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Pivo Public House
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
35 reviews for Pivo Public House
Review Highlights
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35 reviews in English
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Review from gretchen c.
Vancouver, BC
a cute little bar that doesn't get overly crowded (unless it's a game night).
the food is great - my personal favourites are the pesto prawn flatbread and the chicken quesadilla with avocado. i'm not really a big fan of their onion rings though. the brunch is pretty good as well (my favourite is the pulled-pork hash).
they have awesome (food and booze) specials too every night of the week. even without the specials though, the booze and food is reasonably priced.
the service is great too, the staff is really friendly. i love the ambience of this place because it's a chill little dive bar that's not really a dive, and actually quite nice. it has a nice interior with plush seating, nice decor, and it's very clean, without being pretentious. the bathrooms are what's up - the mirrors inside them are actually tilted at an angle that makes you look great.
i find that it's a great place to catch up with friends, especially one-on-one, as it's not too loud in there - you can actually have a pretty decent conversation without having to yell over the music or anything.
it's also connected to the liquor-store next door, as i think they're owned by the same people, so they can never run out of booze :) -
Review from Rachel C.
Vancouver, BC
My friend and I came here during Dine Out Vancouver. She had the Dine Out menu and I ordered off the menu. My friend enjoyed her starter salad and vegetarian lasagna, whereas my pulled pork sandwich was terrible. There appeared to be no sauce on the pork which resulted in a boring and dry sandwich. I got the mojito fries to accompany it and was pleasantly surprised.
We both looked forward to trying the key lime pie but sadly it was a major disappointment. We could see promising little flecks of lime in the pie but there was no lime flavour to be found; the pie was way too sweet.
Service was friendly and quick. -
Review from Johnson C.
Vancouver, BC
The good:
- $14 pitcher specials
- Open until 2AM everyday
- ... and that's about it...
Food here was pretty alright - had some kinda steak here and it didn't really impress or offend me. Okay. Service was pretty standard. Okay.
But I don't know about the whole feel/decor of this place. Bar seemed kinda fun but the semi-circular layout and the high ceilings paired with a *crappy* sound system pointing downwards made for some strained conversation and odd acoustics. What kind of music did they play? I think it could best be categorized as 'distortion'. Turning up the volume on a limp-wristed sound system *does not* fill a room - either turn it down/off or upgrade. After finishing dinner and being ear-raped, we bounced out of there - despite the lure of cheap beer.
And the big screen TVs playing sports didn't seem to mesh with the trendy decor - I know. I know. Every frigging bar in Van-frigging-couver has to have frigging TVs so people can watch the frigging Canucks and frigging UFC. But come on, are we that starved of attention that we want to watch tennis highlights? It's okay to turn off the TVs every now and then.
Oh well - I'll probably be back though - cheap beers and open late seals the deal. But fix the AV problems, man.Listed in: A Compendium of Fine…
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Review from Steven S.
This tiny pub is a pleasant surprise every time I stop by. Small even by dwarf alcoholic standards it still never feels cramped because of it;s nice curved banket wall, really small bar and generously not over packed with tables like so many places are today.. The food is generally good and some of it actually inspired. Take the Mojito fries for example, what on the cover sounds odd is actually executed very well.
My only real beef and what kept me from giving three stars is what will from this moment on always force a place, to lose a star is the sketchy ATM / ABM trend. Yes eat your meal ask if they take debit and wham! No sir but we have a ATM by the door. This burns me because they take credit cards. I know all the places that perform this trick in this day and age get a cutback from the ATM. It is like some kind of tax that pivo charges you for using electronic cash. All eateries that do this should be mocked and shamed. It is crappy customer service and will leave a bitter taste after what was a pretty good meal or drink.
They boast that they always have a good beer special, that is moot after the atm fee. -
Review from Kristen M.
BC
Stopped in before a movie. Service was quick & friendly. Shared the nachos with pulled pork, they were delicious, and very filling for two people to share.
With the nachos & a beer each our bill came in under $25 which seemed like a good deal for the quality of the food!
