One of the most disappointing things about living in Yaletown is the lack of great casual places to grab a bite. Sure there are a select few, but I need selection damnit! While there’s no shortage of ‘fabulous’ hot-spots where you can fill stomach and empty your wallet, most of them feel somewhat the same, and are packed with the same hummer loving set day in and day out.
Recently a new place opened, called Diner, right in the heart of Yaletown (1269 Hamilton). It’s lofty, airy, modern, and homey all at the same time, and is the perfect answer to Yaletown’s glaring lack of casual restaurants.
The first thing to note is the coffee. I enjoy a fine cup of java every now and then, and whatever the heck they serve at Diner is some of the best. They serve it up bodum style, and it’s enough to keep you going from day until night if need be. Why didn’t I discover this stuff during college?
Diner is known for, oddly enough, both their desserts and their meatloaf. While after a heaping portion of their meatloaf I’ll doubt you’ll still have room for anything else, but it’s worth coming back time and time again, because everything on the menu is damn good. I also especially dig their breakfast. Try the big hungry man breakfast and it comes with eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes, toast, and yes, a waffle too.
Diner’s décor is nothing too special, but you don’t want it to be. And the service is bad, just as it should be. Expect to wait far too long, be ignored far too often, and not have your order exactly how you requested it. This is a ‘diner’ after all .. You’ve got to throw your expectations out the window and expect a little side of moodiness with whatever you order.
There are no apologies here. The menu is written haphazardly on the wall on huge chalkboards and mirrors, and the design is somewhat minimalist. Lots of hardwood and chrome. It’s Yaletown’s tongue and cheek approach to truck stop and I dig it.
Address:
1269 Hamilton
Vancouver, BC
604-444-4855
Note: As of 2007 Diner is now closed. Tear.
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