The Northern Cafe is a Vancouver gem. It is a tiny hole-in-the-wall joint that is probably the most uniquely located restaurant in all of BC.
The cafe it is not officially connected to the Northern Building Supply lumberyard – other than being located in the upstairs of the Northern Building Supply lumberyard.
As you can see in my photo, you enter a narrow doorway and climb an ancient looking and feeling set of stairs up to the cafe. You walk along an equally ancient feeling hall and then there you are – in the Northern Cafe.
Probably the first thing you’ll notice when you get into the Northern Cafe is that there isn’t a level surface in the place. The floors and the tables and the chairs are all sloping one way or another. It is an odd room.
The other thing you’ll notice is Jimmy.
Jimmy and Connie are the owners and Jimmy is in charge of the tiny kitchen. He always has a huge smile and welcoming “HELLO” as you enter. This guy is awesome.
And then there is the food. Simple diner food. Food done right. I do have to admit that I’ve only ever had breakfast at the Northern Cafe.
They do have items like a Northern Deluxe Burger, a Philly Cheese Steak, Swiss Bacon Burger, and other items like their House Special Wonton Noodle Soup, and a Curry or Teriyaki Rice Plate. All sound yummy – maybe I need to go back later in the day for lunch?
I love wonton Soup so maybe I’ll pop back in for a bowl of soup – you know, just to test more of the menu items!
This visit I had the Eggs Your Way breakfast. For $11 you get two eggs, bacon, ham, or sausage and hashbrowns and toast.
For $13 you can increase everything – three eggs with hashbrown potatoes (shredded style), with my choice of three bacon, ham, or sausage. And of course toast. I asked for a combo of bacon and ham.
My philosophy with eggs for breakfast is AGS – always get scrambled. I feel like this is the typically the best option. And indeed, these were great scrambled eggs at the Northern.
Two strips of bacon and then a beauty of a pile of ham. Yummy.
My favourite part about going to the Northern Cafe is when Jimmy does a walk around the dining area saying hello to people. He often knows a little something about his customers and will comment on how it has been so long since he’s seen you or ask how you’re doing.
I’ve mentioned before how much I love a diner, and this is just the coolest little diner in our city. It really is a gem.
The Northern Cafe is located in Vancouver at 1640 E. Kent Avenue South. Like I said, it’s in the Northern Building Supply yard.