The Union
The Union is an industrial chic eatery serving up Pan Asian share plates like som tum salad, kimchi fries, and crispy pork belly bánh mì. Their creative cocktails (pictured above) are also inspired by southeast Asia, with the bartenders shaking up unusual drink ingredients such as lemongrass, cilantro, and Thai basil over ice and spirits. The open floor plan invites diners to share long tables with other guests, or if you’re lucky you can grab a spot on the streetside patio to enjoy a cool cocktail and watch the evening bike rush ride by.
Aptly named, The Union is located at 219 Union St., alongside the two-way protected bike path in Chinatown.
Theunionvancouver.ca
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Photo courtesy of the Tap & Barrel.
The Tap & Barrel
With an enviable location in the Olympic Village and one of the largest patios in the city, the Tap & Barrel is a classic spot to grab a drink and some upscale pub grub, and kick back to enjoy the view. The two-storey restaurant keeps their patio heated and open year-round, so diners can enjoy the breathtaking view of the city skyline reflecting off the waters of False Creek, with the North Shore mountains rising in the background. The menu features classic pub dishes like hot wings, burgers, and salads, alongside Asian fusion dishes and a seasonally inspired rotation. They have 24 craft beers on tap, 14 BC wines on tap, and a full bar with a range of creative cocktails.
The Tap & Barrel Olympic Village is located at 1 Athletes Way, adjacent to the Seawall.
Tapandbarrel.com
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Photo courtesy of East Van Roasters.
East Van Roasters
East Van Roasters is a small specialty coffee and chocolate shop, with big social goals. The café supports at-risk women who are re-entering the workforce through mentorship, on-the-job training, and a supportive social environment with meaningful work. The social enterprise cafe serves bean to bar coffee and chocolates, roasted and prepared right in the shop. Drop in to enjoy artisanal treats and coffees including brownies, truffles, cookies, and the classic espresso bar favourites.
East Van Roasters is located at 319 Carrall St, along the Carrall St protected bike lane.
Eastvanroasters.com
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Photo feature from Instagram @pazzochow.
Pazzo Chow
This closely guarded local secret (until now, sorry) dishes out delicious, homemade Italian food in the heart of Chinatown, and carries a range of Italian retail items in their tiny shop/restaurant. Each day, they announce their daily specials on their Instagram, which usually includes one vegetarian option, one meat option, and one soup. Locals and those who work in the neighbourhood follow the account religiously, and know to get there early before those mouthwatering specialities sell out.
Pazzo Chow is located at 620 Quebec street, alongside the shared use bike lane.
Pazzochow.com
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From the Instagram @greenhorncafe.
Greenhorn Espresso Bar
Greenhorn is a full-service café serving up gourmet breakfast and lunch options in a relaxed, airy setting. Diners start the day with decadent breakfasts like Belgian waffles or warm brie croissants, or pop by around lunchtime for wild mushroom baguettes and truffle mac n’ cheese. The bright, open-concept café has a few patio seats on the sidewalk to enjoy your cappuccino in the sunshine, or to relax with a newspaper and listen to the birds chirp in the West End.
Greenhorn is located at 994 Nicola St., just two blocks off of the Comox-Helmcken Greenway.
Greenhorncafe.com
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Corduroy Restaurant
Corduroy is a restaurant and bar serving up globally-influenced Canadian cuisine in a fun, wood-panelled space. The hip eatery attracts a mostly younger crowd with fan favourites like poutine, baked perogies, garlic ribs, and creative pizzas. The bar features a rotating tap of local craft brews and classic cocktails, and the restaurant is open for brunch on weekends.
Corduroy is located at 1943 Cornwall Ave., just a block after the end of the Burrard-Cornwall protected bike path.
Corduroyrestaurant.ca
All of the restaurants and cafés are in easy biking distance from both our Hornby St. and Burrard St. locations. Pop in for bike rentals or bike repairs and ask our staff for directions, or for more great bike friendly restaurant recommendations.
