Fun fact, I have dabbled in majority of the eating competitions around town, and have even competed against other competitors in a contest setting. So when I heard that a new Leopold’s Tavern location was opening up on West Broadway, and that they have a “punch bowl poutine”, I knew I had to check them out.
With locations in Regina, Saskatchewan, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, and Victoria Island; it is about time that British Columbia got its own Leopold’s. They are marketed as the “friendly neighbourhood bar”, and are well known for their friendly service and how they give back to their communities.
We decided to visit on their soft opening weekend, and take advantage of their 50% off their entire menu deal. Thus allowing us to enjoy the following under $100. Although sadly, this was a weekend before they had yet to announce their burger of the month, poutine of the week, and taco and wine features. The above is also a large part of the brand, and good reason for guests to return frequently, to see what is new on these lists.
If you have never been to a Leopold’a before, be sure to keep your head on a swivel. There is so much to see and take in, decor alone. Posters, pendants, photographs, and lights strung up in between. Walls to ceiling is covered with memorabilia and throwback references, there is sure to be something you recognize and can speak to. And all this even extends to the washroom corridor. We were seated in the hub of it and it felt exciting. The energy was lively and a bit more rambunctious, and I think it is in due part to this.
Looking around I ordered my drink based on the neon light stating that they were “Home of the true 20oz pint”. Plus beer at a bar just feels right, and they have quite the selection on chalkboard. 18 on tap, and I went with Leopold’s Lager as easy sipper to help wash down my giant poutine to come.
They also have some tasty sounding cocktails so my guest, and my one man cheer squad went for their Spicy mango margarita with tequila.
The Punchbowl Poutine was also advertised on the wall in neon. This is 1lbs of cheese curds and 4lbs of potatoes in a punch bowl. The lure is if you finish it all, you get your photo taken and can join their Polaroid wall of fame.
Although it may be daunting looking, there is no time limit or rules on how many people can help you finish. You just have to clean the glass bowl. This was a surprisingly light and tasty poutine, and given the amount of it all, it stayed warm for longer. There was just enough gravy that it isn’t too salty or rich, and it had a great cheese to fry ratio. So you actually do want to eat it? and have a-lot more than you normally would.
But sadly desire and will are two different things and although the mind was willing, the body was unable to. I left 3/4 behind. However we would clean our bowl by packaging everything to go and promising to finish it all at home. (If you know me, you know that I don’t waste food and love leftovers.) And therefore we were able to get our photo on the wall of fame anyways.
Not to mention, it would be a shame to not try more of their expansive menu. There were so many other tasty sounding bar staples that it was hard to narrow down what I wanted.
When at a bar you have to give their wings a try. We went with their traditional wings in Buffalo ranch, but you can also go boneless and/or plant based with plenty of sauce and dressing options. Solid wings, plenty of meat around bone and enough sauce to smother.
When I saw it, I knew I wanted the novelty of it. This was just a Bucket of Bacon. Not a complete dish per se, but thick-cut bacon, in a tin, served with 100% maple syrup for dipping into. It was classically salty and the maple gave it a candied feel. We would use this as an accent to everything else we ordered. A couple of slices in the burger, and a few in the poutine above to help rejuvenate the flavour mid way. This was a fun add on.
The Fried Mac & Cheese Bites came recommend by our bubbly server. Fried cheddar mac & cheese tossed in herb parmesan with your choice of dip. We went with the traditional marinara, the thickness of the tangy sauce contrasting the crispy breaded shell, until you get through to the stringy, cheesy noodles at the centre.
Scotch Egg is another bar classic. Deep-fried sausage and panko coated soft boiled egg with your choice of chipotle mayo or spicy mustard. We got the latter drizzled over top. This was another bite that was crispy on the outside and gradually gets softer the further in your go. I liked how the sausage wasn’t too overpowering or salty, and it had the more malleable texture of meat loaf.
We had to try one of their burgers, and once again took our server’s recommendation. She suggested the Dill Pickle Burger as the one to get. House-made chuck patty with white cheddar, dill pickle kettle chips, pickles, and dill sauce on a house bun topped with a fried pickle. I am a fan of pickles so liked the layers of it I got in this, especially with house made chips for crunch. The burger patty itself was on the dry and overcooked side, nothing really outstanding about it. But my bacon above was an improvement here, giving me that extra saltiness I wanted. More of the pickle sauce could have helped as well.
But my favourite part were the curly fries, you don’t see alot of curly fries offered on menus, so when you do, you order it. For me, this was fun to eat, and a childhood staple.
In closing, Leopold’s is a great spot for bar classics and favourites, all wrapped up in a fun time. I can’t wait to see what creative features they have when they are officially opened and running, plus updating each month.
Leopold’s Tavern
1619 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5N 1V9
leopoldstavern.com
