We're always on the lookout for authentically local spots, and Argo is definitely one of those, having been in the neighbourhood since 1954...!! Looks that age from the outside but actually bright and well renovated on the interior. Super homey and retro vibes. We were shocked by how busy they were at ~9am on a Saturday! Love the little touches like the coat racks, solid toddler booster seat (though no high chairs for smaller babies, and no unbreakable dishware), complimentary soups (clam chowder was 5/5!), and little gingerbread house on hubby's latte. Got the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin and rockfish -- both were excellent. Wish they came with 2 not just 1 poached egg! Prices were pretty standard for the era, $24 for each. I'll also comment that despite being an old-time joint their website is well maintained and updated, including with specials (like their Christmas meal kit). Kudos to whoever's doing their marketing! read more

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Argo is a hidden gem. I come here occasionally whenever I'm in the neighborhood. It has so much to offer despite what it looks like from the outside. It's got a very home-y ambiance to it, inviting conversation and good food. The service is slower but that's also kind of what's nice about the ambiance of this place. They are all super nice. The food is delicious. Greasy spoon foods without feeling queasy from grease. Highly recommend the duck confit buttermilk pancakes. Good bang for your buck and comes with complimentary soup. On the weekends, it can be a bit busier so beware of wait times. read more

Argo Café - Chicken and waffles, duck confit buttermilk pancakes - French Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Warm atmosphere, chill music, and friendly service make Argo Cafe a popular brunch spot amongst the locals. This is my second time here and I tried the grilled Cajun rockfish and braised short rib Benedict. I thought both the fish and short rib were tender and well seasoned. read more

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This place has been around forever in my mind, but I only tried it for the first time last week. From the outside, it looks like a hole-in-the-wall. Once you step inside, it's like being transported back to a different time. It looks like an old time diner / greasy spoon, but clean and well kept. We were greeted warmly by one of the staff, and seated at one of the last booths available. It was quite packed for a midweek lunch. I decided to order the turkey clubhouse. I didn't realize it would come with a complimentary cup of soup. I got the clam chowder not expecting much. But it was quite good. A rarely found Manhattan-style chowder, but very homestyle. It was very comforting. The clubhouse was simple, but well made. Fries were far better than I would have expected. A good sized plate of food for a reasonable price. Server was friendly and treated us like regulars. Super nice. Overall, a great experience. Good value, homestyle food in a clean and comfortable setting. I look forward to going back. read more

Argo Café - Turkey Clubhouse with fries - French Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Walked by so many times and never had a chance to try until the past weekend. We went for brunch around 9:30 and it was a full house. Luckily someone was leaving so we only waited 5 minutes or so. We were seated in a booth and serves were attentive. They took our order and food came out pretty fast. I didn't realize that the entrees come with a complimentary soup. I had the lentil soup and it was delicious. A great way to start the meal. I had pancakes with duck confit and the duck was tender and easily came off the bone. Pancakes were fluffy and everything went well together. My friends had the short rib eggs benedict and it looked good. I had a piece of the shirt rib and it was tender. Overall, food was good and service was quick. The prices are a bit higher but they do have more unique dishes and portions are pretty good. I'd come back again if I was in the area. read more

Argo Café - Short rib eggs benedict - French Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Better food than you'd expect from a hole in the wall dinner. Friendly, uncomplicated service. This is what a neighborhood favorite is. read more

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Haven't been here in 20 years. Easy place to stop on the bike lane route. Pleasant surprise with fried egg on the burger. Food and service was great. Wanted go next door for a beer but not enough time. read more

How have I not been to this delightful little place before? Commiserating over broken computers, Mark and I were running around doing errands. We were going to go to Commercial for his favourite Sushi place as we were nothing starving. I mentioned my favourite ice cream place was around the corner from where we were. He shared my love for Earnest and mentioned his favourite diner was around the corner. Diner? My eyes lit up. Eating low carb equals lots of good food at diners! So we grabbed the nearest parking spot and walked up to Argos. Staff was super friendly and I loved the atmosphere. Reminded me of an old school diner in Montreal or New York. can't believe I hadn't found this gem yet! I duplicated Mark's order. Split pea soup as good as Mom used to make. Huge DOUBLE burgers with fried onions and mushrooms that you need two hands to hold. I admit to sampling the bun but peeled most of it away and the burger was delish! fries were really crunchy the way I like them but I barely ate any! All the lunches going by me - and the place was hopping - looked fresh and inviting. My old complaint was that they were too busy to bring me a coffee refill! Will definitely be back to try something else!! read more

