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Roundel Cafe
Categories: Restaurants Vegetarian Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants Burgers Vegetarian, Breakfast & Brunch, Burgers [Edit]
2465 E Hastings StVancouver, BC V5K 1Y8
Neighbourhood: Hastings-Sunrise
(604) 253-2522
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
39 reviews for Roundel Cafe
Review Highlights
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"Service is always friendly and efficient." In 3 reviews -
"...down to the ketchup and hot sauce is homemade by an..." In 4 reviews -
"This place is retro with a modern twist." In 6 reviews
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39 reviews in English
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Review from Kova P.
Coquitlam, BC
5/25/2012
I came here on a Thursday for their burger special. You get a gourmet organic beef burger, a side of greens, and a beer... all for $11! I'm not a big fan of beer and I was able to substitute mine for one of their tasty milkshakes (they have over 10+ flavours!).
I have to agree with some of the other reviewers, this place is definitely a "hole-in-the-wall" but at the same time, there is a bit of a trendy/hip vibe going on.
For the price, I definitely would not complain. Apparently they have awesome breakfasts here too and I will definitely try that out next time I am in the area. -
Review from Deniz T.
5/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
I showed up at work to learn, I could take the day off if I wanted. Don't you just love those days, the sun is shining, life is good, suddenly nothing to do... Being so happy, I sang with Butters from Southpark his favorite song as I rode back from North Shore in my head, then louder when I was passing a convertible or the tour bus by the Stanley Park.. "You take away the biggest part of me. Woo-oo-ooooo-oo-oo, uh baby please don't go. Woo-oo-ooooo-oo-oo, I just had to find my say to you tan..."
A healthy breakfast is needed. A quick stop at home and get the summer outfit on, flask of wild turkey, throw blanket, dried fruits and nuts, smokes, macbook, dvds to be returned, headphones.... Load up the Vespa before going to Roundel, a coffee at the Prophouse later and then we hit the seaside in an empty city, while the rest are cursing the Monday fever in their offices, work sites, heads and what not...
This is my third stop at Roundel cafe. Always good memories. There are few spots in the city that you can get decent eggs, and not by any snobbish standard to say. Just not scorched, or vinegary, rubber, under in poached and sunny side cases rather than over, mostly.
Roundel cafe does an awesome job. I have ordered the special, which as a restaurant worker is kind of odd. People think that cooks sit and let their imaginations run wild, so that they can come up with dishes. Not in most cases. Sunday brunch specials or weekday specials are mostly whatever is not processed or sold is all put together and composed to a friendly form. Fish trim and 2 day old seafood; linguine putanesca, over ordered shrimp; seafood crepe or chowder, trims of cleaned steaks; meatballs or lasagna, brownie trim; ice cream with brownie chunks, chicken that is not sold, butter chicken... etc etc etc... Not that it is a bad thing, just the way it is. And of course unsold specials are staff meal...
Long story short; eggs benedict on pumpkin pancakes with bacon and feta. Sounds promising, let's see if they can deliver. The plate is a happy scene, full of food and color... The special, salad, hash browns with chunks of yams as well. Eggs are cooked well, a bit vinegary, very good hollandaise, good damn seasoning-, decent hash, fresh salad... undressed... sigh... Salads are the unloved child of the industry. They have an argument; everybody likes different amount of dressing... Tsk tsk tsk. Everybody likes well made things; even if they are not in their comfort zone. But then again this is a friendly breakfast joint, so it is ok. The pancakes were a bit heavy though, but over all, it was frikkin delicious. Coffee was standard, service was excellent. Very homy, very comforting, great if you are havin a bit of mornin blues. I definitely be back on a regular basis. -
Review from Terry W.
North Vancouver, BC
5/1/2012
I have been to the Roundel quite a few times. It is hip, has a good greasy spoon hole-in-the-wall atmosphere and the food rocks. Lots of healthy options and vegetarian.
There feature Bennies never fail to satisfy. It is a good brunch place. Coffee is quality, burgers are meh but the veggie burger is great.
Love the open WiFI too. Prices are fair. They also have an EXCELLENT kids menu. FINALLY something other than mac n cheese, chicken fingers or fries.
Terry -
Review from Racheal M.
Vancouver, BC
2/20/2012
I'm writing this review to clear up a couple erroneous statements I read about the Roundel on this site.
