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Johnson "2 Bar J" C.'s Profile
East Van Life
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1. Monument for East Vancouver
Vancouver, BC
Category:
Landmarks & Historical Buildings
Neighbourhoods: Mount Pleasant, Strathcona, Grandview-Woodlands
Brooklyn has their bridge -- East Van has our cross.
I bleed East Van and my heart swells with pride and nostalgia whenever I see the sign. I've seduced into altering my driving routes to pass by here whenever I can. [*cue up 'Woke Up This Morning'…More »
2. Sharks and Hammers
Vancouver, BC V6A 1B4
(604) 648-2252
Category:
Men's Clothing
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown
If you live (or grew up living) on the eastside of Quebec St and are proud of it, you will love Sharks + Hammers. After the closure of Sweatshop on Hastings (the supplier of my beloved 'I (love) East Van' shirt), I thought all hope was lost. Let…More »
3. Fortune Sound Club
Vancouver, BC V6A 1T6
(604) 569-1758
Categories:
Venues & Event Spaces,
Dance Clubs
Neighbourhood: Chinatown
If I was to design a perfect club, I don't think I can do better than Fortune (well, except in my fantasy club, drinks would be free for me and it would never close).
I know clubs are very subjective - as it all comes down to the crowd and music. But…More »
4. R & B Brewing
Over the years, R & B has really impressed me. First encountered them at a convention years ago - eager and knowledgeable representatives generously pouring out tasty samplers and engaging in beer geek talk. Their range of brews are strong (their…More »
5. London Pub
Vancouver, BC V6A 2V4
(604) 563-5053
Category:
Pubs
Neighbourhoods: Chinatown, Strathcona
The skinny: pool (not free), pinball, darts, jukebox and $13 pitchers of house draught everyday (choice of lager, ale or bitter) and $4.50 for a pint. HST included. Sweet.
I was lurking around Chinatown on a reconnaissance mission and happened upon…More »
6. Libra Room Café
Vancouver, BC V5L 3Y4
(604) 255-3787
Jazz bar with a lively atmosphere - was pretty happening on a Saturday night. I usually avoid places with live music as I find that it makes for difficult conversation when the band is on, but the acoustics here are pretty good - so you can just…More »
7. Tobys Pub
Vancouver, BC V5N 4C5
(604) 879-2099
Category:
Pubs
Neighbourhood: Kensington-Cedar Cottage
Bumping this place to 5-stars due to my recent visit for a celebration. As mentioned before, it's probably the closest thing to a neighbourhood bar for me.
We grabbed a table upstairs by the bar as it was a 'shots-are-mandatory'/'drinks-…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/19/2009
A good neighbourhood pub on Commercial strip - the closest thing I have to a neighbourhood bar. No… Read more »
8. St. Augustine's
Vancouver, BC V5N 4B7
(604) 569-1911
Category:
Pubs
Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive
St. August-TEEN? Or St. A-Gust-Tin? My East Coast friend insists it's the latter when he recommended this place to me.
I was aware there was a busy little pub near the Broadway/Commercial Skytrain station - but I always scoffed and kept moving to my…More »
9. Fets Pasta Bar & Grill
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X4
(604) 255-7771
Probably one of my favourite "local" bars - I usually come here when I want to say in the 'hood and feel like drinking but not raucously enough for a loud bar. It's my "let's talk over some drinks" place - some of the most revealing conversations…More »
10. Zawa
Vancouver, BC V5L
(604) 255-0470
Category:
Burgers
Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive
It was a sunny weekend afternoon and my no-good, degenerate friends wanted to get drunk and sing "Just A Friend" while sitting on a stoop. Since beer never lasts in my fridge for more than a day or two and I don't have a stoop, we went to the Drive.…More »
11. 1st Avenue Dental Group
Vancouver, BC V5M 4N9
(604) 254-5040
Category:
General Dentistry
Neighbourhood: Hastings-Sunrise
I'm not sure if my jaw nerves are wired differently than most people (or I'm just a pussy), but after multiple injections of novocaine - causing my face to go half-dead - I still felt the wonderful sensation of the grind on my tooth.
