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The Main Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Mediterranean Mediterranean [Edit]
4210 Main StVancouver, BC V5V 3P9
Neighbourhood: Riley Park
(604) 709-8555
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 5 pm - 1 am
Fri 5 pm - 2 am
Sat 11 am - 2 am
Sun 11 am - 11 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
28 reviews for The Main Restaurant
Review Highlights
"Overall good service and great greek food."
(in 7 reviews)
"And they have live music on weekends, 75% of which is good."
(in 9 reviews)
"Otherwise you will NEVER regret ordering the roast lamb."
(in 3 reviews)
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28 reviews in English
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Review from Louise G.
***THREE AND A HALF STARS***
Great local eatery slash bar slash music venue.
It is a moderately sized establishment which means that it doesn't hold huge crowds - just crowds large enough to enjoy the music, the food, and each others' company without it being too loud to hear each other, or the music, or oneself think. The 'backroom' accommodates a small crowd too. When we went, there was a wedding reception of 30 going on.
The server was quick, polite, knowledgeable, and accommodating. The menu looked extremely diverse - look forward to sampling more of it during another visit. Our friends had some interesting vodka cocktails and the nachos. We stuck with pop and tried the poutine for two. It was definitely not something I would have been able to eat by myself, although I likely wouldn't send anything back. ;-) Decent fries, tasty gravy and nice curds.
I also appreciated that the large tv over the bar was showing a slideshow of lovely photographs - no distracting sports on here while the band is playing.
Look forward to more visits. -
Review from Steve F.
Surrey, BC
1/18/2012
My fiance is from Ontario and had heard good things about the Main. We were making our way to a party in the West end and decided that we didn't want to be the first to arrive at the part and should grab a bite and a drink.
When we came into the main it seemed cozy enough - then the smell hit me. It was like the floor of a barn that had not been swept. My fiance commented on displeased facial expressions our wiatress had when I opted not to have a second drink (driving) and asked to have my water topped up.
She ordered spankopita. it was definitely a frozen product reheated whether made originally in-house or not. I had the Margherita Pizza which was a normal pizza with regular processed mozzarella, a few chiffonade pieces of basil and each slice had about a 1/16th of an inch thick slice of mozza melted on. Dissappointing to sat the least. Food leaves much to be desired, service, meh. Atmosphere - have your floors stripped stained and sealed! The smell is disgusting. -
Review from J T.
Whistler, BC
9/26/2011
So my girlfriends and I went out for a night on the town for a going-away get-together for a friend. We were staying at a house a couple blocks down from Main & King Ed, but the flatbread place and a couple other restaurants were already full as it was a friday night. We were starving, so we settled on The Main.
From the get go, I should've known we were in for a crappy experience. Five of us girls stood at the entrance, waiting for someone to seat us. Three different servers walked past us, staring at us, no smiles, no hello, no approach. Finally we got the attention of one of the girls and requested a table.
After the food came, our server didn't bother to come check on us again, so I had to get up and walk to the bar to get more drinks. The food wasn't all bad.. The calamari was pretty good, not overcooked or chewy, and it came with a decent tzatziki sauce. The potatoes were decent too, really nice and lemony, but the rice was mushy and bland.
At the end of the night as I attempted to pay my bill, the server did something so offensive I could hardly believe it. As I was entering her tip on the debit machine, the 15% option was less than I had intended to give, as I myself am a server too. When I went to cancel it and re-enter the transaction, the server leaned over and yanked the machine out of my hands, without saying anything to me, literally YANKED it out of my hands. I was in shock and just sat there with my hands still in the same position in the air, and said, "wow that was rude." the server ignored me and thus got a 12% tip instead.
I cannot even believe that someone would be so damn rude in the service industry.
STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE!!! -
Review from Lindsay P.
Vancouver, BC
12/12/2011
Consistently good food and staff is friendly but The Main has become so overpriced. We continue to go because it is close to our home but when an ordinary souvlaki is $17.99, I expect a more high-end experience... like having the floor swept before dinner service starts!!
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Review from Luke L.
Vancouver, BC
3/17/2011 6 Check-ins Here
This is a fantastic establishment.
