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Raw Canvas
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Nightlife Bars Wine Bars Restaurants Tapas/Small Plates Arts & Entertainment, Wine Bars, Tapas/Small Plates [Edit]
1046 Hamilton StVancouver, BC V6B
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Yaletown
(604) 687-1729
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 5 pm - 12 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Wed, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
If you've ever been to Thailand, you've met Bob. He can't get enough Thai food. He'll go out of his way to get PAD THAI; He'll travel up the river for 3… read more »
44 reviews for Raw Canvas
Review Highlights
"Open Mic Night with very talented performers and less busy..."
(in 5 reviews)
"The painting area is well equipped and excellently lit."
(in 27 reviews)
"Really brings out my inner artist."
(in 4 reviews)
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44 reviews in English
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Review from Jennifer B.
Vancouver, BC
12/3/2011
Excellent wine and awesome environment..i love this place
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Review from Olive R.
2/23/2012
Fun concept. I was just meeting a friend for drinks, so I didn't get to try out the painting, but looked like a good way to spend an evening in Vancouver (tipsy painting!).
The cocktails were a little on the sweet side, but the cheese plate was massive and tasty. Would order again. :) -
Review from Jacqueline T.
Coquitlam, BC
Definitely something unique!
Food & Drinks: I always get the tasting palate and fill it with their soft cheeses & fruity jams! Great wine list (but sadly, my tolerance for alcohol is at its bare minimum) so i always opt for their specialty juices. Pomegranate mmmm!
Service was friendly and encouraging! Apparently all of them are artists in their own special way: One's a hairdresser!
Atmosphere: You've definitely stepped into a piece of art, as the walls are decked out with multiple canvases of people's masterpieces. And it seems that their back wall and washrooms are always changing and repainted on with something beautifully different. The venue acts as your muse, and wants to inspire you!
Then you get that nudge of confidence, and say " I CAN TOTALLY DO THAT TOO" and "TRY" to put your vision to work.. or I should say.. on canvas. Equipment is all provided, and you let your creativity take over.
I recommend this experience to everyone! Its a guaranteed good time with a friend or two! The only complaint I have.. is that the canvases are quite steep in price. ($55 for the smallest). I only say this because, you can buy a nice predone canvas for the same amount or less, and a blank canvas for less than $15. If only the prices of the canvases were more affordable, I'd frequent it more regularly, and buy more drinks, and more tasting palates. But for now.. I'd like to share a canvas with a friend, and paint ourselves a good time! -
Review from Annie W.
10/18/2011
Plan to get tipsy off plenty of wine and not so much food, and then release your inner artist on some blank canvas and plenty of paint. Thank god they provide painting smocks to protect your clothing, because there have been more than a few drunken paint flicks that have landed my way.
There's always the odd show-off artist doing "real art," but don't feel intimidated. If all else fails, do your best Jackson Pollock impression and just fling that paint!
Service is good enough for a place that isn't really a restaurant. Your best bet is to go as part of a group, as they do tend to remember your table more often if there's more of you. Prices are typical of Yaletown (highish), but the crowd is a pretty good mix.
One complaint - after one too many ridiculous small pours when ordering wine by the glass, I will now only order wine by the bottle at Raw Canvas. I haven't completely decided whether that's a bad thing....or really a good thing disguised as bad?
Until I work that out - 3.5* rounded down. -
Review from patricia l.
Vancouver, BC
10/17/2011
Came here for the first time on a Saturday night and it was fun fun fun! The service is super friendly, they serve alcohol, they serve food, and you get to paint. All this put together equals some pretty epic wins on all levels.
I got to drink and paint, but I didn't get a chance to try the food. So I will definitely return here and I would definitely recommend this place to everyone I know as a MUST TRY! Even without trying the food, this place it worth a try. Please stand by for future updates...Listed in: I HEART Food!
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Review from Renee C.
5/26/2011 ROTD 10/13/2011
"Oh, hello, inner artist," says Raw Canvas. "Won't you come in and allow yourself to show?"
As your inner artist excitedly but cautiously enters the lounge, it will be eased at the notion that the inner hungry belly gets to perform first. Their delectable selection of cheese and charcuterie will set your stage, and leave you feeling satisfied as you head to the painting studio area. Oh, and don't forget to listen to your inner sommelier and grab another glass of wine on your way.
With several different sizes of canvas, each with a different price tag, your inner artist is encouraged to let loose and experiment with colours, textures, and techniques. Great music sets the stage....my inner dancer happily shared the stage with inner artist...they were great company, actually.
Wonderful date place, including a date with yourself...go for it....there is something for each 'inner' part of you. -
Review from Michelle R.
