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Real People. Real Reviews.®
I may be slightly bias because I am a die-hard Oilers fan, and I lived a couple blocks from the Black Dog in Edmonton, and frequented there, but I love this place.
This is especially handy for me, since I can't justify subscribing to NHL Centre Ice when I want to catch the games that aren't on TSN, CBC or when they play the Canucks (and want to watch a game with the sound on).
Their food is pub fare, but good pub fare, their service is attentive and generally quite good, and any establishment in Vancouver that is as stoked about the Oilers as I am gets bonus points.
Also, when there isn't a game on, the atmosphere is generally conducive to conversation without having to shout and use hand signals from across the table.
Here's to hoping for a better season next year. Go Oil!
The black frog is a cute pub-like resteraunt near the steam clock in Gastown.
The layout is pretty good, but as the place gets more and more crowded it's hard to move around.
We were seated right away yesterday, a warm sunny Friday evening. It was so hot in the pub, I wish they'd had a fan of some kind. It was almost uncomfortable but we decided to stick it out.
The drink prices are reasonable and they have daily specials. Friday they have bottles of Rock Creek cider for $4.25. Not too shabby! And every day their hi-balls are $5.25 which is fine by me.
We had a couple of drinks, then decided we'd have a snack. We had to ask for a menu two times until one finally came. I think our waitress ended her shift while we were there, it would have been nice to know, because we didn't see her again. Anyway, the menu came and we decided on humous and pita with veggies. It came in good time and the portions were a great size. The humous was really great! Not too zesty with lemon and not overpowered by garlic. I would get it again.
The staff were all very friendly, and although I took away stars for basically being ignored, I still think they do an ok job :)
Also! They had a mix cd on or something, and whoever made it has great taste in tunes. Lots of upbeat rock songs that I recognized and hummed along too.
A favourite haunt that has been sadly neglected now that we don't live down the street. Good food, great selection of drinks, good prices. I've always had a solid meal here and enjoyed myself, but it's nothing to jump up and down and scream about.
A complaint: the smoking "patio" is really two square feet of wood out the back door, definitely not the required 6 meters. If the windows are open on a breezy day, cigarette smoke will blow in and RUIN MY LIFE. Seriously, it sucks. If they would enforce the "not around humans" smoking policy, I'd be a happy camper.
Been here a couple times with some friends that are regulars. It's a dependable pub, nothing out of the ordinary, with a good selection of food and drink at relatively reasonable prices.
I've heard they are part of the same family as the Black Dog in Edmonton, which is quite popular in the same type of genre. Either way, it's a laid back pub that you can just relax with your friends. Service is attentive and food and drink are decent.
Some people are like "furniture" in this place and there's a good reason. Friendly staff, great owners, good Guinness and tasty food. Watch the Hockey game with the lads here. Best to meet peeps from Edmonton - and they'll remind you of that... they're everywhere; and the wall of cool little chachkas - you'll never be bored sitting at the bar. Salt and Pepper wings spot on right.
Friendly and laid back, this is the ultimate weekday pub.
I've tried pretty much everything on their menu and have to say that their Lasagna and Steak Sandwich are their best dishes. The bartender's always friendly and willing to strike up a conversation, the prices are reasonable and the decor is awesome.
It's almost like a timeless pub, I doubt it'll ever change.
Time for me to reveal my true colours to the yelpiverse. I went to the Black Frog for the final game of the season for... the Edmonton Oilers. Yes, I'm an Oilers fan. I can't help it; I was born in Alberta during the middle of the dynasty. I can remember Wayne Gretzky being sold to the LA Kings. I have a special place in my heart for Esa Tikkanen. I still get choked up when the Ryan Smyth trade is mentioned. I have a small kernel of hate for the Ottawa Senators for making Jason Smith "move on" from hockey. I'm proud of Doug Weight and Jason Arnott for leading the Islanders and Predators as captains as their careers wind down.
