Vancouver’s newest neighbourhood hang has just opened, and it’s serving delicious pizza, crafty cocktails, and much more!
Anthem Sound Lounge is a new concept in the heart of Mount Pleasant by local restauranteur Matt Thomson.
The space is a neighbourhood restaurant and lounge that brings with it a creative list of cocktails alongside a shareable menu full of snacks, handhelds, and pizzas. We had the chance to check out the new lounge before it opened and check out the menu.
The room is softly lit, and records adorn the walls. It’s the type of place that makes you feel cool walking in. We can only imagine it gets even cooler during the weekend when local DJs come in to set the mood.
Anthem Sound Lounge
When it comes to food, our immediate favourite was the Chicharrón Croquettes, which were these small spheres of happiness. With a crispy breaded exterior and a creamy interior filled with bechamel, pork belly, and parmesan cheese, it was delicious. To put the cherry on top, these croquettes were placed on a bed of black garlic aioli.
We also have to take a second to talk about the pizza. Thompson’s pandemic Anthem Pizza project (which you can find at his Park Drive Restaurant) is another star on the menu. We tried two classic offerings: the Detroit (served with pepperoni cups, tomato sauce, and Anthem cheese blend) and the Mushroom (served with bechamel, parmesan, a three-cheese blend, and three kinds of mushrooms).
Both had a crispy, thick crust that was perfect for eating on its own or dipped in the sauce that accompanied it. While we didn’t have the chance to try it, we have been drooling over the Beef Dip pizza Anthem also has on its menu.
Anthem Sound Lounge
Drink-wise, Anthem offers what can be best described as slight twists on classic cocktails. Signature drinks include the Clover Club (Gin, Lemon Juice, Raspberry Agave Syrup, Egg Whites, Angostura Bitters), Diablo Verde (Tequila, Jalapeño-Cilantro Agave Syrup, Lime Juice, Chili Salt), and The National Anthem (Canadian Whiskey, Rum, Maple, Ginger, Coconut Milk).
“We want to pay homage to the Roaring ’20s and that classic prohibition era of cocktail culture where stiff drinks served up in a speakeasy with friends and ne’er-do-wells alike were the order of the day,” said owner Thompson. “We want to add a new ambiance and feel to our spot on Main Street and a place where people can swing by, kick back and relax with friends — laidback, unpretentious and welcome to all.”
Anthem Sound Lounge
Plus, you’ll find weekend brunch also on the menu on weekends from 11 am to 3 pm, including classic breakfast, french toast, huevos rancheros, avocado toast, and eggs Benedict, just to name a few.
The spot, which is opening at 3124 Main Street, Vancouver, is in the former location of Smitty’s Oyster House.
Anthem is currently softly open. It officially opens on Thursday, November 14, and will operate Tuesdays through Fridays from 3 pm until late and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to late.
Address: 3124 Main Street, Vancouver
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