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Stopped by as I was walking around the neighborhood. Situated on a quieter street just a block away from busy street. A simple menu of homestyle dishes to satisfy any craving. Most people I noticed chose the massively loaded burger. Probably the best value the prices are high for a diner. All meals come with a cup of soup. The 2 servers were friendly and attentive. There's outdoor and inside seating with the old diner feel. I hope this little gem of a diner sticks around. read more

Argo Café - a plate of food with rice and vegetables - French Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Amazing.....I got the take out Lasagna from Argos Cafe and it blew my mind, what a fantastic treat, the very best Lasagna I have had in ages and probably one of the very Best prepared I have ever had in B.C. Thick fresh and the perfect balance of flavours, you must go out of your way to try Chef Denis's Food he is an old school perfectionist. 10\10 cheers James Robson Retired F&B Consultant read more

Argo Café - Lasagna from Argos Cafe Amazing & Delicious - French Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

A "truck stop" diner with a chef that can whip up food well above the caliber of diner type establishments. Make no mistake, this is not your ordinary "diner". It may be a in a diner atmosphere, and located in an industrial part of false creek, but the food that they serve up is much better than any other diner that I've EVER been to. Presentation may be lacking a bit (hope I didn't creep anyone out with my peering at their food) but, for this price WTF cares? They have daily specials, and you can check them out on their website. I haven't been able to try out one of the specials but I have had burgers & breakfast, and I was quite happy for the quality and the price. read more

This is one of the best place in town for Breakfast and Lunch, i mainly go for Lunch, their food is top quality, as their two owner are well known Top Chef in the city, Their daily menu is posted online, everything that is done is perfection, i bring many of my fussy friends and they all say OMG i usually pay $40 for this dish and here its fabulous and the price is great. The service is friendly with no attitude, You feel like you are at a old friends place. its like a old style diner with the luxury taste of today. My partner love the Chicken Con Queso, i made some at home and he say to me, it's good but Argo is much better! lol. I always try something different, but if Lamb is on the menu, that 's my go to! Make sure to take their take away soups or sauces. Every desserts is made daily by pastry chef Linda! read more

Argo Café - French Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Very simple diner cafe. I've wanted to visit Argo since I moved here and now they don't offer dinner service anymore. I was still excited to try them for brunch. I tried their chicken and waffles (3/5). I'd say it's decent. Definitely not the best fried chicken. It was crispy. There were areas where it was just batter and no chicken. It reminded me of home cooking which I guess is what this place is about; Mom and Pop kinda vibe. The waffles were good. They are liege waffles with some foam butter. Delish. Sad to say though, with all these new brunch places popping up in Vancouver, this one didn't quite make it. Taste is average, presentation is as well. But if you're not looking for anything fancy and want a homecooked meal, I'd say this place isn't too bad. Plus there's no line! read more

Our friend and her sister who occasionally work here and are close with the owners brought us to this diner-like restaurant on our grand VanCity food and beer tour. It was such a fun experience with our group and the food matched all the happy vibes. They went nuts and ordered the duck confit, the vegetarian Mexican poutine, lamb on rice, vegetarian lasagne, creme brule, pound cake, and cheesecake with blueberry compote. Just insane! All the food was comforting and delicious. Duck confit surprisingly very tasty and tender. When was the last time you ordered that a diner, eh? I think Argo cafe is unique and you kind of question their menu items like...why is this here? But then you eat the food and meet the owners and the staff and you totally just get it. Keep doing you, Argo. I dig it. read more

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Remind me to come back here if I ever need to shoot an arthouse short film. This is a real old school diner-type place. Not like a corny Johnny Rockets but rather like what you'd expect to see in a bustling city in the 70s. The color scheme of this place is all over the place. The tables are green,the floor is salmon, Grey, and off-white, the ceiling trim is blue, and the booths are black and blue. Everything looks OLD but in a charming way. Sort of feels like you're in someone's grandmother's kitchen nook. There are no menus. You have to look at the walls to decide what to order. I actually think this is smart. It keeps people from taking forever to order and there's nothing to print. Although it must be annoying to rewrite the specials each day. I had to get up and stand to see what to order. I think it quickly separates the locals from the tourists. So not sure how I feel about that. I got a burger with cheese, mushrooms, and fried onions. It came with fries and soup. The patty was small but the burger was delicious. The bun was really good and all of the fixings were well presented. You pay for your meal at the cash register, like a classic diner or busy mom and pop restaurant. My meal (& a coke) was $15 Canadian. If I lived in the neighborhood, I think I'd probably come here all the time. Not fancy, but gets the job done and feels homey. read more