So why do I subtract a star from the only bar in town with an Oilers flag above the door? I had to inform the bartender that the game was on. I realize it was the final game of a miserable season (the worst since the dynasty was fully dismantled in 1992), and they didn't even have the opportunity to spoil the opposition's playoff hopes (like in recent miserable seasons), but it's the last game of the season for the beloved copper and blue! It's going to be a long summer with no playoffs and I was the only person there watching the game. That reflects poorly on the Edmontonians who live in this city and this bar, where they purportedly gather.
Besides the fact that Vancouver seems to be home of the fair-weather fan (no matter who they root for), this place is awesome! Great beers on tap; the usuals and Phillips (IPA!) and Big Rock. The yam fries were acceptable and the rest of the food looked fine. The decor is neat, a bit of Oilers paraphernalia and an assortment of other stuff tacked up above the bar. There's a Melvins' 7" record up there that appears to be broken, but still caught my eye.
The patronage seemed to be a motley mix. In addition to me (the lone Oilers fan), there were a few people with luggage, no doubt preparing for a journey from nearby Waterfront station on the West Cost Express, and a group of well dressed fellows who instantly gravitated towards the arcade cabinet in the corner. I'll be back next season to see how that first or second overall pick is doing and I expect a few more fans there at that time.
One of my favourite places in my neighborhood. It allows children which is a bonus as I don't have to get a babysitter for my daughter, and she loves it there as well. Everything we've ordered there is amazing and we've had more than half the menu.
I love the onion rings especially.
I love this place! It's the best bar food I've had in Vancouver and the drinks are pretty cheap too!
The Black Frog is actually named after the Black Dog in Edmonton, which is why they play all the Oilers / Eskimos games.
I highly recommend the steak sandwich - It's tender, juicy, served on a toasted piece of focaccia and covered with sauteed mushrooms. Make sure you substitute the fries for onion rings, they're delicious!
Me and the BF came here last night to watch Canada annihilate the Russians in hockey. It was packed so we ended up standing, which was OK because the Frog had a projector set up so it didn't matter where you were, you could see the game clearly. I was lucky enough to be granted entry on this busy day since it was packed to the tits, the doorman let me in since I was wearing a big Canadian flag, even though they were close to capacity.
I had my usual double rum and diet coke and the BF had a crown float which ended up being $17 altogether. We ended up grabbing a table when the game ended and ordering some eats, and I have to say one of my favourite things about the Frog is that they have a lot of veggie options on the list. The BF had the veggie pot pie, which smelled amazing, and I had the veggie burger hold the mayo & cheese. My burger was awesome, and our server made sure to check with the kitchen staff that it was vegan once we subtracted a few condiments. I am happy to report there was no automatic gratuity on the bill, so again we tipped extra, we are thankful for the honest businesses in Vancouver that do offer service worth being recognized, and the Frog is one of them.
Oh and after drinking here you'll be burping like a frog too. *belch*
Listed in: Best Pubs/Clubs
Yay! Good drinks at good prices! I'll admit it, I am the girl drink drunk. So it's good for me to… Read more »
"it's a sports bar." He warned. I cringed. Ugh. The last place i want to be on Superbowl Sunday is a sports bar. Yuck. "And they have the best steak sandwiches on focaccia bread and Kilkenny..." My stomach growled.
And then we were walking into The Black Frog and ordering both of those things for him and a burger with yam fries for me and the Superbowl was on and the Beer was so cold and the burger was juicy and hot and juuuust right. And the bar was filled with happy people eating and drinking and celebrating.
The Black Frog is my new favorite pub in Vancouver and for a bar you found on Superbowl Sunday, that's saying something.
Listed in: Vancouver BC
This place is officially dope in my book - let's say, you're at a stuffy restaurant in Gastown that you don't really want to be at - you go outside for a cigarette and the large red 'Black Frog' sign looks like lifesaver to a drowning man.