Dr. Hui did his…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/12/2010 First to Review
My dentist, Nelson Hui, works here and I picked him out of sheer convenience (less than 5 minutes… Read more »
12. Greek Orthodox Community of East Vancouver
Vancouver, BC V5R 2N5
(604) 438-6432
Categories:
Venues & Event Spaces,
Churches
Neighbourhood: Renfrew-Collingwood
My buddy was on a quest for loukoumades (a Greek fried-dough pastry soaked in honey and cinnamon and sprinkled with sesame). We arrived too late to the Greek Day on Broadway (they stopped serving food at 8:30PM), we had our second shot at Greek…More »
13. Hastings Park
"I wish I was little bit taller / I wish I was a baller / I wish I had a girl who looked good / I would call her / I wish I had a rabbit in a hat with a bat / and a '64 Impala"
Alright, Hastings Park... in your glory days, you were the shit. In an…More »
14. Public Lounge Eatery
Vancouver, BC V5V 3M6
(604) 873-5584
Categories:
Tapas Bars,
Lounges,
Tapas/Small Plates
Neighbourhood: Riley Park
Sunday special: $3 pints of draft and $6 double Caesars. Woot. I not only have to return to drink on the cheap - but I was sitting near the back of this tiny lounge near the register and I noticed some strange photos.
Like I always do when I enter a…More »
15. Falconetti's East Side Grill
Vancouver, BC V5N 4A5
(604) 251-7287
Category:
Pubs
Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive
It took me a while before I realized this place wasn't called 'Falcon Eddie's'. I don't know why, but that disappointed me for some reason.
Anyways - an always packed, lively and popular joint on the Drive on any given night. This is the place to go…More »
16. Laughing Bean Coffee Company
Vancouver, BC V5K 1Z5
(604) 251-5282
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhood: Hastings-Sunrise
Small, cozy independent coffee shop in Hastings-Sunrise area.
The draws for me are: free WiFi (stated 'with $5 purchase', but usually any purchase will do), a quick 5 minute walk from my house and fairly consistent Americanos. Sometimes amazing,…More »
17. Three Lions Cafe - CLOSED
Vancouver, BC V5T 1V4
(604) 569-2233
Categories:
British,
Gastropubs
Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant
Came here with a buddy to catch the England vs. Slovenia game with a vuvuzela in tow. With a name like 'Three Lions', it was a busy gathering point for English football fans - even for the 7AM kickoff - and it quickly became standing room only.
It's…More »
18. The Charlatan
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X8
(604) 253-2777
Categories:
Canadian (Traditional),
Pubs
Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive
Dark and dank pub on the Commercial strip with a small outdoor patio. There are a lot of beers on tap (about 15 or so) and usually around $5 - $6 a pint. Good prices on beer. They seem big on hybrid Guiness (i.e. Black & Tans, Black & Velvet,…More »
19. Fresh Bean Coffee House
Vancouver, BC V5K
(604) 253-1110
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhood: Hastings-Sunrise
Weird - I've been coming here for years with my friends as it's the central meeting point for when we're on foot - but had no idea it was called 'Fresh Bean'. It was formerly a 'Grind' and we still call it that.
Overall, I prefer Laughing Bean (LB)…More »
20. Keefer Bar
Slick Chinese apothecary/merchant junk-themed bar serving up crafted cocktails in the heart of Chinatown.
The dim, cozy ambiance is polished with some nice little details in keeping with the theme - the 'backwards' thin-paper menus, chi/reflexology…More »
21. Café Deux Soleils
Vancouver, BC V5N 4B2
(604) 254-1195
Categories:
Coffee & Tea,
Vegetarian,
Breakfast & Brunch
Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive
Take eccentricities of the Drive's alt characters, music and culture, melt it over a flame with a bent spoon and inject it into your eyeball - and you're about there. Café Deux Soleils is vegetarian eatery with live performances of improv, open…More »
22. Coppertank Grill - CLOSED
Vancouver, BC V5V 3P1
(604) 569-2494
Category:
Canadian (Traditional)
Neighbourhood: Riley Park
Came here to meet up with some friends that were watching the Canucks game. I don't really care for hockey, but any excuse to drink is cool with me.
$3.99 sleeves of Russell Cream Ale and shots of Jagermeister are the everyday specials along with…More »
23. Elephant Walk Neighbourhood Pub
Vancouver, BC V5P 1J8
(604) 324-1400
Category:
Pubs
Neighbourhoods: Fraserview, Kensington-Cedar Cottage
A no-frills blue collar pub tucked inside a residential zone - nothing fancy. Some of the waitresses are pretty sassy and may throw a menu at you or roll their eyes if you're taking too long - it may offend some, but I took it in good humour.