Vancouver, BC
7/15/2011
If this is your first foray into painting it might be a cool place to check out. With the purchase of a canvas, you can go wild with the paint-- if you know how to go wild with paint.
We had some drinks-- my partner had beer and I had a couple glasses of red wine. I don't recall what it was (I think I ordered an old vines foch) but whatever it was, it was a good choice.
The plate we ordered was minimalist. Don't come hungry.
I think a minimalist approach to nourishment and a more robust approach to drink is conducive to those searching for creative inspiration.
Well, after a few, very few, yet extremely tasty morsels of chorizo, gruyere, apricot jam, and duck almost-pate, our senses were heightened, our stomachs were yearning, and our appetites were ready for a blank medium canvas.
We're actually old hands at this painting business but had never painted together before on one canvas.
Perhaps it had something to do with a lack of satiation on the food end with the scale leaning heavy on the 'I don't quite recall what vintage', but we proceeded to create a masterpiece that we were more than happy to tote home at the end of the evening.
ps- I just googled their menu. I had a gamay noir '07. Loved it. -
Review from Sarah D.
2/7/2011 ROTD 6/27/2011
This place was founded upon such a cool idea. Wine + painting = fun! Fellas, if you're looking for a funky place to take a gal on a date, look no further. This place makes for the _ultimate_ date spot. It's also just a great spot to spend a night out with the girls.
My husband and I bought a couple of Groupons for a small canvas and a flight of wine, and we were not disappointed. They have a tasty selection of wines, and their flights are reasonably priced, Groupon or not. In the back of the restaurant is where all the easels are set up for people wanting to paint.
When we got there, we ordered our wine and proceeded to the back to start our masterpieces. The service was excellent, and when it came to painting they showed us where everything was, and just let us do our thing. This was particularly nice, as being the terrible artist that I am, I didn't want too many people seeing the monstrosity I was creating. They pretty much let you spend as much time as you want creating your art, stopping by only periodically to see if you needed anything. The only downside was that with all the lights in the studio, it got pretty warm back there.
At the end of the night, we left mildly buzzed and carrying ugly, ugly art. What a great night! -
Review from Betty L.
4/11/2011
Quite a cool concept- a place to paint, hangout , enjoy some light nibbles with a few glasses of wine. They have a pretty decent seleciton of wines at reasonable prices. I checked it out because my friend had a networking event at Raw. Service was a bit slow, it took a really long time to "prepare" my selection of cheeses, salami and condiments.
I don't know how they can make this concept work given that the rent at Yaletown is super expensive. I'll definitely go back and check it out again........as my way of supporting a cool concept. -
Review from duke c.
1/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Accidentally stumbled upon this little wine bar on Hamilton St. since we were looking for a place to relax and escape from the rain.
Now the reason the place is small and why it is called Raw Canvas is because it is actually a wine bar and artist studio combined. On the menu, there's reds and whites from different parts of the world, as well as cocktails and hard liquor for your enjoyment. There's also a small tapas menu just in case you want something to nibble with your drinks. On the other side of the menu, you can actually buy canvas & paint, head over to the back and let your creativity flow, maybe after you've had a glass or two. Very cool idea.
Lots of people actually do this whole painting thing. There are people to help you out if you don't know what you are doing but I saw several paintings that were quite good!
Of course for me, wine is the main focus here :] You get to choose the size of the pour, either in a flight (good to try 3-4 wines), an 8oz, or 12oz. It runs around $2.5-$3 for each individual wine as a flight and easily over $10 for the 12oz glass.
For the first glass, opted for the Emiliana Eco Balance 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile. A lot more fruity than your typical cab! Went for the Trio 2008 for my 2nd glass, which is a syrah and tempranillo blend from Spain. Between the two, you can definitely tell which one had a spicier note. It's nice to be able to try out wines from different regions.
You can also ask the bartender to customize a drink for you.
We also ordered a sampler plate to go with our wines. It came with: Piave Vecchio cheese, dried apricot, Parrano gouda, organic walnuts, elk & juniper salami, and fig & walnut wine spread. It also came with a bowl of baguettes. For $15, it's pretty expensive for a sampler, but the Piave Vecchio, elk & juniper salami, and the fig & walnut wine spread were definitely good eats. I'm now a fan of Piave, which is a kinda of hard cheese with a very nutty flavor. Elk salami was surprisingly good. Not much gaminess and not as fatty as typical salami. The sweet fig spread is just as good as it sounds. We were mixing and matching all the different food with our wine and it became a little competition to find out which combination works the best.