First: The Roundel is not expensive. As a matter of fact, it's extremely affordable. Most breakfasts (and these are full-out breakfasts) cost $8-10. Comparable breakfast restaurants usually charge $12-15.
Second: The Roundel is not a wanna-be retro diner. The owners are a married couple who clearly tried to bootstrap when opening up the place. They are far from the artsy, "I'm in the room" personality; rather, they are pretty discreet and more interested in building a solid customer base than being trendy.
Third: The Roundel is not a greasy spoon. Their whole cache is that food is naturally healthy and delicious - so don't ruin it. Absolutely nothing they serve there is deep-fried. Breakfast comes with your choice of salad and rice or baked potatoes. Furthermore, they make all of their sauces (ketchup, jam, hot sauce) in house. It's as fresh as it gets.
As you can tell, I quite like the Roundel. And if the food doesn't get you, Sergio, the restaurant's main server, will. He is truly a great human. The food could be a little more consistent, but it's always worth the price. -
Review from Lisa M.
Vancouver, BC
2/28/2012
They make an amazing ham and cheese omelette. Their ketchup, hot sauce, and jam is all homemade and delicious. The service is fast and friendly, the atmosphere is lovely and the food is great.
One of my favourite breakfast spots in Vancouver! -
Review from L. James V.
Vancouver, BC
1/26/2012
Go to the Roundel.
Order the eggs benny with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers.
Then order the pear, walnut, and blue cheese salad.
The guys in the kitchen will be rude to the servers, so don't sit too close to the kitchen...it'll just piss you off. Ask for anything you need from the kitchen, like mayo or a side of bacon, well in advance of when you need it. Don't expect mods to be actually adhered to. But the food will be great.
Your server will likely be awesome. So will the milkshake that she makes.
The place is cute and totally good for the severely hungover and young families alike. The bathroom is freeeezing...best to hover over the seat unless you want your bum to get cold.
Two people can walk out of there for a solid brunch with drinks for under $30. -
Review from Malloreigh M.
Vancouver, BC
11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm surprised I haven't reviewed the Roundel yet.
This little Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood spot is most popular for its brunch menu but, I discovered recently, is open in the evenings as well. How handy! Their tofu burger is pretty good, especially with avocado on it. Better yet is their tofu scramble. They flavour both of their vegan options similarly, but how often are you going to have the burger and the scram in one day? Who ARE you ANYway?
The food here can be slightly hit-or-miss. Oh well. Sometimes the scramble is FUCKING AMAZING and sometimes it's mediocre. Much better than most tofu scrambles in town, still.
I do like their use of space. They did a lot with not a lot of money and I appreciate that.Listed in: Vegan Vancouver
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Review from George H.
1/3/2012
Great, healthy and affordable brunch spot.
Four hung over guys walk into Roundel and received friendly service and some tasty caesar's for hair of the dog. We didn't have to wait for a table which is a nice perk. And there are a lot of healthier options (turkey bacon) if you don't want pig for breakfast.
The only thing to be aware of is that they make their own ketchup so it's not exactly what you'll expect. -
Review from Kevin F.
Vancouver, BC
2/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
My wife swears by this place but always ends up taking someone OTHER than me. We finally went a few months back and I haven't been compelled to write about it as it was neither amazing nor disappointing. We went for brunch and I was excited by how unassuming the whole place was. Service was amazingly prompt; my coffee was never left unwarmed. And though I love places that try to make all their own things, I was not a fan of their homemade ketchup (years of heinz indoctrination?). Too much super sweet vinaigrette on the salad and the potatoes were cold. But that seems petty; it was all so cheap and relatively good that I will still feel jealous if my wife goes without me...
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Review from Roanna Z.
Roundel is still my favourite lunch or brunch meeting spot in the Hastings village, even after over 3 years. The other popular nearby place is cute and fun too but Roundel is adorable and it's a good atmosphere for having conversation because it's a little more intimate. I like the booths against the wall (except they really need to put some padding back into those cushions) ouch! The old-school blender for milkshakes is a good throw back and the rotating artwork adds a nice touch too.
Roundel is like a step up from a typical modern Diner in style and in their menu. The quality of the food is what really makes the place stand out, it's just darn good eats.
