When was the last time you were around Kingsway and Fraser in the East Van Neighbourhood? This little ‘hood is growing in popularity, thanks to the Detached House market in the neighbourhood (sitting on the cusp of Mount Pleasant, Main, Fraser & Knight) and some great, newer condo/townhouse buildings built in the last few years only a few blocks away (for example, Uno and The Block). The intersection at Kingsway and Fraser has some interesting restaurants and shops, worthy of bragging about, so here are a few of my favourites:
My Favourite Spots near Kingsway & Fraser
Sal Y Limon (701 Kingsway) – A casual and true Mexican restaurant offering delicious sandwiches, and…. Every time I’ve been in, whether for lunch or dinner, it’s been filled with customers, so much so that they are expanding into the space next door. Tortas, sopes, burritos and quesadilla’s, they do them all right with great flavours and a nice amount of spice. Open for lunch and dinner.
Los Cuervos (603 Kingsway)- Another fantastic Taqueria and Cantina in the area, with a focus on delicious tostadas and tacos. Inspired by street food in Mexico City, this place is casual and cool, a nice place to grab a bite to eat in the evening. Open for dinner.
Matchstick Coffee (639 East 15th) – Matchstick focuses on delicious, high quality coffee with quality beans, locally sourced food and ingredients for delicious meals and snacks. The space is gorgeous: modern, white, clean and inviting – you can easily spend hours here working or with friends.
Les Faux Bourgeois (663 East 15th) – Les Faux Bourgeois is a hidden gem in Vancouver. Known to be a casual romantic restaurants, with classic french food, great wine and a cozy room. This will be your go too for a great meal when you want a nice night. It’s open every day but Monday for dinner.
The Black Lodge (630 Kingsway) – A “Twin Peaks” themed bar in Vancouver with interesting decor and great vegetarian and vegan food. It’s s unique place, and you’ll have a great time while enjoying some libations.
Kingsway and Fraser is a unique intersection of different types of cuisine, tons of small shops, repair shops and beauty salons with easy access to many other areas of the city. A little further south on Fraser street are two of my favourites: Graze for Vegetarian and Earnest Ice Cream for Dessert. Head northwest from here and you’ll be in the SOMA district, near the new brew pubs and head about 6 blocks west, and you’ll hit Main St – where you can find a plethora of restaurants, bars and local shops. Commercial Drive is a short distance to the East. Head southeast down Kingsway and you’ll reach Joyce-Collingwood, then Metrotown in Burnaby.
Parks near Kingsway & Fraser
Robson Park – Robson Park is a nice park in this neighbourhood, with tennis courts, basketball courts, lots of green space, community gardens, playgrounds and more. Located between Carolina and St. George, between Kingsway and East 13th.
Sunnyside Park – Sunnyside Park is the park attached to the popular Charles Dickens School. Lots of grassy space, big trees and a great playground, this is a perfect place to bring the kids.
There are a number of buses that can get you downtown and elsewhere in the city from the Kingsway and Fraser intersection.
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