I love the concept of Raw Canvas and even though the place is a little small and could get loud, it's a great place to come with friends and grab a brush if you're in the mood or just sit back and have a glass of wine.Listed in: a rainy weekend in vancouver
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Review from Vanessa D.
Vancouver, BC
11/22/2010 ROTD 2/14/2011
What an awesome space! I can't wait to go back!
We finally used our groupon, and had an AMAZING date night. From start to finish, everything was top notch. Indulge all 5 senses while you create something memorable!
We opted to paint first, and sipped on some really lovely wines. The painting area is well equipped and excellently lit. It would be absolutely fantastic if they had somewhere to put your water, palette, and wine next to the easels, and perhaps had a few more stools. The staff was super cool too, very chill and informative, and not at all judgy of our inexperience or giggles. You can even pick your creation up later, which is a nice touch.
When we were finished arting, we grabbed the last two open seats and ordered some some food. The charcuterie plates are excellent and the wines available are top notch. Not sure that this is the place for a full meal, but nibbles and sips are highly recommended. Very much looking forward to trying a dessert next time.
We also happened to go on a Monday night, which was open mic night! Holy crap, the host and the couple of guys that performed with him were so talented! Some electronic beats, Spanish guitar and Canadian white-guy rapping, when well done, is a surprisingly good combination!
The space is warm, friendly, stylish (without being snobby), eclectic and clean. No, it isn't cheap. But I have said it before and I will certainly say it again, when you come to Yaletown, you know what to expect. For the area, a great value. Sure their website is somewhat seizure/migraine inducing, but nobody (other than Neil Patrick Harris) can be perfect all the time. -
Review from Stephen Y.
Richmond, BC
12/2/2010
I've been here twice and I have mixed feelings about this place, noth times on Saturdays and at night....here goes. This is a lovely spot to gather with some friends for some wine, tapas and some art work. I adore the interior, atmosphere and the people that go here. However, the server that was attending to our table one night was so disinterested in what she was doing, that it was starting to offend me. I will go into details below:
Ambiance (4/5) : As I said, love this joint. The painting area is a little crowded but that's what smocks are for. Large, long tables for group seatings are great, but would love one big round table at least...it's easier for convos!
Food & Drinks (4/5) : I had the tasting plate consisting of : Duck rilletes, Wild boar & Rosemary, and Chorizo Rioja. The duck was tender and amazing. The boar meat was exceptional, not gamey and I loved the slightly chewy texture. Chorizo was good, but not awesome...tough to be in with the other two meat offerings I suppose. However, once, they were out of many of the condiments and for a Saturday night, that's kinda unacceptable for this sort of establishment. Wine/beer was the same too, how do you run out of so many wines and beers for a Saturday night? At least they were able to suggest ones that were closest to the wines I wanted. I ended up drinking a few 8oz glasses of Lotusland merlot...it paired well with my food at least and by the time I was painting, I was just a bit tipsy. Weeee!
Service (3/5) : This is where I was let down. They got my friends order wrong and claimed it was correct and told him that he was mistaken (my friend despises bleu cheese and would never order it!!) Tasting plates were slow to come out, Salt does a better job of this.
To me, the place is great as it's kinda cool to be able to paint as well, but in terms of wine tasting with food pairings, Salt is the place I still go to. However, I would recommend you to try this place out and I'll probably end up at Raw Canvas again at some point. -
Review from Kat S.
4/5/2011
Many have already summed this place up pretty well, so i'm just going to add a few tips and point form my experience.
Best time to go: Monday night. Open Mic Night with very talented performers and less busy than on weekends.
Service: Good when there are only a few people in the place. Chris, the bartender = excellent guy. The other staff can get a bit scattered when it gets busy. Go on a weeknight. You'll be happier.
Food: Sampler plate for $15 is a really excellent deal. It's quite filling and the portions are decent. They don't skimp on the fresh baguette slices, either. So thanks for that! The tiny dried figs are delicious.
Painting: Go with something abstract. Don't do what I did and try and paint a detailed painting. You don't have time, and the supplies aren't good enough to really pull something like that off. The brushes need some serious love. Bring your own if you have some. Sadly, my brain doesn't work in the abstract, arty way I wish it would for this kind of painting. I saw some seriously cool pieces, though. -
Review from Reena M.
11/2/2010 2 Check-ins Here
This place is friggin' awesome! I bought a groupon for this place back in May or June, whenever it came out. However, I was quite confused with this concept before going here. I had no idea how it worked or what the system was. Was it a lounge? Was it a painting studio? I don't get it! Well the answer is, it's both. How it works:
1) Walk in, find a seat at one of the 3 communal tables or bar.
