El Warehouse

989 Granville Street, approximately 3 blocks down from Robson and Granville if that's easier for you, on the right side.

This is my second time at El Warehouse, though the first time I went I was just there to see my coworkers, did not drink or eat. But I came here last night for a couple of drinks with coworkers.

First of all, it was Saturday night, the place was packed. We told the server we had a large party but didn't get a big table, we got squished into a tiny little table with about 8 or 9 people.. and some of our friends were forced to wait outside. I guess it made sense to some point, but was annoying because they separated our group.

The service was minimal, our server barely came back to us as she was busy talking to some other group of guys most of the time. The bartender is really nice and funny though. The bouncer was trying to be reasonable and finally got us the big booth to seat everyone.

This place has a lot of restrictions. If you sit at the bar area, you can drink as much as you want. If you sit at a table, you can't drink unless you order food. But not like, one plate to share with like 3 people, EVERY single person has to order food to drink. It was extremely annoying. I think it's cause the place is under a restaurant license, not a bar.

Luckily the food was under 5 bucks. Everyone seemed to like the nachos and stuff, some of the sandwiches I heard were okay. The fries could be better, but whatever. I ordered onion rings, DO NOT ORDER THEM. They look good, but they are so so bland (how that happens, I don't know) and the dip it comes with doesn't make it better. And their mixed cocktails are a no no too. They tasted very watered down and nothing special. I had the Sex On The Beach and Peter Jacobs. Not good.

The place definitely has it's own look and vibe. It's nice.

I would not return unless I was tipsy already and hungry.

Second visit: The nachos we ordered were fairly good, and the chicken brouchette is awesome. You would think it would be really dry cause it's pub food, but it's nice and juicy and piping hot from the stove.