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BierCraft Bistro
Categories: Restaurants Tapas Bars Nightlife Bars Lounges Tapas Bars, Lounges
3305 Cambie StreetVancouver, BC V5Z 2W6
Neighbourhoods: South Cambie, Riley Park
(604) 874-6900
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 12 am
Fri 11 am - 1 am
Sat 10 am - 1 am
Sun 10 am - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Tue, Fri
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
65 reviews for BierCraft Bistro
Review Highlights
65 reviews in English
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Review from Selina W.
4/2/2012
Biercraft is great for:
1. The beer selection
2. There free spice chips
3. The service and expertise of the waiters/waitresses
I recommend this place for people who are new to beers and want to discover more with the help of experts!
The musscles aren't worth the trip but the baked brie Definately is! -
Review from Josh L.
Vancouver, BC
5/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
BierCraft is a good meal, but nothing extraordinary. That said, if you are full-fledged beer-geek, their Battle of the Belgians dinners (a bit on the pricey side for food coming out of this kitchen) brings brewmasters to the restaurant to pair their beers alongside a 5-course meal.
Servers are incredibly knowledgeable about the vast beer selection they have, so it is a good place to play around with your tastes and do a tasting flight, for instance.
The layout of the South Cambie location is a bit strange--it is actually enveloping a barber shop in a tight 'L' formation--so the restaurant always feels a bit more packed and a bit more noisy than I would like for a long, meandering meal. Expect even bigger crowds as summer brings gorgeous vistas and baseball to nearby Queen Elizabeth Park. -
Review from Darcy C.
3/21/2012
Huge improvement over when it was Stella's!
I went to one of their "Battle of the Belgians" events- all three courses were totally delish, the beer pairings were good and quite plentiful- everyone in my party rolled out of there drunk, full, and having learned something new about beer.
I was particularly impressed with the slow cooked ribs- must have been roasting those for days, and the bread pudding was amazing.
Well done Biercraft- I'll be back soon to try the regular menu! -
Review from Kristen I.
5/23/2012
(Disclaimer: Visited during Vancouver Craft Beer Week)
(Disclaimer 2: Actually from WA, USA)
I tend to rate my gastropub experiences based on food/drink/service quality. I have nothing to complain about in any of these categories. Food: Raw oysters on the half shell, and arancini (risotto balls). Oysters were... as expected, being on the PNW coast. The vinaigrette served with them was, however, exceptional. Though it was my first time to try arancini, they were excellent, and were served with 3 diverse sauces. Drink: Had a La Trappe Quadruppel, and a St. Bernardo's Tripel. Both were great beers (anyone can predict that), but what impressed me was the glassware. Myself, as well as everyone around me, were served beers in appropriate glassware, mainly from the brewer of the beer at hand. Service: A++. Can't ask for much better form a bartender that's serving a full house by himself. He still found time for polite conversation and expected beer-nerd chat. Would I go again when I'm in Vancouver? Absolutely. -
Review from Lindsay B.
Marpole, Vancouver, BC
2/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
The tacquitos were okay, a little bland maybe. I was expecting them to have a little more of a Mexican spicy kick. The chimichurri and guacamole were a great pairing, though.
The real stars were the desserts. The sticky toffee pudding held a surprise top layer of coconut. The bourbon bread pudding was fluffy and moist, very flavorful.
Most of all the service was great our server was patient and knew the menu well, and was always on hand to help if we needed her. Would return because of the service. -
Review from Matthew C.
Vancouver, BC
4/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
If you want a beer, this is the place to go as they have all of them. All of the beers. Seriously, the beer menu is huge. I usually use the waiters expertise to make a choice and they are all pretty knowledgable. Better yet, ever time i've been here the service has been great. Friendly, quick, and just very nice people to shoot the shit with.
Listed in: Raging Alcoholism, Brunch Club, Tasty Tasty Food
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Review from Vincent N.
Vancouver, BC
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Yep this place is definitely A-OK!
