A no messing around guide to the coolest things to eat, drink and do in Vancouver and beyond. Community. Not clickbait.

East Van

  • Exterior, Gene Coffee
  • Ken Lum's East Van Cross
  • The Black Lodge
  • East Side Tracks
  • East Van Vintage
  • Salvation Army Building Hastings Street | East
  • Guacamole at La Mezcalaria

“East Van” is an umbrella term referring to all of the neighbourhoods east of Ontario Street. It includes Mount Pleasant, Riley Park, Main Street, Grandview-Woodlands, Killarney, Kensington-Cedar Cottage, Hastings Sunrise, The Fraserhood, Champlain Heights, Fraserview Victoria, Sunset, and Renfrew Collingwood. It is a huge swathe of land; largely residential (with some pockets of industrial), massively multi-cultural, and predominately working class.

current-poll

Which East Side brewery has the best tasting room?

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the-colour-palette eastvanpalette

In East Van at the moment (our HOOD palettes are ever-changing), we’re seeing the seven core shades of the Trout Lake Community Centre; the late dusky sky that signals the start of the Illuminares Lantern Festival; Vancouver Giants tri-colour; the September grass in McSpadden Park; the little yellow Fiat in front of Via Tevere; the green doors of the Cedar Cottage Coffee House; the gravel pathways around New Brighton Park; lipstick red on the Burlesque dancers at The Biltmore; the North Shore mountains from Clinton Park; Punjabi Market signage.

here-you-will-find

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A BLUE COLLAR WORK ETHIC
LEESIDE, A SKATEPARK BUILT BY SKATEBOARDERS
INTENSE GAMES OF CRICKET
THE INCOMPARABLE 60’S STYLE 2400 MOTEL
THE AWESOME ODDITIES AT HACKSPACE
THE TROUT LAKE FARMERS MAKET
TOURS OF PURDY’S CHOCOLATE FACTORY
TWILIGHT LANTERN PROCESSIONS
BBQ’S AT NEW BRIGHTON PARK
INNER CITY KIDS WITH A PASSION FOR WRITING
A GREAT PLACE TO RENT A DRILL

what-to-eat-and-drink

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LATE NIGHT DONUTS AND PUPUSAS AT DUFFINS 1391 E. 41st Ave MAP
BUFALA MOZZARELLA FROM BOSA FOODS 562 Victoria Dr. MAP
SATURDAY MORNING CINNAMON BUNS AT JJ BEAN ON POWELL 1904 Powell St. MAP
PRE-RACE BUFFET AT HASTINGS RACECOURSE 188 N. Renfrew St. (PNE Gate 6 or 9) MAP
24 HOUR DOSAS AT HOUSE OF DOSAS 1391 Kingsway MAP

