Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Arrive off-peak to avoid long lineups. If you're intimidated by the choice of plates
on offer, ask for a chef's menu selection ($20 to $30) and they'll do all the work for
you.
ACME CAFE
DINER
$$
(
www.acmecafe.ca
;
51 W Hastings St; mains $9-13; 8am-9pm Mon-Fri, 9am-9pm Sat & Sun;
; 14)
The black-and-white deco-style interior here is enough to warm up anyone on a
rainy day - or maybe it's the comfy booths and retro-cool U-shaped counter. The hip-
sters have been flocking here since day one for hearty breakfasts and heaping comfort-
food lunches flavored with a gourmet flourish: the meatloaf, chicken club and shrimp
guacamole sandwiches are worth the trip.
A great spot for weekend brunch (if you can avoid the crowds), it's also perfect for
afternoon coffee and a slab of house-baked fruit pie. For those traveling with young-
sters, there's a good and healthy kids menu.
NUBA
MIDDLE EASTERN
$$
(
www.nuba.ca
;
207 W Hastings St; mains $8-25; 11:30am-10pm Mon-Fri, noon-10pm Sat,
5-10pm Sun; ; 14)
Tucked under the landmark Dominion Building, this hopping
subterranean Lebanese restaurant attracts budget noshers and cool hipsters in equal
measure. If you're not sure what to go for, try the minted pan-seared scallops (dinner
only) or consider the $52 Grand Feast for two, which includes tiger prawns and juicy
lamb and chicken skewers. There are also plenty of vegetarian options.
There's a real fresh-made feel to the food here and an atmosphere both welcoming
and funky - due mainly to the staff who do a good job of keeping things lively. Con-
sider taking a photo of the building on your way out: the copper-topped edifice is
among the most iconic old buildings in the city and was once one of the tallest.
DEACON'S CORNER
DINER
$$
(
www.deaconscorner.ca
;
101 Main St; mains $6-13; 8am-4pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat & Sun;
4)
The ideal combination of Gastown development and old-school good value, this
lively neighborhood diner lures Vancouverites to a grubby part of town they've previ-
ously avoided. They come for the hulking, hangover-busting breakfasts (biscuits with
sausage, gravy and eggs is recommended if you want your weekly calorific intake in a
