the charlatan

The Charlatan on commercial drive boasts 15 shiny taps.

they say:  "The Charlatan is Commercial Drive’s best Gastro-Pub. Offering 15 fresh tap beers with 12 imports, its the best place to enjoy the perfect pint. The relaxing 80 seat south-facing patio is East Vancouver's crowning jewel. The contemporary downstairs bar is hidden away from the busy street and is ideal for relaxation, experiencing our inspired menu and a cocktail with friends."

and sure, i'd say its the best gastro-pub on the drive.  the food is upscale pub grub and darned delicious (the tuna bites make me swoon).  and the beer offerings are quite sufficient and varied.  the bathrooms aren't amazing, but for the drive, they're darned good!

but... lately they've got the same service issues as st. augustine's pub - uninterested and slow servers.

i'm not sure if this is a terrible trend going on in the service industry right now, or if i'm just unlucky enough to keep finding the few inept servers, but it is adversely affecting my imbibing!

i'm not asking for four-star service, for that i expect to have to go to a four-star establishment.  but i do expect to get my drink, as ordered, promptly.  and to be asked if i'd like another when my glass is less than half full.  serving is an often thankless job.  but if you're expecting a tip then i think you have to give at least half decent service.

okay, off my soap box now, and on to listing all the delights available:

DOMESTIC ON TAP

Granville Island Honey Lager $4.99
Granville Island Pale Ale $4.99
Granville Island Winter Ale $4.99
Whistler Black Tusk Ale $4.99
Big Rock Traditional Ale $4.99
Big Rock Grasshopper Wheat $4.99
Sleeman Honey Brown Lager $4.99
Okanagan Spring 1516 Lager $4.99
Alexander Keith’s IPA $4.99

IMPORTED ON TAP
Guinness $5.75
Kilkenny $5.75
Stella $5.75
Delirium* $7.00
Stiegl* $7.00
Strongbow Cider $5.75
Crown Float - Guinness & cider $5.75
Black and Tan - Guinness & pale ale $5.75
Snake Bite - cider & lager $5.75
Black Velvet - Guinness & lager $5.75

BOTTLES
Kokanee $5.25
Whistler Lager $5.25
Heineken $5.75
Corona $5.75
Czechvar $7.50
Redstripe $5.75
Jackrabbit light $5.25
Holstein (non-alcoholic) $5.25

WEEKLY SPECIALS
MONDAY All Imports $5.25 / 3 for 2 Appy’s*5pm
TUESDAY Wings / 50 cents each / 1516 $4.49
WEDNESDAY Any Burger & Any Beer/$14(excluding*Beers)
THURSDAY Bigrock Sleeves $4.49
FRIDAY Beer Feature & Weekend Fresh Sheet
SATURDAY Beer Feature & Weekend Fresh Sheet
SUNDAY All Imports $5.25/ Double Caesar’s $5.75

should you go?  yes, of course you should!
the food is fabulous, the televisions are plentiful and the drinks are yummy.  and in the winter, you can sit on couches by the fire if you're lucky.  in the summer you can sit outside on the patio.  good times!
will i go again?  you know it!