2) Order wine, tapas, beer.. whatever strikes your fancy (optional)
3) Relax, enjoy your consumables
4) When you're done with your food and you decide you want to paint (also optional--this place can also just be a place to lounge), go down to the paint studio part--someone will be there to help you.
5) Pick out a canvas, a smock, and start painting. There is always someone there you can ask for help about colours, shading, whatever.
6) Don't hesitate to order more wine because you can bring it with you to the painting area, but do not leave the painting area with your smock!
7) When you're done painting, you have 7 days to pick it up, so you don't have to take it while it's wet.
8)Return to a table and relax, if you wish.
9) Settle the bill.
I got the Groupon for my 2 favorite girls' birthday so it was a fun activity for us to do and bond over. I've never felt so artistic and it didn't turn out so bad at all. I would love to do it again! For a small canvas, it just takes about 2.5 hours to paint, or less.
Note: Mondays are Open Mic Nights and they're all really good. So it was nice to have some entertainment while getting into the artistic mood. -
Review from Tiffany N.
8/13/2010
I love the idea behind Raw Canvas. Basically an artist studio, restaurant, work space and café they offer up plenty of option for cool people around town to take advantage of what they offer. Up front are a few small tables, a few more communal tables, a few less pugs, free Wi-Fi and table service. People are spread around lunching and working the same.
In the back are easels set up for painting and with such a cool atmosphere I'm guessing the creativity really flows back there. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here (and that's not just the delicious cheeses speaking) and I wish there was something similar in my own 'hood.Listed in: Tiffany C's adventures in…
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Review from Samantha I.
4/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Awesome!!! We stumbled across Raw Canvas while walking around Yaletown looking for a place to have dinner. We were immediately intrigued and made a note to look it up back at the hotel.
We made a reservation for the following night and the experience was nothing like we've ever done before. Cocktails + painting was an amazing way to spend 3+ hours.
The canvas was around $49, if I remember correctly. It seemed a little overpriced at first, but once I saw all of the supplies available, it was well worth the cost. There were so many colors and tools available to create anything you could imagine.
The service was great as well. We were there around 4pm on a Saturday. The crowds really picked up around 6pm, and the painting area began to get really crowded. I would go during the day to avoid the crowds and have plenty of elbow room while painting.
Great, great place. We we had something similar here in Phoenix! -
Review from Cyndi H.
Vancouver, BC
Is there any way I could love this place more?
Well, maybe if Jude Law worked there and spent the night flattering me. Ok, maybe not, I hear he's a DB... but he's pretty. So ANYWAY, I have nothing but rave reviews for this place. It's the #1 place I recommend people go when they come to town. Why? Here's my top six:
1) You get to hang out in a beautiful, warm, creative space.
2) You can create a fun keepsake of your trip (or nite, for the locals)
3) You'll have a blast making that keepsake (even if it's ugly, which mine are)
4) The wine, cheese, desserts, sammy's etc., are oh so tasty!
5) You'll meet new, fabulous, creative people
6) Painting is cheaper and more fun than therapy (c'mon people)
I've been here numerous times for birthdays and random parties and I've always had an incredibly memorable time. Come and paint. You'll like it. -
Review from Gail N.
Vancouver, BC
11/7/2010 2 photos
It was pretty empty when I came here for lunch but I think that's what made it kind of nice too. It definitely has a more of a gallery/cafe feel during the day. People would come in and make a round just to look at the art on the walls and then leave.
The menu is amazing. Some nice veg-friendly items that use mostly, if not all, local organic produce. I had the fresh thai wraps that were entirely raw and tasty. I loved the eclectic decor and utensils (spoons shaped like lightning bolts & ergonomic knives). We had a very friendly Australian waitress as well.
The other half of the lounge is dedicated to being an art studio with easels all set up. I didn't have a chance to do any painting because the prices seem kind of high but I would love to return later in the night as an after-dinner drinks & dessert kind of thing to see how different the vibe is.Listed in: Veg-Friendly
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Review from Mary W.
Vancouver, BC
8/17/2011
I was so happy with my experience here that I wrote an email to the GM. I planned a stagette for my friend, where we ended the night at Raw Canvas. In the process of planning the stagette, I contacted their group reservations contact (Melody), and had to change the reservation twice. Dealing with Melody was super pleasant. She provided me with options, recommendations, solutions, and was just generally really helpful and quick with her responses.
On the actual night of the event, my friends and I arrived early for our reservation but were allowed to sit at the bar and order drinks. I had an absolutely DELICIOUS Lotusland Merlot, along with two other samples I can't remember. I liked how they brought the wine flight with full-size wine glasses, so you don't have to just sip out of the sample glass. The bartenders were so nice to us, and played along with our drunken stagette games. There was a really relaxed yet lively atmosphere, so we didn't feel awkward talking loudly and laughing a lot. Melody suggested that I order tasting platters for everyone ahead of time, since we were a large group, and it worked out really well! People got to enjoy delicious bread and cheese, and we were never short of drinks. My friend (the bride) got to go down to the painting pit and be creative, something she didn't expect to do and really added to her experience.