I had the best brunch today! Their truly amazing Tofu patty and with a side of free range eggs (big yellow yolk), and locally sources bacon that all went down really easy. This was the perfect gluten free, non dairy brunch I can ever imagine, and I'm not paying the price with indigestion, yay for good food!Listed in: Gluten Free/ Dairy free eats., Come on over to the VEV !, Fi*ve st*rs of awesomeness
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/4/2009
8 check-ins here. Last updated Sept.2010
Still the best in this 'hood. The roundel has NEVER let us… Read more »
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Review from Sam M.
Vancouver, BC
10/15/2011
I'm not sure what's better about this place - the food or the service!
Seriously, the fajitas are out of this world good.
Sergio..Sergio..Sergio!! -
Review from Renee P.
Vancouver, BC
7/7/2011
I have been here to eat a couple of times over the past few years, and it has always been good. I find it a particularly comfortable place to come and sit by myself: it is small, casual and unpretentious. The food is fresh and tastes - well - real!
My new favorite thing is going to get the $10 Burger and Beer special on Thursdays! I had it a few weeks ago and the burger was fresh and delicious, and the beer that comes with the special is quality. The best part is that it came with a bit of salad and a bit of potatoes on the side ...just enough to make you feel like you were eating a proper meal.
This is a nice place to go with one or two friends and so I hope to make it a weekly treat, whether friends want to meet me or not! -
Review from Purdy J.
9/1/2011 2 photos
We originally wanted to try the Red Wagon but was too hungry to wait in the long line up so decided to try Roundel Cafe. The restaurant was full but didn't have to wait too long for a seat.
Service: The server (a lady with short hair who seemed like the owner) was a little snobby but friendly and made sure we were taken care of. She and the other servers seemed to be overlapping each other with the workload but I think she was just making sure the customers were happy and that service was efficient. Service is fast but the food comes out slow (but that's good right, it means they are making everything to order, right?).
Food: Everything is sourced locally (but does that mean the stores that they buy locally get their products locally as well?!?!). We had the Corned Beef Hash and Huevos Rancheros - it was a good, solid meal but nothing outstanding. The hot sauce was definitely needed to add a bit more kick. Prices were reasonable at ~$8-9.
Blueberry Pie: Small piece at $5 (or $6 with ice cream). Not too sweet. Crust was a little over baked.
Coffee: Ordered an espresso and latte... disappointed that the latte tasted mostly like steamed milk... little to no coffee taste.
The diner has a cute decor but don't sit in the booths if you don't like getting bumped during your meal. The back of the booths sway back and forth so you're leaning against the table behind you. It can be annoying if there are little kids sitting there (imagine sitting on a plane with a little kid kicking the back of your seat during the whole flight). Instead, take a pass on the inviting looking booths and sit at a table by the window.
Can't wait to try Red Wagon so I can compare. :) -
Review from tee a.
4/28/2011
Retro diners seems to be the new craze.. This place is retro with a modern twist.
Great service and seems like everything is made from scratch.. I'm not sure if I like the non processed type of ketchup.. but I'm sure it's a lot more healthy for you.
Came here for brunch, would love the try the dinner. Sandwiches looked good too. -
Review from Jasmine O.
Vancouver, BC
2/28/2011
I'm always looking for a breakfast of champs... always..
As a HUGE eggs benedict fan I pretty much always order one from a menu I've never tried before and, if I'm impressed, I will probably continue to order that same benedict at each visit.
I've got to say that although the restaurant is small, it feels like the perfect size. I'm satisfied with the service and will definitely make another weekend brunch trip here... unless the red wagon has room..Listed in: Breakfast of CHAMPS!
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Review from J N.
Vancouver, BC
7/24/2011
Cute diner; great to sit by the window. Fast service.
Loved the water served in jars. Tasted filtered which was good. :)
Ordered: clubhouse + salad= tasty. Clubhouse was fresh; a bit on the smaller side but perfect for 1-2 people; salad seemed like it was from a bag but came with a nice apple vinaigrette dressing. Not too heavy esp. when ordered on the side.
Total with beer $18 (with a 4 dollar tip; 25% for good service).
French toast looked awesome; have had breakie here before and they were ok.
The whole diner ambiance makes the place
Enjoyed the fortune cookie at the end, too I would def. return here again as it's the second best diner in the 'hood. :)
Roanna is right; free parking is always a bonus and always available. There is also a great butcher just up the street so you can take something to bbq on your way home. -
Review from Rachel G.
Vancouver, BC
12/23/2010
The food is fantastic and the setting gorgeous; I love the comfy booths and the updated retro diner look.
