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The Templeton
Categories: Restaurants Diners Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Diners, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
1087 Granville StVancouver, BC V6Z 1L4
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Granville Entertainment District
(604) 685-4612
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 9 am - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 9 am - 1 am
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- 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:
- Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
139 reviews for The Templeton
Review Highlights
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139 reviews in English
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Review from Allison H.
Vancouver, BC
Amazing lunch-time spot. Managed to get a booth with some co-workers just before the lunch rush. The server was casual and chatty, giving this spot that amazing classic diner feel. I especially loved the 25cent jukebox selections available at the table!
I had the portobello mushroom burger with extra cheese. It was simply divine. The cheese melted off the amazingly marinated mushroom patty during cooking and had crisped up. The crunch when biting in to the burger was to DIE for. The bun and toppings were fresh and delicious as well. The whole thing was just amazing. I picked the house salad as my side and was pleasantly surprised when I discovered it was dressed with some sort of a light/fresh berry vinaigrette. MMMMM!
I washed the whole thing down with a cherry coke. This place truly is as good as it gets, I can't wait to go back and try another burger. -
Review from Morgan B.
Halifax, NS
Let's sum it up quickly:
Amazing friendly service.
Delicious food.
Funky retro feel.
One drawback? Too good for it's own good: often busy, try an off-peak time or a counter stool, especially if you are alone and wanting to look mysterious. -
Review from Nicole S.
Burnaby, BC
I went for the first time last night: cute little diner with a teeny-tiny bathroom that you get to through the kitchen (I joked with the cook that I felt like I should help out or something). But that wasn't a problem for me - I quite liked the little place :)
We asked the server what she'd recommend for a drink & she recommended the mango flavoured Italian cream soda with coconut milk - YUM!!!! For dinner, I had the 777 Burger and added cheese, no onions, with a side of poutine (for an extra $2). The burger was divine and let me tell you one reason why: you know how most big burgers drip grease all over your hand, well the only "drippings" from this burger was from the lettuce being a little wet! The burger was 'dry' and there was no hint of grease - awesome! (And when I told the server about the lettuce, because I was pleased with the lack o' grease, she said she'd tell the cook the lettuce was too wet :P ) The poutine wasn't the poutine I'm familiar with but I had no trouble making my through it & have no complaints :)
Oh yes, I have one complaint: no room for dessert! And so we will return. -
Review from Leica Q.
North Vancouver, BC
I love the atmosphere! Right down to the personal jukeboxes at every table that actually work!
We had the sweetest waitress who was extremely friendly, kept our waters filled and had a fantastic personality.
I ordered the quesadilla, which took a while to get to me, and when it did, it tasted a little off. When I mentioned it to the supersweet waitress, she informed me that it was probably the olives as they are VERY strong and let me pick another item off the menu, free of charge!
I picked the chili, which was delicious and generous, I couldn't finish it! I got it to go and accidentally left it on the table and the busser caught me and returned it before I left.
I'd definitely go back, what a bunch of sweethearts. -
Review from Aaron S.
I'd been wanting to try this retro place on Granville for many years. But for some reason I never could fit it in. On a rainy Sunday with line ups at most places downtown for brunch we managed to get a seat at the bar. This place is awesomely retro and I love places like this. I had heard good things about their food. Especially the burgers and wanted to give it a shot.
The burger was awesome. It was up there with the old save on meats lunch counter burger and only edged it out because it didn't haunt me for days later like theirs did. It was certainly a house made juicy burger and I'd say it's in the top five for Vancouver burgers I've had.
Sadly the service was not very good. We had a server that while not rude kind of had this hung-over wishing she didn't have to work on a Sunday morning vibe to her. Everything was in slow motion and we were mostly ignored even though we were at the counter and the place is only two feet by two feet. Bringing down the stars was the fact that my Coke was only filled halfway each time which was quite annoying. I'm not sure if that's part of the ploy to get their extra fifty cents for a refill or she was just being shitty at her job.
The burger and trying out the shakes might get me to return but most likely I'll have crossed it off my list and moved on to try other places I've neglected to go to for 13 years.