The icing on the cake was when it came time to pay and leave. I especially have to highlight how perfectly easy and painless the payment process at the end of the night was. I have never had any venue, restaurant or otherwise, organize everyone's bills so neatly by name, and make it so hassle-free to transfer costs between guests (I was paying for the bride and a portion of another guest's bill, and it took all of 2 seconds to arrange). It was the most well-organized payment process I've ever seen for such a large group, and just added to how seamlessly the entire experience came together.
In summary: great food, great atmosphere, delicious drinks and the best, most helpful staff. I will DEFINITELY be back! -
Review from Stephanie M.
Vancouver, BC
11/7/2010 4 Check-ins Here
What a cool concept! Part bar/lounge, part art studio, all creative and fun!
In the front you have a bar with a nice wine list and a selection of meats/cheeses that you can mix and match into share plates. My favourite wine was the Spy Valley sauvignon blanc from New Zealand because you could really smell and taste the passion fruit flavour. Also they have live bands and comedy nights so you're well entertained.
Once you've satisfied your hunger and thirst, you go to the back, where there is a mini art studio. There you can create your own masterpiece with the help of the friendly staff. They will get you set up and offer advice and encouragement to help you get your creative juices flowing. Before this experience I hadn't done any visual art since high school, so it was nice to return to that more "artsy" side of my 15-year-old self. The staff's philosophy is "there is no wrong way to paint" and they're definitely very supportive of those of us who haven't picked up a paintbrush in a while.
This was a really unique, memorable experience. If you want to impress someone with a really different sort of night out, take them here. Thanks to Reena M. for the amazing idea and b-day gift! :) -
Review from Nam N.
Vancouver, BC
2/4/2011
A friend recommended this place to our group on a weekend night and we felt like good wine and cheese so this sounded like fun, the painting that is. Although we didn't end up painting, we all thought it was really cool, definitely have to try out painting one day but I think we were all worried we'd paint something a 2-year old would. Especially after a bottle of red between four.
What a cool place to hang out though. If you're looking to hang out and enjoy an easy chit-chat night. Raw Canvas has a great atmosphere, a very good selection of wines and tasty cheese & meat, YUM.
PRICE: Depends on the bottle :)
SERVICE: Meh, was a little slow and uninviting. And because they are so casual which is cool, I couldn't tell who I should flag! I don't want to flag a customer by accident lol
SUGGEST: If you like wines and cheeses, this should be one of the places to go. Great great crowd. -
Review from Shannon M.
North Vancouver, BC
6/29/2010 ROTD 11/1/2010
I absolutely love this place. And I haven't even tried the painting yet!
We've come here a couple times to check out (and participate in) their Monday Open Mic Night. Amazing. The guy who runs it, Alex Maher, is a ridiculously talented musician who I would happily listen to all night. But so many other ridiculously talented people show up too! And it's all very friendly and encouraging, even for us complete rookies.
Everything about Raw Canvas is cool defined. The decor, the staff, even the bathroom. And the vibe here is unbelievable. When I first heard about it I had major fear that the place would be filled to the brim with pretension, but it's the complete opposite. How often do you go to a place in Vancouver where everyone is super friendly and actually talks to each other? I was so surprised and so pleased when I realized this.
I haven't tried much of their food, but their tea list is awesome and I'm definitely making a point of not driving next time I go so I can try flight or two of wine.
My only complaint would be that the service can be really slow. Chances are if you're hanging out here you're not in a rushing frame of mind, but it's still nice to be checked in on regularly.
I'll be back again and again and again. And one of these days, I'll actually pick up a paintbrush!Listed in: Do Stuff!
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Review from Jasmine T.
Burnaby, BC
8/31/2010
We came on Saturday as soon as it opened at 1pm. We had reservations for 12, but 13 showed up. That's okay, we just added another chair on the end... all of the chairs are different...
The decor is interesting... I am guessing they change it, or rotate artists... Right now, the theme is boobs... all my guy friends were really happy with that theme.
We ordered five meat and cheese plates to share. We asked the restaurant to choose and give us an assortment of food to try. The server asked if we wanted to her to split the bill... why yes, that would be so helpful. She put everyone's drinks on their own tab and she would split the food.
