If you’re looking to explore standout starters at The Keg — whether you’re a first-timer or a Keg regular — three appetizers consistently win hearts: Baked Garlic Shrimp, Calamari, and Crab Cakes. In this article we take a deep dive into each dish: what you get, what makes them so popular, approximate prices in Canada (as of 2025), and answer some of the most common questions about ordering them.
Why Starters Matter at The Keg
Starting your meal with the right appetizer can set the tone for the entire dining experience. At The Keg, these starters are often shared, paired with drinks, or enjoyed before your main course. They give you a taste of what the kitchen does best — balanced flavors, reliable consistency, and crowd-pleasing combinations. Among all the options on the menu, Baked Garlic Shrimp, Calamari, and Crab Cakes stand out as the go-to picks for seafood lovers and anyone who enjoys a flavorful start.
Below is a closer look at each of these dishes.
Baked Garlic Shrimp
What You Get
Baked Garlic Shrimp is a comforting, aromatic starter featuring shrimp baked under a mixture of garlic, herbs, and melted cheese. The shrimp are usually medium-sized, coated generously in garlic butter and herbs, and baked until bubbly and golden — creating a warm, indulgent dish.
The flavor profile is rich and garlicky, with the herbs adding freshness and the cheese (if used) giving creaminess or slight crispness depending on how it is baked. It’s best served hot, often with toasted bread or garlic toast on the side to soak up the buttery, garlicky juices.
Why It’s Popular
- The garlic-butter aroma is irresistible, making it a great starter to awaken the appetite.
- It combines seafood and comfort — shrimp offers a light yet satisfying protein, while the butter, garlic, and cheese deliver indulgence.
- It’s shareable and pairs well with drinks or a steak main course — a classic surf-and-turf kind of start.
Given the portion size and flavor, many diners consider it a good value — especially if you share it with a friend or as a prelude to a larger meal.
Calamari
What You Get
Calamari at The Keg is lightly fried squid, cut into rings or tentacles (or both), and served with dipping sauces. Commonly, the dish comes with a ginger-garlic sauce and a Greek-style feta or garlic aioli, giving you an option between a tangy/spicy kick and a creamy, savory dip.
The texture of the calamari is typically crisp on the outside and tender on the inside — a balance that shows careful frying and fresh squid. It is usually served as an appetizer meant to share.
Why It’s Popular
- Crispy, fried foods are a classic appetizer choice — the crunch plus soft squid interior is a satisfying contrast.
- The dipping sauces add depth: the ginger-garlic sauce introduces warmth and spice, while the aioli brings creamy richness. The choice gives diners flexibility based on their taste.
- Calamari appeals to both seafood lovers and those who might not be in the mood for heavier dishes — it’s light but tasty, easy to share, and a crowd pleaser.
Crab Cakes
What You Get
The Crab Cakes at The Keg are pan-fried cakes — often made from lump crab meat, lightly bound (so the crab flavor remains prominent), coated with panko or breadcrumbs, and fried until golden-crispy outside yet tender inside. They are served with a lemon-dill or remoulade sauce that adds tanginess and a burst of flavor. On some menus, the cakes are described as “crispy crab cakes,” highlighting their crunchy exterior.
Expect a dreamy blend of rich crab flavor, crisp exterior, and zesty sauce that cuts through the richness — a classic seafood starter done right.
Why It’s Popular
- Crab meat has a delicate, slightly sweet flavor that feels indulgent but not heavy.
- The crispy outer crust plus tender interior offers a pleasant contrast in texture.
- The accompanying sauce — often lemon-dill or remoulade — brightens the dish and complements the crab’s natural taste.
- Crab Cakes feel a bit more refined than fried appetizers, making them a popular choice for special occasions or classy dinners.
Considering the use of crab meat and the quality expected from a steakhouse, many diners view this as justified. As a shared appetizer, it offers good value, especially when enjoyed with drinks or before a main course.
Comparison: Which Starter Fits Your Mood
| Starter | Best For … | Great Pairings |
| Baked Garlic Shrimp | Garlic-butter lovers; cozy, indulgent start | Bread/garlic toast; steak or heavier mains |
| Calamari | Crispy-fried texture craving; shareable with friends | Cocktails, light mains (salad, fish) |
| Crab Cakes | Seafood lovers who like rich crab flavor with elegance | Wine, seafood mains (salmon, lobster), cocktails |
If you’re going for indulgence and warmth, choose Baked Garlic Shrimp.
