Seemor
Pourhouse RestaurantBWorth Trying
162 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B2, Canada
· Restaurant, Bar
· 4.4/5 Google (1619 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Vibe-forward Gastown gastropub with standout cocktails, solid bar snacks, and mixed consistency on mains; best value at happy hour.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Pourhouse delivers solid neighborhood dining anchored by exceptional heritage setting and atmosphere on Water Street, with a stellar cocktail program and reliable bar snacks like scotch eggs and tots. However, inconsistent execution on mains and desserts prevents a higher grade, and tight table spacing limits comfort during busy service. Best experienced for cocktails and snacks rather than as a full-service destination.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and vintage with brick, beams, and a low-lit bar that anchors the space. Cocktails are the star, and servers often keep the vibe easygoing. As one diner put it, "the scotch egg and tots alone made the night." Live tunes and a buzzing Gastown energy can raise the volume, though spacing is a bit tight. The cooking leans elevated comfort rather than experimental: a focused menu of tartare, steak frites, burgers, and reliable snacks. The culinary approach is elevated-traditional: polished bar food with thoughtful touches. Snacks and cocktails shine brightest; mains like salmon and some desserts draw mixed notes, while the burger swings from excellent to average depending on timing. Families will find kid-friendly options like burgers, fries, fried chicken, and spaghetti. Noise can spike on live music nights, so lunch or earlier evenings suit younger diners. Gluten-free guests report strong accommodation (dedicated fryer and flexible mods), though one dissent suggests confirming needs with the team.
At a Glance
- Stellar cocktail program with knowledgeable bartenders
- Heritage decor and lively atmosphere feel special
- Bar snacks (scotch egg, tots) are consistent crowd-pleasers
- Mixed consistency on mains and some desserts
- Pricing feels high outside happy hour for certain items
What Sets It Apart
- heritage_room_ambiance
- serious_cocktail_program
- late_night_kitchen
- scotch_egg_specialty
What People Love
- Cocktails that taste balanced and spirit-forward
- A cozy, historic room that feels like old Vancouver
- Crispy, addictive truffle tots and a top scotch egg
- Staff who let you linger without rushing
Points of Concern
- Burger and salmon consistency varies by visit and time
- Some reports of slow or inattentive service during busy windows
- Pricey steaks and add-ons can inflate the bill quickly
- One celiac safety complaint despite multiple positive GF reports
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostC$52-70 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a shareable spread: Scotch Egg + Truffle Tots + Beef Tartare (about C$38-41 before drinks)
- For vegetarians: Smashroom Burger (C$10 HH) plus Warm Kale Salad (C$24) for balance
Perfect For
- Pre-show cocktails and bites
- Casual date night in a heritage room
- Late-night drinks with satisfying snacks
- Group meetups that want reservations and lively energy
Location Insights
Area: Historic brick-and-beam district attracting locals and visitors; cocktail culture and late-night energy.
Safety: Generally busy and safe along Water St; typical downtown vigilance at night.
Nearby: Near boutiques, galleries, tourist shops, and other bars; walkable to downtown theatres.
GastownGastown is a historic neighborhood famous for its cobblestone streets, heritage buildings, and a lively atmosphere. It offers a mix of upscale and casual dining options, attracting both locals and visitors looking for unique culinary experiences in a stylish, walkable setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–00:00
Tuesday11:30–00:00
Wednesday11:30–00:00
Thursday11:30–00:00
Friday11:30–01:00
Saturday11:30–01:00
Sunday11:30–00:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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