cool-things-of-note

  • Guys watch, watch this guys…..watch…watch! Are you watching, guys?!  GUYS!!! Watch…can you see? See what I’m doing? Watch what I’m doing!   Guys….guys….watch this! Guys? Guys? Watch this!!!
    Guys watch, watch this guys…..watch…watch! Are you watching, guys?! GUYS!!! Watch…can you see? See what I’m doing? Watch what I’m doing! Guys….guys….watch this! Guys? Guys? Watch this!!!
  • Got his hands in the air like he just don’t care.
    Got his hands in the air like he just don’t care.
  • Oh….oh dear. I’m so sorry….I didn’t realize anyone was….oh god….I’ll just   go…. ..uuummmm….yeah…
    Oh….oh dear. I’m so sorry….I didn’t realize anyone was….oh god….I’ll just go…. ..uuummmm….yeah…
  • Hello - temporary curbside office rental incorporated - how might I direct your  call?
    Hello - temporary curbside office rental incorporated - how might I direct your call?
  • Remember when George Costanza said “I would drape myself in velvet if it were   socially acceptable”? Well I get it now and god help me if this were a cape I wore  waltz around in it until it disintegrated off of my shoulders.
    Remember when George Costanza said “I would drape myself in velvet if it were socially acceptable”? Well I get it now and god help me if this were a cape I wore waltz around in it until it disintegrated off of my shoulders.
  • Spider chair…spider chair…does whatever a spider chair does…….sitting  there…full of ease…and I’ll bet….he has fleas….LOOK OUT…here comes the  spider chaaaaaaaiirr.
    Spider chair…spider chair…does whatever a spider chair does…….sitting there…full of ease…and I’ll bet….he has fleas….LOOK OUT…here comes the spider chaaaaaaaiirr.
  • Ommm nom nom nom nom nom….
    Ommm nom nom nom nom nom….
  • It’s actually pretty unlikely that this is technically an ‘Alley Chair’. This one just  needed some fresh air so it popped outside with a slim menthol in it’s favorite  housecoat in full makeup to have a quick chat with Linda next door about her  new kitc
    It’s actually pretty unlikely that this is technically an ‘Alley Chair’. This one just needed some fresh air so it popped outside with a slim menthol in it’s favorite housecoat in full makeup to have a quick chat with Linda next door about her new kitc
  • Chair #1: Ok…you got that end? K…just go slow and let me know if it’s too   heavy..ready?  Chair #2: Yeah - I’m good…just go and I’ll follow…  #1: Ok - try turning it a little to the right..  #2: Your right or my right?  #1: We’re both facing the same way
    Chair #1: Ok…you got that end? K…just go slow and let me know if it’s too heavy..ready? Chair #2: Yeah - I’m good…just go and I’ll follow… #1: Ok - try turning it a little to the right.. #2: Your right or my right? #1: We’re both facing the same way
  • That’s what I love about New York man…you can just be anonymous and blend  in with the crowd. Nobody stands out cause everyone is so busy. I can just walk or   hours and practically disappear…
    That’s what I love about New York man…you can just be anonymous and blend in with the crowd. Nobody stands out cause everyone is so busy. I can just walk or hours and practically disappear…
  • Nothing better than getting outside for a few days and just being one with   nature. I don’t care what those guys say, backyard camping is just as tough as  doing it in the woods. I’m like that Bear guy on tv. When the zombie apocalypse  comes they’ll be
    Nothing better than getting outside for a few days and just being one with nature. I don’t care what those guys say, backyard camping is just as tough as doing it in the woods. I’m like that Bear guy on tv. When the zombie apocalypse comes they’ll be
  • There’s one at every party. They get a few vodka & diet Red Bulls into them and  next thing you know they’re up on a table swinging their shirt over their head.  C’mon down from there Tina - you’ll thank me in the morning!
    There’s one at every party. They get a few vodka & diet Red Bulls into them and next thing you know they’re up on a table swinging their shirt over their head. C’mon down from there Tina - you’ll thank me in the morning!
  • Why does this fella look like an eager little pup that I want to take home and   name Franklin and have adventures with? Curious.
    Why does this fella look like an eager little pup that I want to take home and name Franklin and have adventures with? Curious.
