Marina’s - Kitchener, Ontario

OK while it lasted

Friendly down-home atmosphere. The food is way better than the low prices would indicate.

You like this place if you: - appreciate a decent wing special - don't mind serving yourself once and a while - are a "regular" or aspire to be one You don't like this place if you: - can't survive without AC - don't drink anything that wasn't brewed within 10km of you house - are looking ... for quinoa (or equivalent) Read more

Yesterday my friends and I decided to give Marina’s in downtown Kitchener a try. The menu posted on the front window outside looked to be your regular bar food; hamburgers, fries, Poutine, onion rings, fish and chips, wings, deep fried cheese sticks etc. (no salads). Once inside, we were greeted warmly by ... the owner Marina and her son Chef Billy as we seated ourselves. Marina brought out the menus and Chef Billy told us what the daily special was. All three of us decided we would go with the daily special of beef burritos. The daily specials are all home made from scratch by Chef Billy & Marina. Today’s daily special of Beef burritos came with sides of home made guacamole and home made salsa and corn tortilla chips (not chef made)….. The burrito was a combination of ground beef, sautéed onion, sauce, sour cream, cilantro, tomato, all rolled into a beautifully fresh flour tortilla. The flavours married so nicely together and we were trying to figure out what that ‘just a hint of sweet’ was and Chef Billy said it was their special house made bbq sauce. The salsa was home made and beautifully fresh, peppered with beautiful yellow and red grape tomatoes. The home made guacamole had just the right amount of garlic. All beautifully plated and presented by Chef Billy himself. The portions were just right. I don’t know what they other daily specials are (as they didn’t seem to be posted anywhere) but we were told that Wednesday’s daily special is Liver & Onions! Marina prepares this herself. Onions sautéed until sweet and golden brown, bacon cooked til crisp, tender baby beef liver, all served with mashed potatoes, gravy and fresh vegetables. We will definitely be going back for the Wednesday special!!! They have a juke box, free pool tables and wifi. There is also a small patio outback. Parking is available off of Cedar Street. You must hit the second driveway. It looks like you are going to pull into someone’s drive but keep going and you will end up right behind the patio. This very unassuming neighbourhood, family run restaurant/bar turned out to be, not only a very pleasant experience in the form of the most delicious daily special of beef burritos but the friendly atmosphere made us feel like part of the familyneighbourhood in no time. My companions and I agree we would definitely go back. Price – excellent value for your dollar! You won’t be able to get a cup of tea or tonic water, no salad or dessert but the friendly atmosphere and delicious food more than make up for it. Read more

Friendly little bar big time fun! ;)