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The Brunch Glutton Has Her Say
My reviews of Brunch joints in the order that I likes 'em.
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19 Places
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Jessica’s 5-star review: I had been to Locus a few times over the years and found their food over-seasoned, overwrought and overpriced. But a few weeks ago my pals and I had brunch here before going to check out the Wu Tang art show at Little Mountain and I was blown away! Socks knocked off! The brunch menu was filled with a ton of vegetarian and pescetarian friendly options! The BF and I ordered the same thing, as we were trying to be gluten-free: the Pesto Prawn omelette. It was delicious - packed with fillings and cooked slightly runny at my request. The next time I visit, I will definitely be having the Seafood Benny (scallop & prawn cake, tomato, fresh dill, lemon zest, black pepper & hollandaise - OMFG) as it looked and smelled fabulous. I also really appreciated the yam/potato hash (I love the mix!) and the fact that the juices were all freshly squeezed and under 4 dollars - great deal! Cocktails and coffee were also strong - the way I like them. Overall this was a great brunch experience - a little pricier than my normal haunts, but worth it - and I will be back again! (Note to self - do not write reviews while hungry - torturous!) -
Jessica’s 5-star review: The best breakfast I have had in Vancouver in a very long time - maybe even ever! I was here this morning with boyfriend and another couple, and I thought I'd died and gone to brunch heaven. I had the brie, roasted tomato and pesto benny and it arrived with some beautiful new potato homefries. Every component was perfectly seasoned and my eggs were nice and runny the way that I'd asked for. Boyfriend's mushroom, spinach and chevre scramble was similarly beautiful. Nice big pots of tea as well! One suggestion? Ask for a side of hollandaise if you choose this particular benny (which I recommend!) as it normally comes with just pesto. I stole some of my pal's liquid sunshine (aka hollandaise) and spooned it on top - my brain almost exploded. Happy! The kitchen is small, but they did give us a warning that the food would take a while so I'm not complaining about the 45 minute wait - but be warned. If you're starving better have a snack first. Up there with Twisted Fork and Locus for me - I will be back again and again! -
Jessica’s 5-star review: I don't like reggae..... I love it. There is nothing quite so amazing as sitting in the noon sun on the patio at the Reef, imbibing dangerously delicious cocktails by the pitcher as you devour an order of "Jamaica Me Crabby" (a bennie made with crab cakes instead of meat). I'm always happy to eat brunch in a bright sunny space, and after having been to Jamaica a few years ago I love spicy jerk sauce! The fruity "Flambeau" sauce that they serve in lieu of regular ole hot sauce is also amazing - and will give you a good kick in the rear (which you may need after all of the MoGingaJitos...) Their citrus hollandaise is amazing, and the cinnamon dusted, raspberry stuffed Johhny Cake balls they serve first are decadent and filling - be careful you only eat half of one before your food comes out! In the past I was not a fan of their supper menu, but I went a few months ago for a pal's birthday and it was great. The BF and I shared an appie special, lovely chana curry served with puffed rotis, and I then had the "Maracas Ray Mahi" (with subbed mash instead of rice.) It was extremely flavourful and I almost licked my plate! The BF had the tofu roti and was not quite as thrilled, but acknowledged that he should have ordered something more suited to his mood. So get ready to listen to some Bob, drink some rum and eat some spicy food! Yum!