I went here with a few buddies of mine a few weeks back. And like Edward L. mentions they do the $5 Kronen Blanc. We had to show them that it was raining before the server gave us the deal, but she was a good sport when I told her it was raining. I wished they would have done it with regular Kronenbourg. I don't get why they can do it with blanc but not the regular? sigh...
Service was good and friendly, and I definitely have not one single bad thing to say about it. And even the person that was filling up the water came by frequently.
I had some Beligan Fries, with the mayo on the side. Quite good, crispy, not soggy and tasted fresh. I don't know how some people can make soggy fries...that's like an oyxmoron.
The beer line up for Vancouver is quite impressive, and I'm seriously not a big beer drinker but it's hard for me to say no to good high quality beer. So I ordered the Fruitesse beer, which was nice, had a little bit of a cherry cough syrup taste (wait they both contain alcohol don't they) but it was great flavoured beer with mixes of berries that were more towards blackberries and raspberry flavours.
Ambiance was good and relaxed. Would I come back? I would definitely come back to just relax but do expect things to be on the higher price end for the neighborhood. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
11/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Let's pretend I'm your hostess for the evening. You've just walked in. You've never been here before. Here's what you're told: "Hi [and pleasantries]. Let me show you to your table. Tonight's specials are [this, this and that.] We also have an interesting menu that might be confusing, so let me explain. The black menu is our food menu. The red menu is our on tap beers, our wines and beer cocktails. And this plastic covered menu, this is all of our bottled beer selection. Enjoy."
Instead, we got seated with a plastic menu and the black food menu. Nothing was said. By the time our server came to greet us, I was almost under the impression that they didn't have taps. I was a little confused. Lucky for me, when the proper menus were distributed, things became clearer. Belgium beer it is!
Wishing for fruity beers, but not interesting in paying $13 for a 2.5% lambic, I settled on a beer cocktail, which pleasantly tasted like juice. My drinking companions had an array of beers, which all came in their own proper stein. That's a favourite thing about a place, they have proper glassware.
Around us tables dined on mussels and frites, but we were there strictly for beer. I know there are a lot of beers on their menu, but truthfully, I just wasn't wowed.Listed in: Vancouver Beer Culture
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Review from Edward L.
So today I learned that Biercraft has a $5 Kronen Blanc when it's raining outside. I think I found my new hangout.
My friend Vincent N. had a glass of Leifman's. This tasted like the fruit punch you'd get in a drink box in elementary school, but alcoholic. Sweet..
Service was decent and professional. I think we scared away the couple at the next table though. They were on a really awkward date. It looked like she didn't like the guy. Poor guy.
There' s a "TV" here, but it's really a projector showing old movies from the 1940s, so that doesn't really count.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/29/2011
If you are a beer connoisseur, this is one place you have to check out.
Parking is somewhat available… Read more »
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Review from Andrew S.
Langley, BC
10/29/2011
Delightfully crafty!
So happy to have tried Biercraft out. I have now gone 3 times, have had a blast each time. My mission is to try all the Top 75 beers from http://ratebeer.com!
Besides the unbelievable selection, I do appreciate the bistro side of things too. Have had their charcuterie plate, miso poutine, chimichurri taquitos, 3 course prix fixe dinner, not too mention a few desserts.
In my short time I have worked my way through the Chimay Rouge, Blanche, and Bleu, a couple of the Rochefort Trappists, and some Quebecois brew as well. I can't drink mainstream beer again, this place has ruined me!
I just wish they had a closer location, its a hike to get out to Cambie, from out in Langley, but well worth it. Huge fan and I'll keep going back!Listed in: 30 Day Writing Review…
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Review from Peter S.
12/2/2011
Other than the muppet of a hostess and the agonizing ordering of beer it wasn't that bad... Well... I wouldn't go back.
Now I know it's a Belgian beer joint, and I have been to Belgium and sampled many a fine monk ale near Flanders Fields, but this place just came up short. Kinda like.. well, I better not say.
Now, I like some Belge brewskis, but I was hoping for some other breweries to sample.
There is a pretty standard selection of beers (other than the interesting Belgians), but the prices here are just way to hoppy for me.
