Commercial Drive: Eclectic on the East Side
‘The Drive’ refers to the area of Commercial Drive in Vancouver as it stretches south from Hastings Street ending at 16th Avenue. Is it is an eclectic mix of shops, cafes, restaurants, and boutiques and just about everything else you could want or need. Take an afternoon to walk south on the Drive or take the bus and get on and off the bus as you heart desires.
Commercial Drive History
One hundred years ago Commercial Drive or ‘the Drive’ was called Park Drive. In the late 19th century, it was originally a skid road that was used to drag logs along as they made their way to be sold in the Burrard Inlet. In 1911, the street was named Commercial Drive in order not to confuse it with other streets that were already named Park. It became more and more industrial as the interurban railroad connected Vancouver with New Westminster. After the end of the Second World War the area saw a huge increase in Chinese and European immigrants. In fact there was such a large population of Italians the area used to be called ‘Little Italy’.
Commercial Drive Restaurants
Havana is a combination restaurant, theatre and art gallery. It is the perfect place to see some art, eat or sip a drink and watch the world go by. Modeled after the old clubs in Havana, the restaurant opened in 1996. It goal was to be a part of the unique cultural landscape of the Drive. The restaurant offers Latino cuisine and Cuban cocktails. The Havana Gallery has a new show every two weeks. The openings are on Sunday and admission is free. The Havana Gallery welcomes submissions from both local and international artists. The Havana Theatre is an intimate 60 seat theatre that has a revolving roster of theatre, poetry and music.
Commercial Drive Shopping
If you have children, why not stop at Little Nest? Situated on Charles Street just off the Drive, this unique cafe has top notch food in a child friendly atmosphere. The coffee is always on and counter service means it is first come first serve with no reservations. Food is fresh local and organic and the entire restaurant is available to rent for workshops seminars and parties.
Spank clothing has all the latest styles. If you’re on a budget, there is the Jean Queen, My Sister’s Closet and good old Wonderbucks. There are coffee shops, cafes and groceries galore all the way down the Drive. Turks is a local hangout opposite Grandview Park and Café Bella Napoli will have most certainly have the soccer game on! Britannia Community Centre services the Drive and has its own library and gym.
Commercial Drive Business Society
Suite #4 - 1726 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC, V5N 4A3
T: 604.251.2884
F: 604.251.2899
Whatever your style, whatever your taste, whether you are a ‘veggie’ or not, the Drive will suit you just fine! Plan to spend a few hours there and wear comfortable shoes. You’ll probably walk the whole drive as you wander in and out of one great place after another!
Go to these sites for more information:
http://www.thedrive.ca/
http://www.havanarestaurant.ca/
http://www.littlenest.ca/
http://www.spankclothing.ca/
By Melissa Montgomery