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 Off-Stage Amusement |
1585 Johnston Street (Granville Island) Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9 Canada +1 604 687 1354 http://www.artsclub.com/onstag... |
This lounge is a popular place for a creative crowd. Nightly shows make the watering hole a prime locale to enjoy live musical and comedy acts. The menu is predominantly West Coast-style cuisine: spicy chicken wings or large platters of nachos with dip are popular orders at less than CAD10. With the large variety of liquor lining the bar's back wall, it is obvious that drinks are this institution's specialty. Locally brewed ales are constantly in demand and worth a taste. See website for complete menu and monthly entertainment calendar. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ARCTIC / S.Applebaum |
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Oceanside seafood specialists |
2209 West 1st Avenue Vancouver, BC V6K 1E9 Canada +1 604 734 1113 |
Crack into some fresh East Coast lobster at this bistro located two blocks from Kitsilano Beach. The decor is contemporary, with light and airy clay-colored walls, slate tiles, white linen-covered tables, and Art Deco-style French posters. Live entertainment is featured most summer evenings. Lovers of shellfish will revel in the selection here. The Atlantic Lobster is served in a variety of ways, including in a fresh bisque and salads. The menu also features pasta and seafood-free entrees. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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West Coast cuisine, casual atmosphere |
2549 Cambie Street Vancouver, BC V5Z 3Y6 Canada +1 604 874 7133 |
This intimate and casual bistro serves West Coast cuisine. The fresh pasta dishes and range of sauces are among the specialties. The sauces, as well as the bread, desserts and ice cream are all made on the premises. Crispy duck breast with caramelized onion and brie soufflé is a signature dish. Seafood lovers enjoy the Ahi Tuna in a sesame seed crust served with mashed potatoes. Wine is served by the glass and beers are available on tap. Entrees range from CAD12-22. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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New Millennium Nibbling Bar |
941 Davie Street Vancouver, BC V6Z 1B9 Canada +1 604 683 1246 http://www.bin941.com/ |
Here is a concept: serve artfully-crafted and savoury appetizer dishes to loads of hungry, hip people in a tiny and crowded Downtown space. The result? Instant success. Partnered with its uptown incarnation, Bin 942, this youthful establishment is packed full with old benches, church pews and 'found objects'. The tapas menu includes treats like Coconut-Steamed Mussels and Crab Cakes sprinkled over with burnt-orange chipotle. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Amsterdam-Style Atmosphere |
301 West Hastings St (near Cambie) Vancouver, BC V6B 1H6 Canada +1 604 682 6788 http://www.bluntbros.com/ |
This part of the city is called Little Amsterdam, and Blunt Bros. is one reason why. Patrons range from 20-something college kids to beatniks of all ages. They come for the food and the relaxed atmosphere. The cafe, located right beside Gastown, is decorated like an uptown rec room, complete with pool tables, sofas, tables with backgammon boards and suspended speakers. The food is perfect for satisfying the munchies. Specialties include the Stoner's Salad and wraps known as "blunts" (the "Jamaican Blunt" has jerk chicken, rice, potatoes and sweet corn). Local amateur musicians entertain the crowd at Open Mic Night every Thursday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: !tkO! |
 Photo: chilligan |
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A festive bohemian bar |
1447 Commercial Drive (near Grant) Vancouver, BC V5L 3X8 Canada +1 604 253 2777 |
Writer, poet and notorious booze-lover Charles Bukowski provides the inspiration for this establishment's name and atmosphere. Divided into two levels, its upper floor contains plush velour sofas and large potted plants, while its lower holds a fully-stocked bar and bookshelf-lined walls. There are table-top literary quotes and black and white photographs of famous writers. Hot Water Music is a shrimp, scallop and salmon dish served with Udon noodles (CAD10). The elaborate wine and drink list is posted on a chalkboard—the martinis, such as the Faulkner, are popular orders. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Donn Thompson |
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Sip Black Gold As Mama Intended |
1745 Commerical Drive Vancouver, British Columbia V5N Canada +1 604 253 7017 |
Like pretty much every other Italian café on 'the Drive,' Café Calabria has huge porcelain Greco-Roman statues surrounding a massive nautical themed fountain, an almost intimidating assortment of photos championing film stars with a lineage traceable back to the 'old country,' and a life-sized mannequin on horseback in full jousting regalia…on second thought, Café Calabria is not like the other cafes at all! A fine selection of cakes and biscottis will complement your dark espresso macchiato. Check your to-do-list at the door – this place is best enjoyed at a true European café pace. What else are afternoons for? - Joshua Hergesheimer Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Simple French flavour |
751 Denman St Vancouver, BC V6G 2L6 Canada +1 604 687 1418 http://www.cafedeparisbistro.com |
An understated establishment, this 20-year-old West End cafe is a long time favourite of sophisticated diners. Simple wood furniture in a room painted in soft warm brown tones creates a casual and relaxed ambience. The Paris-style cafe celebrates Gallic tradition. The poulet roti aux herbes (CAD 16.50), a half chicken slowly roasted with fresh herbs in a peppercorn sauce, is a tasty example. The cuisine is dominated by local seasonal ingredients, and a decadent dessert trolley and local and imported wines list complete the meal. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Gourmet Italian cafe |
109-1025 Robson Street Vancouver, BC V6E 4A9 Canada +1 604 669 9322 http://www.caffedemedici.com/ |
Established in 1980, this Robson Street cafe gained notoriety for its Northern Italian cuisine and traditional feel. It underwent a face-lift several years ago. Retaining its original charm, it remains one of the city's most popular social spots. The room, lined with greenery and detailed wall art, exudes warmth and elegance. Many young area residents frequent it. The Florentine menu lists carefully crafted dishes. Entrees such as the roasted duck flavoured with grappa in a sundried cherry glaze, and Ossobuco d'Agnello sprinkled with cinnamon are favourites. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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As Canadian as maple syrup |
