Neighbourhood Spotlight: South Granville

Never leave downtown Vancouver? We’ve got a compelling argument on why you should hike it out to South Granville…

Last week, we highlighted some of our favourite gems found in Kitsilano. This week, we opted to head a bit further east along the W. Broadway corridor toward the quaint-yet-bustling neighbourhood known as South Granville.

South Granville starts as soon as you make your way over and off the Granville Bridge, heading south out of downtown Vancouver. Known for the longest time as “Gallery Row,” this area has shifted over the past several years to incorporate a mix of shops, spas, cafes, salons, and restaurants we love to frequent.

Shop
Whether it’s a new outfit you’re looking to add to your wardrobe or stylish furnishings to spruce up your pad, South Granville has a great mix of options and is a go-to destination if budget isn’t necessarily a concern. Your inner hippie will adore perusing both Anthropologie and the new Free People standalone store. We personally love checking out the latest chic looks at boutiques such as Spank, Lord’s Shoes & Apparel, and Misch. No stop along South Granville is complete without heading over to Turnabout, where seriously killer deals on gently-used designer duds await. Expect to find brands like Prada, MiuMiu, and Givenchy deeply discounted.

For your home, South Granville is pretty much a mecca for design-themed stores. You’ll find a slew of recognizable names like Pottery Barn, West Elm, and Restoration Hardware along the strip. Also, don’t miss Peridot, Goodge Place, and Bacci’s At Home while in the neighbourhood (just to name a few).

Sip/Eat
There’s a neat handful of cafes, wine bars, and restaurants in South Granville, making this a great destination to head to when planning a night out not in downtown Vancouver. Pop by Heirloom if you’re craving vegetarian or go upscale at West. Area locals are consistently drawn to places like Luke’s Corner Bar + Kitchen (great live music and patio space for people watching) and Caffe Barney is always packed.

Check out Siena Restaurant for a cozy date night that’ll feature plenty of wine and tasty Tuscan-bites, and be sure to pop by The Stable House Bistro for cocktails, vino, and mixed European-style charcuterie.

Go
You’d be remiss not to make a point of checking out at least a few of the area’s many galleries. Though many have shifted toward Main Street, there are still a number of noteworthy spots to visit. We love both the Ian Tan Gallery and Bau-Xi Gallery, and also suggest stopping in at The Fragrant Wood Gallery to take in the ornate wooden carvings and sculptures.

If you’re into a little live theatre, look no further than South Granville’s very own Stanley Industrial Alliance Theatre. A near-constant rotation of shows always draws a consistent crowd to the neighbourhood – and its intimate size means you’ll have a great view no matter where seated.

For more information on South Granville’s mix of options and for a full listing of local restaurants, shops, spas, and entertainment venues, check them out online.

What are some of your favourite go-to’s in Granville? Let Vv Magazine know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.