Real Estate Update in False Creek Flats

Even though False Creek Flats continues to be an up-and-coming area of Vancouver, there’s already some longtime points of interest in the area which make it a must-visit. The neighbourhood has long been a focal point of industry, so it makes sense cultural and culinary innovators would be drawn to make their mark in the Flats. Below we list out some of our faves – and the reasons why they’re great.

Gourmet Places to Visit in False Creek Flats

Zarak by Afghan Kitchen

Zarak by Afghan Kitchen is an upscale restaurant specializing in Afghan cuisine. Since the restaurant opened in 2021, Zarak has placed an emphasis on familial recipes presented in an elegant dining experience. The restaurant offers both in-person dining and takeout via UberEats. Reservations can be made online at their website, although walk-ins are available too. Diners should know outside foods, including birthday cakes and wines, are not welcome in the restaurant.

Zarak by Afghan Kitchen is located at 2102 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C5 (Google Maps).

Red Truck Beer Company

This local brewery has been a fixture in the False Creek Flats area for some time. Operating both as a brewery and a restaurant, Red Truck Beer has continued to grow over time. The Vancouver Truck Stop diner offers a menu of drinks & food for in-person dining (and delivery). Red Truck Beer also offers home delivery for the various beers they make to addresses within the City of Vancouver. Diners looking to enjoy the Red Truck Beer experience can order beer & food directly from the brewery and diner via delivery apps like UberEats, DoorDash and Skip.

Red Truck Beer is located at 259 E 1st Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5T 1A7 (Google Maps).

Carnitas Don Jose

With its roots in Mexico’s Michoacán state, Carnitas Don Jose retains the flavour and quality of their family recipes. Bringing about 50 years of experience in preparing carnitas, this False Creek Flats restaurant is a highly-rated local gem. Diners can make their orders in person, or online at their website.

Carnitas Don Jose is located at 401 Industrial Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6A 2P8 (Google Maps).

Nemesis Coffee GNW

While Nemesis Coffee has a few outposts dotted around Vancouver, this one is extra special. The cafe is housed in an architecturally-distinct and award-winning flower-shaped structure designed by architecture firm Perkins + Will with curvy lines and glossy red shingles on the outside, with organic shapes defining the interior design. This location in False Creek Flats is also home to Nemesis Coffee’s brunch menu – which isn’t really available at their other locations. Baked goodies are made in-house by the coffee brand’s sub-brand, Dope Bakehouse. The coffee itself has earned high praise.

Nemesis Coffee GNW is located at 555 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, BC V5T 1E1 (Google Maps).

Beta5 Chocolates

Situated in False Creek Flats, Beta5 Chocolates is a renowned local chocolatier with a flair for being inventive. From an expansive Christmas collection featuring a nougat-filled lump of chocolate “coal” dusted in coconut ash, to an ever-changing menu of seasonal cream puffs, to ice cream sundaes throughout the summer, Beta5 constantly pushes the envelope to not be ‘just another chocolate shop.’ In the summer, Beta5 even concocts a dog-friendly sundae using frozen yoghurt and peanut butter called Pooch Scoops.

Beta5 Chocolates is located at 409 Industrial Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6A 2P8 (Google Maps). Shoppers can visit their cafe in-person, or shop online for local delivery and pickup.

Steve’s Poké Bar

This local chain of restaurants serve poké, the popular Hawaiian dish, but in a more authentic way which doesn’t stray towards the fusion cuisine aspects of serving poké in burrito form. Founded by Vancouverite Steve Huynh, Steve’s Poké Bar differentiates itself from other poké restaurants by marinating its ahi tuna the traditional way and crafting dishes with a mix of family recipes. The outpost in False Creek Flats offers in-person dining and takeout, along with online delivery. Visit their website for more information.

Steve’s Poké Bar is located at 891 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, BC V5T 4T5 (Google Maps).

