THE MACKENZIE ROOM

Since opening in 2015, The Mackenzie Room has become one of our favourite go-to places when we want something appealingly original and reliably fantastic.

The Mackenzie Room is owned by husband / wife team Andrew and Katie Jameson, and their partner / chef Sean Reeve. It's named after Andrew's great-great grandfather William Mackenzie, the famous Canadian entrepreneur and railway contractor who founded the Canadian Northern Railway. Mackenzie is also Andrew's middle name and his daughter's name. Located across from Oppenheimer Park, the restaurant is somewhat off the beaten track but that adds to its charm. Located in the old Parke Place Coffee Bar, the owners removed most of the space's drywall to expose the original brick and cement walls. With reclaimed wood tables and antique décor, the restaurant is reminiscent of Vancouver's early pioneering days, offset by large windows and bright splashes of colour.

The menu, written on a large chalkboard at the back of the restaurant, is always changing to showcase locally sourced items. With a focus on nose-to-tail dishes, the menu is never dull (and the dishes' names are always punny). The menu allows you to choose share plates, individual entrees, or the full tasting menu. Pair your choice(s) with a BC wine or choose from the extensive cocktail menu, and watch as your meal is prepared behind the open kitchen and your drink is mixed behind the bar. Our go-to starter is the Showstopper Salad, which is one of the constant items on the menu. Make sure you leave enough room for dessert, though! 

If the food and drinks alone aren't enough to get your in the door, the service is friendly and unpretentious, which means you are sure to have good conversation, even if it's not with your date.

A: 415 Powell Street | T:604.253.0705 | W: http://www.themackenzieroom.com

Hours: Dinner served daily from 5:30pm