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The Calling Public House
Categories: Restaurants Canadian (Traditional) Nightlife Bars Pubs Canadian (Traditional), Pubs [Edit]
1780 Davie StVancouver, BC V6G 1W2
Neighbourhood: West End
(604) 801-6681
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 2 am
Fri 11:30 am - 3 am
Sat 10 am - 3 am
Sun 10 am - 2 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
31 reviews for The Calling Public House
Review Highlights
-
"...wide range of treats and their daily specials are fabulous." In 2 reviews -
"Huge fan of this English Bay gem." In 9 reviews -
"I live nearby, and always order the beef short rib dip." In 2 reviews
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31 reviews in English
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Review from Esther G.
Vancouver, BC
3/11/2012 1 photo
OMG this might be my favorite pub. Came here twice in one week. They have awesome specials for the rest of March: $3 whatever beer for that day, $3 wine and $3 well highballs? Why am I not there right now??
Also tried some of their food. The chicken waffle sandwich based on the waitress' recommendation and because I've never had anything like it. Never even had chicken and waffles, period. (I mean the combo not chicken. and waffles.) So this new experience was amazing and made me wonder what took me so long. One half was a little burnt though. That's OK. Hardly noticed.
Second time, the three of us shared their ginormous nacho platter. Pretty decent. As with all nacho platters, it had way too many chips with the ingredients piled high, so fairly quickly we were left with a bunch of chips and no toppings. Oh well.
I love the little corner area that they have that's right next to the door. It's secluded and perfect for people watching. It gets cold obviously, since you're right by the door.
I know the Donnelly Group has a bad rap and I've only been to two, but they're not so bad. I like that they have the same menu. This place is also way better than Smiley's. Yeah there isn't much to be said for the decor, but when you're in great company, it doesn't matter. -
Review from Tom B.
1/23/2012
We left the hotel, turned onto the busy street, and pretty soon had to pick between an annoying sports bar and this little dim grotto. The dim grotto won after five seconds in the first spot. It paid off handsomely.
There are high tables packed in around the room, and, even during the heart of going-out hours on a Friday evening, we easily snagged one. The crowd was a nice mix of all different kinds of couples on dates, by and large, with a couple groups of 3 or 4. There are flat screens over the bar showing games, mostly hockey, but the tabletops are marble and the upholstery is leather. You can either catch scores and highlights, or pretend you're in a spot that's too sophisticated for sports, depending on which way your tastes have you pointing in your seat.
We ordered beers and snacks. The server was charming and easy-going, as was the bartender. We had steamed edamame, pulled pork sliders, and poutine. The edamame were delicious, and so were the sliders. The sliders were pretty easy to eat, not too sloppy good flavor, nice presentation on a wooden cutting board, and they had tasty roast pickle spears on top. We did our level best to add to the rich tapestry of jokes about how "poutine" sort of sounds like a dirty word, but we probably didn't add too much to that particular cultural heritage--not anything that hadn't been said before, anyway. It was good, though. Yummy gravy, flavorful cheese curds, and good hot fries.
We lingered through a couple more rounds before wandering back to our hotel. Everything about this place was a welcome antidote to the wearying effects of a couple hours on the road. I don't know that I'd call it a culinary or imbibing destination, but if I'm in the West End again and end up here for a drink or food, I'll definitely be happy with it. -
Review from Jonas J.
Vancouver, BC
1/4/2012
I came in last week for Bangers and Mash and a Guiness. The food was uninspired, portions were small, and pretty expensive.
Worse, the crappy music they played was so loud that people were yelling to be heard and I left with an ear ache.
I live in the West End and there's way better places to eat so I won't be coming here again. -
Review from Namit M.
12/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Always thought Donelly Group was like the McDonald's of Vancouver pubs - never really doing anything great but just doing enough to suck you back in. That was until we met The Calling.
Miserable execution of tasteless slop that they call food. First of all the place was freezing inside. Seems like it was the patio for the adjacent Milestones that was hastily converted to the pub, with leaky single pane windows.
