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Library Square Public House
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Nightlife Bars Sports Bars Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Pubs, Sports Bars, Music Venues [Edit]
300 W Georgia StVancouver, BC V6B 6B4
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(604) 633-9644
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 2 am
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 3 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
58 reviews for Library Square Public House
Review Highlights
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"Not a great place to come for lunch, and even dinner." In 3 reviews -
"It was a really fun night of dancing." In 3 reviews -
"...up by the arcade games/pool table, were we had a full view..." In 3 reviews
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58 reviews in English
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Review from Vici W.
Burnaby, BC
5/6/2012
I looooove me Mostly I love me some nachos with lots of toppings because if I wanted to eat a bag of tortilla chips I`d hit the grocery store not the local pub. i work in Library Square so naturally I had to check the pub out.
The Nachos were AWESOME! tons of cheese, fresh jalapenos. Tasy guacamole (which no extra charge for once!)
The waitress was friendly and helpful. I had a two for one coupon, and she didn`t get all lame after she knew I had it like most servers do. She even suggested we fill out the service questionaire so that we could get a free ten buck gift card mailed out to us! AWESSSSSOME I love free food dollars.
The decor is pretty normal for a pub, just reminded me of a cactus or earls so nothing to over the top.
I recommend it for a lunch break, although be prepard to spend a few dollars becasue the menu isn`t exactly cheap. -
Review from Tara E.
5/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm very torn how to rate this. I went to watch the soccer game/the Stanley cup playoffs. They were showing both. Score. Arrived about 5pm, it wasn't busy. Ordered a sandwich and a cider. The BLAT (bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato) was decent. Not blow me away, but good. The Merridale cider was local, delicious, and under $6 for a pint.
We stuck around until 80's night started. The DJ's were decent, but didn't play requests (or at least didn't play them before we left at 1:30am), and clearly, didn't know/care (more likely care) about actually playing 80's as the music veered through different decades.
But the service. Oh, the service was really BAD. Except for a bartender who I found really friendly (Thanks bartender #4 from London) all the table service was atrocious.
That being said if I'm back in town on a weekend, I'd consider giving 90's night a try before dismissing completely. -
Review from Robyn C.
Vancouver, BC
4/30/2012
Library Square was once my favourite place in Vancouver - especially 90s Night on Friday. The 90s music combined with cheesy 90s movies and pinball machines made for a nostalgic good time, the staff was friendly, and some of my best Vancouver nightlife memories came from that place.
So last Friday, 4 of us went there looking forward to a night of drinks and dancing. Instead, we ended up standing in line outside for an hour and a half watching the most outstanding display of bouncer corruption we'd ever seen.
In that hour and a half, the bouncers let in 3 people from our line-up, telling us that they were full. However, we watched as:
a) Several girls in miniskirts and tube tops approached the bouncer, flirted with him, and got let in.
b) At least 20 of the bouncer's personal friends got let in.
c) Several guys were taken aside by the bouncer, who let them in after they slipped him $20 each.
Who do they think they are? It was just so blatant - they didn't even try to hide it! I've never felt so insulted (even at that theme restaurant in the States where the waiters are supposed to insult you).
I talked to 3 of my friends after this and they'd all had the same experience. So, goodbye Library Square, my old friend. Never going back there, or to any other Donnelly Pub.
If you're in that area and looking for a fun place to go, walk around the corner to the Media Club. That's where we ended up - all the fun, none of the pretension! -
Review from Deanna S.
4/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Ugh. I hate that I just gave this place 2 stars but I have to.
Let me start off by saying this: The food here is great. One time, I came and got nachos and loved them. You can order sandwiches made on waffles. It's a great place to eat.
Cool atmosphere, cool decor...
But the service is BRUTAL.
This is what happened last night:
My boyfriend and I were walking by when we saw that they had the Devil's game playing. Excited, my boyfriend (a huge Devil's fan) wanted to stop in to grab a bite and watch the end of the game (we don't have cable...).
We walked in and we were immediately greeted by the three bartenders at the bar. We said Hi, and walked over to a booth to take a seat. They don't have a host/hostess here... so you have to seat yourself.
So we sat down by the huge screen that the game was being projected on. There were 3 other tables in this area that had people in it. There was about 3 minutes left in the third period (it was 8:06).
We're waiting, and you know how hockey is... 3 minutes is actually like 10 minutes. I'm looking around trying to make eye contact with a server... nothing is happening.
Then, the game goes into OT, and so there is a huge commercial break.
I swear by this time, at LEAST 15 minutes had passed (but it felt like years). The tables around us were being served... drinks and food brought...
