pumphouse taproom

An outstanding Executive Chef at our PubIn general, we do not like pubs. We do not even like beer, even if they have forty different kinds available. But what we do like is great food at a reasonable price. Usually, pubs serve fast order food. If they are lucky, they may even have a decent cook. This one has a chef, a great female executive chef to boot. Her name is Executive Chef Daniela Laci. Her exceptional talent managed to turn this very good neighborhood pub, into a great one. I am referring to the Pumphouse Taproom, one of the oldest pubs in Richmond, British Columbia, a multicultural city better known for its variety and quality of Asian restaurants than its taverns.The regulars might not love this review as it may attract a new horde of customers at their favorite watering hole. The nice thing about the Pumphouse, is that it is only three blocks from our residence, a short walking distance for us to enjoy some of our favorite dishes. We will not write about their terrific daily specials except to mention that the Sunday night special is one of our favorites. Their special Alaskan King crab legs are served piping hot with melted butter (not the garlic type that kills the taste) and are out of this world. As a side dish, nothing beats their home made French or yam fries with a very good Caesar. At the Pumphouse, you will find all the “usual” food that you often get at a pub, but prepared fresh with such skill and love that you keep coming back for more: great burgers, incredible salads, fresh fish tacos, roast beef special and delicious pizzas to name a few favorites. They have a wonderful selection of wines as well.Our review would not be complete if we did not mention their annual, Dance and super New Year Celebration, a superb sold out event, year after year, at a very reasonable price, to say the least. This year five feature wines or artisan beers are paired with five outstanding dishes including dessert. The set menu, in order of serving, will include crispy prawns, mandarin orange & fennel salad, seared crab cakes, braised short ribs and lemon & thyme cheesecake. Last year, we shared the feast with our two closest friends. Over the past twelve months, we bragged so much about that experience, that this year, twenty of our friends are joining us.

A little out of the way (maybe 5-10 minutes max from central Richmond by car) but for beer enthusiasts this is worth the car/cab or bus.They have around 20 taps, and they stock a few standard fare Canadian lagers, but the rest is Micro Micro Micro. The best microbrew selection in all of Richmond hands down. The food is also very good - I think they changed management a year or two back or so and the place is great. A real blue collar pub with a lot of good beers. Expect good pub food, and a lot of selection for IPA, Pale Ale, Stouts, Everything, and good local craft. A few Belgians here and there - honestly I end up there about once a week and there is always something new on the chalkboard to try,

Ended up here for supper one night and we were happily surprised. Great atmosphere in this place, very friendly staff and everyone there seemed to be enjoying their food. Our food was delicious and above "pub quality" for what you would expect to get in a pub. The selection of craft beers was pretty good and well priced.