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- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11:30 am - 1 am
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 2 am
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Wed, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
35 reviews for Johnnie Fox's Irish Snug
Review Highlights
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"I love this little 'snug." In 3 reviews -
"...or three, and enjoy some beer battered fries while youre at..." In 1 review
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"Oh Ireland, I'll feel right at home once I finallly visit..." In 8 reviews
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35 reviews in English
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Review from Lori C.
Vancouver, BC
12/11/2011
I've been to this pub, oops - I mean snug, a couple times now. It really brings me back to my trip to Dublin a few years back. The red door reminds me of the famous Temple Bar. Luckily unlike touristy bar in Dublin, this bar does NOT play non-stop Irish tunes!
I love a good Guinness or Harp on draft. You can get that here (unlike some restaurants where they are not ordered often enough and the keg can get stale). Their food is a selection of typical pub food and Irish comfort food. The food I've ordered has been tasty, but then main reason I drop in is for a pint and the cozy atmosphere. -
Review from Talia V.
Vancouver, BC
5/23/2012
Wow, the food here was great. Definitely a guilty pleasure sort of joint for me, not a place to take yourself if your in anyway concerned about your carb intake... I know shocking right? The Irish like potatoes? lol anyhow. We met a group of friends for drinks and some impromptu late lunch. Had a couple of Caesars to start (I know not Irish at all) but they were really good. For the food I had the Bangers & Colcannon, which was just what I needed on a rainy, hungover day. Lots of gravy, and the sausage was perfect. My girl had the Baked Mac & Cheese which was even better than my plate. I highly recommend the Mac & Cheese, it was some of the best I've had in Vancouver, lots of cheese and bacon. Yum, nothing negative to say about the food whatsoever!
I also liked the decor, right down to the bear on the wall and the vibe was great too. This is the kind of place where you Thankfully don't have to feel awkward when your lushy friends start to talk a little too loudly.
The only negative I have to say about the spot was really lax service. I'm seeing lots of positive reviews on service though so I'm going to put it down as an off day. There was only one server on, and she seemed really disinterested in doing her job, not enough to put us off of returning, but surely enough to knock 'em down a star. -
Review from Veronica D.
Vancouver, BC
2/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Ive been here a few times to sit with my husband while he grabs a Guiness.
Its very noisy and cozy but people are friendly there. I would be thrilled if they put a vegan entree on the menu so our stays could be longer but its limited to fries and a veg sandwich with no description whatsoever.
Maybe one day we could spend more than 45 minutes here.
I'm sure if I liked Irish beer and meaty dishes I would enjoy it more. lol Alas I do not. -
Review from Hootie J.
Vancouver, BC
12/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
With so many bars on Granville now, Johnnie Fox's Snug just kind of gets lost in it all. Nothing spectacular, just another Irish pub on Granville.
The only memorable part to my visit is that they only had an industrial heater, good if you sit in the "sweet" spot but everywhere else was too cold or hot -
Review from Bethany M.
3/7/2012
We came to Johnnie Fox's from Buffalo, NY after a Canucks/Sabres game. We really loved it! Great beer selection, really friendly crowd (even with our Sabres sweaters on) and super cozy feel. We order the yorkies which we loved - like mini versions of Buffalo's "beef on weck" sandwiches and the poutine was also great.
If I ever find myself in Vancouver again, I'll be at Johhnie Fox's! -
Review from Irena L.
You don't come here asking for Sangria...well I did, but at that point I was waaay past my liquor limit to realize it was an Irish Pub! (or I'll just use that as an excuse for asking for sangria in the Irish pub;p)
And what an awesome place! There was live, Irish music, people were singing, dancing...and I was quite impressed! In that little confined space, it was heluva party!
After a few beers, I was almost Irish...and I'm not just saying that because I embraced the singing, the dancing, the loudness, and the rowdiness of the people, it's also because my blood was black with guiness. Oh Ireland, I'll feel right at home once I finallly visit you! -
Review from AJ M.
2/27/2012
Weird vibe, I was there a couple times on a recent business trip and decided I wouldn't go back. I didn't like the crowd, and the service wasn't especially good. There are too many other places to go on Granville to recommend this place, just below average.
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Review from Dan J.
Vancouver, BC
7/4/2011 3 Check-ins Here
History by Dan:
A 'snug' is a euphemistic term for a small enclosed space where patrons would store wives, girlfriends and other impediments to getting truly and completely sauced on Guinness. But smarter less chauvinistic men quickly learned it was the best place to make out with the wives while their husbands engaged in buffoonery exo-snug.