  • Every cottage in the history of cottages has had one of these super plushy plaid  armchairs, a wooden welcome sign with either a goose or a pine tree painted on it  and a 75% complete box of trivial pursuit.  These are the laws of the universe.
    Every cottage in the history of cottages has had one of these super plushy plaid armchairs, a wooden welcome sign with either a goose or a pine tree painted on it and a 75% complete box of trivial pursuit. These are the laws of the universe.
  • This chair must have done something REALLY bad to get the boot. It’s the only  explanation for this sad roadside scene.
    This chair must have done something REALLY bad to get the boot. It’s the only explanation for this sad roadside scene.
  • 'Nice weather we’re been having.' - 'Oh, sure can’t complain' - 'Did you hear  Arthur from Kerrisdale got left out on the curb the other day?' - 'The yellow  leather fellow with the foot rest?' - 'Uh huh' - 'Wow - crazy times we live in.'
    'Nice weather we’re been having.' - 'Oh, sure can’t complain' - 'Did you hear Arthur from Kerrisdale got left out on the curb the other day?' - 'The yellow leather fellow with the foot rest?' - 'Uh huh' - 'Wow - crazy times we live in.'
  • 'Hey guys? Guys it’s me. I locked myself out again! C’mon guys….seriously it’s  cold out - just open the door. Guys?! GUUUYYS!!!' (KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK)  Haha - classic Carl.
    'Hey guys? Guys it’s me. I locked myself out again! C’mon guys….seriously it’s cold out - just open the door. Guys?! GUUUYYS!!!' (KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK) Haha - classic Carl.
  • Sure there’s not much under the hood but it’s wicked comfortable and gets great  HMPG’s.
    Sure there’s not much under the hood but it’s wicked comfortable and gets great HMPG’s.
  • And at the exact same time all the other seats in the Hotel Vancouver lobby bar  screamed 'FACE PLANT!'
    And at the exact same time all the other seats in the Hotel Vancouver lobby bar screamed 'FACE PLANT!'
  • Somebody put baby in the corner.
    Somebody put baby in the corner.
  • And every night the fair blond bar maid waited by the docks hoping her   handsome sailor would return to her…..but when she found out his ship had  been sunk by ruthless pirates she threw herself into the ocean… to this day some   people in the town swear
    And every night the fair blond bar maid waited by the docks hoping her handsome sailor would return to her…..but when she found out his ship had been sunk by ruthless pirates she threw herself into the ocean… to this day some people in the town swear
  • This is not a chair. This right here is performance art.
    This is not a chair. This right here is performance art.
  • My chain hits my chest  When I’m bangin’ on the dashboard My chain hits my   When I’m bangin’ on the radio  Ahh; Suki Zuki  window screen  to where I’m going, gonna have you trembling…  chest  I’m coming in the Cherokee  Take it, take it  Gasoline  World’
    My chain hits my chest When I’m bangin’ on the dashboard My chain hits my When I’m bangin’ on the radio Ahh; Suki Zuki window screen to where I’m going, gonna have you trembling… chest I’m coming in the Cherokee Take it, take it Gasoline World’
  • Listen you guys..the rally is this Saturday and we aren’t even NEAR ready.   Lindsay, I can totally see you haven’t been practicing your moves and if we can’t  even get a Lance Lightening Pyramid right today what is going to happen then?!  I AM NOT GOING
    Listen you guys..the rally is this Saturday and we aren’t even NEAR ready. Lindsay, I can totally see you haven’t been practicing your moves and if we can’t even get a Lance Lightening Pyramid right today what is going to happen then?! I AM NOT GOING
  • I can’t wait to rake up a whole bunch of these and jump into a big squishy leaf   themed sofa pile. Isn’t autumn the best?!
    I can’t wait to rake up a whole bunch of these and jump into a big squishy leaf themed sofa pile. Isn’t autumn the best?!
  • No, no guys I’m totally goo…I’m good. I fine. I can drink soooo   much and I never even, even, I never feel it….Hey you know what?   We should, we should go to that ..strip club on Powell..no..I’m  serious…we should totally all go and …BLUUUUURRRGGHHHH…..