I got a Boylan's Cola... and it was warm. Sure it came with a glass of ice, but now my warm cola has diluted the ice and it tastes like what I imagine licking a fridge would be like. The beer both my fiance and my friend ordered were warm. Perhaps that's the new way to drink it... I LIKE DRINKS COLD! I WANT MY DRINK COLD!
I don't know what I ate because we let the resto choose. The server dropped off the plates and didn't explain what anything was. When the server dropped off the side plates, my friend asked if we were going to cook on the tiles and if so, then his was a little cold.
Now comes the painting! That was so fun! Ignore the sign that says no liquor beyond that point. I don't think they mean it and plus it adds to the creativity. You get to use all the paint and tools you want as long as you don't waste. Oh, and you get to leave your canvas there for a maximum of seven days so it can dry... They have signs posted and they tell you that too... This one girl wouldn't stop talking about how good her painting was and that the restaurant threw it away. On and on... she told them she wasn't mad... they offered her a free canvas and she still went on and on. Riddle me this, if it was so good and important to you, then why didn't you pick it up?
Now for the bill. Since we were there for a really long time, two friends had to leave. They paid the server instead of leaving the money with us since the bill was split. Remember how I said there was thirteen of us? Yeah, they only split it eight ways because that's how many people bought drinks. Then they told us that the people who didn't have bills, should now pay the others that did. Hmm, that's the opposite of helpful. At least they didn't auto-grat.
All in all, I would go back... I had a great time. I would also order my own food, so I know what I am getting and paying for. I hope my friend picked up our painting. -
Review from Karra B.
Burnaby, BC
8/24/2010
Raw Canvas is a unique lounge fast becoming a popular Yaletown hot spot. It's a tapas lounge, wine bar, live music venue and art studio all rolled into one!
That's right, it's a restaurant that doubles as an art studio, where you can enjoy a glass of BC wine while expressing your inner Van Gogh to your heart's content. With canvases starting at $40 and awesome tasting plates to go around, this is a great place to have an interactive birthday party or first date (having fun sure gets rid of those jitters!).
I opted for a tasting plate with: vintage 3 year gouda, juniper and elk salami and wild boar salami ($15 for a combo of 3 meats and/or cheeses and 3 condiments). I got the gouda because the menu said it was sweet like butterscotch, and while I can't agree with this description, I agree that it had a yummy sweet sharpness. The salami's were great and I definitely recommend trying them just to say you had elk and boar meat! We got the hummus and pita to help fill us up, but unknowingly our tasting plates came with a basket full of soft baguette slices. It looks like a little, but I ended up being happily stuffed for the whole night.
The best part about Raw Canvas was getting my hands dirty in the the paint-splattered art pit. All you have to do is buy the canvas and all the art supplies are provided. Feel free to make as big of a mess as you want, in fact, it was pretty much recommended. And if you're idea of art is a stick figure, there's also an art teacher (Hi Inok!) around to help you turn your doodle into a masterpiece.
Be sure to arrive before 7:30pm if you plan to go on a weekend. It gets packed fast! -
Review from Dani B.
5/20/2010
I don't give 5 stars that often but Raw Canvas definitely deserves it.
First off, I am not artsy at all! But, I do love to try new things so after much contemplation I thought why not give this place a try and it was such an amazing, memorable experience!
This place is great for a date but just as good on your own. I decided to take my friend and we had a blast. We started with a flight of wine (to calm the nerves before painting) and these servers really know their wine. They asked us what kinds of wine we liked to drink and recommended different types for each of us.
I had the local flight and my friend had the France flight of wine and was pleasently satisfied. We also shared the Mezze platter which isn't sufficent as a meal for two but will do for as an appie to share (FYI, the food comes from Guerrilla Raw foods, Nuba, and the desserts from Aphrodites, yum!)
So the deal with this place is you can eat, drink and paint at the same time or in stages. The best part about this place is the atmosphere. All the staff is really nice and super encouraging. There are helpers that get you started, set you up w/ a canvas and paint and are always there to answer questions or just give encouragement. As a total ammature painter I was at ease and the pleasent vibe helped calm my painting nerves.
This place is open late (closes at midnight) so take your time and really enjoy yourself. The staff doesn't rush you out and the people who hang out there are super chill too. Also, check out the featured artist, he's amazing and frequents the lounge often.
I just don't think I will ever look at bars the same way again because this place just takes the cake.Listed in: Great for a date!
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Review from Nicole Z.
Strathcona, Vancouver, BC
7/25/2011
I love going to Raw Canvas! It's such a fun time. I have used two groupons at this location over the past three months and each time i've had a great time! Once with my boyfriend and once with my sister. I love how you can go in have yummy little plates of fruit, cheese and meat! Then I get to paint all I want! I LOVE IT! Really brings out my inner artist! The only quams I have with Raw Canvas is the slow service and the fact that it can get quite loud. I will post my most recent painting up here when I get a chance because I thought it would BLOW PPL AWAY! :D
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Review from Miranda L.
