Staying downtown and attending Les Misérables we decided to try something different than we…read morenormally do and we discovered The Ventura Room. We got there quite early into service so not a lot of people in the place. The ceiling is low, it's kind of dark, but somehow it works. It feels maybe more intimate, which was right up our alley. We wanted some nibbles, not a full blown meal lest we fall asleep during the performance. Happy hour was still on so we ordered the dill pickle chips and the burger sliders combo. Both were excellent! The chips were spot on definitely dill pickley, nicely cooked and crispy. The sliders were really great as well, not too small like many we've had lately and you could really taste the beef. Our martinis were also great although a little more juice in the "dirty" side of the equation and perhaps an olive without a pit. We also ordered the BLT with mixed greens, which we probably didn't need but Les Mis is almost three hours long. The service was also great, waters topped up regularly and the servers interactive and interesting. We would absolutely come back to Ventura again. Oh and Les Misérables was outstanding!

First time trying this place out this week. I've walked past it a few times and was curious about…read moreit. Very casual at the time that I went with lots of tables (high top or standard). I had the sticky Thai chicken and yam fries. The portions were actually pretty decent and very filling for what you get. Plus the prices are decent as well.

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.

We came for happy hour and got the Watson cocktail ($11) which was not bad. Tasted similar to a…read moreNegroni. Margherita ($11) was the better of the two. The lamb tostadas ($8 each) were SO SALTY. Crispy taco shell on the bottom was nice and crispy but the lamb was just so salty. We couldn't finish one of them. They either need to add some kind of sweet chutney to balance it off or really reduce the salt content in it. There was a good amount of lamb flavour from the dish though The carrots were okay. Could have been a bit softer. I felt like the dish was missing to tie the hummus and the carrots together. It felt like a puzzle with a missing piece. Service was fine and the atmosphere was nice and laid back

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.

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...

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!

This updated review is for the chicken wings and the wings only. These are some of Vancouver's best…read morechicken wings and I've had a lot of wings in this town. I was out with friends for the early happy hour and two of us got the spicy soy glazed wings. We both were blown away by the fry on them and the additive sauce. We also got the house made ranch and stilton dipping sauces on the side and holy shit they were excellent too. We loved these wings so much, we legit went back late night that same evening with more friends and got four plates of wings. If you're a chicken wing fanatic like myself, you will not be disappointed. The franks wings are excellent too but that spicy soy glaze is next level and I'm usually a franks girl through and through.

I came here because they were ranked 7th in North America's best bars in the World's 50 Best, and…read morethey were deserving of the title! They're located in Chinatown and I love that they lean into the Asian theme with the apothecary and medicinal themed drinks. The service is super friendly and the ambiance is intimate but lively. All the cocktails we had here were amazing! I don't like martinis but I decided to try one again here, since I figured that if I don't like this one, I won't like any martini. The Forager's Martini was actually super refreshing. It was ice cold in a carafe and I felt that it was more of a 50/50 martini. It was botanical forward and had a lot of complexity. I still prefer other cocktails but it definitely changed my mind on martinis. Another stand out to me was the Gimme S'more. It was a seasonal drink so they might not have it when you go, but it tasted just like a mix of s'mores and champurrado (Mexican hot chocolate). The drink had the pumpernickel toasty flavors of rye, and mixed with the cocoa, amaro, and cayenne gave it complexity and a hint of spice at the back of the palate. The graham cracker foam on top added the s'mores vibe since it tasted exactly like a graham cracker. Another non-seasonal drink I really liked was the Fantasy Island. It kinda reminded me of a cosmopolitan with its tart fruit forward flavors. The strawberry, rhubarb, and pomegranate worked together to make a perfect sweet and sour balance. The egg white added structure and a foam to the drink which I really enjoyed and contributed to the velvety mouthfeel.

It had been so long since I went to Keefer bar! We went on a Friday evening and got a spot on their…read morepatio for 10 people right away. Their patio is so perfect for the summer! The servers were amazing, there were people coming in and out from our table but they maintained the bills perfectly. They also kept checking in on us to make sure we were good. My favourite thing here was their tequila shots flight which were sooo smooth!!

Top notch service once you step into this historical hotel, friendly smiles from all the staffs…read morewhen you are walking through the hallway towards the 1927 Lobby Lounge. Greeted by Natalie the gracious hostess and attended by our Server who made us felt right at home, started off with my B.C.75 cocktail and fully immersed into the lush & relaxing atmosphere of the lounge! Food is impeccably presented and tasted exquisite. Give yourself time and enjoy this Gem in the heart of Vancouver!

Beautiful spot to grab a drink in the hotel lobby. There was live music that night which added to…read morethe vibes. I really loved the Hotel Georgia cocktail and I was impressed with the fries.

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...