I'm surprised I haven't reviewed the Roundel yet. This little Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood spot is most popular for its brunch menu but, I discovered recently, is open in the evenings as well. How handy! Their tofu burger is pretty good, especially with avocado on it. Better yet is their tofu scramble. They flavour both of their vegan options similarly, but how often are you going to have the burger and the scram in one day? Who ARE you ANYway? The food here can be slightly hit-or-miss. Oh well. Sometimes the scramble is FUCKING AMAZING and sometimes it's mediocre. Much better than most tofu scrambles in town, still. I do like their use of space. They did a lot with not a lot of money and I appreciate that. read more

A story about being at the cafe. Next month will be hectic, yet delightful - the message inside my fortune cookie, received after a meal at the Roundel Café. I bought it, this time more so than after an order-in Chinese feast. It was something about the Café itself; it was unexpected. I'm smack in the middle of East Hastings and Nanaimo crossroads in search of a reputable vintage boutique, called Tiger, Tiger. A man carting newspapers compliments my smile, which I didn't think I had on. It's sunny outside, for the first time all day. You can imagine my disappointment in traveling out to this parched commercial strip to find the store boarded up and closed for good. Alas, I roll with the punches and decide to take a seat in the café next door, whose sign stands out like a sore thumb amongst the run-down Lotto store (a room where 3 unassociated, unkempt men idly watch television), a Discount Butcher Shop with a window full of meat and pies, and other lackluster establishments. Sliding doors at the front of the Roundel Café open to the street and I take note of the skinny, tattooed dude and his pretty girlfriend enjoying a chat by a window table. A screeching, "Come on in!" is directed to me. Behind the bar, about 5 and half feet and round, with a nearly shaved head, the server waves, and you could say, smiles. It's more of a squinting of the eyes coupled with her movement towards me, but it seems the intention was to give something of an impression of a smile. She gives the bar-top a whack as she maneuvers out from alongside it, and my attention is diverted to the 3, goofy, unshaven men, sipping from longnecks on stools, giving me little nods and glances, stupid from the afternoon drink. They seem nice enough. While seating me, my server explains the place isn't usually this quiet, that Thursdays and Friday nights are busy for the cheap beer & burgers combo: $10 on Thursdays cause it's beef, and $11 on Fridays for Tofu - they make the best Tofu burgers in town - the beers local, R&B Brewing, Red Devil, and Monday's like an industry day so it's always busy then, but Tuesdays - quiet. A sigh. A life-long server always has plenty to say, even on a slow day. I order a Chai Milkshake. Huge Lori Sokoluk paintings line the wall above chrome booths, and I wonder if it's our server who painted them. They're really nice, pastels and even-richer desert tones, washed-out landscapes with a calm, dreamy quality; a nice distraction from some of the competing details inside, like the raw, unfinished wood lodged between the sliding doors, or the random curtains covering who knows what on an opposite wall, turning these into endearing character. The milkshake is sweet and cold and tasty. It comes direct out of the mixer in its frosted silver sleeve. Another couple enters the Café, apt time-travelers from the late '50's, she with a sprained ankle, which is promptly given refuge by the server under one of their vintage-as-fuck chairs, as she explains that she guesses they're here for lunch, not breakfast, but there's pancakes on special if that's of interest. I decide she is not Lori, the painter. They make their own ketchup here. And other stuff too - everything's made in house, of course. And they use free-range eggs, organic produce, the works. The ketchup is really, really good - I have some with the potatoes accompanying my chicken, apple and brie wrap, which is served without the frills and I like it. Barebones whole-wheat wrap, a little sweetness from the apple, and a lot of creaminess from the brie, some lettuce, all of it very lightly grilled. It's just like the whole place, the café: a little sweet, pretty warm, nothing fancy about it. A server who's weird enough to make you wonder what's in the ketchup, but it's so good for it not to matter at all. Someone else enters, she could be a prostitute coming off from a shift, or someone whose husband beats her. She's here, among the blue-collar drinkers at the little bar, and hipsters dinning coupled, or quickly and alone, and everyone fits in perfectly. The server approaches the woman and asks if she'll have anything, mentioning too that unfortunately it's no longer the Florentine soup, because that was delicious, but she thinks zucchini, a vegetarian soup. Suddenly I'm aware of the way I might be perceived by patrons at the Café where I work, often as quiet as this one today, and I feel relieved that I've just put in my two weeks notice. The bill comes with a fortune cookie. I'm satisfied, in a very settling way, with my experience on East Hastings. I think I'll go back some time, and try another plate, if only for the feeling of being inside the Roundel Café. read more