A hidden gem located on the outskirts of the Olympic village (Ontario Street and 3rd). The aesthetics outside and inside is of an old school, authentic diner. They are open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Friday and brunch on the weekends. I can only comment on the one dish that I was interested in: the duck confit. I was not disappointed. The duck was cooked perfectly-the skin was crispy and meat was tender. The dish itself was straight forward, simple and delicious. The sides were cooked and seasoned well. I saw some good looking burgers, chow mein noodles, and pasta dishes that were passing through. If you dine in, all of the lunch entrees include a small soup. The cream of chicken and broccoli soup was pretty good! I would be interested in checking out their brunch menu and wish they would offer lunch on the weekends! I have had my share of duck confit and this place was solid in terms of taste, portion size and value! read more

My friend, eating the desert, agreed that I am picky. This place is amazing and we will be back. They had me at the soup, which comes with the lunch. The duck coffee salad tasted like I was in an upscale downtown restaurant. But I like this diner atmosphere better. My friends agreed. You have got to eat here. read more

Argo Café - My friend, eating that dessert, said how picky I am and I am. This place is amazing! We will definitely be back. - French Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Well, I read about this on another dining site and dragged my co-worker to lunch one day. He was looking at me with disdain when we arrived outside but I was able to tell him more about it as we waited in line for a table! There are special gourmet lunches here all for around $10 each and they include soup. But most importantly, they are delicious! That day we had burgers & fries which are also yummy. He was a believer after those burgers... Today we took 2 others with us. We had about a 10 minute wait for at table, close to noon. The line just got longer & longer after we were seated. Choice of soup was potato & leek or Manhattan seafood chowder. We all had the chowder and were very happy. 3 of us had the lamb shank ($10) & the other had a Bombay chicken breast which was stuffed with mushrooms & carmelized onions served with a coconut-curry sauce. (Also $10) All the dishes came with mashed potatoes & crisp, fresh veggies which included broccoli, cauliflower & zucchini, carrot & baby bok choy - 1 piece of each. Well, the lamb shank was unbelievable! Fall off the bone tender. Delicious gravy. The mashed potatoes were perfectly creamy & fluffy! The plating is gourmet too! My friend's chicken was also just as good looking & the sauce looked beautiful. He showed a piece of his chicken after he cut it, how perfectly juicy it was! After the subpar lamb shank I had at Darios last week for about $30 more per plate, I sure felt like we hit the jackpot today!!! This is the best hole in the wall I've ever been to. Where can you get a gourmet meal like that for $10? Nowhere but here! We usually walk but drove today & there was no parking close by. Had to park about 4 blocks away. It's in an industrial area. read more

I've been wanting to come here forever. They only open during weekdays. So on my day off, I strolled in here. It wasn't busy at 2pm which was great. I hear it's packed during the lunch rush. Friendly server gave me some recommendations and I went with the spicy lamb on rice. I wasn't super hungry so I assumed I'd take 1/2 of it home. I was wrong. I ate everything. My only criticism is that they could make the "spicy" part more spicy! Like Asian spicy, not white people spicy. Maybe next time lol read more

And now even more famous than Debbie Gibson! Featured on Food Network's "You Gotta Eat Here!" Watch video of the delicious food in action! (second segment) http://www.foodnetwork.ca/ontv/shows/you-gotta-eat-here/videos.html?titleid=265117 read more

Another little gem in the city. The Argo Cafe offers all day breakfast, delicious soup, real turkey in their club sandwich and regularly in house made pie. Don't miss their chocolate cake and mouse cake with marshmallow icing. The service is friendly and quirky and if you are in the neighborhood pop in! This place is family friendly but it is not very big so there could be wait times on busy days and at times. There is a lot of street parking for this place. I would not suggest this little gem for dates but it is ideal for your lunch time crew. The house made fries are made from real potatoes and there are so many whole ingredients in the foods you can taste the difference. The prices are extremely reasonable and if you are in a rush no problem order to go. read more

Argo Café - Chocolate mousse cake with marshmallow icing - French Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

This is diner perfection. I couldn't resist steak + mash + veggies + soup for $16, and everything was delicious. The top sirloin was cooked perfectly as requested to medium, and served with a mild peppercorn sauce. Restaurants often phone it in with the mashed potatoes, but these were creamy and flavorful. Even the simple veggie soup to start was tasty without over-salting. Probably the grimiest front door/entryway to a restaurant in Vancouver, but don't be fooled! Note: on a weekday, I had no trouble getting a seat around noon, but by 12:30 a lineup had formed. read more