Run inside, ask the bartender for a shot of something strong, he doesn't bat an eye and quickly pours you some liquid relief, down the hatch, slap the money down and run back to the restaurant before anyone notices you were gone. After you whisper about the light at the end of the tunnel to some of your compadres, you wait for the next break and you all dash to the bar - give a nod again to the understanding doorman as you storm the bar, shoot down a few birthday rounds and you're outside again in two shakes of rat's ass. The perfect synergy of hard-charging speed and Solid Snake-style stealth - girlfriends and female companions none the wiser.
Thumbs up to Black Frog for the speedy drink-and-run service, the sympathy (not pity!) and not judging us with disapproving eyes.
Excellent bar, excellent staff, excellent food. They do everything right at this place. Best bar in Gastown!
I really enjoy this place.
It has a GREAT layout for socializing. I just wish it were busier.
The food is regular pub fare done well.
The drinks are affordable.
The location is cozy and convenient.
I want YOU to come here!
Make it a BUSTLING PLACE.
I'm not even giving this place stars (correction. apparently i have to give at least 1 to submit this) b/c the asshole working the door decided we weren't cool enough to be there, therefore started swearing and cussing at us totally randomly. I think what actually happened is, he thought we jumped the line intentionally. Which was not the case. ANYWAYS ... (it doesn't even matter b/c his attitude and how we were TRYING to respond, and his crazy response, was not forgivable) .... going on...
You know what, I know today is probably an awful day to be working in the bar industry with Canada just winning the gold in hockey, and i feel for people, i'm trying to be uber aware and sensitive to this awareness, but seriously dude. That was BULLSHIT.
We were dragged (lovingly) towards our friends table (by a friend we met outside) so they could show us where they were sitting, so in turn we totally didn't see a line. A line of like 10 pple waiting to go in (not saying those 10 pple were anything less, just saying 10 pple can be missed when the streets are lined with people)... ANYWAYS, we get yelled at in the bar to leave...... we tried to explain we were sorry and didn't even see the line and were willing to line up. but. no. this guy was on a mission to yell at someone. and we happened to be those people. WHOA. I mean, just tell us dude that there's a line. Don't start a freakin fight. Seriously? Bullshit. We were totally wiling to stand in line, we just didn't realize.
Anyways, I will never go here again cause that was just... wow. I'm just beside myself right now. I mean, going anywhere on this day is crazy, but damn. I'm sorry. We were then out in front telling our friend after being there for 30 seconds, that not only were we not allowed to stand in line at this point, that he was gonna now go and start yelling at us randomly telling us how much we aren't gonna get in. Like it wasn't clear.
wow. I have never experienced that EVER. and seriously. WOW.
oh. and i shouldn't forget to mention witnessing him telling my bf that he was too skiny and the "fat people in the line would buy more beer and spend more money so he's not coming in"
ummm.... someone should fire this guy. like seriously. you want to see his picture. i posted that as well (go to images)
funny thing. i don't even say "totally" but, i'm so freakin beside myself right now. that words like "totally" are coming out, out of pure beside myself-ness.
I have to love Black Frog by default because I am from Edmonton and it is modeled after Black Dog. Even though Black Frog plays Oilers games it is certainly a whole lot nicer than its Alberta cousin. Way less grime and grit. It doesn't even smell like a locker room!
The menu is basic bar food but a little more palatable than what you would find most places. Beer and wine are reasonably priced for the area and they have daily specials which is always nice. Atmosphere is great especially when they open their mock patio and let the ocean breeze blow in!
I don't think you have to show your Edmonton ID at the door...but you better be cheering for the Oilers or they will kick your ass out!
Came here after reading some reviews by fellow yelpers and got exactly what I hoped for. Very down to earth pub. Good appys and beer on tap. Being a hockey fan (go canucks go!) I was hoping to watch the game here but they only play the sound when it's an Edmonton game. It's an Edmonton pub! My guess is that people in Edmonton must be really chill cos that's the vibe here. We shared the baked stilton with baguette and rye bread but next time I'm trying out an entree as they have enough vegetarian options to choose from.