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I've been to the Roundel a number of times and can truly say this most recent experience was amazing....newly renovated, appears to be a new menu with thoughtful favourites like whole wheat pancakes, homemade ketchup still here and inclusion of Mexican favourites like Huevos Rancheros. Every last detail considered. The food was delicious, fresh, healthy and not too greasy! Prices reasonable for food quality! Great job Dena! read more

I came alone, so was told I had to sit at the counter because they we're too busy to give me a table. Ok, I can accept that, but I can't accept the experience of being less important than the people at the tables. I was basically ignored except to be bumped into repeatedly by the waiter as he hurried past me. Worse though was the overpriced, poorly prepared food. I had a cup of forgettable coffee with my small portion of flavourless flapjacks and Costco-esque blueberry compote. Finish the whole crappy experience with an extra $3.00 charge on my bill for something called "min water" and I think you get the picture. The only saving grace was the apology for the overcharge. read more

Generally this place is pretty good. I usually go here for breakfast or brunch. I'm vegetarian and I usually have the avocado benny. Coffee is passable diner coffee. I think my strongest critiques is that the service and food can be a bit variable. Sometimes my food is awesome, sometimes it isn't very good. Same with the service; sometimes is OK, other times it's a bit gruff and officious. I still recommend this place to friends, but I don't think it's going to be blowing anybody's minds soon. read more

Great little breakfast/lunch place on Hastings. They were closed for a while and I was dismayed that they may have gone under due to the pandemic, but I recently at there because they are BACK baby!! read more

Retro diners seems to be the new craze.. This place is retro with a modern twist. Great service and seems like everything is made from scratch.. I'm not sure if I like the non processed type of ketchup.. but I'm sure it's a lot more healthy for you. Came here for brunch, would love the try the dinner. Sandwiches looked good too. read more

I go past the Roundel Cafe every day on the bus and it looks cute, so I'm glad I finally tried it out this weekend. First of all - holy milkshakes! I'd heard about the Lavender one, and I knew if THAT was one of the options, then there must be quite a few interesting choices. I went with a safe choice and got Choco-Mint. IT WAS AMAZING. It's a large serving and it's the perfect thickness. Not too thick, and not too filling. Just right. The mint was nice and subtle and the chocolate wasn't too sweet. I would totally get this again if I wasn't so curious about the other unique flavours - like Almond or Blueberry for example. I think I'm trying one of those next time. My friend got a Chai milkshake and she just kept saying it was the best thing she'd ever tried in her life. She sucked that thing down so fast that it was gone before her food arrived. For breakfast I had the 2 eggs with veggie bacon. The eggs were decent, I had them scrambled with cheese. The veggie bacon was tasty but super difficult to cut with a butter knife. The hashbrowns were chunky and delicious with the occasional chunk of sweet potato thrown in. It also came with a salad which was fine. It was a pretty decent breakfast and I'd totally have it again. One friend had the mushroom and cheese omelette and she said it was pretty good, the other had the Brie, tomato and green onion omelette and she seemed to enjoy it a lot, so that's good. read more

This place has a bit of sentimental value for me because I have been brunching here regularly with my niece since she was about 1 year old. It's also the place where last week she told me I wasn't invited to her 5th birthday party unless I shaved my beard. What a weirdo. Anyhow, the Smoked Salmon Eggs Benny is divine. Problem: I usually drink way too much coffee while I'm there due to those darn diner cups and the swift service of the staff. Solution: Vanilla milkshake. read more

