Best of Vancouver’s southern cuisine
From buttermilk biscuits to chicken fried steak, many local eateries offer authentic meals inspired by the Deep South. These top picks include Vancouver’s finest southern meals this side of the 49th parallel.
Revel Room Holdings Ltd The
238 Abbott St, Vancouver BC V6B 2K8In keeping with its name, Revel Room hosts celebratory evenings that are evenly matched by scrumptious, southern-style dishes. The bistro’s bustling kitchen is open past midnight on weekends, while popular local bands play blues, rockabilly and swing music until the wee hours four nights a week. For those looking for an afternoon jolt, the famous Sour Hour offers “bourbon forward” cocktails on the cheap and live tunes from the restaurant’s resident (and raucous) pianist, Mike Van Eyes, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, each Tuesday through Saturday.
Memphis Blues Barbeque House Ltd
2212W 10Th Ave W Suite W 10Th, Vancouver BC V6K 2H8If you love southern food, you’ll fall for the flavourful fare at Memphis Blues. Smoky, tender meats paired with cornbread and comforting sides are often ordered to go – just as they would be from the great barbecue stands of the south – but can also be enjoyed in the cozy seating area. Inspired by the kings of southern barbecue (pronounced “baah-be-cue” here), award-winning chefs George Sui and Park Heffelfinger have mastered the art of pulled pork, among other things. The pulled pork bun is a must-have, as is the hulking and mouth-watering Memphis Feast platter.
The Ouisi Bistro
3014 Granville St, Vancouver BC V6H 3J8Serving authentic Cajun and Creole food with a side of fun, Ouisi Bistro’s festive, jazz-inspired interior, busy courtyard patio, and impressive drinks menu set it apart from other, more posh South Granville eateries. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or romantic evening for two, spicy Louisiana dishes please all palates. Choose from crispy catfish, crab-stuffed chicken, or, believe it or not, fried alligator. Soups like chowder and gumbo satiate with less volume, and still contain plenty of smoke and spice.
Mamie Taylor's
251 Georgia St E, Vancouver BC V6A 1Z6From its location in ever-changing Chinatown, to inventive meals and decor (including taxidermy ducks mounted on the exposed brick walls), Mamie Taylor’s offers a unique experience you’ll want to savour. Ideal for groups with sharing in mind, small plates include a surprisingly savoury brussel sprout salad and the trademark “Cajun dirty rice,” while the pork belly Cobb salad and cauliflower cannelloni are filling (and delicious) on their own. With modern, hand-made craft cocktails, intimate tables, and dark, moody lighting, Mamie Taylor’s is upscale southern dining done to perfection.
Chewie's Steam & Oyster Bar
2201 1st Avenue W, Vancouver BC V6K 1E9In summertime, this spacious bistro and sustainable oyster bar is filled with happy chatting patrons and fresh sea air that wafts in from nearby Kits Point. After a day of sunbathing, bask in the light from the many windows while enjoying Creole lunches, brunches and dinners. Happy hour offerings include $5 glasses of wine and beer with small eats like crab cakes or hush puppies, plus “buck-a-shuck” oysters: $1 oysters fresh from the sea and shucked before your very eyes.
Jethro's
3420 Dunbar St, Vancouver BC V6S 2C2Lunch is served here, but for the best of Vancouver’s southern-style breakfasts, look no further than Jethro’s for extra-large plates piled high with flapjacks, grits, or thick-sliced toast with eggs and bacon (or all of the above). Dishes designed for a sweet tooth include pancakes with unique fillings such as espresso with chocolate chips or Frosted Flakes with fresh strawberries. Traditionalists can try the huevos rancheros or the more adventurous La Nina, a poached egg sandwiched between two corn cakes, grilled and smothered with chilli and hollandaise sauce. Yum!
Jackalope's Neighbourhood Dive
2257 Hastings St E, Vancouver BC V5L 1V3In the heart of East Vancouver, this self-proclaimed dive is loved for its rock-and-roll decor, rotating art shows, and southern comfort foods presented without pretention. Highlights include doughy cornbread, slow-cooked meats, and local beers for cheap. The two charming chefs (who are also best friends) add personal touches that make the spot homey, not kitschy. Fan favourites include the Jung Walker hot sauce – named after head chef Ryan Walker – and a working jukebox, which you’re welcome to play as long as you’re a fan of good old-fashioned rock and roll, of course.
