Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House

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Address:
777 Thurlow St
Vancouver, BC V6E 3V5

Neighborhood:
West End

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Cuisine:
Seafood

Price: CAN$31 to CAN$50

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Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House Details

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Website: http://www.joefortes.ca
Email: info@joefortes.ca
Phone: (604) 669-1940
Hours of Operation: Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 4:00pm; Dinner: Sunday - Saturday: 4:00pm - 11:00pm; Brunch: Saturday - Sunday: 11:00am - 4:00pm
Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Seafood, Steakhouse
Executive Chef: Wayne Sych
Dress Code: Business Casual
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Entertainment, Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Private Party Facilities: Visit Joe Fortes and you are welcomed into an environment whose vibrant sights and sounds are as enticing as the menu is. With our name inspired by a local legend famous for his warm, welcoming nature, we naturally believe that hospitality is key in creating a memorable group dining experience.
Private Party Contact: Tanis Glenn (604) 685-4040
Entertainment: Live Piano 7 days a week

Getting there

Cross Street: Robson
Parking: Valet
Parking Details: Valet parking is available after 6:00 PM 7 nights per week. There is also ample street and parkade parking within easy walking distance.

A word from Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House

Joe Fortes has been specializing in classic, American cuisine since 1985. The turn-of-the-century inspired dining room features 30-foot high ceilings and six unique dining venues that include brand new green roof top patio. Executive Chef Wayne Sych prepares each dish with a focus on natural… flavours and features the finest ingredients from Pacific Northwest farmers, fishermen and other food artisans. Serving more than 50 kinds of fresh fish, premium oysters and thick chops daily, Joe’s signature dishes have become a favourite with locals, celebrities & tourists alike. Joe’s is known as the best oyster bar in Vancouver and is home to some of North America's best oyster shuckers. Our award winning wine list features over 400 selections from British Columbia, California, the Pacific Northwest and prominent wine regions throughout the world. Enjoy a delicious cocktail at our bar with live piano music nightly or at our Roof Garden Bar. Continued

Foodspotting photos

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerSeafood
Diners' Choice WinnerVibrant Bar Scene
Diners' Choice WinnerMost Booked