You're next Bon's off Broadway!...........check back later for my review where I regret saying that................ -
Review from Kat S.
Brunch on a grey and drizzly Sunday. The Templeton had room at the bar and I hadn't been in years. The man-friend had always wanted to try it, so in we went.
I went for a caesar and some mac and cheese. The caesar was tasty, but the chunks of seasoning salt they put in the glass were too large and salty, and I kept crunching down on them while having my drink. I would have preferred a ground seasoning.
Mac and cheese was okay. Not the best ever, but it was good. Nice flavour, though could have been creamier throughout. The salad that came with was actually pretty nice.
Service was rather indifferent. Fairly pleasant, but not very attentive. My man-friend's coke wasn't even filled to the top of the glass, and since it was fountain soda, you think they could have topped it up. He was done the glass in about 3 sips, since the rest was all ice. Re-fills are extra, but thankfully they only cost 50 cents.
The atmosphere is fun, and the cartoons on the projector screen during brunch takes one back to childhood, eating in front of the tv... if i'd been allowed to do that.
The milkshakes look kick ass, and I would have had one if I knew my stomach could have handled it.
I avoided the bathroom simply because I despise walking through kitchens to go take a leak.
The burgers seem to be where it's at. I like it here, but I'm not going to hurry to come back.Listed in: Bathrooms to Avoid
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Review from Barry M.
Vegan meat loaf and soup were delicious and felt healthy.
While I was eating up at the front counter the shake mixer exploded and sent milk everywhere. None landed on me but did pretty much everywhere else. I was a little bit surprised that the server didn't really even acknowledge it, I guess she was having a bad day. I ended up cleaning the counter around me myself. -
Review from Maxine H.
This review is seriously way over due.
I was in Vancouver a year and half ago for my birthday. It was my first time there and was super excited to try and see new things. Our hotel had free wifi, so one morning I pulled up my Yelp App on my phone and searched for breakfast joints near the Downtown area. There were a couple different options, but the Templeton's rave reviews and photos caught my eye. The place isn't that far of walking distance from our hotel, The Four Seasons. I guess it was still pretty early in the morning because there was only one other table there when we were seated.
The first thing that catches your eye is the interior. Bright orange walls accented by old school comic book strips and photos. The one's I could make out the most were the Wonder Woman comics though. Then once you soak all that in you'll notice they have a bar. Yes a bar, and a full service one at that too. From what I could make out it looks like Jim, Jack, Johnny, and several other liquors graced their collection.
Now that you've kinda taken in everything and finally get to the menu, you'll notice it's pretty simple. You got your breads and pancakes, scrambles, and platters. Pretty basic for any diner I'd say. I ordered the Farmer's Breakfast and my friend ordered the Big Ass Breakfast (he can eat). My order was super delicious. It's kinda like a scramble. The potatoes were cooked nicely and meshed well with the veg, cheese, and salsa (I'm not a fan of sour cream so I asked them to leave it out). It was filling but not that heavy "OMG I'm about to explode" feeling. Just enough food to get me through the rest of the morning. I didn't even get to try any of my friend's, but from the way he cleaned off his plate I'd assume it was also pretty good.
If you guys are in the area I'd definitely recommend the Templteon. Then after your meal feel free to take a stroll down to Granville Island or a go for a bike ride around Stanley Park. -
Review from Billy C.
Visiting Vancouver:
This place delivers. The food was basic but that's what you want sometimes. I'm sick of the weird cuisine you get stuck with for breakfast. I don't want an experiment.
I recommend the pancake and the Denver omelet. -
Review from Media T.
Toronto, ON
This place is super good. Legit old school feeling diner, as if Happy Days was resurrected by Punk Rock goddesses.
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Review from Kate S.
Vancouver, BC
I went again last weekend....and again it was AWESOME!
Definitely get the "Big Ass Breakfast".
