Victory meal: Spots for post-race fuel in downtown Vancouver
Whether you’ve run the Sun Run, the Vancouver Marathon or the Scotiabank Half, you’ve just completed an impressive feat. Months of training and good diet have paid off. Now you need refueling, fast. With the finish lines of these races all right downtown, you’ll want something close by that will quell those hunger pains and provide a little celebratory atmosphere. Try any of these.
Yew Restaurant & Bar
791 Georgia St W, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T4Ask your cheering section to bring you a clean t-shirt or hoodie and head up to The Four Seasons Hotel for a celebratory breakfast. This being Vancouver, servers won’t look twice at your race gear or flushed face — they’ll give you a high five and top up your coffee from their gorgeous silver carafes. This being Sunday, opt for buck-a-shuck oysters with your eggs benny; bottles of wine will be 50 per cent off. You know you deserve it.
TAPshack Eatery
1199 West Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 0A1While this choice Coal Harbour patio doesn’t open until 11 am, for the marathoners among you, that’s perfect timing. Hobble down the steps at Bute and grab any of the dozens of tables set out looking across to the North Shore. No breakfast here, but you’ve been up since 5 — time for lunch. Heaping plates of nachos, pasta and burgers will replenish you, and if you’re looking to ice your legs, consider a dip in the fountain out front with all the kids.
Abode
1223 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1C3People come from all over the world to run this gorgeous city-centric marathon. If you’re staying at Robson’s affordable Blue Horizon Hotel — a great option for runners — you may have already tried their lovely street-side restaurant. Why not head back for your post-race food reward. With their daily specials and a seasonal menu, you’re sure to find something to pair with your sunny, celebratory mimosa.
Tap & Barrel
1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3Spread out across the Convention Centre public square, there’s no shortage of patio space at this downtown Tap & Barrel. Refuel with a much needed protein kick and tuck into hearty steak and eggs or perfectly poached eggs on a bed of salty smoked salmon. Did you know that in early race history, beer was considered excellent mid-run fuel? You’ve waited till post-race but now’s the time to enjoy a frosty mug of BC craft brew with your breakfast. Delicious liquid carbs.
De Dutch - Vancouver Convention Centre
60-1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3Decisions are tough when your blood sugar’s low and endorphins are high. Opt for it all at this traditional pancake house, on the seawall under the Convention Centre. Flap jacks the size of a large Frisbee come topped with everything from sausage to ham to eggs to vegetables, cheese and everything in between. They have sweet options too for that sweet tooth you’ve been suppressing these last months. All the food groups on one massive plate? Sounds like the perfect post-race meal.
Curry Hut Indian Bistro Ltd
445 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2X6You’ve just run 42.2 km. What’s another few hundred meters? Just a few blocks up Howe Street is the charming family-run Greek restaurant Scoozis. Attentive and friendly service, large portions and a lively atmosphere are hallmarks of this long-serving downtown café. Breakfast includes all the usuals plus their signature breakfast pizzas and deep-dish casserole omelets. Toast your accomplishment with one of their many specialty coffees.
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