Stopped in for breakfast while in the neighbourhood. I saw this cafe from the bus window when we went by, the adorable chrome tables caught my eye. For $8, I had the savoury tofu scramble served with potatoes, salad and toast. The scramble was excellent, loaded with mushroms, peppers, onions and topped with a sprinkling of seasame seeds. My partners heuvos looked excellent and she thought the yogurt was a nice touch. The service was chill and relaxed, I didn't experience any of the pushyness the other reviewers mentioned. Loved the modern twist on a diner, complete with country classics playing - Patsy Cline was perfect for a sleepy weekday brunch. I would go back again for the scramble and there are some other items I am interested in trying - the tofu burger is on my list for an afternoon or evening meal. read more

Go to the Roundel. Order the eggs benny with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers. Then order the pear, walnut, and blue cheese salad. The guys in the kitchen will be rude to the servers, so don't sit too close to the kitchen...it'll just piss you off. Ask for anything you need from the kitchen, like mayo or a side of bacon, well in advance of when you need it. Don't expect mods to be actually adhered to. But the food will be great. Your server will likely be awesome. So will the milkshake that she makes. The place is cute and totally good for the severely hungover and young families alike. The bathroom is freeeezing...best to hover over the seat unless you want your bum to get cold. Two people can walk out of there for a solid brunch with drinks for under $30. read more

Short version: Good, and a nice addition to our brunch-location rotation. Longer version: After reading a number of reviews I'll admit I was a bit frightened by what we might find at the Roundel. But! The food was excellent, and everything down to the ketchup and hot sauce is homemade by an obviously passionate and enthusiastic staff & ownership. The previous reviews that mention rickety booths and a somewhat run-down looking interior are accurate. This place does not survive on its good looks and physique. During our visit it was very busy (10:30 on a Sunday) and the owner/server and other staff were quite pleasant. We were served promptly, efficiently and courteously considering (and perhaps even in spite of) how busy they were. But this is probably not the place to go if you are in a hurry. Go for the good food, enjoy the pleasantly proletarian ambiance and try the eggs benny. read more

Saturday morning brunch: after waiting 20 mins for a table (which was reasonable for a busy small restaurant), had the three egg omelette w tomato, Brie, and green onion. It came with a handful of roasted potatoes, a handful of salad, and two pieces of buttered brown toast. Toast was really dry and over-buttered. The jam that came with it wasn't too sweet but didn't add anything either. Potatoes were tasty, though my gf had some burned ones with her sandwich. Salad was pretty standard spring mix with some vinaigrette. The omelette was huge and all the ingredients were fresh tasting... But I was a bit disappointed that the Brie wasn't creamier/milkier tasting. Service was fine, though the woman who seemed like the owner was a bit odd. Not sure if she was pushy or not. All in all, decent food for the price, but nothing more than that. Wouldn't wait 20 mins again. read more

I have been here to eat a couple of times over the past few years, and it has always been good. I find it a particularly comfortable place to come and sit by myself: it is small, casual and unpretentious. The food is fresh and tastes - well - real! My new favorite thing is going to get the $10 Burger and Beer special on Thursdays! I had it a few weeks ago and the burger was fresh and delicious, and the beer that comes with the special is quality. The best part is that it came with a bit of salad and a bit of potatoes on the side ...just enough to make you feel like you were eating a proper meal. This is a nice place to go with one or two friends and so I hope to make it a weekly treat, whether friends want to meet me or not! read more

The food is pretty solid and the service is generally pretty good, but they've been pretty inconsistent with portions and quality the last few times. When I pointed out the fact that I literally had four hash browns (burnt looking) the girl shrugged and said that was the way they were that day. But their burgers are good, that is true. read more

