Vancouver BC Fish & Chips

[I am Lulu]

My husband and I love Spinnakers (Pub) in Victoria BC. The halibut Fish & Chips are fantastic and the prices weren't too bad, as I remember. We are going to be disembarking in Vancouver, and spending a few days. Where can we get great Fish and Chips in a casual atmosphere, at a reasonable price? Also would like recommendations for other casual, less expensive places to eat. We like Mexican, Italian, American food and my husband loves a good breakfast. We're not interested in any other Sea Food other than Fish and Chips.

Thanks for helping!

[Urban trekker]

I could suggest a number of places for you to eat as there is no shortage of places to eat in the downtown core but if could tell with hotel you are staying at it would help narrow down the choices to something close to your hotel.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[martincath]

I'm assuming that you're staying somewhere downtown.

 

Just about any pub you pop into will do halibut & chips - it's almost as popular as cod here. Right now my go-to for F&C would be the Fish Shack on Granville - they offer several different kinds of fish so you could try a few new types (personally haddock has always been 'the' fish for F&C IMO) and they cook them all very well (crispy batter but not overcooked fish).

 

Best interesting breakfast in town is still Medina - go on a weekday, as the queue can easily reach an hour at weekend brunch time. For a slightly more traditional but still a bit fancy brekky, Twisted Fork on Granville also has long weekend queues. Catch 122 Bistro on Hastings is still off most peoples radar for breakfast, but they are also excellent.

 

For straight-up diner food at any time of day, Save On Meats cannot be beaten on value. Decent, home-cooked type staples like meatloaf, burgers and so on. Great breakfast sandwiches from the little booth outside if you just want to grab something to go as well. Other generically 'American' dishes can be found in all of our pubs, plus local chains like Earls, Milestone's and White Spot.

 

Mexican downtown is a real crapshoot - la Taqueria has a very short menu (as the name suggests, it's almost all tacos and other small items) but everything is consistently excellent and very authentic. I've been thoroughly disappointed with every other supposed-Mexican I've tried downtown - if you're really keen, Commercial Drive (c. 3 miles east of downtown) has a couple of decent ones. If Spanish food would be of interest, there's great Tapas you can sample in small portions in Judas Goat or Sardine Can, both very convenient for the Gassy Jack statue that no downtown visit would be complete without seeing. NB: tapas seems cheaper than it is as portions are small, so be careful how many you order!

 

Italian - The Old Spaghetti Factory on Water St seems to just keep packing people in, and they're certainly cheap, but I just don't like the blandness of the sauces. If you're not into strong flavours they might be right up your alley though. There are some tremendous neapolitan-style pizza joints - if you don't mind spending $15 on a 12" thin crust then Nicli Antica & Incendio in Gastown or Campagnolo & Farina just south of Chinatown on Main St all offer incredibly good pizzas. Campagnolo is good value in general but not cheap - although if you are here when they're doing any of their seasonal specials you can get a tremendous value prix fixe meal (e.g. deeeeelish lasagne & salad dinner for $20) - check their website nearer the time you're visiting.

 

As long as it's not something you both hate, I strongly suggest checking out some of our local Izakaya and noodle bars - you can't get better value than a big ol' bowl of ramen for dinner and we have some really good places in town, great flavour and huge portions for ~$10. Izakayas are basically Japanese pubs and tend to offer a wide variety of food that covers both generically Asian items (sushi, noodles, rice) as well as things that if they weren't actually called a Japanese name would fit in perfectly on the average UK/US pub menu (pork chops, chicken wings, sausages). If you'd be willing to consider visiting this kind of place, I'd be happy to recommend some to you.

[I am Lulu]

Thank you so much for all your suggestions martincath. We are in agreement regarding The Old Speggetti Factory! Now that you mentioned it, a do remember Milestone's from many years ago...as I remember, the food was good. Unfortunately, we can't avoid the weekend crowds...we disembark Saturday AM July 27th, and fly home on Monday in the late morning. I will copy your post and take it with us. I have spent so much time trying to figure out what we'll do in Alaska, that I'm just now getting serious about what to do and what to eat in Vancouver. We'll be leaving for our cruise in 2 days!!!

 

Dennis...thank you for your response as well. We will be staying at The Westin Grand, Vancouver. I have no idea what is around that area, or any area!

 

Again, I appreciate any help that's offered!

Linda

[Urban trekker]

You have almost the best of both worlds staying there - close to Yaletown - Milestone's, Cactus Club, Yaletown Brewery, the Keg and the cosmopolitan flavor of Robson's street varied eateries - there is a Tim Horton's located in the hotel for your morning coffee or late evening donut desires - I could go on but others will also be along and add some more of their favorites.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[martincath]

Indeed, an ideal location - right across the street from our first Vancouver apartment, so I'm very familiar with the area.

