Popina Canteen — Restaurant in Vancouver

I was very disappointed with my last experience at Popina. I’ve been to the restaurant a number of times because I’m a fan of the crispy chicken sandwich; however, the last time I visited I took my dad who was visiting from out of town, and the treatment we received from the staff (who appeared to be one of the owners) was unprofessional.

We two people in our group (of 3) brought in chowder that was bought earlier at one of the other restaurants on the island. All of us had placed an order and the seating area was almost empty so we didn’t think anything of it. A Popina staff (presumed owner) looked over and shook her head. She then came over and informed us that outside food was not permitted. We explained that we had all ordered food and were just finishing the last of our previous snack during the (long) wait for our crispy chicken sandwiches. The staff member persisted, rather rudely, making irrelevant comparisons. I still don’t understand what Popina has to lose from this situation when the customers have all ordered food at their restaurant – especially when the restaurant seating is nearly empty and the snacks aren't served on the Popina menu! Regardless, we obliged and put away the snacks. Later, once the food finally arrived, the owner came around and (looking at the size of the sandwich) said “Looks like you shouldn’t have even purchased those snacks!” I didn’t care to escalate the situation given that my dad was on holiday and I didn’t want to taint his experience further, but this staff member completely lacked social awareness. What was there to gain by making these off-hand remarks? Understanding when to make exceptions can make the difference between an enjoyable customer experience and a terrible one.

I live close to Granville Island and would otherwise enjoy frequenting Popina’s, but due to this experience, I certainly won’t be returning and will be encouraging others to...

Popina Canteen “popped” up on my radar earlier this year when I saw pictures of lobster rolls and seafood trays show up in my social media feeds. Lobster roll in Vancouver? Yes, please!

Located at the Ferry dock in Granville Island, Popina Canteen’s industrial-chic look owes heavily to the repurposed shipping containers that they use for their kitchen and patio. Overlooking the Burrard Street Bridge, the view is astounding to say the least.

On our visit in mid-September, we were treated to a beautifully sunny day which just added to the ambiance. The limited menu focuses on seafood but is a bit eclectic and tends to the expensive end of the spectrum. “High-end fast-food” – is that a thing?

We wound up ordering the Chicken Fried Humboldt Squid ($12) and the East Coast Lobster Roll ($26). The squid was really good (and didn’t break the bank) – it was served with a spicy dipping sauce that went well with the crispy fried squid pieces. Biting into the lobster roll, you could taste how fresh it was. The toasted bun had a delicate crispness to the exterior and held up fairly well to the filling. Honestly, though, I don’t think it was worth the $26 (current price for live lobster in Vancouver is about $20/lb).

I would have liked to try their soft serve ice cream in a cream puff but I wasn’t interested in their daily flavour that was available on our visit. They also offer up various seafood trays that sounded interesting but ranged...

I don't usually leave reviews for establishments but this place ruined my family's day so I have to speak on it. First off, the boy taking the orders gave my wife a terrible attitude for no reason. This was our first time trying this place and already, it did not start off well.

He handed my wife the buzzer to let us know when the food is ready. So me, the wife, and the kids decide to wait nearby. 25 minutes go by and the buzzer still hasn't gone off. My wife decides to go up to the till and to her surprise, the food was already ready. It was ready several minutes ago. She told them that the buzzer never went off and the same boy who took our order said that "oh it might be out of range". Like c'mon really?

The worst part...the food. I got the chicken sandwich and I ended up throwing it. I would much rather eat a KFC big crunch or zinger over their sandwich and that says a lot. It was inedible. The sauce spilled everywhere and essentially disintegrated the wrap for the sandwich so my hands got all filthy with the sauce. The sandwich was greasy and not crunchy at all. I'm not one to throw food away but this sandwich left me no choice. My wife and kids got the burgers and they all said it was tasteless.

First time going here and we will definitely not be going back. I hope they make it up to us somehow but I...