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Kino Café
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Restaurants Tapas Bars Performing Arts, Tapas Bars [Edit]
3456 Cambie StVancouver, BC V5Z 2W8
Neighbourhoods: South Cambie, Riley Park
(604) 875-1998
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 3 pm - 1 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
30 reviews for Kino Café
Review Highlights
30 reviews in English
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Review from Lisa C.
1/19/2012
Only been to this place once, but I loved it. Drinks were good, service was good, and the bar atmosphere was fantastic. There are some really great people that come to this bar!
Flaminco dancers were very entertaining, loved it! -
Review from Tai V.
10/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Honestly didn't expect much coming in here for food as it was daytime and they do live music at night so I was only really looking for something cheesy. I found it and more.
I don't know what it was called but it was like a baguette melt, sooo good! took the rest home and popped it in the oven and ate it later :D -
Review from Melissa E.
Vancouver, BC
9/21/2011
Love me some Kino.
I held a comedy fundraiser with the help of Steve Allen last night and it was a smashing success. The owner accomodated my event and Steve was amazing at helping a newbie figure out the ins and outs of comedy nights.
Owner even donated $50 at the end of the night! It's a great space for comedy and i've also been there for flamenco which was awesome.
Cash only though... -
Review from Lex B.
1/20/2011
One star for a limited, overpriced menu and the blandest veggie burger ever. The only exception being when I'm at home, starving, and don't feel like putting any effort whatsoever in to feeding myself and thus microwave a veggie patty and throw it on some sliced bread with Sri Racha. Wait.. No, that is actually tastier than the veggie burger at Kinos.
I only got the veggie burger for a lack of more appetizing options. Their tapas selection looked pretty overpriced for what you got, and when I saw the tiny little pizzas I didn't think they were worth the $11 asking price either.
Their veggie burger was $14.50 (WTF) for a pre-made patty on dry crusty slabs of foccacia with iceburg lettuce, flavourless tomato, and a few bits of artichoke that barely taste like anything. I wouldn't have even noticed them on there if I wasn't looking for them. I opted for the salad instead of fries, and it was completely uninspired with bland dressing. Eating it felt like defeat. I was so hungry almost anything should have tasted good. This did not.
A friend got the nachos which had a small layer of cheese and toppings on the first layer, but after not too long she was just left with a pile of naked tortilla chips. Nachos should be cheesy all the way through, guys.
The only reason to come here is sangria (which is really delicious) and the laid back atmosphere. That grants it a star. Almost TOO laid back since we had to get our own menus and extra sangria glasses. But it has almost a dive-bar feel to it and the server was really sweet so it didn't really bother me. I just wish it had dive-bar prices to match the dive-bar everything else about it.
Oh - and take note: CASH ONLY. Bleh. -
Review from Luisa D.
1/20/2011
Kino Café - you got some 'splaining to do!
So you get two stars -almost 2 1/2. Why? The Sangria at $19.50/jug is TASTY! Also, the server was nice, just not very efficient. Plus, if I was a smoker, that back deck smoking area is a sweet addition.
Why you lost 3 stars? We had to ask for menus, even though there was only one other table in the joint when we got there. It took ages for the empty dishes (well not really empty because the food wasn't that great) to get taken away. After the first level of nachos were eaten it was a heaping plate of naked chips. I had to go to the bar to order my next jug of sangria (damn tasty!). The washrooms had no paper towels - like I said earlier, there weren't a lot of tables in the place so clearly the roll was never checked before service started. They only take cash - what - are we in the dark ages?? Their ATM has $1.75 charge which could be worse but I'm sure you want to be warned about this up front.
The flamenco dancing started at 9:30 and a few more tables came in. It was ok but kind of cheesy. Then they walk around with a basket after the show. Good thing someone in our group had cash to throw in! That would have been pretty awkward otherwise. Once again, you probably want to be warned about this right?
Anyway, I'd probably go back now that I'm sufficiently forewarned on what to expect. I did enjoy the totally casual atmosphere which is sometimes the price you pay for less than stellar...well most other stuff. One friend said she'd been 'shushed' loudly there but they would have had a hard time keeping our table quiet. We did have fun overall. But yeah, I've had better.Listed in: Low expectations
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Review from Victoria R.
BC
1/29/2009
Love love love love ..KINO!
