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The Elbow Room Café
Categories: Restaurants Diners Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Diners, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
560 Davie StVancouver, BC V6B 2G4
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(604) 685-3628
- Hours:
Mon, Sat-Sun 8 am - 5 pm
Tue-Fri 8 am - 4 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
77 reviews for The Elbow Room Café
Review Highlights
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"Mmm mmm good (try the french toast made with pound cake." In 5 reviews -
"...selection but be prepared to get your own coffee and water." In 3 reviews -
"...brunch institution with its no-nonsense brunch fare with a..." In 4 reviews
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77 reviews in English
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Review from John K.
5/22/2012
So... I was staying at the Same Sun backpackers hostel and the girl at the front told me about this place. They were known for their rude service which is done on purpose which I thought was hilarious.
It was a short walk from out hostel but it was really easy to find.
Service:
To be honest the service is a lot better than most places that actually try to be helpful and nice. The waiter was really nice and funny. The rude behavior was very entertaining. The experience was hilarious and great. The service was quick and nice. Good food takes time so it was a little wait, BUT just looking around the room was entertaining from all the celebrities photos that were hanged and just looking at the rules of the Cafe was a wonderful experience. The menu was so funny to look at and the varieties were great!
Being from America we were getting criticized for being American but it was hilarious! I thoroughly enjoyed this place.
Food:
The food took a little long to come out but it was great! I ordered "The Rocky" it was really filling and I absolutely loved it. The assortment of flavor really hit that "Travelers Breakfast Hunger" right on the spot. My friend took a little too long trying to decide what he wanted for toast so our waiter ordered it for us and told us to live life on the edge and selected jalapeño sourdough. Toast was awesome! The quality of the food was great.
Price: Although we were on vacation the price of this place was a bit quite high. I don't know how I would feel spending 17 bucks for breakfast at home but since we were on vacation, I decided it was ok.
Overall had a great time and enjoyed some really good breakfast food. I would recommend that you come here if you feel a little splurgy. If your on a budget you might cringe a little.... hahaha but I really love this place! -
Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
4/2/2012 1 photo
The slogan for this place is "Eggs and Abuse." The eggs were delicious ... but I didn't get any abuse! Which I'd heard so much about over the years. I feel a bit cheated! I was with friends who are total regulars, so maybe I got special treatment. However, I was expecting sassy gay waiters, but our servers were just a couple of nice women.
It was a lot like any other diner, except decorated with photos of celebrities who've visited the joint over the years ... and you also have to get your own refills on coffee.
The food was very good. I ordered the Patricia "not a benny" plate, which was scrambled eggs, red peppers, mushrooms and bacon over a bagel. I thought about ordering hash browns on the side, but am glad I didn't, since I already struggled to finish it all -- and I have a big appetite. I was full for the rest of the day!Listed in: Diners
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Review from Deanna S.
3/30/2012 1 photo
One star because it is EXTREMELY overrated.
Considering all the great things that I had heard about this place, I was not impressed.
The first time I came here, I ordered the biggest pancake you could get with fruits and stuff inside. It definitely was huge... but it was also disgusting. If it was a great tasting, light, fluffy pancake, I probably would have been able to finish it because I am a pig. But instead, it was so heavy that I just felt disgusting halfway through.
There wasn't really anything special about the service either. They weren't rude to us. They were colourful and nice. The only thing that really made this a novelty cafe is that they were very flamboyous gays (which was great, don't get me wrong... but the gay humor was the only thing that set this cafe apart from all the others).
There wasn't even anything special about the decor. It was just old, with tons of newspaper clippings all over the place. It didn't give me a "50's Diner" kind of feel, it gave me a "this furniture has been here since the 50's and needs to be replaced ASAP" kind of feel. It looked dirty (though I am the first person to stick up for dirty-looking places because that's usually where you find the most disgustingly amazing food).
The second time I went, I wanted to try the pancake again and instead got a smaller size, assuming that the problem with the last pancake was simply that it was too big to possibly be good. It was better, but still nothing to write home about.
