Earls Kitchen + Bar — Restaurant in Burnaby

I always go to Earls in Brentwood and it's the only place I go with my friends, because I like the vibe, I always get great service and I can go with my emotional support dog. She's small and terrified of people, but I can't leave without her, and I've always been happy to go to Earls because I put her blanket over the couch and she would sit on her blanket, and they always let me! Plus, they always brought her water and so on. Unfortunately, today my whole perception changed when I waited 50 minutes for a table for one person and their reservation showed it for 5. As soon as I arrived, I asked the host for water for my dog ​​who had been waiting outside with me for almost an hour and the water NEVER arrived! When I sat down, my food arrived before my drink, I didn't take it as a big problem because I thought that since it was a Friday the bartender must be busy, since on Monday of this week when I went too, the drinks were super fast. Then a lady who I believe was the general manager with a terrible approach told me to put my dog ​​on the floor, which was not allowed on the furniture, and I just said: really? I always come here at Earls and they never complained because she is actually sitting on her blanket and not directly on the couch, but that's okay. And she replied by saying that they are the only Earls in Burnaby that accepts pets but they have to be on the floor. (I never asked her this information because I don’t care about other earls when I always go to this one and I thought she was very rude when she told me this even though I didn't refuse to put my dog ​​on the floor). I ended up eating only my salad and a drink and I didn't even eat the sushi or the oysters that I wanted and that I always eat there because my dog ​​was shaking on the floor since they put me in a place that didn't even have a heater. Disappointing experience for someone who always goes there. Other than that, the food and my drink were great as always. And my server, who I believe is called Lucca, was super polite, proactive and tried to offer me a dessert as an apology for the inconvenience when he saw I was really upset but I didn't accept because as I said, my pet...

tl;dr Five stars for being an overall great experience that is lauded for its consistency, even though individual elements of the score are 3.5-4 stars.

Having gone to Earl's since... 20+ years ago, I'm happy to say that they have been nothing if not consistent. After a bit of a drought, I've started frequenting Earls again, here and in other locations.

I get what some of the other reviews are saying but I think it's really a solid option for really good food. Most recently I had the aburi sushi, cajun chicken and toffee pudding from their Dine Out menu, as well as their Zero Proof pineapple / cucumber mule.

I hadn't read the menu carefully and thought that I was getting a cajun chicken sandwich. Am I glad I was wrong. It was possibly the most flavorful and juicy chicken breast I've had in a long time, with the right touch of crisp and heat, on a nice bed of coleslaw and potatoes. Definitely not for the literal faint of heart, but it was delicious.

The virgin mule was actually really good too, but for the size I don't think it's something I'd get consistently.

My unpopular opinion is that I feel like the service is a bit wooden. The hostesses tend to be new (in my experience) and their lines as they bring you to your table feel a bit forced. The fact that they ALL say the same things is actually comforting in the sense of consistency I opened with which I feel reflects in the food as well.

Happy hour is the hidden secret; 2-5pm and after 9pm. Sushi tacos + truffle fries + __ + a Fat Tug and I'm in my happy place. Also the fact that their shoestring fries have not changed in 20 years is a testament to them sticking with what works while still innovating.

It's mind blowing in any one regard and it's not really a value play (except happy hour!) but they've nailed the overall delivery, atmosphere and consistency. For me, it's one of those rare places that gets 5 stars overall but 3.5-4 stars in...

UPDATE Feb 2, 2025.

I am blown away (in a great way!). Our usual gang of 8 (one was missing this time 'round) felt like kings at Brentwood for brunch today. I think Gabe, our server, was even better than any other (well, Shannon is tied!). I've been a server in the past, for about 10 years, and I know that everything he did was above and beyond. Plus there was a bartender-in-training and much to our surprise a magical (well balanced) margharita was presented to our table (shared, not each) as he was practicing I gather. And agan, they helped celebrate our friend's birthday (not just one amazing dessert for him, but two more for the table!). The food was perfect...the chefs in this kitchen of Earls know not to overcook eggs in an omelette and, especially, how to cook shrimp! (fast, quick, not bouncing rubber balls like Yaletown does). Coffee was always topped up, not one mistake in all w asked for (extra this, extra that) and very very friendly.

It's worth our drive from downtown (Yaletown). never again Yaletown as my review of that location attests (given it three chances and it's had three bad bad fails). Still love Test Kitchen downtown, too.

PREVIOUS REVIEW:

I’ve probably had over 100 brunches at Earls (frequenting Yaletown, Test Kitchen, and Brentwood), and there’s a reason I keep coming back. This weekend’s experience was a standout thanks to Shannon, our incredible server, and her amazing assistant, Sophia.

Shannon was absolutely delightful—probably the best server I’ve ever had at Earls. She went above and beyond to make our brunch seamless and enjoyable. For example, one of our party was running late, and Shannon took his order in advance. As soon as he arrived, she promptly presented his tea so he didn’t have to wait. On top of that, they added a special touch to celebrate my birthday (belated).

It's experiences like this that keep us...