Listed in: Drink it up
I stopped by this place for a quick bite and it was nice. There were no sports things going on and I didn't drink anything that night, just had a salad and a good talk with some friends. The ambiance is nice and laid back, and even though this place is in tourist central, its not a rip off, it's just an honest good pub.
If i'm ever in the area again I would most definitely stop by for a drink.
I visited the Black Frog restaurant in Gastown not too long ago and ordered a burger on the menu. I must say that it is probably the best burger I have had in Vancouver! The meat is what sealed the deal for me, they don't use regular ground beef, but instead they use steak...sooo tasty, especially with some seasoning and all the appropriate fixings. On top of the great burger came some excellent fries. I ordered a cold beer to wash it all down and was very satisfied.
I highly recommend it if you haven't already tried it already.
Great undiscovered joint in Gastown.
Friendly people, casual atmopshere. The food's not bad pub food, though I'd go more for drinks.
It's an Edmonton bar, so avoid it on nights the Canucks are playing the Oilers :P
If Chill Winston up the road is my ideal lounge and grab a bite and some drinks, then this place might be its close cousin for 'hang out and grab a slew of beers'
Tall beers, Kronenberg on tap, great people watching and cool vibe.
Yeah, if I am here on business again, will have this on the short list of revisits
I great little Albertan bar that sells drinks as close to Alberta prices as legally possible in BC. The best place to watch an Oilers/ Flames game!
Say Hi to the Newby behind the bar. No really he is a Newby!!!!
Catch the live music on Sunday nights, pretty good sounds. Read more »
I enjoyed everything about this establishment.
The food was different but familiar, like sweet potato fries with a curry mustard dipping sauce. The happy hour was great with lots of great beer.
The service was great and for 5 on a Saturday night, not too busy. But it was raining...Everyone else was at Starbucks across the street.
Ha.
Nonetheless, come here and give 'em some business.
Listed in: Top Restaurants
Just when you thought Gastown was only good for boutique clothing shops, furniture stores, and similar tourist traps there's the Black Frog, a rail-side pub/restaurant offering a wide selection of draft and bottle beers. Audio speakers line the old 25-foot ceilings as well as paraphernalia including snowboards and ice hockey gear. Leather covered ottomans seats and boots are ready for you to relax in and The Black Frog boasts a great selection of music from little-known Australian bands to the modern day Chilli Peppers.
Outside a heated patio beckons, which is great for both summer and winter get togethers, and metered parking is everywhere as is the bus line, skytrain station, and seabus.
This is a great hidden pub in amidst busy Gastown. And if you're lucky you'll hear the sounds of the steam clock going off as you have your first sip of vino.
Excellent atmosphere and awesome food! This is one of Vancouver's best kept secrets. Sitting at the foot of Cambie St in Gastown - this alley pub has a perfect view of the N.Shore mountains as well as the waterfront. With a spacious covered area that has huge open windows to give it a patio-feel, this place is excellent.
Drinks are dirt cheap and strong! Cheapest Guinness pint in town on Sundays (4.75) and possibly the rest of the week also.
Staff here are very friendly and will likely remember you and your drink if you go on a regular basis.
Listed in: My top 5
I love this cute little place. A nice pub- great place to watch the game, or sit near the windows and enjoy the water front view! They stop serving food late at night, which is a bummer. So get there early to enjoy the standard munchies to accompany your ale.
The lighting is low, and on a non-game night it's a great place to go to talk to a new friend and contemplate the world.
Some people are like "furniture" in this place and there's a good reason. Friendly staff, great owners, good Guinness and tasty food. Watch the Hockey game with the lads here. Best to meet peeps from Edmonton - and they'll remind you of that... they're everywhere; and the wall of cool little chachkas - you'll never be bored sitting at the bar. Salt and Pepper wings spot on right.
Neighborhood: Gastown
Neighborhood: Gastown
Neighborhood: Gastown
Neighborhood: Kensington-Cedar Cottage
Neighborhood: Downtown
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