The Charlatan image

The Charlatan

Gastropub

Neighbourhood beer joint with a warm wood/leather interior, serving burgers & classic comfort food. People often mention good, great, service, drinks, burger, Service, time, wings, menu, friends,


Address

1447 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X8, Canada

Website

thecharlatanrestaurant.com

Contact

+1 604-253-2777

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 11 am to 1 pm
  • Wednesday: 11 am to 1 pm
  • Thursday: 11 am to 1 pm
  • Friday: 11 am to 2 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 2 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am to 1 pm
  • Monday: 11 am to 1 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (22) great (16) service (12) drinks (10) burger (8) Service (8) time (8) wings (8) menu (7) friends (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Tailor M. 1 year ago on Google • 268 reviews
    Very solid food here. Came for brunch but instead got lunch. Had a Cajun chicken burger with poutine and was very happy with the quality. Chicken breast was large and not slipping out of the burger like a lot of places Fries were great as well. Service was definitely below average, maybe our server was having a bad day but she seemed annoyed with us from the first minute, and we had to ask for EVERYTHING (coffee refill, water refill, utensils, etc.) Would still try again despite the service
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Golnaz J N. 7 months ago on Google • 50 reviews
    Dear Charlatan, The combination of crispy tortilla chips, perfectly seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and creamy guacamole was a taste sensation that left me craving for more. However, there was one charlatanesque aspect that left a slight bitter taste in our mouths—the unexpected charges for sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. It was disappointing that the establishment did not inform us about these additional costs upfront. While these condiments can enhance the nacho experience, it's essential for customers to be aware of any extra charges to make informed choices.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nicholas Q. 2 years ago on Google • 347 reviews
    This is a great dive bar, no doubt about it. I’ve been coming here for years and it’s always a fun time. The portion sizes are grand, the prices are fair, and the service is decent. It isn’t anything fancy, but it’s perfect for what it is. Highly recommended if you like a great atmosphere and are into these styles of bars and restaurants.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Carlos P. 1 year ago on Google • 114 reviews
    Good selections of different food and drinks. Really enjoyed the grilled Halloumi & Prosciutto salad. Nachos was good too. The Interior was kinda retro and classy. Service was good too. I would go again for sure.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 PJLife 2 months ago on Google • 222 reviews New
    We have been here many times. Service is consistently good. We come here for the relaxed and romantic ambiance. Our favourite dishes are the bacon wrapped feta filled dates (this time some of the bacon was burned ), The cauliflower wings with the Dragon sauce (they used to make them in smaller pieces which we preferred) and we tried the tuna bites for the first time, which we really liked. All 3 dishes had been full of flavor :)
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Lindsey C. 7 months ago on Google
    This was the first time going to this restaurant and it will also be my last. The atmosphere had a good vibe until they stuck my group at one of their outside tables that should really be meant for two people. We asked to move to a table with more space and the server stated, “I would have to ask the server to pay me to do that, or you would have to pay me” she did not elaborate on that and I truly do not know what that means. They stuck us at a table that was too small, as a consumer, I do not care how you resolve this but it should be resolved. They did move us but then ignored us the rest of the time. Now onto the food. All the food is very salty. My burger was also made incorrectly and I voiced this and they gave me a cold ingredient to put on the burger instead of remaking it. After I tried it with the sauce they forgot, I told them it was not good considering the sauce was meant to be cooked onto the burger not put on cold. They did nothing to rectify this. Terrible service. Also, these homemade sauces (I.e. ketchup and BBQ sauce) are terrible, this restaurant should just invest in name brand sauces. Their homemade sauces are clumpy and lack taste. Lastly, as my group and I started to walk home my friend got very sick from the food. She ended up vomiting when we got home. I do not recommend this place and I would advise to stay away.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tony K. 7 months ago on Google • 138 reviews
    Tried the nachos and it tasted great but the portion was kind of tiny... I dont think it was worth paying 40 bucks for! the salsa wasnt really salsa just sliced tomatoes! The atmosphere was ok, I realy like the patio outside and the drinks were good. The service wasn't great. maybe it was just our server..
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ze'ev G. 2 years ago on Google
    I always read the one star reviews before I go to a new place, and I have to say that my experience was different. The beer selection was great but the choices were mostly limited to what flavour of IPA do you want. The food was very good (we had almost every happy hour special they offered, but nothing else. I can particularly recommend the cauliflower and the tuna). The service was great. The room is a bit smaller and a bit darker than the website would make you think, but I'd go back for sure.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Alex U. 2 years ago on Google
    Popped in here during a cold day and enjoyed a bit of heat. Service not terribly concerned about customers. Food served was cold and pretty bad especially for the price. Probably fine to come here for a drink but avoid dining at all costs.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Brenda A. 1 year ago on Google
    Typical dive bar, good menu options. The pulled pork sliders on a brioche bun were so good! Service could be warmer. Went during the week for lunch and didn’t seem overwhelmingly busy.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Spoke S. 1 year ago on Google
    Server Sarah is amazing! Get that out there straight away. Great food. My pics do it no justice. Very busy night but the front staff kept up with the flow. BIG shout out to the barman and manager for respectfully dealing with a large, drunken buffoon. Situation de-escalated and all went well. Bring your date here, you won’t be disappointed. My only grumble? Check out the decibel reading…we had to shout at each other for the entire meal to be heard. Is this done to create quick customer turnover 🤔 TURN THE MUSIC DOWN. August 28/22 came again. AMAZING food, good selection of beers, wines and drinks but holy hell we waited forever. I’d suggest having a snack and a drink before you come because staff can’t seem to cope with the volume that management allows in. Dropped a star I’m afraid.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Pooja R. 5 months ago on Google • 143 reviews
    We were a table of 5. Brunch: Loved the bennies and the Drink options. I noticed a variety of really good local beer offerings which I don't usually find in restaurants in the area. The server was a bit confused and forgot some orders but all good in the end.

