Vancouver

Mount Pleasant: One of Vancouver’s Oldest Neighbourhoods

Unique features: craft breweries; independent eateries, bars, and cafes; diverse cuisines
Cultures & influences: multicultural, farm-to-table, West Coast
Ambiance: Lively; community-focused; sidewalk patios; laidback drinking and eating


Over the last twenty years, the dining and drinking scene in Mount Pleasant has grown exponentially, making it one of the most vibrant culinary neighbourhoods in the city. Situated roughly between Cambie Street and Clark Drive from east to west, and False Creek and 16th Avenue from north to south, Mount Pleasant is a hub for breweries and casual independent eateries and bars. More recently, it’s put itself on the map with some of the finest dining establishments in the country.

Mount Pleasant Map

The area has historically been a site for breweries due to a large creek that ran through the heart of it, along what is now known as Main Street. In 1888, a German-born businessman set up the neighbourhood’s first brewery, Vancouver Brewery, and also built a damn across the creek to power its milling operations. From there, other breweries, including the San Francisco Brewery, set up shop—all the way to False Creek, near the mouth of the creek. “It became known as Brewery Creek, and that became the unofficial official title,” says Christine Hagemoen, a Mount Pleasant historical researcher and author of Mount Pleasant Stories: Historical Walking Tours. She adds that, at its peak in late 1800s and early 1900s, the neighbourhood had four breweries operating at one time.

Mount Pleasant became known as the first ‘suburb’ outside of the downtown core because of its prime location, first for wagon-road traffic and then later for visitors coming by streetcar. The Junction Inn opened in 1876 at what is now the intersection of 15th Avenue and Fraser Street/Kingsway, serving beverages to travelers. “It was the first pub or bar, so [Mount Pleasant] has a long history of drinking,” Hagemoen says. Even during Prohibition and later restrictive liquor laws, Mount Pleasant maintained a lively drinking culture through private clubs and underground establishments, such as the Cellar Jazz Club. This rich history very much informs Mount Pleasant’s dining and drinking scene today.

What Makes Mount Pleasant Unique as a Dining and Drinking Destination

Mount Pleasant’s brewery scene saw the start of a renaissance with the opening of R&B Brewing in 1997. Since then, the area has exploded with craft breweries, including 33 Acres Brewing Company, Brassneck Brewery, and Red Truck Beer Company. Hagemoen says that Main Street Brewing Co. is located on the site of the old Vancouver Brewery in a building once called Ye Olde Brewery Garage. Of course, brewing technology has come a long way since those early days. These current breweries have won numerous awards for their innovative offerings, which they showcase in their taprooms and bars, along with tasty bites.

Yaletown Breweries

The neighbourhood is also home to a wide array of casual eateries and cafes that serve everything from comforting soups and stews to delicious thin crust pizza. Hagemoen says that in the mid-twentieth century, Mount Pleasant was home to many industrial sites and warehouses, giving rise to casual establishments that served affordable meals for workers in the area. The area remained fairly tranquil until the 1990s when Vancouver residents and businesses began relocating eastward. The new inflow catalyzed significant revitalization of the area, so much that Mount Pleasant has become one of the hottest dining and drinking neighbourhoods in the city. Many of the restaurants maintain the same relaxed vibe as the places of the past, but at the same time elevate their cuisine through expert technique and fresh, high-quality ingredients. “There’s been a real dynamic shift in the quality of establishment that have set up in the area,” says Neil Wyles, Executive Director of the Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Area (MPBIA).

Anh and Chi
Anh and Chi

Restaurants also reflect the neighbourhood’s long-standing diversity. Not only was the area originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, but Hagemoen also says that the area has strong immigrant roots. Today, an array of cuisines is represented, including Afghani, Mexican, Japanese, Vietnamese, Italian, and French.

And alongside this global character, Mount Pleasant’s restaurants and bars are also proudly local. Andrea Carlson, chef and owner of Burdock and Co, one of Vancouver’s pioneers of farm-to-table dining, loves how the neighbourhood has retained its distinctive character.  “I think what makes Mount Pleasant so unique is the independent spirit of the bars and restaurants. The vibe is bolstered by the community-relevant art, fashion, and design shops that are locally owned and operated. It is a young and vibrant community,” she says.

This youthful energy has led to exciting new restaurants that have taken Mount Pleasant—and the nation—by storm. Published on Main, which highlights seasonal local ingredients in beautifully crafted plates, was awarded the top spot in the 2022 Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants. Co-owner Cody Allmin, who also operates Bar Susu, a popular natural wine bar in the area, lives in Mount Pleasant and loves its community focus. “There are a lot of familiar faces. It has that kind of energy to it,” he says.

Bar Susu
Bar Susu

Allmin opened Published because he felt the neighbourhood was ready for an establishment that serves more refined cuisine, while still remaining accessible and neighbourhood-friendly. “Since we opened up, several other businesses have opened up in the area that are definitely leaning closer to what Published is doing, which is great to see,” he says. Wyles from the MPBIA predicts that Mount Pleasant’s culinary scene will just keep expanding. “There’s always been something here but it’s really come alive in the last few years,” he says.

Mount Pleasant Events to Put on Your Calendar

Mount Pleasant, the birthplace of the Vancouver Mural Festival (VMF), is home to over a hundred murals, which collectively reflect the eclectic diversity of the neighbourhood. Every August, the VMF celebrates the launch of new murals with tours and street parties, many of which feature food and drink. Visitors flock to Mount Pleasant to admire the public art, as well as to grab a bite and a drink nearby.

Mural Mount Pleasant

Main Street’s annual Car Free Day invites everyone to wander from East 10th to King Edward Avenue in a joyous street party. In addition to local vendors, musical entertainment, and games for the whole family, the event features food trucks and stalls. Restaurants along Main Street participate, serving everything from spring rolls to tacos along the way.

The Mount Pleasant Farmer’s Market takes place at Dude Chilling Park from approximately May to October. Stock up on fresh produce and artisan goods and meet local farmers.

The MPBIA also hosts a variety of other family-friendly events throughout the year, such as pancake breakfasts, live music in public plazas, and other interactive community gatherings.

There is no shortage of things to eat, drink, and experience in Mount Pleasant.

 

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