Drop the prices by a buck or two and I would have stuck around.
I guess this would be a five star place for Belgian Beer lovers, but I am not one. And the service was just poop. So... Meh. I give them two and a half stars rounded down. -
Review from Janice F.
Updated - 10/13/2011
I'm adding an extra star because their mac n' cheese (on their under 12 menu) is really damn tasty. I'm going to have to babynap my nephew to come back for more!
It's hard to pay $13 for a beer, but if I'm going to do it - I'd do it here. I've never been disappointed by their recommendations.
Their miso gravy poutine is tasty, and the lamb shank entree was tender and nicely braised.
I don't think much of their mussels, but they do go well with beer.
After opening up the other side of the restaurant, its a much nicer calmer space than the main bar room.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/1/2009
Fantastic job renovating from the old Tomato Cafe space. Nice bar area, mini lounge space,… Read more »
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Review from Bradley C.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 11/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was here once before when the place was Stella's (see previous review). Thought it was time to give the new place a go! After a rainy visit to the Winter Farmers' Market, we headed here for brunch. And what a delight!
I had the Eggs in Puff Pastry - amazing. Tasted my friend's French toast - I'm not really a sweets for breakfast person but WOW - so delicious! Also, crispy and nicely spiced hash browns - best I've had??
Leading up to Christmas, they have $100 gift cards for $60. Bought one and can't wait to use it!! BierCraft - I'm yours!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/8/2010
Yum!
About 2 weeks ago, we went to Pitch & Putt at QE Park (which, by the way, was a tremendous… Read more »
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Review from Trudi C.
10/23/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Am possibly not the best person to review here, as I'm not a consumer of beer. So I will go by my friends! They seemed to enjoy it - there was a nice range of beer, all different types, and a variety of flavored (one mentioned being chocolaty which pricked up my ears).
We sat at the bar as it was pretty busy, and the barman was nice and friendly, asking if the drinks were to our satisfaction, if we wanted more of something added to it, etc. I had a simple Merlot, and very tasty it was too! Free chips (...crisps!!) also, nice to pick at. Was a little pricey, but I have to remember I don't live next to Belgium anymore ;) -
Review from Rohan S.
8/28/2011
A nice little place for Belgian beer. They've got an extensive list of Belgian. Microbrew and local beers. Their rotating tap selection is always interesting and usually dead tasty.
Service has always been good. Food isn't bad, but I'm not a huge fan of the miso gravy on their poutine. -
Review from Charly S.
1/2/2012
A great neighbourhood hangout, I don't even live near there and I hang out there on occasion! In my opinion it has everything a good pub needs; great beer selection on tap and by the bottle, yummy snacks (homemade chips), comfortable and clean, great ambiance, clean bathrooms, nice friendly service and great food. We love the maple chipotle chicken wings among other things.... they are so yummy!
It's true, the prices are not inline with some of the other dives in neighbouring areas but this place is not a dive - it's special. A good place to stop in on the way home from work, a good place for a weekend lunch, a great late night snack hang out (it can get packed in here in the evenings!), a great business lunch, a great catch up with an old friend place - it's like the little black dress of pubs, very versatile! Don't be put off boys, you'll like it there too!
As others have mentioned they sell beers here you cannot get anywhere else, not even in the liquor store. Anyways, try it - and have a delirium for me! -
Review from Michelle R.
Vancouver, BC
8/5/2011
I've never had a bad experience at BierCraft. I'm still always calling it Stellas. Whatever the name, I love this place.
The food is consistently good. The menu is extensive enough that you'll never be bored. And the portions for 'tapas' style food in this city is generous.
I can't comment too much about the food of late, but years back when I used to go to the Commercial St. Stellas, the food was always amazing. Back then they had calamansi chicken wings...wow.
These days I frequent the Cambie St. location. Best mussels in the city. Best fries. Best bread to soak up the best broth that the mussels come in. And we always ask for extra butter for our bread.
I'm biased? Yes. 'Cause I love good food. And I love good food with good beer.