This hole in the wall has a special little place in my brunch black book! Conscious and responsible food choices leaves you with a less guilt and grease on your plate. French toast is yummy, but it does bug me that you have to pay extra for a tiny pot of yogurt. The veggie stir fry is delicious and salmon bagel is tasty. Service is always friendly and efficient. Interior is bright, clean and comfortable and the music is always appropriate for a Sunday morning chill out session. read more

Late Tuesday afternoon stopped by here because Red Wagon just closed. Ordered the smoked salmon benny to go. Regularly ordering eggs benny as it's a favourite I was a tad disappointed in Roundel's offering. The salad was had bits that were just about to go limp, overall crunchiness was lacking. Salmon was of the cooked variety, raw smoked salmon is more decadent and delicate suitable for a breakfast dish. English muffin was moderately spread with cream cheese and eggs were topped with your typical hollandaise sauce. Nothing spectacular, nothing terrible. Would like to come by here again to try something different. read more

Great, healthy and affordable brunch spot. Four hung over guys walk into Roundel and received friendly service and some tasty caesar's for hair of the dog. We didn't have to wait for a table which is a nice perk. And there are a lot of healthier options (turkey bacon) if you don't want pig for breakfast. The only thing to be aware of is that they make their own ketchup so it's not exactly what you'll expect. read more

Ok honestly we were planning on going to red wagon down the block, burnt they had such a long lineup that we looked up where else to go and this place was pretty close and had decent reviews on yelp. We'll it sure didn't disappoint! I went for the eggs Benny special and it was delicious!! So much food! My husband had the pancake special with apple and whip cream soo good! And they were made with organic ingredients too! Our friend has the challah bread French toast and he said it was good. Great service, super friendly! The food was a teeny bit slow but it's probably because they're super busy too! Oh and we waited about 10 Mins for our table so that was great! read more

Going to the Roundel feels like going home. Not that I grew up in a vintage-cool hipster home but the Roundel is like that without trying. And rather than being full of hipsters, it's full of families, couples, old friends, and the rest of the fab community of Hastings-Sunrise. With things like free-range eggs, local meat, organic everything, etc, one would imagine it would be teeming with faux-hipsters and other trendy folk. It's not. It's super down to earth, unpretentious, welcoming, and uber friendly. Yup, uber. I can't proceed without mentioning Sergio! The greatest server on planet earth. I love you Sergio!! Okay the food. We go at least twice a month for the $11 burger and beer. It's pretty much perfect: beef or veg, both excellent. The veg pattie is soft but flavourful and super delicious. Beef is local and juicy. Beer comes from clean taps and always tastes fresh. Homemade ketchup is a great touch. I've also been here for breakfast and it's really good. While I know Red Wagon down the street is known for breakfast, I'd say hit up the Roundel next time. Great daily specials, and also a milkshake board that has more than a dozen flavours that bring tears to my eyes. For kids, colouring books, story books, high chairs, etc. And five seats at the counter if you just want to saddle up and watch a bit. I've met the owners and the kitchen staff, and all I can say is that they seem like family. I appreciate that. I wish I was part of that family. Though I have to say, eating in there, they do make you feel that way. read more

Great place. The cutlery is bent, the china doesn't match and there is no rhyme or reason to the furnishings, ( neo-50's something) but great food and great service. Totally luvitt! read more

Roundel has the nicest servers in all of Vancouver. Even if there food wasn't great (which it is) I would still go here just because everyone is so nice. They have really creative specials, so every time you go you are guaranteed to try something new. read more

They make an amazing ham and cheese omelette. Their ketchup, hot sauce, and jam is all homemade and delicious. The service is fast and friendly, the atmosphere is lovely and the food is great. One of my favourite breakfast spots in Vancouver! read more

I can't help but wonder why people wait hours for the red wagon when this place is way better in everyway! The staff are great, the food exceeds the usual diner fare and is solidly excellent everytime and healthy, with homemade ketchup you can also buy some to bring home. We usually get the special benny which is always interesting and yummy. There is local and organic fare, with a side of roast potatoes and salad with most dishes. Oh, and I have young kids and the love playing with the toys they have in the front cabinet. They are very picky eaters and they gobble the french toast everytime!( i order it with the blueberries instead of bananas) read more

