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The Kings Head
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 12:30 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
22 reviews for The Kings Head
Review Highlights
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"Loved the fun times, fair prices, live music and good food..." In 3 reviews -
"Try the fish & chips-- They're awesome." In 3 reviews -
"...now one of the best spots in Kits to watch the game, so if..." In 5 reviews
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Sarah A.
7/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great place. Nothing fancy - just good beer and comfort food.Try the Fish and Chips, poutine, onion rings or the Dry Ribs. A very laid-back crowd (no need to dress up). It feels a bit like a ski lodge inside and has a lot of rustic charm. Our waitress was very fast, friendly, and knowledgeable. Moderately priced and nowhere near as crowded as some of the other bars on the block.
They don't take debit, so bring your credit card or some cash (there is an ATM though if you forget). -
Review from Meaghan R.
Vancouver, BC
8/12/2011
If you're looking for fine dining or excellent service, this is not the place to go! I think half of the time I go here the service is horribly slow, but the beer is reasonably priced and the atmosphere is fun, so I always end up going back!
My friends and I call this place The Pirate Ship, because the inside is all wood with multiple levels, and so it's sort of reminiscent of a big ship. It's pretty dingy and dimly lit too, so that sort of helps! They recently repainted and made some small upgrades, but it didn't make too much of a difference to me. I'm glad though, since the pirate-like atmosphere is what gives it its charm! If the atmosphere at The Kings Head wasn't so unique, I'd probably just stick with Down on Yew.
Try the fish & chips-- They're awesome!!! Oh, and the nachos go really far if there's a group of you. -
Review from Trish T.
Vancouver, BC
3/13/2011
I went to the Kings Head for the Coronation Street Ping on a Sunday afternoon this past February.
I was running late, but my friends got there early enough to grab a table and order food, which was good because the place was packed to the rafters. Since the pub was hosting an event, there were only 3 things on the menu: Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, and Lancashire Hot Pot. All three came with a pint of Granville Island beer, and cost $9.95. Not a bad price; not bad indeed.
By the time I got to the pub (which looked dingy and dark, but in a way that I really dig), my friends' food had arrived so I was lucky enough to see what they had ordered. The hot pot looked lame and had puff pastry on top, which is not the traditional way to make the hot pot, but whatever. The Bangers and Mash just did not look appetizing because the sausages looked dry and shrivelled and I personally prefer my bangers and mash with a rich onion gravy instead of the baked beans that was served with it. The only thing that looked remotely good was the fish and chips - it was served on a big plate and the portion size was quite generous (2 pcs of nicely battered fish, generous helping of chips, and a large scoop of coleslaw), so I ordered one for myself.
Unfortunately, when my order arrived almost 45 minutes later, it was served on a salad plate - yes, a salad plate - and came with 1 small piece of fish, a handful of fries, and a spoonful of coleslaw. I honestly thought they had made a mistake and gave me a child's portion, so I inquired with a server as to the anomaly. She looked at me, and without apologizing, said that they were simply running out of food. WTF? So I asked her if they would consider giving me a discount on the meal given that what I am getting is less than half of what my friends got. She left to ask a manager and came back with one small piece of fish and said "Here you go. We're giving you this extra piece of fish" like I should thank my lucky stars for their generosity. Totally clueless.
I would like to be able to say that in spite of the bad service, the food was good, but I can't. The fish was actually mostly soggy batter, the fries tasted like they were fried in week-old oil, the coleslaw was tasteless and warm, and the beer was flat.
All in all, very disappointing. I don't think I would be returning, but I'll be generous. So out of 5 stars,
+1 star for the location
+1 star for the friendly person who greeted me at the door (he was the owner, I think)
-3 stars for the clued out servers, the unappetizing food, and the inability to competently host an event. -
Review from Folland O.
Vancouver, BC
2/1/2011
Yum yum yum! I went to the King's Head Pub last night for a very good friend's birthday party. There was about 15 of us and the waitress was excellent! She never forgot our orders, brought everything out in a very timely manner, never complained about our noise and even got in on some of our jokes.
