Marc and Jen’s guidebook

Marc
Marc and Jen’s guidebook

Neighbourhood markets and cafes

Just around the corner, this charming Italian market and deli has been family run for over 100 years. Great for quick sandwiches, groceries, pastas, sauces and my favourite sourdough loaves. Open until 6:30pm M-F, closed Sundays.
31 personas locales recomiendan
Benny Foods Ltd
598 Union St
31 personas locales recomiendan
Just around the corner, this charming Italian market and deli has been family run for over 100 years. Great for quick sandwiches, groceries, pastas, sauces and my favourite sourdough loaves. Open until 6:30pm M-F, closed Sundays.
Just down the street, it's a popular place for coffee and sandwiches. Open 9am-4pm, closed Sundays.
59 personas locales recomiendan
Finch's Market
501 E Georgia St
59 personas locales recomiendan
Just down the street, it's a popular place for coffee and sandwiches. Open 9am-4pm, closed Sundays.
Friendly coffee place on the other side of the park. Open 8/9am- 6pm every day.
58 personas locales recomiendan
Wilder Snail Neighborhood Grocery & Coffee
799 Keefer St
58 personas locales recomiendan
Friendly coffee place on the other side of the park. Open 8/9am- 6pm every day.
Charming neighbourhood restaurant with live music.
22 personas locales recomiendan
The Heatley
696 E Hastings St
22 personas locales recomiendan
Charming neighbourhood restaurant with live music.
A somewhat legendary fixture in the neighbourhood, especially in Strath kid culture, this strange little convenience store is open until 9pm for quick off-brand snacks or forgotten grocery items. Sadly the building has been sold and Wayne Grocery (not Wayne's Grocery) will not be around for much longer.
WAYNE GROCERY
898 Keefer St
A somewhat legendary fixture in the neighbourhood, especially in Strath kid culture, this strange little convenience store is open until 9pm for quick off-brand snacks or forgotten grocery items. Sadly the building has been sold and Wayne Grocery (not Wayne's Grocery) will not be around for much longer.
218 flavours just 5 blocks away! Try the durian gelato. I dare you. WARNING: they only accept cash or Canadian debit card(!)
66 personas locales recomiendan
La Casa Gelato
1033 Venables St
66 personas locales recomiendan
218 flavours just 5 blocks away! Try the durian gelato. I dare you. WARNING: they only accept cash or Canadian debit card(!)

Local Craft Breweries

Excellent sour beers paired perfectly with Italian snacks. Try a flight and the Aperitivo Italiano meats and cheeses!
42 personas locales recomiendan
Luppolo Brewing Co.
1123 Venables St
42 personas locales recomiendan
Excellent sour beers paired perfectly with Italian snacks. Try a flight and the Aperitivo Italiano meats and cheeses!
Craft beer and pizza just 8 minutes away! Convenient place to run for a 6 pack to take away too.
51 personas locales recomiendan
Strathcona Brewing Company
895 E Hastings St
51 personas locales recomiendan
Craft beer and pizza just 8 minutes away! Convenient place to run for a 6 pack to take away too.
My personal fave. I recommend the award winning Avant Garde Pilsner or Skyline Lager.
83 personas locales recomiendan
Bomber Brewing
1488 Adanac St
83 personas locales recomiendan
My personal fave. I recommend the award winning Avant Garde Pilsner or Skyline Lager.
60 personas locales recomiendan
Off the Rail Brewing
1351 Adanac St
60 personas locales recomiendan
Beer and lobster rolls!
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East Vancouver Brewing Company
1675 Venables St
28 personas locales recomiendan
Beer and lobster rolls!
Giant shady patio - delicious hotdog creations - excellent beer!
20 personas locales recomiendan
Superflux Beer Company
505 Clark Dr
20 personas locales recomiendan
Giant shady patio - delicious hotdog creations - excellent beer!
Another great stop in the industrial area north of Hastings.
14 personas locales recomiendan
Container Brewing Ltd.
1216 Franklin St
14 personas locales recomiendan
Another great stop in the industrial area north of Hastings.
A little farther south, but can easily be added to the brewery tour.
107 personas locales recomiendan
Strange Fellows Brewing Company
1345 Clark Dr
107 personas locales recomiendan
A little farther south, but can easily be added to the brewery tour.
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Powell Brewery
1357 Powell St
62 personas locales recomiendan
You might want to consider starting or finishing your craft brewery tour here. (It's a 30 minute walk away).
130 personas locales recomiendan
Parallel 49 Brewing Company
1950 Triumph St
130 personas locales recomiendan
You might want to consider starting or finishing your craft brewery tour here. (It's a 30 minute walk away).
Not actually a brewery, but it's on the way.
48 personas locales recomiendan
Odd Society Spirits
1725 Powell St
48 personas locales recomiendan
Not actually a brewery, but it's on the way.
Specializing in assorted South American ceviches!
29 personas locales recomiendan
Andina Brewing Company
1507 Powell St
29 personas locales recomiendan
Specializing in assorted South American ceviches!