Will be back. -
Review from Luke L.
Vancouver, BC
Pivo is Russian for "beer" - when this place opened it had this great beer list on a menu with boxes beside them, and if the boxes were ticked off then that meant it was in stock. The list was considerable, and the layout let you know it wouldn't all be available at all times always.
Fast forward a couple years (approx) and they just have two beers on tap, both from Whistler Brewing (who really don't make great beer, sorry!) and that whole concept of having a great beer list is gone. Now they have $12 pitchers some nights and you get a weird mix of post-hockey game people, but that's okay.
In fact, Pivo is okay. Okay?Listed in: drink
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Review from Jay M.
Vancouver, BC
I have been into Pivo a number of times after work or before a night out for some bites & something a little different menu wise.
Food is great, prices are reasonable, its in the heart of Crosstown Vancouver (best location in town) and the staff was awesome!
No complaints about any aspect of my past experiences and I look forward to heading back shortly to take it all in once again!!!! -
Review from Melissa E.
Vancouver, BC
Good lord. How hard is it to make a salad? I mean my cat could make a salad. And he has very questionable taste in food. Here's his recipe...fresh lettuce (any variety), add crunchy fresh vegetables, toss in LIGHT salad dressing so as to coat but NOT drench said fresh lettuce and vegetables. DONE! Thanks Dante, that sounds great! Too bad that is not what I got at Pivo.
Needless to say the salad was wayyyyyyyy over dressed. I have never been known to not finish what is in front of me, but this salad, by the time I got to the bottom of the bowl it was a pile of mush. I couldn't bare it. And one of the first 3 bites was basically a huge lump of salad dressing. I almost gagged. But let's focus on the positive!
The onion rings were actually pretty good. It was an actual onion rather than that pre-masticated onion stuff you often get in other restos. So that was appreciated. Also ordered the Thirsty Beaver, mainly because of the name (i went to an all girls high school who's mascot was...yes...the beaver. I kid you not) but it was also local and happened to be a tasty ale.
What else, my friend had one of the pizzas...or flatbread. Let's just call it a pizza. It was fine. You know, fine.
All in all, i had 2 drinks so left happy/tipsy (yes, cheap date am i) albeit a bit peck-ish which led me to the Candy Aisle on my way home...satisfaction guaranteed.Listed in: Beer me!!!
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Review from Vincci L.
Open late!
Located at Tinseltown, this is right next door to the McDonalds. Inside, a high ceiling, with large screens, perfect for watching games.
By the time we came (1am), the kitchen was closed, so no food was available. We got a pint of beer instead, and for $4, it was a good deal. The atmosphere is nice, and comfortable.
A good place for quick drinks when in that area. -
Review from Stephanie M.
Vancouver, BC
What a cool little place! Thanks to my trusty Yelp app I found it as a potential post-game destination near Chinatown (where we play soccer), and it didn't disappoint. The place is quite small, so it felt like we took up the majority of the bar, but they didn't mind. There are cold pitchers of beer, as well as as cider, at decent prices and the service is good. The drinks are also fairly cheap compared to places further west. There are also have big screens for the sports-inclined.
For our soccer crew, this place has the perfect atmosphere and is very conveniently located. This is probably my "alcohol-enhanced" memory talking, but I look forward to future post-game team meetings here! -
Review from Jennica G.
Vancouver, BC
Pivo Public House, how I love thee!
My husband and I wanted to try out this place since it's walking distance for us. The food did not disappoint! I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with the mojito fries ( aka,,,a little taste of heaven). I ordered a lemon mayo dip, since the fries were not ketchup-worthy. The dip cost me $0.50, but the fact that we were able to split a pitcher of Whistler beer for a total of $13 made up for that. Try the fry bar items-soooo yummy. My husband ordered the pulled pork fries with his burger and he said the fries were a meal in themselves.
Four things that really stood out for me at Pivo Public House:
1. The drinks are CHEAP!
2. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, yet modern.