The food is consistently very good, priced fairly, and there are regular specials. I suggest the roast lamb, which I eat about once per month.
The drinks, for what this place is, are AmAzing. They've got a fantastic beer selection with, really, something for everyone, from Red Racer to OK Springs to Crannog, lager, stout, IPA, ale... really well thought out. And their scotch list is good, like, really good, and I drink scotch and am generally disappointed by scotch selection. Same with the wine list. All that said, and it's just a restaurant, warm and approachable
The service has always been friendly, fast and concise. You can sit at the bar to drink, bring your family for dinner, show up for Sunday brunch, and somehow this place effectively manages to provide whatever you're looking for.
And they have live music on weekends, 75% of which is good.
Whammy. -
Review from Jessica O.
Vancouver, BC
12/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
It has taken me a few months to write this because I am still stinging with anger and regret.
I organized the rehearsal dinner for my BFF's wedding, and chose this restaurant because and they could promise me a private room and the couple loves Greek food.
And what a room it was. I felt like we had been shunted into a glorified broom closet, complete with storage for cleaning supplies and half painted walls. The room was dimly lit, and every time we attempted to turn up the lights a micro-managing MEAN waitress would hurry in and dim them again with no explanation. She continued to do this even after AGREEING to allow us to turn up the lights so that the children could colour. ????
The food was atrocious. I mean, you all know I am an avowed foodie, but I can also eat anything. Uh uh. Not this. My calimari was a big mess of undercooked OILY batter with no flavour. Instead of crispy little rings or crunchy leggy bits (like at most Greek restos) the squid itself was tough and rubbery. It was accompanied by undercooked potatoes and what reminded me of an Uncle Ben's rice side dish. The appies were similarly disastrous, varying from bland and boring to actually laughable (no, for serious. I laughed at the hummus.)
The worst, however, had to be Boyfriend's seafood marinara pasta, filled with what seemed to be week old mussels and shrimp that had not been de-veined, all reeking of unwashed genit... well, you get the picture. He valiently attempted to hoof it down, but even his limits were reached. He had an upset stomach for days as a result. :C
This was not an isolated experience. Everyone at the table was unhappy, and so the servers eventually attempted to placate us by bringing out a bottle of white wine. Warm white wine. They then acted perturbed when we asked for an ice bucket to cool it down.
Overall, we spent at least 1000 dollars on BAD food and strangely rude service. I will NEVER ever go back. Get bent, The Main.Listed in: Jessica's Eateries to Avoid!
Comment from Tasoe t. of The Main Restaurant 4/4/2011
Hi, as I responded to you personally, I feel bad that you… More » -
Review from Erin K.
Vancouver, BC
10/30/2010
I recently was married and for an informal rehearsal dinner spot, my Maid-of-Honor chose The Main. About a week before my fiance, good friend and I decided to go for brunch to check it out, since I'd never been.
First off, it wasn't very busy, and I noticed 3 servers on shift. This didn't stop them from bringing my fiances drink (a mimosa, the drink special for their Sunday brunch) an hour after it had been ordered. The server said she gave her a bigger drink because it took so long. The drink didn't look much bigger than it ought to have been and my fiance didn't particularly want a large drink. My friend ordered a coffee, which was never refilled the entire time we were there which was nearly 2 hours. Thank goodness I only ordered water!
The food itself came and hour and a half after we arrived. When we got it, it was cool and congealed. Not very appetizing. We ate about half even though we were very hungry and the food was fairly tasty. We still left with a bad taste in our mouths.
Despite that we still carried on with our reservation the following week. I figured it might have been just a really bad day.
Wrong.
It was just as bad in the private room except this time, most of the food itself was abysmal. At least the server gave us a complimentary bottle of wine after the 5th plate of food was sent back. I think 2 people out of our group of a dozen thought the food was any good.
Never, will I ever go to The Main again.
Period. -
Review from Chelsea S.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 1/14/2011
Oh noooo! My favourite ever Main St. brunch (The Main's huevos rancheros) have gone up in price by $3 or $4. I happily admit that the value on them before was almost too-good-to-be-true (they used to be around $8 or $9). I guess they must've been losing money on them.