I want it NOW.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/6/2011
I went to The Templeton for brunch two weeks ago with a friend and I haven't stopped thinking about… Read more »
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11/6/2011
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Review from devon d.
was in vancouver for three full days and came to the templeton twice - my friends and i would have frequented this place even more if we'd been there longer!
i can recommend anything on the breakfast menu, and their poutine, and their salads, and their grilled cheese. bloody marys were delicious, and DANIELLE has to be the secret of that place! she's the greatest staff they have. -
Review from Sachi M.
They had a "people love us on Yelp" sticker on their door, and wow, do they mean it. So many reviews!
The baked grapefruit on the breakfast menu looked intriguing, but, alas, I was there for dinner.
The three-cheese macaroni was not what I had hoped. But then, it was probably my fault for being used to bechamel.
I got a free Italian Cream Soda with my Travellers Deck card (I forgot to get the card back to use the other side, but oh well, it's almost expired). It was fresh for me to see them mix Italian syrup and soda (which I've seen before), then add cream into it from a milk dispenser with the heavy silver ball on the handle. With the cream in addition to the soda, I wish there was a bit more flavour.
(^o^)/ TRAVELLERS DECK 2010/11: Free Italian Soda with purchase of an entree.
http://www.yelp.ca/biz... -
Review from Julian H.
We came here with our little ones because it was marked as "good for kids" on Yelp. It is not good for kids if there's a long line and you have to wait outside looking at the windows of the sex shop next store. That was as far as we got so I can't speak to the rest of the experience.
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Review from Johnny Z.
Vancouver, BC
One of the best diners in Vancouver. The food is delicious and the staff wonderful. You must try their fish and chips. And their desert is amazing and the pie is homemade. Amazing staff. Management are warm and friendly.
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Review from Isabelle G.
Vancouver, BC
OMG the best greasy spoon diner. I even feel guilty calling it that, however, that is the truth. The food is amazing for guilty pleasure food. I used to go here when I worked with my good friend Kent, however, now that I am not in the hood, I haven't gone since the Olympics. I see from former reviews that things haven't changed which is awesome and re-assuring. I don't know how they make such awesome food but they do. It is very small and narrow, expect to partake in a wait which is worth it. The staff are awesome and have the attitude of your typical diner which is charming rather than obnoxious. The realness of the staff is a refresher from the typical Earl's girls. It's a personality that makes the diner. The deep fried mars bar (yes you heard me right) is to die for. Battered in a pancake batter, deep friend and then served with ice cream.......my mouth is watering just thinking about it. They also makes Jones Soda floats!
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Review from patricia l.
Vancouver, BC
Ok, so I went back for the burger today and it was NUMMY (noms + yummy = NUMMY!). My juicy burger with bacon and cheese got eaten so quickly i almost didn't have time to take a picture.
You can choose from a selection of different sides to come along with your burger, I got the Garlic Mash Potatoes with their Mushroom Gravy. OMG they should bottle their gravy because I would "put the sh!t on everything!".
'Nuff said. Run there now if you haven't tried them yet.Listed in: I HEART Food!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/8/2011
I only recently discovered this place and boy, did i wish I'd found it sooner. It's one of the… Read more »
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9/8/2011
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Review from Siri W.
Your typical greasy spoon diner at first glance - but way cooler. The kitschy decor and hipster dominated atmosphere renders it a bit more interesting.
Came here for breakfast, which I feel may not have been the best choice, as the breakfast menu left me looking longingly at the lunchtime menu's burgers and cursing the fact that it was 9 AM.
I had a salmon benny. Looking back now, I think it showed tremendous confidence in this establishment, 'cause normally I'm a little leery of ordering fish at a diner...but this one was delish. Cooked perfectly, seasoned really nicely - I was pleasantly surprised, I've gotta say.
As a breakfast joint, this place is totally good. But I have a feeling it's got some killer burgers I have yet to undercover...may be time for a review edit in the future. -
Review from Doug G.
Classic Diner!
Juke boxes at each table, classic 50's diner look, good food and good and speedy service.
I only had the New Denver Omelet, which was decent. Rosemary potatoes and toast were included which some would like - I'm not really a potato guy so they were really lost on me.