Vancouver, BC
7/26/2010 1 Check-in Here
I adore this place!
We first came for the Monday open mic night and it is quickly becoming a regular haunt.
The concept is fantastic - cozy shared tables upfront complete with mismatched vintage chairs and an incredible atmosphere, and painting studio in the back. Buy some wine... buy a canvas. Paint. Not your thing? Come for open mic night and get up on stage or simply enjoy your wine (I highly recommend indulging in a flight) and listen to some incredibly talented, mostly entirely unheard of musicians.
When you get hungry the meat + cheese tasting plates rival any of the restaurants known for that (salt, refinery, gudrun) with decent quantities for the price.
The biggest surprise for this Yaletown establishment is that the Yaletown part is entirely left at the door - everyone is friendly, we meet new people every time we are there, and while it's an incredibly good looking + interesting crowd I can't say that anyone of our group has ever felt out of place.
The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is the intermittent service at times, but we're always there to spend a few hours and are never in a hurry so for us it's not the end of the world.
Can't wait to be back! -
Review from Curtis R.
Vancouver, BC
10/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
I went to Raw Canvas last night for the comedy show. Unfortunately it was cancelled but stayed and had a couple of the wine flights from France and two pieces of pie. The wines were very well paired and nicely presented. The pie was good but not over the top great but it really isn't about the food. The cocktail list was a bit limited and not as interesting as the wine list. Was in the mood for a cocktail as unique as the concept but the wine list was good.
The decor was eclectic with a variety of seating including communal tables suitable for large groups or securing a subject to paint for later.
The concept is fresh and unique. The idea of a liquor primary establishment doing something different is quite refreshing. I will come back again for the Tuesday comedy night and also to paint my new painting of something nude and risque.
Overall I think the concept is fresh, unique and I will come back. -
Review from Sunny S.
Vancouver, BC
10/22/2009
I practiced Chinese watercolor art when I was a little girl and I recently found out how much I missed painting. Nestled in the heart of Yaletown, Raw Canvas Art and Social is a 'soul-driven' company that supports the cultivation of the artist within.
With a warm and inviting semi-Victorian (but a hippy at heart) atmosphere, it's easy to feel comfortable instantly. You walk in, purchase a canvas of various sizes and away you go. Your smock, all paints and tools are supplied for you. As a hobbiest or professional painter, you can paint at ease and let your creativity flow.
They also offer great coffee, with an ethical menu, serving wines from Farmstead and local meat and cheese pairings. They have a lot going on each month so it's best to check on their calender for upcoming events. Every Tuesday for the month of October it's open mic night and a poetry jam being held on October 21. All of which are there to aid you igniting your creative juices.
1048 Hamilton Street, Vancouver BC -
Review from Stephanie S.
Vancouver, BC
1/23/2011
I just want to start by saying that the food was amazing. I also enjoyed the time I spent painting. Unfortunately, the reason I'm only giving them 2 stars is because they had the worst customer service. When I walked in the door the waitress ignored me for 10 minutes before coming over and taking me to my table. Then it took her another 15 minutes to give me a menu. Apparently they don't do their inventory that often because four of the five wines I tried to order had run out. It then took another half an hour to order food, which then didn't show up for another 45 minutes. My friend had to chase down the waiter to order a glass of wine, which then showed up 15 minutes later. As I was paying for our bill, one of the waiters openly complained about how they consistently have the worst tippers and couldn't believe the previous customer only left a 10% tip. A 10% tip, how dare they?!!!! So as I'm using their credit card machine 2 of the staff are in front of me complaining about tips. It was just not cool. You don't do that.
I really wanted to enjoy this experience. It had all the right ingredients, unfortunately the staff ruined it for me. -
Review from Jennifer B.
Vancouver, BC
5/19/2009
Finally- a coffee shop by day/lounge by night that combines good quality drinks, lush decor, friendly staff, eclectic patrons and great music (world, 90's hip-hop, house & soul).
If this mix wasn't enough to lure you in on any given day, the back portion of the space is home to a full service art space where anyone, regardless of their creative background, can channel their innermost painting skills.
During the day I chose Raw Canvas as one of my favorite places in Vancouver to read, write and draw. On weekend nights, DJs paired with live musicians plus a interesting and fashion forward crowd make this a much better choice than most of the Yaletown clubs down the block. -
Review from Amy C.
