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J "It's all about the rating distribution." N.'s Profile
Casual Places to Perk up the Senses
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1. The Sardine Can
Vancouver, BC V6A 1E7
(604) 568-1350
Category:
Tapas Bars
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown
Thx. to Daniel, we found this cute, quaint, tiny place. It has a welcoming, albeit, cold bar, and two longer, high tables with stools. We arrived early enough to score one of the tables, which we would have happily shared.
Chorizo, …More »
2. Via Tevere
Vancouver, BC V5L 4G5
(604) 336-1803
We arrived early enough to find a seat, although the place filled up fast. We ordered two beverages, two salads and a pie.
I always like to go with the Capriciossa (prosciutto, artichokes, olives salami, and mushrooms) as that has become my pizza…More »
3. Fat Dragon BBQ
Vancouver, BC V6A 4J5
(604) 558-0880
Category:
Barbeque
Neighbourhood: Downtown Eastside
Fat Dragon needed a review from a regular Yelper, so here's my two cents. Enjoy.
The hits:
-The pork bun,
-the squid bun-my personal fave and I'm not normally a "bun" fan. We'd return again just for these choices. I'm not kidding.
- the ambiance,
…More »
4. Caffrey's
Pretty sure that I'm going to be the only Vancouverite that reviews this place, but maybe it'll garner a following? :) I mean, I hadn't even heard of the expression "rig pig" until I started writing this review.
This bar is huge, American…More »
5. Tentatsu
Vancouver, BC V5K
(604) 255-3733
Category:
Japanese
Neighbourhood: Hastings-Sunrise
Ok, so it's all over the map with reviews, but it's really a 3.5. If the long wait on a Sunday is any indication, this is still quite the popular place. You really can't go wrong with the food for the inexpensive prices. We were stuffed on barely…More »
6. Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X6
(604) 251-2292
We finally were able to try this place out after a soft opening and private party night prevented us.
This is my new favourite "casual" pizza place in town. (Please not that Campagnolo and Campagnolo Roma are still the best in the city--but a bit…More »
7. Onyx Steakhouse & Lounge
Friendly service. They managed to accommodate us even if they had reservations scheduled for the next hour (or so they said). The aforementioned reserved cancelled mysteriously, so we were permitted to stay a bit longer.
We each had an Italian pinot…More »
8. Romer's Burger Bar
If it's Easter Sunday and In-N-Out happens to be closed the day that you return from Cali to Vancouver, I have decided that Romer's is a pretty good second choice.
The burgers are huge, gluttonous and decadent. One great thing is that they are open in…More »
9. Sushi Nanaimo
Vancouver, BC V5L 4R7
(604) 876-9200
Categories:
Sushi Bars,
Japanese
Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, Hastings-Sunrise
The best Japanese place in the hood, and better than the previous place that resided here, too. A delightful surprise. Packed and efficient with service. Mild green tea served upon arrival was good. No liquor license, (and note their spelling of…More »
10. Burger Heaven
Finally, another good burger place to add to my burger list! And if not for the grumpy waitress, it might even be a five by Canada's standards, at least.
All of the burgers are huge and tasty. There is even a double-deckered grilled cheese burger that…More »
11. The Wallflower Modern Diner
Vancouver, BC V5T 3E2
(604) 568-7554
Categories:
Diners,
Gluten-Free,
Breakfast & Brunch
Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant
Coming here post-theatre is like going to Chuck-E-Cheese's after visiting your grandparents at their retirement home. (No disrespect). Everyone was super cool a la urban outfitters; the 50's-60's mod music was a five star; the waitress in her indigo…More »
12. Cactus Club Cafe
Vancouver, BC V7X 1M9
(604) 682-0933
Categories:
Canadian (New),
Burgers
Neighbourhood: Downtown
I am not a big fan of chains when going to a restaurant in a pair or small group, unless I am just not in the mood for decision-making.
BUT hear me out on this remarkable observation...