If you want a classic crunchy starter to share, go for Calamari.
If you want something a bit more refined and seafood-forward, pick the Crab Cakes.
Many diners order more than one starter if they’re sharing or pairing with multiple drink choices.
Dish Description, Price & Estimated Calories
| Dish Name | Description | Estimated Price (CAD) | Estimated Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baked Garlic Shrimp | Shrimp baked in garlic butter with herbs; warm, aromatic, and rich in flavor. | 15.00 | 380–450 kcal |
| Calamari | Lightly fried squid served with ginger-garlic or aioli dipping sauces; crispy and tender. | 19.00 | 550–650 kcal |
| Crab Cakes | Pan-fried crab cakes with a crispy exterior and soft crab interior; served with lemon-dill or remoulade sauce. | 19.00 | 420–520 kcal |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are these dishes always available at The Keg?
A: In most locations, yes. The Baked Garlic Shrimp, Calamari, and Crab Cakes are standard appetizers on the menu — though menus can vary slightly by location. It’s always a good idea to check the local Keg menu before visiting.
Q: Are the prices the same across Canada?
A: Not always. While recent menu listings show Baked Garlic Shrimp at CAN$15 and Calamari / Crab Cakes at around CAN$19, regional variation (taxes, local pricing, location) may affect final prices.
Q: Are crab Cakes worth the price compared to other appetizers?
A: For many, yes — because it uses premium crab meat, and the pan-fried style plus sauce make it a more “special occasion” appetizer. If you love crab flavor and seafood, it can feel like good value.
Q: Can I share one of these dishes between two people?
A: Definitely. All three — Baked Garlic Shrimp, Calamari, and Crab Cakes — are commonly ordered as shared starters, especially when pairing with mains or drinks. Sharing is a great way to enjoy variety without over-ordering.
Q: Which drinks pair best with each starter?
A:
- Baked Garlic Shrimp: Rich and buttery — pairs well with light white wine or a refreshing cocktail.
- Calamari: Crispy and slightly spicy/garlicky — pairs well with beers, crisp white wines, or citrusy cocktails.
- Crab Cakes: Rich but delicate crab flavor — pairs nicely with chilled white wine, light reds, or classic cocktails.
Q: Are there vegetarian or allergen-free alternatives?
A: The three dishes discussed are seafood-based. For vegetarians or those avoiding shellfish, The Keg menu usually includes other appetizers (vegetarian or meat-free) — but Baked Garlic Shrimp, Calamari, and Crab Cakes will not meet those needs.
Conclusion
If you visit The Keg and want a starter that sets the right tone, Baked Garlic Shrimp, Calamari, and Crab Cakes are among the safest bets. Each has its own appeal: warm and indulgent shrimp, crispy and shareable calamari, or elegant, seafood-forward crab cakes.
Pricing (as of 2025) typically falls in the range of CAD 15 to CAD 19, depending on the dish — making them reasonably priced for a steakhouse starter, especially when shared.
Whether you’re catching up with friends over drinks, starting a date night with a cozy appetizer, or simply craving a reliable seafood starter — these menu items deliver consistent flavor, trustable quality, and the kind of culinary experience that keeps people coming back to The Keg.
Danielle Harper is the founder of thekegmenu.com, a website that offers clear, useful insights into restaurant menus—especially drink options and key details about the dining experience.
With over 10 years in the hospitality industry, Danielle developed a strong understanding of how restaurants work—from what happens in the kitchen to how great service is delivered. More importantly, she knew how to explain menus in a way that helps people make better choices.
Her focus wasn’t just on food. Danielle became known for her deep knowledge of beverage menus, including beer selections, cocktail options, and non-alcoholic choices. She helped visitors understand the differences in drinks, spot unique offerings, and feel more confident when ordering.
Danielle spent years visiting restaurants, researching menus, and writing clear, helpful reviews. Her goal was always simple: to give people accurate, easy-to-understand information that could improve their dining experience.
Thanks to her hard work, thekegmenu.com became a reliable guide for anyone looking to learn more about restaurant menus, drinks, and overall service quality. Danielle built a trusted name by sharing her knowledge with passion and helping others enjoy food and drink with confidence.