Commercial Drive Hot Spots

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Named one of the 15 hippest neighbourhoods to live in North America by UTNE reader, here are some of the reasons that I love Commercial Drive.

 1. Liquids and Solids

1530 Venables Street
Vancouver, BC V5L 2G8
(604) 568-8343

Categories: Canadian (New), Soup, Cafes

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

5.0 star rating
  6/15/2011

My gosh. This place really ought to have more than 3 reviews. I just had my first visit there and my sandwich was to die for. To die for! I ordered their "Grateful Veg" sandwich, which contains tomatoes, bocconcini, spinach, artichokes and basil…More »

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 2. Waldorf Hotel

1489 Hastings Street E
Vancouver, BC V5L 1S4
(604) 253-7141

Categories: Hotels, Venues & Event Spaces

Neighbourhood: Grandview-Woodlands

5.0 star rating
  8/9/2011 ROTD 11/25/2011

For a place where my mom used to hang out when she was young, the Waldorf is pretty darn rad. I hadn't been to the Waldorf in a few years, so when I visited on Saturday I was thrilled about just how, well, "cool" it had become. On Fridays and…More »

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 3. Spartacus Gym

1522 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5L 3Y2
(604) 254-6267

Categories: Sports Clubs, Gyms, Trainers

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

5.0 star rating
  6/24/2011

Best. Gym. Ever.

Where else in this city can you get unlimited access to equipment AND classes (yoga, pilates, spinning, bootcamp, zumba, and more!) for $30 per month? Sure, it's not super glamorous, but they have a good amount of new equipment and…More »

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 4. Taiyo Sushi

1179 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X3
(604) 251-1788

Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

5.0 star rating
  6/15/2011

I'm not at all surprised that this place has a 5-star average. First of all, the guy that works here is just awesome. When walking by Taiyo, you can hear him saying "Welcome! Come in, come in!" to the customers entering the restaurant. He also…More »

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 5. Rio Theatre

1660 Broadway E
Vancouver, BC V5N 1W1
(604) 879-3456

Categories: Cinema, Performing Arts

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive, Kensington-Cedar Cottage

5.0 star rating
  3/26/2011 ROTD 2/10/2012

Wow, this place has a pretty solid 5 star average. Sure tells you something, doesn't it? The Rio Theatre has undergone an amazing transformation over the past few years. I remember walking past this place when I was younger, and it was a sketchy…More »

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 6. Robin's Pharmacy

908 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5L 3W7
(604) 876-3784

Category: Drugstores

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

5.0 star rating
  6/13/2011

This pharmacy seriously deserves all of the great reviews that it gets. The guys that work here are super friendly, chatty and full of information. Also, they're one of the quickest pharmacies that I've ever visited. There's none of this…More »

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 7. The Prophouse Cafe

1636 Venables Street
Vancouver, BC V5L 2H2
(604) 733-5665

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Restaurants

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

5.0 star rating
  3/25/2011

I am SO happy that I live 2 blocks away from this place, as it is the coolest coffee shop I have found in this city. Enjoying a cup of coffee or tea in this café is a feast for the eyes. There are so many knick knacks and other interesting things…More »

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 8. La Grotta Del Formaggio

1791 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5N 4A4
(604) 255-3911

Categories: Delis, Sandwiches

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

5.0 star rating
  4/3/2011

Oh, baby. The paninis here are SO good. Subway, eat your heart out!

My friend and I were ravenously hungry after spending several hours browsing through shops on the Drive, so we decided to stop in for a bite to eat. We ordered a sandwich made on…More »

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 9. Barefoot Contessa

1928 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5N 4A7
(604) 255-9035

Categories: Women's Clothing, Accessories

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

5.0 star rating
  12/28/2010

This is probably my favourite shop in Vancouver. The clothing is feminine, unique and beautiful, and I always get compliments on the pieces that I've bought here.

