VC09 - West End

Live the West Coast life at Second Beach Pool, a 50-metre heated walk-in with Stanley Park’s massive cedars to the north and shimmering English Bay to the south (mid May to mid September). Stanley Park Dr., 604-257-8371. (Tip: Follow Stanley Park Dr. north to Lagoon Dr. to view the spectacular Ted and Mary Greig rhodo garden.)

Cardero Bottega — that artichoke-green heritage structure that’s become a photo op for visitors — has a selection of Italian pantry staples, and deli meats and cheeses that form the basis of chef-proprietor Tim Harris’s incredible sandwiches. All cost $7; all are perfect for impromptu beach picnics. Closed Mondays. 1016 Cardero St., 604-689-0450.

Half of Momentum Grooming is devoted to premium men’s grooming and skin-care products, with brands like Gentleman’s Refinery and Sharps; the other half is a two-seat barber shop offering a short menu of cuts, subtle grey coverage, and classic hot-towel shaves. Reservations recommended. 1237 Burrard St., 604-689-4636.

Hand-pulled noodles, made at warp speed, are the draw at Legendary Noodle. Stick to the tang mian (noodle soups). The beef broth with pork-chive dumplings is stellar, as is the vegetarian bowl with pieces of stir-fried tofu. Downtown delivery is in the works; stay tuned. 1074 Denman St., 604-669-8551.

Davie St. packs in the most after-hours restaurants and bars in Vancouver. Among them: Lolita’s South of the Border Cantina, a raucous room serving authentically rooted, locally influenced fare (exhibit A: the superb quesadilla con salmon pacifico) and strong drinks; the tequila list is the city’s finest. Open till 2 a.m. nightly, with a full-dinner menu till 11 p.m. 1326 Davie St., 604-696-9996.

Kingyo Izakaya’s bold flavours and moody room, with dark woods and nods to feudal Japan, outshines other izakayas. Sample each section of the extensive menu: we favour the assorted sashimi, beef-tendon miso stew, and grilled black cod (aka sablefish, it’s something of a local delicacy and a safe bet on most menus). 871 Denman St., 604-608-1677.

STATISTICS

Average age - 42 (52 west of Denman Street)
Residents per block - 436
Percentage of renters - 76
Median household income - 39,476
Typical household - Singles

REAL ESTATE MARKET PLACE

#206-1246 Cardero St.
$274,000
{Maintenance Fee} $232.29
{Specs} A spacious co-op apartment in an art deco building. 1 bed/1 bath, and one block to the beach