THE VOTES ARE IN
THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT BEST OF VANCOUVER AWARDS — From beloved cafés and family-run delis to stylish salons and indie boutiques, Commercial Drive continues to shine as one of Vancouver’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. This year’s Best of Vancouver Awards once again prove that The Drive’s mix of heart, culture, and community spirit stands out citywide. Congratulations to our local winners and honourable mentions — the businesses that keep The Drive authentic, eclectic, and unmistakably East Van.
Published by The Georgia Straight / View Article
Photo credit: Attic Treasures
BEST OF VANCOUVER SHOPPING + WELLNESS CATEGORIES
ATTIC TREASURES
Since opening in 1988, Attic Treasures and Mid-Century Modern has been a beloved Vancouver destination, offering a curated collection of vintage furniture, lighting, and décor that celebrates timeless design and craftsmanship.
PERSIA FOODS
Founded on hard work and integrity, Persia Foods is a trusted local grocer known for its wide selection of quality products, affordable prices, and warm, honest customer service.
THE ONLY VINTAGE
The Only Vintage brings a modern edge to vintage fashion, handpicking rare and high-quality pieces from thousands of garments each week to share with style seekers both online and in-store.
CHOICES MARKET
Choices Market is a proudly BC-owned grocer dedicated to natural, organic, and specialty foods, championing community wellness and sustainability through locally focused values and exceptional service.
OLLIE QUINN
Ollie Quinn is an independent eyewear brand redefining optical style with high-quality frames, expert eye care, and transparent pricing — all delivered with the friendly flair of your neighbourhood optician.
PULPFICTION BOOKS
Established in 2000, Pulpfiction Books is one of Western Canada’s largest independent bookstores, celebrated for its 80,000-title collection and its enduring role as a literary hub for readers across Vancouver.
LIQUID AMBER TATTOO & ART
Since 2001, Liquid Amber Tattoo & Art Collective has been a creative cornerstone in Vancouver, uniting custom tattoo artistry, cosmetic tattooing, and a gallery space that spotlights local artists.
JENNY'S NAILS
A longtime favourite for locals, Jenny’s Nails on The Drive offers friendly, professional nail care in the heart of Commercial Drive. Open Monday through Saturday, this welcoming salon is known for its attention to detail, relaxing atmosphere, and beautifully polished results.
BEST OF VANCOUVER ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CATEGORY
THE RIO THEATRE
An East Van landmark, the Rio Theatre is an award-winning independent venue known for its eclectic mix of film, live performance, comedy, and community events — keeping Vancouver entertained, informed, and delightfully offbeat.
THE CULTCH
One of Vancouver’s most dynamic arts and cultural centres, presenting innovative theatre, dance, music, and multimedia works that amplify diverse voices and creative expression in the heart of East Van.
SLICE OF LIFE
Slice of Life is a community-driven creative hub offering studio spaces, workshops, and exhibitions that nurture emerging and established artists in East Vancouver’s thriving independent arts scene.
ITALIAN DAY ON THE DRIVE
A beloved Vancouver tradition, Italian Day on The Drive is a vibrant street festival that celebrates Italian culture, heritage, and community through food, music, art, and la dolce vita — drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each June.
EASTSIDE CULTURE CRAWL
Now one of Canada’s largest visual arts events, the Eastside Culture Crawl transforms East Vancouver into an open studio festival each November, welcoming thousands of visitors to explore the workspaces of over 400 artists.
BEST OF VANCOUVER COMMUNITY CATEGORY
EASTSIDE ARTS SOCIETY
The Eastside Arts Society champions the visual arts in Vancouver’s Eastside, producing landmark events and year-round programming that connect artists with the community — including the iconic Eastside Culture Crawl.
GRANDVIEW / COMMERCIAL DRIVE
Rooted in diversity and creativity, the Commercial Drive community embodies the heart and soul of East Van — a vibrant cultural corridor where local businesses, artists, and residents come together to celebrate food, music, and community spirit.