I almost forgot about the beer! Here we go again, you'll never ever get bored. The selection is extensive. I mostly go for the stuff on tap. I used to love this beer called Bellevue Kriek- infused with the flavour of sour cherries, but it disappeared on me one day. They said that they stopped importing it. I got over it....reluctantly. And I'm now in love with the Grimbergen, almost as dark as a guinness but more complex, caramel-ly and beautiful in a goblet, and also the Kronenburg Blanc 'cause it comes with an orange wedge garnish.
Me like? You think?!!! -
Review from Shaun L.
Vancouver, BC
9/24/2011 1 photo
Unlike the many posts on here about the beer, I went to BierCraft for their breakfast/brunch experience. The "BierCraft Breakfast" (with the turkey sausage) was very good and I found it qutie reasonably priced.
Don't forget to sit on the patio. It adds to the experience of viewing the 'Cambie-crowd'. -
Review from Justin L.
8/7/2011
I'm not a fan of the name change either ("Stella's" sounded so much cozier and less pretentious) but the food and beverage selection here has remained consistent. Great place to sample local or Belgian brews, and the appetizers are great for sharing. The chicken wings are particularly good -- interesting flavors and dips -- and the pommes frites / poutine are great to nibble on. If you're hungrier, go for the entrees or set menu options.
It does get loud in here, but rarely do you find such a vibrant and casual neighborhood hangout with decent food and drinks. -
Review from Abi B.
3/11/2011
What initially attracted me to this place is their beer selection. A few years ago, a friend of mine visited Belgium and came back a beer snob. While I cannot compete with his level of beer snobbery, I have become a bit of a beer snob myself through osmosis.
In Belgium, they have specific glasses for different beers as they believe the glass shape helps capture the taste, similar to using white wine glasses for white wine, champagne flutes for champagne, brandy snifters for brandy... you get the idea. What's really cool about Biercraft is that they use the appropriate glassware for any beer you order from their extensive beer list.
I came here for dinner with friends after being convinced that, for an evening, I should abandon a cleanse (a low starch, no added sugar, no dairy, no grains, no gluten, no coffee, no alcohol, and as a result, no fun cleanse) that I was following. I decided to do so with gusto. I figured I might as well go big or go home.
For dinner, I chose to go with the Three Course Prix Fixe option for $30.
Starter: I had the French onion soup. I loved the rich flavour of the caramelized onions and the melted emmental and edam cheese on top. Oh cheese, how do I love thee...
Main: Steak Frites - Mmmmm... I love beef. I had a 6 oz medium rare flat iron steak with a mushroom and bacon (!) demi glaze. It also came with a side of creamed spinach (mmmm... more dairy) and fries (woo hoo... carbs!). And, to go one step further, I asked for a side of mayo for my fries. (I told you I was going big!) The steak was done perfectly and the demi glaze was flavourful. The creamed spinach was not overly mushy and the fries were fresh but slightly too salty. The glass of Leffe blond beer I ordered was very refreshing with my main.
Dessert: I had the chocolate torte and nearly died. Maybe it was due to the sugar deprivation of my cleanse, but I was in heaven. The slightly bittersweet chocolate torte went well with the sweet caramel sauce and crème anglaise. It was the perfect chocolate fix. Plus, it was gluten-free... that's got to count for something... right?
I left the restaurant fully sated (albeit slighty guilty). -
Review from Robert B.
Vancouver, BC
12/19/2011
Looks can be deceiving. From the outside, this place looks a bit frumpy plus, it's confusing because their sign is just above a tiny barber shop on the corner of the building. I've been there about five times now and really enjoy it every time. First time my wife and I did the classic mussels (mariner) and fries which were great (they have herbs and/or spices on them). since then i've have the french onion soup almost every time i go. the seared sesame tuna tapa plate, lamb shank, and so on. the food is consistently good and is a fair value. the beers are fantastic. i find that one thing that really makes this place shine is its ambiance, the servers are friendly and the crowd is too. definitely one of my favs in vancouver.
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Review from Mark H.