After about 20 minutes of ordering the food, our waitress promptly came to apologize for the delay and said to wait 5 more minutes. Well 20 minutes after that we were served our dishes, however, they messed up the order.
The Mac N Cheese was awful - you could make it a 100% better if you just used the Kraft variety. The burger was dry. Lastly I ordered the burger with the Yam fries, but they brought out the regular variety. It took them another 10 minutes to get the order sorted out. Only this time the Yam fries are not really yam's but sweet potatoes- big NO NO.
In this down economy I think I will spend my money elsewhere. The happiest moment of our meal was when it came to an end and we left! -
Review from Amanda L.
11/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I have been to several Donelly club and by far this one is the blandest, there is no sense of decor just a typical bar with black walls cause they lazily tried to "spruce it up."
The food is a mix up of the same options you see at the other Donelly pubs, not surprising. We started with the drink specials, I tried to get the Granville Isle Brew but is was gone and they replaced it with Fat Tug which was the rankest bear I have every drank, I couldn't even come close to finishing it! My boyfriend got the cheap wine of the night which tastes like cheap airplane quality box wine but was drinkable unlike the beer!
I got the Portobello mushroom sandwich which I did not like, it was chewy in a rubbery kinda way, I quickly pulled out the mushroom and just ate the sandwich. The yam fries were really good as usual, this is one of the few things they do well.
Like usual it took a good 15 minutes to get our bill after we had asked for it and it was not at all busy. I have this problem at EVERY Donelly pub, why is so card to get the damn bill, do you not want my money? I know several people that have dined and dashed because of being ignored by the waitress over 10 minutes after requesting their bill and sitting in a near empty restaurant! -
Review from Randall S.
New Westminster, BC
8/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a gem--both as a pub and restaurant. The food is VERY good, and mostly in the local/sustainable category.
I live nearby, and always order the beef short rib dip...it's served like a grilled panini with cheese inside too, and is outstanding. Dreamy, in fact. Their fries are also divine.
Neither my partner nor I drink, so the beer menu is lost on us, but we like the food and the buzzing...sometimes loud, atmosphere. And the views, well, English Bay is right there if you get a good table.
We've never had a disappointing meal there, and will return.
The food here is FAR superior to Milestones next door. -
Review from Kez M.
Vancouver, BC
10/6/2011
I love this place, I really do.
The decor is funky in a gothic sort of way, the view is beautiful, the staff are friendly, and the food is amazing. I love the blackened chicken burger, I get it every time, can't beat it. The food is locally sourced, and I believe the chicken is free range, which is great if you don't mind paying a bit more for chicken that wasn't stuck in a box and fed hormones it's whole life. The drinks are a little on the pricey side - but that's kind of what you get for drinking out in Van these days. -
Review from Justin M.
Vancouver, BC
9/3/2011
Dropped in for a beer, planning to head elsewhere for food, but the menu looked interesting so we decided to give it a whirl. We were super impressed - really excellent food. My wife had a simple salad and half panini from the 8 dollar lunch menu, and was delighted by the freshness of the greens which didn't require much dressing.
Service was good enough, and we had an awesome table overlooking the bay. Looking forward to bringing our out-of-town guests here next week. -
Review from Jaden N.
North Vancouver, BC
8/23/2010 4 Check-ins Here
I've been to The Calling on several occasions. Usually to catch the last bit of sunlight before it sinks below the horizon in English Bay. It's really a great spot to people watch and take in the afternoon sun.
This time The Calling was pretty much full so my fiance and I sat at the bar. Definitely a first, the atmosphere was slightly different. It was a fun spot to sit as you could watch the staff run around and see what the cooks were up to in the back. There was also a set of interesting characters sitting around the other side of the bar. The people watching aspect was definitely still there. The Calling is a dim lit pub once the sun has gone down.
The bartender was friendly and prompt to take our drink orders coming back with a food menu right after. Normally we would go on Tuesday which is $10 Burger and a Beer night! Great deal! However it was Friday so there weren't any apparent specials.
I still ordered the Mushroom Burger as I've had it before and enjoyed it.