Came…More »
24. The Press Box
Vancouver, BC V5K
(604) 252-2690
Categories:
Lounges,
Restaurants
Neighbourhood: Hastings-Sunrise
First thing, I'm not sure why this is classified as a dive bar (unless my taste is that skewed). Perhaps it was classified before it's renovations - but the place is decently slick.
However, it does feel like a dive bar or one 'in the making' - show…More »
25. Timbre Restaurant
Vancouver, BC V5N 4B2
(604) 215-7515
Categories:
Bars,
Canadian (New)
Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive
Limited tap selection (only 3 or 4) and pretty pricey food.
If it wasn't for the impressive selection of bottled beers, it would have been a one-star. Quite a few 650-750mL bottles of craft brew/share beer for around ~$8 - not cheap, but at least it…More »
26. Image Optometry Eye Clinic
Vancouver, BC V5K 1Z2
(604) 253-4912
Categories:
Optometrists,
Ophthalmologists,
Eyewear & Opticians
Neighbourhood: Hastings-Sunrise
First things first - Dr. Toor is an awesome optometrist. Takes the time to explain what he's doing and by far the most comprehensive eye exam I've had. He did a retina exam, glaucoma test and had me do a visual field test.
You might think that's…More »
27. On & On
Vancouver, BC V5K 5C5
(604) 251-6775
Category:
Shopping
Neighbourhood: Hastings-Sunrise
I am convinced this store is a front of some kind - I just can't find out for what and why.
This store stocks men's 'mainstream' streetwear/urban clothing labels such as LRG, Artful Dodger, Avirex, Sean John, Rocawear, etc. - on my last visit, there…More »
28. E Tea
Vancouver, BC V5M 2Z1
(604) 453-1832
Mushy pearls and some funky tasting almond milk tea - I could taste corn? MK's watermelon slush was watery, under-sweetened and looked like crushed ice, when we protested they made a slightly-less-crappy-but-still -crappy watermelon slush. I didn't…More »
29. Cathay Beauty Salon
Vancouver, BC V5K 1Z5
(604) 255-1748
Category:
Beauty and Spas
Neighbourhood: Hastings-Sunrise
Surprised that Cathay has never been reviewed. Basically, it's a Chinese family owned and run barber/salon. Mom and pop do nothing but ladies hairdos and the two brothers do all the cuts. I've been going here since I was a tween. I haven't been…More »
30. Kim Loan Beauty Salon
Vancouver, BC V5K
(604) 258-4001
Category:
Hair Salons
Neighbourhood: Hastings-Sunrise
PRO-TIP #1: To save money, cut your own damned hair.
PRO-TIP #2: If you don't know how to cut hair - to not look like a complete jackass: just shave your head.
PRO-TIP #3: Take all the money you save on haircuts and buy a massive collection of sick…More »
31. Western Tuxedo Rentals Ltd
Vancouver, BC V5M 1Z8
(604) 251-1217
Category:
Shopping
Neighbourhoods: Hastings-Sunrise, Renfrew-Collingwood
For a man that defines 'dressing up' as un-deadstocking a fresh pair of kicks and have a nicely matched fitted, they made the best of out of what could have been a horrible experience.
Fittings were quick and professional. Rose has a good eye and was…More »
32. Vancouver Chinatown Night Market
Vancouver, BC V6A
(604) 682-8998
Categories:
Shopping,
Specialty Food
Neighbourhoods: Chinatown, Strathcona
"So maybe I'll see you there
We can forget all our troubles, forget all our cares
So go Chinatown, things'll be great when you're
Chinatown - don't wait a minute for
Chinatown - everything's waiting for you"
Chinatown Night Market. Woof.
Don't come here…More »
33. The Grind & Gallery Coffee Bar
I used to hang out at this Grind a lot. And then I boycotted it. For years, whenever someone suggested coming here - I would froth at the mouth and launch into a tirade of obscenities about how much I hate this place.
Reason being: in my final…More »
34. Electric Owl Social Club
Vancouver, BC V6A 2W1
(604) 558-0928
Categories:
Music Venues,
Bars,
Beer, Wine & Spirits
Neighbourhood: Strathcona
So we were gallivanting around Chinatown on Friday night - from the car, I spotted a dark space and unmistakable dance floor lights. Of course, I had to investigate - when we approached, the bouncer confirmed there was no cover. It was after 10PM,…More »
35. Green Leaf Natural Food
Vancouver, BC V5W 2Z5
(604) 327-8766
Categories:
Desserts,
Coffee & Tea,
Juice Bars & Smoothies
Neighbourhood: Sunset
This place makes me feel old. Really old. This place is a throwback to my highschool days - bubble tea/smoothies, community-shared magazines and Marvel vs. Capcom 2.