Overall some might find it a bit pricey - a decent omlette with potatoes and a coffee for $13 + tip, seems a bit steep to me. -
Review from Iris T.
Cute hole-in-the-wall diner with a table-side jukebox belting out some classic oldies -- what bettter way to enjoy your eggs?
Do get here kind of early cause it's a tiny restaurant with maybe 6-7 tables and some bar seating.. and when we went around 10 am on a Friday morning, every seat was occupied. No worries though -- we got seated in less than 10 minutes.
I got the truckers breakfast (3 eggs cooked any way, rosemary potatoes, toast, and homemade breakfast sausage). The star of the meal? A tie between the rosemary potatoes and the breakfast sausages!
My mom got the Hakai omelet (red onions, smoked salmon, and cream cheese) and twas delicious! I only had a few bites and I would imagine that a whole plate may be kind of overwhelming -- unless, of course, you enjoy cream cheese, in which case, you'll find the Hakai omelet to be just perfect!
If you're in the area, definitely stop by The Templeton and have your eggs with a side of an oldies song playing right next to your coffee! -
Review from Amanda F.
Okay, this place deserves more of a "3.5" ...more than 3, but not quite a 4.
It's a cute little hipster diner dive, with a great menu and friendly staff. The downside is that they're understaffed, so everything takes forever.
My sister & I waited about 15-20 minutes at our booth before our order was even taken, and an additional 30 minutes before our food was brought out. So almost an hour before a morsel of food touched our lips.
Another slight annoyance is that the toilet is located in the kitchen. You walk right past the cook on your way to the loo. I dunno about you, but I feel a little uncomfortable walking through a restaurant kitchen just to use the bathroom. I mean, it's not their fault, but still....
Anyways, it's yummy food, but be prepared to wait. -
Review from Dina D.
Vancouver, BC
Peeps. Let me get right to it. I've been hitting up The Templeton for many years and I found a grey hair last week, so this is for real. It's old school cool and even though our seats at the Elvis table resulted in some moderately gross conversation, my most recent pop in resulted in one of my favourite visits.
I've sampled many a milkshake in this city, but the standard set by this diner is top notch. Creamy, rich. I don't know what kind of ice cream they use, I just know it's awesome. I had vanilla, a friend root beer. Both were winners. I also love their poutine and portebello burger, but this is my new favourite.
This is where I get excited (and don't judge) because I ordered lentil loaf and it was off the charts tasty. Moist with just enough spice and side of lovely mushroom gravy which also paired well with my also creamy garlic mashed potatoes. My friend opted for fish and chips, and loved her chips, salad and fish, but wasn't sold on the slightly heavy batter.
Eat it, drink it, be happy.
(We went during a hockey game, which resulted in no line up - score.) -
Review from Veronique M.
Vancouver, BC
Liked the food but not worth the waiting in line!
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Review from Jay P.
The Migas were great, the atmosphere was superb, the staff was very helpful, and the pricing was fair!
Definitely a small place, 6 booths and a counter but I didn't feel pressured to scarf down my food and vacate either. -
Review from David S.
Vancouver, BC
i've always liked the templeton, since i moved to BC in 2002.
the service, to me, is always real people, not some ditzy girl reciting lines.
i have always loved the jones soda floats, and have no idea why i've never thought of doing it in my own home.
the fact that they also have a vegetarian gravy that they soak their poutine in is another win for everyone.
love the 50's diner feel and the in-booth jukeboxes too. -
Review from Alex M.
Came here on a Friday night and it was jamming. It's got a 50s diner feel but the food is very hippie dippie.
My ladyfriend ordered a dish she thought was gluten-free when in fact it wasn't. When the waitress mentioned this she was kind enough to get her something else.
I got a veggie burger with a seriously delicious chocolate milkshake. Now if I lived in Vancouver, Yale Town would not be the place I would hang out regularly but if I did find myself there I would probably bee-line to the Templeton. -
Review from Mark D.
This is one of my favorite diners in Vancouver.
It is a small place. It can get pretty full.