The service, I'm afraid, is a bit hit and miss, depending on who is on duty - and, if you're headed there for breakfast or lunch on a weekend, be prepared to wait. It's probably a good idea to have a back up location planned if you head there hungry, as I've had to wait upwards of half an hour for a seat.
The menu has lots of great options for organic and vegetarian diners, and is pretty healthy fare. They make their own organic ketchup on site, which is yummy, but Heinz fans may find takes some getting used to.
No need to leave the little ones home - kid and family friendly. -
Review from Desigirl D.
11/8/2010
The best part about this restaurant is the food :) I have been there quite a few times (for breakfast and dinner). The organic menu has impressed me every time, too bad I can't say the same about the service. The short-haired blonde waitress (not sure is she still works there) is VERY rude.
Despite the bad service by this one particular waitress, I would still recommend the Roundel Cafe to viewers. -
Review from Michael C.
Vancouver, BC
1/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Gotta say, I have a soft spot for these retro style diners. All ingredients are organic and everything seems to be made in-house, hollandiase, hot sauce and even the ketchup.
Excellent food and great service. I read some reviews about the service being iffy, but I always go here early when it's only 2 tables here and the service is always in tune.
Oh yah, there's a $10 beer and burger here on Thursdays..... wait, that's today! Sooooo there!!Listed in: Hastings Chow Down
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Review from Fonny C.
Vancouver, BC
11/24/2010
I live 3 blocks away and I've yet to get there on time before the line starts for weekend brunch. The experience sorta reminds me of Bon's, but maybe not as ecclectic. The thing is, you go to Roundel, get a seat, put your order in and enjoy the food. Nothing more to it. Yes, there are rickety seats, so you remember them for next time, or make your unbeknownst friend sit there. LOL. I'm addicted to their homemade hot sauce, the roasted potatoes and love tormenting the white hair grammy waitress. She's a bit of a character, but totally lovable.
Besides, you can't beat their burger and beer $10 deal on Thursday. That is a REAL burger. -
Review from Jen W.
Vancouver, BC
11/9/2010
Short version: Good, and a nice addition to our brunch-location rotation.
Longer version: After reading a number of reviews I'll admit I was a bit frightened by what we might find at the Roundel.
But! The food was excellent, and everything down to the ketchup and hot sauce is homemade by an obviously passionate and enthusiastic staff & ownership.
The previous reviews that mention rickety booths and a somewhat run-down looking interior are accurate. This place does not survive on its good looks and physique.
During our visit it was very busy (10:30 on a Sunday) and the owner/server and other staff were quite pleasant. We were served promptly, efficiently and courteously considering (and perhaps even in spite of) how busy they were. But this is probably not the place to go if you are in a hurry.
Go for the good food, enjoy the pleasantly proletarian ambiance and try the eggs benny. -
Review from Simon R.
BC
11/27/2008
Trendy and hip, the Roundel Café is a great example of how the Commercial Drive gentrification process is starting to creep over to East Hastings Street as well.
With its savvy vegetarian options and unique additions to the menu, it stands out as coming from the new, younger generation of roadside diners. A perfect example would be the corn flour pancakes, seemingly exotic but just as predictably mediocre as regular pancakes.
Basically, this hole in the wall café is nothing special, it's just very image conscious and looking for attention. The only thing that really separates it from other cheap diners is that it's definitely not cheap. -
Review from Tim L.
Vancouver, BC
3/25/2009
I was definitely on-the-fence about this place for a few months but after living in the area for about eight months I have to give it the thumbs down. That's not to say it doesn't try, because Oh Lordy does it try...it really, really does, it's just that it seems to try too hard. Instead of being its own breed I sincerely believe that it's attempting to emulate some pre-formulated idea of what a "cool" place should look and operate like. And that's cool, but it just ain't for me. All the fun is gone.
As for the food, it's pretty decent with healthy, non-greasy portions but, as an example, instead of giving you just straight strawberry jam for your toast they give "jam preserve" or some shit. C'mon. Nevermind the trying-too-hard-factor, the stuff was actually pretty bland and tasteless. And as a side note: no, I do not want some "vegetable greens" with my breakfast. Aren't "vegetable greens" like bacon's sworn enemy? Save it for lunch and beyond.