I'm a fan (as evidenced by my 4 stars). Admittedly, I'm a sucker for a place in a unique spot that can make a go of it with next to no walk-up traffic in the area, it makes the customer feel like a true local and part of a secret club. Given the door is camouflaged when the place is closed as a graffiti laden wall,... maybe that isn't so far from the truth. Rumour has it that the cooks/chefs here have a pedigree that allows them to be chefs by night in some of the fancier Vancouver places including Seasons in Queen E. Park (allegedly). I'd beleive it but the food here is simpler,... not quite diner, but close, maybe 90% diner, 10% something slightly more gourmet. The space,.. however,... is diner for sure. Check it out, I think it is verging on Vancouver institution. read more

Big fan of this place. My favourite go to dish is their chicken and waffles. Hands down the best chicken and waffles I have ever had. The gravy pairs well with the sweetness of the syrup and waffles. And the potatoes are very good as well. I've also tried their duck confit salad, and that was delicious too. Everything else I've tried has been good, nothing negative to say about the food. Only thing is, I think the soup could be slightly bigger. Service is kind and welcoming. I can't wait to try other items on their menu including the chicken chili con queso and their pies (if I can stop myself from ordering the chicken and waffles). Can't wait to come back again. read more

From the outside, it's hard to know what to expect here. I wouldn't have known of it, but my friend lives in this neighborhood and goes all the time. It was wonderful- we each had burgers that tasted fresh and well seasoned. It came with a whopping side of fries and soup. It was a lot of food. The staff were quick and friendly- always nearby and looking our way to see if we needed anything, read more

Argo Café - French Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

We've been meaning to check this little cafe out, after hearing so much about it. So today we dropped in for lunch, and we're glad we did. Their house chow mein was excellent, my spouse ordered the burger and he said it was the best burger he's ever had. This little cafe is a total hidden gem in Vanc. and we are glad we came. We have tried so many high end restaurants in Yaletown and have been disappointed by so many. Then we come to this little hole in the wall cafe and was surprised at how good the food is. This cafe looks like your typical truck stop greasy spoon, but don't let the looks fool you, they sure cranked out some really good tasting food. Also the service was fast and friendly. We definitely will be back. read more

The quality of the food is amazing and the price is even better. The service was super fast and very friendly. I had the steak with veggies and mash potatoes and I was very impressed with the flavour and the quality of the ingredients. The restaurant is retro and clean. I really recommend this place read more

We are so lucky to have Argo Cafe so close to our work place. They have delicious breakfast or lunch. The breackfast is the traditional dinner, but be aware that its pretty solid with all the gadgets, sunny side up, stake with eggs, fruit mhhhjm so delicious. The lunch options are basically as good as if you go to a 5 star hotel restaurant but inside a dinner in the middle of an industrial area. The owners are so special, they really care for you and really like to engage and participate with the community. Thank you Argo and your great staff for Awesome times and food. Looking forward to the next time I am coming in. read more

This joint is Golden, really good HOMEMADE food, emphasis on homemade. Everything is real, apple pie's are wicked, stuffed with apples NO filling. Pasta sauce super duper goood. And everyone is friendly. The best part is the old diner vibe with round stools that are bolted to the ground at the bar. A milkshake machine that is 75yrs old and makes the best shakes no BS. I can't say enough good things regarding Argo. Loooooooooove it read more

They say one good turn deserves another. Decided to try Argo Café on a recommendation from a co-worker. Standard greasy spoon fare was the condensed description, but I was just looking for a deal so I checked their daily specials, found one I liked (cajun burger with fries), called it in, and then walked over to pick it up. I found it interesting that they didn't bother getting my phone number or name over the phone when I placed my order, but then again smaller joints don't necessarily make it a point to do that from my experience. Walked in and quickly found out that it was a cash only place. Kirby, one of the owners who happened to be manning the cash register that day, said I could either come back with money, but added that my food would get cold by then. He paused for a second then said, "I'm going to send out some good karma. We close at 4. You can either come back before then, or come in tomorrow if ever." Surprised, I said I'd be in tomorrow with the money, took my meal, and walked out. Kirby, you are awesome for your good faith in humanity. I'll see you tomorrow with the cash, and you've won a fan for your cafe. Thank you. read more

