Considering how many rank bars (and restaurants) I've been in and out of, I'd say the Charles nails great ambiance, cleanliness, friendly staff and efficiency.

They took reservations for a UFC fight.

They make the best lemon pepper french fries in the city!

I requested to have salt & pepper wings with different sauces on the side, for picky people to share. Well done wings!

The calamari is... more

I first went to the Charles Bar about a month ago for a Yelp event and have since become addicted to their beer battered lemon peppered fries. OMG, they are AMAZING. In addition, they have $4 glasses of wine during happy hour (3-6pm), and as their Wednesday drink special. As someone who is poor and likes to drink, this is one of my new favourite places.

Mediocre food, rude staff, definately not a place you wanna spend your money. Go to the many other places within the two black radius

Walked into Charles Bar around 9:30 on a Saturday night. I wanted to buy my date a celebratory cocktail. After reviewing their list of 5 very standard cocktails I asked the bartender if he could make us something special. He said "I'm not a cocktail guy" and recommended what turned out to be a very watered down Gastown Lemonade. Not impressed. Will not be coming back

Was introduced to Charles Bar happy hours during a recent YELP event.
A fun mingler with an intimate crew of YELPERS. We were able to sample a selection of appies on sale during happy hours. Each day has featured drink special and appie discount. Monday's flatbreads/wings are $10 from Fig and Boursin Arugula and BBQ chicken flatbread to all types of chicken wings saltNpepa, F-hots and a new... more

Came here for a community yelp event and it was awesome. I got to try a lot of food which was good.

They're drink selection is okay.

They're food is AWESOME. Great pub/bar food.

The atmosphere is super clean and nice. One of the nicest bars in the area for sure.

This is a great place to watch the game as they have TV's everywhere inside. Also, they have a pretty large outdoor patio which... more

I came here for an event and I had a great evening. It has a clean and modern look and was pretty chill but then it was a Monday evening.
The food was Great! We had a bunch of appetisers type meals to share and they were all delicious, the flat bread with fig and Boursin was awesome and the lemon pepper fries were also top notch.

The Charles Bar sits in the gentrified part of Gastown and offers an airy-spacious room with high ceilings and some interesting seating options, including larger tables with enough chairs for 10+ people. This makes The Charles Bar good for larger groups in a more interesting and less "long-table" way than most restaurants that just piece together group seating by joining square tables together.... more

Love it here. The food is killer, the vibe is right, staff is great, and drinks do their job as well. What else do you need? A giant movie screen tv for sports? Oh yeah, they have that too. Just solid through and through.

Place was okay. Staff was a little smirky but that's fine too. Bathroom smelled like skid row in July but the food was decent.

The problem I have is that at the of an early evening the bartender follows me outside and says that because I had eight Guinness I couldn't drive my car and that he was going to call the police

Now, I understand that this might be a concerned person doing what they... more

Horrible time for my friends 30th bday! We had "guest list" for our friends bday and our group arrived just short of the time it expired at due to taxi issues coming from the place we had dinner at. We explained this to the bouncers and they turned us away telling us it was a 45 minute wait and there was only one group of about 8 waiting in line ahead of us. We waited for over and hour in line... more

So, full disclosure: I live above the Charles Bar. Like, RIGHT above the Charles Bar. When I moved in over 5 years ago, there WAS no Charles Bar. And then it arrived, and it was a pub. That was OK. It was neat having a pub underneath my house. And then it became a nightclub. And my Friday and Saturday nights became so miserable, with loud noise shaking my bedroom walls until 3 am, that I am now... more

I'm only giving this place three stars because my FIRST experience was good. Good service, good food, good music once it transitioned to a club.

My experience last night...HORRID. They kept us in line forever even though tons of ppl were leaving. These are the types of bouncers I can't stand. The type that will hussle girls out of money just to get in at a decent time. Really?

Too bad. C@!%!y... more

Perfect for lunch. $10 specials with pizza, burgers and sandwiches and $3 wine that's pretty good too! Also great for watching a game. For a few $ extra they have gluten free pizza and its great.

Great Happy Hour

Nice Gastown Bar with a fun Happy Hour. Loved the Vodka Collins! Would certainly go back if we lived here.