Vancouver, BC
10/7/2009
Drink wine, socialize with friends, enjoy a large selection of food made with local and organic ingredients - all while unleashing your inner artist. At Raw Canvas, café by day, lounge by night, you buy a blank canvas and they provide the paint and brushes for you to create whatever your heart desires.
The space is in the heart of trendy Yaletown, with an open space concept and tasteful vintage furniture throughout. A quaint and welcoming place, Raw Canvas has the comfort of a parisian grandmother's living room but with a modern and eclectic vibe.
Canvases start at $40 each. Makes for a great date night or meeting place with friends. -
Review from Cassandra E.
Vancouver, BC
3/20/2010
I love this place, I love the staff, I love the drinks, and I love the art!
This is an amazing place to hang out day or night. It's a fun date place or getting a group of friends together to create some fabulous art.
Great for parties or for hanging out and working on some sketches. Tasty wine list and fabulous atmosphere. My favourite Yaletown hangout. -
Review from Vimi S.
Vancouver, BC
3/29/2010
I definitely need to check this place out again! A small and intimate space with retro wood tables, candelight, live music and aromatic teas and coffees. The neatness of this place is that you seat yourself and the tables are arranged like a tavern so you get to sit with new friends. The crowd is pretty chill so you can still enjoy the company you come with as well as your new company.
I only give it four stars because I have yet to experience the food. The menu does look delicious though. Everything is reasonably priced and the coffee menu has a lot of delicious concoctions.
The space is also divided to create an art space for those that are in need of some canvas time. You can pay a price ($50 or so) to use the supplies and build your own amazing piece of art.
A great place to relax with an infused beverage on a cold rainy day. -
Review from Christie S.
Vancouver, BC
5/22/2010
Part restaurant, part art studio, infused with wine, cheese and a generous portion of live music.
Cool decor hinting at Old Montreal, attractive crowd and acid jazz drew me inside. Interesting drink list made me want to stay. The cheese plate lovingly assembled by our attentive and helpful server ensures I'll be coming back.
The mystery of the hidden women's washroom eventually made me leave, just out of necessity, and the beautifully named Starry Night I ordered to drink looked and tasted like Scope. Not your fault though, Raw Canvas, next time I visit I'll stay away from Creme De Menthe based cocktails (what was I thinking anyway??) -
Review from Anita T.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 1/22/2010
Can I just say that I had the BEST grilled cheese sandwich EVER today?
There you go - I said it. It was packed with a few different fabulous fancy cheeses and some grilled tomatoes! That, with a side of Tomato Bisque soup - and *sigh*, I'm happy...
And the coffee, oh the coffee... =)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/4/2009
I went painting last night...
It's not a phrase I say often, in fact, I think it may be the first… Read more »
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Review from caroline l.
Vancouver, BC
3/30/2010
I love the idea of painting while sipping on wine! Although my "masterpiece" turned out to be so horrendous I felt a little self-conscious walking back home with it, I had a great time.
Atmosphere:
Gastown artists meets yaletown yuppies. It is truly a relaxing atmosphere. The service was friendly (no "what are on earth are you painting?")
Food:
I had their grilled cheese sandwich, it was ok, not one of their strengths. They have quite a list of quality teas and a simple but good list of wines to choose from.
Recommendation:
Will definitely go back, next time bring a huge brown paper bag to carry "masterpiece" back home. -
Review from Danielle R.
Whistler, BC
10/11/2010
The Renaissance has come back and placed itself right in the heart of yaletown. Live music, wine, and art.
As you enter the rustic, funky restaurant, you get a real feel that the owners have made it a great place to meet new people as the tables are large and you can sit with others. In the front window, live music is being played on the stage and once the musicians are finished their set, they may even come sit next to you as the seating in the lounge is quite intimate and close.
The walls are covered with an artist paintings which hang upon exposed brick and it looks as if they change up the art on the walls. In the back artists, work on their canvas (starting at $45) which you purchase in the lounge and can also order food and drinks while in their artistic element.
I liked this lounge mostly for the experience and how it lent itself to socializing with friends, but I can't forget the amazing list of wines, cheeses, meats and condiments to go along. I will return to engage in this raw experience again. -
Review from Marc S.
11/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
I dropped in for some jazz and wine. The local wine flight was a little disappointing, but apparently their wine list is undergoing an overhaul. The jazz was quite nice.
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Review from vanessa G.
Vancouver, BC
8/11/2010
I love the concept behind this place. Buy a canvas and a beer and use the free acrylic paint, easels, and brush's to create your master piece. Set in Yaletown, in my friends old hair salon space, they have managed to set at atmosphere the emanates chill and creativity. I guess it helps that yogi's are running it. Perfect for parties or a night out.