769 Hornby St Vancouver, BC V6Z 1S2 Canada +1 604 682 6175 http://www.mapledelights.com/ |
Every menu item at this downtown bistro has a distinct maple flavour. The gift shop exclusively sells products made from pure organic maple, like vintage syrups, vinaigrettes and onion marmalades. The shop is modern and spacious, with a large, covered outdoor patio overlooking the Vancouver Art Gallery. Try the mushroom and wild rice soup and one of the sandwich selections, which include vegetarian (eggplant, zucchini, red pepper and maple-glazed sweet potatoes). The maple curry chicken salad is a favourite. Complete your meal with maple wine and gourmet dessert. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Bright and friendly |
1540 Old Bridge Street Vancouver, BC V6H 3S6 Canada +1 604 647 2287 http://www.thecatsmeow.ca/ |
Repeatedly the winner of the local Golden Plate Award for appetizers and soups, this young restaurant impresses Granville Island visitors and professionals with its contemporary grub and friendly atmosphere. It has high ceilings with colourful walls, bright canvases and a small stage, where local jazz and roots musicians play weekly. Guests enjoy lounging on the large outdoor patio overlooking a bridge and a lagoon. Try the Steak with Mushroom Sauce or the tender Steamed Salmon. Pastas, salads, soups, sandwiches; they are all delicious. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Adam Lederer  |
 Photo: Anna Olejarczyk |
 Photo: Bob Curry |
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Live music, large cocktail menu |
3611 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V6R 2B8 Canada +1 604 738 1959 |
One of the best venues in town for live jazz, this popular subterranean lounge in Kitsilano offers a substantial cocktail menu and live music ranging from jazz to hip-hop, every night of the week. The rotating menu offers a range of light snacks at reasonable prices. Entrees are pasta dishes such as Vegetarian Lasagna or Cannelloni with Spinach and Feta. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A taste of the exotic |
1780 Davie St Vancouver, BC V6G 1W2 Canada +1 604 801 6681 http://www.denmanfreehouse.ca/ |
The Denman St. Freehouse blends a casual ambiance with upscale cuisine. Renowned for their range of beer on tap, great service, and exotic dishes, a trip to the Denman St. Freehouse for brunch or dinner is a must while in Vancouver. If you're partial to creative brunch specialties, why not try a smoked salmon and Brie omelet? Also note their specialized seasonal dishes including spaghetti with rabbit Bolognese, butternut squash, or wild salmon filet. For information on seasonal menu choices, visit their website. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Noodle perfection |
270 Robson Street Vancouver, BC V6G 1C7 Canada +1 604 685 4466 |
This award-winning Japanese noodle house located near the Vancouver Public Library specializes in Ramen. This is a no frills, trendy and modern diner with cream-coloured walls and a casual feel. The locals and Japanese tourists who fill the room love traditional accoutrements: chopsticks, soya sauce, and pots of steaming green tea. Whether you like them fat, thin, fried, plain or in fresh sauces, this cafe has the noodles. Choose from pork, miso, or soya broths. Pick an accompaniment like Gyoza or steamed rice. Japanese beer, juice and soft drinks are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Richard |
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For late night discussions |
4124 Main St Vancouver, BC V5V 3P7 Canada +1 604 874 1588 |
A regular haunt for starving students, artists and writers, this coffee bar is ideal for philosophical and political discussions or silent studying. Two large rooms with salmon-coloured walls create an open and relaxed environment, and the easy-going staff reflect this attitude while they serve up orders. The soup of the day with fresh salad and bun are moderately priced. The casual establishment is fully fixed with a variety of caffeinated drinks for fueling late nights. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A myriad of flatbreads |
102-500 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V5Z 1E9 Canada +1 604 876 8433 |
This cafe has two varieties of pita, eight types of foccacia, four kinds of panini and four hot tortilla-wrapped sandwiches. The décor is more European bistro than regular deli - small, round tables and wrought-iron chairs. There's a window counter where you can watch the street hustle and bustle. There are daily menu specials, each with fresh soup of the day or salad. The bread and fillings vary as well. There's a grilled foccacia and tortilla for both meat and veggie lovers. The panini is served with cetto or chicken. Cash only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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For breakfast, coffee and bagels |
2559 Cambie Street Vancouver, BC V5Z 3Y6 Canada +1 604 874 2927 |
Because of its proximity to city hall, public employees often hang around this café-cum-deli. Patrons may even catch the city's mayor snacking on a bagel and coffee. It serves breakfast all day, including the Ham 'n' Eggwich, French toast, pancakes, Eggs Benedict, bagels and the standard coffee and toast. Sandwiches are included in the lunch specials along with chicken, corned or roast beef, turkey and tuna salad. All are served with soup or salad. An espresso from the cappuccino bar makes a good finish to a light meal. Payment is in cash only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hip and happening cafe |
4121 Main St Vancouver, BC V5V 3P6 Canada +1 604 708 4121 |
Visiting this cafe is similar to having central floor seating at a concert. As the one of the social hubs of the artistic Main Street community, it is the perfect perch for public voyeurism or temporary seclusion. The dark and cavernous single-room eatery has large wooden chapel-like booths in the rear and twisted iron fixtures at the front. Although it is renowned for its Calamari, there are many other items on the eclectic menu worth a taste, including the Roasted Half Chicken in a citrus-sambuca semiglaze sprinkled with cumin and coriander. Review © 2007, Wcities |
