If you love discovering lesser-known spots & hidden gems around the city, get ready for the ultimate roadmap – starting with Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. Known for its unique storefronts and eclectic mix of cafes, craft breweries, galleries, and thrift stores, Mount Pleasant is an integral part of Vancouver’s arts & culture and dining scenes. Honestly, we could rave about it all day, but it’s more worthwhile to get out there and do some exploring for yourself! So with that in mind, here are 12 hidden gems to check out the next time you’re in Mount Pleasant.
The Mighty Oak
Chances are if you live between South Cambie and Main, you’ve already passed by this neighbourhood cafe and grocery store hundreds of times. For those who have not yet been inside, take it from us—it’s a really cute setup!
Patio seating, hanging plants, fresh pastries, and delicious espresso beverages for every palate. Our preference? Go for a cappuccino or one of their seasonal sips if that’s your thing, or grab a pesto turkey sandwich if you’ve got an appetite.
Where: 198 West 18th Avenue
Mangia Cucina & Bar
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If you’re looking for authentic Sicilian food in a cozy setting, then look no further than Mangia Cucina. The restaurant is located in a converted heritage house in Mount Pleasant, just a stone’s throw away from False Creek. Chef Alessandro showcases his love for regional cuisine by serving up a mix of his favourite recipes, as well as a slew of cocktails and Italian wines to pair with the meal. Honestly, this one’s our top pick for any occasion – be it date night or a casual round of drinks and antipasti.
Oh, and this spot is one of the few restos in Vancouver to be awarded the international quality seal ‘Ospitalità Italiana’ by the Italian government. So that’s definitely something to keep in mind!
Where: 2211 Manitoba Street
Hail Mary’s
While they can’t turn water into wine, they have plenty of delicious cocktails and Mary’s pilsner (20 oz for $8) to make up for it. And a funky “hell versus heaven” theme going on, as the name suggests. Hail Mary’s is one of those bars that you discover spontaneously on a night out, and it instantly becomes your new fave bar. Plus, they have a later happy hour from 5 to 7 pm – perfect for the after-work crowd.
Where: 670 East Broadway
Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions
This neighbourhood bar & grill is one of the best themed bars we’ve seen in Vancouver. Decked out in decor from the 60s and 70s, Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions is situated in an adorable white character house and boasts not one, but two outdoor patios, complete with stunning murals, large picnic tables, and flexible seating. Perfect for a couple of cocktails and charcoal grilled eats as you watch the sunset, if you ask us.
Where: 67 West 6th Avenue
Friendlies Bar
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Rounding up the bars on this list is Friendlies – a laid-back spot with incredible cocktails situated right across the street from Main Steet’s buzzing Bar Susu. If you’re looking for somewhere new to grab a drink in the area or creating the perfect bar hop map, this is definitely one to add. As the name suggests, Friendlies is the perfect place to unwind with friends old and new.
Where: 208 East 12th Avenue
The James Black Gallery
The James Black Gallery is an artist-run gallery where members of their collective can exhibit their work and host interdisciplinary events open to the public. From Hot Fruit Figure Drawing sessions to new exhibits like the “bahay na babalik-balikan (a home to always return to)” exhibit – it’s always a good idea to support local artists and get inspired.
Where: 144 East 6th Avenue
The Rag Machine
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We remember the good ‘ole days when you could pay for vintage wear by the pound over at The Rag Machine. And while they’ve stopped doing that (for now?) – we think it’s still a cool place to pay a visit if you feel like working for your vintage treasures. As in, bag secured and hands ready to sort through their buckets of clothing – riddled with hidden gems and eye-catching finds. You can definitely find some amazing pieces if you’re willing to work for it!
Where: 2425 Main Street
Milano Coffee Roasters
Sitauted across from Jonathon Rogers Park, Milano Coffee Roasters is by far one of the best coffee spots in the city. With 13 different-origin coffees to choose from (and home to Vancouver’s only espresso-tasting bar), you can truly taste the “Italian soul” in each blend. And rest assured, they’ve got dark, medium, fair, and decaf options for every type of coffee lover out there.
If you’re looking to break into the coffee aficionado scene in Vancouver, this is a must-visit.
Where: 156 West 8th Avenue
So there you have it, Vancouver! The next time you’re out and about in Mount Pleasant – consider popping by one of these spots and doing a bit of exploring!