4/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
No longer known as Stella's? What the heck? BierCraft just doesn't sound as sexy, but hey you come here for the beer.
I've always only gone to the original Stella's on Commercial, but having moved to walking distance to this one, it was time to try this out.
Walking in the place looks very small, but hidden in the back right corner are more tables with a big table for parties.
Went with my usual classics. Calamari and Normande-style mussels with bread. Mussels were decent size, but broth didn't have the developed flavour compared to the standard set at the Commercial location.
They messed with the calamari recipe, putting paprika(?) and only using squid rings. Where's the tasty tentacles??
Unfortunately, I wasn't up for any drinking this time, but their infamous prolific beer menu was very appetizing.
Is this place as good as the original? Nope. But you can count on the beers. -
Review from Lucinda C.
Vancouver, BC
12/28/2010
My friends and I were not very keen on driving to downtown and paying for parking. I suggested Stellas and when I decided to call them, they have changed their name. Some of the food on the menu is still the same like the beer list on the menu. I don't remember much about the menu itself but it was definitely affordable for the working person.
I ordered the $24 set with included an appetizer and a main entree. The Oysters were fresh and plentiful for one person to eat. I never order porkchop because I've had cases where the pork chop comes out dry and overcooked. Nothing on the menu appealed to me on the menu, so I ended up ordering the porkchop. I was really surprised at the outcome. It was so tender, juicy, moist and I savored every bite of the pork chop. The porkchop was thoroughly cooked - no red except for a little bit on the bone.
After an hour of waiting for the others to arrive, I ended up ordering a drink. The server was very helpful with suggestions and recommendations on beers that were either on special or their personal favourites.
I'm still quite intrigued with the huge list of European beers that they offer. I will definitely head back there just to wine down and try their beers! -
Review from Stephanie S.
Vancouver, BC
11/5/2010
I really enjoyed walking in and taking in the atmosphere. Then I looked at the menu and felt my stomach drop a little. A plate of sausage and mashed potatos was $20!!!!! Now, I love sausage, but $20! Seriously! And while the food was good, I just couldn't stop thinking about the fact that I was spending $20 on three half size sausages and mashed potatos. Their drinks menu is impressive but pretty pricey as well. So between my expensive sausages and $9 dollar glass of wine, I didn't feel like splurging on dessert... hmph.
Service was a little slow as well and I spent most of the evening with an empty water glass.
I'll go back for beer if someone else is paying :) -
Review from Joyce D.
Burnaby, BC
7/17/2010
Stella where have you been all my life? What a catch you are; you have all the makings of a wondering night......mega beer offerings, awesome wait staff and tapas that make your head spin like around like Linda Blair.
If I could give you 6 stars I would, one just for the cool factor.
Servers didn't rush us despite the fact it took about 1/2 hour to make a decision and that goes a long way in my book.
Corndogs wrapped in chorizo? How badass is that. Taquitos with braised brisket, hell ya and fish tacos that burst with a myriad of flavours in your mouth. Tapas menu is so cleverly done and kudos on being so innovative.
Separate menu for the beer choices; can you say LOTS people cuz there were; definitely makes for a fun filled evening.
Stella you can do no wrong; you got me hooked like a love-sick crackhead! I just can't get you off my mind; no rehab for me girl....your tapas is my drug! -
Review from Jessica O.
Vancouver, BC
7/20/2010
My BF and I, along with 7 pals, headed to Stella's apres-Wreck beach last Sunday. I had been to the location on the Drive numerous times and loved it, but my last visit was a few years ago, and so I had high hopes for the food at this location.
We started with some lovely beers (Blanche de Chambly for me!) and ordered the seared tuna, calimari and beet salad tapas.
The first two were universally bland and flavourless - completely devoid of seasoning. The tuna was a HUGE disappointment, as it was overcooked and the edges had started to get tough and dry. The calimari were also really bland, mostly flavoured by the fact they were dripping in oil.
The beet salad never arrived, and I managed to talk the BF into changing it up for a poutine, as we were both feeling extremely unsatisfied. It was the best part of the meal! The gravy had been made with beer, and was really flavourful.