The first period of OT started, and STILL, NO SERVICE. At this point I was getting cranky. LIKE WHAT THE HECK WAS GOING ON!? I'm not the type of person to go up and say something, because I didn't want to upset them and be that girl who's like, "UHH, WE'RE WAITING." Besides, we were customers, I shouldn't HAVE to self-serve. The whole point of going to a restaurant is to have someone SERVE YOU. This isn't McDonald's after all.
So I'm PISSED and my boyfriend is glued to the TV and I'm about to LOSE MY MIND. AN ENTIRE PERIOD OF OT PASSES AND STILL... NO SERVICE! I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT! THE GAME WAS ABOUT TO GO INTO DOUBLE OVERTIME, I WAS READY TO PUNCH SOMEONE IN THE FACE.
It wasn't until half-way through the commercial break (at 8:58) before a server came over with like NO energy and is like, "Sorry 'bout the wait guys, didn't see you here." Flops menu's on the table, quickly lists the special and leaves.
YOU DIDN'T SEE US SITTING RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE GIANT TV THAT EVERYONE HAS BEEN GLUED TO!? THREE PEOPLE SAW US WHEN WE WALKED IN. IS THIS A JOKE!? AM I ON CANDID CAMERA?!
I didn't say anything. We took a look at the menus... and she came back just before double OT started. Pissed, I ordered the cheapest thing on the menu (truffle fries w/ chipotle dip), knowing that the game would probably be over in a few minutes anyway and there was no point in wasting money on anything else when we could just eat at home.
So she brought them out with an attitude, literally 30 seconds before the winning goal was scored. We ate them and got out of there ASAP.
I know she knew she sucked because when she saw that we tipped her she came back and all of a sudden her attitude was changed and she was SO THANKFUL and nice and sweet.
She didn't deserve it, but we're nice people and know what it's like to have to work a sucky job and deal with sucky people to make a living. I hope that was a lesson to her to NEVER underestimate how nice people can be if you JUST HELP THEM. If I were her, I would be extremely embarrassed by the level of customer service we received that night. And just think of how much we would have spent (and tipped) if we'd been seen an hour prior...
2 stars because that was easily the WORST expereince I've ever had at a pub/restaurant EVER... but the fries were really good and I loved the dip... so I'll probably go back for the food!Listed in: Eats
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Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
4/8/2012
A one star! It has been a while. But they do deserve that star.
The Positive:
The staff at Library Square Public House are fantastic. I have a sneaky suspicion it's the reason I also give this place a very bad review. But if you want top notch friendly staff who treat you like a friend of their's, this is the place.
The Negative:
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$...I think you get the point. I went on 90's night. The most positively reviewed night. First off, the DJ didn't really focus on popular 90's music. That was strange. But the biggest reason this place is a let-down is $12 cover and $3 coat check. After that, I just don't feel like tipping. Tipping coat check staff in the first place is like giving a tip to someone sitting on the couch and doing nothing. Sure it's tough looking for those jacket's and I'm sure you face some unsavoury folk. BUT your job can be done by anyone who hasn't even a grade 3 education (no offence to children in grade 3). So I won't tip you because you have done nothing but look pretty and carry a snotty attitude. Actually that was one girl there. The other one was extremely friendly. Sooo not all coat check girls are like that.
So after spending a lot of money just to get in (I didn't even mention the pretentious and unnecessary line-up because it was empty inside), I was hoping the night would be amazing. It was not. In fact it was a huge disappointment. My friends were hilarious. But the bar is typical, drinks normal and there was nothing impressive about the atmosphere. The guy/girl ratio was quite off and this was very much a "guys" bar. A lot of testosterone floating around.
All-in-all I won't be back here. I felt ripped off for a below average bar. You pay for pretension and a lack of entertainment.
Note: Normally I write funny. But this place just had nothing funny to write about. There was a foosball table which was awesome! You needed a staff member to come by and unlock it every time you wanted to play...but..okay I'm done.lol -
Review from Gina I.
3/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
I came here for 90's night. Yes, I love 90's R&B, but that is ALL THEY PLAYED. There are a lot more 90's songs than just R&B. Blah. Bland. Boring. Where was DJ Ana? All the young girls screaming when N'Sync came on really made me feel like punching them in the face. They were what.. 5 years old?
Also, I felt so old. I'm really not that old, but being around 19-25 year olds made me feel like I should have been hanging at a jazz club (which is probably where we should have gone). Where do all the older people go clubbing/dancing? Clearly not at Library Square.
The drinks were good though, so that's good? And I still had a great time with my friends as we picked out all the drunken girls in all their short mini skirt dress whory glory. P.S. maybe it's because I'm practical, but girls why you be wearing 4 inch heels you can't even walk in? You look dizzumb.
