Noms!: Glen Lake Pub offers good eating in Sooke/Langford

Columns March 6, 2013

The Glen Lake Pub, situated on Sooke Road at the edge of Langford, got a big facelift back in March. While never a seedy sort of place, it wasn’t particularly well renowned either. Admittedly, I had never gone there before the renovation, but I had heard talk of droll decor and food prepared by people who probably shouldn’t be doing so. But I may never know the truth to these tales of mediocrity, and I don’t care that much. What counts is what they are doing now.

Glen Lake’s fish and chips (photo by Patrick Hallihan).

So, in terms of looks, it’s a little pub connected to an inn and pizza place. Inside, the lights are a little dull, as one may expect from such an establishment, and pretty much everything is made of solid wood. While the floors show a plethora of scratches from years of use, I like the rustic look of itÉ just don’t go in barefoot. There’s also a large moose at the entrance; I’m pretty sure the moose is what makes it.ĘOh, and they, of course, have the obligatory TVs at every corner of the room.

The Glen Lake Pub staffers are impossibly friendly and really add to the experience. I’m also told that the owner (who works the bar, mostly) is quick with a joke, appropriate and inappropriate (both of which are fine choices, really). When he asked, “How’s the food?” and we responded, “Good!” his immediate answer was, “Thanks, we have a pretty sweet microwave!” I liked the humour.

I have now eaten at the Glen Lake Pub twice. The first time I had fish ‘n’ chips while my two friends had beef dip and yam fries. The second time I had a burger and my friend had a chicken quesadilla and calamari. The fish was good (haddock) and my friend raved about his beef dip. The chicken quesadilla was nothing special. The calamari was excellent, crispy, and chewy with the right level of saltiness.

But the show-stopper was the burger. It was fantastic. Good, quality ingredients and, more importantly, the patty was made in house. And, of course, it was cooked properly. My only complaint with the food is that the menu is quite small (even with the pizza selection). While I appreciate doing a few things well, rather than half-assing several, the menu could use a few more choices.

The new Glen Lake Pub is a pretty great little place.Good food for very cheap, pleasant atmosphere, and fantastic staff. My only cautionary tale is that there’s only one shared bathroom, which may cause issues for those of you weak of bladder on a busy night when the beer has been flowing in (and out) of you.