Paul’s

Old School

I can handle most requests for a restaurant recommendation with ease, but once in a while I receive one that throws me. This time, the request came from Mrs. Key. She came home wanting pot roast—craving an old-school, home-style supper. I know plenty of meat-focused eateries—Roots, Gustav’s, Feast 316, The Hammond, etc.—but none of them serve pot roast. Fortunately Paul’s in downtown Vancouver does. My bride had never eaten there, and I hadn’t in decades. I was pleased to have the opportunity to try it again since it’s under new management. I also wanted to introduce my wife to The Elbow Room.

Paul’s is legit mid-century Americana. With a few exceptions, it’s a time capsule of the late ’60s to early ’70s. It was a Friday night at dinner time, yet the restaurant was chill. Only two other tables were occupied. I ordered the beef stroganoff. Of course, she ordered the pot roast. The pot roast was so tender she easily separated it with a fork, sending a puff of steam rising from the meat. My stroganoff was pretty good. I liked the noodles; the beef was okay.

The Elbow Room: It’s the bar in Paul’s but it’s in a separate room. My better half loved the vibe and drinks. The place looks like it’s straight out of a scene from Baretta or The Rockford Files—the kind of spot where a plainclothes cop might lean on someone named Sugar Bear or Big Sid sitting in a back corner. This was my third visit.

INSIDER TIP: Toby Maloney is still one of the owners of The Elbow Room but is no longer hands-on. Currently bartender Mike is heading up the cocktail program and doing a fantastic job.

To find out more about the Elbow Room, check out my previous review: https://vanportinsider.com/reviews/the-elbow-room/

The Verdict: Paul’s has a unique place in the restaurant ecosystem of VanPort. It has a comfortable, laid-back style with home-cooked meals from yesteryear. If you’re looking for this kind of joint, you’ll be hard-pressed to find alternatives. You can take that to the bank.

https://www.paulselbowroom.com/