I couldn't even get on the dance floor if I tried, it was so packed. I'd never go here again to dance, but maybe for a beer. Maybe. I don't know, I just don't understand. -
Review from Angie G.
2/18/2012
I have heard nothing but great things about this place and was stoked to check out their themed Friday night dance party. My boyfriend said that last night we'd go to the Library around 9p for the 90's night for his friend's birthday party. We put on the appropriate hideous 90's attire and we made a dash before it could get too busy. When we arrived we saw there were two lines, one was probably for the more upscale $$$ to buy their way in/guest list and the other public waiting line. We opted for the second since we obviously didn't look like we could even buy our way in (ripped jeans, short ugly skirt, flannel cinched around waists, converses, and ugly knee-high socks.)
We were very proud of our attire but quickly noticed how the waif-like young 20-something girls around us were in short black "You know what I have to offer" miniskirts, smoking their cigarettes while trying to hide their virgin lungs from the hacking cough, and spraying themselves with apple scented perfume to mask their smoke. Perhaps they are more the "scene but not smelled" type (yes, I meant "scene.") The men were all bathed in their Axe man spray with care with hopes of young "bitches" would soon be out of their underwear. Now, I'm sure they are all nice people but on a Friday night people want to be observed and have somewhat of a requirement to get shitfaced and get their poke on.
We waited for one full hour and the line went from roughly 50 people ahead of us to about 35 or so. The young beautifuls were walking up to the bouncers hugging them and slipping cash in their hands with a glint of hope the velvety rope would be lifted just for them.
The 10:30p hour came and my boyfriend and I decided to ditch and head out. We wished our fellow club hopping hopefuls "good luck" and we marched on and had a good time at a corner bar where we didn't feel judged by our apparel and we weren't held in a line like livestock.
I do wish we had gotten inside to dance to the fun 90's music with our friends for the birthday party but because the bar owners think (?) that they have a hot spot and need bouncers to regulate and make it look like a hot spot because of all the people waiting in a long mooing line...we weren't able to partake in the fun times.
I have never rated anything on yelp without going in and experiencing what the place has to offer but I honestly felt like I needed to get this out to my fellow yelpers. Again, I'm sure it was a fun time but the owners need to realize they don't have a bar in lower Manhattan, NYC.
P.S. Cover is about $12. -
Review from Sid R.
3/14/2012
This place absolutely sucks! The line is crazy, we got there at 9 and didn't get in till 11. They were basically letting the people who were willing to pay 10-20$ in addition to the cover charge in. I mean, it's awful to hold the people in the line for 2 hours and let the others in cause they are paying more! I hope people realize that and don't pay for something that they don't deserve.
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Review from Kam P.
Burnaby, BC
4/7/2012
Update on my library square public house review just 2 days later:
I just received a personal email from the manager of Library Square Public House, Tyler.
Not only did Tyler express concern over my negative experience but, he also offered to make up for it, He 's sending gift cards that can be used at any establishment under the Donnelly Group.
You can wait for my next review!!
Recommendation: If your fresh out of high school, early 20s go here, If you like a place where there are too many people stuffed into a tight space go here. IF you don't really care about a nice atmosphere and some sense of class go here.
I went with a group of 20 for a staggette on Fri. Night "90s Night". We were on the guest list and we went there at 8pm to get our stamp so we could come back after dinner. That was very smart because I don't wait in lines. When we got back to the club at 11:30pm we didn't have to wait in line, just walked in.
The DJ was playing great 90's music between 11:30-12:30 and then it was on and off for the rest of the night.
The dance floor felt like I was in a mosh pit. So many sweaty bodies too close for comfort, I couldn't get my groove on. I looked around and there were so many young kids fresh out of high school and probably in their early 20s.
Because I was with my girlfriends I pasted a smile on my face and I went to the area behind the DJ, away from the mosh pit, with a few of the girls and danced to the music.. I stayed way too long but not because I was having fun.
I will not be returning to this dance venue especially when there are so many other dancing venues that cater to my type of crowd, music and atmosphere I would want to take part in. -
Review from Sarah O.
10/20/2011
I don't understand why there's ever a line to get into this place. I've been here a few times- on daytime, game nights, 90's night and I think even just on a regular weekend night. It was never my intention to go to this place this often but it just happened. And each of those times, it wasn't great.
The layout of this place is awkward and the crowd is absolutely not for me. Of course, I can't judge this place subjectively- but pay cover and then play bad music while serving generic beers on tap?
I've spoken to Ms. Cleo and she says I won't be returning in the near future. -
Review from Chuck T.