No one at our table was happy with their food, and my BF and I decided on the walk home to never order a full meal here again. Good for beers and a poutine, bad for supper. -
Review from Evilyn T.
Updated - 6/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
Stella, we used to be friends and now I feel like we are breaking up. The coffee we got on Sunday morning was like a bad oil change, so burnt and bitter. We even asked for a fresh cup and it came back tasting the same. How is someone supposed to start their day hangover free when they are given this sludge to slurp?
My breakfast was not much better, my lukewarm eggs, over-dressed salad, and french fries - that were not the same kind that I have been used to in the past, now they are bloated squishy reminders of why I haven't been back. I liked the fries you used to give me, the skinny crispy ones with the side dish of mayo, back when breakfast was simple and we could choose between a side of salad, fries or hash.
Maybe one day when you get your shit together we can be friends again, but for now it seems to me that you are headed down a destructive one way path filled with alcoholics, one night stands and walks of shame. When you remember who you are, give me a call.Listed in: Drinkin' that Hate-orade, Best Pubs/Clubs, Best Vancouver Breakfast
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/20/2010
This is one of my favourite places to go for hangover Sunday brunch. I know that must sound weird,… Read more »
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Review from Nicole F.
9/20/2010
I met up with some friends here yesterday to relax with some drinks. I was a little intimidated by the beer menu, but decided on a lovely Black Cherry flavoured beer. It was pricey at $12/bottle but oh so worth EVERY sip!
We were seated in front of the fireplace which was nice and cozy. The weather was super crappy so after seeing my friend order an Apple and Blackberry Crumble with vanilla ice cream, I had to order one myself. I guess I was feeling wintery!
I ordered it with extra ice cream because the ratio was way off. Our super awesome waiter agreed. Its all about ratios...
The crumble was SO GOOD. I couldn't even finish it because it was so sweet and rich and buttery! It was the perfect addition to an icky rainy Vancouver day.
I'd love to come back and try some actual food, rather than just dessert and beer. -
Review from Jasmine T.
Burnaby, BC
7/10/2010
Heaven, I'm in heaven... Went here for a snack to celebrate booking our wedding venue. For a Saturday afternoon, it seemed kind of slow. All the patio tables in the front were full, but the side patio was empty and inside emptier. But then again, it was 2pm...
They have a huuuuuuuuuuge-ah beer list. I am a fan of the fruit beers and they have the one I run around like a headless chicken looking for: Lindeman's Framboise (by the by, I have also discovered that the apple is wonderful too). But since I have recently stocked up, I chose a Belgium Mimosa instead. Wow... it's like punch. Cava, fruili and orange juice. I only had one glass because I am a lightweight. Also, being drunk in blistering heat just doesn't agree with me. My fiance had a Palm that he drank out of a brandy snifter. Fancy.
To snack on, we had the Pulled Pork Sandwich with salad. Yes, you can get half fries, half salad which is normally what I ask for at restaurants. And they don't even charge you like it's an inconvenience to them like other places... you know who you are. The bun is perfect. It's soft. I love soft buns... the meat was perfectly cooked and sauced just enough. The slaw mixed and created the kind of sandwich pants with stretchy waistbands were made for. I wish we got two. The salad had a nice vinaigrette (how come the one I make at home is crap compared to restaurant vinaigrette?).
Since we sat on the side patio, I tried to go through the side door to get to the washroom. It leads to the kitchen... I don't think I'm supposed to go in there. So instead, I had to walk all the way around the front into the other entrance to get to the WC. Did I mention I'm lazy? It was so nice and cool in the restaurant... and the booth is gorgeous. Definitely worth checking out at night if you are tired of paying crazy amounts for parking downtown. -
Review from Nam N.
Vancouver, BC
2/27/2011
Cool place to come for beers, I like the atmosphere and the beer selection. You can try the flights like you're wine tasting for a pretty fair price. Sweet.
Haven't ate there yet :p
PRICE: Average for beers at any other lounge, but not cheap as a pub.
