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Pourhouse
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Restaurants Canadian (Traditional) Lounges, Canadian (Traditional) [Edit]
162 Water StVancouver, BC V6B 1B2
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown
(604) 568-7022
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 11:30 am - 12 am
Thu-Fri 11:30 am - 1 am
Sat 5 pm - 1 am
Sun 5 pm - 12 am
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sun
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Classy, Trendy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
125 reviews for Pourhouse
Review Highlights
"Ahh, the salted caramel ice cream and warm chocolate cake..."
(in 11 reviews)
"Two of us couldn't resist the Espresso Braised Short Ribs."
(in 3 reviews)
"and the cocktails were amazing."
(in 32 reviews)
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125 reviews in English
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Review from Aaron S.
Updated - 1/23/2012
A good friend treated us to a round of stiff drinks at my favorite place in Vancouver. As always the guys behind the bar were at their best. There is nothing like sitting up at that classic old world bar and getting them to make you something awesome. Whether its your choice or theirs I have never been disappointed. Bourbon is my vice and that's twice now when I've told them to go nuts I've been punched in the face by a bourbon negroni and the latest being a bourbon sazerac. A sazerac that was made with Bookers and hand crafted in front of me for what felt like an hour. Thats not a knock on it either. If you are used to the fwooosh fwooosh of a dispenser into a short glass filled with ice then this is a whole new world you are entering into.
Anyways my stance on this place is well documented but since i had returned I felt it deserved my continuous praise.
You will never drink anywhere again.................2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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9/13/2010
I went back. It still rules. That is all. Read more »
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Review from Don B.
2/7/2012
Pull up a stool at the bar. It's the place to be, you see. For cocktails are on the menu, and you should sip one or three.
The cocktologist at Pourhouse (at least the guy who was there when I was in) knows what the hell he is doing. He can rock a standard, classic cocktail or stir you up something proper in just about any genre. He also has a sweet spirits selection if you like your hooch neat. He gladly let us sample a local gin that I found delicious, and subsequently picked up duty-free style on my way out of the country.
My cocktails and conversation with the tender were both top notch. The Old Pal is a favorite, and one made as dealer's choice (always endearing to have a bartender nail one of your faves when you offer him the reigns). The dimly lit space and classic, large bar make for nice environs when sipping a top-shelf libation. It's in a part of town to which I would not likely venture on a weekend night at prime time, but on an off night, it's perfect.
I'm loving that Vancouver's cocktail scene is coming up strong!Listed in: Oh Canada...., Diggin' the 'Couve!, BC Boozin'
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Review from Jacob K.
Vancouver, BC
1/16/2012
As my search for the perfect burger continues, it has been hampered by my desire to eat less meat. However, duty calls. This burger may be the closest thing to the best burger I had had in a long while (see my review of Market's Truffle Burger).
The patty is thick and very juicy, almost medium rare. You have to be careful eating this gastronomical delight as the juices may run down your arm. The burger comes with the usual fixings.
I love the atmosphere of the Pourhouse; it reminds me of a speakeasy, with its charm. There seems to be quite a bit of energy and the flair of the bartenders who can mix up almost any kind of concoction on demand makes it a night you won't forget.
I'm very impressed with the service. We were well taken care of the night we were there.
For those gentlemen looking to take a date to something "different", I recommend the Pourhouse for a 3rd date. The noise level can make conversation a bit harder. -
Review from Marie L.
Vancouver, BC
2/8/2012
The atmosphere is everything you would look for in a Gastown restaurant. The Drinks may be the best I have had in town, even though they took a little while to arrive. This is definitely my favorite spot to take out of towners for an appy and drink, however I wouldn't recommend it for dinner the menu is small and your choices are a bit heavy but tasty is your stomach can handle it. Also took awhile for the entree' to arrive. But like I said great for Bevs and has a super sexy vibe.
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Review from George M.
Vancouver, BC
2/7/2012
Hands down best burger in Vancouver period.
Drinks are great very knowledgable bartenders and staff. Pricing is on the higher end but still a bargain for the quality food and atmosphere. -
Review from Robin M.
1/9/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Comfort-food is for suckers, I go for the drinks.
Suresure, they've got the wooden beams; yeahyeah, they've got that rrreal nice-like soft lighting that magically makes everyone *that* much better looking; okayokay, they've got that whole turn-of-the-century feel going on; but make no mistake -- I'm here for the bar.
