menus with prices posted online. Look it over beforehand. Decide what you really want and see the actual cost. This helps avoid sticker shock at the table.
• Consider a Burger or Sandwich: Seriously, if the steak price feels a bit high for your budget that night, their burgers are excellent and offer the Keg quality at a lower price point for a main.
• Be Smart About Drinks: This is key. Decide if you’re going to have an alcoholic drink before the server comes. Limiting yourself to one, or sticking to water or pop, saves a significant amount.
• Share Starters or Desserts: Portions are often generous enough to share. Pick one appetizer or one dessert for the table rather than everyone getting their own.
• Consider the Lunch Menu (If Applicable): Some Kegs offer a lunch menu which might have slightly different pricing or smaller portions for some items. If you’re free during the day, this could be an option.
• Factor in Tax and Tip UPFRONT: Don’t just look at the food and drink prices. Mentally (or actually) add about 30-35% on top of the menu prices to get a rough idea of the final cost including tax and a good tip (e.g., a $100 food/drink bill will be roughly $130-135 total).

Your Expected Keg Cost

Based on my experience, if you’re going to The Keg in Canada, you should plan for a cost per person somewhere in the range of $50 to $100+, including tax and tip.

• A more budget-conscious meal (like a burger and a non-alcoholic drink before tax/tip) might put you closer to the $50-$60 total per person range after everything is added.
• A typical steak dinner with perhaps one alcoholic drink before tax/tip will likely land you in the $70-$100 total per person range.
• An indulgent experience with appetizers, premium steaks, multiple drinks, and dessert could easily push you over $100-$150+ total per person.

The bottom line? The Keg offers a consistent, quality steakhouse experience. It’s not cheap, but you know what you’re paying for. Go in with a budget in mind, keep the drink costs in check if needed, and you’ll have a great meal knowing roughly what that final bill will look like. Enjoy your steak!

Important Note: Prices Can Change

Just a friendly heads-up from my end – while the ranges above are based on what I’ve seen and are generally accurate estimates, restaurant prices can change. Menu items can be updated, and pricing might adjust slightly due to ingredient costs or location. For the most current and exact pricing, always check the official Keg Steakhouse + Bar website for the specific location you plan to visit before your dinner.