For some reason the burger that night gave me a stomach ache. Maybe I ate it a little fast due to the ultimate hunger I had at that moment. It's not like it was anything serious, I'll definitely be back to try out another one.
My fiance had the blue cheese and bacon burger which is also really good.
I had the Granville Island Honey Lager which is usually a favourite of mine, but for some reason it didn't taste quite right. Possibly the keg was nearly empty or the taps/tubes hadn't been cleaned for a while. It's normally really good at The Calling.
The bartender tried to sway us into a desert menu but we declined and decided to call it a night.
With the winter months coming quick, pick your sunny afternoon soon and stop by The Calling! -
Review from Curt H.
North Vancouver, BC
5/26/2011
Good beer and burger specials excellent location...BUT
Went to pay the tab, they don't accept interact (unfortunate trend in the core - business owners can take a huge cut here this place charges 3$ to use their ATM!! What a rip!) so i said to the waiter I'll be back to pay as I'll go up the street to my bank for free. He was peeved when I got back and gave me big attitude. Really not nice.
I these business forgo the accepted method of convenience paying, and flip the tables by charging us a premium for the service, then there are consequences like me going to my own bank for cash.
These guys got pissy about it, maybe it was because I did not leave 3$ in their ATM? -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
8/16/2010
This is as close to success as the Donnelly Group gets nowadays. but only due to the spectacular view.
This bar has nothing going for it other than the Great View.
Oh, I should say that the service/bartenders here are the best of the Donnelly Group lot. They are by far the nicest and very accommodating.
the pub itself has a strange dark setup inside and a very awkward seating plan. But the patio is pretty nice, greap for people watchign and watching the sun set. -
Review from Tee D.
7/27/2009
The Calling isn't a place I would say prides themselves in their culinary offerings, but what they do offer is standard pub fare and decent seating for people watching.
We ordered the fish and chips and the turkey club with yam fries. I thought the fish were a little puny, but tasted fine. The turkey sandwich was a typical turkey sandwich, although, I didn't like the bread it was served on. The yam fries were actually the highlight of the meal; they were sweet and salty and well cooked.
I thought the service was prompt and friendly. Our server was really chipper and smiley and kind of reminded me of Matthew Goode.
Bonus star for the Calling! -
Review from Allison F.
8/17/2010
Whether out for a quick drink or dinner with friends, or prepped for quiz night, every occasion at The Calling has been fabulous.
The menu includes a wide range of treats and their daily specials are fabulous. Select appetizers are super cheap during 'happy hour' and I would highly recommend their poutine. The portion is huge and who doesn't like short ribs added on top?? Chicken wings range from being large and juicy, to small and lacking meat, but the salt and pepper and Guinness BBQ are definitely sauces to try.
Quiz night is a lot of fun on Wednesdays and be sure to arrive early to grab a seat. The questions are taken from that day's Province newspaper and so be sure to have a flip through it to increase your chances. Free pitchers of beer are given away if you're ready to belt out the lyrics to a song and drink specials keep you going all night.
This location is perfect at any time to get a full view of the beach without having to get your toes sandy. It can get a tad noisy due to being a small venue, but long tables and inviting booths mean you'll never have to sit alone. -
Review from Denni P.
Vancouver, BC
8/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Five stars for a fantastic organic, local menu with a million dollar view. Pub fare is not my style, or I thought! Huge fan of this English Bay gem.
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Review from Alex D.
Vancouver, BC
3/8/2010
As I sat here watching the sun slowly slip behind the horizon, the waters of English Bay shimmered. Flashes of colour danced across the bay like flames as young couples leaned together on benches and stared wistfully at the horizon. A slow procession of trim taught and terrific middle aged runners dragging their undersized mutts amble past, and as I sip my Granville Island Pale Ale and contemplate life and beyond, I consider this...
Does it really matter that this place is just a stock standard Donnelly Group bar with mediocre food and their trademark bulk black paint job. Not at all if you get a seat by the window as the sun sets by the sea. -
Review from Leanne B.
