Mr Pickwick’s

==Mr. Pickwick’s Seafood Bistro==
I don’t know why a lot of people don’t like the fish here, I thought it was really good and lots of selections for Fish! The worker was very nice to us and explained how everything works and what his recommendations were. I honestly LOVE their Ceasar Salad. It just had a nice powerful flavor that I never had in a Ceasar Salad before. The first 3 pcs of fish I ordered was the COD and then 2 Halibut. Both were pretty good and I enjoyed every bite. However, the ex ordered a crab cake and it was totally dry so they took it back and removed it off our bill.
PROS:
1] Good fish and tasted fresh
2] Ceasar Salad was really good
3] The workers were very nice.
Cons:
1] Crab Cake was dry
2] The halibut was somewhy dry, but still edible
3] Seating is limited but it wasn’t that crowded when we came in

I’m used to subpar fish and chips, like the ones made with frozen Gorton’s-level fish and flour-milk-salt-that’s it batter. So, I had really high hopes for this place after our walking tour guide pointed this out as one of the best places to get fish and chips in Vancouver. I went here with my new Japanese friend who I was sharing my hostel room with. I decided to go for the halibut two piece (around $ 15 CAD). I was happily surprised when the meal came out with two sizable pieces of fish above a bed of fries. And this is why I like Mr. Pickwick’s: the fish was very, very, very good. It was actual fish, with the actual meat of a fresh halibut. You can tell it was fish; have I stated this enough? Anyway, the meat was delicious, and the batter was just right, it wasn’t too heavy and didn’t leave your mouth with that oily taste. The fries could’ve been crispier, but they were also quite delicious. I love how both of my most favorite restaurants on this trip came from suggestions from Van natives/​transplants, which was ultimately the goal of my trip. Love Mr. Pickwick’s!

The fish was very hot and crispy on the outside (I had the cod), and tender on the inside, without any oily aftertaste. Their thick cut fries were also really crispy too, Mr. Pickwick’s sure knows how to fry up some mean food. I went with a group of guy friends who love fish & chips, and they all said that it was possibly the best that they’ve ever had. We ended our meal with the fried mars bars. I’ve always wanted to try it out and I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was (although I recommend sharing it with a few friends because it is quite rich). Definitely going back!

Friend and I came in on a weekday afternoon (well past lunch hour rush) to pick up some food before heading down to the beach, so no we didn’t sit in for our meal. I ordered two scallops and two oysters, my friend had the fish and chips with cod and she also ordered some scallops too. Though the server was super friendly, our food took FOREVER to come out. We waited well over half an hour for our food even though there weren’t that many people in the restaurant. Sad.
Okay. We ate at the beach. First of all, the scallops weren’t good. I don’t know exactly what it was, probably because they weren’t fresh or something, but they just weren’t there. I loved the oysters though, they were big and fresh and yummy. Now for the chips. They were just awful. They were so deep fried to the point where you can’t taste potato, it was just. oil. It looked like they deep fried it at least three times or something, and they were cut so short you can barely dip it in ketchup. Inedible. The worst of our entire meal were the fish. I don’t know how they managed to win those awards and stuff, or maybe they just had an off day when we were there. The first piece of fish was just dry. The second piece was so dry, that this was what my friend said, and I quote her exactly:
«Dude, is this a piece of chicken?»
That was how dry it was. The fish was so flaky and dry that she ended up throwing away the whole thing along with the fries. We thought of going back to complain but thought it wasn’t worth it. We just won’t be returning and won’t be recommending it to anyone.

We went here tonight to get some fish and chips to take down to the waterfront for the fireworks. Being from NZ, I’m used to being able to order a piece of really nice fish and some chips for about $ 8, so was a little shocked at the prices — but figured that $ 19 for two pieces of halibut and some chips must just be the going rate.
Service was friendly and prompt from the staff outside the door. Our order was ready in just over 10 minutes.
The food — big disappointment. The halibut was almost chewy, which I’ve not experienced before with this type of fish. The batter was OK, but maybe a little thick given that the fish was so thinly sliced. We got three small palm-​sized pieces of fish in the box, and maybe two handfuls of chips — I really would have expected more, given the price. The chips were a soggy — moreso than I would expect after a 5 minute walk to our spot in the bay. The tartare sauce was fantastic.
I do like that they provide a little bag of condiments and utensils with the food, and it’s nicely presented — it’s just a shame about the actual quantity and quality of the food. Unfortunately, Mr Pickwick, I don’t think we’ll be back.

We went back for Russell’s birthday this weekend, and again the fish was great! Super fesh, perfectly battered, yum yum yum. And when I asked for my third piece of cod «to go» (because my eyes are way bigger than my stomach), they wrapped it in a little sheet of greaseproof faux newspaper, and then wrapped that in several HUGE sheets of white (maybe butcher?) paper, and tucked in a fresh wedge of lemon and a little container of their super-​delicious tartar sauce. I mean, c’mon. That’s just nice.