Topped with salvaged Douglas fir planks, this is a serious bar for serious drinks. And drinks you will be made. Arguably the best seat in the house, those comfy leather stools are where the magic is made. The menu is only a guide, people. Name your flavour and be prepared to go to a happy place.
Like I said, comfort food is for suckers. Comfort drinks? Now that's something special.Listed in: Which town? Gastown., Goings On and Going Out, Cute Boys!, Craft Cocktails
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Review from Brittney C.
Vancouver, BC
1/13/2012
The food and drinks here are stupendous, if you're looking for a place to get both an a great beer and a perfectly mixed cocktail then this is the place to be.
The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly (save one of the hostesses who was rude on the phone a few times). The bartenders really know their stuff yet they don't have the au de snob attitude about it.
I brought my family here who was visiting from California and they were impressed. Our server was very attentive and helpful, there was a slight delay on our food coming out and he brought us desserts to apologize.
Some food favorites are the beet salad, and the mushroom tart. -
Review from Mika M.
Vancouver, BC
12/12/2011
I didn't get the pleasure of eating at the Pourhouse this time, but DID get to try some drinks for my friends birthday... We came after the majority of the party and were squished in the tiny lounge area beside the cool/old typewriter. We were amusing ourselves with typing up some cute and funny stories while enjoying the best rose wine ever and gin and tonics (that came with unique little bottles of tonic).
The service was okay, they initially forgot to ask me for a drink yet got everyone else's drink orders... so I felt a bit left out... I ended up getting a friend to get me one... It's okay though, I will be back this coming Saturday for my 31st birthday... with 18 people!
And the best part about the Pourhouse is the name, everyone always thinks I say "whorehouse"! -
Review from Meana k.
11/13/2011
Sophisticated comfort is what I'd call this place. A throwback to a different era where an establishment with such fine beverages, great music, and a good atmosphere was a forbidden secret.
On the food menu, you just need two words: Scotch Egg. Delicious. Okay, that was three. But you can't say the first two without the last one. Also incredible was the vegetable mash which a dining companion who hates vegetables even liked enough to go for seconds and thirds. Lastly, the mac n cheese with bacon is a good comfort dish, perfect for a long night of drinking, although not the best I've had.
Off the cocktails menu, our server described the Centennial as a taste of Fall in a glass. She spoke of the warmth of the bourbon and the citric lemon and the fresh apricot in a way that had me convinced. It was the best bourbon drink I've ever had. Simply refreshing, light, and tasty. What was more like Fall in a glass to me was actually the New World drink with spiced rum and a fresh egg white. That was lovely.
Service was excellent -- attentive, friendly without being overly waitery, and quick.
Great location in Gastown, fun atmosphere, cool vibes. I loved the music being played here quite a bit as I'm a huge fan of old-time jazz and blues. Can only imagine how great a live band would be here. I'm putting this on my list of favorite spots to go in Vancouver where I can hang out with grownups, not clubkids or yuppies. This is where you go to hang out with the 30s+crowd where people drink for the taste rather than the goal of getting drunk, and where you can actually carry a conversation with your date or friends instead of screaming over terrible music, and where the servers are knowledgeable in what they're serving rather than just there to look pretty in their short, tight dresses. -
Review from Phil C.
1/10/2012
If you're going for drinks, you're in luck: fantastic cocktails accompanied by very knowledgeable and entertaining bartenders.
As for the food, I was somewhat disappointed. I ordered their burger expecting to be impressed, and while the meat was thick and of excellent quality, it was overpowered by a distinctly burnt flavor and far too heavy on the grease.
Other than that, excellent lighting and decor. Highly recommended. -
Review from Faye S.
Vancouver, BC
11/11/2011
My first visit to Pourhouse was a Saturday night enjoying drinks for a friends birthday. All I remember is having the most devine gin and tonic(s) and a very fun type writer to play with.
My 2nd visit was during lunch. A great lunch special. Fabulous surroundings. Friendly staff. Delicious food. Tasty beer and of course...another one of the Gin and Tonics.
I`ll be back again! -
Review from Scott H.
Vancouver, BC
11/10/2011
Probably deserves a 4. The Scotch Egg alone deserves a 5! But I generally don't like pubs that make their own beer. Don't serve me a stout and call it "close to guiness". Guiness is Guiness that's why it's called Guiness.
