It's a meat lover's paradise at Tuc Craft Kitchen right now (PHOTOS)

Lindsay William-Ross/Daily Hive

Gastown’s Tuc Craft Kitchen may have some enduringly appealing dishes, like their famous fried chicken and waffles at brunch, but this cozy upscale gastropub doesn’t rest on its laurels. Instead, the restaurant continues to explore the bounty of BC in fresh, seasonal dishes, with plenty for meat lovers to love…though they sure have a way with the veg.

It’s no secret that Tuc’s Executive Chef Roy Flemming can tap into what bacon lovers crave with a couple of their starters, like the playful bacon-wrapped eggs that are beautifully deep fried, or the pork “cracklings” that are cubes of fried belly that can be sweetly tamed with a star anise red wine reduction.

Pork Crackling (Lindsay William-Ross/Daily Hive)

Salt Spring mussels meet Gelderman Farms sausage in a fiery bowl of briny goodness, while the Lamb Dukkah offers succulent and savoury patties paired with a mellow white bean hummus and vibrant twangs of Moroccan spice.

That said, if your tastebuds (or your diet) need to stick in the more plant-oriented zone, you can nibble and feast on visually stunning dishes like the cheekily named “Bread & Other,” which features olive bread toasted and piled with “stuff from the garden” like an array of colourful sesame seed tossed roasted veg.

Lamb Dukkah (Lindsay William-Ross/Daily Hive)

Carnivores are spoiled for choice when it comes to dinnertime mains, and no one will ask “where’s the beef?” thanks to a menu that includes Steak & Onions, Rib Eye & Frites, and Beef Al Forno. However, their inventive Surf & Turf is a showstopper, thanks to its tempura fried soft shell crab, tender miso cured tri-tip steak, and the earthy but sweet addition of confit sweet potatoes.

If you manage to save room for dessert, their panna cotta is balanced with seasonal fruit, though you can stay firmly rooted in the decadent mode and go for something chocolatey and rich.

Panna Cotta (Lindsay William-Ross/Daily Hive)

The bar at Tuc Craft Kitchen is well-stocked with options for wine, beer, or spirits lovers. With a nod to Gastown’s long history as, well, let’s face it, a watering hole, it’s no wonder a spot like Tuc has so much to offer, from an array of BC and global wines by the glass or bottle, craft beers and ciders, and classic and seasonal in-house cocktails.

For this summer, Tuc’s got drinks like the Hibiscus Sour (Odd Society Wallflower gin, Odd Society crème de cassis, hibiscus, lemon, egg, lavender mist) and the Whanganui Cooler
(Sheringham vodka, pinot gris, fresh kiwi, lime) which keep things light and bright. Hit them up for their daily Happy Hour from 5 to 6 pm to see what’s on special from the bar, too.

Lindsay William-Ross/Daily Hive

Open for dinner, lunch (select weekdays), and their lauded weekend brunch, Tuc’s welcoming atmosphere, savvy staff, top notch tipples, and delicious eats are why this spot remains a Gastown gem.

Bread & Other (Lindsay William-Ross/Daily Hive)

Lindsay William-Ross/Daily Hive

Mussels (Lindsay William-Ross/Daily Hive)

Bacon and Eggs (Lindsay William-Ross/Daily Hive)

Tuc Craft Kitchen

Address: 60 West Cordova Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @tuccraftkitchen

See also

Tuc Craft Kitchen