Also, for a boutique shop, the prices are very reasonable (comparable to "big box"…More »

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 10. Spank

1181 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5L 3Y2

Category: Shoe Stores

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

4.0 star rating
  2/5/2011

This has got to be one of the best shoe stores in the city. The selection is great, and the designs are inspired. I can't count how many pairs of shoes I've picked up in this store saying, "oh I LOVE these." I bought a pair of Victorian-inspired…More »

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 11. Uprising Breads Bakery

1697 Venables St
Vancouver, BC V5L 2H1
(604) 254-5635

Category: Bakeries

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

4.0 star rating
  4/6/2011

I have just stuffed my belly full of delicious, delicious baked goods from Uprising Breads, and gosh darn it, I feel good about it. I was experiencing an uber hankering for sweets, so I dragged the SO for a walk along the Drive to seek out some…More »

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 12. Black Dog Video

1470 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X9
(604) 251-3305

Category: DVD & Video Game Rental

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

4.0 star rating
  5/21/2011

Black Dog Video is a great local video rental store that carries a well-edited selection of films for your viewing pleasure. It definitely caters to the hipster, film snob crowd with its selection of cult, independent, and organized-by-director…More »

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 13. Turks Coffee Exchange

1276 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X4
(604) 255-5805

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

4.0 star rating
  4/25/2011

You can always judge how good a coffee shop is by ordering an Americano. It's a simple drink, yes, but for many coffee shops in Vancouver it seems to be a difficult task. Thankfully, Turk's makes a heck of an Americano.

I've been here on a few…More »

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 14. Cafe Crepe

1818 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC V5N 4A3
(604) 253-7363

Category: Creperies

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

4.0 star rating
  8/1/2011 First to Review

Yes, friends -Cafe Crepe has opened a new location on Commercial Drive. Imagine my surprise and delight when I was stopped by a man handing out free crepes on my journey home from work. I mean, I'm used to being stopped by hobos and…More »

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 15. Santa Barbara Market

1322 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X6
(604) 253-1941

Categories: Fruits & Veggies, Delis

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

4.0 star rating
  4/4/2011

This is a fantastic little market that I'm fortunate to live close to. As others have mentioned, this place has an excellent selection of deli meats and cheeses. Since the deli's so busy, there's always a bit of a wait to get served, and when your…More »

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 16. First Ravioli

1900 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5N 4A7
(604) 255-8844

Category: Grocery

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

4.0 star rating
  5/23/2011

Why is Commercial Drive such a great place to live? Oh, I dunno -maybe because I can just grab some homemade prosciutto and parmesan ravioli on my way home from work? Yep, there aren't too many neighbourhoods where you can say THAT.

These friendly…More »

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 17. Dollar Grocers

2210 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5N 4B5
(604) 255-9933

Category: Grocery

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

4.0 star rating
  5/23/2011

Dollar Grocers is one of my favourite grocery stores to stop at on my way home from work. The people that work here are always SO nice, and they consistently have the best prices in the neighbourhood on staples like soy milk and yogurt. You can also…More »

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 18. Belgian Fries

1885 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5N 4A6
(604) 253-4220

Categories: Belgian, Fast Food

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

4.0 star rating
  2/7/2011

My husband is from the Bay area in California, and when we met, one of the first places I took him to was Beligan Fries on the Drive. There's just nothing quite like watching a poutine virgin eating really good poutine. Maybe that's when he decided…More »

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 19. Fresh Slice Pizza

1268 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X2
(604) 569-0384

Category: Pizza

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

4.0 star rating
  5/12/2011 First to Review

I love this Fresh Slice. Really, I do. I live within a 3 minute walk to this place, and this means I've relied on them for dinner more times than I'd care to admit. They have a deal where you can buy 8 individual slices (an entire XL pizza) to go for…More »

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 20. Sweet Cherubim Natural Food Stores & Restaurant

1105 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X3
(604) 253-0969

Categories: Vegetarian, Health Food Store

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

4.0 star rating
  5/11/2011

Note: this is a review of the natural food store.

I don't know quite what it is about Sweet Cherubim, but I adore this little shop. Sure, the aisles are narrow and cramped and the place smells like hippies, but there's just something about this place…More »

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 21. The Charlatan

1447 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X8
(604) 253-2777

Categories: Canadian (Traditional), Pubs

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

4.0 star rating
  5/23/2011

A charming local pub on the Drive, the Charlatan manages to be both a) a great spot to watch the game, and b) an intimate, cozy place to enjoy a few drinks with a date/friends.