The new price probably reflects the meal value better...but it's a big enough increase that we may have to find a new "on-a-whim" brunch place and just come here for special occasions when we REALLY want huevos rancheros. Or maybe we'll have to have a piece of toast at home and split an order :)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/15/2009
I agree with Erica that The Main should have a 3.5, so I'll pitch in 4 stars.
I've never been for… Read more »
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Review from Brigitte G.
Vancouver, BC
9/26/2010
We like coming to this restaurant on Friday nights (before their live music starts), when we're tired and hungry and don't feel like walking more than a few minutes for a good meal, sweet service, and the occasional beer. My husband appreciates the television on game-night as well, and I appreciate that the TV is not huge and in-my-face. Nothing fancy, totally comforting.
We usually have pasta dishes or the souvlaki. Portions are reasonable (pasta) or generous (greek dishes), and the food is usually tasty. Recently however I've noted that my seafood linguine's mussels and prawns have been a bit sandy, and the feta appetizer now has more tasteless tomatoes and less tasty feta. Service - usually excellent - has been a bit haphazard since the end of summer, too. I hope they sort themselves out sooner than later, but we'll probably keep going anyway. -
Review from Shannon M.
North Vancouver, BC
8/5/2010
Part of the reason we came in here was because we were on the hunt for late(ish)-night dessert and it was one of the only places still open and serving food.
I didn't know anything about it other than it has live music (which was a little too loud for easy conversation but otherwise quite good) and was surprised when I discovered that, lo and behold, this is a Greek restaurant! They only have two dessert items but both were quite good (I may have sampled from my friends' dishes). I found the baklava to have too much citrus for my taste though it was still tasty and the custard-y dish was delish.
In terms of real food, I found myself ordering an appy size chicken skewer and the trio of dips. Both were excellent! All the dips were super tasty (even the one that made us skeptical made from roe - not fishy at all!) and their pita bread was light and delicious.
I'm not really a super huge Greek food fan but I'd come back here just for the hummus. And I appreciated that our server asked us if we were coming to watch the band or not so that she could seat us accordingly. That was cool. -
Review from Ed P.
Vancouver, BC
8/1/2010
I can't really comment on the menu because I only came in for dessert and a coffee. It's Greek, which I'm not a fan of, and the prices seemed pretty reasonable.
I ordered a baklava, which was dripping with citrus infused honey, and massive. It was exactly what I was craving, and I enjoyed it very much. The cinnamon stick garnish was a wonderful stirrer for my coffee, too.
There was a live band, which I'm not a big fan of in a small venue because bands are never aware of or don't care about how loud they are. Plus, I wanted to have conversations with people at my table, which was tough; although indirectly because of the live music, I stumbled upon a band called "Alestorm' who are best described as "Pirate Metal". Full-on yarr shiver me timbers stuff. The singer plays the keytar. No foolin'.
Service was good, and the girl helping us out was really friendly.
If you like Greek, check this place out. -
Review from Kaeleigh E.
Calgary, AB
8/26/2010
I like this place a lot.
I love greek food, and for the price what you get is a good meal in a large portion and a nice relaxing atmosphere.
The restaurant is big, so you aren't sat to close to your neighbours which is always nice when you are trying to have a conversation with the person you're with!!
The chicken souvlaki is tender and seasoned perfectly. The greek rice is soft, and not dry and has lots of seasoning and vegetables in it. The potatoes are a little salty but delicious nonetheless. The greek salad is so so.
It's a great place to go for a dinner with friends, a date, or to hear some live music! -
Review from Alisa B.
3/16/2010
I like me a happy waitress... honestly it can totally make or break any restaurant experience, it doesn't matter how good or bad the food is if your waitress is a bitch you won't have a good time. Luckily that was not the case here!
My bf and I stumbled in here one Sunday evening after a long weekend of this, that and the other... we were tired, very hungry and needed a swiftly served drink to calm our nerves. The gal who helped us was simply adorable: tall, short hair, funky little outfit... she fit right in. She was very nice and went over the menu with us telling us this was good today, not to order something she didn't like, what beers were on tap, and which was her favorite hard cider.