I pretty much always get the 777 Burger or the BBB Burger. The 777 is a straightforward burger. It has quality beef, fresh condiments, and is served on a nice Kaiser. When I am looking for a bit more, I would go for the BBB. It adds BBQ sauce and bacon.
Their fries are pretty good. They are fresh cut.
They also carry Jones sodas and have pretty good shakes.
The service is usually friendly. I've been there a couple of times though when it was rushed and a little brusk.
Overall though, it is a great small throwback diner. It is an icon on Granville St. -
Review from R.E. L.
That's right - one star. And that's being generous. I don't know where the heck all these four and five star reviews are coming from but come on, people. Seriously?! No offense but ya'll should get out more. My experience here was so bad it prompted me to come back from a 2-year absence of writing Yelp reviews. How bad? I'm not even gonna go into the whole instant oatmeal packets from a box sighting. Aside from the food, let's just say I don't need my server handling money, wiping down counters with a dirty rag, covering her sneeze with her hand and THEN buttering my toast.
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Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
I always forget that I don't actually like diner food. So while I am not a fan of bacon and eggs cooked in a diner, I did have a really good experience here.
I had fruit salad, yogurt and a side of bacon with orange juice and it came to just under $10. While that sounds expensive, each item on it's own was reasonably priced. All in all I was happy, nice selection of fruit, fresh etc and the bacon was just right.
My friend had some sort of Truckers Breakfast which she said was very diner appropriate.
Our server was lovely, friendly, attentive and the place was clean. We got there when it first opened but it still seemed decent.
I normally go to the Templeton for beer and poutine but the breakfast wasn't half bad. -
Review from Kim K.
YUM-EEEEEE!!! Great eggs, great potatoes and great service. Only 1 server with a packed house on a holiday and she handled everything SUPERBLY! Classic diner vibe. LOVE sitting at the short bar.
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Review from Darcy D.
This is a slightly updated diner, but only slightly. The decor looks unchanged since the 70's, which is fine by me. I like the burgers, the sandwiches, the home-style simple salads and the mac and cheese. The ample milkshakes are also a special point of interest.
My only beef is, I feel the fried food could improve. Either, their oil is not consistently hot, or they use too much fresh oil in the fryer and not enough day old oil. The french fries and the wings don't get the crispness that they deserve.
The atmosphere and the consistent burgers make this a fine neighbourhood diner. -
Review from Reena M.
Walking in here, you feel like you just went back in time because it was definitely in 1950s decor, but not overdone either. It was clean and simple and retro.
"Snappy" does describe the service, but I wouldn't say it was rude at all. In fact, I thought our server was quite thoughtful. She asked all the necessary questions in a Family Feud Lightning Round style (How do you want your eggs? sausage or bacon? sourdough or multigrain?--all within 10 seconds!) She always refilled our drinks promptly, the food came out fast.
Additionally, when we didn't realize the bill is at the front, we didn't even feel pressured to leave (and there was a line up at the door). We were just enjoying our conversation.
The food was good. It was a lot less expensive than other brunch venues in downtown, and they use fresh ingredients. I loved the rosemary potatoes because they were perfectly seasoned and crispy enough. But, it's definitely on par with diner style food (with a little more class). In fact, I would even go as far to say it's much better than some of the other diners around Van. The cinnamon raisin french toast was lovely, and I liked the baked grapefruit but I'm not sure I would order it again because it seems like something I can do at home. Even though I couldn't finish it, the Big Ass Breakfast hit the spot.Listed in: Sip & Grub in Downtown…
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Review from Ashley D.
Vancouver, BC
I love this place. Not a big place by any imagination, but it serves consistently great breakfasts. They have a great selection of other meals too, but this is my go to place on Granville for some great breakfast choices. Great little place with a cool eclectic retro thing going on.
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Review from Jessica O.
Vancouver, BC
For aesthetics alone I should give the good old Temp 5 stars.
I appreciate their menu and its fun, often veggie friendly updated versions of diner classics, but all too often I have been turned off by their lazy "good enough" style cooking.
The mac and cheese is oily and bland, the poutine covered in shredded cheddar (are cheese curds THAT hard to get in Vancouver?) and their veggie sandwich boring as hell.