I still flip through a pop trash magazine if one is laying around and will check my…More »
36. Caffé Brixton
This place isn't bad - good space, music of choice was some real hip-hop and they were playing Transformers on the TV... yes, Transformers... not the movie... G1 Transformers. From this alone, this should have been 5-stars.
But my friend and I came…More »
37. Kafka's Coffee and Tea
Vancouver, BC V5T 3E5
(604) 569-2967
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant
Got introduced to this place because they allow vaping inside and it's a central location.
Space is airy and bright and there is free parking around this area if you know where to look.
Coffee is pretty good (they fetishize over brewing methods) and…More »
Recently updated lists from Johnson C.
East Van Eateries (79)East Van is the place to be when you want to get your grub on. Especially if you're into Asian cuisine - come venture east of Ontario Street. |
Quest for Intercontinental Champion J-Curry (7)I don't profess to be a foodie at all (at least I don't think I'm a pretentious snob) - but I do know Japanese curry. Here's my quest for the perfect Japanese curry... on the wrong side of the Pacific. Notable exceptions: Hurry Curry & Curry House in LA - been over two years since I've been... and neither were remarkable. |
A Compendium of Fine Establishments Serving Libations (90)a.k.a. 'Johnson's Drinkhole List' - where livers and paychecks go to die... a drinking inspiration song for you all: http://www.youtube.com... |
"You're the best! Around!" (46)"Nothing's gonna ever keep you down!" Requisite listening while reading this: http://www.youtube.com... - a.k.a. "Johnson's Favourite Things"... there will be no giveaways. |
Yum Cha (13)Let's face it: "dim sum" is overplayed -- let's call it what real Cantonese people call it... and here's a rap song about "Yum Cha" (and you can learn your dishes too):http://www.youtube.com... |
Yelp Events (19)I write for free booze. And I booze so I can write. |
Nam-couver (18)Some Vietnamese spots in Vancouver |
Get Your Grown Man On (12)For when you realize you can't live life like a manchild all the time - when you're 'growns' up and you're 'growns' up and you're 'growns' up. http://www.youtube.com... |
Un garçon de Vancouver à Montréal (22)Some highlights from my week-long bender in Montreal. |
Sneakerhunting in NYC (18)"[Sneaker hunting] requires research, travel time, daring, money, know-how, street smarts - you know all these things wrapped into one..." - Bobbito Garcia //My starter list of various shoe and streetwear boutiques in Manhattan - if you're quick enough, you can cover all these stores in one day (I did). Not an exhaustive list - but some of the most memorable. And yes - there are tons more shops but you'll have to discover them on your own. Happy hunting. |
See all 18 lists »
"Believe me, sweety / I got enough to feed the needy / No need to be greedy"
- 150 Friends
- 472 Reviews
- 30 Review Updates
- 34 Firsts
- 13 Tips
- 34 Fans
- 312 Local Photos
- 7 Events Submitted
- 18 Lists
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Review votes:
1020 Useful, 1052 Funny, and 694 Cool
Vancouver, BC
Yelping SinceOctober 2009
Things I LoveIPAs, Japanese curry, banh mi, pho, cheesecake, xiao long bao, BBQ, roasted duck and pig, zarusoba, wagyu beef, sneakers, hats... lamp... chair.
Find Me InEast Vancouver
My HometownEast Vancouver
My Blog Or WebsiteMy Fan Club: http://www.facebook.co...
When I'm Not Yelping...I'm smoking post-meal cigarettes and/or swearing.
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI'm not a foodie.
My Second Favourite Websitehttp://www.postsecret.... http://rapgenius.com/
The Last Great Book I Read... the one where Batman goes apeshit and drives a tank...
My First ConcertI don't know.
My Favourite MovieChungking Express
My Last Meal On EarthGo! Go! Curry's Grand Slam (*NOT* the Vancouver one)
Most Recent DiscoveryAdanac (as in the street)... is 'Canada' spelt backwards... Mind. Blown.
Current Crush