The Walk on The Drive, a Birthday Night on Commercial
Jack Armstrong of Bealby Point
march 2026
I’ve heard some murmurs online recently of people saying that Vancouver is BORING and there
is nothing fun to do. Well, I am here calling absolute BS on that because last week was my
birthday and I had a ton of fun. We had a night on East Vancouver’s Commercial Drive and it
was most definitely NOT boring! Delicious food, a fun activity, and classy yet affordable drinks.
Top tier stuff all within 10 minutes of walking distance between each stop. This is what “The
Drive” is all about baby, no driving required! They should call it “The Walk”!
PHOTO: THE CHARLATAN
Our night started out like many others, at our favourite local haunt, The Charlatan. The band
and I frequent this gastropub regularly. It’s got a nice cozy vibe, great food, quality service, and
solid drink specials everyday. Some of our favourite eats of the night were the Tuna Bites,
crusted albacore with aioli and sweet soy and the Black Dragon Chicken Wings. Both dishes are
the perfect combination of sweet and spicy. Two must try items. Our favourite drinks of the night
were the Crimson Sol Cocktail Pitchers, made from Orange Seed Tequila, Crème de Cassis,
lime juice and ginger beer. Another sweet and spicy combination with the ginger beer in there.
Scrumptious!
PHOTO: GRANDVIEW LANES
After we finished off our grub and pitchers we headed to the main event of the evening, bowling!
But not just any old bowling… Glow in the Dark 5-pin bowling at Grandview Lanes, just a 10-
minute walk down The Drive from The Charlatan. Initially, there was hesitation and a bit of
pushback from our group on my decision to book 5-pin bowling. Many people were insisting that
10-pin bowling is the superior form of the sport. I wasn’t so sure they were wrong, but I had
booked 5-pin, so we were going to have to just play and find out. I will say the 5-pin bowling was
a great experience, a little more of a challenge. A smaller ball and less pins make for a more
calculated game and considering I’ve been pretty much an exclusive 10-pin bowler, it made for
a nice change-up. I ended up finishing our bowling night in 3 rd place out of 15, not too bad!
PHOTO: THE DIME
With my bronze medal in bowling secured I was about ready to head home, the night seemed to
be wrapping up. But lo and behold, the night was not done, because even at 12:30am, after
dinner and bowling, The Drive has more to offer. We walked down the street, less than 10
minutes away, we stopped in at The Dime Roadhouse. If you have never been to one of these
establishments, let me tell ya, they are awesome. Affordable pub-style plates and some unique
drink options including my personal favourite, Inception Bombs. IFYKYK and if you don’t, you’ll
have to just head on down and order one to find out! The staff were incredibly sweet as well,
bringing me a complimentary birthday dessert of mini donuts with candle and song along with a
Muff Diver shot that got a little messy!
If you are looking for a fun and full night, hit The Drive and take a walk! There are certainly
many more gems to be discovered and explored on Commercial, I’ll be adventuring around
there! Maybe I’ll see you around!