Diner Reviews

"I enjoyed the oysters on the half shell and loved the dipping sauces! My scallop entrée was perfection!"
Dined on 3/8/2014
"Sat on a side table. No normal way to eat . No room! No leg room. Bad waitress."
Dined on 3/9/2014
"We were celebrating our friend's 60th Birthday. We were surprised and so pleased to see good wishes for her Birthday with her first name at the top of the menu for our table. Plus the delicious desert came with a birthday candle stuck to the plate, not the cake. It looked real nice and we did not have to scrape the wax off the cake. Our dinner was excellent, and the service was too. We had a lovely time. Our friend was touched by the thoughtfulness and she was happy with the evening. Thank you!"
Dined on 3/7/2014
"When I worked downtown Joe Fortes was always the restaurant to go to for special occasions. Now that I am retired, I still meet with my closest friends for our birthdays, Christmas, etc."
Dined on 3/9/2014
"Joe Fortes always delivers, there has never been a time where they have not been less than stellar in terms of service and food quality. I would definitely recommend this restaurant for brunch and their great lunch specials!"
Dined on 3/9/2014
"I've been to this restaurant numerous of times for meetings and with friends. Last Friday i go there for dinner with my boyfriend and service was just horrible. It wasnt as busy as it was on a typical Friday however our server was rude, did not check up on us and we were waiting for a good half an hour waiting for our food toet packed and our bill."
Dined on 3/7/2014
"Our food came 30 minutes after out appie, which we felt a little long since it was all ordered at the same time. When it did come, the fish was a little under cooked (the scallops and trout were a bit 'fleshy') but overall the taste was ok. The main issue was the heat. We were seated upstairs and were sweating so uncomfortably, we could not stay for desert. Many people in the tables around us complained and the various waiters just stated that because it was busy downstairs, it was hot upstairs. Though not untrue, perhaps a window could have been opened to vent out the heat or at the least turn on the ceiling fans (there were a number of them around but not on). The restaurant felt more like a sports bar than fine dining."
Dined on 3/7/2014
"They changed the lunch menu - no more blue plate specials, only "Diner" Favourites which include fried chicken, a cheeseburger, or baked mac and cheese. Not a fan of this selection as they are not original and quite heavy for a lunch."
Dined on 3/3/2014
"Appetizers came at a relatively reasonable time. However, the entrees took around 45-60 minutes which is just unacceptable. The reservation was at 6:30 and we didn't get our entrees until 8:20. The server blamed the crowd of people from the hockey game, but so what? It is still the kitchen's job to send out the food prioritizing the orders. I don't see other people waiting that long for their food. In fact other people that came in later got their entrees before us. To top it off, my steak was cold, but I was so hungry that I didn't care. I have been to this restaurant 3 times and this is the second time that this happened. I don't think I will ever go back. I'll just go to The Keg, at least they know how to serve hot food on time."
Dined on 3/2/2014
"We made 5pm reservation and were jammed into a tight corner table in the bar. Main restaurant had room as far as we could see on our way out. It was also happy hour for appies and we weren't offered that deal either. Very disappointing evening for my wife and I. Seafood was good but waiters are very long winded when explaining the whole menu!"
Dined on 3/1/2014
"Whenever in Vancouver my wife and I make it a point to dine here at least once. My wife travels to Vancouver quite often and always comes back to Joe Fortes. A great selection of oysters and meals are always cooked to perfection...I've NEVER had a bad meal here."
Dined on 2/16/2014
"The food and service were as good so usual. Take one star off because the service on Sunday morning is a little bit slow. Waited about 30 mins to get my Egg Benedict, and about 10 min to have my hot water refilled."
Dined on 3/2/2014
"If you want fabulous food, great wine, excellent service and a happening scene, look no further because Joe Fortes is it!! A little heavy on the ambient noise, but it is just the energy of a great meeting place. When in Vancouver, this must be on your "to do" list!"
Dined on 3/1/2014
"Amazing server who made us feel very comfortable and special. It was too loud but delicious food. Had a great experience."
Dined on 2/27/2014
"Based on reviews, I was expecting great food & great service. The service was absolutely incredible — the staff were very attentive, patient, & friendly. It's too bad that the food was not up to par. For my appetizer, I tried the tomato & bocconcini salad — it was lacking in flavour. I had halibut cheeks for my main course, which were quite good, especially the squash puree that came with it. However, the carrots served with it were undercooked. Other diners at the table had either seafood or steaks & the general consensus was that the seafood was pretty good, but the quality of the steaks was not so great. As for dessert, I had the molten lava cake, which was okay. Once again, I'd like to reiterate how good the service was though."
Dined on 2/23/2014
"Great food and awesome friendly service from the waiters and staff."
Dined on 2/25/2014
"We had one of the largest group at the restaurant on a snowy day. Due to the wait, the waiter brought us cranberry lemon scones. They were delicious. We were impress. The food portion for the brunch special was awesome. However, the disappointing part was the table was long and it was difficult for us to move around to socialize and hear each other."
Dined on 2/23/2014
"Very small children seated at tables either side of me were so not appreciated"
Dined on 2/21/2014
"Based upon reading positive reviews of Joe Fortes, I was excited to bring my wife out for a romantic post valentines diner. However, I was disappointed the moment we sat down at our table/booth. For such a well known upscale restaurant, we encountered a table with a roles out paper cover on top of a white table cloth. What's up with that! The waiters were dressed like people working in a laboratory, their jackets liked lab coats. Our waitress did not even bother to let us know about their daily specials. My wife and I decided on the roast chicken brest social, thinking it would be safe. However, the chicken turned out to be "salty" side, she could not finish her dinner. We left shortly thereafter... Very disappointed..."
Dined on 2/16/2014
"Beautiful restaurant, especially during the Christmas Season. Service was great. Food is very good, but too expensive."
Dined on 12/14/2013
"Joe fortes is a venerable old restaurant in downtown Vancouver that be relied upon to deliver quality food with great service consistently. It is both a local hangout and a tourist destination. We only ever have good things to say about Fortes to."