Okay, now I'm getting all worked up, sorry. Just one last thing, and this really was the kicker. I was running some errands to London Drugs one day and thought I would pop in for a quick coffee...so I sit down in the moderately filled cafe, order a coffee but when the the menu offered I declined since I only wanted the coffee. The owner/manager at this point makes some comment about this being a "restaaaaauuurant" in her faux french lilt essentially implying that I should order more or GTFO. That summed it up for me. Fuck that shit, so I took her hint and GTFOutted and never came back.
Side note: good for any urban zoologist wanting to observe the hipster in its natural habitat. -
Review from Bart E.
Vancouver, BC
7/13/2009
We just moved into the neughbourhood and are real brunch fans - and roundel met our lofty standards. Imaginative menu, friendly service and natural ingredients made the meal exceptional. Expect large portions that get wrapped up for you in biodegradable containers. The next time we go back we want to try the Hallah toast, or one of the milkshakes from their exhaustive list.
Two notes. First, there is meat on this menu! Second, arrive early as lines build by 11:00.
Enjoy! -
Review from Jordan H.
10/17/2009 1 Check-in Here
I live 3 short blocks away from the roundel and have mixed feelings about the place. It's hard to rate because they're really all over the map.
The food can be great. They use quality ingredients and their menu is just extensive enough, but they misfire on a lot of things.
Breakfast: Lately I've been ordering eggs and farmers sausage for breakfast and it's been very good. I don't like their huevos rancheros because the beans are bland, the tortilla is a bit tough and the yogurt they use instead of sour cream just doesn't do it for me. They focus on bennies a lot but I find their hollandaise runny. I'm not an omelette person so I just end up with the eggs and farmers sausage which is always solid. The hashbrowns are half yambrowns which is a big plus.
Lunch/dinner: they have a homemade veggie burger which is great. Finally a diner that doesn't serve yves or kirkland veggie patties. I've had sandwiches and rollups here and neither was memorable.
Some other notes:
- the music is usually really good. The stones, old blues or soul tunes, yesterday they were playing old animal collective.
- the service has always been great for me, although I have
friends who report otherwise.
- the food is very wholesome (could be why some is bland and tough, herein lies their challenge)
And one final gripe: Get some proper water glasses. And put some
ice in the pitcher. It's not rocket science.
I love some of it. I hate some of it. But it's right by my house and there's nothing else like it around. -
Review from Louise G.
2/8/2011
Funny story.... when our friends suggested we meet them there for brunch I thought she said "Round Owl". End of funny story.
We met them there for brunch and I was less than impressed with the attitude of the wait staff. But our friends eat here on a regular basis and seemed to know most of them so I just excused the lack-lustre service as a by-product of over familiarity. I am not one to be overly judgmental so I generally give places a second chance - unless it is an issue of sanitation.
Second chance came a while later when another couple of friends suggested we meet them there for brunch. We arrived before said friends and informed the hostess (seemingly the owner) that there would be 4 of us. There were two tables open (no booths) so we went to sit at one of them. She practically screamed at me "NO! Not that one!". I was a bit taken back. I then asked if we could wait for one of the booths which seemed to be about to clear. In the rudest tone possible she told us we'd have to wait outside. Understandable considering the small space, but no reason to be rude. We waited outside, like good little children, and shortly our friends arrived. The booth cleared and she made no effort to let us know that she now had space for us. All of a sudden she noticed who we were with (a local chef and his partner) and all of a sudden it was like we were made of gold. The change in attitude and demeanor was almost sickening. Then I was quite sure that I had not imagined her poor and disrespectful treatment of us as I now had something to compare it to. It wasn't a case of her not being able to provide good, friendly customer service to me - she just saw no need to.
Brunch was average. Not worth the price for the average food and the potentially awful service. We will not return.Listed in: The Best Of The Worst, VEGETARIAN
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Review from Liz M.
Vancouver, BC
8/28/2011
Breakfast was nothing short of amazing! I love this little retro-styled cafe. Home-made ketchup? Awesome! Lots of great food at this little gem.
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Review from Kate B.
3/30/2010
Stopped in for breakfast while in the neighbourhood. I saw this cafe from the bus window when we went by, the adorable chrome tables caught my eye. For $8, I had the savoury tofu scramble served with potatoes, salad and toast. The scramble was excellent, loaded with mushroms, peppers, onions and topped with a sprinkling of seasame seeds. My partners heuvos looked excellent and she thought the yogurt was a nice touch. The service was chill and relaxed, I didn't experience any of the pushyness the other reviewers mentioned. Loved the modern twist on a diner, complete with country classics playing - Patsy Cline was perfect for a sleepy weekday brunch.