3. The bartender was really friendly and helpful.
4. The food was to die for.
On the downside- I wanted to order some short ribs but they were all out! They said they were out because of the Groupon and because of Dine Out. Seems like poor planning to me to be completely out of short ribs. -
Review from Vimi S.
Vancouver, BC
Prepare to not get greeted at the doorway as your hostess is also your waitress, porter and bartender. If you wanna get seated, just peep your head through the entryway as a hostess stand does not exist. Granted, I visited on a dine-out night so busyness is expected and the service happened to be very friendly.
On the brighter side, the layout is cool and intimate with screens to watch the game at every angle (and without the crowd screaming at them). High pub tables (rectangular, square and round) are strategically placed to maximize the space and accommodate couples and groups. You can even walk around without bumping into anyone...A great trait for a small space. :)
The food is not premium but it's not too bad and is quite filling. I'd give it another chance before I rule it out. The menu is also very reasonable in pricing. Only two dessert items though and both need improvement.
In conclusion, Pivo needs a second chance to make a first impression. -
Review from Kate S.
Vancouver, BC
Being a local I've been twice so far and have enjoyed both experiences immensely. I've only been late at night on a Friday but the clientele are always fun and the staff are pretty good. However, the bartender stands out as he is always fun, friendly and pretty easy on the eyes.
What has made me decide to become a regular is the prices. The drinks are well mixed and I have never left feeling like I need to go sell an organ to make up for the dent in my bank account.
Give it a try, the seats are comfy and even if you're alone you'll usually find someone to talk to. -
Review from Mike P.
Was a bit skeptical based on the name. Stop calling bars public houses!!! Just my opinion.
Sat at the bar and had really cheap beers on a Friday evening. The place was full, the staff was friendly (super friendly bartender). The decor is really modern.
Will definitely come back here and try out the food, hopefully that's reasonably priced as well :). -
Review from Gale L.
Vancouver, BC
Pivo is a comfortable place to spend a couple hours.
The room is pleasantly intimate with a warm, textured decor. Their choice to put fabric on the circular walls is a nice break from the brick we're all so familiar with and the TV's are definitely there but manage not to intrude.
The eats we ordered weren't special. The lemon pepper wings were really lemon and the hot wings were really hot. The combination was kind of pucker burn.
Our service was superb and although not likely to become a regular, I will pop by again.Listed in: Pubs
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Review from Cory J.
Vancouver, BC
Average little pub in Tinseltown mall. I've been here a few times; for brunch, dinner, and drinks.
The staff are always really friendly, and they have pretty good beer specials most of the time too. I find that the food can be hit or miss depending on what you order, and the side salads that you get are super tiny.
If you go to watch the game and have a few beers with a couple friends you'll probably have a decent time. -
Review from Hootie J.
Vancouver, BC
Nice decor and atmosphere for the area. Food was edible but not anything to write Yelp about (tended to be over "sauced", Lemon&Pepper wings made us Pucker, hot wings were good but too much sauce, they had no dips, tried to make do with ranch dressing (+ $0.50 !!), Poutine was drowned in Gravy that had it's best days as a powder.
We are still looking for the best Nacho's in Vancouver and although they offered 3 cheeses, there was no option for ground beef or Guacamole so we didn't even order them.
Service was great and the place was full (We went with a Groupon, and it was also dine out Vancouver)
Good to go if your in the hood but I wouldn't travel to get there. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
If I lived in the neighborhood, or was heading to or from a movie, I could see Pivo being a good meet up spot. Big screen TVs scream "Watch sports on me," good looking staff, dark, comfy-ish furniture, it's reminds me of a smaller Milestones.
The room is pretty intimate with a beer list that must change, as they tick off what's available on the menu with a pencil, just like what the Sandbar does with their fresh sheet. Meh, it wasn't that exciting, but the $3.25 grand opening special certainly was. It was good to see that they were pouring Howe Sound Brews, but be warned, the special is on glasses, not pints of beer. Although I happen to prefer glasses to pints anyway!
The crowd appeared to be pretty mainstream and tame, lots of guys in striped, collared shirts and jeans, all wearing the same Aldo shoes, sporting similar hair cuts, not too many girls, but then again, there was beer on special and baseball game on the tv.