She could have served me dead monkey on an old shoe and I probably would have been happy with it but she didn't (thankfully) she got us our sagnaki and souvlaki which were both FABULOUS! The tzatziki was amazing and very garlicy, the pita perfectly cooked to warm goodness, the lamb souvlaki was tender and not over done !!!yay!!!, the sagnaki was amazing fried feta served with lemon and pita... pretty much a little bit of heaven on a plate.
The decor of this place reminds me of Capitol Hill bars in Seattle, dark, low lighting, a couple of tv's, funky modern fitted places with retro style. Cute overall, I was pretty comfy here.
I mentioned to our cutey-pie waitress that I liked the mints and that I wondered if she could give me a few extras for the road and she dumped a pile on the table happily. She bubbled in conversation when we talked to her and really made my night. Will definitely go back.Listed in: Places You'll Find Me in…
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Review from Aaron S.
Updated - 3/3/2011
I'm going to up my stars to 3 since we can't do half ratings. I was contacted by the owner. He was sorry my experience there was less than awesome. He explained the menu choices and their place as a local hangout that tries to be many things to many different tastes. My review was a straw that broke the camels back one where I had numerous bad experiences and one more pushed me over. I have not accepted any gifts nor did they request a higher rating. In a city where I have been wronged while paying for more, the fact that an owner actually took the the time to respond shows a bit of good business sense and therefore should be acknowledged.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/10/2011
Next person to suggest this place for after hockey drinks gets a punch in the kidneys. I dont' get… Read more »
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Review from Brett C.
Toronto, ON
8/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
On an evening when we had time to kill, my girlfriend and I came to this restaurant to enjoy the nice summer weather. I ordered the penne chorizo which was decent; sausage had no special kick to its flavour and the pasta sauce was totally fine, but not special.
And service when sitting outside was slow. While my girlfriend and I were in no rush, we eventually tired of waiting so much that I proactively went inside to find our server to get our bill. So if you are not willing to sit lazily during and after dinner, do not sit outside. -
Review from Annie M.
Vancouver, BC
We didn't know where to go for dinner and want to go to downtown again, that's why we picked something on Main St.
The food and service was ok.
I ordered the chicken thigh with tomato sauce and the green salad on the side for my dinner. My husband order roasted lamb with baked potato. The food presentation is not attractive but it was not enough to make me full. -
Review from Reena M.
6/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
We just came for drinks as we were waiting on a table at Grub. They have Crannog Red Ale! I was wondering what places I could find Crannog beer. They also have a great outdoor seating area that's nice when it's sunny outside. The only problem with that is that they don't pay much attention to the outside patrons in the evenings...
However, I'm sure I'll be back. -
Review from Scott P.
11/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
Don't go to brunch here if you are hungover. The smell from the previous night party crowd was consuming the room. Food was fine but nothing to write home about.
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Review from wanderlust c.
Vancouver, BC
2/16/2010
Usually I have the souvlaki or roast lamb. Tasty, fresh and tender!
Overall good service and great greek food. -
Review from Emma G.
2/4/2010
The Main is a solid place to go for a tasty, modestly priced meal.
The appetizers here are fine - not particularly special, but good. I'm always happy with pita and dips, and they do a fine tzatziki.
The chicken souvlaki here is my favourite, it's perfectly seasoned. The meal platter isn't too expensive, and comes with all the fixin's like potatos, salad and rice. You get a pretty big serving for a decent price. I've had the pizza here and it's good, but not great. I'd stick to the Greek food.
Servers are always friendly and the owner will often come and check on how your meal is. The outside patio is nice in the summer, although in the past they allowed people to smoke on it, which was definitely not nice when you're trying to enjoy your meal. I imagine that's probably changed now, due to laws, but I'm not sure. -
Review from maureen M.
Vancouver, BC
4/17/2011
I was planning on having dinner there but I went into the washrooms first...a filthy disgusting cesspool. I immediately left. If their washrooms are any indication of their cleanliness......I think not.
BTW..it was not the graffiti....it was FILTH ...and neglect. Staff should be monitoring the washroom on a regular basis. Don't blame the patrons for their graffiti...take responsibility that you don't clean it; PERIOD.Comment from Tasoe t. of The Main Restaurant 4/17/2011
Hi, we clean the washrooms twice daily so they are clean and… More » -
Review from Mark H.
