Mixed feelings about this place . There are things I liked ( ambience , prices ,…read morebartender/mixologist currently working's personal flair ) when I visited , however I didn't have the best experience overall . Two stars ( instead of one ) for the bartender trying to make it right by offering me a free shot with my happy hour beverage but honestly I would have rather just been treated better (with a little more consideration) . In the states at "fancy" restaurants and or really popular places ( in general places that take reservations) , a single person would never really be allowed to sit at a larger table or booth, unless extreme circumstances warranted it like they were disabled / had a wheelchair ( which I am ) due to the fact that most likely a larger party who would obviously want to sit together, would need that limited space and it would be awkward to have someone move tables when they were already enjoying their drink or meal to accommodate a larger party. This rule, however doesn't really exist at places like dive bars . In general as most dive bars tended to be sparsely populated ...sitting wherever is not really an issues . In general first come first serve and every man for himself ...is usually the vibe . I arrived here, basically at opening and was there for about 40 minutes when a party of four arrived . All four of them kept looking at my table where I was sitting (the only booth in the small bar) as they were initially forced to sit together at one of the single tables with four chairs . Next thing, I know the bartender comes over to me and apologizes, saying he has to bug me and request that I move to a smaller table because they need the one booth . As I gathered my belongings to move, members of the larger party avoided making eye contact as they some thanked me for moving . Obvious that they were feeling guilt and yet it didn't stop them from claiming the booth I was using as a disabled person . Quite an unpleasant experience . To be fair I get the need to accommodate a larger party but honestly they could've literally just pushed three tables together and arranged the chairs to be three on each side. It would've been a little bit more work, but I think it would have been the fairest solution ..and would have been my solution as the employee working there or if I was a member of the party . It's the entitlement that really bothered me . I think I just come from a place where in certain instances people wouldn't even dare ask .

I was expecting more...the music was punk rock and loud. Definitely not the music I was expecting…read moreat a "speakeasy" type of bar. Cocktails weren't all that amazing. I don't know. Nothing memorable about this place other than the 2 minutes of excitement trying to find it...

My five stars are for the establishment - but as my followers know this is about the chicken…read moresandwich. Great cocktails, very friendly staff. This place shares a kitchen with Juke next door so they are KNOWN for their chicken. The good: flavors were a great mix. I got the spicy chicken option - the heat wasn't too bad and offered me a mild scalp sweat. Well balanced heat. The bun was also dynamite. Great structural integrity and it held together the sandwich well. The chicken (THIGH) was perfectly fried. No notes there. The not so good: the spicy option means it's kinda smothered in the spicy chili - which I assumed to be a spicy chili flavoring not like an actual sauce. That really threw the texture equilibrium off for the whole sandwich. You couldn't feel the crunch of the breading or the slaw and was just kinda a mess. 7.1/10 for the spicy chicken sandwich. I am certain that that the regular would be spectacular but the overall texture of the spicy one really was a disappointment. Definitely get the ranch, very tasty.

A crazy find when I was in Vancouver for a few days. Tucked at a corner of an average street…read morecorner of the Chinatown. No fancy decor for a cocktail bar but fancy drinks that elevate your evening. I started with Forest Moon (Ketal One, Woods Amaro Chiaro, Mastic Infusion, Grapefruit, Sea Buckthorn oil), then stuck at Medusa Strategy (Shinobu Peated Pure Malt, Torres 10 Brandy,El Gobernador Pisco, Amontillado, Tawny Port). Best thing ever, hot chicken wings from the connected restaurant.

The Cascade Room is a fun, popular spot for drinks and noshing. Street parking is available, but…read moreallow some extra time to find a space. We were seated in a booth near the front, where it was comfortable enough to talk, and our servers were friendly and attentive throughout the evening. Happy hour offered a good selection of cocktails and small plates. Nothing quite blew my socks off, but we had a good time. The garlic-chili prawns were my favorite dish. The wild boar tacos were tasty, though not especially memorable, and at $17 during happy hour, the free-range chicken wings didn't feel like a particularly good value. The Moroccan steak flatbread was good, but I preferred the calamari. The happy-hour spicy margarita was tasty, but the Slow Burn off the main menu took the prize for me. Overall, it's a nice place with a lively atmosphere, though I've had better drinks and nibbles elsewhere nearby. I'm glad we tried it, and I'd still come back. Enjoy!