A lot has been said about the Charlatan already, but I must add this: if…More »

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 22. Bouzyos the Greek Taverna

1815 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5N 4A6
(604) 254-2533

Categories: Greek, Mediterranean

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

4.0 star rating
  5/23/2011

I know Bouzyos very recently changed their menu, but if you ask, you can get them to make their Kalamari Fourno which is absolutely to DIE for. Stuffed with shrimp and other yummy goodness, they bake their stuffed calamari in the oven with tomato…More »

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 23. Spank On the Drive

1027 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X1
(604) 255-1131

Categories: Accessories, Women's Clothing

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

4.0 star rating
  5/13/2011

I love Commercial Drive, but you've gotta admit there is some BAD fashion over here. Thankfully there's Spank. Just like the two other locations, this place is full of beautiful dresses, skirts, blouses and other pretty things. With prices that…More »

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 24. Donald's Market

2279 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5N 4B6
(604) 255-1440

Category: Grocery

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

4.0 star rating
  6/25/2011

Donald's Market is probably the best one-stop shop for groceries on Commercial Drive. Being right near the skytrain station, it's uber convenient to stop by and pick up a few things on the way home from work. The freshness of their produce is…More »

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 25. Sushi King

1431 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X8
(604) 255-9050

Category: Sushi Bars

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

4.0 star rating
  6/1/2011

Sushi King is a great, cheap sushi restaurant to have in the 'hood. I typically get take-out, and the food is always ready to be picked up within 15 minutes. Also, their bento boxes are inexpensive, and you get a LOT of food. I mean, at a typical…More »

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 26. Red Burrito

1700 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5N 4A3
(604) 707-0877

Category: Mexican

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

3.0 star rating
  4/19/2011

Man, this place has undergone some harsh criticism. My husband is from Northern California, and yes, the Mexican food that you can get down there is downright amazing. HOWEVER, being in Vancouver we all have to suck it up and accept the fact that…More »

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 27. Brado Pizza

1399 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X5
(604) 251-7251

Category: Pizza

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

3.0 star rating
  4/7/2011

This is the ultimate place to go for some late-night, post-pub food with friends. Inside the entrance to this unassuming little shop you will find not one, but TWO restaurants that share a common sitting area. (Well, actually there are 3 counters,…More »

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 28. St. Augustine's

2360 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC V5N 4B7
(604) 569-1911

Category: Pubs

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

3.0 star rating
  5/23/2011

I've been to St. Augustine's on a couple occasions, and in short it's a great spot if you're lookin' for a nice pint of craft beer in an unpretentious environment. Their beer list is a couple of pages long, and has something that will appeal to…More »

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 29. Theresa's

1260 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X4
(604) 676-1868

Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

3.0 star rating
  6/15/2011

Theresa's is back! After closing down due to a fire last year, Theresa's recently re-opened and it's back to its former laid-back glory. For those who don't know, Theresa's is a hippy-run, organic diner that serves up healthy, inexpensive (around $8)…More »

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 30. Havana

1212 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X4
(604) 253-9119

Categories: Latin American, Cuban

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

3.0 star rating
  7/6/2011

Having one of the most perpetually hoppin' patios on Commercial Drive, Havana is a charming restaurant that serves up some pretty solid dishes with a Cuban flair. My husband is a fan of their burgers, and being the sucker for seafood that I am, I…More »

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 31. Prado Café

1938 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5N 4A7
(604) 255-5537

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

3.0 star rating
  2/13/2011

This is a perfectly nice little coffee shop that gal pal and I happened upon one day after work. We were looking for a coffee shop that wasn't Starbucks, and as JJ Bean was PACKED, we gave Prado a try. I had their regular drip coffee, which was…More »

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 32. Timbre Restaurant

2068 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5N 4B2
(604) 215-7515

Categories: Bars, Canadian (New)

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

3.0 star rating
  2/26/2011

After spending a long morning apartment hunting, hubby and I stopped into Timbre to partake in some brunch.

I had the roasted red pepper omelette, which was nice, but nothing special. Also, I'm pretty sure the "roasted" red peppers were in fact just…More »

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 33. Falconetti's East Side Grill

1812 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5N 4A5
(604) 251-7287

Category: Pubs

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

3.0 star rating
  5/7/2011

Note: this is a brunch review.

