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Earls
Category: Restaurants Canadian (New) Canadian (New) [Edit]
905 Hornby StVancouver, BC V6Z 1V3
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(604) 682-6700
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
31 reviews for Earls
Review Highlights
"The cajun chicken sandwich is great."
(in 4 reviews)
"It was a great place to stop before a movie too."
(in 3 reviews)
"Prawn tacos definately the best app."
(in 3 reviews)
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31 reviews in English
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Review from Tori M.
12/29/2011 2 photos
I don't think you can compare it to "boutique" restaurants, or I'd have to give it only 3 stars. But if we could limit it's category to the type of large comfortable chain it is, then I would be glad to give it 4.5 stars.
We were there for a late dinner (9 or 10pm on a Sunday night?). The hamburgers were very very good, along with the side dishes. I liked the menu very much. The drinks were not too weak.
We couldn't see the staff well enough to tell if they were the good-looking lot so many others have referred to! It was a very laid back Sunday night mood, and the lights were very low. Lots of Christmas decorations made it very warm. The service was in the average range, nothing impressive but also not annoying.
All in all very comfortable and just a bit better than we expected. -
Review from Norah L.
Vancouver, BC
2/9/2012
I went to Earl's with my male cousin and I'm sure that if I were a straight hot-blooded guy then the service would have been much improved. As a previous poster said yes the service is shoddy. The hostess and waitresses ignored me but kept talking to my cousin, who incidentally is gay and therefore didn't care that they flirted with him, had huge fake boobs, wore low cut tops with push up bras, or kept fiddling with the exposed bra straps.
The food was not that great and extremely overpriced for both quality and quantity. When I asked for more water, the waitress couldn't be bothered to get any. When my cousin asked for water, the waitress sped off and got it right away. The sole good thing about the place is the chic decor. The other waitresses spent more time socializing and flirting with two groups of guys. Earl's to me came across as a more upscale version of Hooters.
The only reason we went to Earl's is because my cousin received a $50 gift card for Christmas and suffice to say we will not be back. -
Review from Jenni L.
1/5/2012
I stopped in here with Lisa G. one afternoon when we were in Vancouver for a light lunch. She had already been here a few times before on a previous trip so we knew the food would be decent.
We each ordered small salad with sliced chicken and shared an order of the rosemary pan bread. The salads were decent, though the blackened chicken was considerably spicier than I had anticipated. The pan bread was just ok, but nothing spectacular.
While we were eating, I watched one of the waitresses drop the coffee filter she was shining the wine glasses with on the floor, pick it up, and continue shining.
Gross.
I believe this would be a decent dinner spot or atleast a great place to enjoy a glass of wine, so long as the waitresses use clean filters on the glasses. -
Review from Allison H.
Vancouver, BC
12/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've had business lunches at this Earls quite a few times and I always leave thinking the exact same thing: it's a damn good thing they hire staff that are good looking, because that's all they have going for them.
Shoddy service from the get go. From the airhead hostesses playing with their cell phones (and then sticking them back into their bras when new guests walk in the door? Uhhhh...) to the tip hungry waitresses, it just cancels out anything good that the kitchen might produce.
Most recently, I met an associate for a lunch here and this occasion reminded me why I steer clear of Earls, especially in the downtown core. The restaurant wasn't busy and I asked to be seated in the dining room as opposed to the bar/lounge area as we were having a business lunch. The hostess either a)didn't care what I said and was spending time gawking at my good looking associate or b) was just an idiot as she walked us right over to the lounge. I asked to be moved and she rolled her eyes? Ok then...
When our "server" came over, she made brief eye contact with me and then spent the other 99% of the time talking/interacting with my associate. I found it hilarious that she even went as far as to lean OVER him (chest in his face) to explain something on the menu to me, instead of just walking three steps to my side of the table. Our beverages were brought in an OK amount of time (how long does it take to pour a pop?) but the ridiculousness continued as she offered to fill my associates glass 3 times while leaving mine empty on the table. I had to ASK for a refill. After she took our orders and walked away, we had a good laugh. It wasn't all in my head, we both noticed the over the top treatment he was getting and the cold shoulder I was getting.