Delicious food and great patio

Stopped in while touring around Gastown and decided to have some dinner.
I had the chicken fajitas, which were really tasty, however the serving was on the small side so if you are hungry you may want to look at grabbing an app beforehand.
They also have some great Happy Hour Specials, which would be a perfect time to stop... more

I have been here on a few different Saturday nights...Its unfortunate that the Manager Chris always seems irrated and like he has stick up his a@s...he is rude and unwelcoming. Never have i come across a manager who consistenly seems angry...not sure why he is still there - but every person I know says the same thing about him. We got there about 9:15 - and were told that we dont have... more

We arrived at around 11 am for Sunday brunch and were surprised to find this place absolutely empty. We were a bit skeptical on staying as we were the only ones in the restaurant, but we decided to give it a go regardless.

Through the grapevine I found out that The Charles Bar was previously offering 2 for 1 breakfast--and from noticing the lack of costumers today, I could see why. Although... more

Great music if you like hip hop and r&b, old school and reggae. Great atmosphere with a diverse mature crowd!

With so many places close to here, I probably won't be returning often! Poor layout, the grossest bathrooms I've ever seen even for clubs. It can be a fun crowd, and the beer selection and prices are pretty good!

I occasionally go to the Charles because of its proximity to my school, but that's about it. The drink selection is fine, but it's not extensive, noise level can get loud in the evenings, and the food is mediocre to sub-par. It's definitely a cut above The Cambie or The Metropol without being as crazy as The Pint - a fine alternative for a quick drink.

Walked in and asked the server acting as hostess if we could take a look at the menu. She grabbed one and almost tossed it at us, without eye contract, turned around and walked. Never been back, never will.
One star because we had a great meal nearby at Acme, one of our go to spots.

utter s@!t. kale salad was horrible.... the kale did not seem fresh and the bacon on it was practically burned to a crisp. we also had a " chinese pulled pork". no idea what makes it chinese. other than it was small. im a medium sized guy and was still hungry after the pulled pork. the girlfriend only ate half the salad cause it was of such low quality. the guy who sat us all was very rude to... more

Although not quite a fan...it's A-OK. I come here sometimes to watch the UFC events if I'm downtown as it is one of the few bars that subscribes to it. I was very surprised at the cheap beer specials during the day.

It's a very interesting layout of the bar, there are lots of TV's everywhere, even mini LCD's in some of the booths. The washrooms are interesting, although I would hate to be a... more

Worst service I've ever experienced anywhere in Vancouver!!! I hung out here for the first time with a friend at the end of Nov. on a Saturday night. We had ordered drinks and appetizers. The server started asking for our credit card to start a tab but we kept telling her that we don't plan on ordering any more drinks. She still insisted on taking our credit card. After her 3rd time asking, I... more

I have also experienced racism at this bar

I have also experienced racism at this bar. It bothers me, because i'm not a bad person, I do a lot of volunteer work with various charities. I'm the type of guy that will go out of my way to help you in way. I also realize Racism will always exist, and you can't change people attitudes, you just have... more

Finding relaxed Hip Hop and R&B nights in this town can be tough. The Charles Bar on a Friday (and even a Saturday) is honestly one of the most chilled out bars to visit. I'm here often when I go out because there aren't a lot of pretentious people here, just regular, easy-going people.

Tip* Arrive before 945 or you'll be waiting outside in line and paying cover.

The racism article is FALSE, PERIOD this coming from someone who sat right infront of their table

Hi everyone,
When I first heard about the article I laughed but after reading the article it simply offended me. I felt compelled to expose the flat out FALSE accusations of these so called "classy ladies" its ridiculous that they are pulling the race card when their tale of events is nothing more than liars.
I was actually there that... more

Fantastic

Been here several times and always had great food and service. I highly recommend the Wok Fired Squid and the Prime Rib Burger. Excellent wait staff and one of my favorite places to watch the UFC.

