"I've been to Preston's on a number of occasions -- a couple of lunches, and quite a few happy hours.I have to say I am not too impressed with their express lunches. The price-to-quality ratio is not the greatest -- what I usually expect from a chain -- but the service is quick, so I really can't complain too much. That said, it has been at least 2 years since my last lunch visit so that pretty much sums up what I think of their lunch offerings. The dinner menu does not excite me, and seems a tad on the expensive side, so I have not even bothered with it.What keeps me coming back, though, is their happy hour. Drinks are fairly priced ($3 highballs, $4 red or white plonk, $5 beer, $6 cocktails), and the pours are not bad. 50% off select food items present a good deal, though there aren't too many things from their HH selection that appeal much to me. The calamari (not the standard rings - more flat and breadcrumby) is usually good -- the squid is tender, but can be a bit greasy at times. Chicken wings are mediocre. Avocado fritters, salads, and cheeseburger spring rolls appeal to a few of my friends, but I find them boring, bland, and pointless. The clam chowder has good flavour, but can sit a bit heavy in the gut. The Creole mussels and clams are good and flavourful (the broth has a good kick). My absolute fave is the crispy pickled cauliflower with turmeric and carrot puree -- the sourness from the pickling and the sweetness from the carrots work really well together. Appies range in price from $6-$10 during HH so the value proposition is good even if the menu is not super exciting. I would probably not be willing to pay full price for these though. Service has been very good (friendly, efficient, and unpretentious) for the most part.This is one of the better HH deals this side of Coal Harbour. A really good place for a few drinks and nibbles after work with friends. Solid 3.5 stars rounded up to a 4."
Sourdough Toast