Vancouver, BC
2/23/2012
Went to Library Square last night for Band Fights... Didn't know what to expect, but it was so cool. They had a boxing ring set up where the bands played their sets in. There was a guy in a tuxedo doing the announcing. Best of all, they had 3 beautiful ring girls walking around in some amazing outfits. I'm coming back for this next week. Can't go wrong with $5 wings either. Wings and live music, what more can you ask for?
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Review from Allen C.
9/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here for lunch on Friday and they have updated their lunch menus. I really feel that this pub is trying their best to tweak their menus and cater to the specific class of workers around the area during lunch time.
Their lunch menu consists of a very fresh variety of health conscious food. A half order of roast beef, vegan, pastrami, or prosciutto sandwiches along with a side order of soup, salad or fries is all for $8. There is more on the menu I did not mention, but all in all there is a good selection to choose from.
I had the pressed hot pastrami sandwich and for a half order, it was tasty and satisfying. The organic rye with Havarti and hot mustard topped off with fresh cut lettuce and tomato was made very well. My sandwich didn't fall apart!
I had the signature soup which was wild mushroom soup and definitely isn't out of a can.
They are doing their best and I guess their lunch menu is the place to start.Listed in: Casual Affair, Guy time
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Review from Tai V.
10/31/2011
I didn't like it at all. Walked in off the street with some pals from France to play pool and get some burgers and beers.
It was the daytime and not very busy at all but there was a canucks game going on so whoever was serving me was not coming up to where I was sitting with my friends. Anyways I thought the food and service were junk.
But I was at a bar by the stadium to play pool during a game (an away game) maybe we were interrupting them with our pool playing noise, maybe they were just jerks.
Either way, I wont go back to find out. -
Review from Sarah D.
7/23/2011
I don't like giving one-star reviews. Look at my review history -really, I don't. But when a place ruins my birthday party, I think I have the right to review it as such.
Don't let the name fool you -the Library Square Public House isn't a place to come for a night of cerebral entertainment. My friend and I organized a joint birthday party for ourselves this year, and we decided to end our night with some dancing at the 90's night at Library Square. We had even spent our afternoon at thrift shops searching for the most hideous (yet hilarious) 90's outfits so that we could arrive in theme. Imagine our disappointment when we arrive at 10pm to find a line-up out the door filled with 19-20 year olds, all dressed in the same short, black mini-dress.
Let's be clear: this place is a meat market. While in line, there were girls in front of us who were trying to take pictures of themselves making out with each other so they could post it on facebook. It's THAT type of place. I'll admit, we were stupid enough to stand in line for an hour waiting to get in. Over the course of that time, our friends gradually dropped out one-by-one -this place was just too lame for them.
I'll admit: we left before we got in, but from what we could see, the inside was just packed with 19 year old bumpin' and grindin' with each other. A lot of the music they were playing wasn't even from the 90's! From past times being there, I can also warn others that the drinks are very over priced. I know it's not really a "club" drink, but a pint of Guinness is over $8, as a point of reference.
Overall, it's a Donnelly Group establishment, so I shouldn't have been surprised. The Donnelly Group is really good at serving up a pre-packaged idea of "fun" to stereotypical vapid suburbanites. Their establishments are NOT meant for the more creative-minded, quirky intellectual crowd. In the future, I'll stick to the more interesting venues in the city, such as the Waldorf, the Biltmore, or the newly-opened Electric Owl.
If you're a young 20-something Jersey Shore-esque male with a raging boner, or a fake-and-baked waif who feeds off of getting attention from men, go here. I'm sure you'll have fun.
At the end of the day, you know a place is bad if you have to send a message to your friends the next day apologizing about the epic fail that was your birthday party.
/rantListed in: Vancouver Nightlife, Vancouver Crapulence
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Review from Stephene C.
Vancouver, BC
9/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I haven't gone out to a club in a really long time, so this was a good transitional place to start. It's a lounge/ restaurant during the day but by 10pm the music is thumpin and the beats are droppin.
Last night we were here for a friends birthday, the place was packed by 11pm and the dance floor was just a mass of people rubbing and grinding each other. The only negative is that the dance floor, or dance pit (because its below ground level) is really small so there was a lot of elbowing and fighting for some movement space.
We actually came here pretty early so we could all lounge, eat and catch up. The food was pretty good! Me and some friends shared some sliders, which were ok, but I've definitely had better else where. For my main I ordered the prosciutto and Bree sandwich with fries. The sandwich was delicious and toasted to perfection, with dripping Bree and savory prosciutto, topped with lettuce and tomatoes. The fries were made of large real cut potatoes and were seasoned well.
They had a few different drink specials on, and you would think specials were more affordable, but I didn't think they were here. I guess I don't know what is expensive and inexpensive anymore.
Overall had a good time, the music was fairly good throughout the night and the crowed was a good mix of nuts and normal, just how I like my clubs to be.
