Grocery Social stocks more than cocktails in downtown Vancouver

Why: The Grocery Cocktail & Social is a well-established, casual cocktail lounge in downtown Vancouver. The menu features comfort food made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients and handcrafted cocktails.

What I tried: My dining companion and I tried the meat and cheese plate, the mac ‘n’ cheese, the pork braised collards, the Grocery burger with fingerling jojos, and the grilled romaine hearts.

The highlight was the burger, which begins with an airy, toasted potato bun and a Cascade Natural beef patty. A sweet and salty bacon jam, sweet onions, garlic mayonnaise and handmade American cheese with a bit of lettuce is stacked on the burger. It was the best burger I have had in recent memory. The ingredients could not have been more suited to meet atop the beef patty; the result was a delight to the palate. Bacon jam has been appearing on burgers everywhere as of late and until The Grocery’s, I had yet to find one done right. The fingerling potatoes made into jojos were equally impressive. Such a simple thing, but they were perfectly cooked, crisped and seasoned.

The grilled romaine hearts combine capers, Parmesan and a creamy, toasted garlic vinaigrette. Topped with a sunny side up egg and crispy anchovies, this is a unique salad worth trying.

The mac ‘n’ cheese we found to be bland and less creamy than expected.

If you like collards, the pork braised collards will likely satisfy.

The meat and cheese plate consists of a couple of meat options and three cheeses along with grilled sourdough baguette slices, dried fruit and pickled vegetables. We found most of it agreeable. I especially enjoyed the creamy variety of cheese, which could be spread on the bread; however, the salami was a bit too fatty for my liking.
I also had a hot toddy to ward off the cold evening. It was expertly made.

Menu highlights beyond what I tried: The menu is seasonal with a few staples such as the burger, mac ‘n’ cheese and grilled romaine hearts. Snacks and sides include mixed nuts, a daily soup, handmade popcorn in a sweet or savory variety, mini chorizo corndogs and pickled deviled eggs. Fried chicken and a honey-bourbon glazed pork belly dish along with a mixed garden salad are other current options. Desserts are pies, cakes, custards or cookies.
Atmosphere: The corner building has large windows that front the space and wrap around the side. The focal point is the bar. Tables are paired with benches and chairs for seating a moderate crowd downstairs in addition to bar seating. Stairs give access to the loft where more seating is available. The decor is a mix of new art and antique mirrors that dress up an old industrial foundation.

Other observations: Orders are taken at the bar and delivered to tables. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about menu items, and bartending is excellent. The atmosphere is comfortable and unique with a friendly, homey vibe. The signature cocktails are on the petite side. The fully stocked Whiskey Parlor is located in the loft. Whiskey tastings are a two-hour event and available for groups of as many as 12 people.

Cost: Items on the happy hour menu range from $1 to $7 and drinks are $4 to $7 with $1 off signature cocktails. Snacks and sides cost $2 to $7. Salads are $8 and $10. The meat and cheese plate is $14, creamy mac ‘n’ cheese is $7 with add-ins for an additional $2 and $3. Other options are $12 to $15, and the cost of dessert varies depending on the current offering. Wine is $7 to $12 by the glass and $26 to $48 by the bottle. Cider costs $10 and beer is $6 for a pint. Signature cocktails range from $8 to $12.