This is my 1st neighbourhood in Canada and the 1st cafe with its own, boutique feeling, despite being situated right on the corner of one of the busiest roads in Vancouver.
East Cafe is an artsy, creative hub with a vibe, fundraising concerts, open mic nights, and of course, great coffee roasted locally in BC. Come here for a snack, homemade waffles, a delicious lemon cake, or an apple chicken+blue cheese sandwich. Their granola bars are famous and honoured.
The seasonal wonder is espresso con panna — for those who like to feel coffee covered and a velvety milk texture. This one can be made with matcha as well. Another colder times option is a Pumpkin spicy latte — an intense taste and filling dessert drink.
To make it more special, try to make it to East Cafe on a Thursday at 18:30 for a charity open mic/life music night. My best experience here is a lazy double shot of espresso on a lazy Saturday at an outside table, watching people and discussing the week that's passed.
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La Grotta del Formaggio, a Vancouver classic, offers hefty custom sandwiches, unique pastas, and diverse cheeses in Little Italy since the 1970s. Enjoy!
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While they are a cafe selling coffee and various baked goods, the main reason people come through the doors is to get one of their delicious cinnamon buns.
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They have a dedicated affogato bar that lets you customize your affogato with whichever ice cream you want and you can even add a shot of liqueur.
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The "Fraser River Trail" in Vancouver is a super relaxing walk with a view of boats in the distance and some planes flying in and out of YVR Airport.
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"Vancouver Story Slam" runs the second-longest-running story slam in the world! It's very unexpected and underrated treat. Grab a drink, sit back & enjoy!
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A popular but out of the way park, Rocky Point Park and its surroundings are a gathering place for families, friends, and couples alike.
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Depicting a woman rising with newfound strength, this wall honours women living in or fleeing domestic violence.
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"Granville Island Public Market" in Vancouver is very close to where I love, so I come here mostly to get veggies, some good meat and sweet treats!
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"CRAFT Beer Market" in Vancouver is my favourite place to sip a beer, relax and hang out with friends with one of the 140 beers on tap and some Maui ribs.
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"Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie" is one of the finest Chinese restaurants in Vancouver. I have a whole list of favorites there. Come prepared to share!
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"Steamworks Brewing Co" Vancouver (est 1995) is Canada's only steam-powered brewery! I don't know if it's the steam but the beers are fresh and tasty here.
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"Green Leaf Brewing Co." in Vancouver is a small brewery located in a cozy, waterfront market. It was the perfect cure after I came back from Bavaria...
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192 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 192 Insider Tips from our local Spotters