King Taps Lonsdale Quay — Restaurant in North Vancouver

Some Potential, But Major Issues to Address

While there are a few positives at King Taps, the overall experience fell short of expectations. The setting is beautiful, overlooking Burrard Inlet with a postcard-worthy view of downtown Vancouver. Unfortunately, you can’t eat the view.

We had a reservation, yet check-in was disorganized. The hostess seemed unprepared and lacked a clear system, making the greeting feel chaotic. For walk-ins, don’t expect an accurate wait time unless you press for it. Although we were eventually accommodated at the bar, it’s unclear why this option wasn’t offered earlier. Getting seated involves two separate check-in areas and a third if you're going upstairs, which feels unnecessarily complicated.

On the food side, there were some highlights. The Burrata & Prosciutto and The Trio (meatballs) were well-prepared and enjoyable. However, the rest of the menu lacked consistency. The Margherita Pizza had an overwhelmingly salty crust and this wasn’t isolated; nearby guests with different pizzas shared the same complaint. The calamari was overly spicy, the crispy rice under the sushi tasted stale or over-fried, and the Angus beef sliders (Minimacks) were dry, tough, and underwhelming. We enjoyed two of the six dishes we ordered, but the remaining four lacked the quality and consistency you'd expect, so only a third of the meal truly impressed.

Service at the bar was friendly but inconsistent. Staff didn’t check in regularly, and we experienced delays due to some dishes being mistakenly delivered to us. While the team corrected the errors, it added unnecessary wait time.

The most serious concern was being served a drink in a chipped glass—a clear safety hazard. While the manager apologized and comped the drink, a server attempted to charge us for it, which undermined the gesture. More troubling, a guest further down the bar was also served a chipped glass and cut her lip, indicating this was not an isolated incident. This points to major lapses in quality control and guest safety.

Summary: King Taps Lonsdale Quay, both the owners and their management team need to take recurring public feedback more seriously. Issues with food consistency, disorganized service, and guest safety cannot be overlooked. The chef and kitchen staff need support in mastering the fundamental execution of the current menu.

Given the restaurant’s premium pricing, the experience does not justify the cost. Our bill for the food alone came to $100, not including cocktails, so it's worth noting that prices can add up exponentially. With greater effort and real improvements, King Taps could become a reliable spot—but as it stands, it’s difficult...

I can't rave enough about King Taps in Lonsdale! From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere hits you with an undeniable vibe of sophistication and warmth. Whether you're here for a casual dinner or a special celebration, King Taps offers the perfect balance of relaxed elegance and exciting energy.

First off, the view is absolutely stunning. Sitting on the patio with a breathtaking view of Vancouver’s skyline and the harbor makes this spot stand out. The sunset views alone are worth the visit, and you can sip your drinks while watching the city light up as evening falls—it's magical.

Now, let’s talk food—where do I even start? The menu is packed with a variety of mouthwatering options, but if you're unsure where to begin, I highly recommend the Truffle Fries to start. Crispy, golden, and dusted with just the right amount of truffle oil—so addictive. Then, don’t miss out on their Lobster Mac & Cheese—creamy, indulgent, and loaded with chunks of sweet, tender lobster. Pure comfort food at its finest!

For mains, you can’t go wrong with the King Taps Burger—it’s juicy, perfectly cooked, and stacked with fresh ingredients. And, for those seeking something fresh and light, the Tuna Poke Bowl is vibrant, full of flavor, and packed with all the right textures. Hands down, it’s one of the best poke bowls I’ve had in Vancouver!

The cocktail menu is next level. Try the King Taps Old Fashioned—smooth, well-balanced, and perfectly crafted. Or, if you’re more of a beer person, their local craft beer selection is extensive, and they know their brews! It's the kind of place where the bartenders genuinely care about what they’re serving.

Service here is outstanding. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely make you feel like you're the most important guest in the place. They take their time explaining the menu and will happily guide you if you’re not sure what to try. The attention to detail in both food and drink preparation is top-notch, and it shows in the overall experience.

Lastly, the presentation of the dishes is spectacular. Everything comes out looking like it’s been plated by a pro, adding that extra touch of luxury to your meal. It’s clear that King Taps values both the visual and culinary experience, and it really sets them apart.

King Taps in Lonsdale is, without a doubt, a must-visit in Vancouver. Whether you're here for drinks with friends, a romantic dinner, or a fun night out, you’ll leave impressed and eager to come back. Great food, exceptional service, stunning views, and an atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a special occasion. What more could you ask for?

Definitely check it out—you...

It's really nice to see a new option coming into the Shipyards area as a local that is within walking distance. I have been here 3 times (2 times in the patio and 1 time upstairs to watch the game) and all 3 times have been exceptional service wise. Kendra and Chantelle were outstanding. Attentive, personable, anticipatory. Never was I without water or a drink topped up. Even when our dessert was late - Chantelle was apologetic.

The patio is lovely (but cramped) but the upstairs to watch the game was the epitome of accomodating. Having a speaker at your table to hear the game is truly innovative and it's those details that will keep me coming back. They have clearly invested in staffing and I think we are all forgetting that before the "unprecedented times" restaurants were fully staffed and you actually received good service. I had no issues giving the 18% tip on top of tax when it's this good. I hope they keep the staff levels where they are at because it is what is standing out as different.

The menu is good but limited for "healthier" options. If you don't want a burger, pizza or pasta there are limitations for you. I would love to see some fresh bowls that are heavy on veg and protein come on the menu to mix it up. I do enjoy their happy hour deals but would love to see daily specials come out too. This is nit picking at best but sharing to be helpful as well.

Overall, King Taps is going to give the other restaurants around them some competition in the service department because it is so nice not feeling like I am inconveniencing my server with a water refill or to order another drink. The snooty air is not there and I am here for it.

To top it off, though I'm happy they don't rely on this - the location is stunning Views for days, airy upstairs and just all around a pleasant place to bring visitors. Keep it up King Taps and don't sit on your laurels after a few months. Thank you again to Kendra and Chantelle. I wish I could remember the other lovely server's name who helped us in the patio but honestly the whole staff are overall friendly and...