Amelia HallGastown might be known for its old Victorian-style architecture, but this lovely neighborhood is also hip and trendy. No, it’s not like a middle-aged person trying to fill their vocabulary with all the cool slang kids use these days.
Gastown is like your cool friend who can get you into any bar even on a Friday night. This Vancouver gem has its own character, brimming with cool finds and fun adventures.
Get to know more about this beloved area below and discover why it’s a must-visit!
- 1. Devour delectable Italian dishes at Di Beppe
- 2. Discover stylish treasures at Far Out Vintage
- 3. Take photos in front of the Gastown Steam Clock
- 4. Have breakfast at Deacon’s Diner
- 5. Try local craft beers at Alibi Room
- 6. Stock up on some ganja at Marigolds Cannabis
- 7. Take a breather at New Amsterdam Cafe
- 8. Purchase vinyl at Beat Street Records
- 9. Indulge in a sweet treat at Cadeaux Bakery
- 10. Order a glass of wine at Is That French
1. Devour delectable Italian dishes at Di Beppe
Website: https://www.dibeppe.com
Address: 8 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1C9, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-559-1122
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 8 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 8 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 10 PM
When we think of Italian dishes, we’re immediately transported into a world filled with warmth and celebration – an exemplary image that embodies Di Beppe.
Embracing a comforting and relaxed atmosphere, this exciting establishment caters to any foodie, evoking nostalgic memories of their grandmother’s cooking – with a twist that here, Nonna is an expert in Italian delights.
To get the most out of your experience, the margherita pizza, cacio e pepe, and lasagna are the must-tries.
2. Discover stylish treasures at Far Out Vintage
Website: https://www.instagram.com/farout_vintage/
Address: 165 E Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1K7, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-369-8916
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – closed
- Thursday to Saturday – 12 PM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 5 PM
Far Out Vintage might seem like the average, run-of-the-mill curated thrift store, but once you peruse their hip and eclectic collection, you’ll be met with a pleasant surprise.
Wanna know a hint? Let’s just say unraveling this mystery won’t cost you much!
We were able to scavenge a lot of cool and unique finds while we were here. The owner, also the one who curates the pieces, truly has an eye for style and design.
3. Take photos in front of the Gastown Steam Clock
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tmdgsVrHMjnHkDTU6
Address: 305 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B9, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-873-7000
Okay, maybe this one’s only for visitors, but Vancouverites might also want to take a whack at it! After all, the Gastown Steam Clock is a historical attraction, dating back to the late ‘70s.
While it might seem like an ordinary antique clock, it gained its popularity because of the unique way it tells the time – as the name implies, steam literally comes out of it!
Don’t call the fire department – that’s just its way of telling you it’s 1 o’clock.
4. Have breakfast at Deacon’s Diner
Website: https://www.deaconscorner.ca
Address: 101 Main St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2S5, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-684-1555
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Since breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, it’s important that you have something tasty to jumpstart your morning. If you’re in Gastown, Deacon’s Diner is usually the best place to go.
Serving delectable classic diner options, there were all hits and no misses. However, the ultimate star of the show was the hashbrown, all perfectly fried and seasoned!
Do note that you should tell them beforehand if you like them crispy.
Our other favorites include the French toast and chicken and waffles. Oh, and did we mention that they’re all pretty affordable too?
5. Try local craft beers at Alibi Room
Website: http://alibi.ca
Address: 157 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1B8, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-623-3383
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday – 4 PM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 4 PM to 12 AM
The Alibi Room is reminiscent of the good ol’ classic tavern with a delightful modern twist. It has a sleek and mysterious allure, inviting patrons with a knack for tasty adventures.
They only have a few items on their menu, but don’t let this stop you.
The crispy pork belly sandwich was phenomenal, by the way. The combination of textures and flavors makes it an unforgettable dish.
Of course, don’t forget to order what you came here for – the local craft beers, with a handful of selections of international ones. Try one of their sours to see why they became such a hotspot for craft beers!
6. Stock up on some ganja at Marigolds Cannabis
Website: https://marigoldscannabis.com
Address: 231 Abbott St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2K7, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-423-4748
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 11 PM
You heard it right, folks! Weed is legal in Vancouver, and if you happen to be in Gastown looking to replenish your stash, Marigolds Cannabis has a wide selection of well-curated gems.
In fact, patrons rave about them because of their broad collection, making them one of the best dispensaries in the city.
The staff are extremely knowledgeable to our delight, making our shopping experience a breeze. It’s a wise choice for beginners and even for regular potheads who need expert opinions and knowledge.
7. Take a breather at New Amsterdam Cafe
Website: https://newamsterdamcafe.com
Address: 301 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1H6, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-682-8955
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 9 PM
Is a day of exploring starting to take its toll? Here’s a cozy solution to that – New Amsterdam Cafe.
As soon as you step inside its doors, it’s undeniable that the place has a lot of character.
It’s charming, hip, and did we mention smoky? And by smoky, we mean that this well-coveted hangout spot also boasts a smoking room, elevating your trip to cloud nine.
And if you start feeling the munchies, they have an awesome menu filled with grilled cheese, chips, snacks, and more.
They even serve stoner specials including cheese quesadilla – a dish we personally wouldn’t survive getting stoned without!
8. Purchase vinyl at Beat Street Records
Website: https://www.beatstreet.ca
Address: 439 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L4, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-683-3344
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 8 PM
If you’re looking for something to add to your vinyl connection, you should check out Beat Street Records at Gastown. They have a mountain of remarkable selections spanning various genres, ensuring there’s something for every audiophile.
Albeit on the smaller scale, they still have ample space so you can scour through different shelves without bumping into a fellow shopper – though that would make a nice meet-cute, wouldn’t it?
Anyway, forget us hopeless romantics! Hurry to Beat Street Records, or we might just beat you to it!
9. Indulge in a sweet treat at Cadeaux Bakery
Website: https://cadeauxbakery.com
Address: 172 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1G1, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-608-8889
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Suddenly found yourself having an insatiable desire for something sweet? Here’s Cadeaux Bakery to the rescue!
This quaint store offers a lot of delectable bakes, including cakes, croissants, and such. A few of the more popular cake flavors include London fog, carrot, and lemon meringue – the latter being our favorite.
It’s not too sweet, but it’s packed with flavor!
To complement the sugary taste, they also have an excellent variety of coffee flavors you can sip on.
10. Order a glass of wine at Is That French
Website: https://isthatfrench.com
Address: 45 Blood Alley Square, Vancouver, BC V5B 0C4, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-499-0680
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday – closed
- Thursday to Saturday – 5 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Is That French is like that effortlessly chic “it” girl you can’t help but admire when you see them strutting down the street, owning the neighborhood as if the world is truly their runway.
How do they manage to painlessly put together their outfit when it takes us hours to find something that matches our black slacks?
Offering tasty and meticulously crafted cuisine, with ingredients that perfectly blend together, this French restaurant has earned our stamp of approval, tinged with a slight hint of jealousy – wondering why we can’t whip us something as delicious in our kitchen.
It also pulsates with a posh and edgy energy with just the right addition of elements to create a laid-back atmosphere. After all, would you prefer to enjoy your wine any other way?
Offering a lot of wine delights, you’ll never find yourself disappointed.
Let us clue you in on a little secret – the only spoiler you’d be glad to know. Do consider ordering the oysters, beef tartare, and the basque cheesecake– the holy trifecta of Is That French.
