Kat S.
Yelp
Goodbye Checkers, hello The Park.
Do I like the new name? Not so much. But it's what inside that counts. However, I appreciate the title of "Park Ranger" on the manager's name tag. Cute.
The new open seating plan is a refreshing change. It creates an atmosphere better suited to mingling and large groups. There are still cozy booths along the walls, but the old inner seating with the booths made for an awkward space that felt like parts of the pub weren't connected. The atmosphere is dark and trendy, but I like it. It's very different from the old look, so I see the regulars being somewhat upset about this. It has a very modern look now, and gone are the tacky booths and vinyl. The low seating and tables near the front windows have taken advantage of the natural light and work much better than the old seating here. So if you don't like the darker back corners, check out this nice area by the windows.
The beer menu is quite impressive. I'm liking this trend toward craft brews that is finally happening in Vancouver. Most of the options are local/BC beers, which is great. A few good Phillips options (raaaallg Chocolate Porter), Driftwood (swoon), Howe Sound, Russell (hello, Black Death!), Central City, etc. You have the option of a sleeve or proper pint, too. You're going to be paying premium prices for craft brews in a 20 oz. glass, though. Be warned.
Food. I like food. These guys have some. Some is good, some is so-so.
The good - Sliders. Get 'em. I don't eat a lot of beef, so when I do, it's because it's good. These are good. Nice and tender patties cooked right (medium rare, oh yeah) with a delightful horseradish mayo (I hate mayo, so this was done well), banana peppers and cheese. Nice combo of flavours. The bun could be of higher quality, but overall, these were the standout dish. Also good - Spinach and artichoke dip. Did not disappoint. Nice and creamy thick with good cheesy stringage action (yeah, you know what I'm talking about).
The decent - Bruschetta. This was okay. Didn't have a lot of wow factor. But was tasty enough. I ate it without really thinking about it, so it was good, but not something I would go out of my way to order or remember.
The so-so - Calf's liver. If you don't like liver, don't order this. Liver fans may enjoy it. I'm on the fence with liver. I thought it was nice and tender, but the liver flavour is very strong with this appy. Tread lightly.
The mac and cheese. Bland. Sadly bland. Needs a sharper cheese to jazz it up. The little bacon bits were nice, but there needed to be more flavour overall. Fresh basil, perhaps?
I didn't try the seafood options. The salmon wasn't wild. The prawns were from Mexico. It's Spot Prawn season. Get on the bus!
The menu overall needs some design work as my friends and I found it hard to read. The options were... typical. If this place wants to stand out they need to offer something more exciting. They have the interior going for them. Nice staff, as well. And some great beers. Now they need the food to step up. Perhaps they should try beer and food pairing options. Like some dishes specifically created to pair with particular beers, if they really want to highlight their craft brew selection. I think this would go over well.
So, in the end, I will be back for drinks. Perhaps some snacks, like the dip and the sliders. I like the new look, and the staff are as lovely as always.
PS - look for the photo on the wall of the 6-way love hexagon. Try deciphering who is doing who. Hint - they are on a boat. Ah, the things that amuse us several beers in.