St3Fin -
Review from May B.
Vancouver, BC
8/14/2011
OK, so the only reason I went to Library Square on a Friday night was for the 90s music. It was my first time going, but my friends who had gone on previous nights suggested this plan: meet there early, eat dinner, get stamped, leave, and come back later - bypassing the $12 cover charge and ridiculously long line up.
To start on the food - meh. Nothing impressive. Service wasn't anything special either, though I feel that you shouldn't have to ask for water whenever you eat at a restaurant. I ended up spending only $10 on a bit of food and a drink, so at least I was fed as opposed to paying for cover. We left to hang out a friend's place before we returned to the pub, which was already crazy crowded by 10 PM.
Now, the crowd - not my kind of deal, at all. When I think 90s music, I think of a fun, wave your hands in the air like you just don't care kind of vibe - instead I was met with your typical grody skeeze. Me and my good girlfriends sought out our own spot away from the dance floor and danced to our hearts' content away from the grinding hips of beefcakes and young girls. I had a good time, not gonna lie - where else can you rock out to Fatboy Slim and S Club 7 on the same night? - but deep down I know I'd have more fun dancing to the same mix off a stereo in my friend's living room. -
Review from Dina D.
Vancouver, BC
4/21/2011
Is this really the kind of public house that should be next to the library? Sure, that makes me sound like an old 'get off my lawn' lady, but everything about this situation is incongruous. I like to have a good time with some fine beverages as much as the next person (ask anyone), but this joint is a disappointment. I went with friends on a Wednesday evening (not dance club night or whatever) and it was so loud and service was slow and spotty (wrong beverages, inability to answer questions, server couldn't hear our orders) and it wasn't even busy. The whole place made me feel depressed.
On the plus side they have Driftwood Ale on tap and there are many giant tvs.
The fact that it's a dance club too breaks my heart even more. I feel bad for the library. It has the worst neighbour ever.
Sincerely,
That Old Lady Who Tells You To Get Off Her Lawn -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
1/17/2011
Now... ya'll know that i'm not one for the 1-2 star reviews. This is mainly because I have developed a deep distaste for signing in only to read angst ridden excuses masquerading as 'reasons' from business owners who seem to view my review as the sole cause of their recent decrease in business. WOULD that I wielded this much power! Anyways, point being... I have my reasons for this poor review and I will list them thrice:
1. Headed here on a Sat night for Canucks vs. Red Wings home game. Uhh, numbered 1 and 2 in the league (respectively of course) so this was a biggie to say the least! Had to ask the manager to switch the sound on as we watched the anthems in silence as well as the puck drop. I f-ing love watching/HEARING Mark Donnelly (big guy who sings at home games) belt out O'Canada so this was really enough to annoy me pretty substantially.
2. Some football game was on on half the tv's. (i'm a hockey girl, maybe it was an important game- I wouldn't know) Can't have been pleasing for the folk watching football to have to listen to the Canucks game while watching football in silence.
3. Manager switched the sound off during intermissions and started playing crappy no-name house music circa 2006. I'm pretty sure that the 3/4 of the bar actively watching the game was, like me, curious to hear what Ron had to say!
4. The chicken wings which rang in at a whooping $11 were sinewy and over $1 a piece. ie: only 8-9 wings all told.
5. Pool table was squished into too small a space requiring some poor girl to ask one or the other of our party sitting at the upstairs stools to move every time it was her turn.
Ok, so that's well over three reasons... overall, LS seems to be trying to please way too many divergent groups at once and is failing at impressing anyone in the process.
Also, honestly! You're a bar three blocks from Rogers Arena! Gear up for home games! This is Canada, yo! -
Review from Mercedes D.
Vancouver, BC
6/11/2011
This place SUCKS!!!.....unless you have $20 to pass to the bouncer on the way in or offer to buy drugs from him on the way out... if so, small man syndrome on the door is the man for you!!!! If you want to wait over an hour in the line with 5 people in it (even after signing up for a guest list) you are welcome to but this may not be worth cover for the cheese and drugs that await you inside!
Service doesn't exist after dinner.....don't expect your order to be correct...better places to spend my money!!! -
Review from Joshua N.
4/3/2011
Well, I got my Kronenbourg in a pint glass this time, for $5 (Heineken was also on special for the same price). So that's good. The pastrami sandwich was actually pretty good, but a small-ish sandwich and a tiny order of fries was $15 incl tax and tip, which to me is just too much.
Service was ok. The waitress was prompt and friendly, but when other staff walked by and we needed something, they said, "I don't work this section" instead of "I'll tell your server". Also, get here early if there's a hockey game on (especially if there's one in town, since Library Square is near the arena), because it got real crowded real fast.
