Vancouver is no stranger to the classic diner scene. But we’ll admit that it takes a little digging to find the city’s treasured mom-and-pop shops. Luckily, we’ve rounded all of them up so you’re able to check off each one as you visit. Whether you want a cheap breakfast, a great burger, or an upscale brunch with a touch of nostalgia, there is something out there for everyone. Let’s get into it!
Here are 9 retro-style diners in & around Vancouver to check out ASAP.
Argo Cafe
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Sitting just off Main Street and 2nd Ave, Argo Cafe came under new ownership in 2004 and has been shining ever since. A classic diner with a wide variety of fusion dishes, Argo definitely has something for everyone. Keep it simple with a burger and a side of soup, or go for broke with one of their daily specials.
Where: 1836 Ontario Street
Bon’s Off Broadway
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As far as Vancouver diners go, this one’s definitely the most affordable. Bon’s is a greasy spoon like none other in the city, complete with graffitied walls galore. Grab a classic breakfast (the ham and hash brown options are still $3), or explore one of the dozen other menu items if you’re feeling adventurous. And if you play your cards right, you can still have breakfast & a beer for $5!
Where: 2451 Nanaimo Street
Deacon’s Corner Main Street
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With two locations in Vancouver, Deacon’s Corner started in Gastown in 2009 and hasn’t looked back since. The food is a little more classy here, but the menu items are just as blue-collar as anywhere else. A case in point is the Big Mountie, which uses three slices of brioche, pulled pork, swiss cheese and fried chicken.
Note that its Kitsilano location is currently closed due to a fire.
Where: 101 Main Street
Hilltop Diner Cafe
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This one’s a bit of a trek from Vancouver, we know, but if you’re in Langley for the day, then you have to check it out. Hilltop Diner was originally built to service a motel along the old Highway 1A on the same property – and eventually became a “halfway mark” between Vancouver and Chilliwack, pre-Fraser Highway days. Now, they still serve up all the history, charm, and delicious pies they used to – plus a ton of new great diner eats.
Where: 23904 Fraser Highway, Langley
Lucy’s Eastside Diner
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Lucy’s is pretty much a Main Street fixture at this point – and is widely recognized across Metro Van as one of the best places for boozy milkshakes and fried eats, and it’s open every day until midnight. Our suggestion? Go for a couple of shakes on their sunny patio one afternoon, or end a night out with their signature chicken and waffles.
Where: 2708 Main Street
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Northern Cafe & Grill
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If you find yourself in South Van, or you’re making a trip to Ikea in Richmond, then this is the spot for you. Nestled inside Northern Building Supply, the Northern Cafe is the most authentic diner on this list. Grab some lumber or hardware, then treat yourself to a burger or some chicken strips before you start your home improvement project.
Where: 1640 East Kent Avenue, South Vancouver
Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe
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Open since 1988, Sophie’s is a favourite amongst the university crowd and has certainly earned its spot amongst the best diners in Vancouver. Sitting on West 4th, this spot has a great interior and a nice patio for summer brunch. It’s so kitschy that it’s fun, and the food is as filling as it is tasty.
Where: 2095 West 4th Avenue
The Sunshine Diner
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This one’s the classic milkshake in a red leather booth retro-diner experience. And they’ve got some amazing burgers and breakfast bennys to show for it! From the Pulled Pork Benedict to their iconic Fat Elvis Burger – you really can’t go wrong. Plus, you can’t miss it with the Marilyn Monroe and Elvis statues out front!
Where: 2649 West Broadway
The Templeton
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The Templeton won an outstanding achievement award from the BC heritage society back in 1997 and has been a diner since 1934 under various names. Probably the highest quality diner on this list, The Templeton is the place to go when your parents or grandparents want to have a great breakfast in a setting they would have experienced as kids. All-day breakfast in one of the most historic buildings in the city?? You got it!
Where: 1087 Granville Street
And that’s our roundup of some of the best diners in Vancouver. Use this list to impress your friends the next time it’s your turn to pick a breakfast or burger joint.
