Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EATING
The Drive is a strollable smorgasbord of independent and adventurous
dining. Combining ethnic soul-food joints, cheap-but-good pizza spots,
chatty streetside cafes and the kind of convivial pub-style hangouts that
give the concept of 'neighborhood bar' a very good name, this is the
city's most sociable dine-out district. It's also Vancouver's patio capital,
so if the weather's good, drop by for an alfresco meal.
PROPHOUSE CAFE
CAFE
$
(
www.prophousecafe.com
;
1636 Venables St; main $7-9; 8am-8pm; ; 20)
Just around
the corner from the Drive, this is the neighborhood's most original cafe. Next to the un-
assuming coffee counter at the front, trip up the stairs and you'll enter a funky Alad-
din's cave teeming with rentable vintage movie-set props, from tiki masks to leopard-
skin chairs. Food-wise, its house-made cookies, sandwiches and a popular veggie bur-
ger, while there's live music and performances most nights.
Local musician CR Avery has been known to tickle the keys on the 1950s piano here,
while comedy evenings, book launches and folk music also make frequent appearances
- check the board of Post-It notes at the front for current happenings. It's opposite the
owner's prize possession: a steampunk-like espresso machine that recalls an old-school
diving helmet. If you're on a budget, food is 25% off between 5pm and 7pm.
UPRISING BREADS BAKERY CAFE
BAKERY
$
(
www.uprisingbreads.com
;
1697 Venables St; mains $6-10; 7am-7pm Mon-Fri, 7am-6pm Sat &
Sun; 20)
Vancouver's favorite bakery minichain has been satisfying the bread and
cake cravings of the locals for 30 years, but this East Side rustic-chic storefront is
where it all started. Perfect for coffee and treats any time of day (don't miss the ginger
cookies), it's also a great lunch spot for a soup and sandwich, especially if it's warm
enough to snag an outdoor table.
