Keg Mansion

Architectural History and Original Construction

The Keg Mansion was originally built in 1868 for Arthur McMaster, the nephew of Canadian senator and banker William McMaster. At the time of its construction, Jarvis Street was one of the wealthiest residential areas in Toronto, characterized by large manors set back from the street with extensive gardens. The house, initially known as Euclid Hall, was a substantial Victorian Gothic residence featuring twenty-six rooms and seventeen fireplaces. The property also included a stable and a large brick carriage house at the rear, reflecting the affluent lifestyle of its original occupants. The building's exterior maintains a neutral colour palette with distinctive green brass accents over the windows and red shingles on its later-added turret. The interior design philosophy, as implemented by The Keg, uses soft, deep colours to contrast with the hard, crisp edges of the historic architecture, though significant alterations have been made since its time as a dwelling.

The Massey Family Era and Modifications

In 1882, the property was purchased by industrialist Hart Massey and his wife, who had recently returned to Toronto from Cleveland. The Massey family, one of Canada's most prominent families in manufacturing and philanthropy, undertook significant renovations to the home. They added a turret, a verandah, and a greenhouse to the structure, although the original Gothic façade of the house was largely preserved. Hart Massey's sons also established homes in the immediate vicinity, with his son Chester D. Massey building a house to the north where Hart's famous grandchildren, Vincent and Raymond Massey, were raised. The family's occupancy represented the peak of the building's use as a single-family home during Toronto's late-Victorian period.

Transition to Institutional and Commercial Use

As the Jarvis Street area became more urbanized and commercialized, the Massey family decided to leave the neighbourhood. In 1915, they bequeathed the building to Victoria College, a federated college of the University of Toronto. In the 1920s, it housed the first studios of Toronto radio station CFRB. For several decades until 1960, the building was home to an art gallery. Later, it was purchased by Jules Fine and operated as a restaurant named Julie's Mansion, with the Bombay Bicycle Club nightclub occupying the top floor. After Fine suffered a stroke, parts of the grounds were sold, leading to the demolition of the greenhouses and their replacement with a service station, marking a period of physical change for the property before its next major transformation.

Acquisition by The Keg and Restaurant Operation

In 1976, the building began its current chapter when it was acquired and repurposed by The Keg restaurant chain. It was renamed the Keg Mansion and opened as a steakhouse and bar. The interior underwent significant alterations from its original residential layout to accommodate a modern restaurant, though the establishment strives to maintain an ambiance that reflects its historic character. The restaurant is part of Keg Restaurants Limited, a Canadian chain operating in Canada and the United States. As of October 2026, the Keg Mansion location is open for lunch and dinner daily, with hours extending from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM on weekdays, and it maintains a bar and lounge area where Happy Hour specials are offered. The location is promoted as the perfect place to connect, unwind with friends, and create memories, aligning with the broader brand messaging of The Keg Steakhouse + Bar.

Menu and Culinary Offerings

The Keg Mansion serves a classic steakhouse menu with a Canadian influence, featuring aged steaks grilled to order. Prime rib is a noted specialty of the chain. The cuisine is categorized as American, Steakhouse, Seafood, and Canadian, with the restaurant offering options for various dietary needs, including vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free choices. The menu evolves seasonally, with limited-time offerings such as a fall menu featuring dishes like slow-cooked ribs with a Guinness jus and blackened steaks with blue cheese butter. The restaurant also features a range of signature cocktails, including seasonal creations and classics like the Atomic Caesar, made with Absolut Tabasco Vodka. Popular menu items and recent innovations include:

• Top Sirloin, Filet Mignon, and New York Striploin steaks, often featured in a 27-ounce three-steak platter for sharing.
• Fall-off-the-bone BBQ Pork Ribs with house-made sauce, a returning favourite.
• Tender chicken breast with savoury mushrooms and a rich truffle cream sauce.
• Appetizers like baked smoked Gouda and artichoke dip served with tortilla chips.
• A signature dessert platter featuring Crème Brûlée, Cheesecake, and the famous Billy Miner Pie.
• Cocktails like the Peaches & Oak, crafted by Keg Cocktail Classic winner Brandon Snippe, and seasonal twists featuring whisky and spices.
• Pasta dishes such as creamy truffle mushroom pasta with grana padano cheese, available only in Canada.
• Specialty drinks like the frozen Billy Miner Pie coffee drink made with ice cream, Bailey's, and Kahlua.

The Keg restaurant brand offers gift cards for purchase in physical or digital form online. The restaurants provide dine-in service for meals including lunch, dinner, and after-hours dining. Delivery is available from participating locations through third-party services such as DoorDash. The chain promotes lunch service at specific locations, including The Sherway Keg, which is open for lunch daily at noon. Happy Hour specials are also offered in the bar and lounge areas of participating restaurants for dine-in customers.