I am a HUGE fan of Roundel... from afar. The bennies were always my favourites; if you get the avo one, ask them to warm the tomato under the salamander for half a minute so it doesn't cool off the egg. The Hollandaise is perfect; nice and lemony. The roasted potato mix and salad sides were awesome as well. The healthy, creative, bold, vegan- and carnivore-friendly food is so compelling, but for me the occasionally-terrible service eventually drove me away. The head waitress once even accused me (in her OUTDOOR voice!) of stealing food from the mouth of the owners' son!?!?!? I beg your pardon? I remain a fan. But I haven't been back. read more

Appetiizers: Taste: 3.5 out of 5 Price: 2.5 Portion:5 Entrees: Taste: 5 Price:4 Portion:5 Dessert: Options: 2 Taste: 3 Price:2.5 Portion:5 Drinks: Options: 4 Price: 4 Quiet: 2 Washroom: 3.5 Customer service: t Parking 2 Cleanliness: 4 Meetup location? Comfortable seating and space for 4 read more

I love this place! I couldn't decide what to eat (wasn't sure if I wanted breakfast or lunch). I went with the tuna wrap & cream of mushroom soup. The wrap was amazing, and I will definitely be going back for that again! I was a bit disappointed with the soup, but my boyfriend didn't seem to mind it. He order some sort of pulled chicken sandwich/burger. I had a bite. It's delicious but I think I'll try other things on the menu before ordering that for myself. The service was good. Fast & friendly so no complaints there. I gave 4 stars only because of the soup. I'm a huge soup fan! Hopefully they have something different for next time. read more

Roundel Cafe - Tuna wrap & cream of mushroom soup. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Cute diner; great to sit by the window. Fast service. Loved the water served in jars. Tasted filtered which was good. :) Ordered: clubhouse + salad= tasty. Clubhouse was fresh; a bit on the smaller side but perfect for 1-2 people; salad seemed like it was from a bag but came with a nice apple vinaigrette dressing. Not too heavy esp. when ordered on the side. Total with beer $18 (with a 4 dollar tip; 25% for good service). French toast looked awesome; have had breakie here before and they were ok. The whole diner ambiance makes the place Enjoyed the fortune cookie at the end, too I would def. return here again as it's the second best diner in the 'hood. :) Roanna is right; free parking is always a bonus and always available. There is also a great butcher just up the street so you can take something to bbq on your way home. read more

Just another review to say how nice it was to be treated so very well by the service staff. My benny's eggs were overcooked- I didn't want to wait for another breakfast (the first took quite a while).. but she insisted they fix the problem, and BAM! There was another couple of eggs benny in front of me done pretty much perfectly. I was impressed to say the least. We will continue to come here.. we love the vibe and the fresh yummy breakfast foods.. read more

This is the best breakfast place in Vancouver. I have been going for 11 years and always bring people there to eat. The staff are so wonderful, quirky and fun. They make their own in house ketchup and my personal favourite, hot sauce. The plate is served with oven roasted potatoes and yams (so you don't feel bogged down from eating fried food) and served with a salad on the side (get your veggies!). Most of the staff have worked there for years, which says a lot about the place. The neighbourhood literally mourned when one of The Roundels long time servers moved to a different city. This is a neighbourhood fixture and a must for any brunch lover! read more

We had a coupon from the LIFE: Vancouver Book (which has lots to offer). A great deal - Buy one and get the other 50% plus a free coffee or tea. Food - We both had the special. Eggs Benny with Lime Cilantro Hollandaise with Yam fries and a salad for $13.00....Not a bad price! Our eggs were poached perfectly!! We looked through the menu and we would for sure go back for lunch or dinner. They had a good beer list! Service - Was good! We sat at the bar and the lady was friendly! All and all we would for sure come back! read more