The small intimate space is the best place for Friday night romps, tapas and a good time watching Flamenco dancers...I love the live guitars, beautiful costumes and energy of the clapping, buzz and colourful skirts that twirl around on the floor. The food is great too and the drinks are out of this world Sangria and Spanish-type of foods are also in abundance...I would go here for a first date or a later night drink. Sundays are great nights too! -
Review from Rheanna F.
Vancouver, BC
8/5/2010
I think this is the perfect place to have close to home: The food and drinks are delicious, but i won't go all the time because it isn't a place where you can sit down and shoot the shit too easily with a buddy because after the clock strikes nine, they always have some sort of live performance on stage!
Monday is open mic night and Tuesday is comedy. Read Evilyn T.'s review to see how much we liked that experience. I'll add to her notes of that particular night by mentioning that one of the comedians asked me for some of my food. It was awkward, but not in that funny comedy club awkward way. More like an 'i feel embarrassed for you' way.
Your best bet is to experience Kino on Wednesday to Sunday when they have live Flamenco music and dancing! The dancers are incredible, and the guitar players are off the hook. As my stinky metal head boyfriend put it 'someone needs to teach that guy how to play Slayer. He's fucking SHREDDING that guitar... WITH FUCKING FLAMENCO!!!!!' (We may have been drunk.) I think that was the same night where i was so excited about Flamenco that on the way home i kicked one of my shoes off and went reaaaaally far and it took us about ten minutes to locate it. I'm just thankful it didn't turn into the grown up version of a kid accidentally throwing a baseball through someones window.
I do wish this place had ONE night where they didn't play music... I've totally been shushed here before after two or three or ten too many pitchers of Sangria. Did i mention the sangria is amazing? Oh i did? Well, i totally just got home from drinking a bit of that magic juice tonight, so let me just reiterate how fantastic it is. What is fantastic in Spanish? Someone needs to get back to me on that.Listed in: Best Places to Drink Til You…
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Review from Edward L.
2/16/2011
I'm sure that anyone who has been to this place thinks of 2 things when the words "Kino Cafe" are mentioned: Flameno dancing, and Sangria.
The venue itself is a bit dingy, and to be honest, has an East side (think Commercial Drive) feel. It's vibrant, but not posh. The ghetto feel goes from the rickety + wobbly chairs and tables, to the sticky counter tops.
The drinks are the run of the mill beers + liquor, and the tapas aren't bad but also aren't worth mentioning.
So why does this place get 4 stars? I'm sure you already know.
1) Flamenco dancing. I'm not sure if it's every night (never checked), but if you're here at the right time, there is a flamenco dance troupe that performs on stage. Yes, there is an actual stage in this cafe. I'm not sure if they're professional or students from a local flamenco school, but they are pretty good. Whenever I watch, I always think of Mission Impossible 2. The dancers seem to change here and there, but there's ALWAYS this old guy in a shirt + tie who does the singing, and it's intense. It's almost surreal watching this group. To be honest, I don't know of any other places (other than maybe a concert hall) where you can see something like this. And there's no cover! When they take a break, they come around with a tip basket, so bring some spare change or a couple of bucks. Imo it's totally worth the donation.
2) Sangria. This place has the best sangria I can find as well. The fruits are fresh, and the drink itself tastes more of fruit than wine. I'm not sure what the real deal is supposed to taste like, but I like how it tastes like alcoholic fruit juice here. Goes down well with the ladies as well. A pitcher can easily accomodate 4 people for a couple of hours.
The only downside to this place is that it gets a little loud. I remember having trouble hearing my friends sitting across from me. Most people won't have a problem, but my hearing is rather sensitive.
Kino isn't the 1st choice I'd go to for a drink, but it's at the top of my list whenever I want some sangria, or I have to entertain someone who has never seen Flamenco dancing before. Ole~ -
Review from Claudia L.
Burnaby, BC
5/29/2009 1 photo
Who knew Sundays could be sexy? Besides the barely dressed cheerleaders during American football season or that hot priest I've had my eye on, I've always assumed that Sunday was a time for dim summing, afternoon napping and cleaning - nothing overly seductive.
