8 must-try historic restaurants in Vancouver
From owners with fascinating backstories, to legendary beachside locations, these eight Vancouver restaurants are known as much for their colourful histories as they are for their delicious creations. [Photo courtesy of Homer St. Cafe and Bar]
Bean Brothers Cafe
2179 41st Ave W, Vancouver BC V6M 1Z6For nearly 20 years, Vancouverites and visitors alike have flocked to this old-timey eatery for specialty coffees, sweet and savoury baking, and comfort dishes such as French toast, eggs and hash, and the chef’s own out-of-this-world eggs Benedict. When eating at this traditional, bustling cafe, you’re also contributing to the community at large; Bean Brothers donates five percent of every purchase to Vancouver’s Healthy Kids, Wealthy School program.
Teahouse Restaurant
7501 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver BC V6G 3E2Where else to experience local history than from within Vancouver’s oldest park? Honoring the centuries-old English tradition of afternoon tea, Stanley Park’s quaint teahouse offers a substantial tea service throughout the day, and accompaniments include sandwiches, scones, cookies, light soups, and other delicate favourites. Open late into the evening, and with stunning ocean views, the patio is ideal for watching the sunset.
Ovaltine Cafe
251 Hastings St E, Vancouver BC V6A 1P2Ovaltine’s pink neon lights have shone since the café first opened in 1943. Easily one of Vancouver’s oldest restaurants, the interior has seen many upgrades, but the kitchen remains true to the original: unfussy American diner dishes are delicious and affordable here. For example, a cheeseburger – with a handmade patty – can be paired with fries and a milkshake for less than $10 each. Now that’s a deal that’ll go down in history!
Homer St Cafe & Bar
898 Homer St, Vancouver BC V6B 2W5This upscale Southern-style restaurant is located inside one of Vancouver’s most beautifully restored heritage buildings, the Homer Building, in the heart of Yaletown. Also referencing history are the restaurant’s whole-chickens platters, roasted in a big red rotisserie oven behind the bar. Served with cracked new potatoes and green salad with fried egg, it’s a mouthwatering meal fit for any old fashioned southern gentleman (or lady).
Bauhaus Restaurant
1 Cordova St W, Vancouver BC V6B 1C8Nestled in one of Vancouver’s most prized heritage buildings, The Boulder Hotel, Bauhaus’ inimitable owner, Uwe Boll, has a story to tell while you enjoy your schnitzel. The former horror film executive left his successful career behind in 2015 to try his hand at fine dining – but not without convincing Berlin’s Michelin Star chef, Stefan Hartmann, to join, too. Once Uwe persuaded Stefan to move across the Atlantic, he reportedly poured nearly 20 million into Bauhaus’ decor, and the rest is, well, history in the making.
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
777 Thurlow St, Vancouver BC V6E 3V5Named after Vancouver’s legendary lifeguard, Joseph Seraphim Fortes, whose dedication to ocean safety earned him a memorial in Alexandra Park, this decades-old bistro has one of the best patios in Vancouver’s downtown. Paying tribute to Joe’s favourite place, the restaurant specializes in Ocean Wise seafood ranging from surf n’ turf to mussels in wine broth to local halibut, and much, much more. Tip: their boisterous oyster bar is not to be missed.