I didn't want to write a review until i try more food but here we go.. grubby.. zero atmosphere.. BUT.. one should never go to Argo with any expectations of atmosphere.. good price, good food, good service.. tight budget but wanna eat out with some friends, this is the place.. I had cod with curry on top, was good, but nothing to rave about.. prob should have ordered sandwich or burger.. next time! read more

So a co worker of mine saw this place on Diner's, Drive-Ins & Dives and since we were going out for lunch for his birthday he decided to pick here for an office lunch. The food wasn't spectacular but it wasn't bad either. Granted I did not go for the artery clogging Mexican Poutine but instead went for a Grilled Salmon and Wasabi/Sesame Seed Albacore Tuna on salad. The salmon was a little dry and the tuna a little more raw than normal. All in all it wasn't bad. It came with either Split Pea Soup or Clam Chowder, neither of which I like, but my coworkers said it was good. I will say that just because it looks and feels like a hole, doesn't mean it is. The food isn't bad but it's not a place I would go out of my way to go to again. If I was in the area I might. read more

What a pleasant surprise this one --I needed a generic coffee joint for a meeting and I did a search for coffee places near where I needed to be, and the Argo cafe popped up. When I got there, I was a bit nervous. It looks a little rundown and campy, and I thought I'd made a huge mistake. But the service was fast and friendly and the food was delicious! I had the denver omelette which was cooked perfectly. Hot, big chunks of ham and peppers. Just a great experience all around. I'll be back! read more

Great food, friendly staff, quick service on everything. But short hours, and I wish they had paper menus instead of just the large chalkboard. Their service is friendly but distant, and preferred by most proffesional businesses located in this neighborhood. I had the burger, and it impressed me. My date had pasta, and it impressed her. I saw other plates, and they also looked impressive. Nothing here is much over $10, so don't worry about risking anything. They have a wall of shame at the windows where they leave your lost property. My beret was sitting there for two months. When I got it they didn't comment but noticed and laughed... it's the only reason I remembered to write this review! I would go more often, but their hours are only until 4pm, and only weekdays. read more

Slipped into the Argo as a first-timer on a Saturday after a morning at the Creekside CC. We chose to enjoy a late breakfast, although other menu items tempted us. Service was friendly, a bit slow, but my companion and I were delighted that we could sit and talk in comfort. Our omelettes arrived - tucked up like little pies, holding the filling nicely inside. Very tender, just the right amount of tomato, pepper and red onion. The fried potatoes were yummy, toast slices just right, fruit slices refreshing. A great little place to enjoy an interesting offering of menu items. We will return to sample more items. Lots of street parking. Easy walk from Mount Pleasant and Olympic Village. read more

Poorly handling the food, toilette, kitchen area, bugs flying around. no dishwasher machine to dry out the utensils. ( Staff using cloth to dry out every fork, spoon and others) Honest, they are family business but the FOOD is not SAFE. The chef dumping the waste and back into the kitchen without wash hand, the Asian mother not wearing apron to handing clean food. Convenient for construction/retail worker choice here for quick homemade food, PLEASE SEE yourself, the low ceiling, poor condition....you give them 5 star? Really? Don't be a poppycock. read more

I popped in here for a soup & sandwich while my car was getting serviced This place runs like a well oiled machine, for years the tiny diner serving mostly local business is a huge success with homemade everything. They offer Asian dishs and great selection of daily specials. The mostly lunch crowd over takes this place... the room is cozy & small, with a retro bar diner sitting on one side and booths on the other and almost always full. read more

Busy place every weekday for lunch, don't know why... Currently, the area is growing in options for food, and people still come here. Yes, it's cheap and kind of fast, but... There is an important lack of quality. And the place is not only old and dark but also kind of dirty Didn't enjoy the food the few times I've been here. Lunch specials are good or not depending on what you order, but generally salty and greasy. Service is very friendly, probably the best thing of Argo Cafe. read more

I'm going to have to take a star off my rating for: 1) only so-so breakfasts 2) salty-to-the-point-of inedible take-out lobster bisque. So seriously salty and overspiced that I could not get through a bowl. Sorry Argo, I didn't want to do this, but I can't overlook these two infractions. read more

Kirby and the crew here are awesome! I used to work 4 blocks away and went here for lunch 4 days a week. Every day there's a lunch special that's better then the previous day and you can't get sick of the variety because there's so much of it. The frenchasian blending of menu items is unreal! Love this place! Only knock when you're not working within walking distance is that parking is a pain in the royal bEhind... but its worth the search for a spot. I just wish I worked closer! read more