ANYWAY, they likely have the best bartenders in the city. Seriously talented fellas. But wasn't a fan of the clientele. Too cool for this school (or so they think they are).
So down to brass tax, good location, lame clientele, average beer, fantastic bartenders and a scotch egg that is over the moon. That ends up being a 3 from me. -
Review from Bobbin W.
9/19/2011
Watching Pourhouse bartender Lachlin prepare my Old Cuban was like watching James McLaughlin Way paint "All is Well No. 4" if I had been there when James McLaughlin Way painted it. It was so overwhelming and enchanting, I barely remember the process except for Lachlin smacking open a tiny mint leaf, delicately placing it atop the liquid and using a dropper to dab perhaps Blue Mountain Brut in a circle inside the glass.
I don't know; it all happened so fast. -
Review from Sabrina T.
10/26/2011
It's got a nice vibe, the servers are super friendly, and they even gave us tasters of cocktails they made.
The soup was insanely salty, but they did take it back and didnt charge us for it. We got another small dish too, but I can't even remember what it is now.
So, It's a good stop for a brewski, but if you're looking for a good dinn-ski, maybe look elsewhere. -
Review from Jeremy C.
8/20/2011
The service here is really something exceptional. The waiter was attentive, articulate, and helpful without being overbearing. He was patient as I asked questions about the menu (they had a couple appetizers I was unfamiliar with) and enthusiastic about the intricacies of various scotches. Another nice touch: I arrived about fifteen minutes before my friends and the waiter brought a newspaper without being asked; it's little things like that which make the service memorable.
Pourhouse' signature cocktails are really quite remarkable. They have a small list of unique concoctions; I tried several, and was consistently impressed. I found myself ordering comparable drinks at bars later, but never quite getting the right mix.
I was similarly pleased with the food. Their scotch eggs are very good. The macaroni and cheese is a perfect portion, and just rich enough. Even their burger was memorable.
I hope I'm not overstating it. I really was impressed by this place, though.
Compared to other Gastown joints, you're going to pay a little bit more here. I think it's worth it, but if you're on a budget I recommend stopping by for a drink and an appetizer to kick off the evening. -
Review from J N.
Vancouver, BC
9/24/2011
Sure, it's a cool atmosphere, but when we went here the service was slow and the food such as pork and beans/pork chop was quite average for the seemingly above average price. And did I detect an air of pretension that is not so cool and for no apparent reason?
Better to go for the drinks. -
Review from Rohan S.
New Westminster, BC
8/28/2011
This is a great place for cocktails. They've got an expansive list of spirits and drinks they can mix for you. The quality and care put into cocktails here is phenomenal.
The atmosphere here feels like something right out of Mad Men. Sitting in the wing back chairs you half expect to see Don and Roger waltz in and order a martini.
I'll definitely be back. Oh and the food is pretty good too! -
Review from Sheryl D.
8/2/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Pub nouveau.. My kind of place! "It's one of those places that suits Vancouver to a tee" (quote HB who wants a "citation" for using his words in MY review...fight ensues.."it's my Yelp site goddamn it! Get your own!"). Very unpretentious joint with the right amount of hipsterness..overall a place with good-lookin' Gas Town locals without the douchebaggery. Even our hot platinum blonde, androgenous server embodied the place. Yeah, that's right. I belong here (despite the Coquitlam address).
Cocktails are fanfuckingtastic. The flavours don't tire in your mouth. If I were to pay for a $12 cocktail, this is undoubtedly where I'll be. Sadly I didn't get to try the salted caramel ice cream brownie folks were raving about..I had to be selective with calorie consumption what with the food trip weekend in Whistler the next day.. We did have the charcuterie ($18) and cheese plate ($16) and both satisfied to my bones. The couple beside us (literally, I could reach out sideways and touch her) were happily playing footsies under the table and I was very conscious of how her left foot kept going higher and higher up his leg. Then they briefly made out. What does this have to do with my review? Yes, the place is very dimly lit folks! Perfect for role playing meeting-stranger-in-a-bar fantasies or a flirty first (2nd and 3rd) date!
Will be back for more!Listed in: Be Discreet!
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Review from Darian K.
Mount Pleasant, Vancouver, BC
7/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love stopping in for a Back Hand of God or a fun mixed drink...I ask for something 'magic' and always get it.
