Grouse Grind Coffee Bar

We had planned a special birthday weekend around dining at the Observatory on top of Grouse Mountain. My husband made reservations weeks in advance, booked a hotel nearby (we live 2.5 hours away), and we were so excited to celebrate this milestone with a dinner and the promised view. According to the restaurant’s own website: “Please note we do not hold tables and cannot guarantee glass-front seating.” With that understanding, we were prepared to take our chances but also hopeful. When we arrived, our reservation was noted as a birthday, and we specifically requested a view table. To our surprise, two glass-front tables sat empty, along with several other tables throughout the restaurant. Yet we were told we could not sit at the glass because we were “only two people” those seats were held for parties of three or more. This is nowhere stated in their policies. Our server confirmed this was the case, and for the entire duration of our meal we watched the glass-front tables remain empty until just before we left, when a group of three finally arrived. Even more disappointing, we saw another couple seated at the glass after simply walking in, despite our earlier request being denied. The manager, who was on the floor all evening, only approached us at the end when the bill arrived, offering an apology that felt too little, too late. At what is promoted as a high-end dining experience, this was shocking. The focus seemed far more on maximizing revenue per headcount than on creating a memorable guest experience. On top of this, the food presentation was questionable, I have never before had a steak cut into three pieces when served at a fine dining restaurant. For a place that promotes itself as “elevated dining,” this felt like a faux pas. We left disappointed, feeling that the entire team from management to the host stand was aware that most guests come here for the views, and yet chose to prioritize rigid, unstated policies over creating an experience worthy of the occasion. If you’re truly looking for a dining experience with exceptional food and guaranteed views, I would recommend Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant where we’ve always been accommodated and treated with far greater care. Customer experience should come before squeezing an extra seat at a table. Sadly, this restaurant has lost sight of that.

Nice Nanaimo bars

Food: 4

Nice large coffee after walking the snow light walk

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

It's good to have something warm after spending time on the slopes. The cappuccino was okay. Not great. Might not have it the next time. The view is amazing.

The gondola ride was super crowded but the only enjoyable activity. If you are going for the Christmas SERIOUSLY don't waste your time..there was a lit up moose, bear, a few circle hoops, hearts and globes hanging. I've seen WAY better decorations on private homes. It's sad they even advertise this. The skating rink is tiny, they have one very sad looking reindeer, the observation deck was closed for private party, and the bears aren't accessible as they are hibernating. I'd def go elsewhere if you're only going for the Christmas activities.

It’s nice to have a coffee bar at the top of the mountain. I got a hot peppermint mocha and a hot chocolate. The peppermint mocha didn’t have much peppermint flavor. The service was ok, nothing special.

First of all, the people were nice! But! Order food from this place if you love sadness. It's hard to imagine food that tastes bad after a steep 3km hike, but that's exactly what this place offers.

Perhaps some of the coldest, crunchiest, worst poutine I've ever had, and the chicken ceasar wrap was more wrap than any other ingredient, while the other ingredients were dry and flavorless.

I wish I had thought to read the reviews before ordering. I hope that you have more foresight than I did.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 5

We had a Greek and a chicken pasta, both were fresh and tasty. The staff on duty was pretty grumpy, but the views and the food more than made up for it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3

This is THE WORST food I’ve ever tried.
We got a curry wrap, a samosa and sushi. The wrap was literally disgusting!! It tasted horrible as well as the samosa, sushi was barely okay. Tables were so dirty.
I really can’t imagine how they got to sell this trash. I would never try anything else at grouse mountain after this experience.
It was unreasonably expensive
45 dollars for 2 samosas and 2 drinks.

Simply repugnant

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

First of all, the people were nice! But! Order food from this place if you love sadness. It's hard to imagine food that tastes bad after a steep 3km hike, but that's exactly what this place offers.

Perhaps some of the coldest, crunchiest, worst poutine I've ever had, and the chicken ceasar wrap was more wrap than any other ingredient, while the other ingredients were dry and flavorless.

I wish I had thought to read the reviews before ordering. I hope that you have more foresight than I did.

Was extremely disappointed by the food! Ive been coming here for years, and the wraps were disgusting! They heated my mexican bean wrap, and it looked like one huge red blob. My friend got a chicken chipotle wrap, and it was untouchable! Not only was it stale, but it was also dry. There are little to no vegetarian options besides that disgusting scrambled egg wrap! However the staff was kind, quick, and courteous. Hoping this was a one time thing, and won’t be a common issue.

Vegetarian options: Barely any! Do better!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 5

The food was good with the exception I comment further on. The atmosphere is also super nice, with the surrounding beautiful view and comfy installation. However, it is a curious thing how the staff received me so well up to the moment they realised I hadn't paid their tip. I'm from a different culture, but I must state that I find rather odd that they require tip when they do not serve you any more than they should: You go to the cashier and they get you your meal (they did not even heat up the cookie I ordered). I cannot understand the rationale of expecting tip. Even stranger than that is the fact that they had given me a spoiled banana loaf. When I complained, they offered me the opportunity to be reimbursed or get another thing. The food was good, so I took another option. But I was fortunate to have realised the banana loaf was expired. Surely this would have ruined my trip in Vancouver. Please watch out.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 2

Great views
Good vegan options
Ok coffee (I had a soy milk mocha)
Friendly and polite staff

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Five employees standing behind the counter chitchatting for several minutes before I got served. Good was alright, but nothing special.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 1

A wonderful view. Nice and tasty hot chicken and bagel sandwich with spreads. It would be nice if they kept it more clean. Tables a little dirty.
The area is also full of papers

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4