I plan to go back once or twice more to try out some other things because I know it isn't fair to rate a cafe based on a pancake. I want to love this place like everyone else, but overall, I just found it disappointing and overrated. Oh, and it's actually pretty expensive for what it is.
I'll definitely write another review next time I make my way over here. I hope they deliver next time! -
Review from Stephanie M.
Mississauga, ON
5/23/2012
My husband and I used yelp to find a local breakfast bar within walking distance to a local car rental agency we used and happened upon this place.... The host/owner was absolutely enjoyable with their quirky smartass service, we were laughing and smiling the whole breakfast and the food was served super quickly and was absolutely delicious!! I would definitely go back there again if we're in Vancouver again. :) PS - Leave any attitude and chips on your shoulder at the door and enjoy an entertaining breakfast with an open mind.
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Review from Evilyn T.
3/4/2012 3 Check-ins Here
FINALLY after a year of searching in the West End for the right breakfast spot, we found it. The Elbow Room, which it surprisingly had plenty of on Saturday morning, that is if your morning and breakfast start at 2pm like mine, is known for their greasy spoon breakfasts with a side of sarcasm.
Now granted I didn't actually order breakfast, I ordered a dang quesadilla with a side of soup (you can get salad as a side instead), which I couldn't finish anyways. The soup tasted like Thanksgiving, it was potato and garlic, but they must have added in rosemary and some other spices, because it tasted like a warm family dinner in the fall - except nobody was fighting. The quesadilla was great, stuffed with spinach, peppers, onion, and cheese, it came with a bit of sour cream drizzled on it, and a small cup of salsa. (I could have used more sour cream, but did I really need the extra calories - probably not). I was excited to see that they have milk shakes on the menu though since that is one of the BF's hangover cures, and lord knows he has one of those every weekend (not the milkshake).
The BF had a spinach benny called the Thelma, which did not come with hashbrowns (they are $1 extra) which he devoured, so he helped me finish my soup. He said the eggs could have been cooked a little more on the inside, but he practically licked the plate clean, so I am taking that with a grain of salt. Our server was a flamboyant ex-film fluffer (or at least that was what he told us) with a sharp sense of humour, who took great care of us. However, if you don't finish all of your food, which is why I needed the BF to eat my soup, you have to make a donation to A Loving Spoonful, which is a volunteer group that provides meals to people living with AIDS. Not that I don't think the donation is worthy - I totally do! I just had no cash on me! Seriously I had to pay by plastic.
If you are a masochist (which apparently I must be) this is definitely the place you want to be. I've heard there are places that charge you for this kind of cruelty, and you don't even get breakfast! At the Elbow Room the abuse is free, and the breakfast won't break the bank. I will definitely be back.Listed in: Best of the best, Beers, Steers and Queers
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Review from Justeen M.
Vancouver, BC
3/29/2012
We were excited for the "abuse" from the servers! Unfortunately, the abuse was mostly annoyance and just interrupted our entire meal (not that that was a bad thing because it wasn't very good). I hardly ate anything and willingly agreed to donate to the loving spoonful just to get out of there... although when trying to leave, the waiter followed us all the way outside, speaking to us in french just because we told him we were from the maritimes? We pretty much had to run to get away. "Unique" place and I like the retro diner feel.. but we won't be returning.
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Review from Erica B.
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
If you can get past the "bad service" shtick, you'll LOVE the food. I ordered a delicious veggie benny and mimosa. Both were amazing and the mimosa was large, served in a tumbler. You basically get two mimosas for the price of one.
Be prepared to make a donation if you can't finish your food. And by "finish", they mean absolutely clean your plate - no left over pieces of tomato or spinach are allowed =) -
Review from Jacob K.
1/3/2012
One more to tick off the bucket list. The famed "Elbow Room" provided me with possibly the best burger I've had on the west coast. It was juicy and very tasty
Now that I have eaten there, I have no desire to go back. I know that the staff is famed for their rude attitude, and so "been there, done that".
I did develop a soft spot for our server when I went to pay the bill, since he'd been running ragged since early that morning. Next time I want to get my own water, I'll just stay home. Next time I want to be called "Princess", I'll go back to the Elbow Room. -
Review from Diana L.
