Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.saveonmeats.ca
; 43 W Hastings St; mains $4-14; 7am-10pm Mon-Wed, to midnight Thu-
Sat, 8am-10pm Sun; ; 14)
A former old-school butcher shop, Save On Meats has
been transformed into the Downtown Eastside's hipster diner of choice. But it's not just
about looking cool. Slide into a booth or take a perch at the long counter and tuck into
comfort dishes, including great-value all-day breakfasts and a menu of basic faves such
as chicken pot pie, and mac and cheese.
The staff is among the friendliest in the city and there's even a kids menu - 'monkey
sandwich' is recommended. Pick up a giant cookie for the road on your way out: it's
the only way to wander. And also ask about the innovative feed-the-poor scheme: Save
On sells food tokens that you can hand out on the streets instead of giving 'spare
change' to people who ask for it.
CARTEMS DONUTERIE
DONUTS
$
(
www.cartems.com
;
408 Carrall St; donuts $3; 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 11am-6pm Sat, to 5pm Sun;
14)
The irony of buying $3 gourmet donuts in Vancouver's poorest neighborhood
doesn't seem to have stopped this tiny corner takeout from thriving. The friendly serv-
ers help, of course, but it's the treats that keep people coming back: a raft of fresh-made
fusion donuts with irresistible flavors including earl grey, salted caramel and the truly
spectacular bourbon bacon.
Check out the building while you're here. The recently restored
Pennsylvania Hotel
is a rare century-old structure with dozens of bay windows. Its restoration included a
new heritage-style neon sign, echoing many that once lined this neighborhood. Just
around the corner on Hastings St, you'll find an original one: the lovely, seahorse-
themed
Only Sea Foods Cafe
sign.
JUDAS GOAT TABERNA
TAPAS
$$
(
www.judasgoat.ca
;
27 Blood Alley; plates $4-12; 5pm-midnight Mon-Sat; 4)
Named after
the goats that are used to lead sheep off slaughterhouse trucks, this tiny backstreet tapas
nook has nailed the art of simply prepared small plates such as duck confit, beef brisket
meatballs, and beet and goat cheese terrine. Like its Salt Tasting Room (
Click here
)
brother next door, it also has a good (although shorter) drinks list of wine and Spanish
sherry.
