These restaurants, cafes, and bars might be tricky to find, but once you find these gems, the search will have been well worth it.
These establishments are some of Vancouver’s best-kept secrets (some more secret than others), but now you too can enjoy these treasures.
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From underground cocktail lounges emulating the roaring twenties to cafes in the middle of much-loved neighbourhoods – go out and find them, if you can!
Hundy
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Hundy operates in the same building as Their There in Kitsilano at 2042 West 4th Avenue, and will only open after the beloved cafe closes. The new joint is a “thoughtful, minimalist approach to burgers and fries.” This new counter service spot opens from 5 pm till late on Thursdays, Friday, and Saturdays.
Address: 2042 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver
Phone: 604-736-8828
Northern Café & Grill
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You’ll find this gem at Northern Building Supply Ltd, where the kitchen will be whipping up mom and pop diner classics (which they’ve been doing since the 1960s).
Address: 1640 East Kent Avenue S, Vancouver
Phone: 604-313-8118
Soap
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Located at 789 Gore Avenue, this new-ish destination for mid-morning meals, Honeybee Bruncheonette, transforms into a spot for drinks and bites in the neon light, aka Soap, by night.
Address: 789 Gore Avenue, Vancouver
Gran Reserva Downstairs
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Fans of Bodega On Main also enjoy the spot’s underground bar, Gran Reserva Downstairs. A hip place to be and a popular spot to settle in if you happen to be on Vancouver’s Main Street.
Address: 1014 Main Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-565-8815
Guilt & Co
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Guilt & Co is a destination to head for an awesome atmosphere daily from 7 pm till late. Live music, whiskey, and brews are endless at this low-key Gastown haunt.
Address: 1 Alexander Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-288-1704
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The Narrow Lounge
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Look for the red light, that’s how you’ll find this secret spot. Located on the corner of Main Street and 3rd Ave, head here so a modern speakeasy atmosphere, delicious drinks, and delectable bites.
Address: 1898 Main Street, Vancouver
Phone: 778-737-5206
Hello Goodbye
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Head through an unmarked door and step into this “drinking den.” The basement bar is notorious for good times and good drinks – after all, it’s only open Thursday to Saturday. This spot also boasts Hon’s dumplings, table service, live music, and DJs.
Address: 1120 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-669-6292
Caffe Di Beppe
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Gastown restaurant Di Beppe has a small coffee shop called Caffe Di Beppe tucked right beside it. The cafe has a different address (2 West Cordova Street) and it’s all about the espresso, baked goods, and hot sandwiches.
Address: 2 W Cordova Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-564-6599
Nordstrom’s Habitant & Bistro Verde
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Hidden inside the luxury department store Nordstrom is Habitant, a swanky bar on the second floor. If you head up one more floor, you’ll find the seasonally-inspired Bistro Verde.
Address: CF Pacific Centre – 799 Robson Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-699-2100
Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s Reflections/The Garden Terrace and Prohibition
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On the fourth floor of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia is the sensational outdoor cocktail lounge, Reflections in the winter, and The Garden Terrace in the summer. The hotel’s other hidden spot, Prohibition, is open three days a week, Thursday through Saturday. To enter, look for the green light on the side of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia along Howe Street for the dark stained wood door.
Address: 801 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-673-7043
Army and Navy’s Jack’s Place
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Inside Army and Navy, there’s a lunch counter serving up hot and prepared food for a bargain price out of the discount department store.
Address: 36 W Cordova Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-682-6644
Caffe Cittadella
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This Vancouver heritage home turned cafe is nestled in a residential area at the corner of Ash Street and West 7th Avenue, one block west of Cambie street. The charming two-storey cafe makes a fabulous cup of matcha to fuel you through the day.
Address: 2310 Ash Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-568-5909
Gringo
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Gringo is an upbeat taco bar serving up affordable tacos in a space filled with bright pink flamingos and neon signs. This Mexican cantina is located along Blood Alley across from Tacofino’s patio in Gastown, between Carrall and Abbott street.
Address: 27 Blood Alley Square, Vancouver
Le Marche St George
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In the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood sits the beloved Le Marche St George. Part cafe, part grocery store, Le Marche offers a momentary escape from the chaotic big city with its hot lattes and expertly crafted crepes.
Address: 4393 St George Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-565-5107
Chancho Tortilleria
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Chancho Tortilleria is located at 1206 Seymour Street and has seating for around 15 people, but patrons are also encouraged to grab and go at this fast-casual Mexican eatery. The menu is completely focused on artisanal tortillas made fresh daily in the Lenin tortilla machine, which was made in Mexico and imported from Texas.
Address: 1206 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-428-8494
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Salt Tasting Room
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Salt Tasting Room is located in Gastown’s Blood Alley Square and has mastered the art of charcuterie boards and wine pairings. Create your own unique tasting experience by picking three artisanal cheese and cured meats, three condiments, and a flight of three wines.
Address: 45 Blood Alley Square, Vancouver
Phone: 604-633-1912
The Diamond and The Back Room
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Through a glass door and up a flight of stairs is the award-winning cocktail lounge, The Diamond. It’s all about the cocktails at this joint and it is hard to pick just one from their extensive three-page menu. This spot also has a back room, which serves simple highballs, beer, and plays VHS tapes on an old-school TV.
Address: 6 Powell Street, Vancouver
The Bottleneck
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Tucked into bustling Granville Street, The Bottleneck is super easy to cruise past if you’re on a mission. Great for cheap drinks and filling food like pizza and charcuterie, this spot serves as a central place to pre-game before a concert or night on the town.
Address: 870 Granville Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-739-4540
Grapes & Soda
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Vancouver’s first natural wine bar isn’t out in the open, it’s tucked right next to its sister restaurant, Farmer’s Apprentice. It’s got 30 seats and awesome cocktails and you’ve got to check it out if you haven’t already.
Address: 1541 W 6th Avenue, Vancouver
Phone: 604-336-2456
Monarch Burger
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This hidden gem is located inside The American and they make one of the best burgers in town (in our opinion). Vegetarian, vegan, or beef – this spot’s got you covered.
Address: 926 Main Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-398-4010
The Emerald
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Behind the green door in Chinatown and up the stairs you’ll find The Emerald’s talented bar staff creating drool-worthy libations and delicious bites in this former dim sum restaurant.
Address: 555 Gore Avenue, Vancouver
Phone: 604-559-8477
With files from Gurleen Boparai.
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