The Wolf and Hound — Restaurant in Vancouver

NOT SO HAPPY HAPPY HOUR

We popped into the Wolf and Hound Irish Pub, which boasts on its website that it's "a good place to hide from the yogis" (not the smartest way to endear itself to this particular neighbourhood!) for some mid-afternoon scran.

Between the two of us we ordered deep-fried pickles, poutine, "slow-roasted Angus beef yorkies with crisp onions and au jus", a side of fries and one soft drink.

For $8, we got 4 slices of dill pickle (likely one pickle in total) breaded and deep-fried with ranch dip. This was the most successful item because it seemed to be freshly made and hot. At $2 a piece it was wildly overpriced.

The mini poutine ($7) was disappointing. The chips were okay, but the cheese was clearly not the required "squeakers", more likely plain old mozzarella, and the gravy was oddly flavoured and unsatisfying. Half of it was left in the bowl uneaten.

The so-called yorkies ($9) with so-called slow-roasted Angus beef were a joke. Straight out of the freezer via the microwave without a doubt. The two tiny yorkies were flat and tough. If they'd ever had the famous yorkie puff and lightness it was long gone. The beef was tough and lifeless. And the "au jus" – extremely salty and my guess is it was, not long ago, a powder in a packet to which hot water was added before arriving at our table in a tiny pitcher. I would honestly be embarrassed to serve that dish to anyone.

The side chips ($4) were adequate. They arrived hot, at least.

One room-temperature soft drink ($3.25) was served in a glass with a few small ice cubes. At least we didn't get a can plopped down in front of us like at many places.

Service: he took our order and he delivered it to our table. No inquiry how everything was, no "Would you like anything else?" No "How was everything?" when we paid. (We gave up waiting for a bill at the table and went to the bar to pay.) He seemed to be the only server in the place and there were several people at the bar, so perhaps they kept him busy.

Servings were small and are perhaps mini versions of what is served at full price during non-Happy Hour. I hope so. Our total bill for a decidedly unsatisfactory repast was $33.04 with tax.

The Wolf and Hound is in our neighbourhood and we wanted to give it a try. We like to avoid the chain restaurants and want to patronize local independents. Unfortunately, if this was indicative of the standard fare at the W&H it is just not...

Sad fall from grace for the W+H. Been coming here for a very long time (10 years), spent some of my wedding day in here. Canada Day lunch: Service was 15 minutes even to notice us after being seated. Other than two groups of dungeons & dragons, the place was empty. One server, no manager or responsible person, no support for the server. The food (1xchicken tenders for the kids, one chicken sandwich and one green salad took 45 minutes to show up). The chicken salad was OK for $14.50 (plus $7 for the chicken) - the rest suited the two kids. However, when finished and ready to leave we tried to explain to the server our disappointment. She reached out to the only other person (the chef) to support her. We explained the tardiness and the lack of chicken in the chicken salad. The chef explained it was a 4oz chicken breast. You can see from the photo, even 2oz would be flattering. He still continued to argue with me. Fundamentally, it was the lack of issue and concern and the argumentative angle that upset me most. We were calm and were trying to pass on our advice, but this was met with ambivalence and a degree of irritation with us, the customers. It is sad for me to have to say after 10 years, I cannot come back with my family. Whether the pub has changed hands or not, a special Canada Day lunch was pretty disappointing.

In response to your response (05-Jul-23):

Brian,

Thank you for investigating.

A refund is not what I wish on this occasion. I wanted to pass on my experience to you, with a hope it may be acknowledged and used to ensure other customer's do not experience the same that we did. I have visited the W&H endless times on a Saturday lunchtime with my children and understand the way the pub works. It's just on this occasion, it was not consistent with our (many) prior visits. We were told by the attendant to sit where we liked, so we chose the window seat and kindly asked if we could place two tables together, which she said would be no problem. This does not line up with your advice.

So I'll not accept your refund as that would not appeal to me on this occasion. I would prefer that we do not bother you or your team...

I'd have to commend the server first. It seemed his was on his own waiting on close to 10 tables and and even though he was running around to keep good time, he was very friendly and didn't rush us. Honestly, don't know how he does it!!

Other than that the place was cosmetically just like an Irish pub, it did bring me back a bit!

Food was really good. Started with Irish Potato Soup ( a cup is plenty if you are getting a mains btw). It was absolutely delicious. Very good flavours and a good portion as mentioned. Only downside is that I did order "homemade soda bread", and I was quite disappointed as I was really looking forward to dipping it into my soup as I am so fond of, and haven't done in quite some time. But I am pretty sure I was given a scone. Not the flavour, shape, colour or texture of soda bread. Hope this was a mistake or they need to change their recipe!

For mains I had the Beef Dip, which was as good as they come. A messy, delicious food comfort! Good choice in bread and pairing perfectly with the demi jus as usual. And a good portion again too! If I had to comment, I would say that a little more provlone would be nice and it have it melted further also..

No photos on this unfortunately because I was really hungry and tucked straight in!

Overall, had to give 5 stars for the service and food! Keep it up guys, you are representing...