All the biggest Vancouver restaurant closures in 2018

It’s no secret that when one door opens, another one had to have closed…at least when it comes to the restaurant industry, that is.

With so many openings in Vancouver this year, there were obviously casualties we lost along the way. While there were a ton closures this year, here are the biggest ones that were on our radars.

From legendary institutions to much-loved local spots, here are all the biggest Vancouver restaurant closures in 2018.

Steel Toad Brewpub

Steel Toad Brewpub, located in Olympic Village, officially closed its doors on January 31. The small batch brewery and dining hall had operated in the stunning and iconic red Opsal Steel building on 2nd Avenue and Ontario Street since 2014.

Drai’s Vancouver

 

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The 8,000-sq-ft club located inside the Trump International Hotel & Tower included a mezzanine, outdoor patio, and indoor pool. This joint opened in Vancouver in March 2017. In an email, Drai’s VIP Service Manager Dave Brown said that the club’s last day of business was on September 4.

Ramenman – Bidwell

Ramenman permanently closed down their location at 841 Bidwell Street in February. Its first and original location had been serving ramen for just over two years, first opening in October 2015.

Bob’s Subs

 

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Bob’s Submarine Sandwiches operated in Brighouse Square, an inconspicuous single-story strip mall on Richmond’s No. 3 Road, for almost three decades before closing at the end of March.

The Elbow Room

This popular Vancouver breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot (known to serve their food with a hefty helping of sass) shut its doors for good at the end of October.

The Boathouse – English Bay

 

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The Boathouse, located at 1795 Beach Avenue, closed the doors to its famous English Bay location in October.

Pronto Cafe

Pronto Cafe, a popular Italian eatery at 3473 Cambie Street, closed its doors at the beginning of March.

Earls West Vancouver Tin Palace

After an epic 34 years of service, this institutional restaurant shuttered to make room for the opening of a brand new Ambleside location for the brand.

Campagnolo Roma

The East Vancouver eatery announced it would be shutting its doors after its last day of service on November 8, marking 7.5 years of operation at its 2297 E Hastings Street spot.

Hapa Izakaya – Coal Harbour

Hapa Izakaya Coal Harbour, located at 909 W Cordova Street, officially closed its doors in June and was replaced by Francesco’s Italian Restaurant.

EXP Restaurant + Bar

EXP was an establishment that took on the unique concept of bringing a video game theme to a restaurant and bar. This spot closed at the end of June.

Joey Restaurant – West Broadway

 

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Joey Restaurant, located at 1424 W Broadway in Vancouver, shut its doors on October 21 after citing rent increase as the reason for closure.

Merchants Workshop

A few weeks after a wildly successful opening of Vancouver’s first ever Nashville Hot Chicken eatery, Downlow Chicken Shack, the chefs-owners announced they would be closing the doors to their other restaurant nearby, Merchant’s Workshop, back in August.

Bows X Arrows

 

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This year the owner of this much-loved spot, known for its coffee, food, wine, craft beer, and cocktails, shared a heartfelt message of goodbye on Instagram explaining his decision to sell the cafe, which had been open since the fall of 2016.

ShuRaku Sake Bar & Bistro

ShuRaku Sake Bar & Bistro offered its last day of service on September 29 after ten years of operation at the bustling downtown Vancouver location at 883 Granville Street.

The Juicery Co. (Main and Lonsdale)

 

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Beloved local purveyor The Juicery Co. announced it would officially be closing both of its stores. The brand operated two locations, one in Lonsdale (254 East 1st) and one on Main Street (4236 Main Street).

Doolin’s Irish Pub

Doolin’s Irish Pub and neighbouring businesses the Belmont Bar and Comfort Inn officially shut their doors on November 1. The businesses, located at 654 Nelson Street, shuttered in order to create space for a brand new boutique hotel.