The Huether Hotel in uptown Waterloo traces its roots to 1842, when brewer Wilhelm Rebscher purchased the land and established what is considered the city’s first brewery. Today, this Victorian landmark at the corner of King and Princess Streets houses a restaurant, café, pub, and event spaces under the stewardship of the Adlys family, who have owned and restored the building since 1953. This article draws on heritage records, the official property site, and verified reviews to give you a factual look at the hotel’s history, current ownership, menu, and visitor feedback.
Last checked: 2026-07-12
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Address: 59 King Street North, Waterloo, ON N2J 2X2 · Phone: (519) 886-3350 · Email: david@huetherhotel.com · Website: huetherhotel.com · Hours: Sunday–Tuesday 8am–7pm; Friday–Saturday 8am–8pm · Style: Victorian, 4 floors
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-12.
Sources reviewed: Official property website (huetherhotel.com), Canadian Register of Historic Places (HistoricPlaces.ca), Historic Waterloo municipal registry, Wikipedia, TripAdvisor, Yelp, BeerAdvocate, local news (Kitchener CityNews, The Community Edition), and social media (Facebook, Reddit).
We did not conduct an on-site visit, interview staff, or independently verify ownership details beyond the cited sources.
Huether Hotel at a glance
- 59 King Street North, Waterloo, ON N2J 2X2 — northwest corner of King and Princess (HistoricPlaces.ca)
- Designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act in 1988 (City of Waterloo By-law 88-82) (HistoricPlaces.ca)
- Owned and operated by the Adlys family since 1953; 2024 partnership with Establish Properties for revitalization (Kitchener CityNews)
- Restaurant (Barley Works gastropub), Lion Brewery pub in original lagering cellars, café, and Jazz Room event space (Huether Hotel)
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Address | 59 King Street North, Waterloo, ON N2J 2X2 |
| Phone | (519) 886-3350 |
| david@huetherhotel.com | |
| Website | huetherhotel.com |
| Hours (café) | Sunday–Tuesday 8am–7pm; Friday–Saturday 8am–8pm |
| Style | Victorian, 4 floors |
| Heritage status | Designated under Ontario Heritage Act (1988) |
| Year first brewery established | 1842 |
Who Owns the Huether Hotel?
The Huether Hotel is owned and operated by the Adlys family, who acquired the building in 1953 and undertook significant restoration of the exterior and original brewery features (HistoricPlaces.ca). The family also restored the historic name “Huether Hotel” in the 1980s, after decades of operating as the Hotel Kent (Wikipedia). In August 2024, Toronto-based firm Establish Properties announced a partnership with the Adlys family to revitalize the property, adding apartment units and an entertainment hub while preserving the heritage structure (Kitchener CityNews). The hotel’s daily operations are managed by David Huether, who can be reached at david@huetherhotel.com.
Historical ownership changes
Before the Adlys family, the property passed through several hands. After Christopher Huether died in 1898, Theresa Kuntz acquired the hotel and brewery at auction in 1899 (HistoricPlaces.ca). Kuntz Brewery Ltd. held the site from 1910 to 1930. The building then changed hands repeatedly until Albert Snyder purchased the land, building, and hotel business in 1934, renaming it the Hotel Kent (Wikipedia).
The bottom line: The Huether Hotel has been under family ownership since 1953 and is entering a new chapter with a development partner that promises to respect its heritage.
What Is the History of the Huether Hotel?
The site’s history as a brewing hub predates the hotel building. In 1842, Elias Snider sold the land to brewer Wilhelm Rebscher, who established Waterloo’s first brewery on the property (Historic Waterloo). Rebscher operated the brewery until 1856. After his death, German immigrants Adam Huether and his son Christopher took over and renamed it the Lion Brewery in 1859 (HistoricPlaces.ca). The main hotel structure was built in 1870, and the distinctive buff-brick Victorian façade—with corbelled brickwork and arched second-storey windows—was added in 1880 (Historic Waterloo).
Throughout the 20th century, the building was known as Ewald House (1911–1934) and then Hotel Kent (1934–1980s) (Wikipedia). The Adlys family, after acquiring the property in 1953, restored much of the exterior and excavated parts of the original brewery site. In 1961, workers paving a parking lot behind the hotel uncovered a rare storage cavern with a vaulted stone ceiling and arched entrance—now part of the Lion’s Pub (HistoricPlaces.ca). The City of Waterloo designated the building for its heritage value in 1988 under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Why this matters: The Huether Hotel’s continuous use as a brewery and hospitality site since 1842 makes it one of the oldest surviving brewing-related landmarks in Ontario.
What Are the Menu Options at the Huether Hotel?
The Huether Hotel operates multiple food and beverage venues on its four floors. The main restaurant menu, available online, is organized into sections: Appetizers, Salads, Burgers & Sandwiches, Pizza & Panzerotti, and Wings & Fries (Huether Hotel Main Menu). TripAdvisor reviews highlight the Barley Works gastropub with items such as bacon meatloaf and vegetarian options (TripAdvisor). The café serves homemade breakfast until the early afternoon, including eggs Benedict and well-regarded lattes, according to Yelp reviews (Yelp). Seasonal beverages, such as warm fall offerings, are promoted on the hotel’s social media.
Operating hours for the main menu are listed as Friday–Saturday 8:00 AM–1:00 AM and Sunday–Wednesday 8:00 AM–12:00 AM, indicating breakfast through late-night service (Huether Hotel Main Menu). The rooftop patio is a popular summer draw.
The trade-off: Menu variety is broad, but some reviewers express a desire for more local food options—a common feedback point for historic pub-style venues.
What Do Reviews Say About the Huether Hotel?