Disagree with the previous disagree er

Obviously that was Manager Chris Hannan posing as 462ss posting as an East Indian Male who happens to live within 2 blocks. Apparently not only is he a racists, he is a racist who likes to pretend he is a Minority East Indian patron aka Chris Ritchie Incognito Hannan
Other than that the food and service are fabulous when compared... more

Fantastic place! (And a defense to "racism" story

This place is amazing! Great food, great prices, and great service. I've been there a few times and I decided this was a great time to give these guys a positive review considering, as evidenced by the commenter below, the amount of bad press this story is getting on Facebook.
I've always seen a mixed crowd at this joint and... more

Horrible service and manager also gave us rude sevice

Me and friends from Seattle were enjoying a few drinks. When the manager asked us to move because he over booked. We obliged to find out that the table wasn't being used. He put use in the back corner. we asked why and he never gave us an answer. We are middle Eastern. After I read the province newspaper I... more

Based on the current press given in The Province about the manager screaming "SURREY IS THAT WAY!" to a group of Indo-Canadians, I can't say I will ever give this establishment a try.

theprovince.com/Surrey+t…

I have only been here for dinner and for the late night bar experience; both have been amazing. The experience starts with the doormen, they are upfront and accommodating, they don't dick you around by making you wait for hours, if you aren't getting in they tell you. With that being said I have never had an issue getting in.

If you are coming with a large, call ahead and make a reservation,... more

Good place to watch a game and have a few drinks

The Charles Bar is a nice addition to the neighbourhood. They have some good drink specials and a menu with enough options for everyone, not super extensive but enough of everything. We tried a couple of the flatbread pizzas and the winning wings. The wings are award winning so we had to give them a try. They come stuffed with... more

Great spot. Good ambiance food beer and friendly severs. Tv is also exceptional for sports

My friends and I were hoping to get into this place to continue celebrating a friends b-day last Saturday. However, upon arrival we were treated horribly by this Indian bouncer with glasses. We were about 7 girls just looking to have a good time, but rather than politely telling us we wouldn't get in, this guy spoke very rudely and suggested we try going somewhere else! It wasn't the fact that... more

Nice place, layout is inviting, the booth and table positions are conducive to conversation and the music isn't overpowering. Each booth has a mini LCD screen which is pretty cool and there are plenty of big screens usually tuned to Sportscenter or TSN.

Thursday Nights is Dj's Hubbz and Evo dropping the freshest funk you can find this side of the Frasier River.

I like to meet my ol lady here... more

I usually head here for lunch. I like the $10 lunch menu and usually there's a salad there that works for me. Today it was the Cobb Salad - I added chicken. It was filling though the chicken was grilled without any real seasoning. But it hit the spot and didn't go away hungry. Was it my favorite salad ever? No. But was it decent for the price? Sure. The service was super attentive and friendly.

Thanks Raj M for the tip. I guess its too difficult to hold them to the letter of the law. I know c@!p like that still happens. I wont be coming here any time soon. Blogging helps & I ll let my friends & co workers know. Racism as Raj described is just bad business. Too bad after reading all the good reviews Raj s comments has made me change my mind about the place.

Delicious ten dollar lunches and the place is empty?! That's my kind of place. I heard that this place holds some mean epic club nights comparable to the Vegas scene, a la bottle service style so I guess I just need to sit around for another 8 hours before the party really gets started. At least I have my 10 buck lunch! Each booth has their own little LCD TV screen and in some ways looks to... more

Brought about 20 colleagues to the place after work. Worst nachos ever - should just be labelled chips. Server didn't understand the constructive feedback. Spend your money somewhere else.

I'd come back just for the ambience & comfortable seating layout.

Busy bar at the front, and more spaciousness in the back on cool, wood-trunk tables w/ jagged edges.

Ordered the Chicken cobb salad, w/ bacon bits, egg, avocado, tomatoes over greens, good portion.

But server's suggestion for their well-known flatbread pizzas, bbq chicken, just ok--an easy pass if you've tried Trilussa or... more

Good atmosphere, but the rest is so so

atmosphere is good. Massive tv with the game on. Bartender a bit snappy when busy. Flatbread was good. Good drink specials but focus on improved quality of drink selection of wine and draft would be good.

