Pourhouse Restaurant Review

By Matt Coolen

Imagine, Vancouver, walking into an establishment that when you walk in you hear Sinatra playing in the background instead of blaring house music. Imagine being greeted by the proprietor, who remembers you by name from the last time you were in, from behind the bar and asking you himself what you're going to have for your first drink....and then actually making it himself. Feel like you may have gone back in time? Maybe like a level of service such as this hasn't existed for years. Welcome to Pourhouse.

I love this place.

The space itself is a timeless nod to a restaurant that gentleman used to be able to bring their lady to and be alone in the corner, just as easy as they would close their next big deal while sitting at the bar. It's probably one of the only spaces that is truly the perfect setting for almost any occasion. How they managed to keep it fairly casual with still an elegant touch is practically unheard of.

I have been in the evening now a few times, and have never left short of gushing about the entire experience. So literally within 5 minutes of finding out that they were open for brunch I made a reservation for within an hour, but back to that is a minute.

The drink menu is perfect. Every drink on it works amazing. But just in case you don't feel like reviewing the cocktail list, I have, and I can quote this, ordered drinks being as broad as saying "its been a long night, my stomach is not being too friendly, you decide" or "I need something that's gonna make me sit back in my seat", each time I was never disappointed.

My next two words may change your life. Neon Squid. I would eat their neon squid dish forever, with nothing else, until I die. It is served grilled with roasted garlic and comes plated as 3 small steaks of squid. Right now as I type this, I am getting considering making the trip to get some. It is sincerely a revelation.

It doesn't stop there for food with Pourhouse though, I have had lots of dishes, all are delicious, I really mean all of them are. I will give you permission to close your eyes and point at the menu and you will thank me for whatever you end up with.

Picture ordering steak and eggs for brunch for under $15 and the steak is actually better than the steak you paid $50 for the night before. Huge win.

I'm not sure what else I can really say other than go, admire the beautiful bar surround by wood and brass, go chat with the owner and the friendly staff, drink the drinks, eat the amazing food, and leave feeling like you were apart of something bigger than just paying to eat.

I tip my hat to you Pourhouse in the most classic sense possible.