I've never been to Ireland but it's quite obvious I am an expert. Due to authentic depictions such as Andy Capp comics and Saturday Night Live sketches this pub or "bar" is exactly what I will expect Ireland to be like if I ever bother to go there and see for myself. Except there are also sheep everywhere and roads paved with potatoes.
It felt authentic and had a nice celebratory vibe. Real Irish guys were singing at the bar. The menu looked pretty tasty and the prices looked fair to middling but we were only there to drink. Next time I will try the food. I will also find someone to make out with in the snug.
Oh and our waitress was pretty. She looked like Rose McGowen. Wait McGowen? That's a Scottish name! Who wants to fight?Listed in: Watering Holes.
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Review from Trudi C.
This place feels like a genuine British pub! Even smells like it! For a second I thought I was back home. This place is spot on for atmosphere.
I've had the shepards pie (huge, homemade and with fries, yum!), as well as the beef and Guineas stew with toasted soda bread. I've never had soda bread toasted before, especially when meant for dipping, but oh well. Soda bread!! Also Wednesdays has cheap chicken wings, which is highly dangerous as they're so tasty! I managed to eat a dozen of them, and then the stew - I barely fit through the door on the way out ;) Also the coffee is brewed fresh, and free refills (though this seems to be a norm in North America - am still getting used to it!).
Friendly staff, great atmosphere, go visit and take a short break from Vancouver :) -
Review from Tabatha Anne Y.
Richmond, BC
9/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here for a casual dinner with Nicole F after getting our nails done down the street. We had pretty tasty food but our waitress ignored us for the majority of the meal.
It's nice in here, but they give off a try-hard vibe and EVERYTHING has to be Irish somehow. Irish Spring rolls, seriously?
Prices are moderate, pretty good for Granville street. I like coming here but it's nothing exciting. -
Review from jane w.
Burnaby, BC
Updated - 3/28/2012
wow now that I've seen this I change my mind
check out "http://dinesafe.com1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/20/2012
Awsome place!! You gotta try the beer battered fries. They're amazing. Cute bartenders and a great… Read more »
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Review from Mark F.
Small, loud and not to be messed with, Jonnnie Fox's is just like Ireland.
With room for 10 at the bar and max of around 50, it's small quarters are made for friends. Both the ones you walk in with and those you leave home with. Throw in hearty pub fair and you've got yourself a bar to hit on the way out, mid crawl or the last stop before the room spins.
Smithwicks, Harp, Gunness, Strongbow on tap and a full bar, this is all you need. Well, maybe not but it will certainly keep you going.
The back end offers 2 huge booths that could be combined. Ha. Like you have that many friends...who would spend time with you. Slide in anyway and make your presence known.
Well done and thanks for the pint! -
Review from Garth C.
2/13/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Next time I'm here you will find me in my snuggie.
There I said it, it's out there and now and the world knows that not only am I a man of comfort, I'm also a man of style which is why Johnnie Fox's Irish Snug is the perfect little place for me.
To be honest I'm not a fan of Irish pubs, sure I would love to go to a local pub in Ireland but the term "Irish pub" seems to have lost its meaning in this town. I'm glad i did not listen to my inner scepticism because I love this little place.
The first thing you will notice is the size, it's a small pub where the bar alone takes up half of space with some nice cozy booths in the back. You will feel comfortable as you are, with or without your snuggie.
The food was a cut above your normal pub menu, those little mini yourkies are the size of mini cupcakes are delicious. The Irish nachos and roast beef sandwich are also very tasty, add these together with some beer and it's a match made in heaven.
I often visit this place during or after work so if you see a guy wearing a collared snuggie (cursed you work dress code!) in the back nursing a beer come say hi! -
Review from Erin U.
11/12/2011
Well it wasnt perfect for probably most peoples ideal date but it was perfect for me!! For one, Im Irish so I automatically loved it before we even got there, call me biased lol. It is so very Irish, we drank guiness and rambled on for hours, then invited some random Irish boys over to our table(well they may have partially invited themselves) but nonetheless a very fun night and def a better place for groups then a date haha but we had a blast. Very unlike Vancouver this place is, has some culture and very open minded party people, met some awesome guys and invited them to join our street hockey Sunday league....we will see if any of them are in any shape to play today.lol. Good times and a great spot I would go any night of the week. If you or anyone you are with or welcoming to Vancity is Irish, do them a favor and take them here
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Review from Jasmine O.