Wanted to plan by birthday here but couldn't make a reservation because of 2 sporting events that night. I totally get that! I emailed the manager to clarify what I read on the website because it said there was another option and he was EXTREMELY rude! I was very nice and professional in my emails and he was just mean. I understand you're enforcing something but please remember that running a... more

Went here for supper BEFORE the Canucks game...nice environment...good food...good service

Came here after work on a Monday evening around 7pm... the place was not very busy, and I spotted 3 waitresses doing a lot of nothing. My friend and I sat down, without being greeted, and sat there for another 15 minutes... sadly no one came to take our order. See ya Charles Bar. I'd rather give my money to place that actually serve the customer.

Well, I was really keen to like this place, because I went there with a large group, the food was good and reasonably priced, and the service seemed alright.

But then at the end of the evening, through a series of events we found out that the reason they supposedly don't take debit (as someone else said - hello, it's 2012!) is because of the ATM machine in the back, which, like most such... more

Meh. After reading a few reviews I guess I had pretty stellar expectations of this place and I didn't feel like it lived up to the awesomeness I was expecting. Yes, they had a couple beers on special for $2.99 when I was there but that doesn't do me any good cuz I don't drink beer. Can't there be a drink special for the ladies too? They had a wine list, and a few cocktails listed, but nothing... more

Amazing 2 for 1 brunch for NFL Sunday. Ceaser/Lager specials are perfect and the big iscreen 4 games at once. Great people/atmosphere can't ask for much more.

Yes Gastown! You can pride yourself on featuring this bar in your neihbourhood. It's always a fun time. Try to get there before 10pm to bypass cover. The onion rings and nachos are top notch. It turns into a nightclub around 10:30pm. They play a mix of Hip Hop and Top 40. The staff is super nice and the DJ plays your song if you ask. The manager however has a bit of an attitude problem...... more

Bad service. Food is mediocre

We were treated poorly by one staff, then the manager came over and was equally as rude. I understand if they're busy and stressed, but don't take it out on your customers. They don't know what they're doing.

First bar I visited during my short stay in Vancouver. The decor gives the place a very trendy and modern feel. I came here on a Friday night and had to pay a $7 cover. They do offer a coat check for $2, which is nice so that way I don't perspire all over the place (ew) while dancing my butt off on the dance floor. I didn't try anything off the menu while I was here, so my review doesn't... more

Friday night and no line-up?! SOLD!!
I ventured in here after trying to get in the Guilt and Co, Pourhouse, Diamond and Revel Room...Sorry Charles Bar for not being my first choice, but I've never heard of you before my dear....luckily there's yelp app to the rescue.
It's a modern looking place...menu is quite standard and I didn't eat so I can't comment on that, but my friend had a salad and... more

Love this place, genuine staff and management. The bar looks great and is a perfect place to catch a game, respectful pint of Guinness.

Refreshing

There's so much to choose from while in the Gastown neighborhood buti have to say that having been to numerous "hot spots" in the area, this bar is at the top of my list.
The atmosphere is great, interior is well decorated and modern in style. The bar / " the wood " as we call it in the industry... more

Try the fry bar and flatbread

This was my 2nd visit here as the location is great and it’s got a cool feel to it. Great for sports as some of the booths have their own TV’s and they gave us micro fibre towels during the playoffs! There are a few smaller tables and a HUGE table so we decided to go back with a big... more

Good service, nice atmosphere - bad food

It's surprising that any restaurant in this day and age doesn't know what constitutes a Cobb Salad. I ordered this at The Charles Bar recently - the menu mentioned cajun chicken, egg, bacon, avocado, tomato - and a buttermilk dressing. What I got was a huge pile of baby greens (not the best lettuce to hold the bulk of the... more

Fajitas

wanted some mexican food, not quite authentic, but this was perhaps better

Innovative pub menu! Fresh and great quality

We come by here frequently because it's really good. the staff are attentive and the food is very appealing with a diverse menu. The neighbourhood is transforming and this place is helping it along.
The pizzas/flatbreads are well worth it as are the tuna and cobb salads. While I'm not a fan of fries, my coworkers dive into the fry... more

Great Service

I had Jaimie (jammer) Rogers getting my drinks all night and his postiive attitude and great charisma is a great value to have at a location like The Charles Bar
I had a great time ...Thank you