ETC19: 19 Must Visit restaurants, food carts & coffee shops in Clark County for Summer 2026

Maria and I were born on the 19th, ofcourse a couple of months apart but for both of us, 19 has always felt lucky, almost fated. When we created Explore the Couve we wanted to mark that significance, so every year we curate 19 spots that capture the soul of Clark County. This summer we revisited neighbourhood favourites and unearthed fresh finds to bring you a list that’s as personal as it is comprehensive. Whether you crave innovative restaurants, food carts & coffee shops or just want an excuse to explore the Couve, these are the places we’re talking about around the dinner table.

Restaurants

Cecelia

Cecelia feels like Sunday brunch at your best friend’s house if your friend happened to be an incredible chef. In an airy dining room adorned with plants and soft pastels, I’ve tucked into shrimp and grits, ultra‑tender short rib and the indulgent tres leches French toast. Their brunch burger piles fried egg and bacon on a house‑ground beef patty, while crispy chicken and waffles arrive drizzled in spicy‑sweet syrup. The servers greet regulars by name and never rush you, making it easy to linger over a second cup of coffee. If you only order one thing, let it be Abuelita’s doughnuts - fluffy rings dusted in cinnamon sugar that taste like summer fair memories.

Amaro’s Table - East Vancouver

Amaro’s Table’s eastside location brings the downtown favourite’s culinary chops to the suburban crowd. It’s a warm bistro where the mixologists hand‑craft bespoke cocktails while you watch. Locals rave about the perfectly seared New York strip steak and juicy fried chicken; I’m equally enamoured with the seasonal small plates that change with the markets. Sit at the bar for conversation with the bartenders and you may end up with a customised drink that doesn’t appear on the menu. The wine and whiskey list is thoughtful without being intimidating, and the friendly staff strike the sweet spot between attentive and relaxed. It’s the place to impress out‑of‑towners without the downtown parking headache.

Elements

Elements lives up to its name by marrying earth, air, fire and water on every plate. The dining room, tucked inside a historic building, is intimate and stylish with open kitchen views. On my last visit, we started with octopus so tender it melted into the citrusy ajo blanco, and hamachi crudo dressed with basil oil. For mains, the pan‑seared Alaskan halibut came with asparagus and lemon beurre blanc, while my brunch companion swooned over crab cake Benedict and shrimp grits. The cocktails are equally inventive - think gin‑based “Forest Bath” with fir‑infused vermouth and the service is attentive without being stiff. Make reservations; this gem fills up quickly.

Dediko

This bright Georgian café on Evergreen Boulevard transports you from Vancouver to Tbilisi. The warm wooden interior and clay pots evoke a family kitchen while the menu celebrates the country’s most beloved dishes. Plump khinkali dumplings burst with spiced meat and broth, and the khachapuri ,a boat‑shaped bread filled with molten cheese and topped with a farm‑fresh egg, arrives sizzling and irresistible. Pair your meal with a glass of Georgian wine and end with a slice of honey cake. Owner Lali will happily explain the dishes and share stories from her homeland. Note: Dediko occupies suite 700 in the Vancouver Marketplace building.

Falahi Bros

If you’re downtown and craving Middle Eastern comfort food, Falahi Bros is your answer. The small eatery specialises in halal meats, crispy falafel and juicy shawarma. Plates come piled with saffron‑tinged rice, warm pita and tangy pickled veggies. I love the Lamb Shank plate for its tender meat and fragrant sauce, but the eggplant and cauliflower wrap is equally satisfying for vegetarians. Finish with a scoop of mujadara (lentils and rice) and their homemade tadziki. Everything is made fresh, and many vegetarian options are available. This family‑run spot exudes warmth, expect to be greeted like an old friend.

