Hunter's Ale House — Review by BeardMeatsFood
Charlottetown, Canada — Steakhouse
The reviewer attempted the John Candy Challenge at Hunter's Ale House on Prince Edward Island, a 72-ounce steak challenge that must be finished in one hour to be free. The steak was excellent quality, the staff was incredibly friendly and supportive, and the reviewer successfully completed the challenge with time to spare, even earning complimentary merch and a deep-fried Mars bar dessert.
What was great: The 72-oz steak was delicious and cooked well with a nice crust, the sweet garlic aioli was a special touch, HP sauce complemented the steak nicely, generous portions with two baked potatoes, friendly and welcoming staff, great atmosphere with supportive crowd
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The star of the show was the John Candy Challenge, a massive 72-ounce steak served with two baked potatoes and vegetables. The steak itself was cooked to perfection, with a nice crust on the outside and a little pink in the middle, exactly what you'd expect from a cut this size. The reviewer praised the quality and taste throughout the challenge. The baked potatoes were hot and buttery, perfect for pairing with the meat. A sweet garlic aioli was provided as an unconventional but surprisingly special accompaniment. HP sauce, a Canadian staple, was offered and turned out to be an excellent pairing with the steak, described as a spicier, fruitier alternative to A1 sauce. For dessert, a deep-fried Mars bar was served, a nice taste of home for the British reviewer. The potatoes were notably almost as hot as the steak itself, making them a real challenge to eat.
The Experience
The atmosphere at Hunter's Ale House was lively and packed with supportive patrons. The reviewer was seated on stage, adding to the spectacle of the challenge. Staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive throughout, constantly checking in and providing encouragement. The crowd was enthusiastic and cheering the reviewer on. Interestingly, some fans of the reviewer's channel came in during the challenge after seeing his Instagram post, adding a special moment to the experience. The overall vibe was one of genuine hospitality and support, with the owner even buying the reviewer a pitcher of Castle Rock beer as a gesture of goodwill.
Value and Pricing
The John Candy Challenge costs 84.99 dollars, but if completed within one hour, it's completely free. The reviewer successfully finished it within the time limit, so the meal ended up being complimentary. Additionally, the restaurant provided complimentary merchandise including a hoodie and toque (beanie), and covered the cost of the deep-fried Mars bar dessert. For a 72-ounce steak meal with this quality of presentation and service, this represents exceptional value, especially when the challenge is completed.
Notable Moments
Can you sign that waiver, please? Yeah, of course I'll sign the waiver. Yeah. All right, I'm way too hungry to read this entire document, but suffice to say it probably indicates that I am waving my rights to complain in the event of my death.
Other memorable moments included the reviewer's surprise at the use of HP sauce on steak, which he hadn't experienced outside the United Kingdom before. Fans of his channel showed up during the challenge to meet him in person, which was a touching moment. The reviewer's commentary on the challenge was humorous throughout, noting that endurance of the hands, specifically the index finger, is key to success in steak challenges.
The Verdict
Hunter's Ale House and the John Candy Challenge come highly recommended for anyone visiting Prince Edward Island who loves a good steak and doesn't mind a bit of friendly competition. The quality of the food, combined with the exceptional hospitality and supportive atmosphere, makes this a standout dining experience. The reviewer successfully completed the challenge and came away impressed not just with the steak itself, but with the entire experience. This restaurant is best for steak lovers, competitive eaters, and anyone looking for a memorable meal with great people.