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Jessica’s 5-star review: With a lot of consideration, I have decided to up my previous 4 star review to a five star. After Saturday night, I was going to keep it at 4 stars, but while lazing on Wreck beach all day Sunday my pals and I couldn't stop talking about the food - and I think that says something! While others in my big group did have some spotty service, I didn't have a problem at all and the food and drinks we ordered were all wonderful - except for a tiny falter which I will detail below. Baked brie - I cannot say enough about this snackie. Yum! A hefty wedge of brie wrapped in phyllo and drizzled with sambal sauce and honey. We schmeared it on crostinis and loved every bite. Win. Tuna Tataki - Hmm. The fish was good quality, and came layered in slices with avocado, but.... I dunno - it was a bit lacklustre. Perhaps the squeeze bottled mayo and reduced soy drizzles reminded us too much of a cheap sushi restaurant, but we were left wishing for a) more salt and b) a wetter, saucier plate. Still good, though, and though mediocre not bad enough to reduce a star (I would take off a half star if I could) Shrimp pesto pizza with parmesan dip - oh, salty, shrimpy, cheesy glory! This thin crusted pizza was one of the best I have ever had outside of a dedicated pizza joint. Absolutely fantastic. Pitchers of cocktails - Watermelon mojito was fruity and fresh without being too sweet and the long island iced tea was made creamy and superyummy with the addition of egg whites - like a coke float! The pitchers were on special for 18.50 - amazing. Mango cheesecake - light and whipped and absolutely decadent. Total win. The prices were spectacular compared to other joints in the city with comparable quality - we cannot figure out why this place isn't hopping! It's location is a little bit hidden, but in such a convenient area otherwise. This is totally our new go-to for drinks and snacks. -
Jessica’s 5-star review: I am in love with Brioche - how did I only just discover this Gastown gem?! It's a little pricey, but worth it just for the cute atmosphere alone. I visited Brioche for breakfast with a pal and we had omelettes - big lovely wonderfully oily-in-a-good-way omelettes absolutely stuffed with avocado, red onions, boconcini and marinated portobello mushrooms. Excuse me while I mop up the keyboard.... ahem. I want to visit again for its chic cafe atmosphere - this seems like an amazing place to show up early, read the paper and linger over a big-ass cup of tea and delicious baking. And I gotta try this green bean and scallop salad! -
Jessica’s 5-star review: I love the supper - but the brunch is also amazeballs. AMAZEBALLS. The sweet and savoury cornbread makes me weep salty tears of joy as I use it to sop up beans and eggs and cheese and yum! Thank you, Bandidas! -
Jessica’s 4-star review: Twisted Fork is an absolute gem, a welcome addition to the culinary graveyard that is Granville Street downtown! I can't believe it took me so long to get my butt in there - in more ways than one. The boyfriend and I decided to take Lex B. out for some birthday brunch, and arrived at noon to put in our name. We were told 45 min to an hour, so we went down the street to Blenz for some tea. Once our other pals arrived, about 35 minutes later, we strolled back down to TF and were told by the host "Don't go anywhere - table coming right up!" And then another hour went by. My hanger nearly reached fever pitch (I nearly told a table of four guys who ordered a second pot of coffee after their meal to *%$# off and go to Blenz). FINALLY we were seated. The food more than made up for the horrendous wait. Asiago cheese scones with homemade peach jam! Roasted tomato benny on brioche with heavenly hollandaise! Wonderfully flavourful potato rosti! The only misfire for me were the baked beans - a little too cumin-y to go with the rest of the meal. I completely understand the wait, and the food is more than worth it - but I must remove one star due to the misleading info. We could have easily gone for another coffee while we waited - to be told that your table is ready "right away" and then wait for an hour more is cruel! Lesson learned? For brunch, go early! -
Jessica’s 4-star review: Barney is my most reliable brunch in the city. Before this location opened we would make a special jaunt out to Granville to eat here, but now we find ourselves happily strolling mere blocks away to gorge ourselves on great Bennies. Depending on how gluttonous I feel, I end up with either the Commando Benny (asparagus, tomato and brie) or the Eggsotic (with shrimp, avocado and gouda.) If I am watching my waistline I go for an omelette, and they manage to keep it a tad undercooked as per my specifications. I have also never had an overcooked poached egg here, so yay! Hashbrowns can be hit or miss - I detect some days that they are deepfried and if that is the case I would rather not know about it! The hotsauce is my favourite - kind of Franks-y, but with something extra. I wanna drink it from the bottle! A great place for a beer or a caesar with a hangover brunch, or a late night beer or two. One note - in my experience, the evening menu looks like a dog's breakfast, with no unifying theme. It's kind of a mish mash of mediocre West Coast fare, and the items I have tried were meh at best. Not a fan - at all. Brunch FTW! -