I stumbled across this place for dine out fest and I must say they've really outdone themselves…read morewith this one: for $45 you get a 3 course meal: (note this is only available til Feb 8) APPETIZER: - Steelhead Trout & Prawn Croquettes - Pumpkin Seed-Crusted Goat Cheese MAINS - Grilled Hanger Steak - Pan-Roasted Chicken - Grilled Sockeye Salmon - Winter Squash & Wild Mushroom Risotto finished with grana Padano DESSERT - Tiramisu - Lemon Crème Brûlée I found the value really worth it. Food, drinks, ambiance, and service all amazing. We also tried the nutty by nature cocktail ($16) and the daily special - domesticated jungle bird ($12). I'd recommend also checking out happy hours MONDAY all day, TUES-SUN 4-6pm. They have some great deals. Even during regular hours they have a daily cocktail for $12 which is awesome!

I've been here at least twice in the past month. We like it because it has a good happy hour menu,…read moreit's laid-back, and has quality food and service. And this last visit didn't disappoint. The space has changed a few times over the past few year, previously being a bakery and a vegan restaurant. it's nice two high ceiling room that looks elegant and welcoming. We had reservations, which is recommended because it does get busy. We were seated immediately. We sampled the following: - Whipped Burrata & Prosciutto - Very good. Can't go wrong with burrata, but whipped burrata is even better for spreading on bread. Their focaccia is perfectly heated/grilled. Just the right amount of prosciutto. - Steamed Clams - Good. Small though. - Duck Wings - Good flavour. Small serving of four pieces. - Harissa Carrots - Very good. Looks a bit overcomplicated with all the ingredients, but it works well. - Braised Beef Cheek - Excellent. Beef cheeks is ultra tender. Delicious dish I will order again and again. Service was very good. Friendly and attentive, and know how to come in and out with interruption conversations. Overall, another great meal. Happy hour pricing makes it reasonably priced, matched with great service and a great atmosphere.

Been to The Watson a few times for happy hour (daily until 6pm, all day Sundays). The HH menu has…read more10 small plates and cocktails. Chill vibes that get more intimate when the sun goes down. There's patio seats outside and even seating upstairs. - "Amaretto" sour ($14.00) - tasty foam - The Watson ($11.00) - slightly medicinal - Watson's margarita ($13.00) - smooth - Paloma ($14.00) - well balanced, slight tang - Blue pony club ($11.00) - touch sweet - Watson's gimlet ($10.00) - liked the basil - Chorizo in red wine ($10.00) - best of the three dishes. Tasty chorizo in a flavourful sauce - Potato bravas ($8.00) - not crispy, dry - Wild boar tacos ($12.00) - average

This place is vibing…read more Service is great, drinks are fantastic and the ambiance is bumpin. The music is a touch loud but awesome. Street parking only but great neighborhood spot.

Located in Mount Pleasant, in the part full of art and colors, this place fits right in with…read moreinteresting signs and decor. We went here on a Saturday around 6:30pm and it was a bit busy - quoted a 20 minute wait but got a text in 5 minutes to be seated at a high top table next to a purple vintage jukebox. We got tater tots with cheese sauce and the burnt smores cheesecake for food, and we got the Uncrustables, On the Ritz, and Gin & Juicemaxxing for cocktails. Food is a bit pricy - 8 CAD for a small amount of tater tots plus 4 CAD for a tiny cup of cheese sauce, and some entrees go up to 60 CAD which is crazy expensive. Definitely recommend sticking to the drinks only. The Uncrustables is pretty interesting - could have had a bit more peanut butter flavor but still good with the fruity undertones that resemble the jam. It is pretty much the liquid version of Uncrustables peanut butter and jelly sandwich. On the Ritz is pretty good too - a bit creamy and easy to drink. I recommend eating the crackers asap unless you want to try it soggy dipped with the cocktail (either way is good). Gin & Juicemaxxing is wonderful with the fruity and faintly herbal notes. It is also interesting as it is a cocktail on tap since it is highly popular and fairly complex to make, so this drink came out very fast. Service is okay, just need to flag a server as they are slow in being proactive on checking up or refilling waters. Definitely good bar with good ambience, but only worth checking if you are conveniently in the area.

