First Look: Amaro’s Table East

Eastside

If you’ve been following my reviews for any length of time, you’ll know that I’m very fond of Amaro’s Table downtown. It has an excellent staff, fantastic food, and the best cocktails in Vancouver. They knock it out of the park every time, and most foodies in the area agree. So when it was announced that Amaro’s was going to take over the old Hopworks location on Mill Plain east of 164th, many of us were jumping for joy. But there have been questions about the space. Hopworks—also known as HUB—was a bit like eating in a school cafeteria, with sound bouncing off the hard floors and high ceiling. Many have also wondered what the plans were for the upstairs area.

Last night, I had the opportunity for a first look—a sneak peek—at Amaro’s Table Eastside. The exterior looks virtually unchanged, with the exception of the sign. We were greeted at the door and ushered into an elegant dining room. The space is almost unrecognizable.

Guest Experience Director Haleigh Haase has done an incredible job with the makeover. Beautiful chandeliers are suspended over each table, along with a sizable, impressive chandelier that serves as the centerpiece. The previous army of beer taps has been replaced with a lovely, white-illuminated cocktail bar. Thanks to the carpet and acoustic tiles, the former gym-like echo has been eradicated. Instead, savvy background music plays at a comfortable level that invites conversation.

Although this was the first time the new staff were serving customers, you’d never know it. Everything ran smoothly, and requests were handled with ease. It felt like they’d been open for years. The quality of the food was consistent with the downtown location.

Cocktails were almost as good. According to Beverage Director Preston Groves, most of the cocktails are batched (pre-made) and served on tap. Nitrogen replaces the liquid as it’s poured, which helps preserve the batch. This cocktail snob could taste a slight difference from the bespoke, hand-mixed cocktails downtown, but most people will be more than pleased.

I’m sure Amaro’s Table Eastside will be in heavy rotation among our dining spots. Will I still dine downtown? Of course! Eastside has a more sophisticated vibe, and being closer will make it easier to partake in happy hour more often. Sometimes there’s just not enough time to make it downtown before the five o’clock wire. Still, the quality of service at the downtown bar remains unmatched in the area. Both are wonderful, and we’re all blessed to have such delicious choices.

Northwest Hospitality—the parent company of Cecelia, Gustav’s, and now four Amaro’s Table locations—continues to impress. Owner Genaro Zurita Amaro has built an incredible company. When I asked him how he’s been so successful, he simply said, “I love being in the kitchen.”