Jessica’s 4-star review: Mwah! I love you, Deacon's Corner. Thank you for being the only truly reliable, scrumptious diner in the DTES - the place that I can always count on for lunch (and our semi-weekly office BEER FRIDAYS) without fear that it will be bland or slightly creepy. When we don't want to venture to Gastown, this is the Museum gal's favourite lunch spot. Tried and true: the veggie scramble loaded with gooey, sharp cheddar and fresh vegetables; the tuna melt (to die for - literally, like in a heart attack way, so I only have it occasionally) and the burgers (veggie patty for me.) My colleagues swear by the Club sandwich! In true diner fashion, they also serve up mac and cheese, meatloaf and rotating specials. The staff (especially the curly-haired waitress) are friendly and fast. I can't give a fifth star, because the prices are a bit high per item - I think that 11 bucks a sandwich (plus tax, tip and drink) is a bit excessive in this area for what is essentially simple fare, especially when the rent must be really cheap. A reliable, sunny choice for a yummy lunch in the DTES! -
Jessica’s 4-star review: Two experiences, two solid plates of food, two good waitresses. And mere blocks from my house! :) Three Lions, despite its slightly odd space, is a great place for a tipple and a light meal Last weekend I tried the Halibut Nicoise and practically licked the plate. Most people would have been turned off by the sheer saltiness of the dish (A LOT of capers) but I would gladly munch on a salt lick all day, so I was happy. The halibut was cooked perfectly, and the addition of a runny poached egg on the top of the salad, its yolk running all through the viniagrette, made me exclaim "yum!" out loud a few times. This weekend I tried the brunch menu, and was almost as pleased. The sauteed mushrooms that I subbed into my benny (rather than ham) really reminded me of the UK, but I didn't love the crispy cracker-y scone that they use instead of English muffins. Hmm. Not my fave. But, the hollandaise and hashbrowns were yum. My only other complaint is the price - that extra buck or two on every dish really adds up, and will prevent me from venturing here too often. It's a shame, really, because the food and drinks are great! -
Jessica’s 3-star review: The last few times I have had Timbre's brunch I have been disappointed. Gone are the days that I would crave their delicious food with the sounds of bluegrass in my ears. Now, I struggle to get through mediocre eggs and hashbrowns that have clearly been deepfried. It's still a solid choice - but nowhere near as good as it used to be. -
Jessica’s 4-star review: As a self-proclaimed brunch glutton, I often choose places with fancy bennies and strong drinks, places I would also go for supper. But when money is tight or the hangover is too fierce, I head to Skylight. I grew up on the Drive mere blocks away, and have been going here since I was a teen. Though I only go in a few times a year now, the lovely waitress remembers EXACTLY what I want (down to how I like my eggs and toast), and that I like hotsauce, and that I use milk rather than cream. It's eerie. Simple, plain greasy spoon fare abounds, and the eggs are cooked perfectly to order and the hashbrowns are greasy, green onion-y and wonderful. Brekkie is so cheap that I always leave a hefty tip and stroll out with a smile on my face. Not fancy, but clean and cheap and tasty! -
Jessica’s 3-star review: Alright, I switched back and forth between 3 and 4 stars for a while, and decided on 3 because even though dangit, I do loves me somma their brunch - there are some problems. The Whip has great ambience, a big bright airy space filled with interesting tables and chairs and a rotating selection of art on the walls. The wee sidewalk patio is a great place to grab a pint. Brunch has always been great here - I LOVE the flavour of their hollandaise and the california benny is delicious - but the last 2 times I have been here the food has arrived cold and the yolks (that I requested runny as hell) have been hard. I know I should have sent it back, but hangover-induced starvation forced me to eat it. Immediately. Three cheers for a yam/potato hash mix! They also have a nice rice/ beans/egg dish, but I cannot for the life of me figure out why they only include 1 egg. Every other brekkie comes with two - what gives? As a huge egg fan (they are my favourite single food item) I always want at least 2. So, brunch great with flaws. As for lunch and supper fare - I haven't eaten here for non-brek food in almost 5 years so I don't feel comfortable passing judgement either way. However, my wee ma had a burger here last week (while I ate eggs, of course) and she was impressed. All in all - a goodplace for drinks and/or brunch (and some days don't they go oh-so-well together?) and I will be back soon for an evening meal. -
Jessica’s 3-star review: I'm loathe to say this, as the owner is a doll, but my pals and I have a saying "The Wallflower would be better if it was..... better." Here's what I mean: for a diner specializing in "modern comfort food" I don't really find anything modern or updated about the menu (other that the gluten free and veggie options.) Everything I have ever tried is ..... plain. And I know some people like plain! So that must be the draw of the restaurant, but for me it's always a bit of a disappointment. I want something a bit extra, a cheesy melty gooey bubbling crust on the mac and cheese (nope) some interesting toppings on my salmon burger (lettuce, onion and tomato, pals) some joie de vivre in the bennie choices (the most interesting is crab cake, and that cake left me feeling crabby.) Also, they have a non-stop overcooking eggs problem - no matter how many times I specify "runny eggs" I gets the yolks chalky and hard. This makes poor Jessica cry her unhappy egg tears. All that said - it is an affordable place to grab drinks and snacks. I love the space, the staff are awesome (they rescued this review from a 2 star by being some of the friendliest on Main St) and the drinks are cheap. I feel like they just need to review the menu, self edit the strange mish mash of offerings and up the ante with the details! If this happens I would be in love. In lurve, even.. -
