Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Stick around for coffee and a croissant (you may have to fight over the handful of
seats) or return for a $9 lunch deal (quiche, dessert and beverage). The fresh-made
crepes here are also excellent and everything is highly authentic: hence the French-
speaking staff.
HAWKERS DELIGHT
ASIAN
$
(4127 Main St; mains $4-10; 11am-9pm Mon-Sat; 3)
It's easy to miss this cash-only
hole-in-the-wall, but it's worth retracing your steps for a taste of authentic Malaysian
and Singaporean street food, all made from scratch at this family-run favorite. Peruse
the photo-menu, with dishes such as aromatic coconut-milk curry or yellow noodles
with tofu and spicy sweet potato sauce, then top your table with shareable dishes.
Dining here is supercheap, making this one of the city's best and most enduring
budget eats. But there's not much room, so consider arriving off-peak - unless you're
planning a takeout picnic.
ARGO CAFE
DINER
$
(
www.argocafe.ca
;
1836 Ontario St; mains $6-12; 7am-4pm Mon-Fri; 3)
One of Van-
couver's last genuine diners, friendly Argo is tucked away in a light industrial part of
town. It's easy to get to, though, and you'll soon be comfy (especially in a vinyl booth).
Superior to your average greasy spoon, fresh-made breakfasts are recommended while
comfort grub options throughout the day include tasty burgers and bulging fruit-pie
slices.
Check the daily specials board and expect to find anything from salmon burgers to
Dijon lamb chops. It's the kind of place that was built for the area's tough-ass working
men and is now frequented by coolsters, and it isn't fazed by either.
TAP & BARREL
WEST COAST
$$
(
www.tapandbarrel.com
; 1 Athletes Way; mains $12-19; 11:30am-midnight; Main St-Science
World)
In the heart of the Olympic Village, this warm and welcoming neighborhood
haunt is the area's best spot for gourmet comfort nosh like blackened chicken club-
house or wild mushroom and smoked mozzarella pizza. Its regionally made beer and
wine list is also superb: ask about seasonal craft brews or check out the great menu of
British Columbia (BC) wines by the glass.
