Sometimes the best things are the hardest to find

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Vancouver is great but sometimes you have to look in odd places to find the best things. Whether you are a local or a tourist I definitely recommend these not-so-known hotspots.

 1. Bike Kitchen at UBC

6138 Student Union Boulevard,
Greater Vancouver A, BC V6T
Canada
(604) 827-7333

Category: Bike Rentals

Neighbourhood: UBC

5.0 star rating
  5/20/2010 First to Review

If you can find this place, then you won't be dissapointed. There's a sign outside next to the Student Union Building, but its located in the basement so it tends to go unnoticed.

Know everything about bikes? This is totally the place for you.
Know…More »

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 2. Blue Moon Cafe

1724 4th Avenue W
Vancouver, BC V6J 1M1
Canada
(604) 738-2656

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch

Neighbourhood: Fairview Slopes

4.0 star rating
  4/2/2009 First to Review

This place has many names, one is Blue Moon cafe, but I know it as Flying Swan Motorcycle cafe.
If you are looking for a great place for breakfast/brunch, this no-frills cafe will serve it up right.  
The previous owner unfortunately died and her…More »

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 3. Narrow Lounge

1898 Main St
Vancouver, BC V5T 3B7
Canada
(604) 839-5780

Category: Lounges

Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant

4.0 star rating
  5/19/2009 ROTD 9/27/2009

It took me forever to realize I had wandered away from Grace Gallery and into the Narrow. It was totally a pleasent suprise though!
Sitting in the dark narrow bar adorned with "interesting" decor, you almost feel like your in the Twilight zone,…More »

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 4. Celebration of Light

888 Dunsmuir St
Vancouver, BC V6C 3K4
Canada
(604) 641-1193

Category: Local Flavour

Neighbourhood: Downtown

5.0 star rating
  4/2/2009

The fireworks are absolutely breathtaking.
Each year three countries (always including Canada) compete to see who can put on the best fireworks show. Each year it is different, but one country always shines through with some amazing pyrotechnics.
Go…More »

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 5. Finch's Tea & Coffee House

353 W Pender St
Vancouver, BC V6B 1T3
Canada
(604) 899-4040

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches

Neighbourhood: Downtown

5.0 star rating
  4/2/2009

Super cute cafe to read a book and look cool in.
The sandwiches are huge and well priced, and the ambiance is antique and chique.
There are not that many veggie options, but if you ask nicely they will modify their sandwiches, especially the brie and…More »

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 6. Guu

105-375 Water St
Vancouver, BC V6B 5C6
Canada
(604) 685-8682

Categories: Japanese, Tapas Bars

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown

5.0 star rating
  4/2/2009

My Japanese friends told me this was the best Izakaya place to go, and I totally believe them. This place was absolutely amazing.
Great food
Great prices
Great ambiance
Great looking staff ;-)

If you like a fusion of different flavors and are up for…More »

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 7. Mt Seymour

1700 Mount Seymour Rd
North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L3
Canada
(604) 986-2261

Category: Active Life

4.0 star rating
  4/2/2009

This place is highly recommended for beginners to intermediate riders/skiers, but the terrain park is quite good.

This spot usually only attracts locals while the tourists are off in Whistler. Because of that, you won't find long lines or snobby folk,…More »

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 8. All India Sweets & Restaurant

6507 Main St
Vancouver, BC V5X 3H1
Canada
(604) 327-0891

Categories: Indian, Pakistani

Neighbourhoods: Sunset, Punjabi Market

4.0 star rating
  4/2/2009

I've been to China towns, Little Italys, and even little Russia, but Vancouver is the first city where I've been that has a little India. It's about 5 or 6 square blocks of Indian goodness and the food at All India sweets tops all the restaurants in…More »

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 9. Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge

3663 Park Rd
North Vancouver, BC V7J 3G3
Canada
(604) 990-3755

Categories: Hiking, Parks

Neighbourhood: Lynn Valley

5.0 star rating
  4/2/2009

This suspension bridge is way better than the Capilano one, and you don't have to pay to cross it. The bridge is surrounded by beautiful pacific northwest rain forest and huge waterfall drops that will make any stomach swim.
This bridge is not…More »