The food was awesome. We had the dry ribs (to die for!) and some onion rings to start. And the Ribs & Wings plate for our entree. It was all so delicious! I've heard their breakfasts are even better and the pizzas and burgers looked incredible too. Previously I have also had the Steak Sizzle plate (I think that's what it's called?) and it was absolutely perfect. Cooked how I wanted it and the fries are delicious. I liked that they continued crisping a little on the - VERY HOT - cast iron plate that the sizzling steak came on haha
The atmosphere very much reminded me of pubs I have been in in Ireland or Amsterdam. Very authentic feel, old school setting, three levels. Felt like a winter cabin. Very comfortable, very cosy. I highly recommend going here if you haven't already. It's been around for over 40 years and looks like it will be here for at least 40 more. -
Review from Pete S.
6/1/2010
I'm a little scared to think how many hours and dollars i have spent in the kingshead. this has been an institution of my early adulthood and i can't begin to list all of the fun times i've had in this pub.
the atmosphere: this is a truely local spot. the crowd is mostly 20-30 somethings looking for a good piss-up. the place looks like a tinderbox, with tons of weathered wood all over the place and a feeling like the entire place may collapse at any moment. i'm a particular fan of the various levels of seating at the pub, as there are 3 stories of tables in a very unique and inefficient configuration.
the food: this is regular pub fare. the wings look like they have been through a nuclear reactor, the burgers are greasy (and quite good - i recommend the PNE) and the steak and kidney pie will fill you up.
the drink: this place has a bunch of different beer on tap and a special every night of the week.
the service: inconsistent, and it varies wildly based on the clientele and how many people are packed in the pub. you can go for a 1/2 hour before your server may come around.Listed in: kitsilano
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Review from Zoe J.
Vancouver, BC
1/4/2011
This place is small, dirty, and hard to get to and that's just for starters.
We used to go here back in the day because they didn't check IDs and they were pretty cheap, but now that we have more than spare change in our pockets and are slightly smarter than first years in uni, I have no idea why we would go to this place.
I served for over five years and I will put up with pretty much anything (wrong order, running late to the table due to getting swamped, spilling something) but what I will NOT stand for is blatantly rude and disrespectful bitter servers. I have given the king's head chance after chance, and the last five times I have gone there I have gotten the WORST service. I even sat down once to have the server say, "you can't sit here unless you order something!" before even asking us if we wanted to order something. This was maybe two minutes after my butt had hit the seat, and it wasn't even that busy in there.
All in all, there are a ton of great pubs in Vancouver, even ones on the same street as King's Head, so I would veer away from this place if you can help it. -
Review from George S.
Vancouver, BC
11/11/2009
I was a regular back in the day (80s to 90s). Loved the fun times, fair prices, live music and good food for the price.
I only go there now to see Jim Foster play Thursday nights. He is amazing ( a must go) and the staff is friendly. However it's a bit run down now and the food is TERRIBLE! I was surprised so gave it 3 tries and the food still sucks.
But I will still go someThursdays for beers and to check out Jim Foster. -
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
7/24/2009
Sorry, this place is just not for me... the place is kind of grundgy and as I walked in, it smelled like strong window cleaner / cleaning cloth smell. We sat in the area where there was a half banquette and it seemed like the couch had not been cleaned in god knows how long - smelly, damp.. and red lights to cover it all, I think.
I ordered a caesars... it was okay.. the spicy bean was thin and lacked anything.There was not salted rim whatsoever.
The food looked decent.. but I decided not to order because I could've gotten home faster to eat and I was starving.
Oh well... to each person's tastebuds. -
Review from Noa G.
Vancouver, BC
9/15/2008 1 photo
In all fairness, I'm not writing this review with regards to an evening or late-night visit to The Kings Head pub in Kitsilano. My honey and I went to try breakfast there for the first time on Sunday morning. So be warned: this review will be about eggs and bacon, rather than Stella and chicken strips.
A gorgeous day, we really hoped for a seat on the patio, which actually includes quite a few table (at least 10, by my count). And we did manage to snag the last remaining one, even though, at 11 a.m., it was prime brunch time down by Kits beach.
(Nota bene: Though it was great to sit in the warm sunshine on the patio, be warned that many smokers do frequent The Kings Head and, though provincial smoking laws require them to stand outside or beyond the balcony, you will get drifts of their exhaled smoke if you're sitting outside.)
