Toby’s Social House is one of the only 200 seat family owned restaurants on Vancouver’s North Shore.
We are a long-time North Shore family. We began as owners and operators of the legendary Lynwood Inn Hotel and Tavern in North Vancouver for more than 80 years before closing its doors in 2012. At that time, we carried on our families’ legacy and love of the hospitality industry and opened Toby’s Pub and Toby’s Liquor Store. Staying true to our roots was important to us so we opened the Liquor Store in approximately the same location as the old Lynwood Hotel. Following suit with our next venture, Toby’s Pub, now Toby’s Social House, we developed it close by, a few blocks west and across the street on Main Street.
It’s in our blood.
The hospitality industry has always been our passion. We also owned and operated the Silvertone Tavern on Commercial Drive and 11th Street in Vancouver since 2001 when we bought the property. In 2003, we did an impressive renovation on the historic two-story building, and converted it to a larger pub and private liquor store. Our pub on Commercial Drive operated for 18 years and became part of the fabric of Commercial Drive, fondly known locally as a favourite watering hole. Great live music, local entertainment and dancing, brought local and city patrons back time and time again.
Changing times.
During the pandemic, we made the difficult decision to close Toby’s on the Drive in March 2020. The Commercial Drive neighbourhood community meant so much to us, that we decided to expand the existing Toby’s liquor store to make room for an even greater selection of wine, beer, spirits and unique offerings exclusive to Toby’s. The liquor store has a warm, boutique feel, with a large tasting room upstairs available for tastings, special events and dining occasions. The new Toby’s liquor store features decor and art from the original pub, and is still a key member of the Commercial Drive community.
Time to get social.
We recently renamed Toby’s Pub to Toby’s Social House to reflect the importance of a gathering place for friends and families. As one of a handful of family owned restaurants on the North Shore, Toby’s Social House offers a more unique experience that combines brew house offerings and atmosphere, with culinary genius. Our menu features pub fare that is essentially elevated to bridge the familiar with tantalizing taste sensations. Signature dishes made with locally sourced ingredients reflect our commitment to local. Dishes like Classic Poutine, Perogies, and Yorkshire Pudding set us apart from the ordinary, and far apart from franchised operations. Our chefs are inspired to create a menu that is uniquely their own, and create inspirational dishes that would normally not be considered pub fare.
All in the family.
Having a sibling in the business – Toby’s liquor store – has its benefits. Toby’s Social House boasts an extensive wine and Prosecco list, as well as one of the largest selections of draught beers from craft and import brew houses. Toby’s also has unique offerings such as coolers and ciders, and a number of very respected, but less well known imported beers.
The bands that made the Commercial Drive pub so popular are now playing at Toby’s Social House, bringing live music to the North Shore. Favourites such as Johnny the Walkers will be part of the regular performers as well as other local bands and acoustic performers. Toby’s also has comedy nights, trivia nights and other theme nights throughout the year. Stay tuned to find out about special events.
