Imagine this. You're walking down the street and you see a vintage green and white sign that screams the 50's. You pop your head in the door and you're transported to a different era.Â
This is how I feel every time I step foot into one of Vancouver's coveted retro diners. This city is full of trendy new restaurants that seem to open up every other week on every other street corner, but it's truly a gem when you find a vintage Vancouver restaurant that runs on their retro aesthetic and genuinely good grub!
If you love vintage decor, malted milkshakes, drool-worthy burgers and buckets of greasy fries, then you need to read this article.
The Templeton
Where: 1087 Granville St // Downtown
We recommend: Tofu Scramble
Price: đź’¸ đź’¸
Why you should go: It's a Vancouver classic. The portions are huge, and the servers are friendly! They pride themselves on using organic ingredients and they also have tons of options for vegetarians! Basically, you can't miss a breakfast at The Templeton.
Lucy's Eastside Diner
Where: 2708 Main Street // Mount Pleasant
We recommend: Turkey Lurkey Boozy Milkshake
Price: đź’¸ đź’¸
Why you should go: This gem is serving up some serious comfort food 24/7, literally. They're open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you find yourself craving a boozy milkshake at 3 AM, this is the place for you.
Bobby Sox 50's Diner
Where: 22596 Lougheed Highway // Maple Ridge
We recommend: The Mac & Cheese
Price: đź’¸ đź’¸
Why you should go: This little gem is hidden all the way out in Maple Ridge. Bobby Sox serves up some serious American style diner food that will definitely clog your arteries. I'm joking, but not really. The food is so greasy and delicious, you will definitely be coming back for more.
Sophie's Cosmic Cafe
Where: 2095 W 4th Ave // Kitsilano
We recommend: Deluxe Buttermilk Pancakes
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Brunch at Sophie's is a must if you live in Kitsilano. It gets crazy busy in the mornings, but if you're willing to get up super early then you may have a fighting chance. This quirky cafe is filled with the craziest memorabilia on the walls that will keep you entertained for hours, not to mention the food is insanely delicious.
Rocko's Diner
Where: 32786 Lougheed Hwy // Mission
We recommend: Milkshakes, Chocolate P.B. Smoothie Cake
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: This is where they film the Pop’s Chock’lit Shoppe diner scenes from Riverdale! This place is crawling with fans and rightfully so, their aesthetic is adorable and their milkshakes are to-die-for. Oh, and they're open 24 hours!
Sunshine Diner
Where: 2649 West Broadway // Kitsilano
We recommend: B.C. Benny
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: The servers are incredibly friendly, and the food is really comforting. The entire atmosphere at the Sunshine Diner keeps you coming every weekend for brunch.
Glenburn Soda Fountain & Confectionery
Where: 4090 Hastings St // North Burnaby
We recommend: O.M.G Brownie Sundae
Price: đź’¸
Why you should go: This cute little confectionery is tucked away in North Burnaby. If you live in the neighbourhood and you have a sweet tooth, you need to go! Or if you're cramming for finals and you need a serious sugar rush before pulling an all-nighter at SFU, take a much needed malt milkshake break at Glenburn's.
Duffin's Donuts
Where: 1391 E 41st Ave // South Vancouver
We recommend: Boston Cream Donut, Spicy Fried Chicken
Price: đź’¸
Why you should go: Their spicy fried chicken should be enough of a reason to go to Duffin's Donuts. But if not, they have an array of incredibly tasty donuts for your choosing.
Hilltop Diner Cafe
Where: 23904 Fraser Highway // Langley
We recommend: Apple Fritter Sandwich, Flapper Pie
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: The Hilltop Cafe may look like a regular ol' diner, but don't be fooled. This family-run restaurant has been serving delicious comfort food to Langley citizens for over 68 years! Their portions are incredibly huge and their pies are out of this world. They were also featured on "You Gotta Eat Here" - so they must be good!
Save On Meats
Where: 43 West Hastings St // Gastown
We recommend: S.O.M Classic Milkshakes
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: This retro style diner is joined with a butcher shop, that serves tons of delicious grub all day long. Save On Meats have provided thousands of meals to the homeless community in the downtown eastside through their token program. Make sure to ask about it next time you pop in!
Lost In The 50's Drive-InÂ
Where: 7741 Edmonds St // South Burnaby
We recommend: London Secret Burger, Onion Rings
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Great. Canadian. Burgers. Guaranteed. Lost in the 50s has everything you could ever want: beef burgers, veggie burgers, hot chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, ice cream floats and milkshakes! If you want the ultimate retro-diner experience, you should definitely check this place out.
Pause crème glacée près d’une fontaine au Québec.