Our food was good, despite the "server" having to come back and fourth to our table twice to ask questions and confirm things. Write it down if you can't remember, we didn't even ask for modifications or add ons to our orders.
The sweetest part of the whole experience was when the bill was brought to the table and placed down promptly in front of my associate. I wish I had a picture of the look on this girls face when I reached over, grabbed the bill fold and said "don't worry, I've got this one".
This was the second time in my entire life that I've not left anything for a tip. I realize (having worked in the hospitality industry) that I screwed the kitchen staff out of a tip out on my bill, but I honestly could not justify giving the horrible excuse of a server any cash in her pocket. Further, I was so annoyed (and out of time) that I didn't even want to bother talking to a manager or shift sup.
As others have said: SKIP IT!Listed in: Never, EVER again!
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Review from erica c.
10/11/2011
If I had to go to a sports bar, I would go to Earls because its clean and spacious.
I was hesitant to try Earls because of the low Yelp rating but luckily I was pleasantly surprised. The decor is is quite chic, the chairs are comfy and the food is good. -
Review from Tod M.
Vancouver, BC
8/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I know people diss chains like this (and Cactus Club, etc.) but I find Earl's to be actually quite good. Their cajun chicken breast (with warm potato salad and coleslaw) might be the best chicken dish I've had at a similar scale restaurant.
The staff has always been awesome (at least when I'm there) -- very accommodating, nothing reasonable refused, etc. -
Review from Julia K.
7/9/2011
Earls in Canada is much like BJ's in the US.
It's a restaurant and bar that is pretty popular when there's a game on. Let's say, Game 5 of the Stanley Cup! It was a madhouse! The entire bar area was PACKED, but our large group of 15 were seated easily in the back where there was less of a fuss. Don't get me wrong, I love it that the big game was playing with a huge crowd handy - it reminded me of when the SF Giants were playing the World Series!
For the food, my friend and I shared the full rack of ribs with spice-rubbed chicken. I would have to say, I much preferred the chicken over the ribs. The spice on the chicken was a nice blend of spice and flavor - it had a good kick but wasn't overpowering. The chicken itself was succulent probably because it was cooked with the skin on. The ribs were alright, but nothing too special for me so I won't really comment.
Our server was really attentive which is always appreciative so we tipped him well. Anyway, it was a pretty good spot that can accomodate a large party short noticed with a Canucks game going on. -
Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
6/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like Earls because they have decent drinks and good drinks specials. They also have decent food.
Our server was super friendly and attentive which was nice considering we were in the lounge. I know sometime this Earls can get really slow in the service department but I was happy with our server.
Our drinks were really good, simple and cheap, we went for the cocktail specials and it was worth the price.
I think that I prefer Earls over other chain restaurants of the same genre like Milestones etc because they have decent food and prices.
It was a great place to stop before a movie too. -
Review from Jewel Y.
I agree with Tod M., I think Earls to be quite good for being a chain restaurant. Despite the low ratings, I'm willing to give Earls 4 stars for what they offer. The ambiance is contemporary and somewhat trendy, way better than other chain restaurants like TGIF, Chili's, etc. In terms of the classiness of the decor, it's on par with Cheesecake Factory but with less frou-frou. I really liked "West Coast Prawn Salad with Citrus Honey Vinaigrette" which contains prawns, quinoa, and avocado. So healthy and tasty!! And their spicy shrimp pasta too was pretty good for what it is, but the salad was definitely better. I think people should stop judging chain restaurants. I'm telling you, for the affordable price, quality of the food, and the ambiance, Earls deserves more credit. And yes, I love Cheesecake Factory too.
Listed in: Vancouver
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Review from Adam R.
4/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came to Earls to catch game six of the Canucks and Blackhawks series in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoff. We arrived just before the rush and were well looked after. Sometimes, though, I felt like our server checked up on us a bit too often. Not necessarily a bad thing (the opposite would be worse), but a little irritating when you're trying to watch hockey.