Vancouver, BC
1/18/2012
This is the kind of restaurant I tend to gravitate to.
Good food. Comfortable atmosphere. Interesting factor. Reasonable prices.
I had the standard breakfast fare, but everything that the people around me were eating looked very good. Also, I saw many people talking to the staff as regulars--always a good sign.
I was reading the articles written about them when they first opened that were posted on their walls while waiting for my order. And I love their concept. My waitress was actually really nice, but then I was alone and would have been mortified if they had been mock-mean. Plus it was morning, so who needs attitude first thing. Self-serve coffee and water? Cool. Like.
Prices are pretty standard, I think.
It ain't McDonald's. -
Review from Mark H.
Vancouver, BC
2/17/2012
Wrong!!
I am a Canadian, but this place prides itself on 'trying to be like New York.' Bad service, & RUDE waiters doesn't have anything to do with Manhattan. I went to school and lived in NYC for six years - this place is nonsense. Living in Yaletown I've driven past on a Sunday morning and seen these "suckers" lined up for what I'm certain will be an unpleasant experience. We all have choices in life - there are MUCH better places in Vancouver.
M.H. -
Review from Brett Y.
2/27/2012
After encountering a line at a nearby brunch establishment, we reluctantly entered the Elbow Room Cafe. The "bad service" thing was amusing and not really a big problem, although service is one of the reasons you go out to a restaurant. My partner ordered an iced tea and I requested a coffee. The iced tea came in a can and was loaded with sugar (and therefore not consumed) and the coffee was terrible.
We both got eggs for breakfast and also shared a pancake (they made great claims about their pancakes). The eggs were good and hit the spot, but the pancake (at $10.95 if I recall) was the most expensive, worst pancake we've ever had. I'm a terrible cook and I've made *much* better pancakes, and you can certainly do better out of a box. This was rubbery, tough, and lacked much taste at all.
I think we spent nearly $60 with tax and tip, for a bad breakfast for two. Ughhh. -
Review from Chris F.
Vancouver, BC
2/26/2012
I have lived beside The Elbow Room Cafe for about two years and have never went in for food, until today. And trust me when I say this, I have been missing out these last two years.
First and foremost, the food is absolutely amazing. I had the Rocky Five (Not the movie) and it was delicious.
I had heard that the service was the "rude-entertaining" style. However, it wasn't rude at all. I loved it. It was simply colourful, brash, and engaging conversation that keeps you on your toes! And my friend and I loved it.
I will be adding The Elbow Room to my weekend rotation and I can't wait to try the other meals.
Simply awesome! -
Review from Reena M.
I love this place and its sass! I went here last time in 2005, and nothing has changed other than the price (it's gone quite a bit up from what I remember). I came with my best friend who has a gluten allergy for an early weekend breakfast. They made it clear there are no substitutions so I was wondering if they would substitute her toast for something non-gluten. And they gave her tomato slices, which was really nice for her!
I got the Sandra french toast which was made of raisin bread, and added strawberries on top. I also ordered a side of sausage, to which the server called me out by saying, "What's the matter hon, you didn't get any on the weekend?" The french toast was really good. Not super fancy like one you'd get at Crave, but wayyy better than other diner french toasts.
Just remember, you have to get up and get your own glass of water, and coffee after the first cup.
I really feel that the price went quite a bit up as my meal totalled to $25 without tip for french toast with sides and coffee. It seems like about what I would pay for brunch at a more upscale place like twisted fork, or more than that. But I did get 4 slices of french toast and 2 extras with it which were $2.75 each.
And it is an entertaining place to go, as Doug G. said, "if not (because of) our server then at some poor diner at another table that broke a rule."
You can also feel good about eating here because they do a lot of charity work. :) -
Review from Chris B.
Vancouver, BC
10/19/2011
I love it here.
Food is fantastic, the portions are more than generous, and the comedy... there is nothing like it.
The atmosphere of hilarious insults wouldn't work if the food wasn't great. It is.
If you don't eat everything on your plate you are required to make a donation to the Loving Spoonful, which is a wonderful mandate.
Patrick is the funniest server EVER.
Take your mom. -
Review from Marc W.
