VC08 - South Main

Jonathan and Olivia (#1) Owner Jackie O’Brien has a fabulous eye, and merges new classics (Mackage coats in winter; Filippa K dresses in summer) with such fashion-forward looks as Chloë Sevigny’s much-hyped line for Opening Ceremony. 2570 Main St., 604-637-6224.

Eugene Choo (#2) Nestled comfortably among other local designer boutiques like Narcissist, Life of Riley, and Umeboshi, Eugene Choo gets a nod for its well-edited selection of menswear and accessories. Most wanted: preppy shirts from Steven Alan, rumpled messenger bags from Freitag, and dark denim from APC. 3683 Main St., 604-873-8874.

Lucky’s Comics (#3) This is old-school Main, stocked with the classics and work by local talents like illustrator Julie Morstad. 3972 Main St., 604-875-9858.

Heritage Hall (#4) The flashy brownstone at Main and 15th was completed in 1916 to serve as a post office and spur business development in the area. That didn’t happen, but the neighbourhood icon is an architectural gem and the spot for offbeat fairs, meets, and soirées just the same. 3102 Main St.

Soma Lounge (#5) As South Main has come of age, so has its namesake café. Last year Soma (151 E. Eighth Ave., 604-630-7502) moved just off Main Street and became a full-service restaurant and bar. They still serve a good Americano, but the dimly lit space is better suited to late-night imbibing. For a taste of the old Soma scene look no further than Gene (2404 Main St., 604-568-5501). The wedged-shaped space between Kingsway and Main has the requisite minimalist décor (white and blonde wood) and aloof baristas.

Liberty Bakery (#6) No pretence here, just a pleasant old-fashioned bakery with battered farmhouse chairs, Brown Betty teapots, and flaky pastries, custards, and tarts. Stay for a light lunch (the soups are recommended) or grab a sugary Eccles cake to go. 3699 Main St., 604-709-9999.

Crave (#7) Chef Wayne Martin has struck gold with his refined, satisfying plates served by friendly wait staff in an intimate room and, come summer, in the sunny back courtyard. At dinner, the steak frites with truffle-Parmesan fries is a local favourite ($24); at weekend brunch, it’s all about the buttermilk pancakes and the Bennys. 3941 Main St., 604-872-3663.

Twigg&hottie (#8) Sustainably minded Canadian designers are the focus here, and the line of organic-cotton dresses and silk Modal tunics by Vancouver’s Nicole Bridger (she developed Lululemon’s ecofriendly sib, OQOQO) makes going green effortless. There’s also a good selection of Contexture Design’s popular wood-laminate cuffs and accessories. 3671 Main St, 604-879-8595.

REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE

13–280 E. Sixth Ave.
$479,000
{Maintenance Fee} $189
{Specs} 915 sq. ft., one-bedroom, one-bath live/work loft in the historic Fell’s Candy Factory; exposed brick and vaulted ceilings.