Great for intimate meetings or classy celebrations.
I highly recommend. Live Jazz Sunday nights! -
Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
5/30/2011
The perfection that goes into the cocktails at this Gastown saloon makes them worth the double-digit price.
I recently sidled up the long bar at Pourhouse and my stool had a prime view of the bartenders at work. It was a thing of beauty ... the nattily dressed barman free-pours from bottles to mix the drinks - no well liquor, no cheap mixers on tap behind this bar - shakes (or stirs) with authority, and finally, tastes (a quick sip from a single-use bar straw) and tweaks, if required, to make sure every glass that goes out is up to snuff.
And it was ... it was. Though small like an old-fashioned cocktail (check out the illustrations in old bartenders' guides and in old movies), my Jack Rose (Jack! Rose! Jack! Rose! Fun dorky fact: I saw that movie three times in the theatres) was powerful. I was already a little tipsy from it when the lovely bartender gave me a little chaser, gratis, from the excess of a drink he's made a little too much of. Or maybe it was just for me. Maybe you never really drink alone at Pourhouse...Listed in: Good times and great drinks
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Review from Melissa K.
Vancouver, BC
11/1/2011
Poorhouse is one of my favorite places to grab drinks. They have live music sometimes too. Their drinks menu is great, but the best is when you ask them to make you something. Just tell the bartender what you like or what to use and ge can be creative. The short ribs are amazing, but not as good as the short ribs from the Oakwood brunch menu. Their fries are really good too. It's a cozy room and an older crowd from Diamond which is nice. The restaurant isn't very big though so on weekends you will have to wait a while before getting a table. Don't worry, you can sit at the bar and wait.
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Review from Preeti B.
8/28/2011
One of my favorite finds in Vancouver - drinks are cleverly crafted and the fare is delectable. You can come here with a group, but the real fun is watching the turnover in the bar scene. This place attracts a very mixed crowd - let's just say you get the lonely loner, the Asian male-lightweights asking for "girly drinks," gossip girl sessions, and the occasional mysterious traveler just passing through. Stick with the dashingly brilliant bartenders as your guides for the night - they won't steer you wrong.
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Review from Chris C.
Burnaby, BC
11/15/2011
A few of my friends kept talking about this place and how good it is. I don't know why it took me so long to go in to try it for myself, but today I did.
Went in for lunch alone and tried their tuna melt which was on a absolutely delicious style of focaccia. It wasn't greasy, it had a great crunch. I would love to see a little more tuna and cheese. Not a lot more, but it seemed like there was more bread than substance.
I had the cauliflower soup as my side. Nice and rich, but just a touch too much nutmeg. I skimmed most of it off first. The first few bites were just too overpowering of it. It was great for dipping my sandwich in though! Mmm
The gentleman who took care of me (Ian) was kind and expressed how much he enjoyed working there. I even asked if there were positions open.
It was just the right size for lunch. I usually have a bad habit of eating too much and getting food coma and ruining the rest of my day by being sloth like.
I love the decor and the vibe. I am a big fan of cocktail bars... This is definitely a place I would want to work.
I want to give it a five star, but I will save that for when I go in for dinner next... I am sure I will enjoy it much more. -
Review from Michelle P.
Vancouver, BC
4/14/2011 8 Check-ins Here
I first visited Pourhouse last summer 2010 and I've been hooked ever since! The drinks and food are fab! Pourhouse specializes pre - prohibition drink, cuisine and ambiance.
Sitting at the bar is an experience unto itself!
The bar tenders always seem to know what you're in the mood for. Sit yourself down at the bar and tell them what kind of (flavors/liquor in your) drink your in the mood for... it's like they've prescribed the perfect drink. -
Review from Melissa E.
Vancouver, BC
9/14/2011
pretty pretty pretty good. (please someone get this reference)
went in for a nightcap on a monday night around 9pm...pretty dead and the staff looked bored and unmotivated to say the least. fair enough. been there.
but when you've only got a few customers it's the perfect time to be attentive, chat them up, maybe even send a few perks their way to ensure their continued business (and positive yelp review).
as for the drinks...my friend had a dark and stormy which was mediocre and basically suggests to me that if it's not on the menu, they probably won't make it that well. BUT their Candiz Collins was phenomenal! to the point where one drink turned into 2 for me and 3 for my newly lush-icized friend! i love it when i turn the novices...
so while i was happy about the awesome drink...the price tag and lack of convivial service didn't merit more than 3 stars in my book. i'm all for a fancy cocktail but at 12$ a pop, i expect a little bit of a song and dance. -
Review from Jon S.
