Local go tos

The Province: The Alibi Room was the first place in Vancouver to serve Central City Brewing's Red Racer IPA, now a benchmark of the West Coast IPA style. More at the link. Read more.

Sean Calder: Eat the Gyoza (it has pork, so it's not for you veggies). So tasty.

Metro News: The 1920s-inspired drinks are worth it alone, but the food is the real draw. Try the neon squid steaks (worth having twice), chicken liver pate or a Sloppy Joe, and chilled rice pudding with figs. Read more.

Maurice: Go to Tinseltown and catch a first-run documentary, foreign film, big-budget blockbuster or indie film. Munch on popcorn during or eat at the food fair prior...

Rita Nguyen: try their pan fried oysters.

Vanessa Tam: Good place for volly ball and skim boarding when the tide is out! Read more.

Gagan Diesh: Walk around the sea-wall. Get to know why Vancouver is the most beautiful city in the world.

Vancouver Sun: Singer Jill Barber plays a set in Gastown (video): http://bit.ly/i0F9QF Read more.

VH1: Sick of washroom line ups? Did you know that there is a bathroom upstairs in the Commodore? – Team Live Nation

Heather Watson: Go to Narrow Lounge and look for the red light. If it's on, they're open. Bring your own records and play them on their turntable.

Boris Mann: Order a "Duchess" beer - a Flemish cask aged red ale, that tastes a bit like fruit, and a bit like balsamic vinegar.

K Scott: Very knowledgeable about wine: tasting notes from memory and always quick with a food pairing suggestion. You're on your own for liquors and beer though.

Jodi Beaubier: Excellent selection and presentation of food....I love shopping here. The dinners to go are a very good value...Healthy and yummy!

Shelley H: Look at the soles of each pair of shoes - there's a message for you.

Lindsay Chetek: One of Hastings-Sunrise's gems. Amazing treats.

Andrea Cheung: Order the dulce de leche dessert. Amazing.

The Province: The Biltmore, at Prince Edward Street and East 12th Avenue, can be hipster trendy but the space still feels comfortable with its wooden interior, odd knickknacks and laid-back atmosphere. One of the b Read more.

Vancouver Sun: What do you think of the plans for a brand new concert hall at the existing site of the Vancouver Art Gallery? Read more.

Viviana Palacios: Always service with a smile, the kaide chirashi and marinated tuna don are favs!

Nomadic Chick: Same owners as Irish Heather, but in the heart of Blood Alley - pray tell - what kind of alley has a name like that? Salt boasts some delectable wines & tasting plates! Read more.

Candace C.: Great pour over, nice open concept space with high ceilings, and the staff is very friendly!

Dilara 🐰: You can't go wrong with any of the sandwiches here, the porchetta is especially delicious. Napkins & water at the back. Their mustard is outstanding & available for sale.