Hawthorne Beer Market & Bistro — Restaurant in Surrey

Hawthorne is owned by a restaurant group and prior to visiting I ate at the other two restaurants. First was the Washington Avenue Grill which is a popular spot in White Rock but I can't for the life of me figure out why as I did not enjoy it at all. Second I tried The Vault which was amazing!! Finally we came to Hawthorne and as I expected it kind of sits right in the middle. Everything about Hawthorne is mediocre; the interior was alright, like a typical beer market. The food was also just alright. I'm pretty sure I won't be coming back.

Much of the menu is similar to The Vault but slightly altered and not for the better. My husband had braised short ribs which is offered at The Vault as well, the description is nearly identical. He loved this dish at The Vault but it really fell short at Hawthorne. The meat itself wasn't really as tender and the sauce not as thick and rich. The vegetables in this dish were undercooked. My brother in law got the stuffed chicken breast which featured the same undercooked vegetables and unappetizing looking mashed potatoes soaked in a cream sauce. He found the whole thing to be too salty. I myself had Cajun chicken alfredo fettuccini which was so very mediocre; the chicken was covered in spices then baked but the spices were just dry, like they had been shaken on without even a little olive oil. It had a gritty texture and the chicken was just dry. The alfredo sauce was fine but that's just it there was nothing special about it. It could have come from the grocery store premade.

Honestly you might as well just go to The Vault, the menu is almost the same and you'll have a much better meal. (it's just down...

I am so disappointed! Tonight was supposed to be our night out. We have 3 children and during covid, have tried so hard to perserve under pressure. My spouse wanted to treat me to a night out, appetizers, dinner, drinks, the whole works. I ran upstairs and meticulously aplied my makeup as we walked two blocks down to the hawthorne. The establishment was dimly lit and a little disheveled to my liking but I kept my comments to myself as we anxiously awaited our table. We were so thankful that our waitress remained so patient as we tried to determine what we were going to order for our appetizers. We were so elated as we munched on our chicken wings and sipped our favorite cocktails. Within an hour of our kids-free night paradise, we were asked to pack up, as there was a couple with reservations waiting to occupy our table. Our faces dropped as we scurried to pay our waitress and exit the establishment. We were never informed that there was a time limit. My partner spent well over a hundred dollars on appetizers and drinks. He was prepared to tip out waitress generously as we both value excellent customer service. The food may have been mediocre but we were so excited to have a night out during covid. I am disappointed to say that we came home with heavy hearts and confusion after our dinner/drinks encounter..that's why I would rate this place a 0/1. We are trying to salvage the night with Russell Peters comedy and puzza...i would probably stick to The Henry or Rustys. Good...

Edit Nov/2023: We’ve been back quite a few times, requesting Casey’s section when making a reservation (a must as this place is popular). Food is always great and service even better, whether it be from Casey or any of the other servers. Tonight we had the Baja Fish Tacos (enough for a large eater IMO) as it’s stuffed with 2 big pieces of crispy fried fish ($20.99) and hubby had the Chicken & Ribs ($37.99) and a Hawthorne Pale Alec($7.99)…..we both were stuffed.

Last weekend we had the Crispy Chicken Sandwich and Market Burger (happy hour price).

Great ambiance in this family friendly business. Lots of interesting decor to check out.

We went for an early dinner (4:30), wasn’t noisy yet busy with a constant flow of customers/families, obviously popular!

Our server, Courtenay was welcoming and friendly, giving excellent service and attention. We were surprised to find our ND neighbour, Casey working there too….both are an absolute asset to this business!!

We were fortunate to hit the happy hour specials: Calamari ($13) and The Royale ($15), with The Dude Pizza ($23.99) and a pint of Big Red Celtic Ale ($8.49) completing our order. Food service was quick and well prepared/presented…..delicious.

Easily visible on the Surrey/Cloverdale border with street parking in front and side street.

Highly recommend and a return trip...