I'll make a point to go back when I'm craving something simple like french fries or chicken fingers...but I had really hoped they'd have inspired menu items that paired with their "Modern Comfort Food" slogan: give me some chicken noodle soup, peanut butter and jelly, or macaroni and cheese...nachos, quesedillas and chicken strips are just standard pub food to my tastebuds. -
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
Right at the edge of Crosstown beside the Crosstown liquor store outside the tinseltown plaza, this is a nice little upscale edition as there hasn't been much establishment happening.
... and when I say upscale, I mean upscale compared to McDonalds, Quiznos, and some food court eateries upstairs.
Pivo Public house is a small little place that is warm and cozy, with booths along along the back facing a large screen TVs and even a drop down projector, from what I can remember. There are tables on the side against the table and a long banister in the middle that seats 10 - 12. We ordered some onion rings and tri-fries to start. The onion rings are HUGE and extremely crispy deepfried. The fries has an assortment of regular potatoes, yams, and purple potatoes, coming in a large cone.
Lunch items ordered included pulled pork, tomato and basil flatbread, chicken quesidilla, mixed greens and white fish sandwich.
Wow - all i can say is the portions are HUGE. the flatbread was so big it was slipping off the flatbread board. My chicken quesidilla was cheesy, had lots of flavour and four portions in which 2 became leftovers.
The salads are extremely large with an abundance of feta cheese, and a good vinegrette. The pulled pork sandwich was done right, and the other sandwiches weren't bad, all told by my colleagues.
The caesar salad that came with the pulled pork sandwich had extra balsamic vinegrette on top.. not sure if it was good or bad twist, just extra flavour.
There is a nice list of beers and specials everyday. There is no lunch / dinner menu, but definitely something for the meal you are eating. Come for the game, you'll either be cheering with them or against the others in the pub.Listed in: "I'll Substitute for Yam Fries…
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Review from Dayna B.
Vancouver, BC
I've read the reviews here and it looks like no one has tried the food! Look at the menu and it does seem pretty standard but when you get it, it's down right tasty! It is all comfort food but they don't do it "pub style" if that makes any sense. I think you may need to try it to get the real feel.
I've had the Ploughman's platter there twice and it seems like they change up the meats and cheeses but its always a treat. Onion rings appeared to be popular as I saw so many tables getting these giant delicious looking onion rings delivered. I've also tried the steak sandwich and ribs, so good. I'm not sure how they added class to those things but they did.
On our last visit our food took especially long, because of the Canuck's game crowd but the owner, very courteously, comped us a beer. I though that was a nice nod to real customer service.
Of course a real selling point to this place is there beer selection. In addition, to their inexpensive tasty food. This is a perfect stop off in sketch town on your way to the theatre. -
Review from Nano H.
Vancouver, BC
I am going to make this review short and sweet but throw a challenge out at the end of it to whoever is reading this now;
I dare you to eat your whole meal, from drinks to dessert, on Pivos new outside patio. What a risky venture! I'm immensely curious as to whoever, what and "ewwww-is-that-an-open-wound" come by to chat with you as you're eating.
Pivo has been a regular spot for me for a while. Inside has a great clean and comfy atmosphere, great prices (especially on the beer) and the food is all pretty good. I especially like the large $12 Killer Beer beer, the quesadilla and the bread pudding for dessert. Large social table for the late night crowd.
I'll be coming back to Pivo. But I'll be sitting inside.
Let me know how the patio is... -
Review from D T.
Vancouver, BC
Open for only 2 weeks, Pivo was a surprise find on a drive home going by Tinseltown. The $3.25 draught beer sign caught the eye, but the modern decor and ambiance surprised me as I entered. Cozy, with a large projected screen for sporting events and other entertainment, it makes for a good alternative to watching games at the chain lounge/restaurants in the downtown core (Earls, Cactus Club, Joey's, Milestones, etc). The sweeping layout is a nice touch, though the wall seating was a tad uncomfortable as it sits quite high without a footrest, even if you don't have short legs like me.