The American

The American is a local barcade and sports bar on the edge of False Creek Flats – and close to the future site of St. Paul’s Hospital. Featuring a menu of drinks and American comfort food, the bar has several large televisions for patrons to watch the game. There’s also pinball machines, arcade machines and billiard tables for patrons to partake in games of their own.

The American is located at 926 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 2W1 (Google Maps).

Things to Do in False Creek Flats

Science World

Science World is a well-known museum in Vancouver which hosts permanent and visiting exhibitions about different scientific and historical subjects, as well as an OMNIMAX Theatre. The eye-catching 17-storey geodesic dome was originally constructed as a pavilion for Expo 86. Although the pavilion was intended to be torn down after the international exposition, it was re-dedicated to be used as a museum. There is a Triple O’s restaurant on-site, operated by White Spot.

Science World is located at 1455 Quebec St, Vancouver, BC V6A 3Z7 (Google Maps). Tickets can be purchased in-person, or online at the Science World website.

Zero Latency Vancouver

Zero Latency is a virtual reality (VR) arcade with a twist. Unlike a typical VR arcade where a player basically stands in one place as they interact with a virtual world as seen through their headset, Zero Latency has “free-roam VR.” This means that a group of players (up to 8) can physically move through a virtual world. Learn more about Zero Latency and its VR system through their helpful FAQ section. Ages 11 and up, group activity recommended for best gameplay experience.

Zero Latency Vancouver is unit #101 located inside Kingsgate Mall at 370 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5t 4G5 (Google Maps). Tickets can be purchased online at the Zero Latency Vancouver website.

The Hive Climbing & Bouldering Gym

The Hive offers both climbing and bouldering experiences in an indoor, climate-controlled environment which makes rock climbing more accessible for Vancouverites in most months of the year. This facility is a great fit for both experienced climbers and amateurs just getting started. The Hive also offers community events to bring people together at different skill levels to learn about climbing, and to build their competencies and confidence as athletes.

The Hive is located at 520 Industrial Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6A 2P3 (Google Maps). Further information and climb bookings can be found at The Hive’s website. The Hive also has other locations in Metro Vancouver, and across Canada.

FabLab Vancouver

This is a membership-based maker space where creatives and makers can go to work on projects, or collaborate and experiment with others. The goal of FabLab is to make fabrication tools more accessible to the local community, and to help remove the financial and technological barriers which prevent many people from learning and using these tools. FabLab currently offers varying levels of monthly membership, or drop-in membership. They also offer events for new makers to network and learn the basics.

FabLab Vancouver is located at 260 E 5th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5T 1H3 (Google Maps). Hours of operation and memberships are available online at the FabLab Vancouver website.

Emily Carr University of Art + Design

A couple years ago, this prestigious arts university moved from Granville Island to a new, expanded campus in False Creek Flats. To better support and accommodate a growing student population, the new Emily Carr University campus has more facilities offering educational and artistic space. There’s often art shows or exhibits of student work for the public to see.

Local Point of Interest: East Van Cross by Ken Lum

Located at the eastern edge of False Creek Flats, this 57-foot sculpture is a monument to East Vancouver. Although the design had been a longtime fixture in graffiti in the area, artist Ken Lum sought to create a more formalized, physical representation. While the sculpture has garnered both praise and criticism since it was completed, Ken Lum asserts that the cross tries to make tangible some otherwise-intangible experiences.  Ken Lum explains:

Monument to East Vancouver develops from a graffiti symbol that has circulated for several decades in East Vancouver. Over the years, the symbol has been adopted as an emblem for East Vancouver as a whole, but its appearance has generally been tentative rather than overt. The lack of overtness is, I feel, symptomatic of the underlying meanings that the symbol expresses. These meanings have to do with problems of injustice, inequality, subjugation, and the trauma of poverty and acculturation, partially as it relates to immigrant life.

This iconic local landmark can be found in the vicinity of 2113 Clark Dr, Vancouver, BC V5T 1E6 (Google Maps).

Are there any other places in False Creek Flats that you feel are a must-see or should be on someone’s bucket list? Leave us a comment below!