Had a terrific arugula, chicken and beet salad. The perfect serving portion, packed with tons of flavor. I would definitely recommend it (I think it was called the Parmesan Chicken Rocket Salad).
Followed these up with a few of their mojitos, which were OK. I wasn't a huge fan of the blended mojito -- was a little too over the top with the mint leaves. But I really enjoyed the raspberry mojito.
OK service, good food and OK drinks. Earls is one of those places that always provides a consistent experience. -
Review from Warren M.
10/4/2011
Upscale "chain" restaurant without the chain feeling. We had salad and sandwich as a "take it easy" night from too much "fine dining" on our vacation in Vancouver. We requested a quiet table but, if we were in a more active mood, the bar area was quite vibrant. Like most other venues here in Vancouver, there were plenty of exciting beers on tap. Plenty of smaller menu items and a few bigger dinners, burgers to salmon. We were quite pleased.
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Review from Lori K.
10/19/2010 1 photo
We went here twice while we were in Vancouver. The first time we sat at the bar and just had small bites and cocktails. We enjoyed ourselves because the bartenders (male and female) were friendly and we enjoyed chatting them up. It's hard to overlook how everyone who works at Earl's is good looking.
The second time we patronized this location was because we wanted to watch three sporting events which were airing simultaneously and we knew Earl's would be playing them all. We also wanted to watch these games while enjoying food that might be slightly better than pub fare. Since it happened to be Sunday I went with the $25 Sunday night supper deal which got me a Cesar Salad, A 7 oz. Steak with two sides and pumpkin pie which I washed down with pints of local beer for $3.99. They also had other various drink specials. Sometimes a girl wants to watch sports and drink beer but not have to munch on nachos or other bar food. For days like that Earl's is a great compromise. -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
8/17/2010
The trick of enjoying Earls is to just not expect much.
After you get over the fact that it's a painfully average restaurant that attempts to compete with Cactus Club, you'll be fine.
Honestly, Earls used to be better than its close competition Cactus. But it's like Earls said to themselves, "why don't we get rid of all the best dishes on the menu?"
SKIP it. -
Review from Charles H.
1/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
The wait staff is hired for their looks. One complaint I have is the service can be very slow. That gives you time to ogle the hot waitresses. The food is good, to me slightly limited in menu size than Cactus Club but a more dressy ambiance despite the sports bar amount of TVs.
Earl's is one of my favorite Canadian chains; I wish there were more locations out East. -
Review from Tee D.
7/21/2009
Earl's definitely is a good place to go if you need menu variety.
We stopped by Earl's for lunch one day when we were both feeling a bit indecisive.
The guy ordered the the alfredo pasta with chicken and I had the chicken tacos. I know, I know, tacos, what the heck am I thinking?
His pasta was okay. The alfredo sauce was a little liquidy and had very little flavor to it. You definitely couldn't taste any cheese in the sauce.
My chicken tacos were miniscule, like seriously, about the size of my palm, and they were overdressed with a pile of lettuce. Underneath the lettuce was about a tablespoon of chicken.
I thought Earl's had a cool vibe and maybe it would be a cool place to come have a drink and watch some sports, but I definitely wouldn't make a special trip here for their food. -
Review from Nathan B.
Vancouver, BC
11/27/2010
Tonight it was between Cactus Club, Earls, Joeys and The Keg. We decided on Earls Paramount. After an average wait to get a table, we ordered drinks and waited for the game to start. The waitress was nice and was speedy in taking our orders. After receiving our orders, we didn't see her that often. After a half hour wait, we received our food.
I ordered the 9oz steak (medium rare) with a side of mushrooms. The steak was hard, and closer to a medium well-done. The rest of the food on my plate seemed to be cold... My friend ordered a stir-fry and it was the same thing. Cold. So we sent our food back.
When we received our meals for a second time, it was really subpar. I don't think I would order a steak from this Earls again as it lacked flavor, which is too bad. In a city that has a lot of steak options you'd assume there would be more of an effort. If there's a next time, I'll probably just opt for a burger or appetizer.
