Helen's Grill — Restaurant in Vancouver

Cue Nelly - Grillz "Yeah the whole top diamond and the bottom rose gold." Helen's Grill gives me the undeniable urge to chain smoke a proper, unfiltered, pack of darts, In one sitting. Bringing back memories of a time when people wouldn't smoke indoors because they wanted to, people would smoke indoors because they had to. A time when my grandfather didn't want to miss a second of the game, so he tossed me his Cadillac keys and made me bring the carton of Du Maurier from his trunk inside. Tabletop Wurlitzers are another retro touch giving anyone with a quarter the reigns to curate the patina of Helen's. Donna Summers started a dance party and the table to my North busted off the "I Will Survive" jail routine from The Replacements mid tzatziki dip. And although they've had a help wanted sign in the window for at least a year, when a girl came in to apply she was told they aren't hiring by the waitress. A moment David Attenborough's voice could only describe as "an act of female dominance". Maybe this was because she was significantly more attractive, maybe because she was unqualified. Whatever the reason if you are reading this lady in red lipstick, I'm going 1996 Steven Seagal like the entire Eastern Seaboard is on the line and making an executive decision, you're hired. Another executive decision made that night was a full calamari dinner which had me motionless by the time I could see the plate. Order breakfast at 7pm if you want, they're not going to say anything other how do you like your eggs. The sandwich lord in the back will put anything between two pieces of bread, like parking a Bronco in a Whole Foods...

Helen's Grill at Main St. & King Edward, if it's there for such a long time, you have to assume something good is going on. Finally, I got to find out for myself. Upon entering, we were immediately acknowledged, and that is already a good sign. Next, we were offered the option of booth, counter, or table. We were lucky to get our choice because the place was busy around noon time on a Sunday. The menu offers all kinds of options expected at a diner, with a few Greek dishes available, and good for all ages. Ordered Beef au Jus with fries (and why not?), and it was an excellent choice. The beef in this sandwich was melt-in-your-mouth good, and the dip, just perfect, not too salty. Fries could be crisper, but this was not an issue. The plate was generous and satisfying. Coffee is offered regularly if you decide to go that way, but fyi, Helen's Grill is licensed. There are not too many options in terms of alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, caesars, and high balls among these), but keep this in mind. In the end, everyone in our party left happy. Good food, family-friendly place, friendly service. I'm glad we came here, and I recommend you...

For so many years I've been driving past this corner. I didn't realize this corner diner had been in business for over 50 years. My friend took me out for dessert here because she found out there were retro jukeboxes on their tables. Even I was curious if it's for show or did they work.

We arrived in the neighbourhood with plenty of side parking. The waitress who served us looked rough around the edges, but was very polite and comforting. We ordered a chocolate milk shake to share and there was plenty of it. Two people can easily share this. They give you the metal container with extra in it. Next, we decided on the strawberry rhubarb pie. My friend never had rhubarb and she love it. My only critique for the pie was that it looked small and flat, however, delicious.

The ambiance gave an old school feel. We both fell in love with the retro juke boxes at the table sides. We couldn't stop putting quarters in. We listened to so many old school songs. We had a great time. Would I come back? Yes, I'm curious about their...