    No, no guys I’m totally goo…I’m good. I fine. I can drink soooo much and I never even, even, I never feel it….Hey you know what? We should, we should go to that ..strip club on Powell..no..I’m serious…we should totally all go and …BLUUUUURRRGGHHHH…..
  • I’m as clumsy as the next person and we can all admit that off white sofas are a   bitch to keep clean but what the hell? Let’s just assume the guy who owned this was  Pigpen from the Peanuts cartoons.
    I’m as clumsy as the next person and we can all admit that off white sofas are a bitch to keep clean but what the hell? Let’s just assume the guy who owned this was Pigpen from the Peanuts cartoons.
  • Hey shy guy. That’s cool you don’t want your picture taken. We get it. It’s early  and you’re not really looking your best - just turn your back. We won’t force this…
    Hey shy guy. That’s cool you don’t want your picture taken. We get it. It’s early and you’re not really looking your best - just turn your back. We won’t force this…
  • Pardon me miss but your springs are showing…
    Pardon me miss but your springs are showing…
  • It’s seems like everything comes in Pumpkin Spice flavour these days…
    It’s seems like everything comes in Pumpkin Spice flavour these days…
  • Little red ottoman…baby you’re much too fast. Little red ottoman…went to Ikea,   threw you out at last…
    Little red ottoman…baby you’re much too fast. Little red ottoman…went to Ikea, threw you out at last…
  • Ugh…god I shouldn’t have eaten all that…maybe if I just loosen this belt and lean  waaaay back…awe yeah…that’s better…
    Ugh…god I shouldn’t have eaten all that…maybe if I just loosen this belt and lean waaaay back…awe yeah…that’s better…
  • Look at little Col. Mustard over here neat as a pin, ready for someone to take a   break from a hectic recycling session and have a seat. What are you waiting for?
    Look at little Col. Mustard over here neat as a pin, ready for someone to take a break from a hectic recycling session and have a seat. What are you waiting for?
  • Just like spouses or owners and their dogs, moldy sofas and alleys start to look   like each other when they spend enough time together. It’s a special sort of bond.  This is actually kind of adorable.
    Just like spouses or owners and their dogs, moldy sofas and alleys start to look like each other when they spend enough time together. It’s a special sort of bond. This is actually kind of adorable.
  • Hands down the best part of this whole scenario is the note pinned to this   gem saying “bed bug free”. Get the pick up, I need this in my living room, like,  yesterday!
    Hands down the best part of this whole scenario is the note pinned to this gem saying “bed bug free”. Get the pick up, I need this in my living room, like, yesterday!
  • Wood trim, wood wall…this fella is still regal as hell. Too bad someone’s head  caught fire while they were sitting on him.
    Wood trim, wood wall…this fella is still regal as hell. Too bad someone’s head caught fire while they were sitting on him.
  • These two seem like pals just having a conversation on a street corner. Of course I may be  reading too much into the situation.
    These two seem like pals just having a conversation on a street corner. Of course I may be reading too much into the situation.
  • Hoo wee - This darling must have seen some swanky cocktail parties in her time   - can’t you just picture the beehives and gin gimlets? Oh man if that chintz could  talk...
    Hoo wee - This darling must have seen some swanky cocktail parties in her time - can’t you just picture the beehives and gin gimlets? Oh man if that chintz could talk...
  • Chair #30  Can’t tell if this is a prison break or these two are gonna tag the wall…Mohinder?
    Chair #30 Can’t tell if this is a prison break or these two are gonna tag the wall…Mohinder?
  • Another sidewalk installment of 'who wore it better'. Personally I think the one   on the right is working it.
    Another sidewalk installment of 'who wore it better'. Personally I think the one on the right is working it.
  • You get your ARMS out of my CUSHIONS!  - You get your CUSHIONS away from MY ARMS!  - YOU!  - NO YOU!  - NO YOU!!!  - STOP IT! STOP IT! STOP IT!     STOPITSTOPITSTOPITSTOPITSTOPITSTOPITSTOPITSTOPITSTOPIT…..MAH-OOOOOMMMM!!!!
    You get your ARMS out of my CUSHIONS! - You get your CUSHIONS away from MY ARMS! - YOU! - NO YOU! - NO YOU!!! - STOP IT! STOP IT! STOP IT! STOPITSTOPITSTOPITSTOPITSTOPITSTOPITSTOPITSTOPITSTOPIT…..MAH-OOOOOMMMM!!!!