Jessica’s 3-star review: A really good breakfast with really small portions is what you will pay 15 dollars for. Add on coffee and juice and it becomes a 20 dollar affair - and you will be hungry again in 1 hour. Interesting decor, a great Denman location and an inventive brunch menu kept us coming back when we lived on Davie, but overall the cost is just a bit too much for what you get. We popped in for supper one evening and were unimpressed with the menu - we just finished our drinks and went elsewhere - which means I can't really give a well rounded review - but that says something, I suppose? Overall - a decent place to have a tasty breakfast - but you will need to grab some takeaway on the walk home. :/ -
Jessica’s 3-star review: Oh Seb's, you're so mediocre it kills me. The menu descriptions? Magical. The ambiance? Lovely. The concept? Brillz. The food? Sigh. I might as well eat unflavoured matter. I have to salt the heck outta everything and it always kind of falls flat. That said, nothing is ever offensive. It's.... simply....mediocre. They haven't changed up their brunch menu in almost 10 years - maybe this is the problem? Mediocrity aside, I don't mind heading here for brunch. See? "I don't mind"? This is not the way to inspire paroxysms of joy in your clientele. More flavour, please Mr. Seb! -
Jessica’s 2-star review: I so confused. Why, oh why, did my shrimp tacos have ginger in them? A pal and I headed to Havana before seeing a play at the Cultch, and we were instantly seated by a great waitress - she was the best part of the night - by the freezing cold window. Sigh. I shivered my way through reading the menu, and as I wanted something small and fresh I ordered their shrimp tacos, which came with avocado, bean puree and fruit salsa. My brain screamed "Yum! We love these things!" Along with this I chose an Argentinian Pinot Noir. The wine came, and was a HUGE pour for 9 dollars - about this I ain't complainin'. However, the tacos were pretty effing strange. Rather than little pinche tortillas they were served on a full sized flour tortilla that had been folded over 4 times into a triangle with the topping kind of placed on top like a hors d'oeurves. The server actually presented me with a steak knife because "so people like to eat them that way." No, more like some people HAVE to eat them that way. Awkward and off-putting. The shrimp were the pre-cooked tiny boiled guys you find at Safeway, and they were plunked COLD down on top of the beans and salsa. This was not mentioned on the menu, and I definitely would not have ordered a cold Summery dish had I known, seeing as I was seated next to the frozen window of death. The fruit salsa was nice - except for the fact that it was jampacked fulla ginger - the least likely flavour to be enjoyed in a freakin' taco! Blarg! Ack! Ptooey! Gag! So - the cold, fishy little shrimps, ginger-y salsa and strange thick awkward tortillas left me kind of unsatisfied (y'think?) so I ordered some dessert - white chocolate cheesecake. This was similarly meh, with a dry thick crust that tasted stale. Havana, your servers are great and your wine servings are hefty, but the food was garbage and the space an icebox. Close, but no (Cuban) cigar, mi amigos. -
Jessica’s 2-star review: When my partner fractured his foot (showing off by jumping down some stairs after a late night at the bar) he could only hobble a few blocks. As we needed a hangover breakfast and to visit the doctor, we decided to go to Milestones, as they share a building. Never a fan of chain restaurants, I had low expectations, but I had heard that Milestones had a good brunch. I ordered an eggs benny with shrimp and tomato and S had the mushroom omelette. The food arrived and I almost grabbed my camera. It was beautifully presented and I remarked to S "Well, perhaps we judged too quickly - this looks great!" But it wasn't. Almost comically so. I ahave no idea how eggs, hollandaise, shrimp and tomatoes could possibly combine together and produce absolutely no flavour, but I felt like I was eating paste, save for the unpleasant really overcooked, shrimp-y fishy flavour that really unsettled me. S had a similar complaint, except for the fact that his mushrooms had been marinated in a viniagrette before being served with eggs and cheese. That was, in a word, offputting. We ate, it didn't make us sick and the waitress was lovely, but for the price I would rather head to Main St and any of the great brunch places there. -
Jessica’s 1-star review: Thinking about the meal that the boy and I shared here is making me queasy. Retrospective queasiness is NOT a good thing. We visited Lucy's after a late night at the Bootlegger's Ball and thought - "why the hell not! It's 2am, let's get some grub." I would have preferred grubs. Boyfriend ordered a breakfast burrito and it consisted of mostly plain white rice with eggs scrambled into it and a little bit of cheese mixed in. Plain black beans completed the "burrito." No sauce. No spices. EGGS SCRAMBLED INTO RICE. Listen, you can put stuff in a tortilla but that don't make it a burrito - this was disgusting. Me? I had a fried egg sandwich on limp untoasted sourdough and was that cheese processed? Even if not, it slid around on the greasy eggy bread like a petroleum nightmare. We took one look at eachother and at our "food" and burst out laughing. Lucy's? Eastside! "Diner" more like it.
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