I'll give this place a generous 4 stars for now but it definitely bears re-visiting. Came for breakfast, a meal that I am notoriously hard to please for because I firmly believe I can almost always make a better breakfast for less money at home, and I won't have to wait in line. That said, my friends all love going for breakfast, so I venture out. I walked in and immediately liked the place - the specials looked amazing, the ingredients are good quality and house made ketchup and hot sauce = major bonus points. The one downside pre-meal (and for me, being half an Easterner, this is a major one) was that their menu lists maple syrup but they do not actually have any. That said, I understand that their maple syrup stand in is made in-house so without trying it I can't fully dock them yet. That said, I believe every breakfast place should stock maple syrup if they serve waffles or pancakes or french toast. I ordered the huevos rancheros. My eggs were cooked well but unlike all of the other breakfast dishes, they were not served with potatoes or salad. The portion was a bit small, and like one of the other reviewers mentioned, it was kind of bland. I did quite enjoy their homemade ketchup and hot sauce though. At this point, I would probably return to try an omelette (their combinations are quite interesting) and maybe a benedict, but if I was craving huevos rancheros, I would try another place. Service was good and friendly. Total for two breakfasts, an extra side of sausage and one coffee was about 27, not including tip. Pretty good. read more

I'm a fan, been there for brunch several times. It's everything you want from a cute eclectic diner with quality food and quirky staff. See you sunday ladies :) read more

Service was excellent - friendly and timely. Cute little diner with in home-made style. Went there for a brunch on a hot summer day - the place was not air-conditioned. We showed up in a group of 10 and the host was able to accommodate us even though it was busy. Eggs benny that we got was luke-warm and the salad was a bit soggy. Milkshake was delicious and desert-like. Overall very good impression. read more

Despite so many good reviews and recommendations, this place was a full step below average today. Long wait (understandable for a Sunday), raw potatoes (never understandable for a place known for brunch) and weak coffee. Everybody has a bad day once and awhile so maybe this was theirs. read more

I am literally in love with the staff here they are so warm and welcoming and funny. The food is always high quality, free range eggs, happy meat and perfectly prepared. I barely go to other brunch spots in Vancouver ~ they've won me over here read more

Great atmosphere and charming, professional service. Eggs Benny are always good. It's a small place, we can always get a table during the week and the wait isn't too long on the weekends. Perfect Bruch place. read more

Hooray for the Roundel Cafe! The Roundel is joining the ranks of the new independent stores and restaurants sprouting up along E Hastings. Besides the clever location, the design is what earns this small cafe four stars. The bright interior is long and split in part by a bar while the rest of the small cafe is lined with booths. I recommend the Huevos Rancheros. My only complaint was that the sauces were covering the tortillas that came with the dish, so it was difficult to wrap the eggs. The staff could have been more friendly as well. The host looked at me like I was an alien when we requested one of the booths over adjacent bar seats. They also forgot our juice and coffee beverage, but stuff happens, I guess, and they were quite busy. read more

This is definitely one of my favourite brunch spots in Vancouver- much cleaner and better food than the Red Wagon just down the street. The avocado tomato and cream cheese benny is a must and nowhere else in Vancouver can replicate it. You can really taste the importance they put on quality ingredients - they advertise many vegetarian and gluten free options, and everything is noticeably made from scratch. TRY THIS PLACE! read more

A fun menu with interesting specialty milkshakes to choose from, of the alcohol variety and non. They have a few gluten free options. Avoid this place on weekends! The corn pancakes were terrible, sadly. Dry and overcooked, this was a huge waste. Not even getting the bananas and whip helped. Waiter was distracted and flakey, screwed up five things off our order from three people. Weekdays however, delivering excellent service, both from wait staff and kitchen. The Rancho huevos was excellent! Full of flavor and the homemade hot sauce is a perfect addition! The portion leans toward heavy but I cleared this place. Delicious and I will return! read more