Hamburger Mary’s is a step up from your average diner, but still maintains that 1950s style charm- with added flair. Unlike the restaurant chain in the USA, there is no buxom woman in a wig to serve you dinner here; our server, not a bad looking chap, was far less flamboyant.

You can get typical diner fare here- although some of it has been adapted to west-coast tastes (vegetarian options, etc.) and it’s some of the best as well. Good burgers here, although I wasn’t too fond of the barbeque sauce. If you’re like me, and appreciate a good strawberry milkshake, this is absolutely the place to be- we actually ordered another.

Hamburger Mary’s is located at Davie and Bute in the West End, and is a neighbourhood fixture.

Address:

1202 Davie Street
Vancouver, BC
(604) 687-1293

If you’re on Denman street, try walking past Cupcakes without stopping in … I bet you cant do it! First you’ll smell the sweet smell of sugar then you’ll be enticed by all the classic pink decor and cute girls behind the counter. Once you’re inside you’ll find a wide array of classic treats; tiny ones, great big ones, coconut cream cheese ones, chocolate mint ones, pink ones, blue ones, hundreds of them!

Somthing else you’re likely to see is a lot of people. This place is popular for sure, but line ups are usually handled well, and you will need the time to pick out your perfect one (or one dozen!) anyway. They also bake mini cupcakes so you can try a few flavours instead of just one!

This little shoppe was started up by two friends, Heather and Lori, and has grown into a trendy wedding cake buisness and soon to be second location opening up in Kitsilano.

All cakes are baked daily from scratch and taste like the real deal your mom used to make!

The decor makes cupcake shopping a unique experience as its pink walls and classy retro style suits this sweet smelling shoppe.

Chose your own cupcake six pack or steal a deal with day-old six packs that still taste great! Cupcakes last usually 3 days anyways, unless they are Heather and Lori’s cupcakes which often are eaten by the time you make it out the door.

Address:

1116 Denman Street
Vancouver, BC
Website: http://www.cupcakesonline.com/

The Boathouse is one of those restaurants where you know exactly what to expect: the food will be pretty good, the menu items have catchy names, and the servers are good looking.

There is no risk here folks- this is a tried, tested and true dining experience -safe and satisfying. There are several locations throughout the lower mainland after all.

Now after that lengthy bit, I’ll get into the setting. The Boathouse English Bay is on a prime piece of Vancouver real estate. The view really doesn’t get much better than this. There is an ample (but tightly packed) outdoor patio (or deck, as they call it)- equipped with shields and roofing should the weather take a turn for the worse. There is no better place to be enjoying beer or wine, some food and looking out on a spectacular ocean vista. The restaurant inside is nice as well, but it’s really all about the patio. The Boathouse also has a bar with pub fare. We haven’t tried this, but figure it’s pretty good.

The Boathouse is seafood-centric, with a menu including items such as fresh-shucked oysters, and fish, mussels and their underwater comrades prepared every which way- there is no apparent focus more specific than fruit of the sea, and that’s ok. For the seafood averse, there are fallbacks like chicken and Caesar salad. Somehow, and I have NO idea how this happened, I wound up with pasta- but I think there was seafood in it. Regardless of this, I wasn’t overly impressed and neither was my party- but we weren’t looking to be impressed. When all was said and eaten, we left the restaurant satisfied, our wallets a little lighter, but not by too much, and we had appreciated a great view. Again- it’s about the patio.

Address:

1795 Beach Avenue
Vancouver, BC
604-669-2225