On a Saturday night, they took resos and catered to my rowdy…More »
13. Cactus Club Cafe
Vancouver, BC V6J 5K9
(604) 733-0434
Category:
Canadian (New)
Neighbourhoods: Fairview Slopes, South Granville
Oh great, another review of a chain restaurant; but wait!
Since today is Superbowl Sunday, if you are looking for the no-brainer place in Sogra, this is still one of the best picks (if not the best) for: calamari, mini burgers, big screen tv's and a…More »
14. Joey Bentall One
I returned here again with a large group, and they did everything they possibly could to make our dinner enjoyable.
They were able to serve each of us a single tuna taco for a starter, but it fell apart immediately as you tried to pick it up and eat…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/18/2011
One of the better lunch spots in the area when you are short on time as it's "relatively" quick… Read more »
15. The French Table Bistro
Beautiful, serious, French. The lightest French fare I'd ever tasted. That was a GOOD thing. Even better than my fave go-to-five-star place where lightness is a concern.
Older crowd, quaint decor, but I was freezing by the window.
Order: beet salad…More »
16. Bitter Tasting Room
Vancouver, BC V6B 1G6
(604) 558-4658
Categories:
Beer, Wine & Spirits,
Pubs
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Downtown Eastside
We couldn't get into Ensemble Tap although it was half empty. (Reserved). Seats by the door and at the bar at ET were freezing; suddenly, it didn't seem as welcoming as it once did. We felt a bit "bitter" but decided to shake it off and just go to…More »
17. Ensemble Tap
Vancouver, BC V6Z 0A4
(604) 566-9770
Categories:
Canadian (New),
Gastropubs
Neighbourhood: Downtown
I still think that the service and food deserve a five. The fried skinless chicken burger and fries were amazing. The salad was delicious, especially with the fried onions that DM is known for.
But upon returning to the restaurant after it has had…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/8/2011 First to Review
Yay, the new Feenie's...er...Ensemble Tap... is open! Dale Mackay has done it again, and "tapping"… Read more »
18. Aree Thai
Vancouver, BC V5V 3C8
(604) 709-9229
Category:
Thai
Neighbourhood: Kensington-Cedar Cottage
Ok, it's time to re-review this place.
I found a small hair on my plate, and believe me, I can be squirmish about these things in a huge way. But no, I didn't say anything, and in fact, I tipped 25% and increased this to a five star. The service was a…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/6/2011
Finally, we got to enjoy the best Thai in Vancouver! No wonder I slept so soundly last night. (And… Read more »
19. The Irish Heather
Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2
(604) 688-9779
Categories:
Irish,
Gastropubs
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown
The reviews are correct. The beer is great and they have the best wine selection that I've ever seen in an Irish pub!
If you like bangers and mash, this is the place for you. The pot pie was absolutely delish when ordered with the mashed potatoes. My…More »
20. The Flying Pig
Vancouver, BC V6B 2S2
(604) 568-1344
Category:
Canadian (New)
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Yaletown
A place to try once, at least, as a nice alternative to the douchebag places in Yaletown, and really, the hottest spot in the 'hood right now. Sure, the identity wasn't defined, but that was part of the charm. And isn't it nice to try somewhere…More »
21. The Ascot Lounge
When you enter the Ascot Lounge you are reminded of your grandmother's parlour circa 1940-1950 but with a twist. Chandeliers decorate the ceiling. A taxidermist has done some wonderful work in the form of a a deer head that hangs on the wall. And…More »
22. The New Oxford
Excellent service--if you get there two hours before the game.
Best nachos in the city. Always packed.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
4/1/2011
My tastes must really be going downhill; maybe it's the influence of all of these top reviews for… Read more »
23. The Cascade Room
Vancouver, BC V5T 3E6
(604) 709-8650
Categories:
Canadian (New),
Pubs
Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant
Delicious salads, seafood and pasta. Actually, the salad was a definitive highlight with the fresh greens, shaved cheese and walnuts.
Such fresh, sophisticated food in a casual, welcoming place.