The breakfast menu was ample, and included the usual suspects: Eggs (any way you like 'em, toast, pancakes (I opted for the banana cakes, which came with sliced bananas floating throughout the cooked batter, and were very pretty and sweet), bacon, sausages, hash browns, etc. Many people have a noon-time brew with their orders. And it's cheap -- you won't pay much for a large plate of breakfast at The Kings Head. -
Review from Stephanie S.
Vancouver, BC
3/21/2011
Came here for Saint Paddy's Day! Between the green beer and the awesome band I had one heck of a night. Service was a bit slow at times but they were working hard!
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Review from Darren N.
Vancouver, BC
1/29/2009
This used to be my favourite drinking hole in all of Vancouver. Not that it's gone down hill or anything - I just do not live within stumbling distance anymore. It is a difficult place to rate - for atmosphere, I'd probably give it five stars; for food, probably two and a half (pretty standard pub fare though the burgers were actually quite good and include some strange meats like moose and caribou). The drinks are the right price but they don't clean their lines that often and so you tend to get unusually hungover no matter how much you drink (or so a colleague of mine tells me - and he is a brewmaster, so I believe what he says). The staff and owner are really top notch and friendly so it's easy to fall in to a routine and become a regular there.
If you get there early enough on a weekend, you can usually snag some outdoor seats which get the fading sun and so warm your face while you enjoy a few cold ones with your friends. Those were probably my favourite memories of the place - especially in spring when the air is full of hope and you feel incredibly blessed to be exactly where you are amongst the best company. -
Review from Dean P.
Abbotsford, BC
12/11/2009
When I lived in stumbling distance this was one of my all time favourite haunts. Great beer, great service, and cheap breakfasts for those hazy hung over mornings.
Some people have commented on it being a dump but its that intentional olde pub style that makes it a gem in a sea of trendy shops. Well worth a visit. -
Review from Jer B.
Windsor, ON
5/17/2009
We went here a few times in the summer and sat on their patio. The beer was priced okay, I tried their own kings head beer which was good for the price considering it's kits.
I don't know what toxic chemicals their cleaning their tables with because were we rested our arms on the tables the next day we had our skin peeling off. Once it might have been a fluke but twice? Yikes.
They must rent rooms out above the pub, which had people constantly screaming out off the balcony at people walking by. Possibly at the "street ladies" outside turning tricks. -
Review from Emma L.
6/10/2010
I've been here for drinks, and it's a ton of fun. But I went for brunch today and it was not so good.
They have a cheap breakfast special before 11 on weekdays, which gets you two eggs, bacon/sausages/ham, hashbrowns, toast and fruit for $3.99. Several of my companions got that and were pleased. I had the banana pancakes which were up to par, but I really hate the hashbrowns here. The pieces are tiny and there were onions and green peppers mixed in. As someone who hates onions, this totally ruined my hashbrowns, but that's personal taste.
Service was excellent, especially considering we were a large group, but we were also the only ones around. -
Review from Reena M.
2/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
You go to this place when you're in the mood to go to a grungy sort of bar. They had a huge screen with the Russia vs. someone (who got their a**'s whooped) game on. The drinks were pretty reasonable, especially given the area. $12 for a pitcher is not bad at all. Their nachos are more reasonably priced than other pubs I've been to. And they totally load on the toppings.
I like that this place has a worn in feel to it. Like it was where the "Captain Jack Sparrow"-type pirates used to go to get their booze on. I would be back here in a heartbeat. -
Review from Chloë E.
Vancouver, BC
11/27/2008
I like the Kings Head for its old English feel--far closer to a Dickensian drinking hole than a Kitsilano hang out. Nothing has been revamped here in quite a few years, such as the awning that has a decrepit, lopsided tilt to it.
Inside tables are carved up and there's a rickety balcony upstairs. Head on up to this balcony for a great spot to enjoy a draft beer at a low-lit table. On weekends the music is often loud and pub packed, so best to get there early. -
Review from Nano H.
Vancouver, BC
2/4/2009
The King's head is Definitely a Kitsalano Treasure. Whether it's a sobering Beggar's Breakfast on an early Sunday Morning, or a crazy time listening to live local music (whomever it is that night), the King's head rarely fails. Waitstaff are always friendly, and the crowd is eclectic and fun. You never know who might show up from David Suzuki to your grandma.
