Austria Vancouver Club - Richmond

The Austria Vancouver Club usually serves schnitzel dinners on Fridays at a very reasonable price. My only criticism is that the schnitzel tends to be dry - it would be nice to have gravy with it.

I visited this restaurant with some friends who are locals in Richmond. They offer a basic meal and the opportunity to dance on the weekends. The crowd tends to be mostly older individuals who come here to socialize. It's uncommon to find a place with a dance floor on the weekends these days, which adds a fun element to the experience.

I was the Master of Ceremonies at my brother's wedding at this venue. The menu was agreed upon weeks in advance, but the venue owner, Angela, decided to change it at the last minute without consulting my brother, who has Celiac disease and cannot have gluten. Despite his objections, schnitzel with gluten-filled gravy was served, and there were no gluten-free desserts available for him at his own wedding reception. Angela was nowhere to be found when issues arose, and the cooks had to deal with everything. Tablecloths were missing, extra tables were piled up in a corner without consideration for decor or guest movement, and there was a lack of free water for guests. Angela also refused to let the champagne bottles the bride groom had brought for each table be placed out, likely due to her profit motives. The staff did not cut the sheet cakes or serve them timely, and Angela delayed bringing them out, causing further inconvenience. Additionally, an air rifle shooting gallery, which the bride groom had arranged and paid for, was not allowed to be opened until a certain time set by Angela, who also forced her husband to perform an accordion "act" during the reception. The lack of air conditioning, guest clearing tables, and adequate guestbook signing process further added to the displeasure of the event. Strangers were found filming the event without permission, claiming that Angela had given them the okay. Finally, Angela presented the bride groom with a surprise $300 "gratuity" bill two days before the wedding, causing unnecessary stress and frustration.

If you enjoy live Austrian/German music this is great. If you are not a member the cover charge is 15 p/p. If you are a member it is less of course. It is a good idea to check the calendar on their web site since the diner dances are mainly on Saturdays but not all. Sometimes on a Sunday. The diner is 13 and it is always wiennerschnitzel and one more thing, perhaps chicken. It is served with potatoes and salad and it is a generous portion. A soup is 2.50; Coffee is 1 and desert is 3. There are imported European beers and local as well, and wines. It is very easy to find. If coming from Vancouver all you do is take the Knight St. Bridge all the way to the end, turn right on Westminster Hwy, and make a right turn on the next street pass No 2 Road, drive around the block and you will see the parking. There is no access from Westminster Hwy to the parking lot. Please notice that the band is simple AND very pleasant, with dancing music at the right volume, yes, there are Viennese and English waltzes, polkas and latin music such as rumba, salsa, cha cha cha, merengue, and even buggy and rock. It is a bit unfortunate that this form of ballroom dancing is only enjoyed by seniors, younger generations seem not interested in ballroom dancing. The crowd is mainly seniors. But do not be fooled, these seniors go to enjoy the music and are very good dancers. If you are familiar with ballroom dancing you might be aware that a waltz is not really a low energy dance. Move your feet on that dance floor since you are expected to move accordingly :

Stopped in here for Oktoberfest. Good selection of beer and decent schnitzel.