Things I like to do

Get a bike (Mobi bike share, CycleBC or Cycle Vancouver rentals) and cycle the sea wall! Take an Aquabus or False Creek Ferry around False Creek inlet and hop off at Granville Island, the Aquatic Centre or Stamps Landing for a drink and a snack. Get sweet treats at La Casa Gelato, Earnest ice cream, Crackle Creme or Mello. Take the skytrain (actually a subway downtown) to waterfront station and hop on the Seabus for a cheap 'harbour cruise' to Lonsdale Quay in North Van for lunch or dinner or brewery touring.
It's an easy walk past Science world toward Olympic Village where you can catch one of the little ferries that zig zag around False Creek. A great way to get to Granville Island or beaches if you don't want to bike.
54 personas locales recomiendan
Aquabus Ferry Ltd.
1587 Johnston Street
54 personas locales recomiendan
It's an easy walk past Science world toward Olympic Village where you can catch one of the little ferries that zig zag around False Creek. A great way to get to Granville Island or beaches if you don't want to bike.
It's an easy walk past Science world toward Olympic Village where you can catch one of the little ferries that zig zag around False Creek. A great way to get to Granville Island or beaches if you don't want to bike and a great view of the city.
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The Village Dock station
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It's an easy walk past Science world toward Olympic Village where you can catch one of the little ferries that zig zag around False Creek. A great way to get to Granville Island or beaches if you don't want to bike and a great view of the city.
Ride bikes around Stanley park (counter clockwise only) and if the weather is nice stop at Third Beach for a late afternoon swim. Used to be the best concession in the park - perhaps still is? grilled onions on your veggie/hotdogs?
2658 personas locales recomiendan
Parque Stanley
610 Pipeline Rd
2658 personas locales recomiendan
Ride bikes around Stanley park (counter clockwise only) and if the weather is nice stop at Third Beach for a late afternoon swim. Used to be the best concession in the park - perhaps still is? grilled onions on your veggie/hotdogs?
Ride on the south side of False Creek to Kits Beach. Take a swim and get some fish and chips.
847 personas locales recomiendan
Parque de la Playa Kitsilano
1499 Arbutus St
847 personas locales recomiendan
Ride on the south side of False Creek to Kits Beach. Take a swim and get some fish and chips.
If you don't want ride all the way to Kits before a rest, stop here for a pint on the patio with the most fabulous view of False Creek and the city and mountains. Also a great destination for a decent brunch.
36 personas locales recomiendan
Mahony & Sons
601 Stamps Landing
36 personas locales recomiendan
If you don't want ride all the way to Kits before a rest, stop here for a pint on the patio with the most fabulous view of False Creek and the city and mountains. Also a great destination for a decent brunch.
A little bit farther than La Casa, but A LOT richer, this inspiring ice cream makes the world a better place. Get the Spruce Bud if the have it!
353 personas locales recomiendan
Earnest Ice Cream
3992 Fraser St
353 personas locales recomiendan
A little bit farther than La Casa, but A LOT richer, this inspiring ice cream makes the world a better place. Get the Spruce Bud if the have it!
There are at least 4 Mobi bike stations within 2 blocks of us in any direction.
14 personas locales recomiendan
Mobi Bike Station
1305 Arbutus St
14 personas locales recomiendan
There are at least 4 Mobi bike stations within 2 blocks of us in any direction.
Best creme brulee! Served in jars so you can even have it torched and take it home to eat slowly.
21 personas locales recomiendan
Crackle Creme
245 Union St
21 personas locales recomiendan
Best creme brulee! Served in jars so you can even have it torched and take it home to eat slowly.
Expensive delicious DONUTS!
10 personas locales recomiendan
mello
223 E Pender St
10 personas locales recomiendan
Expensive delicious DONUTS!
16 personas locales recomiendan
False Creek Ferries
1804 Boatlift Ln
16 personas locales recomiendan
If you have transportation this should not be missed. It's not quite as long as the Capilano Suspension Bridge, but it's higher and FREE! You can also hike around the forest trails. Particularly great when the weather is not perfect.
352 personas locales recomiendan
Parque Lynn Canyon
3663 Park Rd
352 personas locales recomiendan
If you have transportation this should not be missed. It's not quite as long as the Capilano Suspension Bridge, but it's higher and FREE! You can also hike around the forest trails. Particularly great when the weather is not perfect.
Cycle City Tours And Bike Rentals
Cheap "harbour cruise" from Gastown to Lonsdale Quay. No outdoor seating on the boat, but you can still get a view and kids love it!
10 personas locales recomiendan
Seabus
10 personas locales recomiendan
Cheap "harbour cruise" from Gastown to Lonsdale Quay. No outdoor seating on the boat, but you can still get a view and kids love it!

