The Taphouse Coquitlam — Restaurant in Coquitlam

-I am rewriting this review after deleting the previous one to better reflect my updated thoughts and experience.-

We are extremely disappointed with our experience at this restaurant.

To make things worse, even though the restaurant publicly responded to this review asking me to email them, I actually did reach out 16 days ago (May 7)—and I have still not received a single reply. It feels like their response was just for show, to make it seem like they care when in reality, they don’t. This kind of performative customer service is misleading and frustrating. It’s one thing to have a bad experience, but pretending to care publicly while ignoring customers privately feels dishonest.

Now, regarding our visit: Even though the food and drinks weren’t bad, the overall service left much to be desired.

We had to request cutlery individually, as it was not provided with our meals. We had to ask for salt and pepper because the dishes were quite bland. While we understand the intention behind limiting salt, it’s standard courtesy to provide basic seasonings or at least have them available. We were never offered water—not even once. We had to go out of our way to ask for it.

In total, we had to flag down a server three separate times just to get basic items that should have been provided as part of normal service.

But the most disappointing part? When we made the reservation, it asked for the occasion and allowed for special notes. I selected “Anniversary” and politely requested a small dessert plate that said “Happy Anniversary.” When we arrived, there was nothing. Not a mention, not even an acknowledgment.

I wasn’t expecting decorations or anything elaborate—but why ask for this information if it’s going to be completely ignored? It feels misleading. As someone who’s introverted, I try to communicate my wishes ahead of time because I prefer not to make requests in person. That’s why I used the notes section and had hoped the restaurant would follow through.

Sadly, they didn’t. They completely missed the moment, and as a result, what was supposed to be a special evening felt impersonal and disappointing. I wasn’t able to make that night memorable for my partner—and that’s something I...

Unprofessional Staff and Inconsistent ID Policy

Yesterday, we attended a college party at this venue, as our student union frequently hosts events here. Unfortunately, our experience was extremely disappointing due to the rude and unprofessional behavior of the bouncer.

Initially, he allowed me and two of my friends to enter with just our college ID and BCID. Based on this, I informed another friend who was running late to bring the same IDs. However, when she arrived and presented both her college ID and BCID, the bouncer suddenly decided that wasn’t enough and demanded a third piece of ID.

She provided her credit card, but since she doesn’t have a last name, the card displayed “S No Name Provided.” To further verify her identity, she even showed her CIBC account details, which had her full name, yet the bouncer still refused entry. As international students, our only other photo ID is our passport, which we prefer not to carry to a pub for safety reasons.

What makes this even more frustrating is that according to Gov.bc.ca, the official ID requirement states:

"If you are asked to provide ID, you will need to show: An official government-issued primary ID (including foreign government-issued) with name, picture, and birth date. A secondary ID that includes name and signature or picture, such as a credit card or student ID."

Despite my friend meeting these requirements, she was still denied entry.

We arranged for a friend to bring her passport, and while waiting at the designated area, we were abruptly kicked out. The bouncer claimed he would be fined $5,000 per hour if we remained on the premises, leaving us stranded in the freezing cold. Unable to wait in such harsh weather, we had no choice but to leave and attend a different party.

This experience was frustrating and unfair. The inconsistent entry requirements, lack of professionalism, and refusal to follow official ID regulations made for a terrible night. I strongly urge the management to address this issue, train their staff properly, and enforce a clear and consistent ID policy based on government regulations. Until then, I would not recommend this place to anyone, especially...

I’m extremely disappointed with my recent experience at Taphouse Coquitlam on Friday, June 20th. As I approached the entrance with my friends, the bouncer let all of them in without issue, but stopped me and claimed I was “too intoxicated to be inside.” I had only consumed one drink prior to arriving and was completely sober. I tried to explain this to him, especially given that my friends, who had noticeably more to drink, were admitted without any hesitation. The bouncer wouldn’t let me speak, cutting me off and told me to “come back in 20 minutes.” His attitude was extremely rude and dismissive throughout the interaction, he could have handled the situation in a much more professional manner.

It wasn’t until 30 minutes later, after my girlfriend (who was already inside) repeatedly begged him, that I was finally allowed entry.

Ironically, this wasn’t the first incident with the exact same bouncer. Around six months ago, my group and I were turned away by the same bouncer for being “underdressed”, despite wearing clean, casual outfits like jeans and polos. At the same time, we watched him let in a group of girls wearing sweatpants. I don’t understand what this specific bouncer has against me, as I have been nothing but respectful towards him and the rest of the staff.

Overall, my night, which was supposed to be fun and exciting was ruined due to the behaviour of the one specific bouncer. I hope this particular staff member is reevaluated and received proper training as he clearly is not emotionally fit for this job.

I would never recommend Taphouse Coquitlam to anyone thinking of going. The bouncers are on a power trip, acting arrogantly and inconsistently. Their priority seems to be letting in women they find attractive while dismissing others for arbitrary reasons. This is supposed to be a welcoming place to enjoy a night out, but it consistently fails to deliver...