November 2nd, 2017

Around Town

It’s been awhile since we have talked about the neighborhoods in our beautiful city of Vancouver. The last one was “3 Must-see Design Districts in Vancouver.” This time, we are featuring neighborhoods around our downtown core – Railtown, Chinatown and Yaletown. They are jam packed with great finds and will leave you wanting to come back for more! As a designer we always appreciate an inspiring space whether thats a coffee shop, retail space or beautiful building! We suggest you take your time walking each street and popping into unexpected shops and cafes. Keep reading for a few our favorites!

Railtown

Chances are, you have never been to Railtown or have not even heard of it before. It is just East of the always busy and tourist filled Gastown. It is definitely a bit more quiet and industrial, but if you venture out this way, you are sure to come across some gems. Looking for a place to grab brunch this weekend? Ask for Luigi is just the place if you fancy a fresh hand-made pasta in a casual yet intimate setting. Be sure to arrive early as there are no reservations! Another good place to pop-by for a good evening is The Belgard Kitchen and Postmark Brewing. You won’t miss it when you drive by because of its enormous wood doors. Inside, you can choose to taste some of Postmark’s beer brewed on location before grabbing a seat and enjoying some modern tapas. Finally, if you’re looking for something very unique and custom for your home, you should definitely head over to Alexander Centre (611 Alexander St.). This is where you will find the showrooms of companies such as Crown Wallpaper and Fabrics, AnneStarr and Jan Kath. You have been warned, you will get lost in the land of wallpaper, fabrics and rugs! Heads up though, not all of these designer showrooms are open to the public so be sure to call first.

Chinatown

Did you know that Vancouver’s Chinatown is the largest in North America? No wonder it is a tourist destination! Other than the beautiful Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens – which everyone should visit at least once – Chinatown is packed with many great places to shop and eat. Looking for some new cookware? Ming Wo  is filled with great finds, whether it is some new cutlery, dishware or a new kitchen gadget. For those who are into street-style fashion, be sure to wander into El Kartel. Although it may look insignificant from the street, the store is quite large on the inside and has something for both males and females. Looking for a quick snack? Pop into New Town Bakery & Restaurant  and pick up a couple of fresh Chinese buns and be sure to get a Hong-Kong style milk tea while you’re at it! Finally, if you find yourself in Chinatown on an evening, take a seat at Juniper and enjoy one of their charcuterie boards with a glass of wine. It’s a great place to catch up with a few friends!

Yaletown

Hip and always happening, Yaletown doesn’t ever seem to sleep. In the summer, the restaurant patios are always packed and there is constant buzz on Mainland and Hamilton Streets. It is very easy to do some shopping absolutely anything in this neighborhood. Start the day off with a pastry and coffee at the ever-popular Small Victory Bread & Coffee. Looking for something for your home? Be sure to check out The Cross Décor & Design. For those of you who like to spoil your furry friends, Barking Babies is the place for you! Got a sweet tooth? Karameller Candy Shop is your next stop for some irresistible Swedish candies. Of course, Yaletown has plenty of places to grab a bit to eat. The Banter Room  has an eclectic interior that’s perfect for lunch whereas a whimsical night sipping wine in the courtyard of Brix and Mortar is an absolute must.

Which neighborhood will you check out first? Let us know with the hashtag #area3aroundtown