Don’t know about you, but when I think of a ‘hole in the wall’ pub, I get the impression of a greasy, run down joint full of old men drinking cheap beer in silence. Maybe that’s because I was once in a pub in Ireland called ‘The Hole in the Wall,’ which was e a greasy, run down joint full of old men drinking cheap beer in silence.
Nevertheless, Elwood’s on Broadway in Kitsilano may be a small hole in the wall kinda place, but it fits none of that stereotype. Tasteful decoration and a young crowd go along with good food and great beer is a lot better than old men in a decrepit beer parlour.
Eat and Drink
The nearly local Big Rock (brewed in Calgary, about 1000 kms east) dominates the beer selection and specials. Big Rock’s Grasshopper wheat beer is a refreshing summer drink, and many of their other brews, such as Traditional Ale, are excellent any time of the year.
Other beer on tap includes Okanagan Spring and Sleeman, as well as something they call Main St. Pilsner, which appears to be a cheap house tap – no idea where it comes from.
Specials are common, so always check out the chalkboard outside or ask your server.
Food
Elwood’s has pretty decent choices for pub food. The burgers are good, and they also serve flatbread pizza, sandwiches, along with other, traditional (and not so traditional) pub fare. For more details, check out the menu.
They often have food specials as well, including cheap oysters, so always take a look on their chalkboard outside the pub before heading in.
The Atmosphere
As previously mentioned, it isn’t falling apart or full of old of strange old men – two points in its favour. Besides that, Elwood’s is small and friendly. The bar takes up most of the middle of the room, while the area at the front has small tables and TV’s for watching sports.
Towards the back of the room, past the bar, are a number of larger tables for groups. Good part about the back is that there aren’t TV’s, so you can actually go out to a pub without feeling like you’re in a sports bar. And if you’ve been in Vancouver for any length of time, you know that this is a rare gift.
Overall
Elwood’s is an excellent spot for some brews or some grub. It has something for everyone. Sports for the sports fans, areas without TV’s for those who aren’t (or who are still in mourning for the Canucks). Good food and beer, along with a great crowd, atmosphere and service round out the pub’s offerings.
Elwood’s is in the heart of Kitsilano, on Broadway. It is small, so it is often full. Don’t despair, though, if you don’t get a seat – there are at least five pubs within walking distance, including the Coppertank and the Wolf and Hound.
Overall, Elwood’s is an excellent spot to spend a night, or a necessary visit on a Kitsilano pub crawl.
