Three (delicious) things to do in this rapidly transforming neighbourhood.
Hastings-Sunrise, known by some as the East Village, has finally woken up. Chefs and restaurateurs have worked hard in recent years to transform this formerly sleepy ’hood into one of Vancouver’s tastiest spots—and with plenty of commercial space in the area, it’s also well on its way to becoming a unique retail destination for makers, antique collectors and designophiles alike.
Brunch at Red Wagon
This is your hip brunch spot. Order the Super Trucker: buttermilk pancakes layered with slow-roasted pulled pork—plus eggs, crispy pork belly, homefries, toast and add Jack Daniels-spiked syrup ($19). 2296 E Hastings St., redwagoncafe.com
Beer Dinner at Tacofino
The minds that brought you the city’s best fish taco have teamed up with B.C. craft breweries (among them, Phillips Brewing and Strathcona Beer) for a series of collaborative dinners. 2327 E Hastings St., tacofino.com
Chill Out at Far Out Coffee Post
A killer bean menu with affordable small eats—plus itʼs a pinball arcade, record store and vintage clothing pop-up shop. 2173 Dundas St., facebook.com/FarOutCoffeePost
New Hastings-Sunrise Development
Hastings Park and the PNE are getting a major refresh that includes everything from a new exhibition building and expanded Playland rides to experimental gardens and a daylighted stream, as well as improved connection to picturesque New Brighton Park. The ambitious master plan, which is expected to take two decades to complete and will require financial partnerships, also promises to turn the site into a year-round destination. But already the reopened Empire Fields and recently renamed Slidey Slides Park have been a huge hit.