Vancouver, BC
3/19/2011
I'd been here a few times for drinks. This place really specializes in signature whiskey-based drinks. I took my partner and mum here during Dine Out Vancouver to try the food and we had a wonderful meal. I think we all ended up getting the steak. The highlight of the night may have been showing my partner that sweet potato soup can be spicy and flavourful. The steaks were cooked to perfection.
The place has that great Gastown feel with bricks and exposed wood beams. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. The Pourhouse is a consistent and safe bet if you're looking for a a good restaurant. -
Review from Dan J.
Vancouver, BC
I saved review number 50 for Pourhouse because it's my favourite Vancouver business right now. I even turned my spell check on.
I could prattle & claver about how great this place is but I see that seventy-three ladies and fellows beat me to the quick. You think you're the cat's pyjamas don't you?
Perch yourself on a bar stool. Okay stop -that's where the similarities to other bars in Vancouver end. Instead of ordering the usual, give one of the bartenders a few clues about how you're feeling at that moment and these apothecaries will offer you an oblation that will change your life.
Their menu is small but consists of good quality comfort food. Michelle, normally an Arsenic & Old Lace kinda gal, ordered the cheese plate and asked the bartender to recommend another drink. He was hesitant to offer her another cocktail but instead handed her a small sample of a red wine that he said would pair well. She ordered the wine. And another cocktail.
The grilled cheese, the roast beef, the fries and the chips and sample platters are all good. Had an unfortunately less than stellar humboldt squid incident that had my birthday party attendees questioning my choice of venue. Not a huge fan of some things (like pea soup) but the menu pairs so well with the pre-prohibition era cocktails that I understand why they serve what they do.
I like to order one of my favourite potations and give carte blanche to the bartender for the rest of the night. Invariably I'll discover a new favourite. They will often ask you to try the drink first, then explain what it is and offer you a small sample of one of the more exotic key ingredients. They have an array of exotic mixers like rare French creme de cassis, strange liqueurs, artichoke bitters.
But it's not about the ingredients. Their technique is exceptional. Watch the bartenders get medieval on a piece of ice or sample a drink and if it's even the tiniest bit imperfect pour it out and start all over.
I have dipsomaniacal dreams about Pourhouse.Listed in: Watering Holes., my R's OTD.
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Review from Maria S.
10/15/2011
I ventured here with The Vancouver Food Tour. Great name! Love the ambiance and felt it was reminiscent of where you felt gangstas back in the day all met in suits and met up with cigars and cognacs. I had a French 75, devils back and Scotch eggs. The bartenders were pretty special and attentive. They made you felt welcome and are super cool.
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Review from Mars K.
Vancouver, BC
1/23/2011
"You eat a lot for a small guy" - says the waitress.
Does that sound more like a compliment or an insult? In any case, that became the No. 1 thing I remembered from my visit. Note to staff, small guys don't like to be told they're small, and people who eat a lot aren't always proud of it. So best to just not make this sort of comment.
Besides the above distraction, I did enjoy my visit and have gone back several times since, partly as I live so close to the place. My favorite is the Crispy Cheese, which is a fancy version grilled cheese sandwich. It is served with a roasted tomato soup. The sandwich would otherwise be too heavy and the soup would otherwise be too tart, but when paired together everything is just right.
There's something about the brick and beam interior, along with dim lighting, that gives a space a very cozy upscale feel. This is of course very common for Gastown; however, it should not be a given that the food's quality are up there to match. Pourhouse does have the substance to go with the fancy packaging. -
Review from Angela L.
1/4/2011
I had vowed to wait to write a review for Pourhouse, having not tried any of the food here yet, but I can't stop thinking about the cocktails.
My cocktail consuming counterpart and I dropped in on a Sunday, hoping to catch the live jazz. The musicians happened to be taking a dinner break when we rolled in, so we grabbed seats at the bar and waited for the show to resume. I ordered a Rutherford, and after assuring the concerned bartender that I enjoyed bitter beverages, I was served a beautifully deep red concoction. In fact, it was so pretty that it drew inquiries from the party seated next to me at the bar. The Rutherford was delightfully bitter as expected, and very well balanced. However, I decided to go with the Cameron House for my second (and third, teehee) beverage choice and I was blown away. It was fantastic, and I even enjoyed the maraschino cherry, which I usually hate.
