The Best New Eats and Drinks on Vancouver’s Fraser Street

Full of great restaurants, coffee shops and dessert shops, Fraser Street is quickly becoming the place to eat in Vancouver

If you’ve been hearing a lot recently that Fraser Street is the new Main, it’s for a good reason: specialty shops, delicious restaurants and unique coffee shops are popping up everywhere along this East Van street. From the busy intersection at Kingsway, all the way up to 33^rd Ave., more and more businesses are opening up shop. From incredible ice cream to specialty Colombian coffee, Fraser Street has it all.

Earnest Ice Cream

Remember when you could only get Earnest Ice Cream at certain farmers markets and a few grocery stores? And who could forget that adorable ice cream tricycle they had? Since Earnest Ice Cream opened up their very own shop last summer on Fraser Street, you can eat their ice cream whenever you want. Earnest likes to keep it local – all of their ice cream is made from local milk, cream and eggs. They offer specialty and seasonal flavours, including favourites like Salted Caramel, Whiskey Hazelnut, and London Fog.

3992 Fraser Street, 604.428.0697

Los Cuervos Taqueria & Cantina

Enjoy the tastes Mexico and at Los Cuervos. Brought to you by the people behind Les Faux Bourgeois, Los Cuervos provides authentic Mexican dishes and flavours. Everything at Los Cuervos is fresh to order, from their tacos to hot sauces. If you’re all about meat, try the Lomo Cantinero taco (slow roasted pork shoulder, pineapple pico de gallo salsa) or the Alambre (bison skirt steak, bacon, melted cheese, onions, peppers). Seafood more to your liking? The Camaron (prawns, guacamole, tamarind sauce, pico de gallo) taco will hit the spot. And don’t forget about the tequila (we know you won’t, but we had to say it anyways).

603 Kingsway, 604.558.1518

Matchstick Coffee Roasters

Matchstick Coffee Roasters might not be the newest kids on the block anymore, but they’re definitely still a favourite. Their coffee comes from a variety of places around the world, including Africa to South America, so there’s always a delicious new blend to try. In addition to coffee, they also serve delicious teas and baked goods.

639 East 15^th Avenue, 604.558.0639

The Black Lodge

If you caught Twin Peaks back in the early ’90s, you’ll be hit hard with déjà vu once you step into The Black Lodge. The vibe of this vegetarian diner is similar to the town of Twin Peaks – pleasant on the surface but with something slightly sinister just waiting to bubble over. The pleasant factor: it will remind you of a log cabin from summer camp. The creepy factor: Laura Palmer’s (the dead homecoming queen from the show) photo on the counter. After you get past the look of the place and get to the chow, you’re in for a treat. The Black Lodge serves up all your favourite campfire foods including chili, smokies, s’mores, and, our personal favourite, Hawkin’s Cheezies.

630 Kingsway, 604.620.7070

Graze

Eating vegetarian doesn’t have to mean questionable faux burgers and boring salads, and Graze definitely proves that. Graze offers a menu that is entirely plant-based (even their drinks) and uses local and organic ingredients as much as possible. They also have extensive gluten-free options for brunch and dinner. Their antipasti board is killer – with the Chef’s selection of fresh herb flatbread, cultured nut cheese, pickles, preserves, smoked olives and pates. Graze also features favourites like breakfast tacos topped with house made spicy salsa roja and a macaroni dish with smoky coconut cheddar sauce.

3980 Fraser Street, 604.620.882

Jethro’s Fine Grub

Breakfast lovers rejoice: Jethro’s Fine Grub, a West Side exclusive until now, has opened up another shop in East Van. Same good ol’ menu, same good ol’ delicious food. For those new to Jethro’s, treat yourself to their Cowboy’s Breakfast or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, build your own omelet. If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, try their Apple Cobbler French Toast. Jethro’s also offers plenty of tasty burgers and sandwiches. 

3455 Fraser Street, 604.620.5292