That said, for brunch the Templeton often delivers -even though the hashbrowns are always a bit undercooked, the egg options are yummy. However, for the oft-long wait I would rather spend a few extra bones and head a block away to Twisted Fork.
The Templeton is a visual gem, a great conversation starter and IDEAL for a drink or two before a night out. It is equally good as a lunch spot, but for supper or a great brunch I would head elsewhere. -
Review from Eric S.
Old school diner with a few updates to the menu, including some veggie and organic options. Grilled veg & hummus sandwich was decent fare for a Saturday night on Granville. Vanilla Coke hit the spot (doesn't it always, in these kind of places?).
Worth a star by itself was the message the sandwich board outside offered passersby: "If fate means you to lose, give him a good fight anyhow." Amen, William McFee. -
Review from Cait j.
Vancouver, BC
I find it very hard to not like this spot.
Every time I visit, I leave completely satisfied. Breakfast is reasonable, filling, and delicious. There WILL be a wait if you are heading there on a weekend. If you have the time, why not. Just remember, you waited in a line for 20 minutes, your food may take just as long. They keep your coffee, or ceasar, full. So no complaining!
I have gone several times for lunch and dinner, and the daily soups (man I love soup) are always tempting. Sitting at the bar solo for a cherry coke and open faced grilled cheese on a rainy Wednesday afternoon is about as much as any one could (and should) ever ask for.
The service is quick, and seems "short" at times, but you are always sent away with a smile and thanks.
Oh yea, Ive got to mention.. pitchers or beer are $10 on Thursday nights. Real beer. $10. Great way to wash down a chilli dog with friends. -
Review from David M.
Try the milkshakes. They're pretty much pure ice cream. Awesome.
Good menu and the food did not disappoint on either of the two visits we made.
Definitely recommended. -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
I can't believe that I have lived in this city my entire life, passed by this diner on COUNTLESS occasions feeling like it was nothing special and never walked in.
Finally, craving brunch at time when I'm almost never dt, I decide to let yelp show me everything that is "within walking distance."
aha- it's the Templeton- and thank you yelp!
Came here, packed with the funniest characters. Like, these are the hipster, alt, tattoo'd kids that would like..look "different" in any other setting but when they all congregate in once space I'M the odd one out. hah, love it.
The food: good quality breakfast- healthy portions and what I'm most impressed with is that the prices are still reasonable when the real estate is so prime. I just feel like the Templeton is keeping it real.
Had my breaky done exacly the way I like it.
The service was incredibly slow but that's more of a warning for people who move fast rather than a complaint.
Everything on the menu looks delicious and I will now know that I can make this a regular spot. -
Review from Stephanie M.
Vancouver, BC
Very cozy 50s-style diner with awesome decor that makes you want to pop a quarter in the (fake) jukebox at your table.
"Snappy" is definitely the word to describe the service - our server asked us all the necessary questions so fast we barely had time to think before answering! She also kept our water and coffee constantly topped up. The servers overall are mega multi-taskers and seem like they're doing five things at once but somehow remaining on top of things.
As for the food, think big portions and very tasty. I had the Denver omelette which was huge, and delicious, and the rosemary potatoes that came with it. Not the best potatoes I've ever tasted, but very good. My friend and were also curious and so split a half a grapefruit baked with brown sugar and walnuts - very tasty, although now that I've satisfied my curiosity I think I'm just as happy with a plain old regular grapefruit.
Overall I'm definitely coming back for the food, the atmosphere and the service, as well as the fact that the prices are slightly less expensive than other brunch places downtown. -
Review from Keira-Anne M.
Vancouver, BC
In a word: yum!
The service at The Templeton is reliably light-hearted and attentive. Their blueberry-banana pancakes are always steaming hot and flavourful. The Templeton serves up a deliciously mean eggs Benny but their claim-to-fame has to be the coffee. It's tasty and perfectly brewed, served in jumbo mugs big enough to wrap your hands around.
The decor is classic and retro, much of it remains from the 1950s. Make sure you bring quarters for the jukebox!