  • 5/5 Aaron H. 3 months ago on Google • 39 reviews New
    I came here on New year's with my friends. I didn't know what to expect but I had a great time. The salmon bite things were phenomenal. They let us have our puppy on the patio area and he was a hit with the other guests lol service was great and polite. Staff kept a great attitude even though it was super busy.

  • 4/5 Andrew H. 2 months ago on Google • 33 reviews New
    Went in for just a beer while family shopped around. Great service and good mix of taps Place reminded me of my grandparents basement bar, which isn't a bad thing as everything was clean. Looking now at some photos of food, I will probably go back to try it at some point.

  • 4/5 Munro S. 1 year ago on Google
    Caesars and coffee were excellent. Eggs benny on biscuits were a nice change from the usual, and the side potatoes were tasty but not greasy. Cheery service.

  • 5/5 aotm v. 2 years ago on Google
    What a Brunch! Churros for dessert are offered. The pictures do not lie everything is as good as it looks. And i;m not a brunch fan.

  • 5/5 Alexis Evren S. 8 months ago on Google
    Tasty food. Good vibes. Nice servers. Tuna bites were super delicious - a bit spicy and I am not good with spice usually but they still worked for me and I would get them again. That was the happy hour size in the photos. The coconut vegan dessert was sooooo good!!! Yum! Looking forward to coming back :)

  • 5/5 Kris L. 6 months ago on Google
    Came for Happy Hour wings on Tuesday. Wings were very crunchy and the sauce was wonderful, especially the black dragon flavour (something like a mild-spicy hoisin sauce) and lemon pepper. Easy choice to come again!

  • 4/5 Angie W. 5 months ago on Google
    Nice little pub. I missed happy hour. So the food prices were a bit more expensive. Lots of beer and cocktails selection. The bartenders were very attentive.

  • 1/5 Kelsey J. 2 months ago on Google • 18 reviews New
    This is definitely the worst restaurant in the city of Vancouver. The prices are all over the place with edamame being $14 and the poutine around the same price (I believe $16) but the beef wellington caught my eye which was $18, so cheap we thought considering the starters were only slightly less. However, it was not good at all. It was dry and super salty and the blueberry in it did not go with it. We went for the wings as it was the Tuesday special, they were fine but hard to mess up wings. The restaurant is dingy and dirty inside and reading other reviews, I can see why there’s a bunch of 1 star ones. Wouldn’t go back if you paid me.