I decided to come here one weekend for breakfast, since I had looked at their menu online and their sausages looked drool-worthy. I also know a couple of Falconetti's die-hards, so I thought it was about time I checked…More »

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 34. Super Valu

1645 1st Ave E
Vancouver, BC V5N 1A8
(604) 254-1214

Category: Grocery

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

3.0 star rating
  6/30/2011

Ah, I have such a love-hate relationship with Super Valu. It seems almost everyone who lives on the Drive has a similarly tumultuous relationship.

I love it because:
-it's the only place nearby where I can pick up some veggies, eggs, and bread at 2am
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 35. 7 Days Convenience Store

1407 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X8
(604) 215-9121

Category: Convenience Stores

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

3.0 star rating
  5/15/2011 First to Review

One of a handful of 24-hour convenience stores on the Drive, 7 days offers the standard convenience store fare: snacks, magazines, transit tickets, etc. It always feels as though the guys working behind the counter are quietly assessing whether or…More »

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 36. Drive Organics

1045 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X1
(604) 678-9665

Category: Health Food Store

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

2.0 star rating
  4/14/2011

When I moved to the Drive, I was elated when I realized that I would be living within a couple blocks of a 100% organic grocery store. Unfortunately, I'm now left with mixed feelings about this little shop.

The pros:
-the produce section is pretty good…More »

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 37. Biercraft Tap and Tapas Bar

1191 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X2
(604) 254-2437

Category: Belgian

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

3.0 star rating
  10/11/2011

Being physically the closest bar to my house, Biercraft and I have a special relationship. It's the place I can most quickly shuffle to on weekend mornings for brunch, and it's the place from which I can most safely stumble home when my appetite for…More »

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 38. Memphis Blues Barbeque House

1342 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X6
(604) 215-2599

Category: Barbeque

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

3.0 star rating
  10/13/2011

Whenever I think of BBQs, I think of this excerpt from the Simpsons:

[Invitation] "Come to Homer's BBBQ. The extra 'B' is for BYOBB."
"What's *that* extra 'B' for?"
"That's a typo."

Pop culture aside, Memphis Blues serves up some pretty damn fine BBBQ…More »

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 39. Café Deux Soleils

2096 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5N 4B2
(604) 254-1195

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Vegetarian, Breakfast & Brunch

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

3.0 star rating
  10/15/2011

Not to be confused with Cafe DE Soleil, another vegetarian joint down the street. Seriously. A number of years ago, I was going on a date with a guy and he told me (verbally) to meet him at Cafe de/Deux Soleil(s) on Commercial Drive. Being the total…More »

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 40. Donair Town

1433 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X8
(604) 676-0947

Category: Food

Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive

4.0 star rating
  10/17/2011

I challenge anyone to walk by Donair Town and not swoon from the delicious smell of exotic spices emanating from this little shop. These donairs are _good_. While I'm not a huge meat eater, my husband loves their food, so from time to time I'll find…More »

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"Rock Band champ"

Review votes:
331 Useful, 149 Funny, and 206 Cool

Location

Vancouver, BC

Yelping Since

September 2010

Things I Love

Twin Peaks, astronomy (NOT astrology), tattoos, nerd glasses, girls with attitude, yoga, stand-up comedy, hipsters, 90's grunge rock, art, secret languages, eyebrows, Guinness draught, learning, edgy hair cuts, farmers markets, words on paper, singing loudly, bright lipstick, running

Find Me In

A leopard-print unitard

My Hometown

Vancouver, BC

My Blog Or Website

http://twitter.com/#!/...

When I'm Not Yelping...

I'm desperately trying to learn to do the moonwalk.

Why You Should Read My Reviews

Because I wash myself with a rag on a stick.

My Second Favourite Website

http://www.last.fm/use...

The Last Great Book I Read

Pillars of the Earth

My First Concert

Green Day (Dookie Tour)

My Favourite Movie

Lost Highway, Kill Bill, Love Actually, Lord of the Rings, V for Vendetta

My Last Meal On Earth

My mom's cabbage rolls. Or salmon rolls. Or mushrooms. I just love all food!

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

I HAVE to sing Alice In Chains' "Man in the Box" every time I play Rock Band.

Most Recent Discovery

Spinning! It burns like hell, but is so gratifying.

Current Crush

My husband, and the guys from Rammstein. Not gonna lie, those Germans are hot!