This joint is WONDERFULLY GAY!! Like for Realz, I woke up one morning and was walking around town looking for breakfast and i thought "why not stop at this place with the nice multi-colored rainbow flag right by the entrance. This little North American Diner- style restaurant has a whole lot of character. From the names of the menu items to the flaming flaming waiter.
I arrived at about 9.30 on a Saturday morning and the place was packed! Being by myself, they had a nice single table immediately available, so i bypassed a whole bunch of patiently waiting groups and parked myself at the tiny single table. Packed house meant that i had some time to survey the surroundings before the waiter came to take my order. Decor was simple and traditional Diner style (no surprise). The walls however were adorned with picture after picture of restaurant staff and guests playing *ahem* dress-up and just having fun. I was loving it!
Then i turned my attention to the menu. Flipping back the cover, you are first confronted with a 1 page list of rules (I HIGHLY SUGGEST YOU READ THIS BEFORE EVEN ATTEMPTING TO DO ANYTHING ELSE!! Not doing so may get in in trouble). Have a look at the photos here for a pic of the rules page. The waiter came over with a cup of coffee and promptly proceed to tell me that this was the only cup of coffee that he was going to bring me and that if i wanted more that i should "GET MY A$$ OFF THE CHAIR" to get it myself (rules #1 & #4). I love it!!!
He gave me time to thumb through the menu of line after line of Gayfully suggestive names (Rule #4). (WARNING!! For parents of young children. Be prepared to explain to little Susie when she asks you to explain to her why she has to "WATCH HER A$$ BECAUSE THERE ARE GAY MEN BEHIND HER" rule #9. Or for that matter, every other name in the menu ).
The (male) Waiter came back to take my order "Hello Lady!!! What can i get you sweetie". For a second there i was just a tad confused... last i checked i had appendages that would definitely disqualify me from being a "Lady". I wasn't so much confused that he called me a Lady as much as i was having an identity crisis at the moment. Does it mean that i'm effeminate? Perhaps i should have laid of the the pink chapstick this morning... oh wait.... that was lipstick..... (jk). Well... back to the gym i guess).
Anyway, i got the Mr Alberta - Steak, eggs and hash. My God that stuff was wonderfully awesome! It's everything you want in hearty meat & potatoes kind of food... IMO way too much for an ordinary person to finish. As he turned to walk away, the waiter caught sight of a group of people getting up to leave and *gasp!* some of them had left some food on their plate!! He promptly (in a joking way) reminded them about the last rule "IF YOU DON'T FINISH YOUR FOOD, A DONATION WILL BE COLLECTED FOR CHARITY". Everybody had a good laugh and the customers proceeded to drop some coins in the collection box at the end of the cashier's counter.
In a coupla minutes the food was all gone! Bearing in mind rule #5 to be considerate to other people waiting in the cold outside and "Remove [myself]... when there is a line up!" Although feeling a bit rushed, I promptly did so. I glanced down at my plate to make sure that i wasn't in violation of the last rule and went up to the counter to pay for my food. "HELOOW YOUNG LADY", said the middle aged gentleman behind the counter. We had a great laugh.
Bottom line, i would sum up this place as "Wonderfully Different!!". The food was great and the atmosphere was jovial and quirky. For more conservative individuals with young children, be prepared to answer some interesting questions from their young inquisitive minds.
If there is a long line out the door and you don't want to be rushed, i'd say go somewhere else, but otherwise, it's most definitely a place worth checking out! -
Review from Stephanie M.
Vancouver, BC
8/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is great! Full of attitude and has the great food and authentic diner feel to pull it off. I came here with my bestie for an early morning breakfast on a precious weekday off (thank you, stat holidays). When I saw the "no substitutions" warning on the menu and after being told to "sit my ass in the corner", I was a bit nervous about asking for a toast substitute due to my gluten issues. Our server told me he would ask the kitchen to give me an extra tomato slice instead, but I actually got at least five big slices of a very fresh tomato, in addition to the fruit that already garnished my plate. As for my main course, I had the cheddar and black forest ham omelette - for "people with no imagination", the menu said, but hey, I was in the mood to stick with a classic. The omelette was huge, absolutely perfectly cooked, and loaded with ham and cheese. Delicious!
