9/1/2010

Three words: SIX. DOLLAR. APPIES.

Well, between 4-6. Which is as good a time as any to get your snack on. My friends and I hopped on over for some early eats and went with the lobster wings, nachos, bruschetta, and some asian seafood (sorry, horrible memory.) They also had $2 off margaritas so, you know, might as well.

The food was yummy but came in pretty small portions that, if they were not $6 each, I wouldn't regularly order them. For example, the lobster wings were 4 small pieces that were delicious but, if they were at a regular price of $12, would be too much for my student budget. Drinks were also OK - my friends mentioned that they never seem to ID, and they do look like youngin's. I, on the other hand, having just recently turned 19 was excited to be asked for ID. Hah, that hope came to no avail.

But back on topic, I'd definitely eat at the Hub if I wasn't too hungry and was around between 4 and 6 PM, but when it comes to paying full price for food (yeah, I sneaked a peek at the rest of the menu) things come up too far on the pricey end for me to want to even try.

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8/9/2010 1 photo

I damn near broke my ankle trying to get in here.

These effing cobblestone-y roads.

I was trying to go down the stairs to kill some time before 4pm, when appies go down to $6 each, and I completely ate it on the sidewalk.

So, at 4, I hobbled in, with my best friend who was not amused by my whiny attempts at getting her to carry me.

Alas, the best way to fix a rolled ankle (which still hurts like a bitch) is to get a mango mojito an split some poutine with a childhood friend.

So, being a California native, I have never actually seen poutine in real life. It's basically awesome. It was fat fries with cheese, gravy and (drumroll) BACON. Oh, it was lovely.  Effing lovely.

Good food, good cocktails, but slow service. My advice? Step it up. It was slow. Be on your game.

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8/4/2010

Friend and I stumbled across this place while looking for a patio lunch spot the other day - it was pretty quiet when we arrived seeing it was in the middle of the afternoon.  We sat on the patio outside with great high chairs and spacious table - it was definitely a prime spot to enjoy Vancouver's Summer weather and I can imagine it to be a great social spot at night to watch the people on the street and take in the fresh air.  Blankets were also ready on the chairs to combat any cold weather.  Inside was a spacious typical bar area - dark and dimmed, giving off a more intimate setting.

While the spot is great, the menu offering is quite average.  But don't let this fool you.  the food, while not mind-blowing is actually quite good.  What's not good however, is the price.  It is definitely pricey for what you get even for Yaletown standard.  We both had the make your own salad for $10.99 - a bit more if you add meat - but was very satisfied.  it was definitely one of the best salads I've had for a while. Fresh, tasty and a good serving amount. We also had a couple of appetizers - which was also tasty - especially the wings.  They had a good selection of beers and their specials were reasonably priced.

It was a very relaxing lunch spot, although i'm assuming it can be quite buzzing at night.  All in all it was pleasant space with pleasant food but pricey price - worth a visit if you're around the area but I wouldn't be chasing after it.

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8/14/2010

I had lunch  at HUB last week.  Loved the atmosphere and my create your own salad was fantastic!  Will be sure to go back sometime soon to try dinner.
All in all I had a great time - friendly staff.  My friend had to burger - and said it was excellent.

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5/27/2010

I'm loving a covered patio with blankets and heat lamps ! yeah!
What our group had:
Caesar Salad, Chicken Wings with the perfect heat in the sauce, yummy burger that got a good head nod, Yam Fries, and even a breakfast burrito, served all day that made the big guy so very happy (for only 10 bucks), served with home made crispy French Fries, and NOT the frozen kind, fresh ones.

The servers were friendly and professional and the place wasn't even crowded!  Why, where IS everyone?
Get over there!
This is a large place, great for large groups, with more than a dozen flat screen TV's. They're getting ready for FIFA's World Cup soccer in June. It's going to be madness and mayhem again!  :-)
GO BRAZIL!

This bar/resto is in what I view as the coolest part of Yaletown, on Mainland st. where I always feel like I'm on vacation. The old architecture and narrow lanes are a great backdrop for any meal.