The best part was the unbelievable prices for the draught beer and for some of the food items. All draught was listed at $3.25 for a pint, though there were only 2 flavors when I went in on a Tues evening. But a healthy portion of nacho chips with salsa was also only $3. A great selection of other microbrewery beers at a range of prices along with a full bar will definitely get me to come back again. -
Review from Shawn C.
Vancouver, BC
What kind of a place charges $12 for nachos (no added meat) and gives you a tiny tub of salsa out of a jar (Pace for God's sake!) then charges you 50 cents extra for each additional tiny amount of store-bought salsa you request? Pivo Public House! Won't be going back.
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Review from Sarah O.
Where else can you get a glass of wine or a pint of beer for under $4? It's a tiny cozy place with a big TV.. definitely a good spot for that quick mid-day wine and appetizers.
Listed in: Oat Sodas And Good Company.
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Review from Awesta M.
I agree with Crystal H., this is definitely a great place to be if you live in the hood or are on your way or just leaving a movie.
We were on our way to a show so we ordered the beer on tap which was solid and the bbq sliders which came with a side of homemade chips. The sliders were ok, but the chips were a bit of a disappointment. They came out all warm and beautiful looking but there was no salt on them. It was a little like a bad xmas present wrapped in really cool paper. You get all excited and then "pow, bam, boom...nothin'." Why you teasin' me, Pivo?
Service was solid. The waitstaff were really accommodating. We got there during their rush and they let us sit at an empty reserved table until something opened up (otherwise, we were just standing at the door w/ nowhere to sit.)
The place is small-ish so I could see how they'd fill up fast. The decor is your standard modern decor. I'd definitely hit it up again if I were in the 'hood. -
Review from Dani B.
Go here for a quick drink either before or after a show. Their draft beer is really cheap although I felt the place lacked a bit of atmosphere. But, hey for cheap beer, i'll make do.
As far as I know, they have $3.25 draft special every night of the week so don't hesitate to hit this spot up anytime day or night. -
Review from Sarah p.
Vancouver, BC
Decided to get a few drinks before a concert ar Rogers Arena.
Made it just in time to get a couple of seats at the bar. A very small place.
Great caesars' and good pours on wine. Poutine with pulled pork... not sure, but hubby seemed to like it (could have used a fork). The natchos with corn, black beans, and yellow and red cherry tomatoes was good, but don't expect ton of cheese. It was nice, light and well put together.
Went back after the concert. A great pitstop for condo locals, event goers and pre party gatherings. The staff was great and we certainly will be back.
Good Times! -
Review from Daniel L.
Considering that this public house is called a beer place in Cech it doest serve up what one would expect... I just got back from Prague and Pivo is big there, and here it means only 2 types of beer on draft .
But the staff are always friendly and the two food plates I have tried are good and just okay. I like the room and big screens to watch a game, the location is key to GM place and the Olympics.. I just wish they served more & better beer... sort of makes me peeved off Pivo!! -
Review from Mya N.
Vancouver, BC
Pivo, like others have mentioned is very hit-and miss. I've given it two chances now and decided that I would be back, for beer and wings.
Pros:
- Nice atmosphere
- Great, cheap beer selection
- Good nachos, onion rings and poutine
Cons:
- The rest of the food is hit and miss
- They messed up my drink order and then took 10 minutes to fix it
- Slow service -
Review from Jacqueline Y.
Vancouver, BC
Good selection of beer, great to watch hockey games, really nice atmosphere. The decor was modern, but comfy and the food is solid. Lemon Pepper chicken wings and pulled pork poutine are a great alternative to the regular flavors. French Onion soup is also one of the better in the city, not too salty but lots of cheese! Beware of home game rush an hour before puck drop and after the game though! Space clears up right before as people head out to the game.
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Review from Lee N.
Vancouver, BC
Same place, now it's too crowded with kids nursing a single drink all night taking up space, maybe the fad will pass.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/14/2010
I head over here with a friend who lives nearby. It has a great midweek ambiance chilled out,… Read more »
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1/14/2010
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Review from Jennifer D.