  • 5/5 Justin S. 1 year ago on Google
    The Charlatan is a main staple on Commercial,Dr. for years it's definitely a first stop on a bar hopping knight with friends for sure! Now the menu speaks for itself If you have to choice a appetizer you must try the cauliflower wings seasoned with dragon spice or lemon with black pepper it's so nice but it doesn't stop there with the dragon spice you have to try the wings it will make your mouth water and wanting more I could go on for ever you'll just have to check it out yourself! They of course have a excellent choice of local loggers and domestic beers to choice from! There special hard drinks list is no match for any other bar on Commercial Dr. So in conclusion if your looking for a place to chill with friends or have a birthday to celebrate make Charlatan you bar of choice, I highly recommend it! 👍

  • 3/5 Nikki M. 1 year ago on Google
    Met some friends here while I was in town. Was a bit disappointed they didn’t have the ingredients for the drink I wanted on the menu, but that’s ok, it happened. But, they also didn’t have the beer my girlfriend wanted either! So their menu wasn’t really accurate. We ordered the bacon wrapped dates to start. The flavour was great but one of them came not really cooked. So 2/3 dates were tasty. We also ordered the tuna stack. It was very disappointing seeing as all it really was, was guacamole with a few pieces of tuna and cucumber on top. My friends didn’t really care for their appies either. Wings were lame too. The server we had was also a bit bazaar. She would come and ask our friends if they needed anything and then leave before I could ask for another drink. It was like she couldn’t ask the whole table (4 of us) at once if we needed anything.

  • 5/5 Margaret A. 1 year ago on Google
    Lyra, you made a frustrating night SO much better. Thank you for your kindness and your empathy. I am so genuinely glad to meet you and will return to sit in your section and hopefully meet more wonderful strangers. The wine you recommended was fantastic and I will tell many many people about the wonderful service I received from you. Cheers!!

  • 5/5 Will L. 2 years ago on Google
    I just held a birthday dinner at The Charlatan's "Den" and it was exceptional in every way. Thank you to the staff for your incredible customer service from the moment I made the reservation until the end of the night. It's obvious that they love working there and care about the what they do. Thank you once again!

  • 4/5 Kyle C. 2 years ago on Google
    Came for drinks a few times. Service was surprisingly great. A little overpriced considering the quality of the drinks and the well liquor I saw them using, but overall cool vibe to get drinks with friends any night of the week.

  • 4/5 Shahriar P. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the best drinking establishments on the Drive. They serve great cocktails and really great tasting food. Personally I think they serve some of the best chicken wings in Vancouver. Definitely a must go when you are on the Drive.

  • 2/5 CeaCean H. 2 years ago on Google
    Service was perfunctory. I would have greatly appreciated at least the offer to replenish my water and coffee. As for the food, the menu shows promise but the execution was a letdown. Underseasoned bison burger, undercooked fries. I think that with a little attention to detail, this could be a really good place.

  • 3/5 Heidi T. 2 years ago on Google
    They have an extensive brunch menu and I have never had to wait for a table for brunch which is why I go here from time to time. The service is hit or miss. Sometimes it’s fantastic, sometimes it’s disengaged or nonexistent. Food is always decent and arrives in a timely manner. If you’re hungover, want a meal pronto, don’t care about the quality of service and every other brunch place has a 40 min wait, this is a good place to go.

  • 5/5 Jay C. 2 years ago on Google
    A great choice for brunch on the weekends. Biscuit sandwiches were delightfully tasty. Also a good place for beer and wings on weekday nights!

  • 5/5 Arden L. 2 years ago on Google
    This a really cool, intimate place for drinks or dinner off commercial drive. There are a lot of local beers on tap, plus a really cool craft cocktail menu. The kitchen closes after 10 pm too if you're looking good late night bites!

  • 5/5 LilMiss C. 2 years ago on Google
    The Charaltan is a really awesome restaurant/bar to go to. Their food is absolutely delicious - I tried the veggie & nut burger, and it was out of this world, along with their homemade ketchup & fries. Great selection of drinks too! Definitely recommend this place! 👌

  • 3/5 Rewati K. 2 years ago on Google
    Great cocktail pitchers and the first decent ceviche I've had outside of southern California. Ambience is fun for a weekend out but the rest of their food is just so-so

  • 4/5 Jennifer Marie L. 2 years ago on Google
    Patio seating is a bit tight, but loved everything about everything. We arrived for happy hour. The botanical drinks were great. I'm now a huge fan of the bacon wrapped dates. Bison burger was good, but a tad dry, possibly something to do with gluten free bun and not having all the friend jalapeños and onions on it. Tasty though. Friend ordered the beef dip and it was devoured! Service was fantastic.


Call +1 604-253-2777 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
    • ✓️ Free of charge street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Organic dishes
    • ✓️ Happy-hour food
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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