Dine Out Vancouver’s been around for 17 years now. Way back when it was a pretty straightforward setup. A few dozen restos offered three course menus at $10, $20 or $30. (Yes, hard to believe but there really was a time when you could still get an almost free lunch.) ;-)
Today’s greatly expanded Dine Out Vancouver Festival looms larger than life, with a wealth of choice. It’s blossomed into an embarrassment of riches that includes a plethora of special events. For instance, have you ever considered an artisan pizza making class or a speak easy themed mystery dinner tour?
Tourism Vancouver has succeeded in considerably broadening Dine Out’s scope. But move quickly if you have your heart set on any of the more popular events.
$25 Dine Out Deals
In the meantime, no surprise, the special three course menus (now $15/$25/$35/$45) remain the focus of the festival.
Here’s my wide ranging, arbitrary list of worthy $25 deals from this year’s crop. A few offer lunch and dinner, although some lunches shift to $35 or $45 for dinner. No, I have neither time nor energy—nor enough pairs of stretch pants—to check ’em all out. However, even with this small selection you can see the scope and variety of what’s on offer.
BC Kitchen (lunch / dinner)
This casual and locally focused restaurant is in the new JW Marriot Parq, at the north foot of Cambie bridge. Parq hosted the media launch for Dine Out, which included several good bites, including some from BC Kitchen, paired with BC wines from the likes of Rust, Blue Grouse and Noble Ridge.
BC Kitchen Sundae
Given the calibre of food and service, I’d happily opt for either lunch or dinner, both $25. Go for the pakoras, or mushroom pizza. And don’t miss the desserts!
https://www.dineoutvancouver.com/listings/bc-kitchen/47238/
The Cannibal Café (from 4 p.m.)
Posters at Cannibal Café
These year’s mid range menus seem to feature lots of burgers of varying interest and calibre. However, these folks make some of the best around. Moreover, they use hand ground, certified organic, grass raised beef. Not to mention they’re served in a pretty fun and edgy setting.
https://www.dineoutvancouver.com/listings/cannibal-cafe/47320/
The Flying Beaver Bar & Grill (11 a.m. – 10 p.m.)
Included in part because it’s a sentimental favourite. I’m a bit of a float-plane nut. And this is the best place in Vancouver to watch floats coming in and taking off. Plus they have decent food and pints and a great riverside patio in season.
(Incidentally, the FB’s opening featured a fly-past of several vintage De Havilland Beavers in tribute to Jim Spilsbury, author of The Accidental Airline.) Not only is the ‘Beaver’ a cool spot, their DoV dinner menu adds up to pretty good value.
https://www.dineoutvancouver.com/listings/flying-beaver-bar-%26-grill/38887/
Gramercy Grill (dinner)
(Courtesy Gramercy Grill)
A true neighbourhood restaurant with a cozy but polished feel that always yields good value. Undoubtedly, their $25 D0V dinner menu (including a steelhead salmon or striploin option) is no exception.
https://www.dineoutvancouver.com/listings/gramercy-grill/19909/
Market by Jean Georges (lunch)
(Courtesy Market)
My guess is that this is one of the better kept DoV secrets. Lunch is often a good way to experience a high end room for a few dollars less. No doubt, Dine Out just serves to make that an even better deal. Given my experience with this kitchen, it looks excellent. In view of this sophisticated offering, it takes it to the next level. What’s more, I’d be tempted to order at least one glass from the BC wine reco’s. Especially given the good list of half bottles. Then again, the Dine Out dinner at $45 is also a strong option.
https://www.dineoutvancouver.com/listings/market-by-jean-georges/20511/
Tap & Barrel Shipyards (dinner)
If you haven’t checked out what’s been happening around Lonsdale Quay over the last couple of years here’s your chance. Hop the Seabus and have a look. Some good tastes on this ‘build your own’ menu, with a strong BC wine or beer selection to go along. Also offered at other T&B locations.
https://www.dineoutvancouver.com/listings/tap-%26-barrel-shipyards/43684/
The New Oxford
Courtesy Donnelly Group
This welcoming, red brick walled, Yaletown haunt is one of several pubs owned by Donnelly Group. No surprise, many are offering a Dine Out menu. We hear reports of healthy portions and good response to the brisket cavatappi. Without doubt, here’s good value for your $25 dinner tab. Extra points for offering savvy BC Wine pairings. And for knowing how to pour a decent pint of Guinness.
https://www.dineoutvancouver.com/listings/the-new-oxford/23381/
Uva Wine & Cocktail Bar (dinner)
Courtesy Uva
Specifically, if you’re into cocktail and food pairings this is a no brainer. Here are fun tastes smartly matched with some inventive drinks. Undeniably, it all adds up to a decent deal. But you should be aware it’s ‘First come, first served’. As in ‘no reservations..” So, my advice would be to go early!
https://www.dineoutvancouver.com/listings/uva-wine-%26-cocktail-bar/20375/
In summary, while most 2019 Dine Out menus are concentrated at the $35 and $45 levels, there’s lots to love at $25.
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