But all else aside, for a weekday evening after work for a pint and some food, it's not too bad. -
Review from Jay L.
Vancouver, BC
1/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not a great place to come for lunch, and even dinner. I've been here a few times for lunch, and there are definitely better places to eat than here. It's a litle overpriced for what you pay. Their version of fresh halibut fish and chips is actually a little misleading, it's more like Captain Highliner fish sticks with a smattering of french fries, no garnish, no lemon.
Mind you, I'm not being totally fair, this place is probably better suited for being a bar than a luncheon place, I've heard good reviews of it for their evening functions. -
Review from Tabatha Anne Y.
Richmond, BC
11/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
2 stars because my spring rolls tasted good. Not even close to being worth $8, but tasty none the less.
Last night were were going to a Christmas concert (TSO) at Roger's arena and had time for a quick appy and drinks. We wandered around the area a bit and decided on Library Square.
We found a seat right away near the Foosball table. At first our waitress seemed quick and attentive, but things steadily began to go downhill.
We all ordered an appy/small plate at the exact same time as our drinks, so as to be speedy. Our drinks came out quickly, tasted good and we had some time for a Foosball game while we waited for our food. 3 of the 4 plates were brought out, leaving my boyfriend waiting for his food. My friends started eating, and I picked at my spring rolls as he waited for his poutine. I figured our waitress was just making a couple of trips, but when she came back empty handed to check on us, I was concerned. We asked where his fries were and she just said "they're coming." It would have been nice if she'd apologized for the delay. It's rude to serve 3/4 of the table and leave someone without their food.
I excused myself to the bathroom, and figured his food would be there by the time I got back. Nope, but our bill was! It was messed up, so she changed it around a bit. Still didn't apologize that his food STILL hadn't come, even after I pointed it out a second or third time.
Finally the fries came and Shane had to scarf them down so that we wouldn't be late for our show. We paid, opted not to leave a tip and decided not to return in the future.
If the kitchen messes up and forgets to make someones food, that's fine. Own up to it. The waitress is the "ambassador" for the kitchen, and they all work together to make up a team. The cook isn't going to come out and apologize for missing an order, so she kind of is expected to say something. If she had have just apologized for the delay and had a better, more polite attitude, we would have understood and not thought a thing of it.
Sorry Library Square, but your food and drinks are overpriced, your staff is borderline rude. I'll be going somewhere else next time I'm in the area. I'm sure you won't miss me, as you and the other Donnelly public houses SOMEHOW rack in a lot of business despite your reputations. It doesn't surprise me to see a bunch of lack luster ratings. -
Review from Kristina C.
Vancouver, BC
4/16/2011
Strictly commenting on 90s night, Library Square is good times!!
Yes, the line up is usually ridiculous, and the bouncers can easily be bought to skip the line (not worth it, just wait a lil longer), but if you can forget about the douchebaggery and just enjoy yourself, you're bound to have fun. Dancing to BSB, Ace of Base, Montell Jordan & Notorious BIG all night long really brings back a sense of nostalgia.
The dance floor is TINY so be prepared to fight for a spot (and when you've found it, DON'T let it get away!!). Elbows into your back, girls who insist on bringing their huge purses on the floor (why? why??) can be pretty tiresome to deal with, but if you have an open mind and just wanna have fun, you'll soon forget about all that.
Cover has been increased from $10 to $12. -
Review from Whitney D.
Vancouver, BC
2/23/2012
Oh, Library Square, why do you taunt me so with your 80s and 90s night? That is my childhood. You are knocking at nostalgia's door. However, I always feel like a younger generation beat me to the door to pay for your expensive cover and wait in line when there is plenty of room inside.
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Review from Paul T.
Vancouver, BC
7/21/2011
Absolutely awful.
My friends and I arrived at 8:45 to meet another group that was already inside. There were many empty tables and no line. The bouncer demanded $12 cover and became rude when we decided not to proceed in.
This place is overpriced, under-serviced and should be skipped. There are many other great options in the downtown core for you to choose. Discover how great Vancouver can be by going anywhere but here. -
Review from kath r.
3/10/2009 ROTD 9/6/2009
365 degrees....Burning Down the House!
I'm not a super-bar or club kindda girl, preferring to get my dance on in the living room or on the 'world stage' aka: the sidewalk. But with friends down in the big smoke from Squamish, I decided 'what the heck' ! And ventured over to meet them at Library Square.
