Stanley’s Bar & Grill

We went here in December during their Winter Lodge re-theming, and it was just delightful with lots of Christmas decor inside and in the enclosed patio and a cheerful fire burning in the hearth. It was the perfect Christmas-time ambience.

We actually didn’t order any of the special dishes for the holiday theming but stuck with the menu standards and loved everything we had. The spinach artichoke dip was the best I’ve ever had anywhere with perfect balance of creaminess and a lemony tang and served with nicely spiced tortilla chips.

Everyone around us was ordering Lord Stanley’s burger, and so I had to try it too, and it was wonderful. A great piece of Wagyu beef with the perfect accompaniments, including nicely melted cheese, bacon, raw onion, and tomato.

The Caesar salad was also good and really huge.

Their cocktail menu includes dessert coffees; Stanley’s Monte Cristo is close to my all-time favorite. So I had them switch out Kahlua for Amaretto and ended up with what we call a Cafe Jessica: coffee, Grand Marnier, Amaretto, and whipped cream. It’s the perfect combination.

Service was friendly and attentive.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/stanleys-bar-and-grill-vancouver

Stanley Park Brewing

This brewery and pub is located at the edge of Stanley Park, overlooking English Bay. The menu offers pub favorites and their own line of beers.

Most of their beers are not to my taste, but the coffee stout I had on a recent visit was very good.

The highlight of the menu is the potstickers, which are consistently perfectly seared, and served in a delicious umami/vinegary sauce.

Pretzel bites are less interesting, and need more of a crust and more salt.

The pizza is also pretty good, with flavorful pepperoni, although I prefer it without the hot honey.

Sitting at the bar in the room on the left affords a view of the park and English Bay, and it’s a quieter room.

Service by Michelle was super cheerful and attentive.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/stanley-park-brewing-vancouver

Teahouse in Stanley Park

We went here in 1986 during Expo 86, and it’s still as lovely as we remember. Whether is time for a dramatic sunset, or a cozy day with rain pattering on the glass roof, this is a special place in a special park in a special city.

The menu harkens back to traditional time, with dishes like Steak Diane, but also a few modern dishes such as herb crusted ware albacore.

Service was extremely professional, and the entire staff was efficient and welcoming. You can’t beat this location for an especially memorable Vancouver meal.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/teahouse-in-stanley-park-vancouver-2