Witness Tree Lounge — Restaurant in Vancouver

Spoiler alert - I don’t know where these negative reviews are coming from. If anyone knows where they’re going locally to compare this to, I’m all ears!

The decor and atmosphere are great. The view alone can’t be beat, and the interior feels upscale without feeling stuffy. I’m sensitive to sound and have ADHD, so the fact that they managed to play upbeat music without taking away my ability to follow a conversation was chefs kiss.

I didn’t order any food but those at my table who did raved about everything to the point where more folks at the table ordered the dish again to have it for themselves. I am grateful that the dietary options were clearly labeled. It makes it so much easier.

The drinks were amazing. Well balanced and inventive without trying too hard. Our server Joel more than earned his 20%. He not only recommended drinks based on our preferences, but he managed to learn everyone’s names and make everyone feel special - including our birthday girl. The drinks were delivered efficiently even when it got busy. If we did wait, it just allowed more time for conversation and arrived before the thought could even cross our mind that it hadn’t arrived. Granted, this isn’t the kind of spot you run into, grab shots and run to the next bar - which is EXACTLY why we picked it. This place, much like their drinks, is meant to be savored.

The prices were reflective of the atmosphere and quality of the menu. As a former server, I did not mind the added 20% at all. It could be more clearly marked on the bill or more directly stated when checking out, but I don’t fault them for adding it automatically. (To be clear, it IS on the website and on the checks.) If you want to dine out and be served, this tip is completely appropriate. Speaking to management is always an option if you’re unhappy, the same as it is in every other place of business. As far as we were concerned, it was worth every penny.

Highly recommend and cannot wait...

Vancouver needed this kind of place - and it is well executed! I love rooftop bars and this one provided an upscale atmosphere and experience in addition to the great views. It’s my new favorite spot in the Couve. The outside patio and indoor spaces are both great!

I had a Black Manhattan, with Angels Envy which was good, and my wife had the Fever Dream, which I give a 10/10. The chocolate tort dessert we got was pretty good as well.

The servers were also very attentive and friendly. We were very pleased with their service.

The only “ding” I would give them is that there was a 20% fee added on our final bill and when the server tried to explain it, I was still not clear if it was a built in gratuity for the servers who helped us - or it was something else being retained by the restaurant/management/ownership group. I didn’t add anything on the line marked “additional gratuity” because I thought I had already paid a solid gratuity for drinks and dessert with that 20% fee. I hope that is the case and the servers are being taken care of and that the restaurant ownership isn’t including that fee and then not actually paying the servers accordingly. It left a poor taste in mouth and kind of sullied an otherwise very good experience.

Next time I go, I intend to ask for more clarity on the fees and gratuities to make sure the I’m doing right by the...

We came here in a fairly large group. It is high class on the waterfront with expensive everything. You don't have to dress nice but you probably should dress business casual. Nice balcony as others have said. Kind of a weird aesthetic that exudes expense, but not necessarily quality. I guess it depends on perspective. The service felt like a struggle. The music gets loud in the evening and it made everything feel chaotic. Orders were forgotten, drinks were wrong, and the check was a fiasco for everyone in our party but me. The waitress had to sit down with us with a printout of our order and different colored highlighters to try and sort it out. One girl in the group was overcharged 20 dollars and we're still not exactly sure what happened there in the end. At least two other couples I know of said they were overcharged almost 100 dollars. I don't know if they came back later when the music wasn't on 11 to sort it all out. On our end it took about 5 venmo transactions to right things while we were at the next restaurant and could hear one another again. I think they have some management problems to sort out but it could be a good place to visit when they figure out how to keep order better. They do have some really...