Categories: Food & Drink

First look: Riley’s opens its doors in Vancouver & brings a new happy hour menu to Coal Harbour

Photo via @rileysvancouver / Instagram

Vancouver’s newest seafood and chophouse has officially opened its doors this week, and we were fortunate enough to get a first look at what they’re serving up! Let’s take a deep dive into Riley’s Fish & Steak.

If you’re an avid seafood lover, this is definitely the spot for you. Executive Chef Jerome Soubeyrand and his culinary team have created an amazing dinner menu, complete with burgers, pasta, prime beef steaks, and various seafood offerings from their raw bar.

Best of all? Their happy hour menu just launched and from 2:30 to 5 pm every day, you can experience some of their best food and beverage offerings at reduced prices.

Happy hour eats & drinks:

Start off with some tasty appetizers, like their Salt & Pepper Calamari for $15, Artisan Charcuterie for $18, or their Goat’s Cheese Fondue for $12.

Our personal fave is their house-baked brioche with smoked Maldon salt and lobster oil – which isn’t on special, but for $9, it’s an absolute steal. To pair with your starters – we suggest their Italian prosecco or one of their tasty house reds or whites.

If you want to treat yourself a little extra, go for one of their signature cocktails, like the Smoky Gatsby or refreshing Cucumber Pivot. Both are definitely on our to-do list for next time.

Sip your bevy of choice in their buttery, leather booth seats, or right up front at the bar. No matter where you’re seated, you’re sure to feel relaxed – the concept kitchen is adorned with hanging plants everywhere you turn, which really sets a comfy vibe!

Their happy hour menu also includes $6 highballs and classic cocktails ranging from $8 to $10, if those are more your speed.

Photo via Curiocity

Classic Riley’s Mains:

Now, back to food. If you’re looking for a classic comfort dish, the Beef Stroganoff is definitely melt-in-your-mouth certified. Or, the Seafood Pasta – which comes with scallops, prawns, and mussels. Talk about an iconic trio.

When it comes to sides, it’s our firm belief that you can do no wrong. But their Sautéed Wild Mushrooms and Creamed Spinach are pretty unbeatable.

Raw Bar:

As for steamers and their raw bar, we have a few recommendations to toss your way. Garlic fans will love their classic steamed mussels and clams, both of which are served with chimichurri bread for dipping – so you can savour every last drop.

Photo via Curiocity

Their raw bar includes a variety of West Coast Premium Oysters, King and Dungeness Crab, and more. If you’re feeling indecisive and want to splurge on a little of everything, we suggest one of their three chilled seafood towers, as pictured below.

The main dining hall seats 240 people, so the venue is definitely group-friendly. Just be sure to make a reso before Riley’s is all booked up!

Coming soon is their 100-seat garden patio, which is slated to open just in time for the warmer weather. Stay tuned via their socials for all the deets.

The chophouse is located on Burrard Street at the Waterfront Building in the spot that was previously occupied by Rogue Kitchen + Wetbar.

We’ll see you there, Vancouver!