Vancouver, BC
10/3/2011
Having been to london I have experienced some very cool irish pubs. It's the next best thing aside from actually going to Ireland. I really liked the atmosphere here and service was great! I would recommend this spot to Irish friends in town for a visit. I'm sure they'd feel right at home.
Listed in: Greatest Hits, Drink it up, date night late night
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Review from William R.
3/15/2012
Whoa...what a great little place!! The music was absolutely grand. God, I wish I could have eaten fish and chips or the stew or the potato leek soup...but we settled for vegan fare...pizza, tomato soup, which was quite perfect. Service was sublime. If you live in Van and don't come to this establishment shame on ya.
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Review from Ramon V.
Well you coulda fooled me!
I walked in and thought I was in a different city. This certainly looks like a pub that has been here for ages, even though it hasn't. It has the appearance of the old Rose and Thorn meets the old Irish Heather. Without the smoke. Cozy, dark, and filled with happy people. Just the way a pub should be. Serving the usual Irish beer on tap, and a hearty-looking pub menu which I look forward to reviewing after my next visit.
Hopefully U2 won't be playing. :-)
Grab a few friends or more, grab a booth, have a proper pint of Guinness or Smithwicks, and see why it's called a Snug.Listed in: Beer!
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Review from Corstian P.
Vancouver, BC
8/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
First off:
Whats a "Snug"??? .... "A small private room for patrons who preferred not to be seen in the public bar. Ladies would often enjoy a private drink in the snug when their public drinking was frowned on.The local police officer would nip in for a quiet pint, the parish priest for his evening whisky, and lovers would use the snug for their rendezvous".
Cant say I saw our local policeman or priest in there last night or anyone preferring not to be seen drinking for that matter. As for women, lovers and anyone looking for a low key place to knock back a few the place was certainly a draw. With big tables in the back, tables for two up front and a bar big enough for your rugby team this joint is accommodating.
Fox's has got the right selection of ales for its target market. The mixed draught being a nice touch. With most pints $6.25 and their food under $15 you cant lose.
For a great experience go there on Sunday after 5. They're running a Roast Beef Dinner with some Irish entertainment for $6.95.
Good Food, Good Drink and the Right Ambience. Invite your local Policeman, Priest or just settle for a lovers rendezvous . -
Review from Eva B.
1/8/2011
We went here last night for a drink with friends. We were lucky enough to get a booth in the back. Everyone liked their draft beverages. The one mixed drink ordered at the table was a fail. I had a hankering for something sweet, but was told they don't offer dessert. I was a little disappointed. Everything on the menu looked reasonably priced, but there was a lot of deep fried food offerings. In fact, the joint smelled like a deep fryer as soon as we stepped in the door.
Overall we had a good time, the place was cozy, dark and we were entertained by the drunks singing at the front near the bar. -
Review from Nick R.
Riverview, NB
11/23/2011
It's true, they really do have the best Guinness in town. I don't know how they do it, but nonetheless, it makes them worth a visit for pint of the dark stuff
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Review from Michelle H.
5/5/2009
Wait? Huh?
Where am I?
Europe? Did I just walk into an old pub?
That's definitely what it feels like when you walk into the Irish Snug. It's really relaxed. There are cool, old pub signs along the walls. In other places, there are quotes. Dark woods and exposed brass pipes fill in the rest. A wall of booze to one side, tall bar tables and stools to the other. You'll find booths in the back for bigger groups.
They've caught the chalkboard menu bug though. It's good to know everyone is embracing his or her old elementary school days. Check that out if you don't want to peruse the actual menu that's in your hand. A myriad of traditional pub food lines the pages (or chalkboard). Sandwiches, burgers, appetizers, and entrees--what else would you expect?
There are only five or so beers on tap. It's kind of disappointing. More disappointing was the prices of said beers. I'm used to $4-5 pints, not $6-7. Yikes.
The food was reasonable, though. Pretty delicious, too. That could have been road trip stomach talking, seeing as we just rolled into town not too much earlier, but I doubt it. This place was solid. I went crazy with the Guinness and beef stew, which was thick and creamy. Huge chunks of beef marinated in it, too. Two puff pastries topped it, and dense chunks of soda bread surrounded the healthy, heaping bowl. It'd have been perfect for dipping were I not on the verge of full. That didn't stop me from picking it apart and taking advantage of every chewy, intense bite.
