This is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Vancouver. There are loads of characters so it is great for people watching. Tons of great restaurants and quirky shops. Great view of "The Lions". Here are some of my picks: Havana, Theresa's, The Peoples Coop Bookshop, Bandidas, etc... There are also many places I have been meaning to try. I have heard good things about Harambe. Not far away is La Casa Gelato (Venables @ Glen; on bus route 22) and the Waldorf (Hastings @ Maclean). The Rio theatre often has midnight showings and double features and cool stuff like that. The Libra Room often plays live jazz music, and on warm summer nights, opens up their garage style door so the music flows out onto the streets. Transportation: Bus number 20 gets you there from downtown. It is convenient because it drops you anywhere on the Drive you want. It is inconvenient because it takes longer and goes through the dodgy bit of downtown first. The Skytrain goes to Commercial/Broadway (@ the equivalent of East 9th and Commercial Drive) Most of the good restaurants and cafes are between Venables (maybe 5 blocks off 1st) and 11th.

Nice mix of Italian/Portuguese/Brazilian cultural venues. Pizzeria, coffee shops galore! I recommend going for a Latte @ Cafe Calabria - http://www.vancouvercoffee.ca/archives/2005/04/cafe_calabria_c.html . Just don't go to the Starbuck's across the street! Go to Marcello or Lombardo's for Pizza - http://www.vaneats.com/reviews/restaurants/marcello

Best neighborhood in Vancouver!  Fabulous coffee shops, old European flavour with Italian espresso cafes and Portugese hangouts, shopping, open air produce markets, tons of ethnic eateries and cool shopping.  East van at its best.  Make sure you pay your street tax and give to the homeless folks. hip/hippie/vegetarian/punk/anarchist/yuppie/progressive/queer/european.  The place to be seen in Vancouver!

Loads of character and lots of privately owned businesses selling second-hand goods and kitch items. It's in the Italian district, so there are lots of cafes and Italian restaurants, but also African, vegan, Asian and South American restaurants too.

The Drive is a fun place to be! Lots of different types of food to choose from and many unique clothing stores to have fun in! Also on Italian days and Portuguese days, this place is always packed which makes things very interesting! :)