Witness Tree is located on top of Hotel Indigo along the newish Vancouver (WA) waterfront west of I5. The area has developed quickly and having grown up nearby and moved away years ago, it's amazing to see what's happened along here. Prices - well, everyone has their hand out along here.
We were in town somewhat last minute staying at Hotel Indigo. The hotel provides $10 drink coupons so we decided to drop in for an impromptu drink while planning our dinner strategy.
It was already 7p so no view but live music and a nice buzzy ambiance. Wait staff were fast and friendly, and before we knew it two delicious cocktails were in front of us. At the same time, I overheard the waitress at the table beside us saying that food could be ordered from El Gaucho downstairs. So we asked for a menu and started perusing.
If you don't know El Gaucho it's a classic steak restaurant with lots of cuts and sizes, a sprinkling of seafood, the usual salads, and tableside this and that. A notch above Ruth's Chris, Morton's or The Capital Grille but with Peter Luger Manhattan prices. Yes, that's right, Manhattan prices in Vancouver. WA. The Couv is all grown up. Or at least trying to be,
Like Witness Tree, El Gaucho has a mandatory 20% gratuity regardless of party size. Theoretically this shouldn't be an issue if you know restaurant culture and tip appropriately but I think a mandatory fee rubs many wrong to assume service will always be at that level. And on top of very high prices. A $72 6oz filet is $86, so those 8 bites better be damn good.
That said, we ordered oysters, a filet, seafood pasta, and wine. The wine list was decent but not as extensive for a premium steak restaurant. Wines had the typical markup which meant $20-35+ per glass. Both the pasta and steak were good but - and this may sound picky - at $72 for 6 ounces of steak (a bar of soap) I expect perfection which means medium rare throughout. The steak was medium in some parts. If I can achieve medium rare throughout at home it should be possible here.
So here's the math (rounded) for those interested. Total bill: $295. $225 food and drinks, $45 service fee (mandatory 20%), and $24 tax (8.8%). Interestingly, the 20% service charge is taxed which means we actually paid $49 or 28.8%. Had I been given the choice of my own 20% tip it would be applied to food and drink and a slightly lower bill. Not a huge deal but these are the little details - call it "nickel and diming" patrons - that rub many wrong.
One note - another server came to our table before our food arrived and placed a steak in front of me. Before he could place the other dish I told him it wasn't our order. He picked up the steak and delivered to another table. In most restaurants - and certainly in a premium setting - that dish should have been remade. Whether perception or simple hygiene you simply can't do that.
All in all, the Witness Tree was a nice spot, with tasty cocktails and ambiance. Prices and service fee will be off putting for some, and not sure this would be my go-to as there are many rooftop / view options nearby. read more