Neighbourhood corner store cafes are cropping up all over Metro Vancouver. The concept, according to Dished Vancouver, hails from Australia, where corner stores include not only everyday essentials and grocery items but also a full-service cafe with sandwiches, soups, coffee, and more. New York has a similar thing going on, if you’ve visited it’s likely you tried at least one bodega-made bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich after popping in to grab a pack of gum, a bottle of water, and a coffee to go.
Metro Vancouver is now getting the one-stop-shop experience, too. Some convenience store cafes offer regional fare and imported goods, while others have adopted the Australian-inspired ambiance with locally roasted coffee, organic produce, and free zines to read and take home.
By Brittany Tiplady
Find a convenience store cafe close to you below.
Vancouver
Mah Milkbar
1502 Victoria Drive
This brand new, queer-owned and operated convenience store cafe popped up in the Victoria Drive neighbourhood in October, and is already bustling with regulars. Mah is directly inspired by Australian milk bars and serves as the perfect corner spot for beautiful coffee (roasted by Doe Coffee), quality baked goods (do yourself a favour and order the dreamy Matcha Croissant), sandwiches, provisions, and fresh bread provided by Fife Bakery. There’s some fresh produce too, courtesy of Athiana Acres.
On a recent visit, I enjoyed a Roasted Squash Sandwich (sourdough, Salt Spring Island goat cheese, spinach, apple, onion jam), and a silky oat milk late on the patio bench. Coming home with me: a free zine, a loaf of Fife sourdough for dinner, and a greeting card from Saphhorica Creations.
The Drive Canteen
1111 Commercial Drive
One of the many projects from Doug Stephen and Lindsey Mann (DL Chicken Shack, Vennie’s Sub, Downlow Burgers) The Drive Canteen is for hot dog enthusiasts, sneakerheads, sports memorabilia collectors and those who enjoy quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Carrying local and imported goods, The Drive Canteen focuses on lifting up BC-based brands and vendors, carrying frozen items from brands like Legends Haul and beverages from Sea Cider, Strange Fellows and more. You likely have seen The Drive Canteen’s infamous hot dogs, nachos, and snack selections come across your Instagram feed, but in addition to those worthy treats, The Drive Canteen team prides themselves in offering a creative and robust selection of non-alcoholic beverages. Stop by from 11 AM to 8 PM every day.
Le Marché St. George
4393 St George Street
This dreamy, 16-seat French-inspired cafe has been an East Vancouver neighbourhood staple for many years–and for good reason. Without a doubt, Le Marché St. George is best known for their legendary crepes. You can’t go wrong with a sweet or savoury order but I am partial to the Ham & Gruyère, and the Roasted Pear & Brie Crepes. Also on the menu are sandwiches, soups, salads, and rotating quiches. And of course, coffee, tea, and matcha. On the convenience store front, Le Marché St. George often has seasonal produce from Athiana Acres, and grocery items like honey from East Van Bees, a selection of high-quality salts, and Two Rivers sausages. Candles and greeting cards are also often available to make Le Marché St. George truly a place of convenience.
North Vancouver
the modern pantry
102 – 2232 Marine Drive
Chef-owner Kendall Parslow brings great skill to the modern pantry’s menu with her Masters Degree in Food Culture and Communications from The University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, Italy. Serving both the North Shore and West Vancouver the modern pantry is equal parts bakery, cafe, and grocer, with Parslow’s education shining through on Italian-inspired fare.
On the menu is everything from hearty and nutritious salads and grain bowls, pastries (keep an eye out for the mouthwatering seasonal danishes, I had a Honey Roasted Peach Danish in the summer that changed my life), to breakfast sandwiches and bread. On the pantry shelf is a mix of provisions and personal care— modern pantry just started carrying local beauty brand k’pure naturals — and their line of own spices, teas, and more.
But that’s not all – modern pantry also offers catering and cooking classes for the community. Find one for you here.
Richmond
Arc Iberco Imports
1020-12471 Horseshoe Way
Calling all lovers of Ibérico and Spanish gastronomy, take a trip to Arc Iberco Imports in Richmond and transport yourself to a vacation in Spain. Not to be missed is Arc’s top tier “Bocadillo Experience:” a beautiful selection of Spanish-style sandwiches. Of course, if you are visiting Arc, you must also gawk at their impressive selection of Ibérico– warning, the price tag is not always for the faint of heart, but if you are in the market to treat yourself there’s no better place.
Also on the shelves: ANTONIO ROMERO brand of potato chips (Ibérico flavoured, of course); artisanal nuts, tinned fish, Spanish olive oil, and imported sweets and delicacies.
New Westminster
Gastronomia Italia
601 Columbia Street
For all your Italian cuisine hopes, dreams, and desires: Gastronomia Italia delivers. The Roman-style pizza and sandwiches displayed by the window will surely draw in hungry customers passing by on Downtown New West’s busy Columbia Street, but the shop has much more to offer. Pasta, focaccia, salads, desserts, and gelato are available to order and enjoy in the shop or to go. Recipe kits are also available for your home cooking and hosting endeavours, as well as charcuterie boxes and frozen take-home items like lasagnas. This gem of a deli is open Monday-Saturday. Consider Gastronmia for your next catered event or gathering.
There are many ways to get here by transit. Visit TransLink’s Trip Planner to find your way.
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