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J "It's all about the rating distribution." N.'s Profile

The Overrated Drinks/Dinner List

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Some have been hyped. Others have not. If you are new to Vancouver, these places are fine to try once. If not, then only visit these establishments when you aren't in the mood for looking elsewhere.

 1. Save On Meats

43 W Hastings St
Vancouver, BC V6B 1G4
(604) 569-3568

Categories: Butcher, Diners

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Downtown Eastside

3.0 star rating
  Update - 1/14/2012

I shoulda listened to Daniel L.'s update on this one. He is so wise. :)

Totally cute place. (5) Great service at the bar. (4) I knew to avoid the Reuben from other Yelpers. Thx. guys!

Burger was fine; decent sized for a chick, (not sure that a big guy…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/21/2011

    This is only for the market side.

    Open later than other places which is great.

    Quite cheap for… Read more »

 2. Suika

1626 W Broadway
Vancouver, BC V6J 1X6
(604) 730-1678

Categories: Japanese, Tapas/Small Plates

Neighbourhood: Fairview Slopes

2.0 star rating
  9/15/2011

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 »

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 3. Vera's Burger Shack

1925 Cornwall Ave
Vancouver, BC V6J 1C8
(604) 228-8372

Categories: Hot Dogs, Burgers

Neighbourhood: Kitsilano

2.0 star rating
  6/25/2011

Have you ever been eating something with a group of people and you had to attempt to discreetly spit it out in a napkin since it was so gross and STALE?

Well, I got to experience this yesterday with Vera's "catered" meal! Gross. I don't even know if…More »

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 4. Rogue Kitchen & Wetbar

601 W Cordova St
Vancouver, BC V6B 1G1
(604) 678-8000

Categories: Canadian (Traditional), Gastropubs

Neighbourhood: Downtown

2.0 star rating
  Update - 8/24/2011

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 »

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3 Previous Reviews: Show all »

  • 3.0 star rating
    7/6/2011

    Went again last night and sat outside. Weather was perfect and quiet around 930 at night since the… Read more »

 5. Judas Goat Taberna

27 Blood Alley
Vancouver, BC V6B
(604) 681-5090

Categories: Spanish, Tapas/Small Plates

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown

2.0 star rating
  9/17/2011

Cool, fresh, tapas capitalizing on the success of Salt and the Blood Alley effect.
Plates are small; prices are high.
Service is good. Atmosphere--just okay.
Meatballs were great. Salad was tasty but non-memorable.
Tables are small; no privacy here.…More »

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 6. Trattoria Kitchen

1850 W 4th Ave
Vancouver, BC V6J 1M3
(604) 732-1441

Category: Italian

Neighbourhood: Kitsilano

2.0 star rating
  11/5/2011

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 »

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 7. The Diamond

6 Powell St
Vancouver, BC V6A 1E7

Categories: Canadian (New), Lounges

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown

3.0 star rating
  11/12/2011

Sounds good in theory. Packed establishment, great view and music and that's where it ends.

Way too bright to be called a "bar." Wine list is okay; food is certainly nothing to write home about. In fact, the appeal behind the food here is baffling.…More »

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 8. Revel Room

238 Abbott St
Vancouver, BC V6B 2K8
(604) 687-4088

Categories: Canadian (New), Lounges

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown

2.0 star rating
  11/11/2011

Small portions (well, it is tapas style) and average fare at high prices. While the atmosphere is somewhat welcoming, it is just an unmemorable place.

It's fine to try once, I guess, but I can't say that there is anything about this establishment…More »

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 9. Keg Yaletown

1011 Mainland St
Vancouver, BC V6B 5P9
(604) 633-2534

Category: Steakhouses

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Yaletown

3.0 star rating
  11/11/2011

The patio is the best part about this Keg in the summer, so when the summer is over it's not exactly a top pick.

The food is average. Usually better to go with the fattening appetizers which are always tasty.

The fireplaces are welcoming on a cold…More »

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 10. Society Dining Lounge

1257 Hamilton St
Vancouver, BC V6B 6K3
(604) 629-8800

Categories: Diners, Canadian (New)

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Yaletown

3.0 star rating
  10/26/2011

I am surprised this place is still around, except that it must have a following, and it's a nice alternative to the Es, Cs, and Ms of Yt.

The food is okay in a cheesy but fun, dimly-lit atmosphere. Mac and Cheese balls were a highlight, actually.…More »

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 11. Steamworks Brewing Company

375 Water St
Vancouver, BC V6B 5C6
(604) 689-2739

Categories: Canadian (New), Pubs

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown

3.0 star rating
  10/14/2011

This is actually a great place for a group party as you can book a room.

The wine is terrible (by the glass) so seriously, don't even bother, but in my case since I don't drink beer or hard alcohol any longer, I didn't have much of a choice.

The…More »

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 12. Pourhouse Restaurant

162 Water Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 1B2
(604) 568-7022

Categories: Lounges, Canadian (Traditional)

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown

3.0 star rating
  9/24/2011

Sure, it's a cool atmosphere, but when we went here the service was slow and the food such as pork and beans/pork chop was quite average for the seemingly above average price.  And did I detect an air of pretension that is not so cool and for no…More »

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 13. Salt Tasting Room

45 Blood Alley
Vancouver, BC V6B 1A4
(604) 633-1912

Categories: Wine Bars, Tapas/Small Plates

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown

3.0 star rating
  9/17/2011

I've been coming to this place since it first opened, and every now and then I return. At first, they had the "Blood Alley" grungy-cool-vibe thing covered, but with so many areas (Hastings Sunrise perhaps) becoming gentrified, it's not really a big…More »

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 14. Biercraft Tap and Tapas Bar

1191 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X2
(604) 254-2437

Category: Belgian

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

3.0 star rating
  8/22/2011

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.