Long story short, after aimlessly wandering around the sprawling parking lot known as Richmond for several hours, only a reliably gut-​busting supper at our favourite fish’n’chip place back in the West End was going to suffice.
We didn’t end up eating until about 10pm, but it was well worth the wait: as I put it at the time, my meal (a straightforward 2-​piece cod and fries combo, plus a dark ale) left a crater where the spot used to be.

My all time fish and chips fav is Coney Island on White Rock beach (heavily biased by that time that I got a three piece fish and chip, mentioned to them I was starving and they gave me 5 …).
But I’ve been to Mr. Pickwicks numerous times because of convenience and it’s always been OK. Portions aren’t spectacular. Some of you who’ve read my previous reviews will notice that I always seem to talk about portions … it mainly has to do with that fact that I’m probably starving as I write these things …
I went the other night, though just before closing (b/​c there is really nothing open on Denman at 10:30) and they served me which I am thankful for (even though they close at 11 — I wanted to go to Barefoot Kitchen which «closes» at 10:30, but I got there at 1015 and it was CLOSED! and I was … anyway … back to)
I got a two piece halibut and chips. Tempura batter is what I like (Kira T. mentions a thicker batter — although I don’t think it’s really that thick here — it’s as thin as you can get — maybe there are other types of battered fish).
OK I am so preoccupied with other thoughts here, I’ve got to end this.
Whether here or the Granville location, I RETURN, and enjoy.

Have you ever finished a meal and all you can think is: «Well, that’s a meal I’m not getting back»? If you can answer yes to this, then you’ve likely eaten @ Mr Pickwicks (or Steamrollers).
Granted, I’m spoilt when it comes to Fish and Chips. Growing up in Perth I ate fish and chips once a week, and we’re surrounded by great chippys so finding a good fish feed isn’t hard. But having lived abroad for a long time now, and in many places where fish and chips as I know it (with lemon wedges and malt vinegar), isn’t too common, I’ve had to lower my standards. Until I moved to Van.
Since moving here I’ve had the pleasure to reap the rewards of my search and chippy endeavours; devouring regular servings of fish n chips at Go Fish (for their inventive sandwiches and taccones), Dave’s Fish and Chips in Steveston (for good pieces of fish) and Tony’s Fish Café (for brews to go with their awesome potato-​ey and soft inside but crunchy exterior, chips) on Granville Island.
I’ve always avoided Mr Pickwick’s bc it looks kind of kitsch and as we’re all aware, I’m anti-​franchise/​corporate eating. But last week my friend had a craving; it was a Monday (Go Fish isn’t open) and we were walking hungrily out of Stanley Park (Dave’s and even Tony’s just seemed far too far). So, against my better judgment I broke: and into Mr Pickwicks we went.
If only the adventure had stopped there. Alas, of the 4 tables we were the only people under the age of 60, they had some strange music playing (I can’t remember what it was now but we commented on it then, that’s how weird it seemed) and the servers were more intent on chitchatting amongst themselves than tuning in to our service needs.
The menu is long but boring (I’m so used to the concoctions @ GO FISH) and I ended up ordering a 2piece meal of salmon and cod with chips — if they can get the basics right, there’s hope. The fish was fine — the salmon a little dry, the chips were ok, nothing to return for. What I didn’t particularly care for was the batter. It was unflavourful, thickly coated on and very greasy. In the end I pulled the fish out to eat and left the batter.
I left with a heavy stomach and heavy heart, but satisfied in the knowledge that my quest for good fish and chips had been right on the money the first time round. Tony, Dave and Gord, I’ll be back to see you guys soon!

