April 16, 2008
An interesting stop in the small town of Baden, smack in the middle of farm town, southwestern Ontario. The dining room, as mentioned before, is the attraction. The walls host an eclectic mix of used farm equipment, vintage beer signs, old paintings, and vintage food and beverage sinage. The bar room has a tin ceiling from the 1800s that was, as rumour has it, painted by a folk artist who paid room and board by doing the paintings. Music was quiet and enjoyable. I liked the feel to the place. Service here was good, above average. I had a schnitzel sandwich with onion rings for lunch, and it was tasty. Portions were big and the prices were right. I had a pint of Stonehammer Dark, which was fresh and hit the spot. There were 12 taps in total, with 4 micro taps, which was more than I expected for a bar in such a small town. Certainly worth a stop if you happen to be in Baden. |
June 10, 2004 [ Updated July 31, 2004 ]
If you still want to experience tipping a pint in a 1800s rural Ontario tavern, here’s your chance. EJs (was the Baden hotel for decades) remains relatively unchanged since it was a regular stop for travellers between Kithchener and Stratford- London on the old hiway system.
They have a good selection of premium, import and craft beers on tap (10 while I was there but that had just drained 2)...I had a Fuller’s ESB and a Carlsberg red while I was there. The time before it was Hoegaarden and a Creemore...nice selection.
The Bar room is the attraction, It has a large oak bar complete with brass rail and a large oak mirrored glass shelves behind it repleat with carved oak pillers. Look up.... there’s the original hotel tin ceiling that some folk artist in the 1800s hand painted with rural Wilmot county scenes. There is a family dining area that serves up Waterloo county mennonite foods....a great place for a pint and some rural ambience right of the number 8 highway going to Stratford. |
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