Bits & Bites During The Eastside Culture Crawl

If you are checking out this year’s Eastside Culture Crawl taking place this weekend, you are going to need sustenance for this event. So whether it’s a stop for brunch before heading out on the weekend, or a coffee during or a drink and a bite after. One thing we can say, there’s a bit of walking involved in The Crawl, so you build up a thirst and an appetite. We have a some set out some suggestions by area where to stop to refuel.

Hastings Sunrise

In Hastings Sunrise, there is no lack of choices along the stretch of East Hastings. Some great options include Roundel Café, Jackalope’s Dive, and Red Wagon Café for brunch for starters. For coffee, we’d hit Platform 7 Coffee on East Hastings near Nanaimo. Of course, for lunch Tacofino Commissary is a no brainer anytime, but Mr. Red Café or The Brighton are good bets. If you have a hankering for something sweet, Black Rook Bakehouse, East Village Bakery and Sweet & Savoury Pie Company are all great options.

Grandview Woodlands

If you are wandering in the Grandview Woodlands area, breakfast or lunch at Scandillious at 25 Victoria Drive is a great start. Think Scandavian waffles, sweet or savoury and great coffee.   Looking for coffee and a nibble? We’d hit Pallet Roasters at East Hastings St. at Semlin Drive.  If it’s a stop for beer or a cocktail, check out Parallel 49 Brewing, Doan’s Craft Brewing, Storm Brewing or Odd Society Spirits. Note, Parallel 49 also now has great eats in their Street Kitchen. From all the reviews we’ve heard, good food in a fun space.  Looking for something sweet, well the Pie Shoppe on Powell Street at Victoria has amazing pies, sweet and savoury add to that delish coffee. If you are looking for dinner after the Crawl, Bistro Wagon Rogue that has casual French fare and it’s located right next to the Pie Shoppe on Powell Street.

Commercial Drive

On Commercial Drive you have a plethora of options whether it’s coffee, cocktails or a bite.  We couldn’t even begin to name them all, but a few that come to mind include Moja’s Coffee, Continental Coffee, The Drive Coffee Bar, Turks and JJ Bean at 6^th Avenue with legendary muffins big enough to share (or not). Looking to do brunch, Havana Restaurant, Cabrito Tapas and Biercraft all provide delish options.  For the perfect sandwich on the go, our fav spot is La Grotta del Fromaggio, most sandwiches are big enough to share. If it’s burgers you are after, Cannibal Café is your spot. For something sweet, Fratelli Bakery is a must stop.  Of course just a quick walk from The Drive down Venables is Uprising Breads for a great coffee and snack spot. Love licorice?  Be sure to stop in at the Licorice Parlour to stock up. If you are looking for pizza on The Drive, there are a few options Famoso, Lombardo’s, Marcello’s and just off The Drive and on Victoria Drive is a personal favourite Via Tevere Pizzeria.

Strathcona/Railtown

Well there are some delish stops in this general area including the Settlement Building in Railtown which is a great spot for brunch before you start or a glass of beer or wine during or after.  If you are looking for dinner post Crawl that’s close by Ask for Luigi is in the area as is the MacKenzie Room directly across from Oppenheimer Park and The Heatley not far down the street or travel a little further West for Cuchillo’s.  If you wish to make a stop for coffee, the Wilder Snail in the heart of Strathcona is a quaint option in the heart of many great studios.

Clark Drive

Lots of things happening on this stretch of road. Yolks Breakfast at Clark and East Hastings has breakfast all day to fuel you for the day. If it’s a bite and coffee, Creme de la Crumb Bakeshop at Williams Street is a delish spot. If it’s beer you are after, Strange Fellows Brewing is located on Clark Drive near Charles Street or Callister Brewing just off Clark on Franklin Street is a collaborative brewery which gives you lots of options for beer. For coffee, check out Agro Roasters at Frances Avenue on Clark Drive. For sushi and something quick, Fujiya at the corner of Clark and Venables.

Whichever way you slice it, The Crawl is something to experience. See it, do it!

Tags: Beer, Bite, East Vancouver, Eastside Culture Crawl, Food Trucks, The Crawl, Vancouver