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Home » Recent posts » We took on South Main (SoMa) Vancouver—here’s what you’ll love (and what surprised us!) 

We took on South Main (SoMa) Vancouver—here’s what you’ll love (and what surprised us!) 

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Welcome to South Main, affectionately known as SoMa, where the coffee flows as freely as the conversations. I still remember my first stroll down these streets—I popped into a brewery and ended up getting shitfaced from all the delicious craft beers.

It felt like the neighborhood was welcoming me with open arms. From quirky shops to mouth watering eateries, SoMa is a hidden gem that’s just waiting to be explored. 

Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, or just looking for a good time, South Main has something special for everyone!

Where is South Main Vancouver?

south-main-google-map
Image Source: Google Maps

South Main Vancouver, also known as SoMa, is nestled just southeast of the downtown peninsula. It spans the stretch of Main Street from East 2nd Avenue all the way to East 33rd Avenue.

Best Time to Visit South Main Vancouver

The best time to visit South Main is during the summer when the streets come alive and outdoor patios buzz with activity. Be sure to check out the summer farmers’ market at Dude Chilling Park for a taste of local flavors and community spirit.

How to Get to South Main Vancouver

By car: from downtown Vancouver, head to W Georgia Street and take the ramp to Chinatown. From there, turn right onto Main Street and turn left into E 15th Avenue.

By public transit: board the N19 bus in Granville Street. Then, get off at E 13th Avenue and walk to South Main.

What to Do and See in South Main Vancouver

Stroll through Dude Chilling Park

Media credit: bswardell

Address: 2390 Brunswick Street

Phone: +1 604-873-7000

Operating hours:  Monday to Sunday: 7am to 10pm

Website

Dude Chilling Park is a chill little spot in the city, complete with green spaces, walking paths, and the famous “Dude Chilling” statue—a laid-back figure perfectly embodying the park’s vibe.

The nearby farmers market is a local gem, offering up plenty of regional and organic goodies. You might even spot a community garden tucked away here. It’s not the most stunning park, but that’s kind of the charm. 

It feels like a real neighborhood hangout, a slice of everyday life that’s a world away from the downtown tourist scene.

Visit Heritage Hall

Media credit: heritagehallvancouver

Address: 3102 Main Street

Phone: +1 604-671-9356

Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 11am to 5pm

Website

Heritage Hall is the epitome of vintage charm, with its timeless, classic design and impeccably maintained interiors. The spacious inside offers a nostalgic glimpse of old-school elegance.

Situated right in the heart of Main Street in East Vancouver, this spot is not only convenient but also a feast for the eyes with its stunning architecture. 

It’s an ideal venue for any event, and honestly, the building’s beauty speaks for itself—minimal decorating required!

Drop by the Grunt Gallery

Media credit: gruntgallery

Address: 350 E 2nd Avenue

Phone: +1 604-875-9516

Pricing: $ 

Operating hours:  

  • Tuesday: 12pm to 5pm
  • Wednesday and Thursday: 12pm to 7pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 12pm to 5pm

Website

Grunt Gallery, a Canadian artist-run center founded in 1984, has been a staple in Vancouver’s art scene ever since. Showcasing works from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, it’s a space where diverse voices come together.

This gallery is always a treat—expect clever, thought-provoking exhibitions that never fail to impress. Definitely one of the standout venues in Vancouver’s cultural landscape!

Have Fun at Zero Latency

Media credit: zerolatencyvr

Address: Kingsgate Mall, 370 E Broadway Unit #101

Phone: +1 604-423-4753

Pricing: $$ 

Operating hours:  

  • Monday to Thursday: 2pm to 9pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 12pm to 12am
  • Sunday: 12pm to 9pm

Website

Zero Latency is front and center as you enter the complex, offering the largest virtual reality gaming experience around. With an impressive lineup of space, action, and robot games, there’s something for every type of gamer.

The game and level designs are perfectly tailored to the space, allowing you to see your teammates in action. The gameplay is thrilling, sometimes even a bit jumpy, and definitely keeps you engaged from start to finish.

One heads-up for those with glasses: make sure your frames don’t block the headset sensor. Contact lenses or wire-framed glasses are your best bet for an optimal experience!

Try Out Local Brews at Brassneck Brewery

Media credit: brassneckbrew

Address: 2148 Main Street

Phone: +1 236-485-1398

Pricing: $ 

Operating hours:  

  • Monday: 2pm to 10pm
  • Tuesday to Friday: 2pm to 11pm
  • Saturday: 12pm to 11pm
  • Sunday: 2pm to 10pm

Website

Brassneck Brewery is a go-to spot in SoMA for any beer lover, and we doubt any enthusiast will leave disappointed. Not only is the beer on point, but the bread’s a nice touch too! 

If you’re torn on which brew to try, they’ll happily let you sample before committing. It’s the perfect spot to kick back on a Friday and enjoy a laid-back vibe with a great pint in hand.

Where to Eat and Drink in South Main Vancouver

Burgoo Bistro

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Address: 3096 Main Street

Phone: +1 604-873-1441

Pricing: $$ 

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11am to 10pm

Good to know: Great for comfort food

Website

Burgoo is like the cozy cottage of comfort food, offering a menu that’s not overly large but covers all the essentials—perfect for diners of any age. The Mini Mac and Cheese? Pure cheesy goodness with that perfectly stringy texture. 

The Kentucky Burgoo is a standout, with lamb so tender it practically melts in your mouth, making it an excellent pairing with the mac and cheese.