The jazz was very low-key, with one keyboarder and one saxophonist, but contributed nicely to the otherwise pleasant ambiance. Service was friendly, albeit a touch slow, and its clear that there is some serious skill behind the bar. I highly look forward to returning, both to sample some of the culinary offerings as well as to enjoy another Cameron House!Listed in: Dates are Great, Liquid Lunch
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Review from Daniel L.
I truly feel like a owner of the joint when ever I sit at the bar here. The bartenders really make you feel at home and do a great job of lookin after us, making sure the drinks are the way we like them giving us samplers all night long, and even discounted the food cause it wasn't up to standards (not that we complained)
So PourHouse comes from the name Po-Boy from what I gather on their menu, and they added the Pour twist. Daily lunch and beer specials for $12. But dinner is the bees knees and here when the vibe takes off and the place has the upper side house party feel to it, but with amazing drinks and food... I am a big fan here! -
Review from Sarah A.
8/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
If Don Draper lived in Vancouver, he would be a regular here. Fantastic atmosphere and amazing drink selection (especially the scotch). I will be back!
Listed in: Best Happy Hour
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Review from Dee B.
1/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
I ate the Pourhouse salad and sampled the brisket sandwich. Pourhouse was my selection for my 30th birthday celebration.
NO DISAPPOINTMENTS HERE!
I am giving 4 stars, and it might just be because of my own ignorance regarding their menu since it was the night before my wedding and couldn't endulge as my dress might as well have been an oil slick :) I think Pouhouse has a lot more to offer than a salad. I get it, Yelp, I shouldn't go exploring Vancouver's fare on a diet. Maybe I should dock myself 1 star? Nah. I'm too fabulous for that.
I will be back and hopefully will update to 5 stars. -
Review from Madhuri I.
10/5/2010
There's something about wandering into a nearly empty bar at 4 PM on a Tuesday, asking, "Is it too early for a drink?"
And you know you're home when the only other patron and and bartender chime unanimously, "It's never too early."
it was one of those days when no one was in a hurry, the drinks were beautiful, and the conversation wonderful. The bartender Patrick was clearly passionate about (and competent in) the fine craft of mixology. But what's more - he was passionate about single malts, coffee and craft beers. I wish my man had been around - these two would get along famously.
I tried the Cadiz Collins and the Blood Alley; both smooth, complex cocktails that went down quite easy. I am writing this review from the Vancouver airport right now - I have a feeling I might have still been there if I didn't have a flight to catch. -
Review from Jenny l.
Vancouver, BC
9/2/2011
After reading all the reviews I have been wanting to go to this place forever. The first time I attempted it, there was a 45 min - 1hr wait. Yesterday we got in right away! The hostess asked us if we were just coming in for drinks or if we wanted food. With the intention of dinner we sat a table. Atmosphere was nice, classy, and dark...maybe a bit too dark.
Wow, I was utterly disappointed with the menu. It had 6 entrees for dinner and everything seemed quite pricey ( $26+), so I asked the server for some recommendations. His recommendation was "everything is really good" . Wow thanks for the good suggestion! Then after not being interested in anything, we opted for drinks. I ordered a $12 cuban drink which was the size of a shot, and tasted mediocre. Because we decided not to eat and just had drinks and some fries, the server, a male was extremely rude and scowled at us, snatched the menu out of our hands. I will not return to this place again. -
Review from Brendon D.
1/8/2011
YES.
This is the sort of place that has thought and creativity behind it. Everything from the polite and hipness of the staff to the epic old school and new school cocktails to the awesome "down home" + high class menu.
We had the best French 75 cocktail that we've ever had. Insanely delicious. The staff was so kind and easy going.
The interior of this place is awesome and looks like a throw back without being too cheesy.
Don't half step. Go here for early cocktails when in Vancouver when you are dressed smartly or hip. -
Review from Michael H.
9/17/2011
I came here for drinks only. The bartenders were open to my wife's and my tastes and made some great cocktails to match. They were very personable and we had a good time here. The decor and vibe is pretty good too.
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Review from Tim S.
Updated - 10/16/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Ah, Pourhouse. My hopes were justified!
