5 must-try places to eat and drink in historic downtown Abbotsford right now

For the past couple of years Abbotsford’s historic downtown area has been experiencing some exciting changes.

Fresh retailers and business owners have been bringing new life to spaces in the charming few blocks in and around where Montrose and Essendene meet. In fact, many of these business owners are working collaboratively to support each other and to see to it the area thrives.

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Focusing on giving area residents–many of which have headed east to Abby after being priced out of Vancouver–and visitors new options for shopping, eating, and drinking, this zone is brimming with on-trend spots worth checking out. Add an emerging wine and craft beer scene, and BOOM: Abbotsford should definitely be on your dining out radar.

Here are five must-try places to eat and drink in historic downtown Abbotsford.

Bow & Stern

Lindsay William-Ross/Daily Hive

Approachable seafood-centric eats in a charming space, with great prices? Yes, please! Bow & Stern is all that and a dozen oysters. With plenty of features like Happy Hour, live music, and a very wallet-friendly kids menu (without feeling like a “kids” place), Bow & Stern is an ideal spot for a meal, a craft beer, and a good time.

Address: 2551 Montrose Avenue, Abbotsford
Instagram: @bow.and.stern

Oldhand Coffee

Lindsay William-Ross/Daily Hive

It wouldn’t be quite right to say that the owners of Oldhand Coffee are old hands at the coffee game in Abbotsford, but it would be totally fair to say they brought a high quality coffee experience to town, and their Pauline Street location is a newer, bigger, more expanded version of their initial location. Oldhand really elevates the coffee game in town, with a chill space for relaxing all day, carefully sourced beans, expert baristas, delicious food and treats, and even grown up libations.

Address: 2617 Pauline Street, Abbotsford
Instagram: @oldhandcoffee

Duft & Co. Brickhouse

Lindsay William-Ross/Daily Hive

Feel free to start singing: Duft & Co’s Brickhouse pizza joint will inspire you to groove to the song of the same name in your mind, and, hey, their hot from the timber-fired oven pizzas with awesome toppings might just make you sing, period.

The Brickhouse is the second food spot on the street in the Duft & Co fam; you can get your fill of their killer treats at their Bakehouse, too. In this super popular slender pizza spot you can expect great eats and a fun vibe, which they’ve extended to the back, too, in their outdoor eating area.

Address: 2625 Montrose Avenue, Abbotsford
Instagram: @duftandcobrickhouse

Harvest Grill ‘n’ Greens

Lindsay William-Ross/Daily Hive

With a focus on healthy, fresh food–like house made soups, salads, and sandwiches bursting with big flavour–Harvest Grill ‘n’ Greens is also all about building community. Drawing in locals to their cheery Montrose Avenue outpost, or through their catering endeavours, owner Dion Brisson not only brings industry expertise and a lot of heart to the project, but also a passion for making Abbotsford a welcoming place for his customers and peers. (PS: Get the Pulled Pork Sandwich!)

Address: 2528 Montrose Avenue, Abbotsford
Instagram: @harvestgrillngreens

Field House Brewing

Photo courtesy Fieldhouse Brewing

Okay, this one is just a tad out of the main historic downtown zone by about five or six blocks, but it’s definitely worth noting. With a super fun tasting room that offers craft beers on tap, kombucha, and good eats, Field House Brewing is setting the bar high for the brew scene in Abby. Look for their award-winning beers to pair with freshly fired pizzas, gourmet grilled cheese, tacos, and more. On sunny days, sit outside on the lawn for that extra relaxed festival vibe.

Address: 2281 West Railway Street, Abbotsford
Instagram: @fieldhousebrewing