By Sonu Purhar
Ballyhoo (n.) – Excited commotion
The Ballyhoo Public House boasts a fitting moniker: just two months after opening, downtown Vancouver’s newest public house is already buzzing. Part of the Donnelly Group’s ever-expanding collection of quirky eateries and watering holes, The Ballyhoo is a lively, welcoming space equally suited to popping in for a quick happy hour drink, lingering over a game of pool, or indulging in a casual group feast.
Ideally situated along Burrard and Smithe streets in Vancouver’s bustling Theatre District, The Ballyhoo is perfectly poised to capture the attention of cinema- and theatre-goers with tasty, affordable fare and a surprisingly lengthy cocktail list. Guests are invited to discover tantalizing concoctions made popular by famed international cocktail bars, such as the Espresso Bongo (rum, coffee syrup, pineapple, passionfruit, orange and lime; Latitude 29, New Orleans); the Garibaldi Cocktail (Campari and orange juice; Dante, New York); or our favourite, The Serious Kick (Laphroaig and Jameson whiskies, lemon and orgeat; Noble Experiment, San Diego).
Classic cocktails are also well represented – the “usual suspects” include spritzes, a house G&T and a bittersweet Negroni. Those seeking a more straightforward brew can choose from a healthy selection of beers, wine and non-alcoholic alternatives. Whatever your pleasure, your drink will arrive with a complimentary bowl of nostalgia-inducing hickory sticks – talk about retro!
Happy hour at The Ballyhoo is an imbiber’s delight with $2 off signature cocktails, red and white wine for just $6, and sparkling wine for $5 – but the real star is a unique high tea comprised of hearty mini-sandwiches. Dainty they are not – these slabs are sturdy and packed with flavourful fillings like fried chicken, curried cauliflower, devilled egg salad, avocado cream cheese, roast beef, and ham and Dijon. Your choice of four mini-sandwiches is presented on a classic high tea tower, complete with gherkins and potato chips – all for $10. Happy hour is a leisurely three-hour run between 3pm and 6pm.
Guests seeking an evening meal will find elevated versions of classic pub fare, such as red chili wings with sriracha parmesan aioli; spicy tofu and orange salad with cashew lime vinaigrette; and kimchi grilled cheese. Similarly, brunch features familiar dishes jazzed up with The Ballyhoo twist: avocado toast with goat cheese and sweet balsamic drizzle; eggs benedict with buttermilk biscuit, fingerling hash and double-smoked bacon; and The Ballyhoo burger, starring brisket and chuck grind, cheddar and Russian dressing. Health nuts can opt for colourful greens or fresh-pressed juice – try the watermelon, lemon and mint drink on a hot summer day.
Drop by The Ballyhoo daily between 11.30am and 2am; Fridays, 11.30am to 3am; Saturdays 10am to 3am; and Sundays 10am to 2am. For more information, visit donnellygroup.ca/ballyhoo.
The Ballyhoo is near Vancouver City Centre SkyTrain Station and Granville SkyTrain Station.
Click here for recipe by The Ballyhoo for Sriracha egg salad sandwiches.
All images courtesy of The Ballyhoo.
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