I didn't mind having to get my own water and anything after the first cup of coffee, although I wasn't very impressed with the coffee itself. Otherwise, as I said, the food was excellent, the servers were just sassy enough to be entertaining without being insulting, and the decor is very 50s diner. The walls are filled with pictures of famous people who have visited, many of whom I don't even know, which just goes to show how authentic this neighbourhood establishment is. Although it may be a tad pricier than what you would expect, I think the food is worth it and it is definitely no more expensive than the other brunch spots in the neighbourhood that may have a more upscale atmosphere but where the food isn't as good. -
Review from Kate W.
Vancouver, BC
4/27/2011 5 Check-ins Here
What a laugh reading these other reviews complaining about getting their own coffee, hah!
This place is DELICIOUS and pricey. So many things to choose from, hard to go wrong! On our last trip we had a couple of sandwiches, a turkey club (with real fresh turkey) and a Veggie Sandwich. It's quite expensive so we don't go as often as we'd like but it's always fresh and tasty so I highly recommend it to anyone who's laid back with a good sense of humour. -
Review from Margaret B.
12/21/2011
Interesting unique experience. Waiter/owner? was a hoot and beneath the gruff exterior, a real friendly guy. We had our kids with us - if you are squeamish about language then be prepared. Food was ok to pretty good. Pricing was probably 125% of the pricing i expected. $15 omelets for instance, $5-6 smoothies. But we were visitors to the city and enjoyed our breakfast. Memorable.
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Review from Alex S.
11/25/2010 2 photos
Do I like to be cussed at when ordering food? maybe. Do I like hearing the owner call other customer's siblings b&@*#es? Odd but kind of. Do I enjoy getting my own refills of coffee? Actually yes.
This place is a greasy spoon, food served here is meant to take a few minutes away from your life but the incredible pork meats: ham, bacon and sausage make a great appearance as their greasy goodness is taken to another level by this bawdy breakfast place.
I ordered the Lumberjack, two eggs, bacon, pork sausage, ham, country potatoes, toast and a slice of orange for decoration that i quickly tossed away. The breakfast hit the spot, nothing too incredible about it however it was a notch above IHOPs or Dennys. Overall felt like i grew some extra chest hair after eating this meal and even cut a few trees down in the afternoon just to burn off some of the energy provided by this machoman breakfast.
While eating the owner of the place, a very flamboyant man was criticizing someones sister for being to testy, used a few choice words and well, it just seemed normal here. He then came at me and asked me why i was wearing a LA Kings scarf in Vancouver, i provided some healthy clean banter and well, he respected that and allowed us to go on our way. It was a fun experience, meal was filling and its nice to see what the local flavor is in terms of breakfast joints. -
Review from Lindsey S.
12/9/2010
The Elbow Room is Beth Cafe's (Seattle) sister branch, I've decided.
This place is the most perfect I-have-a-hangover-and-will-eat-anything-greasy-and -will-not-argue-food.
I got the Patricia one morning, yum. Shared the New Yorker the next morning. (it was a long boozey weekend, don't judge me.)
Also, their jalapeno sourdough is amazing with strawberry jam on top. yum.
Yes, there are rules posted in the menu.
Yes, they have caustic tongues.
Yes, you will 'donate' money if you do not finish everything on your plate.
Yes, you will have to get up and refill your own water and coffee. Exercise is a good thing when you're eating that much anyways.Listed in: Over the Border and through…
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Review from Sam L.
10/27/2010
Get my own coffee? Abusive servers? Whoa, this place is breaking all the rules!
Oh wait, they have a huge list of their own rules, which you will have to follow in order to get your mediocre breakfast.
Yawn... -
Review from Francois P.
Vancouver, BC
2/20/2011
It pains me to give this place a 3! We love this brunch institution with its no-nonsense brunch fare with a side of insults (gotta love em!). But on our visit today one very important appliance was not working: the toaster! They served un-toasted bread. No big deal I suppose but not that great for a breakfast place. Also the owner was away so the dishing was very calm today. However, one very nice surprise we were seated with another deuce at a four person table. What a treat to share our Sunday brunch with a wonderful Kits couple!