The friendliness in the air was palpable, too. For being in the heart of the entertainment district, it was clear this was a neighborhood-post-work-grab-a-drink kind of place. However, it wasn't in that snooty-you-don't-belong-here way. Everything came to the table with a smile, and no one batted an eye at splitting the tab.
Does it get much better? -
Review from Nicole F.
9/13/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I don't often go down Granville to get liquored, but if I do, Johnnie Fox's is the place to be.
The Snakebites here are delicious and refreshing and $6.50 which seems pretty fair to me!
For once I actually ordered food and chose the Mac and Cheese. I asked for it with no ham which they were more than happy to do for me! It came with tomato chunks which I thought was pretty nice. And.... WTF, it comes with a side of fries. Can you say AWESOME? Because I can. And I just did. You could get salad instead, but who does that? Really, I mean, the mac and cheese has tomatoes.. HELLO, it COMES with vegetables! Seriously.. just get the fries. You can dip them in the bubbly cheesey goodness.
The mac and cheese itself is quite good, although it does need a tiny bit of salt. They bake it with extra cheese on top... no complaints there!
And as I've said before, I like my fries well seasoned, half crispy, half soft. These are perfect. They didn't need any salt or pepper added to them and accompanied my cheese covered pasta perfectly. The ultimate comfort food...
My friend got the grilled cheese with fries. She seemed to enjoy it but did say that she wasn't really full when she was finished. I was stuffed and had to leave some behind. The choice is clear folks, go with the mac and cheese.
I also had my eye on the Irish Spring Rolls. There are mashed potatoes and cheese in them? Um.... awesome?! I think I'll be ordering these next time. Right before I die of a heart attack.
Also, this is probably the only place I can deal with listening to U2 nonstop.Listed in: Comfort Food, Mac and Cheese-aholics!
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Review from Graeme F.
Vancouver, BC
8/22/2009 1 photo
Decided to go for a pint last night and figured I would give this a go - as I had only been there briefly a time or two. It's name is very apt - as it's got a cozy feel to it with all the warm hardwood and brass fixtures. It would be even better if it was big enough for a fireplace. Friday nights on Granville can be hit or miss for me - and this was no exception - shortly after I walked in there a large group of VERY young guys walked in and took over the back. Kudos go to the waitress who was able to manage them just fine despite them being pretty pushy, and a bit obnoxious. It didn't deter from the service I got - which was excellent - Guinness in hand within 5 minute of sitting down, and she came by often - but not often enough to be pushy.
The front of the bar had a bunch of people that were likely regulars - and if I came there on any night beyond a Friday/Saturday - I bet I would see a few of the same faces.
Overall - I think Vancouver needs more pubs like this - especially in areas of town not already full of bars - it would be nice to see a place like this as a neighborhood pub. -
Review from John H.
Vancouver, BC
2/11/2011
Love this little pub, almost like being in Ireland, great beer, very tight and cozy and friendly most of the time... sure there are a few drunks, it wouldn't be Irish otherwise, and the singing... bring it on lads & lasses... alway a pleasure to relax and rewind and connect with good peeps.
The food is good and well priced too.
My local, it's a hike from home, but handy as on the way home from work ! -
Review from Kelsey P.
Vancouver, BC
I love this little 'snug'
You've got your regular tap beer, bottled beer, Guinness, yknow, the usual. But then you read the menu a little closer and whats that? Snakebite beer? Yep. Lager and lime cordial? Double yep! Stout beer and champagne? Yes, but that combo just frightens me...
Order a pint, or two, or three, and enjoy some beer battered fries while youre at it. And if beers not your thing - order a bottle of wine, its almost as cheap as drinking at home, but a lot more fun, unless Johnnie Fox's Irish Snug IS your home... in which case I'm a little jealous... -
Review from Dayna B.
Vancouver, BC
9/24/2009
Our new go-to spot.
And why wouldn't it be? It's snug in all the right ways. It has great little areas for groups and then tables for 2. It's not very big so you might have a hard time getting in on a Friday or Saturday night but we tend to start our day/night there not end it there so we never have a problem.
Here they serve Black & Tan (Guinness and Kilkenny) AND Half & Half (Guinness and Harp), they also have Smithwick's on tap. So really, if you like dark beer you should probably move in here, which I have considered. It's not even a bad price. No $8 Guinness's here like so many other places.