There was little done to make the situation better, from the manager, to keep us as customers. I'm not saying I expect anything, I've just seen other restaurants in this city extend more of an effort. When it comes down to it, all that matters to the waitress is the tip. My tip always reflects the efforts of the staff and not necessarily the food, and I saw very little effort from the staff to make us promoters of their restaurant. Unfortunately, this isn't the first time at this location... if you want Earls I'd recommend Robson Street or Yaletown. -
Review from Darien C.
BC
11/19/2008
I dislike chain restaurants. Having said this, I still go to them on occasion. Earls is such a trademark Vancouver restaurant that it merits some discussion. If you've been to one, you have indeed been to them all. I have yet to venture to the new Yaletown spot, and so I will speak of the former flagship, Paramount.
I must concede, the restaurant impresses. Complete with dining room, lounge, and private second floor tables, the stops have been pulled for Paramount. There are numerous flat screens scattered throughout the lounge and the place is packed on game night. Personally I believe sports beg for sports bars, but there are worse places to see games than here. One thing that must be said for earls is it is consistent. You will always have good food, it'll be static and you'll know what to expect. I've always loved the California shrimp pizza, had it multiple times and never been disappointed. The wine list is basic and won't impress a connoisseur, but the selection has pairs for the food.
The service is impeccable. As a place that is prideful on their customer service, the staff will indeed bend into some odd positions to satisfy you. Oh yes, that reminds me, earls is notorious for hiring none but the beautiful. When I worked here we could literally pick from a lineup who would be hired during interview time. It doesn't matter if you are the greatest server to ever touch a tray, if you're not young and hot, apply elsewhere.
Although the ugly may find fault, turn up their misshapen noses and rebuke superficiality, most people have no problem. You can always count on being surrounded by good looking people at an earls, and lets be honest, we all like being around attractive people. This is why earls employees always famously form a cult. A very good looking cult. -
Review from Roanna Z.
12/20/2009
The thing that impressed me most about the Earls are not so much the food or the service. Actually, it's the interior designs of these places. The opulence! Beautiful.
Even the bathrooms are beautiful. This one has the most unique sinks I've yet to see.
But you're not going for the bathrooms.
Although, I'm sure they'd let you pop in to use it.
The food is good. The menu holds no surprises, but it's mass appeal. Good for all the family.
I had the Cajun Chicken and it was spiced nicely with out going over the top. The Chicken itself was juicy not dry. The fries are thin and crispy. The burgers are good value and the meat is quality. I wouldn't say anything was outstanding really.
We noticed they have some organisational hurdles to overcome. First meal of four came out long before the other three, and had to be sent back for a reheat.
More than once servers came out with food to the wrong table and turned away with bewildered looks on their faces.
Perhaps this is the price they pay for choosing beauty over quality. One can't help but to notice that the staff has been measured to a superficial scale. -
Review from Sheila W.
BC
11/24/2008
This place has one of the best looking after work crowds on a Friday night. Women who like to tip $8 triple martinis while scoping groups of men with loosened ties winding down after their week balancing numbers and buying stocks should check this place out.
There is a fun list of martinis, and Earls makes their own 'albino rhino' beer, of which I like the honey lager. The pints are the big 20oz variety. They have a great selection of wine by the glass and their Reserve wine list actually has some pretty special wines for surprising prices. Osoyoos Larose "Le Grand Vin" is just one example. This wine retails for about $50 in shops, and they offer it in the $75-neighbourhood on the menu. Most restaurants would (at least) double the retail price.
The atmosphere is trying hard to be hip and sexy. It's a fairly large venue, so even if there's a line crowding the entrance you'll be seated after a short wait. The Top 40 music is pretty loud and there are TVs all over the place tuned into different sports.
The food is dependable, but overpriced. For example, a bowl of clam chowder is $6.75. I had a pad thai bowl ($16.50) and it was tasty with lots of chicken, shrimp, tofu and veggies. Most Thai places would offer a more authentic dish for around $4 less.
It's a good place to stop for a drink and a bite before heading to the movie theatre next door. It's proximity to Robson Street shopping and Pacific Centre also make it an ideal cocktail stop after shopping. If you're looking for a quiet spot to catch up with someone, keep looking. Between the music, the TVs and the cute boys in collared shirts, there are far too many distractions. -
Review from Gabby S.
