I finally made it back to Cactus Club Cafe Coal Harbour. Having lived in Vancouver for twelve years, I’ve watched this location evolve from just another chain restaurant into something truly special. Let me break down why this spot has become my go-to recommendation for out-of-town friends and business dinners alike.
First off, let’s talk location. Perched right at 1085 Canada Place, the restaurant commands those postcard-perfect views everyone dreams about when visiting Vancouver. During my recent visit, I watched seaplanes landing against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains while sampling their new cocktail menu. The Olympic Cauldron stands guard outside, making it impossible to miss even for first-timers.
The dinner rush gets real here – I learned this the hard way. Show up without a reservation on a Friday night, and you might be looking at a two-hour wait. I’ve found Tuesday and Wednesday evenings around 5:30 PM sweet spots for walking in.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM
- Friday & Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Looking at Cactus Club Cafe’s Menu
Let’s talk money – because yes, those harbor views come at a premium. My go-to order, their butternut squash ravioli with prawns, runs about $28.50 these days. The Rob Feenie burger (worth every penny) sits at $22.75. If you’re watching your wallet, their happy hour (3-6 PM daily) offers solid deals, with some appetizers starting at $5.
Speaking of food, Executive Chef Rob Feenie’s influence shows. The kitchen consistently nails it, especially with seafood. During my last visit, I tried their blackened Creole fish ($32.75) – the kind of dish that reminds you why this isn’t just another Cactus Club location.
Menu Highlights & Price Points
The culinary journey at Coal Harbour reflects Vancouver’s premium dining scene while maintaining accessibility.
Signature Starters
- Tuna Stack with fresh avocado and tropical fruit ($21.50)
- Rob’s Crispy Chicken Wings with subtly spiced hot sauce ($17.75)
- West Coast-inspired Calamari with chipotle aioli ($18.25)
Main Course Selections
- The legendary Rob Feenie Burger with mushrooms and aged cheddar ($22.75)
- Butternut Squash Ravioli with prawns ($28.50)
- Blackened Creole Fish ($32.75)
- Hunter Chicken with mushroom demi-glace ($31.50)
From the Bar
- Craft cocktails ($14-18)
- Premium wines by the glass ($12-25)
- Local craft beers ($8-11)
A Wonderful Venue
The space itself deserves mention. Those floor-to-ceiling windows aren’t just for show; they transform an ordinary Tuesday lunch into something memorable. The patio? Pure gold during summer months. I’ve closed more than a few business deals out there, watching the harbor traffic drift by.
Service here hits differently too. While other locations can feel corporate, the Coal Harbour staff seem to genuinely enjoy their work. My regular server, Sarah, remembers not just my usual order but asks about my kids by name. That’s rare in downtown Vancouver. Fair warning though – parking can be a pain. The valet service ($12 flat rate after 5 PM) has saved me countless headaches, especially during convention center events. Otherwise, there’s underground parking, but it’ll cost you.
The crowd here tells its own story. You’ll spot tech entrepreneurs in hoodies alongside suited-up executives, tourists fresh off cruise ships, and locals celebrating special occasions. Somehow, it works. The dress code stays business casual, but I’ve never seen anyone turned away for being underdressed. Looking for the best experience? Book a window table for sunset. Request the west side of the restaurant – the view of Stanley Park and those golden-hour reflections off the water make even a simple appetizer feel special. And yes, while prices have crept up over the years (my recent dinner for four with drinks hit $280), the quality justifies the cost.
A Relaxed Vibe
Despite its prime tourist location, Cactus Club Cafe Coal Harbour manages to feel like a legitimate local spot. Maybe it’s the consistent food quality, maybe it’s those million-dollar views, or maybe it’s just that indefinable Vancouver vibe they’ve somehow bottled. Whatever the reason, it works. Just remember to book ahead – even us locals sometimes forget and end up waiting for a table.
This isn’t just another location in the Cactus Club family. It’s become a Vancouver institution, the kind of place that reminds you why this city’s dining scene punches above its weight. And while the price point might raise eyebrows, those harbor views at sunset have a way of making you forget about the bill.
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