Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House is a landmark seafood and steak restaurant at 777 Thurlow Street, just off Robson Street in downtown Vancouver‘s West End shopping district. It opened in 1985 and is named for Seraphim “Joe” Fortes, the Barbados-born lifeguard who patrolled English Bay for decades and became one of the city’s most beloved early figures. Locals and visitors come for its oyster bar, its prime steaks, its rooftop garden patio and an award-winning wine list of more than 300 labels.
What to Expect at Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
The restaurant is styled after a classic San Francisco seafood grill. The main floor has dark wood, brass, white-jacketed servers and deep booths, and the room is usually full and loud from lunch through late evening. At the centre is a long oyster bar shucking a rotating list of West Coast and East Coast varieties. Piano music often plays in the evenings, which adds to the old-school supper-club feel.
The menu pairs Pacific seafood with aged, grilled beef. Signature orders include the towering seafood tower, Dungeness crab, wild BC salmon, halibut and lobster, plus surf-and-turf combinations. The kitchen can usually accommodate gluten-free requests, and there are vegetarian sides and salads. Upstairs, the rooftop garden patio has heaters and greenery and is one of downtown’s most sought-after outdoor tables.
- Oyster Bar: A dozen-plus daily varieties, shucked to order, with happy-hour specials in the afternoon.
- Seafood Tower: A multi-tier platter of oysters, prawns, crab and shellfish built for sharing.
- Chop House Steaks: Prime cuts, including striploin, rib-eye and tenderloin, with classic sides.
- Rooftop Garden Patio: A heated, plant-lined terrace above Thurlow Street that is popular from spring through fall.
- Wine Program: More than 300 wines, with strong BC and California selections.
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 777 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC V6E 3V5 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown, off Robson Street |
| Operating Hours | Daily 11AM to 11PM |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$; mains roughly CA$35 to CA$70+ |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | SkyTrain Burrard Station (Expo Line), about 5 minutes on foot; nearby pay parkades and street meters |
| Official Website & Phone | joefortes.ca | +1 604-669-1940 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book ahead through the official website, especially for weekend dinners and for rooftop seating in summer. Walk-ins usually have the best luck at the oyster bar in mid-afternoon. Burrard SkyTrain Station is roughly a five-minute walk, and several bus routes run along Burrard and Robson. The main dining room is at street level; ask about rooftop access for wheelchair users when you reserve.
Afterward, stroll Robson Street’s shops, which are about a minute away. The Vancouver Art Gallery and Robson Square are about a 5-minute walk, and the Coal Harbour seawall is roughly 12 minutes north.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Joe Fortes’ hours?
It is open daily from 11AM to 11PM. Afternoons are the quietest time and the best window for oyster deals.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner and patio seats. Expect to spend CA$80 to CA$150 per person with drinks.
How long should I plan?
Allow about 1.5 hours for lunch and 2 to 2.5 hours for a full dinner.
Is there a dress code?
The dress code is smart casual, and older children are welcome. The main floor is step-free.
When planning your Vancouver travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Vancouver, pair this stop with standout local spots including Museum of Anthropology at UBC, Beaches Restaurant & Bar, Salmon n' Bannock, and Shangri-La Vancouver (0.1 km away).
