If You Build It, We Will Drink

Tommy O’s new bar makes the grade

By Eric A. Johnson

Since Tom Owens opened his first area eatery in the Galleria in 1994, Vancouver residents have welcomed the addition of the restaurant, and its owner, into their everyday lives with open arms. When the place leapt a few blocks south to its new more spacious and fitting digs on the corner of 8th and Washington 6 years ago, we all watched happily as a good thing got even better. He built it and we came. So when Owens expanded his operation last April to include a newly renovated bar in the 2,500 sq. ft. space immediately adjacent to his already flourishing restaurant, it was no surprise that we were excited to pop on in and, er, imbibe.

Most of us living within reasonable proximity to downtown already count Tommy O’s among our most dependable and rewarding dining out and socializing go-to’s. The new bar not only features Tommy O’s special brand of atmosphere and casual-yet-refined comfort, but drink and food specials that are sure to place the new addition at the top of many a Vancouverite’s short list.

For starters, there’s the old standby—happy hour. From 4-6pm daily and 9-midnight on Friday and Saturday, the bar offers up one of the best happy hours in town. Food prices top out at $4.95 and the menu items are finger-licking across the board.

Choices range from the traditional island fare of Fish Cakes, Coconut Crunchy Shrimp and Kal-bi Beef Ribs, to creative crossovers, such as Hoisin Chicken Wings, Kalua Pork Nachos and Quesadilla, and Bloody Mary Shrimp Skewers. For those interested in lighter fare, there’s even a good Caesar for $2.25.

The portions are small, but the price is right and the food is good—thus proving the maxim that you don’t have to eat big to eat well.

Regarding libations, there are notable options for wine, beer, and cocktail drinkers alike. For wine lovers, there are 25+ wines on the list, with the Red Truck Table Red and 14 Hands Chardonnay on special during happy hour for just $3.50 a glass. There is an eclectic selection of quality beers on tap (happy hour price: $3.50), such as the Longboard Lager, Fire Rock Pale Ale and Pipeline Porter from Kona Brewing company. There is a small assemblage of island-inspired cocktails on the menu to choose from, with Mango Margaritas and Mai Tais on happy hour special every day.

New to the establishment, the bar side will now be staffed from noon to close and will serve a full lunch menu. That means you can drop in for a calamari steak sandwich, stir fry, or a box lunch on both sides from now on.

Finally, it should come as no surprise to those who’ve been stuffing Owens’s food down their throats all these years, but it turns out the man is a philanthropist. Owens recently raised $1,000 dollars for the Vancouver Children’s Center during his Super Bowl festivities. And there you have it a nutshell—Tom Owens, man of the people, struggling to serve the needs of mankind one Mango Margarita at a time.

Tommy O’s Pacific Rim Bistro and Bar, 801 Washington St.; open Sunday-Thursday noon until 9pm, Friday and Saturday noon-midnight; 360.694.5107; tommyosaloha.com