That is, until I discovered flamenco on Sunday nights at Kino. Show starts around 9pm but come early to grab a front row seat and get the sangria flowing. Watch the graceful dancers sweep the stage and tap along with the beats of the band. And don't forget to let the drunken violinist entertain you with his music and mumbly comments - oh so sexy baby bay beh! This is a perfect place to bring a date :)
P.S. The food is nowhere near spectacular as the show so you can save a couple bucks to tip the band since they don't charge cover.Listed in: For Two Please
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Review from Roanna Z.
9/27/2009
We were invited to join a group of friends celebrating a birthday here. I said Flamenco? here in Vancouver? Well allllriiiight!
I did read your reviews, fellow Yelpers, and decided to eat elsewhere before coming over, but did not head the warning about the shortage of table seating.
We stood around the bar trying not to get in the way of the busy servers floating in and out of bar and kitchen. Then we stood in the door, and we were asked to move by other patrons. We dealt with it, until finally after two sets we were offered some soon to be vacated seats right near the stage.
The show was so captivating and the dancers so wonderful to watch, the energy of the performers so warm and welcoming that our lounging around hadn't deterred from the experience at all.
This is after all a VERY casual atmosphere. That is simply the way it is. Beer and wine are the popular drinks but you don't have to have alcohol to feel inebriated in this atmosphere! The passionate dancers stimulate the senses.
If you're expecting elegance, you may be disappointed, it's true but if you want adventure, this will do quite nicely.
I know for sure we'll return for more shows.
I think I have a wanderlust hangover. -
Review from Cyndi H.
Vancouver, BC
2/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Kino provides great live music in a cafe-type atmosphere. Dimly lit, great for evening talks over sangria or spiked coffee. Out of all the desserts (I have tried all of them) the apple pie is hands down the best. The others are ok (the blended sundaes taste a bit granular like they were made with old ice cream), but the quality is in the pie.
When the flamenco group takes the stage your chill sangria-fest will be transformed into a stunningly entertaining one. The live music is reminiscent of the Gypsy Kings and the dancing is beautiful.
Note: Cash only, but they have a cash machine inside. -
Review from Dayna S.
Vancouver, BC
12/10/2010
I'm so grateful for this place because of the regular live flamenco performance.
The vibe is warm, the flamenco performers are skilled, and the sangria is delicious (red or white are possible).
The group that performs flamenco changes, depending on the night you attend. Saturdays are my favorite.
I've not eaten much of the food do to lack of options for a person with dietary restrictions, but there is a decent menu for most. There is not an abundance of seating. You can reserve before 8 (I think), come before 9, or just come for the later sets in the evening. It's cash only, although there is an ATM in the back.
Be respectful of the performers and do not talk through their sets. They take breaks, plenty of time to be social. Throw some tips in the basket after each set, there is no cover charge.
Go and go often. -
Review from Sheila W.
BC
1/10/2009
Vancouver being a very multicultural city, it's filled with many influences from around the world. But few of those can indulge you in the sights, sounds and rhythms of Spain. If you're interested in watching flamenco dancing, listening to the guitar and singing of flamenco-inspired music, you should check it out Wednesday through Sunday.
The flamenco dancers are in full traditional dress and draw a silence from the crowd as their fully choreographed performance puts a spell over the room.
Sangria is delicious and inexpensive. Go for a pitcher! Go for the cheap drinks, but stay for the atmosphere that makes you feel like you're in Barcelona! Arriba, abajo, al centro, para d'entro!! -
Review from Evilyn T.
1/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is only a hop, skip and a jump from my place so I used to go quite a bit on Fridays. And then one time I accidently went on a Tuesday when I thought it was a Flamenco dancing night.... and it was comedy night. It was pretty disappointing to say the least. The first few comedians were terrible, if you think that swearing and just being a dick is funny, you might actually really enjoy it. The last few comedians were okay, I might have laughed at the guy who wrote suicide notes and put them into second hand suits.If you can, play it safe though and just show up Wednesday - Sunday for Flamenco.
The sangria is great, and the nachos used to be great, but last time I went, there was barely any cheese on them, and the cheese was overcooked, so I was pretty disappointed. Sometimes the sangria is too good, and you end up drinking pitcher after pitcher and then getting shushed by other patrons.... not that this has ever happened to me....
It's pretty rad to have a place like this so close to home, especially in the summer when the patio is open and you can hear the Flamenco singers yelling and stomping their feet from across the street. These are the sounds of a happy neighbourhood.Listed in: Best Pubs/Clubs, Nacho Libre
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Review from Reena M.