The Alley Chairs project is curated by Nicole Arnett, an invaluable friend to Scout. It documents/invents the dramas surrounding the abandoned alleyway chairs and sofas of East Vancouver.

cool-things-of-note

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– In 1929 the Pacific Nation Exhibition (PNE) opened an amusement park next door called Happy Land. In 1958 it was reopened as Playland.

– China Creek takes its name from a group of Chinese-owned farms in the area near the turn of the century.

– Prior to the Depression of 1913, the Cedar Cottage neighbourhood featured a small roller coaster.

– Skinny dipping in Trout Lake is a civic tradition that dates back to Vancouver’s beginnings.

– Established in 1860, Brighton Beach (now New Brighten Park) was once a fashionable vacation spot for New Westminsterites looking for a seaside getaway.

– The Cedar Cottage neighbourhood gets its name from Cedar Cottage Brewery, built in 1901.

– Benjamin Tingley Roger, the owner of Roger’s sugar, struck a deal with the city in 1890 to build his refinery on the condition that he could enjoy 10 years of free water and 15 years of no taxes.

things-we've-seen

  • Fei Bing
    Fei Bing
  • Three Paradise Valley Pork Belly & House-Made Apple Jelly Fei Bing
    Three Paradise Valley Pork Belly & House-Made Apple Jelly Fei Bing
  • Slocan Park Harvest Festival | EAST SIDE
    Slocan Park Harvest Festival | EAST SIDE
  • Fei Bing prep area
    Fei Bing prep area
  • Exterior, Gene Coffee
    Exterior, Gene Coffee
  • Main Street Car Free Day
    Main Street Car Free Day
  • Main Street Car Free Day June 2009 132
    Main Street Car Free Day June 2009 132
  • Food Carts | Waldorf Parking Lot
    Food Carts | Waldorf Parking Lot
  • Main Street Car Free Day
    Main Street Car Free Day
  • The exterior of Gene Coffee in summer
    The exterior of Gene Coffee in summer
  • Acorn | Construction
    Acorn | Construction
  • Bistro Wagon Rouge
    Bistro Wagon Rouge
  • Ben Ernst and Erica Bernardi of Earnest Ice Cream
    Ben Ernst and Erica Bernardi of Earnest Ice Cream
  • Le Marche St. George
    Le Marche St. George
  • Thrifting on Main Street
    Thrifting on Main Street
  • Golden Goodness at Acorn
    Golden Goodness at Acorn
  • Main Street Car Free Day
    Main Street Car Free Day
  • School Bus Parking Lot
    School Bus Parking Lot
  • Eastside Kicks
    Eastside Kicks
  • Terminal City
    Terminal City
  • Roundabout is at St. George & 10th Avenue
    Roundabout is at St. George & 10th Avenue
  • Street Food | Pig On The Street
    Street Food | Pig On The Street
  • Shoe Repair
    Shoe Repair
  • Along The Adanac Bikeway
    Along The Adanac Bikeway
  • Lanterns in East VAn
    Lanterns in East VAn
  • Main Street Car Free Day
    Main Street Car Free Day
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  • Backside lipslide on Main St.
    Backside lipslide on Main St.
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  • Tacofino Commissary Feast
    Tacofino Commissary Feast
  • Jason Sussman and Kaeli Robinson of Tacofino
    Jason Sussman and Kaeli Robinson of Tacofino
  • Tiki Room At The Waldorf
    Tiki Room At The Waldorf
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  • Hasty Market
    Hasty Market
  • Main Street Car Free Day
    Main Street Car Free Day
  • Main Street Car Free Day
    Main Street Car Free Day
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  • Bomber Brewing | EastVan
    Bomber Brewing | EastVan
  • Main Street Car Free Day
    Main Street Car Free Day
  • Little Nest | Commercial Drive
    Little Nest | Commercial Drive
  • Little Nest | Commercial Drive
    Little Nest | Commercial Drive
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  • Charlie's Italian
    Charlie's Italian
  • The Wise Hall
    The Wise Hall
  • Ken Lum's East Van Cross
    Ken Lum's East Van Cross
  • Food Cart
    Food Cart
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  • Bomber Brewing
    Bomber Brewing
  • IMG_5080
  • IMG_2780
  • Waldorf Food Cart Fest
    Waldorf Food Cart Fest
  • East Side Tracks
    East Side Tracks
  • East Side Tracks
    East Side Tracks
  • Waldorf Food Cart Fest
    Waldorf Food Cart Fest
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  • East Side Yarn Bomb
    East Side Yarn Bomb
  • East Side Tracks
    East Side Tracks
  • Kessel & March | Arc Building
    Kessel & March | Arc Building
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  • Tony Marzo and Sachi Iwamoto, owners of Kessel & March,
    Tony Marzo and Sachi Iwamoto, owners of Kessel & March,
  • Kessel & March
    Kessel & March
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  • The Black Lodge
    The Black Lodge
  • Cheezies | The Black Lodge
    Cheezies | The Black Lodge
  • Main Street Sky Train Platform
    Main Street Sky Train Platform
  • Car Free Day
    Car Free Day
  • BC Sugar Refinery
    BC Sugar Refinery
  • The Black Lodge
    The Black Lodge
  • Mezcalaria | Tacos and Beer
    Mezcalaria | Tacos and Beer
  • Acorn
    Acorn
  • Marche St. George
    Marche St. George
  • The Fish Counter
    The Fish Counter
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  • Little Nest | Commercial Drive
    Little Nest | Commercial Drive
  • IMG_5500
  • The Black Lodge
    The Black Lodge
  • Guacamole at La Mezcalaria
    Guacamole at La Mezcalaria
  • The Black Lodge
    The Black Lodge
  • La Mezcaleria
    La Mezcaleria
  • Mezcalaria | Michelada
    Mezcalaria | Michelada
  • IMG_5491
  • Los Cuervos Taqueria & Cantina
    Los Cuervos Taqueria & Cantina
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  • IMG_7093
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  • IMG_5586
  • IMG_5606
  • East Van Vintage
    East Van Vintage
  • IMG_5596
  • IMG_5458
  • IMG_4458_2
  • IMG_5404
  • Birdie | Strathcona Mascot
    Birdie | Strathcona Mascot
  • IMG_5938
  • Blossoms on Clark
    Blossoms on Clark
  • IMG_5355
  • IMG_5619
  • IMG_5338
  • IMG_1174
  • IMG_5352
  • IMG_5334
  • IMG_5763
  • IMG_5437
  • IMG_5732
  • IMG_5932
  • IMG_5022
  • IMG_1103
  • IMG_5906
  • IMG_1159
  • IMG_5631
  • IMG_5426
  • IMG_5356
  • IMG_1117
  • IMG_5584
  • IMG_5755
  • IMG_2971
  • IMG_4992
  • IMG_3137
  • IMG_5751
  • IMG_5148
  • IMG_5750
  • IMG_5425
  • IMG_5749
  • IMG_5739
  • IMG_5708
  • IMG_5359
  • IMG_2734
  • IMG_1881
  • IMG_5630
  • IMG_5369
  • IMG_5573
  • IMG_1164
  • IMG_5376
  • IMG_5420
  • IMG_4452
  • Eastside Flea, WISE Hall
    Eastside Flea, WISE Hall
  • Eastside Flea, WISE Hall
    Eastside Flea, WISE Hall
  • Eastside Flea, WISE Hall
    Eastside Flea, WISE Hall

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