Ownership and Brand Context

The Keg Mansion is operated by Keg Restaurants Limited, which was acquired by Cara Operations, the owner of brands like Harvey's and Swiss Chalet. This acquisition, announced on a Tuesday, added The Keg's approximately 106 steakhouses to Cara's portfolio, which is based in Vaughan, Ontario. The Keg brand positions itself as a place for connection, unwinding with friends, and creating memories. The Mansion location is one of many across the country, with recent openings including a new location on Dixon Road in Toronto which is now officially open. The chain frequently promotes new menu launches, seasonal offerings, and special events like Happy Hour, which features discounted drinks and appetizers in the bar and lounge areas for dine-in only. The brand maintains an active social media presence under the handle @thekegsteakhouse to engage with customers and announce new developments, including delivery exclusives and limited-time menu items.

Cultural Significance, Events, and Folklore

Beyond its function as a restaurant, the Keg Mansion holds a place in Toronto's cultural history due to its architectural significance and former residents. The building is listed among Toronto's historic properties and is often noted in lists of the city's oldest buildings and structures. It has also been the subject of local lore and ghost stories, adding to its mystique as a dining destination long linked to tales of the supernatural. The site has occasionally been a focal point for public demonstration, such as in September 2015 when almost two dozen animal rights activists and vegans gathered there to protest animal cruelty. Its continued operation as a successful restaurant ensures the preservation and active use of a heritage building, allowing the public to experience a piece of Toronto's Victorian past. The restaurant's popularity is evidenced by its high volume of customer photos and reviews, with over 553 photos posted online by October 2026.

Recent Developments and Promotions

The Keg brand, including the Mansion location, actively engages in marketing promotions and menu updates to attract customers. Seasonal menu launches, such as the fall menu with rich, warm flavours, are available for a limited time only. Happy Hour promotions offer cold drinks and delicious Keg favourites at reduced prices in the bar and lounge. The brand also promotes gift cards, both physical and digital, for special occasions. New restaurant openings, like the one on Dixon Road, are celebrated as community events. The chain educates customers on steak cuts, asking them to consider the qualities that make each cut unique. Cocktail competitions like the Keg Cocktail Classic inspire new menu additions, such as the Peaches & Oak cocktail, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to innovation within the classic steakhouse framework.

Questions about Keg Mansion

Where is the Keg Mansion located?

The Keg Mansion is located at 515 Jarvis Street in Toronto, Ontario, with the postal code M4Y 2H7. Jarvis Street was historically one of the city's most affluent residential areas. The restaurant is situated in the downtown core, making it accessible for both locals and visitors. Its specific address is frequently listed for reservations and navigation purposes.

What type of food does the Keg Mansion serve?

The Keg Mansion serves a steakhouse and bar menu, featuring aged steaks, prime rib, seafood, and Canadian-inspired dishes. The cuisine is categorized as American, Steakhouse, Seafood, and Canadian. The restaurant accommodates special diets with vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free options. Seasonal menus introduce limited-time items, such as BBQ ribs and signature cocktails like the Atomic Caesar.

What are the historical highlights of the building?

The building was originally constructed in 1868 as a private home named Euclid Hall for Arthur McMaster. It was purchased in 1882 by Hart Massey, whose family added a turret and verandah. The Masseys bequeathed it to Victoria College in 1915. It later housed radio station CFRB and an art gallery before becoming Julie's Mansion restaurant. The Keg converted it into a restaurant in 1976, preserving its historic exterior.

Does the Keg Mansion have a happy hour?

Yes, the Keg Mansion offers a Happy Hour in its bar and lounge area. During this time, guests can enjoy discounted prices on Keg favourites, including drinks and appetizers. The Happy Hour is available for dine-in customers only, and specific offers and hours can vary. Details are typically provided on the restaurant's menu or website.

Can I get delivery from the Keg Mansion?

The Keg brand offers delivery from participating locations through third-party services like DoorDash. Customers can order Keg meals for delivery to their homes. The specific availability for delivery from the Keg Mansion location should be confirmed through the delivery service's app or website. Not all menu items or promotions may be available for delivery from every location.

Who owns The Keg restaurant chain?

The Keg restaurant chain, Keg Restaurants Limited, was acquired by Cara Operations. Cara is a Vaughan, Ontario based company that also owns brands like Harvey's and Swiss Chalet. The acquisition added The Keg's portfolio of approximately 106 steakhouse locations to Cara's holdings. This integrated The Keg into a larger Canadian foodservice group.

Sources and further reading

• Keg Mansion (Wikipedia)
• The Keg Steakhouse + Bar (thekeg.com)

Checked by the Novello Desserts desk. Last updated 2026-10-26.