Kindee Thai Restaurant

Kindee’s elegant space inside a strip mall belies the quality of its cuisine. Rich yellow curry, aromatic Pad Thai and velvety Tom Kha soup arrive steaming and fragrant; the crab fried rice is loaded with sweet crabmeat and perfectly balanced with herbs. Try the Kao Soi, a northern Thai curry with egg noodles and pickled mustard greens, it’s both creamy and tangy. Friendly servers will suggest pairing your meal with a Thai iced coffee or tea, and they’re happy to adjust spice levels. Vegan options abound, and the kitchen consistently sends out plates that are hot and beautifully presented.

India Supermarket & Restaurant

Part grocery store, part dining hall, India Supermarket & Restaurant brings the flavours of Mumbai and Hyderabad to Vancouver. Behind the aisles of Indian groceries sits a casual dining area where you can order over 77 dishes, from fiery chicken tikka masala and aromatic biryani to street‑food favourites like chaat. They also serve fresh tandoori, butter chicken and vegetarian curries made with authentic spices. Portions are generous and prices are reasonable, making it perfect for family dinners. Don’t leave without browsing the spice shelves; you’ll find cardamom pods, lentils and sweets to recreate the dishes at home.

Loyal Legion

Loyal Legion is Vancouver’s beer hall for craft‑beer aficionados. Housed in a modern space with high ceilings and communal tables, it boasts more than 70 taps pouring Washington brews alongside a full cocktail bar. The food menu goes far beyond typical pub fare; think sausage flights, fried chicken sandwiches and seasonal salads. In warm weather, the spacious patio fills with friends clinking pints and families enjoying a relaxed meal. Whether you’re here for a limited‑release IPA or to snack on soft pretzels dipped in beer cheese, Loyal Legion captures the spirit of Clark County’s brewing community.

Brothers Cascadia Brewing Evergreen Pub

This Evergreen Boulevard pub combines great beer with craveable food in a laid‑back setting. Regulars rave about the Classic Burger, a juicy patty stacked high with toppings and served with crispy fries, while the menu also includes savory German sausages and pizzas. I always start with their warm pretzel and beer cheese; it’s perfect for sharing over a pint of hazy IPA. With both indoor seating and a dog‑friendly patio, it’s easy to linger for hours. Their rotating tap list features Cascadia’s own brews and guest beers from around the region.

Grains of Wrath

A short drive east to downtown Camas brings you to Grains of Wrath. The brewery resides in a renovated 1930s auto shop with garage‑door windows that open onto a lively patio. Known for award‑winning IPAs, crisp lagers and experimental ales, GoW pairs its beers with elevated pub food. Menu highlights include the Western BBQ Bacon Burger, giant pretzel with beer cheese, crispy Brussels sprouts and vegan smash burger. The space feels simultaneously rustic and modern, with industrial beams and communal tables. It’s kid‑friendly and even welcomes dogs on the patio. The staff are passionate about brewing and always happy to recommend a beer flight.

Coffee Shops

Kafiex Roasters

This independent roaster operates two locations, but we love the downtown Coffee Lab at 720 Esther Street. Inside the loft‑like space you’ll find a gleaming espresso bar, bags of single‑origin beans and baristas eager to share tasting notes. Kafiex is family‑owned and woman‑led and has racked up awards including a top‑10 finish at the U.S. Barista Championship and 13 Golden Bean medals. Signature drinks include the Honey Lavender Latte, house‑made Mexican mocha and the award‑winning Three Amigos espresso blend. Their commitment to direct trade and sustainability shines through, with a Diedrich roaster configured for reduced emissions and a zero‑waste instant coffee line.

Relevant Coffee

Tucked between the Hough and Arnada neighborhoods, Relevant Coffee is the heartbeat of Vancouver’s coffee scene. It roasts beans from sustainable farmers and serves them as rotating single‑origin pour‑overs and espresso drinks like the Ranger mocha (made with small‑batch chocolate sauce) and chai latte brewed from a house‑made blend. The café doubles as a community hub where neighbors gather over pastry from Baron Patisserie or Shoofly Vegan Bakery and linger in conversation. Their nitro cold brew is a summertime favourite, and there are vegan and gluten‑free pastries for everyone.