SERVICE: Very friendly. They make great recommendations, the beer list is pretty extensive.
SUGGEST: For the beer connoisseur in you. -
Review from Roanna Z.
3/7/2010 2 photos
This review has been a long time coming, for sure. I guess I was just waiting for the right time to check Stella's out. Of course I always knew it would be a good experience and I wasn't disappointed last night.
We arrived early but it was already getting packed. There was a table out front under the heat lamp and we thought, "why the heck not?"
I think everyone agreed that this was a good choice on such a nice eve.
The servers are very cool and seem to work hard to please everyone.
The beer list is expansive, I mean a whole menu just for beer! They are each served according to the brewers spec's.
The Mussels have their own section on the menu as well and there's quite a bit of choice. The two Mussel dishes we had, got rave reviews. The sauces were amazing! I had the Mumbai Wings and what a gooey, messy delicacy!
-(or should I say de-LICK-acy) ;-} because they were finger lickin' yummy.
The deserts looked fantastic too but sadly, no one had any room left.
When we left (a good 2 hours later), it was still packed. They were just getting started in there, I think the server said the kitchen stays open until 11:30 -omg.
I can't see myself eating that late, but I bet you other Yelper's do! -
Review from Gina I.
7/7/2010
OMG Fruili? It's like strawberry soda. So good.
Stella's is a good place to come and hang out on the patio with friends. Next time I'll try the mussels. I just had the 'poutine'. It was alright.
The beer was good. I like beer. 4 stars! -
Review from Mike G.
Toronto, ON
10/28/2010
Stella's is now "BierCraft", but even without the name change, it wouldn't be the same old Stella's.
It might just be a difference between locations, but I have fond, fond memories of fantastic nights, every time I went to the original Commercial Drive Stella's. At this Cambie BierCraft I found myself really disappointed.
We stopped in for a quick bite & beers. The place wasn't very busy - we did get seated immediately, wherever we wanted, at least. But our server was completely uninterested, recommended a pretty middling beer, and as soon as we ordered an appetizer disappeared with the menus (I wasn't really settled on just getting an appetizer, but the decision was made.) After showing up with our drinks the guy pretty much checked out, and while he was milling around near us we didn't hear a peep for a long, long time. Both my beer and water glasses were empty by the time we saw him again.
The poutine was basically a giant bowl of salt. Poutine's not going to be healthy already, I understand that, but that was a pretty half-assed intepretation.
Once we finally got to pay, we didn't get a "thank you" or a "bye" or even a grunt, we finished the debit transaction, he carted some stuff away, and it was like we didn't even exist. I think I'd at least have rated this place 3 stars if not for that - I don't want to take my girlfriend back to this place pretty much ever again, and that sucks. Good thing I know a couple of places downtown to get the good Belgian beers and bring them home. -
Review from Yoony P.
9/24/2009 1 Check-in Here
Have been to this place a few times as it's the only half-decent watering hole nearby. The food is mediocre and slightly overpriced. The selection of beers is great. If you just got for drinks they will give you a small dish of potato chips.
On my last visit our server Ryan did a great job serving us. I tried the ephemere apple beer last time--it has a bit of a bitter finish, but grows on you. Their Stella Caesars are great if you are looking for something more "mussel" flavoured and less salty. Only qualm I have about this place is that it doesnt take reservations and sometimes they will make you wait for an open patio seat because the servers are too busy to accomodate you. (Time to hire more people, maybe?)Listed in: I *heart* Cambie Village
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Review from Artem A.
Richmond, BC
9/23/2010
Through I've been to Stella's Tap & Tapas Bar in the past and was satisfied with the experience, I have to give it a failing grade today.
I came in on a Thursday evening for a glass of wine, a small meal and to catch up on some email work on my iPad. The restaurant was only half-full and a full complement of staff were buzzing around the place, seemingly not doing very much (like cleaning already clean, empty tables) and pointedly avoiding eye contact.
The hostess sat me down to a table of my choice, close to the bar - so that I was easily visible to the staff. She did not offer me a drink, just gave me the menu. I browsed the menu, closed it and for the next 10 minutes sat waiting for a waiter(ress) who never arrived. After another three minutes of trying to catch the hostess' attention, I left.