On TripAdvisor, the Huether Hotel holds a rating of 3.5 out of 5 based on 66 reviews, ranking #80 of 282 restaurants in Waterloo. Common themes in positive reviews include the warm atmosphere, friendly staff, and the historic setting. One reviewer on Yelp described the food as “delicious” and the service as “warm and friendly” (Yelp). A Facebook food group comment echoed the praise for the café’s breakfast quality (Facebook).
Criticisms are sparse but note occasional inconsistency in food quality and a desire for a wider selection of local craft beers—despite the Lion Brewery’s historic association with brewing. On BeerAdvocate, the hotel is described as a “historical landmark and popular hangout for university students,” with microbrewed beer available at the Lion Brewery Restaurant (BeerAdvocate).
The pattern: Most reviewers appreciate the heritage ambiance and friendly service; negative feedback focuses on food consistency and beverage selection.
Does the Huether Hotel Host Weddings?
The Huether Hotel appears in searches related to weddings, and its event spaces—including the Jazz Room—are suitable for private gatherings. Contact for event inquiries is made via david@huetherhotel.com (Huether Hotel). Wedding-related searches are linked to the property, and the 2024 revitalization plans include an entertainment hub that may expand event capacity (Kitchener CityNews).
What to watch: As redevelopment proceeds, check directly with the hotel for current wedding packages and venue availability.
Does the Huether Hotel Have a Cafe?
Yes, the Huether Hotel operates a café on the ground floor that serves breakfast, coffee, and light meals. Its hours are Sunday–Tuesday 8am–7pm and Friday–Saturday 8am–8pm (closed Wednesday–Thursday for the café, though the main menu operates later). The Lion Brewery pub in the basement—housed in the original brick lagering cellars—also functions as a bar and café-style seating area (HistoricPlaces.ca). Yelp reviews specifically note the café’s “great breakfast” and latte quality (Yelp).
The bottom line: The café is a reliable spot for breakfast and coffee in uptown Waterloo, with early morning hours that start at 8 AM.
Timeline of the Huether Hotel
- 1842: Elias Snider sells land to brewer Wilhelm Rebscher; Waterloo’s first brewery established.
- 1855–1856: Portions of the current hotel date to 1855; Rebscher operates brewery until 1856.
- 1859: Adam and Christopher Huether rename the brewery the Lion Brewery.
- 1870: Main hotel structure constructed.
- 1880: Victorian buff-brick façade added.
- 1898–1899: Christopher Huether dies; Theresa Kuntz acquires the property at auction.
- 1910–1930: Kuntz Brewery Ltd. holds the premises; hotel portion called Ewald House (from 1911).
- 1934: Albert Snyder acquires the building and renames it Hotel Kent.
- 1953: Adlys family purchases the building; restoration begins.
- 1961: Vaulted stone storage cavern uncovered during parking lot work.
- 1980s: Adlys family restores the name Huether Hotel; venue names (Lion Brewery Restaurant, Barley Works) established.
- 1988: City of Waterloo designates the building under the Ontario Heritage Act.
- 2024: Establish Properties announces partnership with Adlys family for revitalization.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros
- Historic setting with genuine Victorian architecture and heritage designation.
- Multiple on-site venues (gastropub, café, brewery pub, event space).
- Located in uptown Waterloo, walkable to shops and parks.
- Breakfast served from 8 AM, with late-night hours on weekends.
- Family-owned and operated with a record of restoration.
Cons
- TripAdvisor rating of 3.5/5 — mixed reviews on food consistency.
- Limited local craft beer selection according to some reviewers.
- No on-site accommodation available (historic hotel is now purely a dining/event venue).
- Café closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Best For
- Couples: The rooftop patio and intimate café make for a relaxed date spot.
- Families: Breakfast and lunch menus offer kid-friendly options like pizza and panzerotti.
- History enthusiasts: The building’s brewery origins and Victorian design are on display, with heritage plaques and original cellar arches.
- Wedding planners: Event spaces and the Jazz Room cater to ceremonies and receptions, though capacities should be confirmed directly.
Our Pick: Visitors seeking a historic dining experience
If your main interest is soaking in the atmosphere of a 19th-century brewery-turned-hotel while enjoying a meal or a beer, the Huether Hotel is a solid choice. The Lion Brewery pub in the basement—set in the original vaulted storage cavern—is the most distinctive spot. For first-time visitors, we recommend the Barley Works gastropub for dinner, then heading downstairs for a drink in the brewery cellar. The café is best visited for a weekday breakfast before the uptown crowd arrives.
Location and Getting There
The Huether Hotel sits at 59 King Street North, at the northwest corner of King and Princess Streets in uptown Waterloo. It is within walking distance of Waterloo Town Square, the Waterloo Public Library, and the Regional Museum. On-street parking is available on surrounding streets; several municipal parking lots are within two blocks. The ION light rail stop at Waterloo Public Square is a five-minute walk away, making it accessible from Kitchener and the broader region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the address of the Huether Hotel?
59 King Street North, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 2X2, at the northwest corner of King and Princess Streets in uptown Waterloo.
What are the hours of operation for the cafe?
The cafe is open Sunday–Tuesday 8am–7pm and Friday–Saturday 8am–8pm. It is closed Wednesday and Thursday. The main restaurant operates Fri–Sat 8am–1am and Sun–Wed 8am–midnight.
Is there parking available near the Huether Hotel?
Yes, on-street parking is available on King and Princess Streets, and several municipal parking lots are within a two-block walk.
What is the email contact for the Huether Hotel?
david@huetherhotel.com
What is the phone number?
(519) 886-3350
How many floors does the building have?
The Huether Hotel is a four-storey Victorian structure.
What architectural style is the Huether Hotel?
The building is Victorian in style, with a buff-brick façade, symmetrical windows, a decorative slate roof, arched windows and entrances, and dormers.