 

If you do decide to try ramen, head a couple of blocks down Robson (towards BC Place stadium, a very hard-to-miss landmark) and you'll find Ramen Jinya which is my fave noodle joint in town. Their 'premium pork broth' is - as the name suggest - super-porky! Three blocks down Richards from your hotel is Alpha Global, my fave Izakaya.

 

Subeez, a block down Homer, was always consistently good food and pretty good value. We'd alternate weekend brekky/brunch between here and Uva, a block further along Smithe - the black pudding there is truly outstanding.

 

Hidden, inside your hotel, used to be our favourite spot to finish off an afternoon of grazing Yaletown (wandering around several of the restos, having a drink and a nibble in each) as they had the cheapest Taylor Fladgate 20yr old Tawny in town at $11 a glass, a decent cheese plate and awesome made-on-request choc-chip cookies with bacon. Looks like the menu has changed a fair bit in the year since we last visited - the port's up to $14, still $6 a glass less than most restaurants, but I see no mention of the cheese or cookies - since it's inside your hotel I think it's worth your time to go inquire if they still have them:)

 

Everywhere else I already mentioned is very accessible from the Westin - you could even walk over past Science World on the Seawall and get to Campagnolo/Farina without having to walk through any of the less salubrious parts of town (just under 2km/1.2 miles)

[BCHappyGal]

Info on Vancouver from a local!

 

My favorite must do attractions are

 

1) Grouse Mountain – http://www.grousemountain.com – this is a wonderful scenic mountain only about 15 mins from downtown Vancouver. Ride the airtram to the top for lots of fun activities that include a loggers show, birds of prey show, 2 movies (1 about the Vancouver area and 1 about the 2 Grizzly Bears who make their home on Grouse Mtn) ride a chair lift higher up the mountain to visit the wind turbine that generates approximately 30% of the power required for Grouse Mountain Resort and visit with 2 live Grizzly Bears. Thrill to a 2 hour Zip Line Tour. Enjoy a meal in any of the restaurants. Caveat only spend the money to go up on a clear day.

2) Capilano Suspension Bridge – http://www.capbridge.com – this is Vancouver’s oldest tourist attraction and I still enjoy visiting it! Located on Capilano Road just before you reach the Grouse Mountain parking lot. Walk across a suspension Bridge over the Capilano Gorge, wonder the trails thru the rain forest, walk thru the treetops on the new Tree Top Adventure, traverse a Cliff Top walk, visit the trading post for a huge selection of souvenirs, watch native weavers and/or carvers at work.

3) Capilano Fish Hatchery is also located on Capilano Road and is a great place to view salmon jumping up the fish ladders to get around the Cleveland Dam. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capilano_River_Regional_Park

4) Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge – http://www.lynncanyon.ca - is also located in North Vancouver and is much less touristy than Capilano but it also is not as spectacular. The bridge is slightly higher above the water but much shorter in span. Located in a Provincial Park this bridge comes with some nice hiking trails and you will find an ecology centre in the park as well as picnic tables and a food concession outlet. Should you choose to enjoy the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge always cross the suspension bridge first and then hike down the trail to the lower (Twin Falls wooden) bridge to cross back over the Lynn Valley River and return to your car – that way you are hiking downhill rather than uphill. It is also free to visit this suspension bridge!

5) Stanley Park – http://www.vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley/ - is the crown jewel of Vancouver's parks. As one of North America's largest urban parks, covering over a 1000 acres and offering an abundance of activities. Enjoy the totem pole collection near the Brockton Point Light House, hiking trails, beaches, water parks for the kids (young & old), rose gardens, miniature train, petting zoo, aquarium –http://www.vanaqua.org – many view points, and several restaurants.

6) Vancouver Aquarium – http://www.vanaqua.org – is Canada’s largest aquarium and is committed to the conservation of marine life and education. Located in Stanley Park this is a fun place for the family to visit.

7) Gas Town – the location where Vancouver originated. The name is derived from a very colorful character named Gassy Jack who was one of the first settlers in the area and a salon keeper – while in Gas Town don’t miss your photo op with the statue of Gassy Jack and by the Steam Clock.

8) At the start of Gas Town is the Harbor Centre Tower http://www.vancouverlookout.com a great spot to start your tour of Vancouver with a birds eye view of the city. Either take the elevator up to the lookout level or go to the top and enjoy a meal in the revolving restaurant.

9) China Town is only about 6 blocks over from Gas Town and is the largest China Town north of San Francisco. While in China Town enjoy a visit to the Dr Sun Yat Sen Classical Gardens http://www.vancouverchinesegarden.com and also make sure you visit the world’s thinnest building it is only 6’ wide!

