In the 10 years that Tom Graham has managed The Fringe Cafe, he’s set only one rule: be nice, and others will be nice back. His loyal clientele — 80 per cent regulars — have happily complied since the day the bar originally opened in Kitsilano in 1990. One of Vancouver’s oldest watering holes, this cozy neighbourhood bar offers “simple comfort food” including burgers and nachos and an impressive drinks list consisting of, most notably, beer and scotch.
Behind the well-worn bar, more than 30 scotches rest above fridges packed tight with 62 different beers. The Fringe’s bartenders are knowledgeable. However, if they “aren’t able to describe a beer’s taste,” Tom explains, “someone in the bar will.”
The atmosphere, combined with drink specials under $5 and a daily student discount (a pint and jaeger shot for $6.50), makes the bar consistently packed. Bartenders work shifts alone, serving food and drinks while chatting jovially with customers. “There’s been some harried moments,” Tom admits, “but our patrons are patient; they know we’re doing our best.”
Fresh is Best Chips and Salsa
Tri-colour chips & house made salsa -4
The Patty Shop Jamaican Patty
Choice of Spinach & Feta, Curry Chicken, or Spicy Beef
*add a side of 'Hood Salad or Chips & Salsa - 3
The Patty Shop Jamaican Patty
Choice of Spinach & Feta, Curry Chicken, or Spicy Beef
*add a side of 'Hood Salad or Chips & Salsa - 3
GREEK CHICKEN SKEWER-3
Chicken thighs marinated in The Parthenon yogurt, citrus, & fresh dill
Skewered & oven-roasted
Add a side ‘Hood salad or chips for -3
WEST BROADWAY MEAT CO. SAUSAGE IN A BUN-8
Choice of 1 rotating craft sausage, pan-seared & dressed with Dijon, red & green leaf lettuce, marbled cheddar, & a pickle
Add a side ‘Hood salad or chips for -3
HOOD SALAD
Red & Green leaf lettuce, baby kale, red onion, grape tomatoes, & fresh berries dressed in a bacon vinaigrette or a Dijon-honey vinaigrette
NACHOS-
Marbled cheddar, red onion, tomatoes, black olives, & jalapeños. Served with fresh salsa & sour cream
Add BBQ chicken for -4
QUESADILLA
Grilled flour tortilla stuffed with mozzarella & jack cheeses, red onion, tomatoes, black olives, & jalapeños. Served with fresh salsa & sour cream
Add BBQ chicken for-4
BLTA SANDWICH
Toasted bread with herb mayo, 4 pieces of bacon, red & green leaf lettuce, tomato, & the mighty avocado. Served with choice of side ‘Hood salad or chips & salsa
BROADWAY MEAT CO. SAUCEY BURGER
Fresh 6oz. ground beef & pork patty with melted marbled cheddar, topped with bacon vinaigrette-dressed red & green leaf lettuce, red onion, tomato, ketchup, mayo, & mustard. Served with choice of side ‘Hood salad or chips & salsa
BBQ CHICKEN SANDWICH
Slow-cooked dark & light meat chicken, melted marbled cheddar, jalapeños, red & green leaf lettuce, red onion, tomato, & Dijon mustard. Served with choice of side ‘Hood salad or chips & salsa
VEGGIE SANDWICH
Crisp & cool cucumber, smashed baby peas, herb mayo, marbled cheddar, red & green leaf lettuce, red onion, & tomato. Served with choice of side ‘Hood salad or chips & salsa
FRINGE COCO BUN
Choose a Jamaican patty flavor; then we cover it in house-made salsa & cheese, wrap it in a flour tortilla with lettuce tomato and mayo, & bake it to perfection (or a decent facsimile). Served with choice of side ‘Hood salad or chips & salsa
DRINK
Beers on tap
The Domestics
The Imports
Sparkling Grapes
Ciders & Coolers
Scotch
Red Grapes
White Grapes
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Kitsilano’s answer to Cheers, The Fringe Café has served regulars and one-time visitors since 1990. Manager Tom Graham has overseen the narrow, fairy-light-lit pub for more than 10 years. Perhaps it’s the “lived-in” feeling, or the paraphernalia and trinkets strewn on the walls and above the bar, which makes the Fringe Café so welcoming. Customers can choose from more than 30 scotches, a wide selection of local and international beers, or one of the $5 drink specials. Regardless of where you live, I recommend thinking of Fringe Café as your go-to local.
View this Smart ListIt’s hard not to fall in love with The Fringe. More than a dive bar, with quirky decorations and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s full of regulars – or soon-to-be-regulars. The bar includes an extensive selection of domestic and imported beers, while drink specials abound. Try a pitcher of beer with chips and salsa for just $10, before checking out the bar’s Wall of Shame depicting regulars having the time of their lives.
View this Smart ListThis laid-back spot on West Broadway is one of the oldest pubs still operating in the neighbourhood. Opened in 1990, it quickly became a favourite among locals looking to get out and enjoy a friendly pint, and the warm atmosphere and personable staff makes it a treasured landmark. You’ll find six local and national brands on tap and a long list of domestic and imported beers by the bottle.
View this Smart List