Restaurants in Vancouver

Thoreau might have lasted longer than two years in the woods if he’d been within walking distance of Lapellah, a restaurant that draws strongly on the deep-woods vibe of the Pacific Northwest, with dark wood furnishings, comfy booths, warm brick walls, and plenty of roaring fire—Lapellah features a wood-oven stove and a flaming grill. The elemental atmosphere of wood and flames is reflected in the name: Lapellah comes from the trading language used by natives of the region and means “roast.” And like any good citizen of the woods, Lapellah endeavors to minimize its footprints in the soil. The restaurant works with area farmers to obtain sustainable, local ingredients and recycles or composts 80% of its waste. This locally owned, do-gooder restaurant also gives back to the community, donating turkey dinners over the holidays.

Now that the Saints have finally won the Super Bowl, EaT has ended its 40-year hiatus and opened its door to the simmering aroma of fresh oysters on the boil. The oyster joint's cozy and inviting home-style atmosphere offers more than 40 bourbons for the sipping, and a plethora of sea fare is meta-delicious for both active and retired seafarers. The bar serves up oysters baked Rockefeller-style with fresh spinach, parmesan, and watercress ($7 for three) as well as Kentucky oyster shooters accentuated by chili-infused bourbon and lemon ($2.50). The sandwich-minded will have trouble wrapping their bready hemispheres around EaT's signature po' boy with oysters, shrimp, or catfish on a cabbage, pickle, and tomato-lined French roll ($10). Those looking for a rich, hearty bite can try the seafood gumbo ($12), breaded frog legs ($12), or spicy jambalaya with Andouille sausage and chicken ($10).

Every year, chef Pat Jeung travels the world, bringing back exotic recipes and culinary alchemies from the farthest reaches. He also selects from the nearest reaches—he grows his own free-range vegetables, grass-fed fruits, and humanely picked herbs on a 30-acre farm in the Columbia Gorge.

Wayne's Chicago Red Hots administers the matrimony between high-quality beef franks and bold fixings daily, offering a dog menu of signature bunned creations. The classic Chicago Red Hot comes with yellow mustard, relish, chopped onions, a crisp garlic dill pickle, spicy sport pepper, tomato slices, and a dash of celery salt within the arms of a poppyseed bun ($3.50), while the Pulaski Polish unites a beef sausage with a marinade of beer and onions below brown mustard, sauerkraut, and a dill spear ($6). Vegan options extend to the Tree Hugger, a classic red hot with a tofu dog ($4.50), and the Italian Tofu with wheat, tofu, basil, and spices ($6).

Concordia Ale House dutifully fulfills the social role of any ale house, pubbery, or brew hall by keeping the drinks flowing amid an environment of pinball, video golfing, video poker, keno, and a commitment to making top-notch bar food. An appetite can ponder its cravings while enjoying the hoppy delights of draft beers such as Old Rasputin's Imperial Stout and Pike's Double IPA or bottled fare like a Belgian-imported Val-Dieu Grand Cru ($10) before succumbing to Concordia's hunger-inducing, savory-fared supper menu.

This primarily gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan establishment uses more than 90% organic ingredients in its creative dishes. The fresh menu brings together soups, salads, bowls, sandwiches, and breakfast items in a culinary harmony unseen since the California Raisins dominated the air waves. Morning eats are served until 11:00 a.m. every day and include gluten-free hot oatmeal with dried figs, currants, brazil nuts, fruit, cinnamon, and a dash of maple syrup ($6), as well as the chipotle tempeh scramble blending spinach, sundried tomatoes, carrots, and avocado in an eggless arena ($7), among others.