2/27/2010
Went here for brunch the other day. I had the smoked salmon benny with roasted hashbrowns and a garden salad. Me being weird, I always eat each component separately. I started with the salad which had a very delicious dressing. The hashbrowns were seasoned nicely. The benny was perfectly cooked and the salmon really oozed with flavour.
The service was stellar and the prices were very affordable. Definitely recommend this place for brunch. Will have to come back and try out their dinner menu. -
Review from Nate R.
Vancouver, BC
10/30/2010 4 Check-ins Here
I have been coming to the Main for years since it first opened in 2001 or thereabouts. For value this place is amazing especially now that the new owner has implemented $10 dinner specials nightly. You simply cannot get fed this well at any other place in this city. The only special I caution against is the vindaloo special. Also the special of the night will come with slightly different sides than the same dish off the standard menu, with the exception of Monday night's pizzas which for $10 is incredible.
Otherwise you will NEVER regret ordering the roast lamb... as it is the signature dish and the stock and trade of this fine neighbourhood establishment and its founding family, who have since sold to the new (still Greek) owner. Their lamb recipe is literally a trade secret and you only need to try a bite of your friend's to know why.
As for consistency the size of the lamb portion can vary from immense to modest. The quality of most dishes (with the exception of the nachos and the vindaloo specials) is excellent but also consistent. Not many restaurants can hit it this consistently.
I also really like the casual but strangely good-for-any-occasion ambience. There is no annoying hackneyed Greek stereotypes or blindingly blue and white murals. The place is as good for a drink at the large front bar as it is for a family dinner with grandparents or a date. There is live music some nights but if not in the mood the back room provides some quiet for eating and conversation. Also I have booked many a birthday group here so it is great for that sort of thing too.
Lastly I tip my hat to the service staff who, I can say from almost ten years or so of witness experience, are some of the most down to earth and truly helpful sorts I have ever had. These aren't make up dolls starved for personality like many other places, but genuine people who make you feel like you are really in a good community restaurant.
Some people recommend the brunch here although it is really mostly a good value dinner joint. -
Review from Elly K.
North Vancouver, BC
3/14/2011
Love this place, went here for the first time for a quick beer a few yearsago and keep going back. The staff is great and not too "in your face" the food is really good, their saganaki is aaaamazing! I never eat lamb except for when im here because it is so good.
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Review from James G.
3/16/2010 1 photo
We walked here after the Curling men's semifinal at the winter Olympics and were pleasantly surprised.
Personally my food was very well prepared and tasty, although one of our friends had a steak that was quite undercooked.
Good atmosphere though. -
Review from Kimli W.
7/26/2010 1 Check-in Here
Live music on Saturday night makes for some good times, but the all Greek all the time menu is a little out of place. Still, it was nice place to stop in at the end of a crazy Saturday. It would be nice if the menu had some non-Greek options - seriously, I was expecting (and craving) the usual pub fare and instead had to learn what the heck Skordalia is (it's a garlic/potato dip served ice cold).
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Review from Erica C.
Vancouver, BC
10/20/2009
Wow, can't believe no-one has reviewed The Main on Main (greek food, pizza etc.)........It really deserves a 3.5 rating. However, on Mondays it gets a 4 when you get a pizza for $10.95 and a pitcher of beer for $10........a reason to get out on a Monday night - who can beat that? Pizza is above average so you will not be disappointed. Otherwise if you are craving greek food at a reasonable price - it can do the trick. Nice cozy atmosphere - pub feel with candles- for low-key no fuss meal........some waitresses are a little bizarro adding a commercial drive vibe......but they can be tolerated after a couple pints ; ) They have live music on weekends and patio in the summer to make it hip. A safe bet when you are in flip-flop mode in the summer or looking for a cozy hideout from the rain in the winter!!
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Review from Daniel L.
11/23/2009
New ownership has turned up the volume here at The Main restaurant and Bar, the menu is fresh and totally Greek., the owner: "Taz" comes from a traditional Greek family and has hit the sweet spot here. The restaurant is split into to rooms, table sitting and the other is a traditional style bar and booths on the other side. Nice screen for game watching, and good local vibe.
