Urban Fare — Attraction in Vancouver

The broccoli was supposed to be a "Price Lock" item until Jan.1. However, they did not have the sale price tag as advertised. We were hesitated to talk to the staff because the broccoli was not shown in the "Price Lock" items section in the most recent flyer; it was in the previous flyer. Also, the flyer was confusing. The flyer had the wrong date for the "Price Lock" period - "Price Lock" offers were until Jan. 1, Wednesday; but Jan.1 is not a Wednesday. The flyers during the "Price Lock" period should include ALL the items of the "Price Lock" offers. Otherwise, it will discourage customers from getting all the offers.

Review: The cashier (Kanika) looked annoyed when I told her that the price of the broccoli was wrong in the computer. She went to the broccoli to check unwillingly. She came back and mumbled she could not find the price even after I told her where the broccoli was. She came back again and said the sale price was for the beans but she changed the price for the broccoli anyway in the computer. She did not ask for our points card and she did not look at us. She was beyond rude.

We spoke with the manager on duty (Scott) about the cashier. His hands were in his pockets while he nodded and kept smiling as if we were making up a story. He did not inquire further about the cashier meaning he did not take us seriously. He was not genuinely listening from his body language and he merely said, "Oh I see;" "Ah-ha;" "Yes." Then he said, "I will go talk to them" and went to the back instead of addressing the issue with the cashier right away. He obviously did not care about his staff's attitude and this was not the first time that the cashiers were rude.

Review: The store should not allow people to bring animals into the store. A man with a puppy in his arm appeared suddenly on my left and asked me to move for him while there was no space there. I was taken aback that his puppy was so close to me. For the hygiene and safety of everyone (e.g. some people might have pet allergy), there should be a 'no pets' policy at the store.

Also, the cashier pointed to the credit card machine when I was looking at the computer screen of the cash register. She did not want me to read the screen and use my points to pay because she rushed me to pay (last time, the cashier and the manager both were both ignorant of the win-win event points redemption when I told them I wanted to use my points to pay. They made us wait by taking a very long time to find out about the promotion from the website using my cell). She did not even ask for my points card during the transaction. They should not rush customers to pay; they could have asked the customers for the paying method and let them know when they are ready to pay.

Review: The cashier waved at us when the customer before us was still bagging at her counter. We did not go to her because firstly, it would not make us look good - she would make us look like we were rushing that customer to leave. Secondly, the cashier might commingle our purchase with that customer's (this happened before).

We proceeded to the cashier when that customer left. Then when we were bagging, a man came near us and put down his items on the counter while the cashier did not tell him to go to another cashier. The cashier should tell the man to get in line or go to another cashier since we were still bagging. We also said to the cashier that we were still bagging but she did not respond. The cashier made us uncomfortable by having another customer standing beside us watching us. There was obviously a lack of training on handling one customer at a time.

When I was looking at the bags of oranges, and ununiformed female employee without a name tag walked between the narrow space between me and the oranges. She made me move my basket for her as she passed me. This was rude and shocking. She did not even say, "Excuse me." Then she came back and ignored me by stocking the fruits in front of me while I was looking at the items behind those fruits. She was blocking me from...

In general, the prices here are too high for me to buy a ton of actual groceries when I come here, but I'll buy little things that are hard to find elsewhere from the grocery section (they have a brand of vegan yogurt here that I like). What I really like about this store is the cafe, which is like, a step above grocery stores cafes that are already a step above usual grocery store cafes. The main thing being is that this is not just a few takeout counters - they have a salad bar and prepared hot foods, but they will serve it to you on house dining ware, and there's even a small menu of made-to-order dishes! Nothing vegetarian on that menu which is sad for me, but plenty of vegetarian stuff from the hot food counter which is probably just as good. And alcoholic drinks (including house-made cocktails) are served! So it's basically an actual counter-service restaurant which is very nice. I had poked my head into the store a few times but only recently got around to actually trying this restaurant and I was really impressed. I got a spanakopita and a side of madras curry couscous. I was really impressed with how flaky the spanakopita pastry was, and the couscous was very flavourful! I got a slice of vegan carrot cake from the bakery counter to enjoy with my meal, which isn't part of the restaurant area so unfortunately they pack everything to go. The cake was disappointing compared to how high quality the restaurant food was; it was really sweet (I know it's cake, but it was too much) and was a little bit oily but at the same time dry. I generally like vegan baked goods, but I wonder if the non-vegan baked goods here are better. They had some cake slices that were way too big for me but would be great for 2 or even 3 people that looked seriously beautiful. The grocery prices are high, but the restaurant prices are actually pretty good! Dinner and dessert only $16. There was one person in the restaurant who I thought reacted impatiently when I had a menu question, but otherwise the staff is usually pretty friendly. I like the atmosphere of the whole place in general, it's a very unique vibe for a grocery store. They had a singer/guitarist performing one time! Also there are sometimes samples of local brands the people giving them out are always very chill - eager to talk about the product but they don't try to pressure you...

June 2019 Had to try the burger. Large portion of meet, tomatoes and onion slices. Stands 6" plus and needs two hands to eat. Absolutely delicious. Now have a daily lunch line up what will we need to try next. I love Fish and chips and have tried every shop in B.C. and a number in England, Ireland and every cruise ship we have been on. Never thought of Urban Fare for F&C. Next visit, Boy was I pleasantly surprised. Two generious pieces Haddock, done to perfection with their beer battered crisps for $11.99. Extra pieces @ $3.99 each. Urban Fare is a great place for lunches or take out at reasonable prices. Worth a visit.

May 2019 You have to try the French fries. Fantastic. Portions are generous and extremely delicious. Battered with beer batter. Can't stop eating, have to go back a couple of times a week just for the fries.

Nov 2018 Great selection of B.C. made products. Their deli, dine or take out is very popular. Destination for many locals for morning or afternoon coffee. Prices are higher than many other grocery chains but the quality and selection are there to justify prices. Underground parking is refunded with purchases so parking is not difficult. Close to the sea wall so location is enjoyed by many bikers, joggers and those walking on the sea wall. Great tourist area surrounds the store so it is possible to make it a day. Visit the Railway and the community center across the street.

October 2018 Had our regular coffee break and decided to try deep fried crunchy California roll. Quite different and pleasant change from the norm. Always something new on the menu. Pet peeve. Outside tables are sometimes occupied by persons that have not made a purchase from Urban Fare or have bought their coffee from Starbucks making it difficult to get an...