Sitting by the open windows on a beautiful sunny evening…More »
24. Cat's Socialhouse
Vancouver, BC V6H 3S6
(604) 647-2287
Categories:
Restaurants,
Lounges
Neighbourhood: Granville Island/False Creek
I returned with a big group since I thought that I'd give this place another chance. Service was okay, but we ordered our meals ahead of time, once again. The appetizers arrived almost as soon as we did, which was great since everyone was starving!
…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/27/2011
This place seemed to be a lot better when it first opened. I would give it an extra star for service… Read more »
25. Twisted Fork
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M1
(604) 568-0749
Categories:
French,
Breakfast & Brunch
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Granville Entertainment District
I haven't had brunch here, but dinner was just OK. Maybe I should try the brunch, but honestly, I don't see what all of the fuss is about for this place?
The mussels had that "fishy" taste that you don't want when you order mussels. It's an absolute…More »
26. Subeez Cafe
Vancouver, BC V6B 2W2
(604) 687-6107
Categories:
Canadian (New),
Pubs
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Yaletown
This place doesn't need another review, but I have been really disappointed with the food here as of late.
Shared the nachos and calamari during a game. They were some of the worst that I'd ever eaten. I could have made WAY better nachos at home. Both…More »
27. Trattoria Kitchen
I remember when Italian Kitchen opened as the "cool" place, dt. Those were the days.
Then I came here on a date and they "accidentally" threw away my pasta since I'd barely touched it.
They were really apologetic about is so they gave me a card for a…More »
28. Luke's Corner Bar & Kitchen
Vancouver, BC V6H 3J7
(604) 733-5699
Category:
Canadian (New)
Neighbourhoods: Fairview Slopes, South Granville
I have to say that I was in the 'hood and I decided to give this place another chance. And you know what? I am really glad that I did.
The service-Way better; just as good as anywhere else in the neighbourhood. The waitress was quite friendly and…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
9/16/2011 First to Review
Surprised to be the first to review this in no-fun-sogra but I was excited to try it out. It is run… Read more »
29. Suika
Vancouver, BC V6J 1X6
(604) 730-1678
Categories:
Japanese,
Tapas/Small Plates
Neighbourhood: Fairview Slopes
When I visit a Japanese place where I'm the only Caucasian there, (which was actually extremely surprising, but that's another story) I take that as a good sign. Not so much in this case, but maybe they know something that I just don't. I loved the…More »
30. Crave Restaurant
Vancouver, BC V5V 3P3
(604) 872-3663
Categories:
Canadian (New),
Breakfast & Brunch
Neighbourhood: Riley Park
I've been eating here since it opened, but never got around to the review. But how could I forget about crave?
Some notables:
The patio-quaint, quiet, and absolutely lovely on a warm day. (In back, in case you thought that the front one was the only…More »
31. The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant
Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9
(604) 669-9030
Categories:
Seafood,
Sushi Bars
Neighbourhood: Granville Island/False Creek
You know, I only ever had terrible food here at prices that are way too expensive. But that was awhile ago. Maybe it's changed? It seems to me that the people eating here are GI tourists.
It is fun to go for drinks, though, and I had the sweetest…More »
32. Hapa Izakaya
Vancouver, BC V6G 1C1
(604) 689-4272
Categories:
Japanese,
Tapas Bars
Neighbourhood: West End
The food was pretty decent, but I agree with another yelper when they state that the decor was outdated.
The cauliflower/bean appy was pretty boring and best left untasted, but we had to order one veg. I didn't know that it would be served cold, too,…More »
33. Joey Broadway
Vancouver, BC V6H 1H4
(604) 732-5639
Category:
Canadian (New)
Neighbourhoods: Fairview Slopes, South Granville
Always consistent service and food and friendly staff.
Many people forget about the patio upstairs. It's in the shade, but it's nice to go in the evening when there isn't any sun. And since it's upstairs you don't notice the Broadway "traffic" as…More »
34. Rogue Kitchen & Wetbar
Vancouver, BC V6B 1G1
(604) 678-8000
Categories:
Canadian (Traditional),
Gastropubs
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Finally got my check-in voucher but my friend did not, even though I made a point of emailing (twice) on our behalf.