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 10. Front & Company

3772 Main St
Vancouver, BC V5V 3N7
Canada
(604) 879-8431

Categories: Used, Vintage & Consignment, Accessories, Women's Clothing

Neighbourhood: Riley Park

3.0 star rating
  4/2/2009

Coming from San Francisco, I was a bit disappointed with the vintage/consignment selection Vancouver has to offer. However, Front and Co. is pretty good. It burned down and they built a new one that has a more mod/hipster vibe, and that's the style…More »

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 11. The Naam

2724 4th Ave W
Vancouver, BC V6K 1R1
Canada
(604) 738-7151

Category: Vegetarian

Neighbourhood: Kitsilano

5.0 star rating
  2/16/2009

Coming from San Francisco, I will say this is one of the best vegetarian restaurants  and it is the best 24hour restaurant I have ever been too!
I don't recommend coming for breakfast, but the lunch/dinner menu is awesome!

There are a couple duds for…More »

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 12. Salt Tasting Room

45 Blood Alley
Vancouver, BC V6B 1A4
Canada
(604) 633-1912

Categories: Wine Bars, Tapas/Small Plates

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown

4.0 star rating
  2/16/2009

If you can find this place, you will be pleasantly surprised. However, if you don't LOVE cheese, there is no point in going.

I am a cheese lover though, so I really liked it. It's cute and cozy and the service is really nice and knowledgeable about…More »

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 13. Go Fish Ocean Emporium

1505 W 1st Ave
Vancouver, BC V6J 1E8
Canada
(604) 730-5040

Categories: Seafood, Fish & Chips

Neighbourhood: Granville Island/False Creek

5.0 star rating
  4/1/2009

Seriously the best, freshest seafood in all of Vancouver. If you are looking for a quick bite, be a true die-hard fan and come during the gloomy winter, yes, they are open year round!
Nevertheless, this is not a place to grab a quick bite. Their…More »

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 14. Rescue Skin Care & Hair Removal Studio

2241 Granville St
Vancouver, BC V6H 3G1
Canada
(604) 730-2900

Category: Skin Care

Neighbourhoods: Fairview Slopes, South Granville

5.0 star rating
  4/1/2009

The price and quality combination is definitely as good as it gets.
I am originally from San Francisco, and this Vancouver hotspot is the best by far! There is no where that I know of that gives you the best quality for a $35 brazillian.
If you can…More »

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Recently updated lists from Dani B.

Great for a date! (16)

A couple of my favorite places to get romantic with a close one without breaking the budget.
Good quality + nice ambiance = my kind of place for a great date.

Hungry at Midnight? (7)

Quench your midnight cravings with these late night spots

Cheap and fast, just how I like it! (16)

Looking for a cheap eat that won't take forever to make? Check out these places, they serve it fresh and fast. Yum.

Good for Groups (11)

Places to go if you are dining with 6 or more friends or need a great meet up spot.

"Yum!"

Review votes:
545 Useful, 141 Funny, and 335 Cool

Location

San Francisco, CA

Yelping Since

February 2009

Things I Love

traveling anywhere & everywhere, live music shows and concerts, Yoga and pilates, swimming in all bodies of water, being outdoors, Exotic Food, vegetarian food, Riding my bike to work, Chill bars, Farmers Markets, Outdoor activities, Live music

Find Me In

Vancouver, San Francisco or globe trotting

My Hometown

San Francisco and Marin County, California

My Blog Or Website

http://www.localherosp...

When I'm Not Yelping...

I'm heading to South America from Feb. 2011 until Aug. 2011.

Why You Should Read My Reviews

I'm a vegetarian always looking for good food, good ambiance, and good company.

The Last Great Book I Read

Many Lives, Many Masters

My First Concert

I'm not telling

Most Recent Discovery

http://soundcloud.com/...

Current Crush

purple organic garlic from the farmers market