Vancouver, BC
4/1/2009
We always stick to our usual shrimp pizza, California salad and an appetizer. Recently, we added the dry ribs. I'm not usually a rib person because I can't help but think of an autopsy table where a rib cage is involved...thank you CSI and all those shows.
But the accompanying potato mush is really, really good with all the bacon bits. I'm not a fan of potatoes either but I could eat all that.
That lava chocolate thing with ice cream is also really good. I've almost forgotten all about that Kahlua ice cream cake they used to have before Earl's re-vamped their image.
The dining room has nice big comfy chairs but I hate being seated under one of those spot lights. I feel like I must look bald or something and I don't need to be highlighted as I'm scarfing down my meal.
There is always a wait. Once, we went there for what we'd thought was an early dinner but at 5:30pm, it was already packed.
There is plenty of action to keep you entertained while you wait, though. I do not know how long it's been going on but that time, I noticed something disturbing about the backside of this waiter. He had shoved, way down, the faux leather bill-holder. I don't know what you call that thing but all I could do was (1) point that out to my friends so (2) we could remind each other NOT to touch that when paying the bill.
I am happy to say that, although the female staff remain attractive and slim, they are no longer wearing 3 inch heels. I remember asking one of the staff and she reported that heels aren't part of the uniform, per se, but they are encouraged. If these poor ladies have to wear body hugging clothes and freaking high heels, the male staff should also wear tight pants and high heels! At least, tight enough that you can't force a bill-holder down the back of your pants. -
Review from Susan W.
5/1/2009
Had been to the Earls in Whistler before so we were excited to see this one just a few blocks away from our hotel, The Cascadia.
We weren't starving and looking for a full dinner so we split a few appies. We had the calamari, tempura shrimp sushi & prawn tacos. The calamari rings were quite tiny but perfectly cooked. Red onions should be removed as they add nothing to the dish. The tzatziki sauce they serve with it tastes okay but I would prefer and aioli sauce to dip them in. The tempura shrimp sushi was allso okay but I would have liked it to be bigger. Prawn tacos definately the best app. of the 3. Tasty nuggets of shrimp in a warm tortilla with a lime chili dipping sauce. Vodka martini left a lot to be desired. Alexander Keiths IPA no good. Albino Rhino dark ale one of the best beers we have ever drank, and we drink a lot of beers. Nice server (Jason) Will go back again next time we are in Vancouver. -
Review from Barney B.
9/8/2009
In Vancouver you can't throw a dead cat without hitting a Blenz, a Starbucks, or an Earls, it seems. But on night one of our weekend holiday here, this was close convenient easy and not packed.
Every city needs a place like this location - big open bar, upperdeck pub food, TVs well-placed and attentive service. Barney B breaks down and becomes a fan of a chain. -
Review from Megan S.
12/1/2008 1 photo
Busy busy place! We went on a Friday night around 9. We joined the crowd of people waiting outside, clutching our coaster and praying it would light up.
This Earl's has a different vibe than the one on Broadway- that one seems more casual, this one seems sleek and dark. Super skinny waitresses all in black slip through the crowded tables to bring you your food and martinis. They are a little slower on the water refills and non-bar drinks.
The alfredo was wonderful- the noodles are at least an inch wide. I love that. The sauce was rich, so save some for lunch tomorrow. The cajun chicken sandwich is great. On a fluffy ciabbata bread roll, the sandwich comes cut into two triangles. I opted to pay more for a side salad over fries, but I was not impressed with the salad. A little lame, the vinaigrette it comes with is pretty weak.
I think this is a fun place to stop in during a night of fun. The food was good, but you could also come just to enjoy the drinks. -
Review from Anita T.
Toronto, ON
9/16/2008
This Earls is one of the newest around. It's fairly large, and the location is perfect - right beside the theatre. Anyone want to enjoy dinner and a movie?