We will, of course, be back. You can really never take The Elbow Room outta ya. It's just the place we visit for a great breakfast every few Sundays... -
Review from Kari M.
Victoria, BC
2/9/2012
FIrst off, let me start this review by saying that, before our first trip to the Elbow Room, we had never heard of it as we are from out of town. Thankfully were waited on by a friendly older man and did not have any "bad service/rude attitude" issues, as I now realize they are known for. The place just seemed like a bit of a hole in the wall diner when we walked in, nothing special. There were remnants of food on my coffee cup and silverware which put me off a bit, but I chalked it up to the fact that they were busy and used an extra set that was at our table. I ordered 2 eggs, breakfast potatoes, and bacon and my husband and sister had an omlettes. My husband and I got coffees and my sister got hot tea. For all 3 of our meals, the cost was $70!!!! I couldn't believe it!! The food was something I could have made at home and definitely was not worth the cost. More importantly, how can you charge $3 for hot water and a crappy tea bag?!? When you are charging such exorbitant prices for crappy food, the least you could do is make sure your customers have water and coffee and not be lazy and make them get up to get it. The worst part was the man who came up to our table after we finished (possibly the owner?) and completely harassed us to donate to the Loving Spoonful. I mean, I definitely don't have a problem helping out a good cause, but when I am being yelled at that I need to donate for not eating the garnish and the piece of bacon that was completely raw on my plate, I am going to get annoyed. I am convinced they ripped us off and overcharged us, but I couldn't handle being in there another second. Would NEVER go back or recommend to my anyone.
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Review from Adina D.
Vancouver, BC
10/10/2010
If you've heard about this place, or read other reviews, you'll know that their claim to fame is their 'abusive' service....the waiter tells you to get your own water and coffee refills, and calls men ladies...that sort of thing.
While I love a good chuckle, I don't think the cheeky service was worth the price tag of $60+ for 3 people for a mediocre breakfast. The food was just ok. Big portions and seemed fairly fresh, but there really wasn't anything special about it. It's worth going to see what the fuss is about, but I won't be going back anytime soon. -
Review from Jennifer R L.
London, ON
3/16/2011
We were here for a late brunch on a Sunday and this place was picked and it was apparently one of the best brunch places... We had a party of 6 and we got seated immediately. The place is a bit like a trailer, we sat right in front of the kitchen and so we can see most of what was going on... Some of the kitchen staff weren't that nice and told us to look away from the kitchen while they cooked (which was more difficult if you sat facing the kitchen). The food came in decent time, although it looked good, the food was sooooo greasy.... I honestly have never had food that greasy.
I don't think I would return to this place again. -
Review from Joe B.
9/3/2008
The service here is atrocious. 5 stars! ;-) My girlfriend was called a lush, the owner insulted my country (actually, not-my-president, so I just nodded in agreement and helped to heap on the abuse) and after I made a joke, he commented that "oh, was that an attempt at humor?" to which I responded "it's true, you guys are funnier, thanks for exporting all those comedians!"
Our secret all weekend was that we wake up before Vancouver. Well, I do at least, and I drag JP out of bed. (after dragging her in!) We got in just before the real lines started on Labor Day. I had the Hillary Swank - cream cheese, avocado, tomato, and spinach. Perfect - the cream cheese wasn't too runny, the eggs lightly scrambled, and it wasn't so huge that it was a belly-buster. JP's potatoes were perfectly seasoned.
The '80s headshots of various stars are the perfect conversation-and-photo-op-starting decor. We were next to Stallone-as-Rocky, Travolta, MJ Fox, and a few more minor stars. Luckily, Dolph Lundgren wasn't next to Rocky, or there'd be a Cold War style staring battle.
And please, donate to A Loving Spoonful if you can. Especially if you are vacationing from the US - what are you going to do with all those silly little coins? ;-)
A 5-star rating from a dirty Yank like me is probably one of the worst insults I can give these guys - so consider it a compliment. If you must. ;-)Listed in: Vancouver for Yankees, or…
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Review from Corey G.
