I've seen the Rumpus Room close to capacity on weekend evenings, but this Sunday it was neither too full nor too empty. The decor is aimed at recreating the feel of a 70s/80s rec room, and for the most part it's bang on, from the furniture and taxidermy to the period board games and Etch -A Sketch. The only discordant note is the fact that rather than being located in a cramped basement, the Rumpus Room is at street level, with a full wall of windows and lots of natural light. It may make for a more palatable dining experience, but it doesn't quite hit the mark for authenticity.
The menu is in accord with the retro theme, with offerings like grilled cheese, meatloaf, spaghetti and meatballs, and mac and cheese. Prices and portions are reasonable. It was nice to see that all of their wide variety of burgers can be ordered with a veggie patty, a practice other restaurants would be wise to adopt. The drink list wasn't long, but they do have some excellent beers on tap, including two of my favourites, Hop Circle and Blue Buck, both from
Phillips of Victoria.
Overall, I was neither disappointed nor blown away by the Rumpus Room. Walking in, the decor and atmosphere struck me as a cross between Lucy's and the Foundation, and nothing occurred over the course of the evening to change that impression. There's nothing you haven't seen before here, but there's nothing wrong with that.
BTW--check out the backs of these coupons we got for free drinks, as an apology for a somewhat slow kitchen.