Little did I know...
a) Library Square is the name of the bar on Georgia, not just the destination ON Robson IN FRONT of said (Public) Library
b) that it was 80s night - I just thought the 'mac-dj' and bar were super cheesy but i was Mac-Loving that they played all my highschool fave's
c) that there was a UFC and Canucks game that night and apparently all the pawing drunk boys were the leftovers
d) i got totally gouged by the doorman to skip the line but the service from the bartenders and waitresses who kept the vodkas and iced waters flowing more than made up for him
e) there's no coat rack or coat check yet somehow all my (our) belongings managed to remain untouched, even unwatched for the duration of the evening
Knowing what I do now, would I go again? Uh, only if I was looking to repeat the 80s dance-off
P.S. to the guy who kept spinning me right round baby, right round like a record baby, right round, round, round...Dude, I like your style! but seriously, there's only so many spins around the dance floor one can muster. You need some new moves! -
Review from Michael J.
Vancouver, BC
4/30/2011
I love all the Donnelly Pubs BUT this one happen to be 1 block from my home.
Tuesdays have the best specials (2.90 beers).
Get the poutine WITH shortribs! -
Review from Cyndi H.
Vancouver, BC
3/18/2010
Last night my group and I were very disappointed with the false advertising about the St Patrick's 'party' at Library Square. DHM advertised a special menu, samples, tastings, prizes and a live band from 3pm - 2am. Being a week night, we came after work, and had a few hours to celebrate St.Paddy's before heading home. By 7pm, the place was packed (no tables left), but the special event hadn't started so we ordered food and bevy's and waited. And waited. At 10pm the band finally started, but played a very short set. By 11pm, we had to head home, and felt like we'd wasted our St Patricks at the wrong place. Really disappointing (I'm huge fan of St Paddys). If the advertising had been more truthful, I would have gone somewhere that was actually throwing a party.
On the funny/crazy/stupid side, the washrooms were GROSS. The floors were covered in water, but here's why: the automatic hand dryers (women's and mens) are super high-powered and motion censored... and placed RIGHT ABOVE the sink. You can imagine, that when one is washing their hands, they get the shock of their life when this super jet blows water into the running sink, blowing water and soap everywhere. Good for a laugh though... Bring your cam : )Listed in: 1-2 Stars., Pubs!
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Review from Andrea B.
7/24/2010
The Goods:
Came here on a Friday (90s night) and Saturday (80s night) and both days rocked my world! I'm not big on bump'n'grind music so listening to the cheesy music I grew up to is awesome!!!
The crowd is super fun and laid back - I'm pretty sure you can get in here wearing pajamas but I doubt anyone should try.
The Bads:
Cover is $10 and the dance floor is puny which means a lot of accidental elbow brushes and hair smacks. Oh, and drinks are ridiculously expensive for a pub.
Conclusion:
I love this place. It's hard to find a place in Vancouver that still plays cheesy and fun music with a rockin' crowd that cares more about having a good time than how their outfit looks from different angles on the dance floor. -
Review from Barry M.
Updated - 2/19/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Have to give a thumbs down to Library Square for falling into the Olympics price grab:
20% Auto-gratuity added to my bill sitting at the bar, not in a group, not with a server, and I wasn't told about it when handed the bill.
I understand why it exists, please inform the customers... and 20% is just really too much. This is not a good way to impress the locals...
It's unfortunate because this IS a good place to watch events...Listed in: Bar-ry's List of Bars and…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/4/2009
(This review concerns this venue as a bar/night club, not as restaurant. I have not eaten here… Read more »
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Review from David W.
Vancouver, BC
3/30/2011
Lunch. sandwhich and salad.
good food. great service. -
Review from Tracy P.
Vancouver, BC
6/20/2010
Maybe I'm not used to pubs, and this isn't only Library Square, but I don't really understand why they have cover. Clubs I get, because there's a chance you won't do anything in there but dance, but the only reason to go to a pub is to drink, maybe nosh, and chat.
And then since when did pubs start having dance floors?
I don't know, it's called a pub, but I really wasn't sure I was at one. A Plub I guess?
80's night seemed to be ridiculously lame. Half the songs weren't even from the 80's, and the 80's songs that they chose had very little dance appeal.
Food was extremely standard for a pub.
I feel like this place has no interesting, original concepts that makes me say "I want to go back there".
Also, a note on the service. Yes, I understand that at a very noisy, full establishment, it's easy to lose track of who's paid, but I certainly don't appreciate the waitress coming by every 10 minutes, reminding us that we can't leave our table to dance, until we've all paid up our food bills.
I also thought it was kind of odd that they had girls everywhere selling cigarettes, but I didn't really see any place where you could smoke. -
Review from Dean C.
Vancouver, BC
2/25/2010
Price gouging locals during the olympics is not a way to run a business. Donnelly group has a pretty sizable piece of the pub scene here and every one of them are charging cover and 20% auto gratuity during the olympics.
