The Hard Bean Brunch Co.

The Hard Bean is built on a simple idea: pancakes shouldn’t stop at 11 am. Owner Heather Rhodes came out of hospitality wanting a restaurant where her family could have brunch at dinnertime. The Willoughby room, opened in November 2023, is the group’s biggest, with high ceilings, teal booths and a raised section that works well for families and groups.

What people order

• Yorkshire Benny: poached eggs and hollandaise in a Yorkshire pudding ($17.50 when we checked)
• Brunch charcuterie: French toast sticks, eggs, bacon, blueberry-maple sausages and fruit on a board for sharing ($24.75)
• Huevos Nachos: breakfast eggs on a loaded nacho plate
• All day: pancakes and French toast whenever you want them, plus burgers and evening mains

There are separate kids’, vegan and gluten-wise menus, so it’s an easy pick when the table can’t agree.

Good for

Weekend brunch with the family, a birthday group (they take group bookings at Willoughby) or a late breakfast-for-dinner on a Friday night. This October it was one of the independents in Langley Burger Month, which sent part of each featured burger to the Langley Food Bank.

Before you go

It’s open 9 to 10 Sunday to Thursday, and 9 to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Book through the Willoughby location page or call 604-532-2166. You can also order online for pickup. Parking at Willoughby Town Centre is free for the first three hours.

More nearby: Shop Local in Willoughby and things to do in Willoughby and Willowbrook.