And the food, I'm not a big fan of their Guinness stew, even though I love stew, but I am enamored with their Irish Breakfast and their yorkies. The yorkies are stuffed with roast beef and come with horseradish mayo and au jus. That's right, your mouth just started watering. And as for their breakfast, it's amazing! It's only $10 and you get eggs, back bacon, sausage, toast, beans, and fried onions. It is A LOT of food, and goes perfect with a Black & Tan when you're on vacation or if you just have a busy weekend full of pub hopping.
Over all, this place rocks. -
Review from Jimmy C.
2/28/2010
I came here with some friends during the Winter Olympics and the atmosphere was amazing. Apparently, this is the only bar in Vancouver that has real good, authentic, draft Guinness. They get the good barrels and have the right distance from keg to tap to make it work. I was instructed on this by several Irish folk who came over for the games.
Speaking of the Irish guys, what a fun, rowdy crowd. Wow! Every 5 mins or so they'd burst into song, singing anything from old folk music to hair band 80's rock to contemporary classics. Soooo much fun! Come to this bar for the atmosphere alone. And if you're a Guinness person, come for that too.
Next time I'm in town, I will totally stop by here for some drinks and grub. Good times! -
Review from Lora H.
7/25/2011
We headed here last night (Saturday) after having dinner at another pub. What a great place! We had a couple of beers and relaxed. It was busy but not over-crowded or excessively noisy. The crowd seemed a bit older - mostly people in their 30s and up. The vibe was very cozy and laid back.
The bartender came to our table and took our orders. He was a pleasant, young Irishman who chatted with us a bit every time he came to our table to check on us or deliver more drinks.
It was great to hear authentic Irish music, like the Pogues, being played as well. If I lived in Vancouver, this would be one of my regular hang-outs. -
Review from Stephanie S.
Vancouver, BC
11/25/2010
I love a good Irish pub and this one turned out to be quite nice. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and food. I loved the little yorshire puddings and the patchos ( Potato nachos) were really tasty. The reason I'm only giving this place 4 stars is because they forgot a few dishes we ordered and took a long time getting us our food and drinks. There was only one waitress the entire night and I give her props for trying to keep up. She also gave us a discount because of the forgotten orders.
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Review from Bev H.
Vancouver, BC
2/16/2011
This is a stellar place to have a drink, mingle, and pretend you are in Ireland for an evening. If! If you can get in, and get a seat. It's packed out on weekends, due to its somewhat wee size- but great beer selection, and the appies were surprisingly good. Always a friendly crowd, and sitting at the bar is a blast. Again, packed out on weekends, but a fun, entertaining night on Granville, if you don't fancy the nightclubs...
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Review from Steve L.
Victoria, BC
12/30/2009 1 Check-in Here
We like Johnnie Fox's for a comfy authentic pub with really good food, reasonable prices, and fun atmosphere. Excellent beer selection and tasty food. Highly recommend the Mac and Cheese.
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Review from Lina B.
7/11/2011
I don't understand the draw. Between the awful Guinness Stew, average beer selection, and ditzy waitress, I'm beating myself up for wasting a meal in my limited time in Vancouver. Okay, the atmosphere is nice and the hearty soda bread and decent Shepherd's pie makes this meal slightly better than tragic.
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Review from Lisa A.
Vancouver, BC
10/4/2011
My friend and I were actually supposed to go somewhere else on Granville, but found the lineup too long. We strolled into Johnny Fox's, not knowing what to expect. It seemed friendly, comfy and inviting....I have to admit that the extremely handsome (and authentic) host/server helped to solidify our decision to stay! I had a grilled cheese sandwich, while my friend enjoyed the mac n' cheese. Our server was very diligent in finding out what was in the salad dressing, as my friend did not want dijon in hers. Some places will say they'll check with the cook, but then don't seem to. We both were very happy with our food, and the place filled with others, some of whom broke into song momentarily. Although he seemed to be the only employee there, our handsome server was friendly and efficient, greeting patrons, pouring drinks and serving food with a smile. It reminded me of not only Ireland, but also of Nova Scotia, where I lived for 5 years. I'll be returning here!
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Review from Chloe S.
9/11/2009
I really really REALLY enjoyed going here.
Haha, ditto @ Graeme, ps Graeme your userpic is kinda hot. Haha -
Review from Greg W.
Vancouver, BC
11/30/2009 1 Check-in Here
A cozy, often busy place with Harp pints. Say no more.