10) Granville Island – http://www.granvilleisland.com – is a huge public market area which not only sells fruit & veggies but you can also buy frozen fish to be shipped to your home. Many artists make this their home and you can watch them at work in their studios – making this a great place to buy unique souvenirs. The Granville Island Brewery is also located here and you can stop in for a free tour & tastes. There are theatres for live performances and many fine restaurants. A fun way to get to Granville Island is via the Aquabus – http://www.theaquabus.com

11) Burnaby Village Museum – http://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca – is an open air museum with over 30 restored homes, shops, school, church and a 1912 carousel situated on 10 acres

12) Gulf of Georgia Cannery – http://www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.com – is a restored fishing cannery located in the historic fishing village of Steveston (part of Richmond). Here you see exhibits that showcase the history of the fishing industry in British Columbia. Once finished in the museum it is great fun to walk along the fishing docks and see the fishing boats which are selling their catch. There are also some excellent restaurants located here.

13) The Vancouver Maritime Museum located on the shore of English Bay is fun for the whole family with lots of hands on exhibits for the kid in all of us. Here to you will find the ship St Roch which the RCMP sailed from Vancouver to Halifax via the Northwest Passage and then completed the return journey in 1944. You actually get to tour this ship. http://www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com

14) Queen Elizabeth Park http://www.vancouver.ca/parks/parks/queenelizabeth The 130 acre (52 hectare) park is one of the most beautifully maintained public parks in the world. Second only to Stanley Park in annual visitations, it receives nearly 6 million people a year who marvel at its superior standard of garden plantings.

The park was originally quarried for its rock which served to build Vancouver's first roadways. In 1929 the Board proceeded to acquire the property which had become an abandoned eyesore but still served as the site for two holding reservoirs for the City's drinking water. Dedicated as a park by King George VI and his consort, Queen Elizabeth (the present Queen's mother) on their much lauded visit to Vancouver in 1939.

15) Fort Langley is the restored wooden fort built by the Hudson’s Bay Company as a trading post. It is the origin of British Columbia and was the first capital. This Fort is operated by the Federal Parks Board. http://www.fortlangley.org

16) If you are a wine lover you might want to rent a car and spend a day visiting a few of the many excellent wineries located in the Fraser Valley only about a 1 hour drive from your hotel. Almost all of the wineries offer free tastes & tours. Two of the wineries have excellent restaurants on the premises. This makes for a very fun and relaxing day. Check out the Fraser Valley Wine Association web site for a map of winery locations and a brief description of each winery http://www.fvwa.ca

17) If you are a real animal lover than don’t miss “Mountain View Conservation & Breeding Centre” It is located in Fort Langley about an hour drive from downtown Vancouver. Mountain View Conservation and Breeding Centre is a leading non-profit Canadian facility that breeds endangered species in family groups for re-introduction back into their natural habitat in Canada and around the world. This facility is not a zoo their goal is to breed rare and endangered wildlife and re-introduce these animals back into their natural habitats. Presently Mountainview hosts over 50 species of the world’s most threatened animals and birds. See animals such as the spotted dog from Africa, Giraffes, and much much more. Here you do not wonder around as in a zoo rather you are given a guided tour with commentary on each animal group. Check it out at http://www.mtnviewconservation.org

18) VanDusen Botanical Garden is a scenic 55- acre garden of international renown – a living museum of plants collected from around the world and artistically displayed amidst rolling lawns, woodlands and five tranquil lakes, all in the heart of Vancouver and just 15 minutes from downtown.

Due to Vancouver’s mild climate, plants bloom at the Garden year-round. This same climate creates a unique environment where plants from varying climate regions thrive and grow – at VanDusen you will see plants from the southern hemisphere, tropical areas and the high Arctic tundra along side native species. The Elizabethan Maze (one of only six in North America) provides year-round fun.

19) UBC Botanical Garden located at the University of British Columbia covers 110 acres and includes an Alpine, Asian, Native, Food, and Japanese Gardens. http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org

20) Dazzle your senses when you visit Minter Gardens nestled against 7000 foot Mt. Cheam in beautiful 'Super Natural' British Columbia. One of the most spectacular show gardens in the world! Eleven themed gardens are designed to dazzle the senses with massive displays of artistic floral designs.

Minter Gardens is located 90 minutes east of downtown Vancouver just off the Trans-Canada Hwy. #1 at exit #135. http://www.mintergardens.com

21) Enjoy a FREE walking tour of Vancouver. The Gastown tour starts in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the Steam Clock in Gastown. The Downtown tour starts at the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the Olympic Cauldron. There is also a China Town tour and a Granville Island Tour. Check these tours out at http://www.tourguys.ca

 

 

Vancouver has a bunch of hop-on hop-off buses

 

http://www.vancouverpinkbustours.com/

 

http://www.vancouvertrolley.com/tours/hop-on-hop-off

 

http://bigbus.ca/home/