Cordova Street is special.

There’s the magic that resides in the Western part, yet for those who are willing to go just a little farther to the East,  a whole other wonderful world exists; one that seems to set the balance and make this colourful Gastown street stand out.

Here you’ll discover Italian and Mexican food, a 1920’s themed Barbershop, a Ping Pong & games Bar, many hair and beauty salons, a custom tattoo parlour, a few clothing stores and an all inclusive art gallery.

Walk along Cordova Street and trust that as you leave the West the East will reward you, welcoming you kindly into its home.

 

Nicli Antica Pizzeria

Nicli Antica Pizzeria is the first VPN certified Neapolitan pizzeria in Vancouver. Located within a century old building where age-old brick walls stand silently, allowing a contemporary bright interior to dance subtly in and among modern light fixtures and furniture. The atmosphere is refreshing, comfortable and spacious. A balanced wine list pairs nicely with wood fired pizzas, old world recipe inspired antipasti and insalati and hearty pastas. Linger long after dinner with an aperitif or espresso and a good helping of both house made tiramisu and panna cotta.

La Mezcaleria

La Mezcaleria is the only restaurant in the city that specializes in offering a wide variety of mezcals, along with top shelf tequilas and cocktails inspired by the different regions of Mexico. The food here is traditional Mexican and is made using locally sourced organic ingredients and ocean-friendly seafood. Dishes at La Mezcaleria celebrate the communal aspect of shared food and the restaurant caters to a number of different dietary tastes with gluten free, vegetarian, vegan and carnivorous options. Back & Forth Bar

Recently opened, East Cordova is home to the fun filled emporium known as The Back And Forth Bar. The place is comfortably decorated with couches and palm trees and there are a number of video game consoles hooked up to TV’s along with a bunch of Ping-Pong tables. You can bring your own food as there isn’t a formal menu, although there’s a snack menu served with chips, mac & cheese and mini pizzas.

Haven

Gastown is itself, a haven for quality men’s fashion. There are items here that you simply can’t get anywhere else. Haven on East Cordova specializes in carrying exclusive Men’s Japanese and Globally recognized apparel, footwear & accessories. The boutique carries menswear and accessories from multiple categories including headwear, socks, shoes, apothecary, belts, denim and eyewear. Notable brands include Wings & Horn, Comme des Garçons and Junya Watanabe.

Wardrobe Apparel

At Wardrobe Apparel, you’ll find a different kind of shopping experience. Owner, Alex Thompson, works with up-and-coming designers exclusively to purvey bold, sartorial treasures from around the world. If you have a fashionable soiree on your calendar, book an exclusive shopping appointment and the shop gals will glamourize you from head to toe.

Queens Boutique

Founded and led by Rose Raflores, the young entrepreneur’s goal is to provide an alternative perspective to independent culture through fashion. Rose says “I want to offer the ladies in Vancouver a different style where you can be bold, wear lots of gold, and rock a men’s tee with a twist of femininity.” Influenced by urban street style and culture, Queens has its own label line, unique tees, and is the exclusive Canadian stockist for Cubannie Links and Sistargirl accessories. Where Queens really stands out is in their nail design work, creating looks that resemble sharp claws, dazzling jewelry and other incredibly detailed art pieces. There are a number of eyelash options available as well and the mission here is to “Crown The Queens”.

Milo Salon

Milo Salon is a boutique salon specializing in women’s hair styling, coloring, colour, correction, highlights, bleach & tone and balayage/ombré work. Chief stylist and owner Anja Milo is inventive and artistic in her approach to hair while still maintaining styles that are quite versatile and practical. Check out her Instagram page to see her the kind of colourful hair magic we’re talking about!

Archetype Custom Tattoo

Owner and artist Devin Stacey of Archetype Custom Tattoos has created an artist collective where clients can come with their own design or consult with one of the artists to take an idea from concept to completion into the real thing. The results are often stunning with original and custom art being produced.

Studio 38 Hair Therapy

Studio 38 Hair Therapy is owned and operated by Par Singh. Par has been professionally styling hair for over 13 years and has trained under the direction of Kevin Murphy and Vidal Sassoon. Par is skilled at identifying the unique characteristics in each person and then creating a style that suits the individual. He is passionate about making each client happy and looking their best.

Pony Salon

The Pony Salon provides an exceptional range of services from colour, blonding, highlights, gloss and toning, correction, styling and treatments, and cuts for men. Most services are full service, which include a consultation, shampoo and blow-dry. Owner and stylist, Kristy Davies, got her start here in Vancouver over a decade ago and has since built up a reputable salon with a team of 10. As passionate about styling hair as she is, learning about it, Kristy is dedicated to constantly growing in her craft. She has trained in New York and London. Victory Barber & Brand

Owners, Joshua Sparrow and Matty Conrad along with their team, have been making gentlemen look dapper since 2010. Victory Barber & Brand recently took over the old 18th Amendment location on East Cordova and have settled in quite nicely. Adding their own 1920’s flourish to the joint, the lads at Victory have created an atmosphere that is comfortable, artistic and exceptionally stylish. The service is top notch with old world levels of grooming including options like a classic hot lather shave with towel, steam, lather and razor.

Gallery Gachet

This alternative, all-inclusive Gastown art-house heralds a concise tagline: Art is a means for Survival. Gallery Gachet is a unique artist-run exhibition and studio space, built to empower participants as artists, administrators and curators. The space is alive with exhibitions, events and a multi –tiered art school that offers low-cost and/or free admission to participate in.