Great food...best poutine in Peterborough. My Angel Smokey did not care much for fish...he had to have one final feast of Purveys before he went over the rainbow bridge. Very fussy kitty...so it had to be the best
It was Friday at lunch and there was a smattering of people that should of told us something! We ordered our food and I thought I would use the washroom. Looked for fully five minutes until I got the attention of our server. They could use a sign! Now onto lunch. The fish was good the batter greasy as was the fries. The shrimp I ordered was very chewy.
The whole experience left a bad taste in mouth. In all likelihood I will not return!
Been to Purvey's since I was a kid in the 70's/early 80;s. Not much has changed atmosphere wise! It's kitchy now I guess. They just did a major reno/overhaul, but I haven't been in to see what has changed. If you want to Avoid chains, and have your money stay in the community with a Family business that's been in Peterborough for Decades - support them! Best halibut, and hand-cut fries (not frozen and flown in form god knows where... china? like the chains!). Like a said the decor was stuck int eh 80's, but hey the 80's are back in! Once around the kitchen is always a favourite.The waitress we get alot has been there forever! THey do tons of takeout. Maybe in the sketchier part of town, but we've never had a prob parking or walking. Purvey's is a Peterborough institution.Let's see that it outlives places like Dead Lobster.
I must say, I like the food. We usually get it delivered. Wow, the chips were SO much better in the dining room, nice and fluffy! By the time they arrive at the house, they are really deflated.
The dining room service though, sheesh!
"Do you have beer on tap?"
"No."
(silence)
"Do you have bottled beer?"
"Yes."
(silence)
(more silence)
"What bottles do you have?"
Come on lady! This is waitressing 101!
Well its been 20 years since i have had food from here, last visit to JP, was the Chemong location that spoiled my desire to return. Glad we did. My wife had the halibut and chips and was very pleased with it. Home cut fries are fantastic , i enjoyed the Once Around The Kitchen, and was scared because no one can cook scallops anymore properly. Well to my surprise- THEY DID IT. Not overcooked and rubbery, fish wasvery good and loved the fries.
The atmospher , classic as it always been. Love the old clasic look.
We went early and joined the sr. dinner cround but the placed filled quite quickly as meal went on and take out was non stop lined up.
Guess thats why its been here for so many years.
And remember dont judge a restaurant from the action of a satalite establishment.
I have made a special trip to Peterborough for the last 30 years + . I moved from Toronto, to Peterborough to Pembroke to Ottawa and now Arnprior and I still make a point of going through Peterborough on the days that they are open (closed Mondays, I believe). I am british and can honestly say that I go out of my way to check out fish & chip shops anywhere I go. The other reviewer is right, the fish is thick and the batter is perfect. No greasy batter, just light and perfect! I can go on and on, but the food speaks for itself. It is not a high class style restaurant and don't get dressed up, but the prices are very reasonable and the fish and chips are excellent.
Best fish and chips in town - no question. I've tried many and this is the real deal. At the original location near the GE plant, not the Chemong location, the fries are real - not frozen. The halibut is cut thick and the batter is just right. It doesn't get any better. The decor is so out it's in. The waitress we had did her job as though she'd been doing it since the place opened - efficient but numb with boredom. Who cares! The food was exactly what we hoped for when we decided to get fish and chips. Wrap it in newsprint and take it home baby! If you like fish and chips this is the place.
They have the BEST fish in town by far! They're battered mushrooms are also quite delicious. However...the lady with the long red hair that works there always looks like she's having the worst day of her life. She looks at you like you're a thief if you want extra tartar sauce. I've been going there for over a year and I have NEVER seen her smile when serving customers. This woman should not be in customer service. I normally just get takeout because of her. If the fish wasnt so good, I wouldnt come back at all.