I really enjoyed this spot. The interior has a charming vintage, retro feel that gives it a…read morenostalgic vibe, and the view adds an extra layer to the experience. The music was a bit louder than I prefer, but it didn't take away too much from the overall atmosphere. The food was solid--my favourites were definitely the burger and the charcuterie, both of which stood out. The Brussels sprouts were just okay in comparison. Service was decent, nothing over the top but perfectly fine. One of the highlights is their happy hour, which offers great value on both food and drinks. Overall, it's a place I'd happily return to.

Bayside Lounge is one of my go-to downtown spots for brunch, namely because of the great views of…read moreEnglish bay; its largely undiscovered status so it's easy to get a table; and good value. The vibe is 70s retro with harvest gold upholstery and smiley faces on the walls; the stellar feature is the view and plenty of windows to go around. There's a distinct "eau de bar" fragrance in the background. To note: because it functions largely as a bar, they don't serve brunch to kids under 19. I usually order the Healthy Hash whilst my partner likes skipping around the menu. The well-seasoned hash sports plenty of crisp veggies (zucchini, tomatoes--both fresh and sun-dried--and yams) topped with a couple of perfectly poached eggs. Today my partner ordered the Chorizo Avocado Benny, and while it wasn't one of his favourites, he'd order it again. The chorizo sausage was surprisingly bland however. Service was well-intentioned although a bit haphazard. Not our server's fault because he was the only one on duty whilst guests continued to stream in. Maybe the secret is already out...

Live music, good drinks, and a cool ambience. They have a table in the back for troublemakers too!…read moreThe fries were delectable and perfect with drinks.

The service is amazing! My server was very attentive to my table always refilling our waters and…read moreasking us if we would like another drink. Joey the bartender makes very good cocktails and I would recommend coming here for a happy hour negroni. The ambiance is very intimate. This is a great place for a date.

I'm writing a review of Laowei to talk about one cocktail I fell in love with: The Heinz Sight…read more This creation sits at the top of my Bloody Mary/Caesar-adjacent totem pole. It comes with fries and a custom-labeled ketchup bottle. Very fun. The drink itself encapsulates savoriness in a smooth drink in a tall glass. Getting in is half the fun: order a #7 at the bun entrance, then slip into a super dark, super cool speakeasy that immediately sets the mood. The staff were genuinely friendly and wonderful, and you can tell they actually enjoy working there. That kind of energy rubs off fast. Great drink, great vibe, great time.

My husband and I have been enjoying speakeasies as they make date nights a bit more fun. We were…read morevisiting Vancouver from out of the country and were recommended Laowai by some friends, so we made a stop by to try it out. We arrived on a Friday night around 8pm. We only had to wait about 10 minutes or so before being called in! The speakeasy is very quaint and to theme. I loved the fun menu book which featured lovely art and was very informative in providing details on each cocktail. We ordered the chicken and chive dumplings along with our cocktails. The chicken and chive dumplings were pretty good! I would order them again. The drinks were creative and their flavor profiles were definitely unique. Overall I loved the atmosphere of Laowai, it's very laidback and inventive. The only issue I experienced was with service. It was a bit difficult to flag someone down for questions or to put in orders. So we spend a good few awkward moments just looking around hoping to make eye contact with somebody. Also, our server Leena came to clear our dumpling plate and spilled the sauce all over my husband's jacket. She did apologize and provided us with two shots on the house. However, this was extremely disappointing as we packed lightly for our trip and were visiting from out of the country. We had to ask for wet napkins to try to soak most of the sauce out of the jacket and try to save it. We did still stay since it was already a bit late and I wanted to try more of the menu items. I'd give it a 3.5 star experience.