7/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Service, atmosphere and music was great!!!! The food not so much, so get a beer her then go elsewhere to eat!!!
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Review from Chloë E.
Vancouver, BC
1/8/2009
My only visit to The Calling was a rather unmemorable experience. The interior was dark (seriously, that's all I can report for the atmosphere), but thankfully the views are beautiful.
We met friends here and navigated through the close-packed tables to reach a booth-high top combo table. Soon after a window booth opened up and we requested to snag it.
The menu is stocked with pub grub. There are some pleasing draft beers on tap.
It's run by the Donnelly group -- the same folks who run Library Square Public House. I guess they've been getting black leather at a good discount, because it seems to be their modern decor of choice. -
Review from Barney B.
9/8/2009
This used to be our buddy's 'local' - I see why. Nice tight pub with open air options and friendly service.
It's the kind of place you want to hit on a thursday afternoon as much as a friday night. -
Review from T N.
10/10/2011
Brunch on a quiet, empty Sunday brunch. Worst. Service. Ever. Chicken and waffle sandwich tasted like it was made by a 6 year old
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Review from Terry A.
Vancouver, BC
3/14/2011
Having just finished trashing another DHM establishment I feel the need to say that I've always gotten good service at this location and have no qualms about spending my time and money here. Pretty good cocktails (although there is one bartender that is quite heavy handed with the bitters, and for me to say that is something) and really delicious poutine.
I don't think I've ever gone there and not met an odd character, although that is also true of most places in the West End. It's like the salt air rusts people's inhibitions somehow and makes them lean towards bent.
Good place to meet up for a cocktail, even better if you want to people watch and meet strangers (emphasis on the strange). -
Review from Paul R.
Vancouver, BC
10/29/2011
A good and a bad.
As a neighborhood local I had tried The Calling years ago and recall a really poor excuse for a sandwich; the details of which I have fortunately forgotten.
I've been observing Donnelly Group's growth over the years, and went on-line to look at their menus.
They read well, intrigue me, so I went back.
The Sunday prime rib dinner rocks! $15! I was quite skeptical before ordering it, asked detailed questions, and was duly impressed.
That was my good experience.
The banquette benches are mounted for tall people and should be corrected for the average person. No excuse for that at all.
The lighting needs addressing: it should point at 'things', not people.
The screens are on different channels, which makes TV screens extra annoying, but this has apparently become standard equipment in most places these days. God forbid you might lack some annoying mental stimulation when you go out for food and drinks these days. And that annoying light that TVs throw off. Anyhoo.This gem of a location already has atmosphere galore from English Bay, along with the flash of vehicles and people sailing by day and night.
The bad food experience was the burger.
On my (just mentioned) prime rib night out, a nearby patron was raving about their outstanding burger that he comes here for. I was stoked.
Well If you like a thick, rubbery, under-dressed patty, 'shiny bun', fries coated in something crunchy, then have at it. $14.
Service sucked that day as well.
Like a previous post, my gut ached all day and night after that burger.
The Calling has a cash machine mounted at their doorway and should at least clean up the mass of paper receipts littering the entrance and the sidewalk or get rid of it. Not an impressive start to your visit.
I'll be back for the prime rib. -
Review from Lee E.
Scarborough, ON
10/20/2011
We had a voucher for this restaurant and I'm so glad! My friend had the pub burger and fries and I had mushroom soup and quinoa (I think, it was a grain) salad. My friend said the burger was among the best he's ever had and I was thrilled with the soup. It came with bread and the salad was fantastic, it had dried dates and apricots mixed in. Absolutely delicious. We'll definitely go back.
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Review from Becky L.
1/6/2009
Yeah, not so much. Forgettable atmosphere, rave-ish tunes, tight and poorly laid out space, aloof service, ugly patrons. I like the name but that's about it. No desire to try the food. Plenty of great places to get your drink on in this town than the Calling House.
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Review from Andrew H.
Vancouver, BC
12/17/2010
I've been a semi-regular here for a while now. Depending on the server on duty the service you get can really vary.
I go here every Wednesday for the trivia night they host which is an absolute best. As well the view is spectacular.
