New restaurant The Ellis has one of the best veggie burgers in Vancouver

When we first heard about The Ellis, a new bar and restaurant on York Avenue in Kits, we anticipated it was going to be a pretty popular local haunt.

With such a prime location how could it not be?

The 1,500 sq. ft. space (formerly the Sunset Grill Tap House) is just steps away from Kits Beach, along with a slew of popular restaurants and bars that attract people from all over Vancouver.

But after visiting this eatery ourselves, we can confirm that patrons will undoubtedly be coming by for more that just a great location with a roomie dining room and a sunny 20-seat front patio – they’ll be returning for the epic eats, like their stellar veggie burger.

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The Garden Burger consists of a Panko Breaded Chickpea Patty, Cashew Cream “Cheese”, Red Onions, Avocado, Sprouts, and Lettuce.

Served with fries or a salad, this offering is something we didn’t entirely expect from a restaurant that specializes in Pacific North West comfort food, but we’re delighted regardless.

This one dish is enough to compel us to return again, but the space itself is pretty fantastic draw as well.

The large dining room and extended bar is a refreshing sight, and the space sets this spot apart from other eateries in the neighbourhood because you could easily roll in with a crew bigger than four people, which can get especially tricky on weekends.

Patrons can expect a rotating local craft brew list along with a small selection of wine, as well as a menu with a wide array of drool-worthy grub.

From Tuesday to Thursday this spot is open for dinner and drink service only, but it’s open late – which is what really counts, right night owls?

For dinner you can opt for everything from small plates like the Picnic Egg (pork sausage and a soy marinated egg on kimchi mayo), Chicken Wings, and Mussels, to mains like the Banh Mi, Reuben Sandwich, and Chicken Karaage, along with full-size noodle bowls and salads.

One of our favourite parts of The Ellis is that it also offers brunch three days a week.

From Friday to Sunday head in to enjoy a small but stacked menu of brunch dishes including a Breakfast Burger, Frosted Flake French Toast, and a Root Veg Hash that includes bacon, kale, poached eggs, and asiago cheese.

Named after the legacy of the owner Kevin Day’s grandma who travelled through Ellis Island when immigrating from Ireland (her last name also happened to be Ellis, too), this spot is sure to to leave its own legacy on this beachfront neighbourhood with eats like this.

The Ellis is open Tuesday to Thursday from 5 pm to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 1 am, and Sunday from 9 am to 11 pm. 

The Ellis

Address: 2204 York Avenue, Vancouver
Instagram: @thelliskits