8/11/2009
I went here once for a comedy night. The comedians weren't all that funny though, and were actually a tad bit offensive (in the bad way, not the funny way). We ordered the sangria and I still remember it because it was by far the worst sangria I've ever had! It tasted like watery plastic with apples.
I've also heard bad things about the owners as I've had some friends who performed there once and apparently weren't supported or promoted by the owner/manager at all. And they were treated a bit rudely.
However, that being said, the 2 stars are based on my own experience there. -
Review from Daniel L.
11/24/2009
I lived in Spain for a few years and walking into this Vancouver café when I got back from my travels was like a flash from my past. When those flamenco dancers and guitar players are on stage its just like the real thing, even the bar and the room is like an old Spanish tapas bar set in a small village.
If you haven't been here, try to book in to a night when the dancers are on stage, and imagine the warm sweet smelling breeze off the hills of Spain as you watch, listen drink sangria & enjoy... -
Review from Mike P.
3/7/2010
I think they need to renovate. I walked into this place thinking "i bet they have really great drink specials". They didn't. Food is average, drinks are OK. If Stella's is full (across the street) this makes a good backup option.
The flamenco is fun, but unfortunately it just doesn't make me feel like I'm in Spain, not sure what it is, a lack of spanish ambience? food that doesn't really make me feel like I'm in Spain? Still it's very entertaining and what do I expect from flamenco in Vancouver? -
Review from Desiree M.
Halifax, NS
8/11/2009
I went here last night for one of their monday night shows hosted by Plastic Acid. I was expecting awesomeness, and I was not disappointed. We ordered some chips and salsa before they went on stage, and it may have been the tastiest chips and salsa (plus sour cream) that I ever tasted. And the band - simply fantastic.
Then we ordered a small pizza which was, despite being clearly handmade with fresh ingredients, kind of bland. How do you make a pizza bland? I think it was a sub-par sauce, which was surprising considering the fresh, delicious quality of the salsa we had earlier.
Still, it didn't even detract from the night. The atmosphere was good, and the music was superb. I don't know if I'd go back on a regular flamenco night, but I'll be back for the next Plastic Acid show as long as I'm in the city.
Also worth a note, they only take cash but there's an ATM by the bar. -
Review from Jason D.
Vancouver, BC
6/6/2009
The Kino was one of the best kept secrets in the city for years. Those that knew about it were loyal disciples and not even RAV line construction was going to hurt business. For years, it was a staple of mine for first dates.
Alas, the yuppies are moving into Mt. Pleasant and the last time I visited, I noticed the customer base changing. People were there in club clothes with zero interest, appreciation or respect for the music and dance.
If you want a great, vibrant evening, visit the Kino for the sangria, dancing and castanets. And do it soon before it changes forever! -
Review from Ryan H.
1/1/2009
5 Star for Flamenco Dancing. -2 Star for Attitude and Ambiance.
Very fun place to watch Flamenco dancing, but they need to keep in mind that it is a dive bar serving beer and second rate tapas, with customers sitting on plywood benches and hard wooden chairs, and not a plush 5 star theatre.
They could do a lot with the decor and food to make it feel like not a dive bar.
But I will go back whenever I'm in town! -
Review from Mari K.
Vancouver, BC
12/4/2008
If you like watching flamenco music and dancing, this is a fun place to dine. The food is very ok and the service consistently uneven, but who cares when you can watch ruffled dancers stomp to classical guitar and passionate singing while you are gobbling pizza. The whole effect somehow makes the food taste better and service swifter.
For some reason, we've only been to Kino on Friday nights when guitarist Gerardo Alcalá and his group of a woman singer and two alternating dancers take the stage.
First, they do a fast number with both dancers. Second, the singer performs a solo, like a ballad. That is when Gerardo makes a pitch for quiet, and the women go, "sssssssss." Also, he'll request that you don't clap along since their rhythms are too complicated for the audience. As a finale, one dancer performs a solo, usually one with high intensity and passion. And, that's the set. In the next set, after a costume change, the other dancer will do the solo.