Vancouver, BC
Decent beer list (bottles - not draft). Food was tasty (chicken sliders - DO IT). Pitcher of Sangria = cheap (and delish)! Lovely little spot. Friendly staff. Good place to watch sports, but not a sports bar.
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Review from Kal B.
this place is fairly new and part of the 'i've been trying to become popular FOREVER but never quite could' Tinseltown mall close to gastown
there have been a few other good restaurants in Tinseltown over the past decade that have simply closed due to lack of business.. hopefully Pivo can survive and I think it will as it has its own street entrance
i like the setup inside.. it has raised wall booths inside where you and your dining partner can sit on the same side against the wall and you have your table in front of you.. they also have other standard seating throughout the place but it is not very large by any means.. both times i've been it hasn't been packed so you can probably get a seat.. it also has a large TV screen above the bar that was showing the baseball game.. the last time I went was a Friday nite and it was a loud, bustling evening but we could still hear each other fine after we adapted.. there were also a table of drunks beside our table that were distracting cuz they took about a 100 pictures with a blue sequined camera.. lol.. it was fine tho and they left not after too long
i actually really like the food here.. for the most part I haven't been disappointed yet.. the first time we had the hummous which was interesting; it had the appearance of a thick tapenade rather than what we expect creamier smooth hummous to be so it wasn't great.. the starters are generous portions though and pretty much entree size.. namely the quesadillas and chicken burger sliders.. both were good
last time I went we had the Pulled Pork Poutine.. which was really very good.. I woulda loved to see a few more cheese curds but otherwise it was well done.. and we also had the prosciutto, artichoke, caramelized onions, feta cheese flatbread Pizza.. it was also yummy. didn't need to order any other entrees or appies cuz again portions were large and these were so filling. we also enjoyed a bottle of red which was only 20 something.. they have about 7-8 choices of red and white combined so relatively limited.. both visits the wine was good.. they also have a lot of beer choices. this restaurant/lounge is also affiliated with the liquor store next door (same owners).
the best part was their dessert.. again i was very impressed for what i would expect from this place.. they only have one choice but it was astoundingly good! its a warm banana bread caramel chocolate pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.. wow it was tasty.. now thinking back we shoulda got 2 rather than sharing cuz we devoured that thing! the only other venue i've had bread pudding dessert is Earl's and this one is definitely better and at only $6 it takes the cake!
servers were not bad, but not too engaging.. for example, they'd ask you a question, we'd give a friendly banter reply.. and then an awkward few seconds later, they'd just walk away (once without saying anything).. lol.. but sounds typical of any customer service job where most employees are thinking in their head 'OK, umm, i'm just here to do my job, i don't really wanna talk to you!'.. lol.. i'm sure as they gain experience and business they can hire more workers and be more social with their patrons. the bartender also seemed fairly animated so that was fun to see.
definitely a great place to drop by before or after watching a movie at Tinseltown.. which is a great theater by the way.. very comfy seating and part of the cinemark company which is more popular in the States.
total bill including tip for 2 'entrees', dessert and a bottle of wine = $60 which was in my opinion a really good value. -
Review from Jenna H.
Vancouver, BC
I have to say from a marketing stand point having a big $3.25 beer sign is very smart because it captures the attention of people walking by who may have not heard of Pivo. If it does enough to entice them to stop in for a cold one they will be able to expect a small cozy modern lounge with large flat screen with sports playing. The Stanley Park beer I tried was very tasty and it appeared that their beer menu changes regularly and features local micro brewers. Even though I wasn't hungry I did check out the menu which consisted of plain and simple pub food. Nothing special or flashy; a bit vanilla if you ask me! I think Pivo will do well with the after movie crowd from Tinsel Town who do not want to walk down sketchy Abbot to get to Gastown.
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Review from Emily C.
came here a couple times for beer with my girls and loved the location and atmosphere. it's not really anything different or spectacular? but definitely laid back. the menu is very small. i remember the fries being good? fond memories it is!