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 15. Marcello Pizzeria

1404 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X9
(604) 215-7760

Category: Pizza

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

3.0 star rating
  8/21/2011

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 »

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 16. Vancouver Alpen Club

4875 Victoria Dr
Vancouver, BC V5N 4P3
(604) 874-3811

Categories: German, Venues & Event Spaces, Dance Clubs

Neighbourhood: Kensington-Cedar Cottage

3.0 star rating
  9/18/2011

A fun, yet cheesy time to be had by all, in spite of the price and the half-empty hall.

Met some real characters here. Loved the music and the dudes on the accordians reminded me of my late polish grandpa (but he was a bit better looking, even at 97,…More »

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 17. The Lamplighter Public House

210 Abbott St
Vancouver, BC V6B 2K8
(604) 687-4424

Categories: Pubs, Gastropubs

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown

3.0 star rating
  6/25/2011

I'm only rating the atmosphere, etc. since we didn't eat.

We were in a group of at least 20, and we got there by 730. Luckily there was no cover, although they did try to charge us at first. But seriously, do places like this charge cover at 730 now?…More »

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 18. FUSE - at the Vancouver Art Gallery

750 Hornby St
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7
(604) 662-4719

Categories: Art Galleries, Nightlife

Neighbourhood: Downtown

2.0 star rating
  6/18/2011

I agree with the visitor from SJ. It was a big rip off. Pretty inside, but the art was average and so were the performances. $22.50 a pop, really?

The Getty in LA is FREE and no museum in NY with quality art, (where even Vancouver photographer Jeff…More »

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 19. Market By Jean-Georges

1128 W Georgia St, 3rd Fl
Vancouver, BC V6E 0A8
(604) 689-1120
2.0 star rating
  6/16/2011

Wow, this used to be my favourite five star restaurant in Vancouver. In fact, I thought that I'd already reviewed this with a five star. Not anymore!

Went there today. Initially, the service was 5/5 for efficiency. Waitress was certainly not friendly,…More »

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 20. The Academic Public House

1619 W Broadway
Vancouver, BC V6J 1W9
(604) 733-4141

Categories: Pubs, Gastropubs

Neighbourhood: Fairview Slopes

1.0 star rating
  6/5/2011

Wow! Even after a long night of partying after the game, this place is AWFUL.

The poutine ('cuz that's what you order at that hour) tasted like petrol. Not gas, but petrol (if there is a difference). There was dark liquid poured on the fries that…More »

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 21. The New Oxford

1144 Homer St
Vancouver, BC V6B 2G2
(604) 609-0901

Category: Pubs

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Yaletown

3.0 star rating
  Update - 6/3/2011

Excellent service--if you get there two hours before the game.

Best nachos in the city. Always packed.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/1/2011

    My tastes must really be going downhill; maybe it's the influence of all of these top reviews for… Read more »

 22. Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant

1999 4th Ave W
Vancouver, BC V6J 1M7
(604) 734-7117

Category: Mexican

Neighbourhood: Kitsilano

3.0 star rating
  5/23/2011

Las Margaritas is a three in Vancouver but a two anywhere south of the border.

I would give it a 2.5 if I could. It only received a three since the servers were nice and I expect very little in Canada as far as Mexican is concerned.

If you don't…More »

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 23. Hapa Izakaya

1479 Robson St
Vancouver, BC V6G 1C1
(604) 689-4272

Categories: Japanese, Tapas Bars

Neighbourhood: West End

3.0 star rating
  4/9/2011

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 »

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 24. StackHouse Burger Bar

1224 Granville St
Vancouver, BC V6B 2G6
(604) 558-3499

Category: Burgers

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Granville Entertainment District

2.0 star rating
  3/24/2011

For my very first yelp review, sadly, I'm going to begin with "I wanted to like this place."
I went in here for lunch. We had only an hour. We had great seats. Apparently, two of the waitstaff didn't show up. So we waited and waited before we were…More »

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 25. Twisted Fork

1147 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M1
(604) 568-0749

Categories: French, Breakfast & Brunch

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Granville Entertainment District

3.0 star rating
  3/30/2011

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 »

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 26. Subeez Cafe

891 Homer Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 2W2
(604) 687-6107

Categories: Canadian (New), Pubs

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Yaletown

3.0 star rating
  4/22/2011

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 »

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 27. Bob Likes Thai Food

3755 Main St
Vancouver, BC V5V
(604) 568-8538

Category: Thai

Neighbourhood: Riley Park

2.0 star rating
  5/22/2011

Wow, just tried Bob's and what another sad Thai food disappointment in Vancouver. I had high hopes for this place as I liked the simple approach and the unique western name.

We were both starving as we had to wait forever for our menus (we finally…More »

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Recently updated lists from J N.

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Here's my version:

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"I love high brow, low brow and everything in between."

Review votes:
812 Useful, 426 Funny, and 497 Cool

Location

Vancouver, BC

Yelping Since

March 2011

Things I Love

tasteful restaurants, critiquing, writing, yelping, news, dry humour, clever wit

Find Me In

the latest, best, most unique or comfortable

My Hometown

Here; 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 Reviews

discriminating tastes, reasonable expectations, experienced foodie

My Second Favourite Website

anything fashion, food, or news related.

The Last Great Book I Read

Amy Chua's Tiger Mom. And now Hunger Games. Yeah!

My First Concert

Corey Hart. I was seven years old at the time. :)

My Favourite Movie

love cringe comedy- Curb Your Enthusiasm, Extras and In Betweeners

My Last Meal On Earth

grandma'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 Discovery

Ben and Jerry really are two for the price of one.

Current Crush

I would marry Ricky Gervais, but he'd probably rip me to shreds.