4/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
Half the time I was here I was confused. There were so many rules!! I don't want to have to read instructions on how to order, how to drink water, or have a cup of coffee. C'mon, it's Sunday morning, and I'm too out of it to think!
With that said, our server was super nice. My breakfast burrito was bueno, and I liked all the photos of the washed up actors on the walls. -
Review from John W.
Vancouver, BC
6/22/2011
Terrible food once you get over the gimmicks. The portions are big but is mostly filler, wayyyyyyyyyy overpriced for it's low quality. You are paying for the "theatre" because the food isn't worth half their costs. If you are a tourist, come have a coffee, but be careful they might slip in some extra charges without you noticing.
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Review from Jessica P.
9/1/2008
Patrick and Bryan are my people. Abuse is their game and I like it.
They called me a lush, fed me with a gargantuan plate of eggs and made my bloody mary just right.
The walls are peppered with hilarious head shots from Dolf Lundgren to John Travolta. I got to sit next to a lovely shot of Michael J. Fox with my mocha. You see, most of these headshots are from the 80's and it makes me feel all warm and tingly inside-kind of like leg warmers on a hot summer day.
There are servings with attitude, and the wait may be a while for your food --due to the lack of actual Elbow Room, but it's worth it. I wish I was hungover to enjoy it at its full potential, but it's probably better off. I'm inching my way up the drinking meter now, but yelping simultaneously as you read this.Listed in: If Vancouver can, so can vu!
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Review from Tee D.
7/27/2009
I'm a sucker for breakfast.
Eggs, toast and jam, and hash browns? Count me in.
Giant, big as my body pancakes? Yes, please.
Insults and dirty language with a side of attitude? Um, sure, I can handle it.
I wasn't sure what to expect from the Elbow Room, but it was actually a pleasant surprise. The owner was a little saucy, but friendly at the same time.
I had one of the egg combos (with 2 eggs, toast, and taters) and the guy had a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. The table next to us ordered a giant ass pancake that looked really impressive (if not in taste, then in sheer size).
I thought everything was cooked well and the food tasted just like food from a diner-ish joint should. -
Review from Anna P.
9/20/2008
Two and a half stars for the food and just as many for the attitude. Even in my hungover stupor, I had to chuckle at a waiter that refers to our co-ed table as "ladies", calls my boyfriend a moron, and eventually makes him give a charitable donation after he fails to finish his 2093483940lb pancake.
Quirky, fairly tasty, and given the portions, it probably generates a great deal of revenue for charities.Listed in: Breakfast Besties
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Review from Dave B.
Campbell River, BC
2/2/2010
Like many, I headed to the Elbow Room Cafe because I'd heard so much about it... "it's THE breakfast place in Vancouver and haaaas to be checked out!". blah blah blah.
Food:
The food was disappointing. I'm a big french toast fan, and try to sample it wherever I go. I noticed 'banana loaf french toast" on the menu and thought that it might be an interesting new twist on the classic dish. Bad idea. I have a bit of sweet tooth, but it was saturated after 1/3 of the meal.
The rest of the items on the menu looked standard, but over-priced.
Coffee is important to me as well; there was nothing special about the brew served here, except that I had to get my own refills.
Service:
I went prepared to be abused (it's their 'thing'), but they fell short on that as well. There was a little bantering, but I never really had an opportunity to get into it with the waiters. I was sad. I trained for months in advance. :(
Environment:
I liked the autographed photographs on the wall and the other decoration. It gave the place a bit of history.
But I really can't figure out how it has survived so long as a business. There must be a lot of people out there who will pay to listen to an old grump nag them.
Price:
Too much for what you get. -
Review from Kirk C.
Vancouver, BC
10/9/2011
Delicious food and fun atmosphere.
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Review from Denny B.
9/20/2011
A fun place in Vancouver. Family run and better than Mom could make. Enjoy the local flair and the wonderful coffee. A must for breakfast. Don't miss this wonderful place.
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Review from Kreag S.
Vancouver, BC
1/7/2009
It was years before I subjected myself to The Elbow Room...I wasn't sure that my delicate psyche could take it..but I was caught off guard one morning and taken for brunch by a friend...and me and my psyche lived to tell the tale...