The solo dancer then comes around with a donations basket and, having felt her pain and strain, we are happy to contribute $5-10 each. After all, there's no door charge. Two sets makes for a pleasantly complete evening. To catch the dinner show, it is imperative to making a reservation for 8:15 or 8:30 at the latest so that you have your food and drinks by 9:00 or 9:15 when the show starts. Otherwise it's a great place to drop in after a movie at the Park cinema next door. -
Review from Cameron M.
Toronto, ON
11/27/2008 1 photo
I've only been to the Kino Cafe for a smattering of occasions but they've all been pretty positive experiences. Right off the bat though I can't comment on the food or the dancing, as I've not experienced either. My friends had some food and said that it was delicious but both times I've come simply for drinks and entertainment.
I'd say generally the place is pretty solid for drinks. They had a lot of inexpensive options and a lot of my friends really enjoyed the Sangrias they offered. I had a taste and it wasn't too bad for a mass produced Sangria. It's definitely the cheapest place to head for drinks on South Cambie after a film or dinner if you're so inclined.
I also came once for their open mic comedy night. I guess the Kino is known for its Wednesdays and supportive/open atmosphere when it comes to new comics. Generally it was your usual open mic but with a disproportionate amount of clunky sets by newcomers. I think it's great that they have such a supportive atmosphere for new comics but it all kind of fizzled without a solid headliner or emcee. Still, cheap drinks and free comedy is hard to come by in this town so I say take it where you can get it. And if you're a new aspiring comic in the city, this is definitely the place to start. -
Review from Nene F.
Toronto, ON
1/8/2009
Seriously, where else can you go and see live flamenco dancing, guitar and singing almost any night of the week. It's a great performance and a truly professional show. Go to this place even if just to support the performing arts in Vancouver.
You are expected to make cash donations during the breaks, so bring appropriate change.
I thought the atmosphere was cozy and it's a fun place even without the entertainment. I wouldn't go for the food, though. -
Review from Fossil H.
Vancouver, BC
2/1/2009
They get their great vote more for their Flamenco than their food. This cafe bar is cash only, so bring your bits of green and prepare for a night of good casual dining (try the nachos) and fantastic music. Best nights are Wed to Saturday.
Their wine menu is limited and not up to my liking, but their beer selection makes up for it. -
Review from Gabriel C.
Vancouver, BC
1/24/2011
The drinks are...drinks. The food is...food. What gives this place four stars is the atmosphere. I agree with previous posters, you feel like you are in Spain and the performers the night I was there (and apparently this group is there on a regular basis) are incredible. Insert passionate Spanish phrase here. And there you have it.
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Review from Dani B.
5/15/2009
I hate to be a downer, but I really didn't like this place. The main reason I didn't is because 1) it's not really a tapas place (even though they do serve some tapas and 2) the flamanco is not authentic, its a mix between flamanco and another spanish type of dance. The dancing is great regardless and there is room to bring your friends, but don't take any of your Spanish friends looking for authenticity. Plus, the Spanish/Italian mix menu didn't really do it for me, neither did the sangria.
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Review from Eric Lane B.
5/23/2010
We visited Vancouver last summer for a weekend away. Kino Cafe' looked quite interesting, and it was. We enjoyed the music and the dance. The food left much to be desired. These are not tapas. These are overpriced snacks. But if you go into it with this thought, order an overpriced snack and enjoy the dance and music.
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Review from Sonya W.
Vancouver, BC
7/29/2011
Horrible. The absolute worst food I have ever experience including the food I used to be subjected to in the cafeteria in 2nd grade. Do not go here if you plan to do anything other than drink. I wish there was a negative star.
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Review from Melissa L.
Vancouver, BC
8/26/2010
Kino Cafe is a pretty cool place to have a laid back gathering with some friends, good drinks, and food. When I went we ordered pizza and sangria. Both were delicious!
The service was ok. Our server was really busy trying to juggle all the tables; maybe they should bring on one more server during busy Saturday nights. But all in all my experience was pretty good. We polished off the pizza and the multiple pitchers of Sangria with ease.
I'd definitely recommend trying this place out but be prepared if you go later in the evening (around 9ish) because usually they have some live entertainment. It's a lot of fun but because it gets fairly loud, it doesn't leave much opportunity to really talk and catch up with friends. -
Review from Greg S.
Vancouver, BC
9/27/2009
Dirty tables, cafeteria-like setting. Didn't see the show because we were so put off by the setting. Too bad, I was looking forward to the Flamenco performance!