I've been back a few times since the Olympics -- twice for drinks and once for dinner -- and I've enjoyed my experiences much more. Excellent for cocktails, with great period decor, very attentive service, and an interesting menu. To sum it up: "it's a classy joint." It's elegant but inviting; gourmet but not snobby.
They really hit their stride here with alcohol. The maverick bartender bit, here or anywhere, can be a little bit awkward sometimes, I think, depending on what you give them to work with. But one of the servers hit on what might be my new favorite cocktail when a friend asked for a drink to showcase a particular aged whiskey and received a Blood and Sand (which is slightly madcap but surprisingly delicious, involving orange juice, vermouth, and Cherry Heering). And the three different kinds of absinthe you can enjoy with their absinthe fountain (including a local BC brand, did you know!) just make me happy. Don't be afraid to order from the cocktail menu, either; it's short but very strong (in the sense of "good" but, yes, that too).
All the staff I've talked to have been friendly and knowledgeable -- not to mention well-dressed. The manager seems to like to come by to chat about cocktails and the servers have taken pains to answer questions.
I wasn't over the moon about my dinner entree (a chicken dish involving puff pastry) but that was my fault: it didn't sound like something I would like, so I'm not sure why I ordered it. They have lots of big-meat dishes, which isn't really my thing, but the menu seems to change often to highlight seasonal fare and I'm excited to try the fish on my next visit. (They're Ocean-Wise!) I'll report back again when I have more data. ;)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/23/2010
I don't want to sound churlish but my first experience here wasn't the best. Three of us came in… Read more »
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Review from Sandra G.
Vancouver, BC
Since Leo started the "Vancouver Beer Blog," I've given him suggestions on restaurants where we can go to both eat and get good beer. With a name like Pourhouse, this place was on the top of the list.
Right next to the EasyPark, Pourhouse is smack in the heart of Gastown, but isn't overly showy. The last restaurant located in that same spot looked real nice but the service was brutal. We got nothing like that at Pourhouse, with a table instantly at 7pm on a Saturday night. While Leo was making his choice of appie beer, I scoped out the menu.
There aren't many veggie options. I was torn between the Crispy Cheese sandwich with tomato soup (& fries for my side for $13) or the Tuscan Lasagna ($19). I was told the lasagna was noodleless, so that sounded interesting. We got the Humboldt Squid to start ($12) and that was good - seared with an almost invisible chili sauce and garlic chips. Leo didn't like the charred taste of the squid, but I kinda liked how it made the seafood taste like chicken. :)
Leo's sandwich came with some FAT mojo-like fries which made my mouth water. They were SO good and salty. My Tuscan Lasagna looked and tasted divine. I was pleasantly surprised to see eggplant was the main item. I love eggplant and barely get to eat it so it was great to see it substituted for the noodles. I got a nice rosemary garlic toast on the side, but it was burnt on 2/3 sides. Leo's bread was a bit too grilled as well. They really like over-grilling stuff here.
As we waited for our meals, we were talking about the decor and music which was giving me a 1920's feel. Then I read in the drink & dessert menu that the goal of the Pourhouse was to bring an old, century old feel to the place, since the building itseld was made in 1910. I was only a decade off! A lot of the wood and brick are original. The chef has fine dining experience, but they're going for more homestyle cooking, which I could kind of see, at least in my meal.
The piece de resistance was the Warm chocolate cake with salted caramel ice cream ($9). This was a treat for me, because Leo usually doesn't go for dessert but wanted to have one with his dark stout. We were told it takes 10-15 minutes to make, and I had glanced at two good Yelp reviews about it when checking in on my phone, so we couldn't resist. The subtle salt in the ice cream was a perfect companion to the brownie-like cake with the fudge oozing out of the middle. Divine.
Pourhouse is a great place to get a feel of Gastown while eating excellent quality food and getting a drink, no matter what tickles your alcohol fancy. -
Review from Kat S.
Updated - 9/15/2010
Pourhouse, I still love you. Maybe even more than last time. Now that I have tried some of your edible treats I am tempted to come here every week. Your bartenders made us an array of delicious drinks, the likes of which I have never tasted.
Your bathroom blows my mind.
Live long, dear Pourhouse.Listed in: Best Bathrooms, Treat Yourself
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/16/2010
Pourhouse, my new friend, where have you been all my life?
One sip of your Gold Fashioned and I… Read more »
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