Around the corner from where I live is a a restaurant and pub called Fargos terrace, located at 5804 Terrace Road, right across from the Capilano Mall on 98th Avenue near 50th Street. While there is a formal dining area, a large portion of the establishment is very much the sports bar.

From time to time I’ll pop up there with a buddy or two for a quick beer and a little male bonding. However, over time, I have come to appreciate a far better than expected culinary offering. The food is surprisingly good.

First to the obvious…the usual sampler platter to accompany the jugs of beer is definitely a step above most platters of the same nature. The platter comes with the traditional dry ribs, tortilla chips & salsa, wings and spring rolls. But there are more of them and they are simply better. They are not overcooked and kept warm for who-know-how-long. That makes them fresh, tender, hot and more enjoyable.

In terms of real food, they have a beer cheese soup that is most impressive. It is thick, rich, cheesy, but not as heavy as what one might imagine. The cheese soup and a little salad would make an impressively healthy and hearty lunch for those so-inclined.

Something new to their menu is the Memphis Pork Sandwich. This consists of copious quantities of oven-baked pork with BBQ sauce on a Kaiser Bun. It is accompanied with crisp Tabasco fried onions and coleslaw.

The sandwich is impressive, and a favorite of my neighbour, Graham. Those Tabasco fried onions are a nice change from the traditional fries.

The Fargo Burger is simply one of the best hamburgers in town. With two children, I have had my share of burgers in and around the city. If you are into hamburgers, try Fargos.

Pizzas are fair. Again, over time I have tried one or two. As the saying goes “No better, no worse”.

The Chicken, Cheese and Broccoli Penne is a serious pasta entrée, as is the Cajun Chicken Fettuccini.

I tried a friend’s Meatloaf and was reasonably impressed, although they boiled or steamed the hell out of the vegetables...one of my pet peeves.

We are certainly not talking haute cuisine. However, Fargos is a decent alternative to Mall restaurants and the corner sports bars. It is developing a regular repeat clientele and I can certainly see why.

It is upscale, clean, convenient, and has ample parking facilities. Service is friendly, albeit immature. But, hey. Kids have to start somewhere.

Aside from butchering the veggies, one thing I do not like is that there is insufficient separation from the sports bar area and the dining area. If you insist on a smoke free-environment, you’re out of luck.

Still, if you are an ordinary sort and simply want somewhere different to hang, you’ll enjoy Fargos.

BEST POINTS:
Surprisingly decent food, good sports bar, decently priced scooners of beer, clean and friendly.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT:
They need to work on the veggies. If you go strictly for dining, you may get some whiffs of smoke from the other side.

RATING CATEGORY:
In terms of the finer dining establishments in the city – not applicable. In terms of pure and simple fun: Let’s give it an 8.