Best patios in Vancouver's Mount Pleasant 2014

Jun 6 2014, 3:26 pm

The rapidly growing area of Mount Pleasant is home to some of Vancouver’s most eccentric shops, restaurants and people. From large corporate franchises to mom and pop establishments, this burgeoning neighbourhood offers diners the opportunity to eat and drink amongst a juxtaposition of new and old. Check out some of the best patios in Mount Pleasant.

Burgoo

Nestled among the hustle and bustle of Main Street is Burgoo, a bistro-style restaurant that serves the ultimate in comfort food. From soups and sandwiches to stew and curry, Burgoo offers up casual fare that will cater to all types of palettes. Be prepared to line up for the patio on a sunny day, but with filling portions and $5 daily drink specials, rest assured that it is well worth the wait.

Signature Drink: Strong Strawberry Lemonade
Signature Dish: Gooey Cheese Grillers and Straight Up Tomato Soup
Address: 3096 Main Street Vancouver
Website: http://burgoo.ca/

Tap & Barrel

Arguably one of the best views in the city can be found at Tap & Barrel, a relative newcomer to the Vancouver patio scene. Situated along the False Creek seawall, this two-storey watering hole serves familiar pub grub – burgers, pizzas and a variety of shareable appetizers. Beer and wine connoisseurs can rejoice in the restaurant’s extensive selection of craft beer, as well as Canada’s largest selection of wine on tap. With outdoor seating for 280, Tap & Barrel is favourite spot among locals to spend a lazy Vancouver day.

Signature Drink: BEER! Indecisive folks can try the beer flight.
Signature Dish: Famous Fried Pickle – house made sour cream and dill dip
Address: 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver
Website: http://www.tapandbarrel.com/

Charlie’s Little Italian

As part of The Cascade Company, Charlie’s Little Italian, is a cute place serving traditional Italian fare. The menu is simple, but there is something for everyone’s taste. The patio is great for people watching, but it is small, so be prepared to line up on a beautiful summer day.

Signature Drink: Camp Freddie – Housemade Limoncello, dry vermouth, raspberry coulis & fresh lemon, served up with lemon twist
Signature Dish: Truffle Mushroom Risotto – portobello, porcini and button mushrooms, thyme, grano padano, white truffle oil
Address: 2160 Main Street, Vancouver
Website: http://charlieslittleitalian.com/

The Whip Restaurant & Gallery

Hidden away on a quiet street off Main is The Whip Restaurant & Gallery, a neighbourhood establishment that uses its lofty space to feature work from local artists. With a small but cozy patio, The Whip serves comfort food, with options abound for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Meat is organic and locally sourced, and several B.C. craft beers are available on tap. A different cask of local brew is tapped every Sunday afternoon, and the fully stocked bar features a sizeable Scotch list, making The Whip a haven for local connoisseurs.

Signature Drink: Silver Lining – Zubrowka vodka, Cocos Pure, St. Germain, fresh lime
Signature Dish: The Whip hamburger – local organic extra lean beef, topped with melted cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, house sauce
Address: 209 East 6th Avenue, Vancouver
Website: http://www.thewhiprestaurant.com

The Five Point

A neighbourhood favourite, The Five Point serves casual pub fare in a cozy, intimate setting. A street-facing patio along the busy Main Street corridor makes it a great spot for a slow day of people-watching. Make sure to check out the daily food and drink specials to get the best bang for your buck.

Signature Drink: Ancient Orange – Wild Turkey bourbon, muddled orange, fresh squeezed lemon and lime juice, simple syrup, and a dash of bitters.
Signature Dish: Five Point Poutine – Applewood smoked pulled pork, 5 Point BBQ sauce
Address: 3124 Main Street, Vancouver
Website: http://thefivepoint.com/

JJ Bean

JJ Bean

Locals know JJ Bean coffee well. The patio is located on the side street, so you still get a glimpse of the excitement on Main Street, but you get the quietness to catch up with friends. Working with local vendors, you can grab anything from a sandwich to a pastry. They also carry gluten-free muffins!

Signature Drink: Anything with coffee
Signature Dish: Butter tart
Address: 3010 Main Street, Vancouver
Website: http://jjbeancoffee.com/

49th Parallel / Lucky’s Doughnut

49th parallel

Just a block away from JJ Bean, 49th Parallel is another local coffee roaster that Vancouverites love. In addition to amazing coffee, this location is also home to the first Lucky’s Doughnut. The vintage feel at this location gives it a great vibe.

Signature Drink: Anything with coffee
Signature Dish: PB & J Doughnut
Address: 2902 Main Street, Vancouver
Website: http://www.49thparallelroasters.com/

Terra Breads

Terra Breads

Located in the heart of Olympic Village, Terra Breads has a great patio with a view of False Creek. They have a great selection of pastries, bread, soups and sandwiches. They are also licensed, so you can cool down on a hot day with a bottle of beer.

Signature Drink: House-made Terra Lemonade
Signature Dish: Roasted Turkey and Chutney Sandwich on Cranberry Pistashio Bread
Address: 1605 Manitoba Street
Website: http://www.terrabreads.com/

Photo Credits: Janis Behan (first image – Burgoo); Canadian Veggie (second image – Tap & Barrel); The Whip (fourth image); The Five Point (fifth image); Main Street Real Estate (sixth image – JJ Bean); Carmen Hungry (seventh image – 49th Parallel); Vanbrosia (eighth image – Terra Breads)

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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