Dined on 2/20/2014
"Recently attended Joe FORTES for a great Valentines dinner and it was well worth the time and money. The restaurant was busy as ever but the waiters provided excellent service and the meal was outstanding. Joe Fortes is our favorite Vancouver restaurant when visiting Vancouver.. Wonderful service, great food and outstanding ambiance."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"The food was great. The seafood was very tasty and wine selection had numerous choices. The service was great. We were not rushed at all. The time between courses was perfect."
Dined on 2/18/2014
"Had the steak sandwich, was done to perfection! Loved it!"
Dined on 2/18/2014
"While visiting Vancouver, this is a must stop! We always have such a great expirience! This time, once again, the service was outstanding and the food very very good! This time we were seated in the lower level and although it is very tight seating (close to other tables) it was still great. I do prefer to sit upstairs over looking the entire restaurant/piano player. The seafood is quite amazing and we loved the recommended wines! For the first time I noticed the large outside roof top patio?! That will be a must try next time!"
Dined on 2/7/2014
"Had a nice dinner for valentines day with my girlfriend. We really like Joe forte's so we were happy to spend our valentines day here."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Joe Fortes has the best raw oysters and crab cakes that I've ever had. The waiters are attentive and helpful. The place is always crowded and lots of people go before sporting events. I've been there 4 times when visiting Vancouver and will go back everytime. Thanks for a great dining experience!!!"
Dined on 2/14/2014
"We had a wonderful experience for a Valentine's Day/Birthday lunch. The food was outstanding........REALLY enjoyed the dessert trio.......delicious! We will certainly go back again soon!"
Dined on 2/14/2014
"We found the restaurant to have lovely ambience and our server did a good job. However, the food is quite plain and very pricey. Our entrees, the salmon and steak, were served lukewarm. The server did reheat them in the microwave but that kinda ruins a steak. We will not return."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"We had a warm welcome the minute we walked-in. Arrived early and were able to have an earlier seating. Food, service and ambience were excellent. We loved their balsamic and lobster oil for dipping bread. We ordered the surf & turf special and were not disapointed. Great wine list. The meat was cooked exactly as we ordered and the lobster / crab was amazing. This is a well run restaurant. Again, the service was exeptional. We will be back. 3 Cheers to everyone at Joe Fortes."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"A lively bar with great cocktails followed by a. delicious dinner"
Dined on 2/13/2014
"We always wanted to go to Joe Fortes but never got around to it. Dine Out Vancouver provided a perfect opportunity to try it out. We're very glad we did - fantastic food all around. The Dine Out menu included top items and every one was delicious, from the ceviche to start to the molten chocolate cake at the end. Oh, and steak in between! It feels like a classy club filled with classy people. We will be very happy to return!"
Dined on 1/26/2014
"Reception quickly accomodated my call,to advise that I could be late for my reservation as the time it took to clear customs;retrieve luggage and get to my hotel took a bit longer than I had anticipated, by changing my reservation. When I arrived I was greeted in a very friendly manner; seated quickly; then promptly asked if I would like a drink. The food and presentation were excellent. Follow-up service was timely. Waiter was friendly. We traded stories abou the cold Calgary weather."
Dined on 2/12/2014
"My husband and I picked this place because he wanted seafood and I love steak. We made a reservation but still had to wait 20 min for our table which was a bit annoying as we were starving and had a deadline with the sitter at home. We had oysters and calamri to start, the oysters were good, the calamari could have been from a chain restaurant. For dinner he got the daily trio and tgought it was good, not great. I had the flat iron steak (mostly for the chimichurri and truffle oil fries). I've had better steak and chimichurri sauce (guess I'm being picky as I had it at an Argentine barbecue restaurant) but the fries were awesome. Creme brulee for desert was fine."
Dined on 2/12/2014
"The food and ambience were great, especially loved the live piano. It was nice to see dinner specials although I'd like to see a fish special on the list. I loved it, I'd like to go back, but it's just too expensive."
Dined on 2/9/2014
"Ten out of ten. From start to finish, service and food was outstanding. Lots to chose from. I now understand why this place is one of Vancouver's best. Plus you have the benefit of live music. Who knows how they got the piano up the staircase."
Dined on 2/9/2014
"Every time we are in Vancouver we visit Joe Fortes. The food and service is always outstanding. It's nice to have a reliable dining experience."
Dined on 2/8/2014
"We booked through the dine-out Vancouver website and arrived to find out they were not offering this menu any more. The evening proceeded with more disappointments - we were told bread would be served with oil and vinegar and the man serving the oil ran out, told us he would return, and never did. We waited over an hour for our main courses to arrive, which again was a disappointment. We had no service for about 40 minutes with no apology for the wait for the food. Our food was mediocre at best - not even the potatoes were cooked very well. For a restaurant with great reviews from friends and family, I would not go back or recommend it to anyone else."
Dined on 2/7/2014
"For a restaurant with the reputation of Joe Fortes there was a level of expectation for a memorable dining experience. Although our dining experience was memorable it was not for any good experience. The overall food was ok at best, the noise level made it almost impossible to have a normal conversation between two people, and our server checked on us two or three times only. Our overall experience at Joe Fortes was a significant let down, especially considering the prices charged. I would compare our experience to that of eating at Boston Pizza on a busy game night and paying double for the food. It might be that our expectations were set too high or maybe we just came on an off night. Either way we have no future plans to return."
Dined on 2/5/2014
"We went during Vancouver Dine-Out Festival. Firstly, we were told that the dine out menu was starting a half-hour after we arrived. So, we waited. The choices were average. My steak was over cooked and dry. We certainly weren't made to feel like we were regular paying guests. I was really looking to going, but won't be rushing back."
Dined on 1/21/2014

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