Mr. Pickwick’s was our second stop on a three restaurant review of fish and chips in Vancouver. It gets our highest recommendation for overall experience (vs. Irish Heather and Go Fish), nearly getting the best for fish but winning it hands down on service.
FOOD: — 4 stars — One piece specials on Wednesday nights are awesome for those looking to nibble at the various and sundry branches of Mr. Pickwick’s extensive sea garden. The menu made my eyes pop — the good Sir Pickwick certainly casts a large net (har har arrrrrrr) — I didn’t know that fish and chips was made from any other species of fish than cod (well, lingcod here on the West Coast). I was very wrong — thanks Professor P. My halibut was excellent, the date’s salmon was tasty and interesting — but come on, fried salmon, Captain Pickwick? Isn’t that a bit ostentatious? The chips were a bit too soft for my taste, but they were steak fries (the thick plank kind) so thats to be expected. The helping is generous, with both of us full even on just one piece + chips and a beer. Also, price is a winner here: $ 7 one piece specials; but other parts of their menu were pretty steep. The mini side salad was also a nice little addition.
SERVICE — 5 stars plus — Jessica was our server — enthusiastic, extremely friendly, cheery, bright, informative, and willing to throw around nautical puns. Interestingly, she seemed to take on a somewhat different character, although always sweet and charming, with every table, suiting herself to the supposed tastes of the various diners (another, but older, couple on a date; a family with little ones; a couple old business types talking). She played the room marvelously and bumps Reverend Pickwick’s place up to the top of my Van fish and chips list.
DECOR — 5 stars — the owners, Ryan and Ryania (?) obviously have a lot of pride in their across-​town chain, recently acquired (or so the story on the menu goes) and built up by them together. I LOVE this stuff — learning about the business as the owners see it, seeing that they take pride in what must be a difficult ship to keep afloat at times, seeing the support of locals on patron-​made tiles on the wall, all while tasting the fruits of the labor, makes every bite more delicious. Grand Poobah Pickwick, if that is his real name, must be proud.

To be honest, I enjoy Mr Pickwick’s fish & chips quite a bit. But I am not a fan of this location. The Granville Street location has much less seating and I often use it for take out as the product is the same.
Perhaps it is the restaurant seating format that I dislike in this particular case. My daughter and I used to go here but we were turned off by the inconsistency of the service. Sometimes it was an incompetitent and uncaring server. Othertimes it was a loud, pushy, and overbearing server. Almost as if everyone who works there is an actor waiting for the ‘big break’ and either bidding time by not caring about their work ethic oralternatively, by acting like a server, rather than simply being a one.
*note: I don’t have any problem with actors, or writers, artists, parents, former civic workers, or anyone else who makes or supplements their living by serving. It is an honourable profession. But be professional about it. Have some work ethic but remember there are no Oscars awarded. Moderation is good.
Fish is good. Always fresh, decent batter and a nice selection of types to try. There are also several options of how you can have your chips as well. This method of adding different sides or types of chips contribute to it sometimes being a very pricy plate of fish&chips, although the basic meal is reasonably priced. Just be aware of the cost of all those yummy extras.
Overall, decent fish & chips. A-​OK

While we were living in Vancouver, one of our friends came up to visit us.
After his flight got in, we decided to take him to get some fish n chips. This guy’s as good as a real Brit: he grew up in England and stuff. So, that TOTALLY qualifies his opinion as legit, hehe.
Anyway, the boys ordered the real deal: fish and chips. I, on the other hand, pulled the girl card, and ordered grilled salmon and sweet potato fries.
The guys seemed pretty pleased with their fish, but didn’t think the fries were very crispy or light.
I thought my salmon was overcooked and really dry, but my sweet tater fries were good.
Our server was super sweet and very friendly. I think her name was Janessa; I liked her a lot.
Overall, I thought this place was OK, although, given that it specializes in seafood, I thought they should have been able to cook their fish perfectly. This place probably hits the spot if you want some greasy, gut filling food and some pints, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to eat here.

Ah, Mr. Pickwick, you are my go2 man when I crave fish, batter, chips and oh how I love your lunch specials like today, for $ 10, I got cod, tons of large pop corn shrimp, salad, chips and 2 kinds of dips. I am a fan cuz I found their batter light and the home cut/​made fries are soooo good but you gotta eat them as you go and not wait till the end! There may be other good F&C places but for a short walk from work in the West End, nothing is close. I do enjoy the fast service, and today music selection was Supremes Greatest Hits which was hella entertaining.
I am so looking fwd to hot hot weather again so I have more excuse to come by and grab some for the beach or apres roller-​blading!

I guess I’m a bit snobby when it comes to fish and chips, in that I exclusively prefer salmon instead of cod.
Unfortunately salmon is usually a bit more expensive, but that’s something I’m usually able to deal with.
When I want fish and chips, I want something that’s fast and delicious, sitting down and having a dinner/​waiter experience is absolutely not required.
You DO get that here, though, and although it’s nice, I paid $ 17 for salmon and chips, when I could have gone to Go Fish on Granville Island and gotten salmon and chips for $ 9 – 11 (depending on how many pieces of fish you want).
For the portion and taste, as well, it was just far too much to pay and as such, I don’t plan to ever come here again. The service was very great and the location and environment was nice, but like I said… too expensive for fish and chips when you can get tastier for cheap.

Tasty cod with chips. The cod was good fried. The chips because we didn’t eat them immediately were a little soggy. We ordered the daily special which is only 9.25. Much cheaper than the 20 for two pieces of halibut. The fish pieces are big. My in laws actually liked the cod here better than at Café de Paris.