Nearby Brunch Favourites

You can't stay this close to Chinatown and not go out for dim sum. There are lots to choose from, but this place is our favourite. Don't miss the deep fried squid and the green beans.
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Floata Seafood Restaurant
180 Keefer St
17 personas locales recomiendan
You can't stay this close to Chinatown and not go out for dim sum. There are lots to choose from, but this place is our favourite. Don't miss the deep fried squid and the green beans.
Popular counter service brunch spot. After 5pm Wed-Sat it becomes Thank You Pizza serving Sourdough Wood Fired Pizza, beer and wine!
9 personas locales recomiendan
Hunnybee Bruncheonette
789 Gore Ave
9 personas locales recomiendan
Popular counter service brunch spot. After 5pm Wed-Sat it becomes Thank You Pizza serving Sourdough Wood Fired Pizza, beer and wine!
A 20 minute walk east; (take the Keefer St pedestrian bridge over the tracks for a cool view). My son's favourite is the chicken and waffles.
109 personas locales recomiendan
Yolks
1598 E Hastings St
109 personas locales recomiendan
A 20 minute walk east; (take the Keefer St pedestrian bridge over the tracks for a cool view). My son's favourite is the chicken and waffles.
A little farther east on Hastings, always a line-up, but worth it!
166 personas locales recomiendan
The Red Wagon
2128 E Hastings St
166 personas locales recomiendan
A little farther east on Hastings, always a line-up, but worth it!

Nearby dinner spots we love

All Asian all the time!
Favourite high-end 20's Shanghai style Asian with fabulous cocktails.
250 personas locales recomiendan
Bao Bei
163 Keefer St
250 personas locales recomiendan
Favourite high-end 20's Shanghai style Asian with fabulous cocktails.
Legendary family run Cambodian restaurant with a line-up that's worth the wait. (Or you could get take-out).
212 personas locales recomiendan
Phnom Penh Restaurant
244 E Georgia St
212 personas locales recomiendan
Legendary family run Cambodian restaurant with a line-up that's worth the wait. (Or you could get take-out).
Best authentic Japanese ramen, also with vegetarian and vegan options.
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The Ramen Butcher
223 E Georgia St
56 personas locales recomiendan
Best authentic Japanese ramen, also with vegetarian and vegan options.
Fast, affordable take out Japanese bento. My favourite is the Katsu Don.
Manpuku Bento
288 E Pender St
Fast, affordable take out Japanese bento. My favourite is the Katsu Don.
Family run traditional Vietnamese and street food with amazing modern fruity cocktails. Try the Damn Good Chicken and Rice with a Saigon Sunrise! The pho is also superb.
6 personas locales recomiendan
DD MAU Chinatown
145 E Pender St
6 personas locales recomiendan
Family run traditional Vietnamese and street food with amazing modern fruity cocktails. Try the Damn Good Chicken and Rice with a Saigon Sunrise! The pho is also superb.
Great place for drinks/dinner/brunch. This new location (previously in Gastown) has recently opened on 200 block East Georgia right next to Phnom Penh across from Ramen Butcher. My favourite place for a full Irish breakfast or a pint and a really good burger.
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The Irish Heather
248 E Georgia St
36 personas locales recomiendan
Great place for drinks/dinner/brunch. This new location (previously in Gastown) has recently opened on 200 block East Georgia right next to Phnom Penh across from Ramen Butcher. My favourite place for a full Irish breakfast or a pint and a really good burger.
Upscale Italian-Japanese fusion from the folks behind Boa Bei.
63 personas locales recomiendan
Kissa Tanto
263 E Pender St
63 personas locales recomiendan
Upscale Italian-Japanese fusion from the folks behind Boa Bei.
No actual pizza - it's a 'Japanese Snack Bar'.
Pizza Coming Soon
No actual pizza - it's a 'Japanese Snack Bar'.
A selection of 8 different Negronis and 'Mediterranean Sea Octopus'! What's not to like? (Also got Michelin's Bib Gourmand)
Fiorino, Italian Street Food Chinatown Vancouver
A selection of 8 different Negronis and 'Mediterranean Sea Octopus'! What's not to like? (Also got Michelin's Bib Gourmand)
Miso Taco