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4/4/2010

Attempted to eat here for the first time at brunch; key word "Attempted"

It wouldn't surprise me in the least to see Gordon Ramsey and crew filming here; I believe beyond a kitchen fire this may be the only solution to fix this place.

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6/21/2010

I have only had great experiences here - they have amazing prime rib dinners on Sundays & Mondays, they have happy hour appy specials  (the best deal is on the super delicious lobster wings), great drink menu, awesome food and the best dessert ever - their chocolate chip pazookie- I wasn't crazy about their brunch menu so I'll probably stick to dinners there but I've proudly taken 4 different groups of friends and family there and everyone has enjoyed it.  It's one of my favourite yaletown spots

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6/29/2010

Decent food.  Server a little slow and she kept messing up the drinks that my guests ordered, but to be fair, they were very nitpicky and specific.  Tasty salads and great burger and yam fries.  French toast not very good so my friend says, so just stay away from that I suppose.

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11/24/2009

I went there for two reason: exploring Yaletown's pub, restaurant and lounges, and because of the name as I have been using "Hub" for over 14 years on the Internet.

We showed up around 4:30PM for an early supper on a Saturday, and there was not a lot of patrons ; it was a few days after the re-opening under this new name.

$4 for the pint special, that was a good start. They have daily specials all week, as well as a wide variety of drinks. The bacon and cheese burger with fries was good, server on a stylish modern plate, and real napkins.

Hockey fans could enjoy the NHL game on the flat screens.

I'll definitely return.

Update (Feb 14, 2010): I went there yesterday and they did what I call the Olympic gouging: new menu where the only difference is the price (more expensive), and 18% gratuity applied by default. Having been there numerous time I feel robbed, and I think they lost a regular. Dropping the rating to 3*** from 4****.

Listed in: Reviewed

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12/17/2009

We found "The Hub" after exploring Yaletown's eats and treats.  Apparently they had just re-opened, after splitting from Brown's.  

The menu is "ever-evolving", and - according to our waitress - one of the reasons the owners sought independence from Brown's.  

I am not familiar with the previous menu; however, the "current" menu could use some refinement, with respect to its content and preparation.  To be fair, the owners are (still) experimenting with how certain dishes are prepared, and welcome feedback.  

We have returned to sample menu items for brunch, lunch, supper, and dessert - pleasantly surprised by the Breakfast Burrito, the Halibut and Chips, the Crispy Chicken Club, the (Hub) Classic Burger, and the Chocolate Chip Pazookie.  

The restaurant itself is clean, casual and relaxed, while still maintaining that sophisticated, authentic Yaletown vibe.  The waitstaff is friendly and attentive.

The owners are (still) working out the kinks in the menu, but after being under the dictatorship of Brown's for so long, there are bound to be some growing pains as they assert their independence!  :)

* UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE*

The Hub Restaurant and Lounge is currently participating in the Olympic Gouge... jacking its prices, eliminating its specials, and applying a 18% gratuity to all bills during the Olympics.  

For this reason, I am lowering my star rating... if I could check NO STARS, I would.

Should someone from the Hub Restaurant and Lounge come by and read this review, please be advised that alienating your local customers will only hurt you in the long run...

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11/26/2009

Hub has recently split off from Browns.  Working in Yaletown I'm always quite interested in trying new places.  Apparently the owners have split from the Browns franchise to get more control of the menu, at least according to a waitress I spoke with.  Browns must be the most revolting of the higher end chains in Vancouver,  so presumably this is a good move, no?

Well, apparently not.   I had a burger a caesar salad.  A staple that any restaurant worth their salt would need to do well.   The caesar salad tasted as if it was sitting in the refrigerator for days and the burger had an altogether disturbing gamey flavour to the beef.  The bun was all wrong, selected by someone who likely couldn't tell Wonder Bread from a baguette.  

I couldn't even finish the meal, a very rare event for me.  Kill it with fire, I say.

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