This year brought color and wonder to The Couve; from the 20+ new Downtown murals to the continued expansion of the Vancouver Waterfront, 2022 has certainly been a bright year for Vancouver, WA! Of course, the city’s food and drink scene also continued to explode, with plenty of new establishments joining an already fantastic lineup. Here is our re-cap of relocations, revamps, and businesses that are new to The Couve in 2022!
Food & Drinks
Bringing tropical vibes, cocktails, and cuisine not yet represented downtown, The Coral Club and Wahi Hana offer Polynesian plates and libations, earning rave initial reviews from the foodie scene. Spreading the Aloha Spirit to North Vancouver, Kokonut Island Grill opened its doors, putting together a combination of your Hawaiian food favorites. SuLei Cellars and Niche Wine Bar & Bistro both moved to new locations downtown. Bessolo Pizzeria took over Vinnie's Pizzeria in the same location across from the Kiggins Theater. 7 Restaurant introduced traditional Bosnian food to Vancouver, serving up family recipes like Cevapi (small grilled minced meat sausages) and Burek (a baked pastry filled with meat). Wine bar VX74 brings a jazzy mix of food, drinks, art, and events to the area! Don't miss out on one of the newest addition to Vancouver's downtown scene - SOMA Kombucha. Their locally brewed, refreshing kombucha flavors are a must-try for anyone looking to support a sustainable and health-conscious local business.
In central Vancouver, Portland favorite, Bless Your Heart Burgers opened with the same nostalgic Smashburger, fries, and hot dogs that the brand became well known for. Foode Café & Catering celebrated the opening of their new Tech Center Cafe location. A little farther north, WheelHouse Taproom, opened with a focus on local small-batch craft beer, wine, cider, and liquor paired with craft food options in a relaxing environment. Specializing in experimental, small-batch brews and collaborations with other local breweries, Vice Beer aims to tap a new beer each week in its 90s-themed space in East Vancouver.
Waterfront Locations
Casual and upscale dining options joined the line-up of riverfront eateries, including Willamette Valley Vineyards, in the Don Building above Maryhill Winery. Ruse Brewing Crust Collective, a Portland-based brewery started serving Detroit-style pizza, and find The Waterfront Taphouse with upscale pub fare from its second-story spot overlooking the Grant Street Pier. Portland-based pasta shop Grassa also jumped the river in the summer. Opening its doors to the public in June of 2022, the AC Hotel by Marriott is the first modern hotel to hit the Waterfront complete with the AC Lounge. Next door, Hotel Indigo, delivers stylish décor and a fun atmosphere. Visitors are also invited to sample some premiere Northwest restaurants within the building like Portland steakhouse El Gaucho and Seattle mainstay 13 Coins. Located on the Columbia River, the Vancouver Landing is also now open to the public and features docks you can fish from, and occasionally there will be large events or concerts.
Cafés & Sweets
Bula Kava House hopped the river with the best, freshest, and strongest kava direct from the Pacific Islands for over a decade. Around the corner, Terrain Coffee Project presents a modern, minimalist feel to its café, crafted by people-focused professionals. Short Sweet brings great boba teas, mochi donuts, Vietnamese 𝘉á𝘯𝘩 𝘔ì sandwiches, and more to Main Street. Find Richland Hub in Uptown which offers coffee, tea, cacao, cashews, and honey imported from Tanzania—the birthplace of its owner. Over by the Vancouver Mall, the iconic Voodoo Doughnut with its bright pink boxes opened with opened with tasty treats and half the wait time of its Portland location. A more local option, Forevers Bakery opened up shop in 2022 as well, offering beverages, breakfast, lunch, and treats (available for catering).
Shopping
For some retail therapy, shop local goods at Night Market Vancouver’s long-anticipated brick and mortar storefront Pop Local, now open at the Vancouver Waterfront. The popular vintage bookstore Birdhouse Books moved within the same building to a new nest downstairs and is one of the coziest spots downtown. Across the way, Kilnfolk Studio & Gallery is a friendly neighborhood pottery studio for all ages and skill levels. Offering pottery wheel classes, pottery painting, parties, and studio memberships. Discover lots of date night opportunities, as well as activities for families and kids.
Murals
Uncover colorful works of art from the sidewalks of Vancouver! While exploring the blocks surrounding Main Street, visitors are greeted by more than 40 murals adorning the sides of buildings, bridges, and walls. Including 15+ new murals as part of the new Great River Arts Festival. Created by tattoo artist Ricky Gaspar, owner of Local Boy Tatau, the Great River Arts Festival depicts Vancouver’s culture and history in the new downtown murals. Vancouver's Downtown Association is proud to partner with Local Boy Tatau to bring this new annual event to Downtown Vancouver. Find an updated Mural and Public Art Walking Map in our blog here.
Looking Ahead
In 2023, we’re hopeful to see the opening of Vancouver’s first axe-throwing bar and restaurant, and more wine-tasting rooms like Evoke Wine Bar along the waterfront to top off a wine lovers' destination. Tap Union Freehouse is set to expand into the former Luepke Flowers space and The Foxhole Cocktail Den is said to open downtown with a vintage art deco-inspired aesthetic. The Witness Tree Lounge opening in the new year will be the first rooftop bar in The Couve, while Cork & Bubbles will offer a Felida Village an up-scale wine & champagne bar. We also can't forget about the much anticipated Harper's Playground, a fully accessible playground at Marshall Park. As well as many more colorful murals making their way to Vancouver in the coming summer months. And finally, at Terminal 1, the Port of Vancouver is planning a public marketplace that will supplement downtown's thriving Farmers Market.