Fun and Good Food at Falconetti’s East Side Bar & Grill

There’s a lot of cool places on Commercial Drive in East Vancouver where you can meet up with friends, hang out, dine from delicious menus and listen to live music.  Falconetti’s East Side Bar & Grill is one of these popular venues in the heart of Vancouver’s historic ‘Drive’.  It’s styled after a typical New  York style cafe/lounge and it might look dark and crowded when you peer in through the door at the long bar area, but inside there’s another dining area adjacent to the small stage where you can relax in a more private atmosphere. The ambiance is friendly and engaging.

Besides the well-stocked bar, there’s a varied menu to choose from, everything from appetizers to entrees.  Falconetti’s Famous Sausages are the main attraction.  These gourmet sausages are made with no preservatives of fillers are served sauteed with red and green peppers,onions and special house sauce (from $7.50) For an extra $1.00 you can get one with a tortilla and more toppings.  Or add cheese, guacamole, sauerkraut or salsa for an additional $1.00.

I’ve been to Falconetti’s twice in the last month just to hear some excellent jazz music.  For a late evening snack, the savory Spinach Salad with prawns, dijon dressing, crumbled feta, sliced mandarin and walnuts ($8.99) went well with a glass of Granville Island Lager ($4.99) You might want to share a side of Falc’s Fries tossed in garlic and lime with a tasty dipping sauce ($5.50) If  you want a full meal they have tantalizing entrees such as Lamb Rib Chop with Rosemary rub ($14.99) and Falc’s Tacos with guacamole, fresh ciltrano, onions and a side of salsa ($8.99) Or try the lamb or chicken skewers for $12.99.(Menu)

Falconetti’s has live music every night from 9 pm.  On Sunday’s there is a Canada Music Week special. (entertainment calendar) It’s also a hot spot for Vancouver Canuck’s hockey games which are shown on the big screen.  And during the FIFA World Cub series, it will serve as headquarters for sports fans.

Falconetti’s definitely lives up to it’s slogan “The Best Vibe on the Drive.”

Falconetti’s East Side Bar & Grill (map)

1812 Commercial Drive (at Second Ave.)

How to Get There:

Transit: Bus #20;  Skytrain to Broadway Station; Metered parking in the area.