I would go back again for the scramble and there are some other items I am interested in trying - the tofu burger is on my list for an afternoon or evening meal.Listed in: Brunch Diaries
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Review from Ory O.
Vancouver, BC
9/1/2010
This place has a bit of sentimental value for me because I have been brunching here regularly with my niece since she was about 1 year old. It's also the place where last week she told me I wasn't invited to her 5th birthday party unless I shaved my beard. What a weirdo.
Anyhow, the Smoked Salmon Eggs Benny is divine.
Problem: I usually drink way too much coffee while I'm there due to those darn diner cups and the swift service of the staff.
Solution: Vanilla milkshake. -
Review from Chris T.
Vancouver, BC
6/1/2011
I love this place. Though the category says "vegetarian" and they do have vegetarian food they also have organic burgers and other meats. I like the service. I love a place where I order an americano and after I'm finished they come around with some surprisingly good drip for a free refill. The short hours throw me sometimes. Closed at Saturday at 5pm? Really?
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Review from Laura A.
Vancouver, BC
4/16/2009
This hole in the wall has a special little place in my brunch black book! Conscious and responsible food choices leaves you with a less guilt and grease on your plate.
French toast is yummy, but it does bug me that you have to pay extra for a tiny pot of yogurt. The veggie stir fry is delicious and salmon bagel is tasty.
Service is always friendly and efficient. Interior is bright, clean and comfortable and the music is always appropriate for a Sunday morning chill out session. -
Review from Megan G.
Vancouver, BC
11/1/2009
I really really want to like Roundel Cafe more. I live super closeby, and it has cute seating and tables, and looks nice from outside. But the food is only mediocre, and never exactly what I was looking for. The owner does come across like a little over the top or pushy, though I don't think she realizes it.
The breakfast descriptions sound like they should be amazing, but then are only so-so. The milk shakes were ok, but are generally just bottled flavourings added to a standard shake which is alright I guess, but not five-dollar shake (think Pulp Fiction) worthy.
Have only been by for breakfast/brunch, so maybe they do better at a later time of day, but I think they can do a lot better with a little work and consistency. -
Review from Shelley B.
Vancouver, BC
8/10/2010 4 photos
A story about being at the cafe.
Next month will be hectic, yet delightful - the message inside my fortune cookie, received after a meal at the Roundel Café. I bought it, this time more so than after an order-in Chinese feast. It was something about the Café itself; it was unexpected.
I'm smack in the middle of East Hastings and Nanaimo crossroads in search of a reputable vintage boutique, called Tiger, Tiger. A man carting newspapers compliments my smile, which I didn't think I had on. It's sunny outside, for the first time all day.
You can imagine my disappointment in traveling out to this parched commercial strip to find the store boarded up and closed for good. Alas, I roll with the punches and decide to take a seat in the café next door, whose sign stands out like a sore thumb amongst the run-down Lotto store (a room where 3 unassociated, unkempt men idly watch television), a Discount Butcher Shop with a window full of meat and pies, and other lackluster establishments.
Sliding doors at the front of the Roundel Café open to the street and I take note of the skinny, tattooed dude and his pretty girlfriend enjoying a chat by a window table. A screeching, "Come on in!" is directed to me. Behind the bar, about 5 and half feet and round, with a nearly shaved head, the server waves, and you could say, smiles. It's more of a squinting of the eyes coupled with her movement towards me, but it seems the intention was to give something of an impression of a smile. She gives the bar-top a whack as she maneuvers out from alongside it, and my attention is diverted to the 3, goofy, unshaven men, sipping from longnecks on stools, giving me little nods and glances, stupid from the afternoon drink. They seem nice enough.
While seating me, my server explains the place isn't usually this quiet, that Thursdays and Friday nights are busy for the cheap beer & burgers combo: $10 on Thursdays cause it's beef, and $11 on Fridays for Tofu - they make the best Tofu burgers in town - the beers local, R&B Brewing, Red Devil, and Monday's like an industry day so it's always busy then, but Tuesdays - quiet. A sigh. A life-long server always has plenty to say, even on a slow day. I order a Chai Milkshake.