With my departure, the restaurant lost at least a $40 dollar meal tab plus 30% tip I was prepared to leave.
I'm very surprised by this recent experience at Stella's, which until now has always satisfied.
I'll definitely think twice before coming back.
P.S. on a positive note, the atmosphere does seem to be well suited for groups, and their beer selection is impressive. If the staff get around to serving you. -
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 12/15/2009 3 photos
After going to Hopscotch and trying FRUILI (aka Beer that tastes like Strawberry Jam) I was told they sell it on tap at Stellas! Having wanting to try it a couple of weeks ago and Stellas being jam packed, I tried again after sushi dinner.
Sitting at the bar for about 20 minutes, it was quite amusing watching the bartenders work their magic behind the bar, and pouring beers from the large selections on tap!
I started with an apple beer, which was crisp and fresh... and after moving to our table, I moved to the oh so fruity fruili :) It didn't taste the exact same, although the first taste of something new is always the best, but it was still good! At the table, barbeque -mesquite tasting chips are served, instead of bread, which keep your drink buds going.
We ordered the gingerbread cake dessert to share and boy did it taste gingery, in a good way. The place was buzzing the whole night and I enjoyed watching the other dishes being brought out to other diners.... definitely a place to go on any given night for a good drink.Listed in: I Love Apple Pie :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/24/2009
What a cute little place on a clear Saturday night. The beer list is so extensive to suit everyone's… Read more »
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Review from Joyce P.
Vancouver, BC
12/21/2010
Meh....
Has a great selection of beer although lately all I've been getting is the strawberry flavored frulis. Yummo.
I've been before where the food was great but lately not so much. I used to be impressed with the price and quality of the fresh oysters. Not so much the last time.
All the other tapas are pretty average, pedestrian food, nothing special but BierCraft is still a great place for beer!
I'll probably end up here yet again, and then kick myself for ordering the food... -
Review from Ramon V.
2/21/2010
I used to LOVE going to Stella's. I love Belgian beer and Belgian-style food. I like the selection of mussels, the interesting beer on tap, the steak tacos. But then one night last month it hit me like a ton of bricks. I realized that I don't think they care nearly as much as they should. Or perhaps the popularity and opening of the Cambie location has taken it's toll in the same way that have sent many local restaurants into the cauldron of mediocrity.
I went on a rainy Friday evening with 3 friends, and even though we didn't mind waiting the estimated 30 mins for a table, we were shuffled out after a few minutes and forced to wait outside in the rain. I thought it was a joke at first, but then realized what considerations they would make for patrons, or how little they cared about their reputation. The impatient waiter was as cold as they come and we waited politely for him to crack a smile. Service is just as important as food and price, and Stella's does not always get it right - but does not seem to care when they don't - which is the problem. -
Review from Mike P.
3/5/2010
I'm tempted to give Stella's 5 stars just based on the great unique Belgian beers that they have on tap (they also have a giant selection of bottled beer). Unfortunately the high prices and slightly above average food bring me back to a 3.
Not a place I would go for dinner, but definitely a place to have a couple of tasty pints and an appie. I would say they should lower their prices, but they always seem to be packed. So keep up the good work! -
Review from Shawn C.
Vancouver, BC
11/23/2010
I was a fan of Stella's, the food and the beer menu, but I've been disappointed since the re-branding to BierCraft. Gone is the sambal tofu! Still, decided to try the brunch this past Sunday. On the plus side: lots of choices on the menu, and both our dishes - huevos rancheros and eggs on cornbread - were good, if unexceptional.
On the downside - $12 for the huevos rancheros is just a rip-off. And the menu description mentioned salad, but instead the eggs were topped by coleslaw, heavy on the mayo! Yuck. Also no green salsa (which was also mentioned in the menu description), and when I asked for hot sauce I was given tabasco - a big no-no in this hot-sauce snob's book.
The search for a decent brunch in Vancouver continues...