Locals will remember. -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
8/16/2010
While I absolutely hate the series of Donnelly Pubs lately, this place has a warm spot in my heart for the divey FEEL that you want to get in the middle of DT without going into the far reaches of gastown.
I do have some fond nights here and admittedly, it is a great place to come with a group of friends.
I would have given it one, but it's one of those undergrad bars that I used to love when I was, yes-in undergrad. And well, it warms the heart that everyone else on yelp hates it so much. Wanted to keep the average up.
= )Listed in: Donnelly Group FAIL
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Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
11/20/2008
Either I was having an off night or forgot to take off my invisibility cloak when walking in because I was ignored completely at the Library Square Pub. Came in, found a table, sat down, put on my best "Gimme a menu, I'm starvin' over here" face. A person with a nametag floated by. Looking in the other direction.
She huddled with two others near the bar. Another one was dispatched to a table down the way. Carried a tray and menu. Things were looking up. And aaaah... missed again. Every TV in the bar tuned to the hockey game, a roar goes up with a shot on goal, and then the sound of disappointment as glasses slam on tables. Still nothing in front of me.
Here comes a nametagger. She goes to the table next to mine, asks if the guy wants another beer. I wait for her to turn around. I've worked in restaurants; I'm not going to snap my fingers, or even interrupt. She simply walks away. What am I, a mirage?
If they're this eager to serve me, I couldn't wait to see the disappearing act they'd do when it came time to bring the check. Oh wait. Yes I could.
What's a sports bar doing next to a library, anyway? Aren't there zoning laws about this sort of thing? -
Review from Namit M.
6/9/2010
This place suffers from a major bout of schizophrenia - now what are you - a dance club, a neighbourhood bar, a sports bar.
Well I say pick one and do it right .... but this half ass attempt is not working for me.
The drinks and food were on specials and its hard to fight a lb of wings for 5 loonies. They were decent. The salmon burger was OK but not worth the fifteen loonies it cost. Service is friendly but a bit scattered. The place is LOUD and it is hard to keep a conversation going.
So yes if you are into that Anne Heche - John Forbes Nash thing maybe it works for you...but me not so. -
Review from Brett B.
Vancouver, BC
6/29/2010
Waste of time! Waste of money! Waste of good space for a real bar!
Donnelly, congratulations: you've made another Vancouveresque Cookie-Cutter pub! Chalk up everything to do with Donnelly to good advertising. They'd be nothing without their artificially inflated 'hype'.
Expensive-tasteless food, expensive barely beyond well drinks and ignorant door-staff. I'd love it if the management cracked a whip on the clowns that work outside these places. Their position is not a 'power-trip' they're to ensure there are no weapons entering the bar and they don't go over capacity. THIS IS NOT A PICK-UP BAR, so your half attempt at face-control is in vain! Go back to school and find a job that pays more than $10 per hour if all you're interested in is power..... -
Review from Chloë E.
Vancouver, BC
11/19/2008
There's something satisfying about sipping wine in the shadow of the coliseum-esque Public Library.
This spot is a bit of a chameleon: I've enjoyed a quick lunch here, after-work drinks, as well as late-night clubbing. Yes, all in the same spot. I like the crowd that the Library Square Public House attracts. It's less overrun than venues on the Granville strip but enough people go to still make it a fun night out.
Service can be a bit hit-or-miss, but there is generally a good selection of beers on tap. During game season, I fear, the bar can use its morphing skills to become too much of a sports bar for my liking. Personally, I find TVs buzzing in every corner distracting and it splinters the social atmosphere of drinks with friends.
One vote here to turn off the tube, please. -
Review from Alex G.
3/1/2010
I am torn on this review. I watched the Canada/Swiss hockey match here and had a blast. The place was full of people, a great environment to watch, plus a lot of great looking women. The wait staff was incredibly good looking and fun to chat with - plus Budweiser girls were passing out free beers.
The problems...cover charges that vary with the time, pitchers of beer at $19, and single beers at $8.50. From what all the guys said when I went - Library Square Public House was raising their prices during the Olympics which is pretty lame. I understand making money, but I definitely couldn't afford more than one or two pitchers.
Our awesome waitress (i think her name is Chelsea) was definitely the highlight of the afternoon! -
Review from Steven M.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 9/3/2010
Previously posted my opinion that this place was sliding. The slide is getting steeper.
They no longer do half fries half salad. A month ago I did this. Today I was told it's not possible. You can't even get it if you're willing to pay extra. Nope. You've got to order a full round of fries, and a side salad, and then I guess throw 50% of it out.
What kind of sports pub has edamame and not nachos?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/13/2010
Meh. I've experienced better.
That just about sums it up. Indeed, I've experienced better at Library… Read more »
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