Thatcher’s Coffee

Since opening in 2010, Thatcher’s has become a gathering place for east‑side residents. The airy café is filled with natural light and plants, with a rotating menu of locally roasted coffee, loose‑leaf teas and seasonal pastries. Friendly baristas make you feel at home, and gluten‑free pastries mean no one has to skip dessert. Order the house latte and settle into a cozy corner to read or catch up with friends. There’s free Wi‑Fi, and the vibe encourages lingering, it’s no wonder it’s still a favorite after more than a decade.

Gold Cup Coffee House

This neighborhood gem near Fourth Plain Boulevard is beloved for its genuine hospitality. With only a handful of tables, Gold Cup feels more like a living room than a café. The baristas craft drinks with care, from classic pour‑overs to seasonal specials like a graham‑cracker‑topped Smores Latte. Regulars praise the warmth of the staff and the cozy seating area filled with local art. It’s an ideal spot to escape with a book and a perfectly steamed cappuccino.

Compass Coffee

Compass Coffee, located downtown on Washington Street, believes in coffee as culinary art. They source green beans from the top 0.1% of the market and roast them in small batches for peak freshness. The café’s mission is to build community through ethically sourced coffee, and the result is a welcoming space where strangers become friends. Try their single‑origin pour‑overs or house espresso, both showcase the beans’ nuances, and pick up a bag of whole beans to brew at home. There’s also a selection of pastries and a quiet patio in back.

Richlandhub Coffee

Richlandhub isn’t just a café; it’s a story of global connection. Founder James Bonny Mbuya, who grew up on a coffee farm in Tanzania, opened a roastery and later a café in Vancouver. He sources ethically grown beans and invests profits into Project Sharity, which has funded a medical clinic in Mbeya, Tanzania. The bright, plant‑filled space on Main Street hosts community events celebrating African culture, and every purchase supports farmers abroad. Order a pour‑over of their Tanzanian Peaberry and feel good knowing your morning ritual makes a difference.

Carino Coffee House

Carino Coffee House infuses Mexican flavours into its specialty drinks. The modern café, decorated with lush greenery and sunny murals, offers unique beverages like a Habanero Mocha that combines heat and chocolate and a Dirty Horchata blending espresso with cinnamon‑spiced rice milk. Pan dulce (Mexican pastries) are baked daily, and there’s always a rotating house special. The iced cortado provides a refreshing pick‑me‑up on hot days. With generous seating, free Wi‑Fi and friendly service, Carino has become a favourite for students and remote workers.

Food Carts

Oak Tree Station

Under a century‑old oak tree in Camas sits Oak Tree Station, a food cart pod and community gathering space. More than twenty carts serve everything from smoky barbecue and gourmet burgers to Thai noodles and vegan desserts. The 7,000‑square‑foot park features picnic tables, shade sails and a playground, making it ideal for families. There’s a bar serving local beer and cider, live music on weekends and plenty of parking. It’s the perfect place to experience the diversity of Clark County’s restaurants, food carts & coffee shops in one visit.

Vancouver Station Food Carts

America’s largest food cart plaza opened in east Vancouver with forty‑four stalls, a full bar, arcade and stage for live music. Vancouver Station is ADA‑compliant with accessible parking, restrooms and seating. You can wander from Vietnamese pho to Nashville hot chicken, sample gluten‑free doughnuts and sip craft cocktails. The energetic atmosphere feels like a night market; there’s always something new to try. Grab a table, order from multiple carts and enjoy live music while kids play games. The plaza is quickly becoming a must‑visit for anyone exploring our vibrant restaurants, food carts & coffee shops scene.

From family‑run falafel joints to modern cafés with social missions, these restaurants, food carts & coffee shops capture the diversity and heart of Clark County. We hope this ETC19 guide inspires you to explore beyond your usual favorites and discover something new. After all, part of the magic of the Couve is how quickly a new spot can become a treasured tradition. If you have a favourite place we missed, let us know, we’re always planning next year’s list.