Fun place, but again depending on the server, it can really affect how the night goes - nothing like one week being told to shut up by a server for asking a simple question, to having an absolute blast the next week with a different one. -
Review from Walkie T.
Vancouver, BC
8/2/2011
I really like the Calling. I used to go often when I lived in the West End (2 years ago) but stopped going once I moved to Yaletown. Now back in the West End, and I'm a regular at the Calling again. I've noticed a marked improvement in their food. The soups and sandwiches have been excellent lately, and generally good service, although it is sometimes inconsistent. As another reviewer mentioned, the lack of Interac as a payment option is highly highly annoying. Great views, good food, good service. Good daily specials.
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Review from Mercedes G.
Vancouver, BC
9/29/2008
Although the cuisine at The Calling House is nothing to holler about, mostly typical new American bar food or some variation thereof, but the view of English bay all but makes up for the less than stellar gastronomic servings. This is a wonderful place to come for a bottle of wine and good conversation over a gorgeous English Bay sunset.
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Review from Victoria R.
BC
12/4/2008
Okay, so could there be anything wrong with a bar that is on the one of the best corners of the city? Overlooking English Bay, during the summer months there is nowhere better to watch a sunset or sunrise (well, that would be on the beach). I would never eat here, just because it's the kind of place you go to drink. And drink you can! I would do spirits here that are mixed, as in a vodka soda, gin and tonic, beer that sort of thing. A friend of mine was visiting in the spring and he sat for hours talking to the bar guy, sipping on absinth apparently. Don't know if it was true or not, he was a bit of a storyteller, but hey. It sounded exciting.
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Review from Richard D.
Vancouver, BC
8/31/2008 1 photo
This is a burger, chicken sandwich, chicken wings and sandwich joint and bar with a fabulous view of the English Bay.
They served a good burger with cheese (cheddar or gorgonzola) and fries for $11. The burgers came with the stringy fries. I prefer good, thick steak fries with my meal.
The waitress was a bit busy when we were there. She didn't check up on us but did respond to requests, such as providing soda refills ($1) and more ketchup.
The cheddar was just a very thin layer, but that's because cheese costs a small fortune in Canada. So it's understandable they don't put a nice hunk of cheese on the burger.
The burger has a lot of seasonings in it. At first, it tasted like a bison burger or something. It was good but different.
The pre-tip bill was $31 for two burgers with fries, two cokes and three refills.
Try to check in advance when the sun will set and visit a half-hour or so before so you can enjoy your meal as you see the sun descend toward the horizon and disappear, turning the sky a beautiful orange.
The Calling also serves an inexpensive brunch, with entrees for $7 to $10. -
Review from Sierra L.
12/12/2009
I absolutely loved this place. A friend and I stayed across the street for a few nights, so we came here frequently. great yam fries!! The first night was alright, It got better though the more we came in. The bartender was super nice and friendly, super hot too! As two 20 year old girls from the states, the calling made our bar experience very nice lol. Also on sunday they had a great prime rib special.
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Review from Darien C.
BC
11/14/2008
This place is... calling my name. God, I love a good pun. That wasn't a good pun, fair play, let's move on. Situated right on the corner of Davie and Pacific, this is a great watering hole for West Enders. Although suspiciously lacking a patio, the large windows display English Bay. Mind you on a hot summer day this isn't enough for me and I would rather opt for the large patios at Milestones and The Boat House next door. The tables are large and made of beautiful wood, truly a great place to rest a drink. The bar is well stocked with the standard. Most beers are available they do a great job of keeping stocked. The wine list is decent and can satisfy most palettes. Frankly I just love the large, long stemmed wine glasses, always a favorite to sip red from. If you want a room with a view and don't care for the nearby chain restaurants, then The Calling is a safe bet for locals and tourists alike.
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Review from Tylan A.
8/28/2010
Hopefully the waitresses swallow loads better than they wait on guests. We have been there twice and both times have waited for over 30 minutes to get our orders. Pathetic! Bend over next time ladies. Maybe that will help your reviews next time!