Super popular fancy places in the slightly dodgy area north of Hastings! (some with Michelin recommendations if you're into that kind of thing!)

If you're going to walk to any of these places, I would suggest crossing Hastings at Jackson and then heading west along Powell.
Delicious Japanese - not too fancy!
Dosanko Restaurant
566 Powell St
Delicious Japanese - not too fancy!
Pricey, but I love a tasting menu so you don't have to decide what to order.
37 personas locales recomiendan
The Mackenzie Room
415 Powell St
37 personas locales recomiendan
Pricey, but I love a tasting menu so you don't have to decide what to order.
If you're going to walk, I would suggest taking Jackson across Hastings to Powell and along to Dunlevy.
38 personas locales recomiendan
Belgard Kitchen
55 Dunlevy Ave
38 personas locales recomiendan
If you're going to walk, I would suggest taking Jackson across Hastings to Powell and along to Dunlevy.
Wildly popular high end Quebecois. Never been, but would like to someday. Used to be hard to get a reservation - now they have a Michelin star, so maybe impossible?
St. Lawrence Restaurant
Wildly popular high end Quebecois. Never been, but would like to someday. Used to be hard to get a reservation - now they have a Michelin star, so maybe impossible?

Grocery Options

If you need more than what you get locally at Benny's or Wilder Snail here are some suggestions depending on what you are looking for.
Although they are a little corner store, they carry surprisingly a lot of groceries including produce, frozen meat, all kinds of dairy, bread, etc.
31 personas locales recomiendan
Benny Foods Ltd
598 Union St
31 personas locales recomiendan
Although they are a little corner store, they carry surprisingly a lot of groceries including produce, frozen meat, all kinds of dairy, bread, etc.
326 personas locales recomiendan
T&T Supermarket
179 Keefer Pl
326 personas locales recomiendan
There are several produce markets around Chinatown. I'm not sure which is the best, but they are quite nearby if you're walking for groceries.
San Lee Enterprises Co
There are several produce markets around Chinatown. I'm not sure which is the best, but they are quite nearby if you're walking for groceries.
Tin Lee Market
260 E Georgia St
45 personas locales recomiendan
Sahota’s No Frills
1460 E Hastings St
45 personas locales recomiendan
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Whole Foods Market
510 W 8th Ave
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These 3 markets are where we do 90% of our grocery shopping: Santa Barbara, Donald's or City Avenue.
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City Avenue Market
2279 Commercial Dr
112 personas locales recomiendan
These 3 markets are where we do 90% of our grocery shopping: Santa Barbara, Donald's or City Avenue.
These 3 markets are where we do 90% of our grocery shopping: Santa Barbara, Donald's or City Avenue. Best to go if you have a car, although you could walk to Santa Barbara in 30 minutes.
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Santa Barbara Market
1322 1322 Commercial Dr
59 personas locales recomiendan
These 3 markets are where we do 90% of our grocery shopping: Santa Barbara, Donald's or City Avenue. Best to go if you have a car, although you could walk to Santa Barbara in 30 minutes.
These 3 markets are where we do 90% of our grocery shopping: Santa Barbara, Donald's or City Avenue.
153 personas locales recomiendan
Donald's Market
2342 E Hastings St
153 personas locales recomiendan
These 3 markets are where we do 90% of our grocery shopping: Santa Barbara, Donald's or City Avenue.
If you're going to be in town longer term, this is where we do the other 10% of our grocery shopping, fish and meat - grass fed beef.
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Famous Foods
1595 Kingsway
73 personas locales recomiendan
If you're going to be in town longer term, this is where we do the other 10% of our grocery shopping, fish and meat - grass fed beef.