Charlatan

In the heart of the Drive, this bar has a very practical layout. It has two levels: the top has the bar surrounded by stools, televisions, and tables while down the stairs there is an elevated portion with a big screen tv. The lowest section is secluded enough that you can have a comfortable conversation even when it’s packed full. When it’s nice enough, they open the patio which is long and narrow against the outer brick wall facing the side street. The side street the patio is facing is lines with willow trees creating a more intimate atmosphere and blocking what little sound reaches around the corner while maintaining a view of one of the Drive’s busiest areas. The selection of beer is also venerable.

Pint of Kilkenny: $5.75
Pint of Snake Bite: $5.75

Poutine: $8

Location/Map
604-253-2777

 

The End Cafe

Suprising large: another cafe/bar on The Drive.  It’s gone under new management and renovated since the summer. It looks like the capacity has increased a bit while moving all the food into the kitchen instead of having a sandwhich display.

Pitcher of Granville Island Winter Ale: $13

Location/Map
604-215-3888

 

Cafe du Soleil

Cafe du Soleil is at the core of The Drive.  A couple blocks north of Commercial Station, this vegetarian cafe boasts sandwiches, soups, wraps, smoothies, and beer.  Even more characteristic of The Drive, some items seem wholly overpriced while other seem to be mostly financed by the other items.  But at $5 for some soups and sandwiches, things might even out if you don’t just go to drink.  There’s a wide variety of tables and booths for any type of groups and a small stage.

Pitchers (everything): $16.55
Pints (everything): $5.25

Storms IPA and Black Plague
Russell Cream Ale, Pale Ale, and Lager
R & B’s Surged Wheat Ale and Reddevil
Crannogs Organic Irish Ale

604-254-1145
Location/Map