I am extremely dissatisfied with my experience at The Heatley. The venue had publicly advertised a Bluegrass Brunch featuring Murfitt & Main, scheduled for Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm. I reserved two tickets for this event and made arrangements to attend despite a busy morning. We arrived promptly at 1:45 pm, only to find the establishment completely empty.
After confirming my reservation details and verifying the time and location, I attempted to contact the event organizer. My emails went unanswered. We waited for over half an hour, hoping it was simply a delay, but eventually left—disappointed and frustrated.
Later that day, at 5:33 pm, I called The Heatley and spoke with the person responsible for organizing the event. Her response was shockingly casual and unapologetic. She informed me that the event had been cancelled because I was the only person who made a reservation. When I asked why I hadn’t been notified—especially since I was the sole ticket holder—she dismissively replied that the tickets were free and merely reservations.
While I understand the tickets were complimentary, basic courtesy and customer service would dictate notifying attendees of a cancellation. Her dismissive attitude and lack of accountability were unacceptable. No apology was offered, and the entire interaction left me feeling disrespected and deeply disappointed. We would not have made the trip to Vancouver if we had been notified of the cancellation.
This experience was a complete letdown, and I will not be recommending this establishment to others.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
e dungey
Nice place, lots of personality, intimate setting, great live music
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Margarita Wyld
This is one of those rare gems that makes Vancouver feel a little more alive. Their music nights are always a treat — country, bluegrass, and everything in between — the kind of tunes that get you moving whether you planned to or not. I love that it’s a place where you can actually dance, not just sit and listen.
The drinks are solid, the beer list hits the spot, and the bar food is exactly what you want after a few rounds. I have a soft spot for their hot dog — delicious and exactly right. I love hot dogs.
It’s the kind of spot that reminds you what a neighborhood bar should be: unpretentious, lively, and welcoming. I just wish there were more places like this around town.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amy M
Great staff, food and lots of live music. Except on Mondays where it is Movie Monday! Love the monthly drag shows too, such a good time :)
Earl Jenkins
Cool place, great setup for live music.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ethan Woods
great space w shows from awesome local artists :-)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
connie charleson
Server not friendly at all. Then doesnt come back to serve me, and there was only a few of us there, server getting off shift asked if id be helped, and she served me. And i still left a tip for the poor service. Im trying to find a cosy welcoming spot. Probably won't go back. Small food menu. Nothing great. Disappointing 👎🏽👎🏽
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Giulianne Reese
Awesome E hearing my son play her🥰❤️🙏
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sonya Sze-To
Great vibe and live music line up
Atmosphere: 5
Trevor Holness
Every time I go to the Heatley I have the best time. It's a great mix of live music, good beer and amazing service. I think they do brunch? Great spot outside with some picnic tables and scenery that only east van can provide.
Such a cool place! They have a live music area too which I mean...multiplies the cool factor. No complaints, I left with a smile just because of all the cool instruments hanging around.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Andy Pollard
Excellent live country folk music venue. Intimate with great service and a real cornerstone of the community. Arrive early for music to get a seat on busy nights!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Emily Neil
Fun vibes for a chill night out in strathcona. Good beer
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Zayne Cromarty
Definitely my favorite bar in Vancouver, killer staff, great pricing, vibes are immaculate.
Sam Jacobs
The Heatley is always a great time. The staff are so accommodating! I was there tonight for a super busy show and the door person was so kind even though the bar was at capacity. I waited and they let me in when it freed up a bit. I could see they were dealing with so many difficult people with grace and compassion!
I am extremely dissatisfied with my experience at The Heatley. The venue had publicly advertised a Bluegrass Brunch featuring Murfitt & Main, scheduled for Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm. I reserved two tickets for this event and made arrangements to attend despite a busy morning. We arrived promptly at 1:45 pm, only to find the establishment completely empty.
After confirming my reservation details and verifying the time and location, I attempted to contact the event organizer. My emails went unanswered. We waited for over half an hour, hoping it was simply a delay, but eventually left—disappointed and frustrated.
Later that day, at 5:33 pm, I called The Heatley and spoke with the person responsible for organizing the event. Her response was shockingly casual and unapologetic. She informed me that the event had been cancelled because I was the only person who made a reservation. When I asked why I hadn’t been notified—especially since I was the sole ticket holder—she dismissively replied that the tickets were free and merely reservations.
While I understand the tickets were complimentary, basic courtesy and customer service would dictate notifying attendees of a cancellation. Her dismissive attitude and lack of accountability were unacceptable. No apology was offered, and the entire interaction left me feeling disrespected and deeply disappointed. We would not have made the trip to Vancouver if we had been notified of the cancellation.
This experience was a complete letdown, and I will not be recommending this establishment to others.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Nice place, lots of personality, intimate setting, great live music
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
This is one of those rare gems that makes Vancouver feel a little more alive. Their music nights are always a treat — country, bluegrass, and everything in between — the kind of tunes that get you moving whether you planned to or not. I love that it’s a place where you can actually dance, not just sit and listen.
The drinks are solid, the beer list hits the spot, and the bar food is exactly what you want after a few rounds. I have a soft spot for their hot dog — delicious and exactly right. I love hot dogs.
It’s the kind of spot that reminds you what a neighborhood bar should be: unpretentious, lively, and welcoming. I just wish there were more places like this around town.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great staff, food and lots of live music. Except on Mondays where it is Movie Monday! Love the monthly drag shows too, such a good time :)
Cool place, great setup for live music.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
great space w shows from awesome local artists :-)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Server not friendly at all. Then doesnt come back to serve me, and there was only a few of us there, server getting off shift asked if id be helped, and she served me. And i still left a tip for the poor service. Im trying to find a cosy welcoming spot. Probably won't go back. Small food menu. Nothing great. Disappointing 👎🏽👎🏽
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Awesome
E hearing my son play her🥰❤️🙏
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great vibe and live music line up
Atmosphere: 5
Every time I go to the Heatley I have the best time. It's a great mix of live music, good beer and amazing service. I think they do brunch? Great spot outside with some picnic tables and scenery that only east van can provide.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Such a cool place! They have a live music area too which I mean...multiplies the cool factor. No complaints, I left with a smile just because of all the cool instruments hanging around.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Excellent live country folk music venue. Intimate with great service and a real cornerstone of the community. Arrive early for music to get a seat on busy nights!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Fun vibes for a chill night out in strathcona. Good beer
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Definitely my favorite bar in Vancouver, killer staff, great pricing, vibes are immaculate.
The Heatley is always a great time. The staff are so accommodating! I was there tonight for a super busy show and the door person was so kind even though the bar was at capacity. I waited and they let me in when it freed up a bit. I could see they were dealing with so many difficult people with grace and compassion!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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