The decor brings you back to an old skiing lodge, or European Chalet with virtually no corner in the pub being untouched by graffiti carved into the tables. The benches/chairs don't do any better either; however all of that adds to the appeal and the air of fun at the King's Head. During the summer their outdoor patio is also quite heavenly. If you want a solid beer-drinking, burger-pounding fun time in Kits. This place rocks! -
Review from Yunn A.
6/29/2010
Great ambience, cool looking place and decent live bands. I've never eaten here, and the drinks made it to my table at a decent clip, so I suppose that's all that really matters hey?
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Review from Vanessa G.
6/27/2010
I haven't been to this pub since well before my legal drinking age.. so to return and see it filled with people my age was nice.
We arrived late on a Saturday night with a large group and got seated immediately (good timing because the pub was full).. but the hostess said we had to order food? That made no sense to me since to me, but they were in luck because i was hungry.
It took 20 minutes to get our orders in because of a big group beside us ordering a large selection and variation of drinks.
I ordered nachos eventually that cost $15, and were undercooked and tasted like they were sitting cooling down for quite some time.
The beer tasted a tad flat. But there was live music that people would start drunkenly singing along with. The layout out of the place made for great people watching.
I guess they are undergoing some sort of renovations because there was only one toilet for this entire place! Crazy! Thank god the lineup wasn't that long.
This place has character for sure, but maybe just a little to much for my grown up liking.Listed in: Best of Kitsilano
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Review from Ysabelle R.
Vancouver, BC
8/8/2010
I have a lot of fond memories of this place from undergrad. Good drinks, decently-priced food, excellent atmosphere. The crowd was usually 20-30 somethings, but recently I've noticed a cougar infiltration. Good or bad?
Oh yeah, there are also a pretty big crowd of regulars who come here. These people are real characters, from all around the neighbourhood. Nice, if eccentric.
It's great that this place is a close walk down to Kits beach. Perfect for the atmosphere. And the walk back up to 4th ave, or Broadway depending on how long you've stayed and where you need to go (hint: campus), is adequate sobering-up time.
This place has a lot of stars due to my nostalgia. It gets loud in here, and fast. The tables are all marked up and even sometimes the walls, but the people who come here, for the most part, are pretty sweet. I can't remember how many friends I've made in the women's bathroom -- definitely no competition around the ladies who frequent this place. I've had such a blast here over 4 years, and I definitely wish I could go back.
However, that brings me to the downer of this review, and what a downer! Over the course of 18 months, we noticed things going downhill, quite fast. There have been SCORES of fire or general health/safety violations by the owner as of late. They're hiring attractive, but bitchy, servers. I had one server tell us that she wouldn't serve our table because there were too many of us (8 people). The same server, on a different night, tried to sell us a pitcher of Long Island Iced Tea because she had made the wrong order "and otherwise it comes out of my cheque" -- when we declined, she stopped serving us. Another server literally pushed me out of the way as I walked in front of him. I went there for breakfast once and got food poisoning. It was shut down several times by fire marshalls for exceeding capacity. Things like that add up, which is why I wasn't surprised to be there one night and get booted out because the bar was being forced to shut down, again.
I hear it's under new ownership and management now. I hope this owner listens to his management for a change. The King's Head used to be quite a little gem in Kits, then it became a place to lose a lot of money and live dangerously against your will. Thankfully, the best thing about the bar is still there, last I heard - Susie! Seriously, she's the best server, hands down.
3 stars for what it used to be. -2 for what it's become. -
Review from Tara T.
BC
11/12/2008
Ah, the good old Kings Head, a pub that never lets you down. You'll feel as though you've stepped back in time once you enter this rustic Canadian drinking hole. A wooden interior with a balcony up top creates a medieval feel and comes with a boisterous crowd to match. The mood here is casual and fun. Sit down at a wooden bench and enjoy refreshing pints or larger by the jug. Thanks to their new huge television screen, this is now one of the best spots in Kits to watch the game, so if you're a hockey fan be sure to stop in. And I am yet to find hot chicken wings as good as those at the Kings Head. Deliciously warm gooey wings come drenched in sauce and served with blue cheese dip, carrot, and celery sticks. Be sure to make these a staple every time you come here.
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Review from Yo U.
9/26/2009
The King's Head is a dump, but I've had some fun times in here. If you want a place near Kitsilano Beach where you can let loose, this is it.