They waste no time with the abuse..it started the minute we got in the door..I was loudly called an asshole by a waiter because I apparently was holding the door open too long and letting in the cool air..it was winter..after they told us to sit we asked for coffee to which we were told "legs broken, it's over there, get it yourself I'm not your bitch"....ok...
The rest of the meal was pretty much the same abuse..the waiter created a story that I was a booty call that my dinning partner felt the need to feed afterwards..he went on creating a whole tale about us..funny..strange...not true btw...but entertaining none the less..like dinner theater..but mean..
The food was great, you get a lot for what you pay...the pancakes are HUGE...that's what we both had so I can't comment on any other food but I sure is equally at yummy...
I would totally recommend you try the Elbow Room at least once..just for a giggle..and defiantly take unsuspecting out of towners...and watch them squirm..evil yes, but oh so entertaining! -
Review from Joseph L.
Vancouver, BC
7/5/2010
I love me a Clubhouse Sandwich. Really, I'd happily eat nothing but. The Elbow Room makes one of my favorites. Have that on a marble rye with a big cup of coffee and you'll never look back.
I love the staff, the abuse is great if you know how to give it right back!
Perhaps the prices are a little high but I keep paying it so I guess I can't complain! -
Review from Graham D.
Vancouver, BC
4/30/2011
The food here really tries to be good but it is just a mess. Adding more stuff to a plate does not make for value.
Also brunch for two came to over $50? Crap value. Ya the service is crap and thats a gimmick, I didn't really care.
The food is not worth the price, at all. It's an experience but it is not worth the price. -
Review from Namit M.
2/18/2010
I give it 5 star for the unconventional service and 2 stars for the food.
Yes its gimmicky and we can all use some abuse every now and then. No one does that better than the Elbow Room. However, the abuse if fully priced into the menu prices.
Not that I am averse to paying $14 dollars for eggs bacon and potatoes....but for that much money they better be great or the abuse needs to be administered from a dominatrix at Pandora's Box. So needless to say with neither happening the legendary Elbow Room falls short.
Now I am fully aware that this review will not put a meaningful dent in the lineup and no its not a conspiracy to keep you all away so that I can get in sooner. But do try the place once and judge for yourself...I plan on bringing the out-of-towners here so they can experience the quirkiness, but other days I am saving my money and eating elsewhere. -
Review from Cameron M.
Toronto, ON
12/8/2008
So yes, this is one of those wacky 'waiters who are mean to you' restaurants. They're in most major cities and generally that'd be a total turnoff to me. Kitschy and cute, sure, but I'm usually just in it for the meal.
That said, The Elbow Room has always impressed me with its ability to read customers. I've gone with groups wanting nothing more than to be berated and they've been delighted and I've gone with just a couple people for some hangover food and were treated just like diner customers. The Elbow room isn't necessarily in it for the show as much as in it to make sure you have a good experience whether you want the show or not.
The food is really solid too. I mean it's nothing gastronomically interesting but for just plain diner-esque food it's one of the better choices downtown. I would have thought that a place that could easily rest on their touristy laurels would care less about the food but they really do work on the quality here and I've never had a meal fall short.
It should be noted that yes, there's a line. Especially at weekend breakfast time. But, quite often for a lunch it's very nice and quiet and you can enjoy as much or as little of the service as you please. -
Review from Justin S.
Kelowna, BC
12/28/2008
Me and the girlfriend visited this "world famous" restaurant for breakfast. I'm not too sure if I understand the whole berate your customer, be a rude as possible theme. Definitely a novelty that I wish would just go away.
Food was just OK, nothing special. But there always seems to be a lineup to get in to this place. Why is everyone is such a hurry to be abused? There are definitely places with better food. Portions are generous, but I don't agree with the donate to charity if you don't finish your plate. How do I know that goes to charity and to which charities?
I guess some would consider the elbow room a place for a good chuckle, but why am I paying to serve my own coffee? Nonetheless, you should visit at least once, but only if you're in a mood to take the abuse. I went only once and that will be the last time.