Toshi Sushi

Media credit: toshisushivan

Address: 181 E 16th Avenue

Phone: +1 604-874-5173

Pricing: $$ 

Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Friday: 4:30pm to 8:45pm
  • Saturday: 12pm to 8:45pm

Good to know: Good for takeout sushi

Website

Toshi Sushi is a charming little Japanese spot with a fantastic vibe and friendly servers. It’s cozy, so if space is a concern, just note it’s on the smaller side, with both bar and table seating available. 

Their seasonal menu is a gem, featuring rare fish typically found only at omakase. While we love trying new things, the hamachi and bluefin ootoro remain our favorites! And don’t forget to finish off with their delicious hojicha ice cream—it’s a must-try!

Sun Sui Wah

Media credit: sunsuiwah

Address: 3888 Main Street

Phone: +1 604-872-8822

Pricing: $$ 

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday: 10:30am to 10pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 10pm

Good to know: Good for families

Website

This place makes quite the first impression when you walk in—definitely cool vibes! As for the food, every dim sum dish is spot-on, but the roast duck steals the show with its crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. 

The Tofu Flower is also a standout, incredibly silky with a touch of tapioca for added texture.

Bonus: there’s free two-hour parking in the underground lot, just make sure to register your plate at the desk!

East is East

Media credit: eastiseastrestaurant

Address: 4433 Main Street

Phone: +1 604-565-4401

Pricing: $$ 

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday: 12pm to 10pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 12pm to 10:30pm
  • Sunday: 12pm to 10pm

Good to know: Has all-you-can-eat offer

Website

East is East is undoubtedly one of the city’s culinary treasures. The live music on weekends adds to the already vibrant atmosphere, making it a fun spot to unwind.

One of the best perks? You can enjoy tapas-style portions, allowing you to sample a wide variety of dishes—and the best part? You can go back for seconds (or thirds) at no extra charge! It’s a food lover’s dream.

Main Street Brewing

Media credit: mainstreetbeer

Address: 261 E 7th Avenue

Phone: +1 604-336-7711

Pricing: $$ 

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday: 12pm to 10pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 12pm to 11pm
  • Sunday: 12pm to 9:30pm

Good to know: Extensive beer list

Website

Main Street Brewing is one of Vancouver’s classic gems. It’s got that charming, hole-in-the-wall vibe with a solid selection of beers—from IPAs and lagers to sours—along with some tasty bites to pair with your drink.

The atmosphere is spot on, with a spacious and cozy tasting room. High ceilings and plenty of natural light make it the perfect spot to catch up with friends over a pint or even a great option for a casual date!

The Cascade Room

Media credit: thecascaderoom

Address: 2616 Main Street

Phone: +1 604-709-8650

Pricing: $$$ 

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Wednesday: 4pm to 11pm
  • Thursday: 4pm to 12am
  • Friday and Saturday: 3pm to 1am
  • Sunday: 3pm to 11pm

Good to know: Wide variety of classic cocktail

Website

The Cascade Room is a fantastic and cozy spot for cocktails and appetizers. Tucked away on Main Street, it boasts an impressive happy hour that runs all day on Mondays—who doesn’t love that?

Their pub food hits the mark, with standout items like the chicken burger stealing the spotlight. With great happy hour specials and a diverse selection of beers and cocktails, be sure to try one of their new custom creations—it’s definitely worth it!

The Biltmore Cabaret

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Address: 2755 Prince Edward Street

Website

Biltmore Cabaret is an awesome spot for catching live shows! The sound quality is excellent, the space is intimate, and there’s plenty of room to dance. Plus, the bar offers decent prices to keep your drinks flowing.

The lighting is on point, and the layout is just right. You’ll also find retro pinball machines and a free water dispenser to keep you refreshed. 

Tickets are a steal at just $13! Just a heads up: not all seats are created equal, and it’s first-come-first-served, so arrive a bit early to snag the best spot!

Where to Shop in South Main Vancouver

The Regional Assembly of Text

Media credit: assemblyoftext

Address: 3934 Main Street

Phone: +1 604-877-2247

Pricing:

Operating hours:  

  • Monday to Saturday: 11am to 6pm
  • Sunday: 12pm to 5pm

Website

The Regional Assembly of Text is an adorable stationery haven filled with notebooks, pens, and all sorts of delightful paper products. The space is beautifully organized, boasting vintage decor and a fantastic selection of assorted writing goodies.

It’s a joy to indulge here, especially since their charming cards—even those with cute pinback buttons—are priced lower than your average mass-produced greeting card.

33 Acres Brewing Company

Media credit: 33acresbrewing

Address: 15 W 8th Avenue 

Phone: +1 604-620-4589

Pricing: $$ 

Operating hours:  

  • Monday to Friday: 11am to 11pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 11pm

Website

33 Acres Brewing Company is all about great beers and top-notch service. While their tasting flight might be a bit pricier than nearby spots, the quality is definitely worth it.

The brewery has a fantastic selection, featuring one side for their regular beers and the other dedicated to seasonal brews. Plus, they’ve recently added a patio area, making it an even better spot to enjoy a cold one!

Foglifter Coffee Roasters

Media credit: fogliftercoffee

Address: 3590 Main Street 

Phone: +1 604-428-9022

Pricing: $$ 

Operating hours:  

  • Monday to Friday: 6am to 7pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 7am to 7pm

Website

Foglifter Coffee Roasters is a charming little coffee shop on Main Street! It’s bright and inviting, making it a perfect spot to relax with a cup of joe.

They roast their coffee in small batches throughout the week, featuring beans from Ethiopia, Mexico, Bolivia, Guatemala, and more.


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