5 /5 Michael Key: My wife came home wanting pot roast—craving an old-school, home-style supper. I know plenty of meat-focused eateries—Roots, Gustavs, Feast 316, The Hammond, etc.—but none of them serve pot roast. Fortunately Pauls in downtown Vancouver does. My bride had never eaten there, and I hadnt in decades. I was pleased to have the opportunity to try it again since its under new management. I also wanted to introduce her to The Elbow Room.
Pauls is legit mid-century Americana. With a few exceptions, its a time capsule of the late ’60s to early ’70s. It was a Friday night at dinner time, yet the restaurant was chill. Only two other tables were occupied. I ordered the beef stroganoff. Of course, she ordered the pot roast. The pot roast was so tender she easily separated it with a fork, sending a puff of steam rising from the meat. My stroganoff was pretty good. I liked the noodles; the beef was okay.
The Elbow Room:
My better half loved it. This was my third visit. The place looks like it’s straight out of a scene from Baretta or The Rockford Files—the kind of spot where a plainclothes cop might lean on someone named Sugar Bear or Big Sid sitting in a back corner.
INSIDER TIP: Toby Maloney is no longer associated with The Elbow Room, and bartender Mike is now heading up the cocktail program and doing a fantastic job.
The Verdict:
Pauls has a unique place in the restaurant ecosystem of VanPort. It has a comfortable, laid-back style with home-cooked meals from yesteryear. If youre looking for this kind of joint, you’ll be hard-pressed to find alternatives. You can take that to the bank. -VanPort Insider