With this much effort, and the worst frozen-tasting-pizza ever (that was recommended by the waitress) I will not return.
What a…More »
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
7/6/2011
Went again last night and sat outside. Weather was perfect and quiet around 930 at night since the… Read more »
35. Biercraft Tap and Tapas Bar
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X2
(604) 254-2437
Category:
Belgian
Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive
Great beer. Nice selection of wine. Service is excellent. So is patio on a warm day.
Food is just "ok." Calamari rings aren't bad; same with fries. Brunch is better.
Better to drink here and eat at Marcello's up the street. Overall, a fine place.
36. Earls
Vancouver, BC V6J 1W9
(604) 736-5663
Category:
Canadian (New)
Neighbourhoods: Fairview Slopes, South Granville
Yep, actually reviewing this place (sigh).
One of the better patios around with free parking there or close by. Was one of the best/available/accommodating game choices during our crazy play-off time--believe it or not...pre-riots, of course.
Food is…More »
37. Marcello Pizzeria
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X9
(604) 215-7760
Category:
Pizza
Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive
Even post NY the pizza is always pretty tasty and the gnocchi with creamy meat sauce is the best if you like meat. Order a side of bread to pick up the extra sauce (if no one is looking) and yep, it's pretty standard that all of the Italian places…More »
38. Earl's Restaurants
Actually, a really reliable, enjoyable Earl's and the original Earl's!
We had a large party and were seated at a comfortable, almost private round table. We didn't have to wait longer than 10 minutes, which was pretty good on a Sat. early in the eve.
I…More »
Recently updated lists from J N.
Just a "Little" of Italy (29)Or a "lotta" Italy, depending on what your mood might be. I added a few from my fave cities in case you happen to be traveling. |
White Rock: A Little Piece of Paradise Close to Home (8)And closer to cheap gas, too. |
Starbucks (25)We all check them out...admit it! But do we have our faves? Do we know which ones to avoid? Here's my list thus far. |
For the Winers and Wineos (18)The best selections of wines in town |
Minutes in Maui (16)Well, that's what it felt like. Here's the "quick list." TBC. |
Fish no more! (17)Where the sea meets the table from high end to low end. |
Sogra. So-wha? That's right: the Granville-Broadway area. (22)Not to be confused with Granville South--otherwise known as Marpole. A quick glance at my "stars" will tell you that this just might not be the hottest part of town! |
Best Date Night Dinners in the City (26)Some of the popular places to eat from dressy to casual; from the best to the no-brainers. |
Anything but Starbucks.... (19)Here's my version: |
Homeward Bound (16)When eating out loses its lustre for the day and you attempt to simplify at home. |
See all 39 lists »
"I love high brow, low brow and everything in between."
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Review votes:
812 Useful, 426 Funny, and 497 Cool
Vancouver, BC
Yelping SinceMarch 2011
Things I Lovetasteful restaurants, critiquing, writing, yelping, news, dry humour, clever wit
Find Me Inthe latest, best, most unique or comfortable
My HometownHere; formerly an opinionated NY'er who prides herself on quality. :)
When I'm Not Yelping...I'm formulating reviews in my head and trying not to say anything too offensive
Why You Should Read My Reviewsdiscriminating tastes, reasonable expectations, experienced foodie
My Second Favourite Websiteanything fashion, food, or news related.
The Last Great Book I ReadAmy Chua's Tiger Mom. And now Hunger Games. Yeah!
My First ConcertCorey Hart. I was seven years old at the time. :)
My Favourite Movielove cringe comedy- Curb Your Enthusiasm, Extras and In Betweeners
My Last Meal On Earthgrandma's spicy potato-bacon/cottage cheese perogies smothered in butter/bacon.
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I might seem more like Betty but I'd much rather be Veronica.
Most Recent DiscoveryBen and Jerry really are two for the price of one.
Current CrushI would marry Ricky Gervais, but he'd probably rip me to shreds.