Huge Lori Sokoluk paintings line the wall above chrome booths, and I wonder if it's our server who painted them. They're really nice, pastels and even-richer desert tones, washed-out landscapes with a calm, dreamy quality; a nice distraction from some of the competing details inside, like the raw, unfinished wood lodged between the sliding doors, or the random curtains covering who knows what on an opposite wall, turning these into endearing character. The milkshake is sweet and cold and tasty. It comes direct out of the mixer in its frosted silver sleeve.
Another couple enters the Café, apt time-travelers from the late '50's, she with a sprained ankle, which is promptly given refuge by the server under one of their vintage-as-fuck chairs, as she explains that she guesses they're here for lunch, not breakfast, but there's pancakes on special if that's of interest. I decide she is not Lori, the painter.
They make their own ketchup here. And other stuff too - everything's made in house, of course. And they use free-range eggs, organic produce, the works. The ketchup is really, really good - I have some with the potatoes accompanying my chicken, apple and brie wrap, which is served without the frills and I like it. Barebones whole-wheat wrap, a little sweetness from the apple, and a lot of creaminess from the brie, some lettuce, all of it very lightly grilled. It's just like the whole place, the café: a little sweet, pretty warm, nothing fancy about it. A server who's weird enough to make you wonder what's in the ketchup, but it's so good for it not to matter at all. Someone else enters, she could be a prostitute coming off from a shift, or someone whose husband beats her. She's here, among the blue-collar drinkers at the little bar, and hipsters dinning coupled, or quickly and alone, and everyone fits in perfectly.
The server approaches the woman and asks if she'll have anything, mentioning too that unfortunately it's no longer the Florentine soup, because that was delicious, but she thinks zucchini, a vegetarian soup. Suddenly I'm aware of the way I might be perceived by patrons at the Café where I work, often as quiet as this one today, and I feel relieved that I've just put in my two weeks notice.
The bill comes with a fortune cookie. I'm satisfied, in a very settling way, with my experience on East Hastings. I think I'll go back some time, and try another plate, if only for the feeling of being inside the Roundel Café. -
Review from Gordon S.
Vancouver, BC
5/1/2011
It started as a nice experience. The food was good and arrived with only a slight delay. But service was really haphazard, with one request completely ignored. Not an inexpensive restaurant. I'm also tired of old 'booths', where the rambunctiousness of the next booth makes you feel like you're on an amusement ride.
My co-diner felt the same. We won't rush back. -
Review from Anne R.
Vancouver, BC
10/31/2011 2 Check-ins Here
best brunch. cheap brunch. most stuff under $10. Line may look long, but they move you quickly. pulled pork benny on crab-apple waffles. go here. too full to type :)
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Review from Jennifer D.
Vancouver, BC
8/20/2010
This place is GREAT! They use organic, locally sourced when they can ingredients as much as they can. Everything tastes fresh. I've had a few different dishes here and they are all delish. Their specials are usually fantastic. I've not been yet for the Thurs/Fri nights. strictly breakfast/lunch. LOVE it here. The staff are super friendly. It's a laid back diner. And in the diner tradition, you server will oftentimes strike up a conversation. So if you like to be cattle-herded out the door, this might not be the place for you.
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Review from Ian B.
Vancouver, BC
2/27/2010
Hastings-Sunrise is the new Drive. This is the Cafe Deux Soleils of this cute neighbourhood, but with better coffee.
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Review from cole g.
Montréal, QC
11/24/2010
The food here is excellent. The decor is retro, with arborite tables and bar, reminded me of Foundation on Main St. The chef has great taste in music. The eggs are the oranges I've seen in a restaurant. Pricier than other places in the area, but worth it.
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Review from Luisa D.
12/6/2009
Went here for breakfast with some friends that live around the corner. It was packed but a table came up pretty quickly. We ordered coffees and waters which came out promptly but one coffee had a hair on it. The milkshakes took longer. When I asked if our server thought they were shaken enough she said "The thing is, everything here takes forever." It was actually funny and made us laugh so she got away with it. We ordered some Bennys and the omelette of the day with carmelized onions, ham and cheese. Everything was very delicious. I believe the eggs are organic, free range. The hash browns were a nice mix of potato and yam and I don't mind getting some mixed greens with my breakfast. I wouldn't drive across town to get here but it's comfortable and decent value. My friend said once she was there and when the chef's came in from out back a waft of pot aromas came with them. I'm not too worried about a stoned chef though. Some creative types do their best work then!