The meditteranean linguine is like a party in your mouth. The only thing is that there is no good selection of desserts. They used to have this chocolate mousse cake, and then one day when I went to Earls - it was gone! POOF! It was a very sad day in my life. -
Review from Vladimir P.
6/12/2009
I think it's good simple place within its price range, but it could be better. We had Penne Alfredo with chicken, Caesar Salad and couple coctails. Food was ok, nothing special what you would remember few hours later.
By the way they have bunch of young blond girls in short dresses working as hostesses and whole visit I was wondering why they aren't cold :-). -
Review from John V.
Vancouver, BC
4/15/2010
Ouch. $23 bucks for 2 bottles of Bud.
Nice place. Too bad they treated us so poorly during the Olympics.
We ordered (2) Budweiser Beer in the bottle - nothing fancy. And they charged me $23 for 2 beers! Who do they think they are?
Ouch. Won't be going back there.
As the Quebec license plate reads "Je me souviens!" I remember. -
Review from Lotus C.
12/2/2010
Underwhelming and overpriced. Not a fan of sports bars or chains so I stuck with beer and fish and chips to play it safe. Friends ordered some apps for the table including the dynamite roll whidh was distinctly not dynamite. The fish tasted old, like they crumbled up an old fish stick to put in it -- and the batter very greasy and heavy. From the appearance and price point you'd expect way better. Don't bother.
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Review from Brendan M.
North Vancouver, BC
12/15/2010
I usually drop in to the Earls on Robson between Thurlow and Bute. The ambience is cozy, the food is consistent and the waitresses are very cute and do a good job. A friend of mine suggested the location at Hornby and Smithe for lunch so we gave it a try. Great space, very open and airy.
We sat in the lounge and waited a little long for someone to approach us for a drink order. A manager actually stepped in and got the drinks punched in before our waitress could get to us, but she was busy settling 3 tables at once. I had the chicken and Brie sandwich with fig jam and my friend had their Sicilian Pizza. The food was average, although I couldn't help but think that Earls has really upped their prices a little too much for the fairly casual dining establishment that it is. $24 for a chicken pasta? $32 for a fish entree? Really? Their prices on wine are pretty lofty as well for the caliber of wine they are pouring. In general I feel that Earls is charging about 25% too much on just about everything.
They are also very directly and very apparently competing with the Cactus Club as some of the items on the menu are straight up knock offs of Cactus Club standard items like the Cajun cheddar chicken sandwich and the Parmesan crusted rocket salad which is a Rob Feenie item at the Club.
On the positive side, they bake their own pizza dough every morning and use it for the pizzas and for their Naan that accompanies their chicken curry dish (which is kind of awesome, but a tad spicy for those without the constitution for a little heat).
In summary - too pricey for what you get and trying too hard to be something they are not. -
Review from Renee C.
8/21/2009
Yay! I'm a fan of their shoe string fries :) This goes for all their locations...but this one on Hornby is the posher looking one...@_@
Listed in: Vancouver, BC!!!!
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Review from Taylor P.
11/17/2010
The food was great, service was flawless, and the drinks were awesome! I had a steak, which was ok, but the sauce and mushrooms more than made up for it!!!!!!
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Review from Joe O.
3/8/2010
The entire family was in town this weekend - parents from Hawaii and brother from Brooklyn - visiting the wife and I in Seattle. Did most of what there is to do for first timers in Seattle last week so Sunday (worst weather day of the bunch) we decide to road tip-it up to Vancouver. Thin skin and all, we tried walking around Gastown, doing some random shopping and sight seeing, trying to ignore the looming skies above. Alas, the skies opened and we ditched for shelter at Earls. What a nice respite this was - from the 18oz beers to the fast service and good food. Dad had the California pizza, which he scarfed down in a moments notice, mom enjoyed her prawn and shrimp linguini, while my brother chowed on the spicy cajun chicken. The wife had delicious prawn taco's right after a scrumptious beet salad and I truly enjoyed the Mediterranean Linguini. All in all the food was good, service fast and we got 2 awesome pint (18 oz) glasses for $6 each! For a cool ambiance - flat screens with hockey on all around (they like hockey in this country??) - nice decor and friendly service, this place was great.
