We took a detour from Italian Day on Commercial to explore the Strathcona neighbourhood. My friend runs / bikes by the small market / deli often and wanted to try it out for lunch so we headed over to it as the destination of our walk. We were there around 1330 on a Sunday and it wasn't too busy. There were plenty of seating inside and a few bistro tables & chairs by the front window. We shared a chicken sandwich and a havarti veggie sandwich by a bistro table on the sidewalk. Both came to us grilled. The grilled slices of bread held in the tasty juiciness of the chicken, cheese, all the other fixants. They were perfect for our lunch stop on a Sunday afternoon. read more

Wilder Snail - Store sign above the front door - Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

A corner coffee shop serving the residents here. My friend took me here as he used to live in this hood. I'm guessing only people who live and work in this area know about this place. It does get pretty busy during lunch time. There are some seatings inside with a few tables outside. Besides serving coffee, tea and sandwiches and wraps, one section of the shop is like a convenience store. You can get bread, jam, milk and some sundry items here. We had the panini special of the day and flat white. They were ok. The panini was a bit on the small side, enough if you're a small eater. You'll still be hungry if you're used to bigger portion. It's a good place to get some coffee or food if you're in the area, but nothing special to make a trip out for it. read more

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friendly service, delicious scones cozy atmosphere and great prices. Will be back soon read more

Nice corner store in Strathcona, looked like family-run. This particular corner of the neighbourhood is a little more peaceful than a lot of the surrounding area. They have a cafe and convenience area. I've noticed most corner stores in Vancouver focus on stocking high-end local products, but this store has basic groceries and household items like you would find at a normal drugstore, but they did also have nice cards and what looked like locally produced jams. I'm not complaining about this - this is definitely more appropriate for this neighbourhood since there's no big grocery stores nearby. I stopped here to grab lunch. I had a havarti veggie sandwich, a ginger cookie, and an iced yuja tea (seasonal specialty drink). I thought the sandwich looked kind of plain sitting in the case but I was pleasantly surprised when it came out after hitting the grill and was full of zesty peppers, onions, and artichoke in every bite. Even the bread was pretty good. I really liked the texture of the ginger cookie that was somehow both chewy and light. The iced yuja tea, I learned, is not like a typical "yuzu iced tea" which is iced tea with yuzu/yuja flavour or puree, but a Korean drink made with yuzu/yuja marmalade and no actual tea. It was very sweet, almost like juice, but I liked the intense citrus flavour and big pieces of cured yuja. The atmosphere was very welcoming and relaxed, with friendly staff. There's a good amount of seating both inside and outside (comfortably covered, so it's usable even in light rain). There were newspapers and magazines on some of the tables, picture books for kids, and a bucket of dog treats by the door. It's probably not a place you'd go as a special trip, but a wonderful place to grab a bite or coffee and chill out if you're in the neighbourhood. read more

Wilder Snail - Havarti Veggie Sandwich, Ginger Cookie, Iced Yuja Tea - Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

So charming. So tasty. So friendly and kind. A lovely place to spend some time. And one of the best names for a place ever.

Cute little neighbourhood cafe/grocery store in the Chinatown area. As it was raining, I wanted something warm and got a London fog to go. No complaints of the drink and quite enjoyed the atmosphere of the grocery store. They also have a small seating area if you wanted to get together with friends. I miss having these neighbourhood cafe/grocery stores and wished there was more in the city! read more

Wilder Snail - London fog - Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Love this place! Great neighborhood Stopped in for coffee on a dreary Saturday afternoon. Great atmosphere, great service. If I lived closer, I'd be in all the time. I wish my neighborhood had a café like this. read more

Cute and cozy neighbourhood cafe with friendly service! The menu has a nice selection of baked goods, salads, and sandwiches. Good place to catch up after or before a stroll. read more

This cafe looks really cool, good vibe! But I found the portions you get- for the high price - are not worth the price, I was still hungry after I ate! They should lower their prices or give bigger portions! read more

I love Wilder Snail. Best little coffee shop on East Van. I go there all the time to sit and read and enjoy a Sunday. Good free WiFi. read more

NO--has it really been a year?! Had ourselves a cup of Origins Coffee and some gluten free treats. The snail is special in that it's located in one of the richest artist communities of Vancouver. Shelves of well discriminated food items (albeit prohibitively priced) and a following from die hard cycling groups keep the Snail busy. Locals who lunch know the quality is to be trusted. I love the location across from the park. In good weather grab a java and enjoy this warm neighbourhood vibe. read more

Charming local cafe/eatery. Not as busy as one would assume. Quality coffee. read more

I still can not decide if the wilder snail is bohemian or weird. The name doesn't help, nor row of stationary bikes as seats at the window. They also have a large selection of new agey / organic products in the back and, of course, a large coffee and sandwich menu. They're sort of like a bodega, without the booze, or a very high end restaurant/convenience story combo, I guess. But they fit the Strathcona neighbourhood really well. To be honest, I haven't really come across a lot of retailers to compare them to. But their coffee is the best in the neighbourhood and the baristas are really nice. They also charge an extra quarter for taking you coffee to go, watch out! read more

This is what i'm talking about. I wish wish wish every neighbourhood had at least one, ideally two of this type of "corner store". Stocked with daily essentials you may have missed during your major shopping trips this store offers a unique "one stop shop" for your culinary tastes but is also a quaint little coffee/snack bar with quality coffees and uh, crack-tastic double chocolate cookies with pecans and cranberries. We happily ventured into this spot during the culture crawl and were so happy with what we found. Definitely made me want to move into the neighbourhood, not only because of its wares but the clientele wasn't bad looking either! Everyone was chill and unpretentious and the staff helpful and funny. As good as it gets. Now get into MY neighbourhood!!! read more

This isn't closed. I'm sitting in it right now. The homemade, all organic, vegan soup is INCREDIBLE. Clean, friendly, unpretentious, a good place to spend a quiet afternoon or evening. The tiny organic grocery store attached has a nice selection, if average Vancouver prices. Will visit again when I'm in the area. read more

The Wilder Snail (will-der? while-der? hmm) is a neat little cafe and specialty grocery in Strathcona. It clearly caters to the large hipster population that has infiltrated the area, but I can't complain about that. It'd be hypocritical. (Note: I do not live in Strath.) Conveniently located across the street from McLean Park, itself a popular hipster hangout, the Wilder offers coffee and snacks, groceries, and a bathroom with napkins to dry your hands on. The coffee is just fine, and sometimes I enjoy a Luna Bar with my brew. Cute little patio and cute tables. The staff pretty much always seem really bored and unfriendly, but whatever. I can be aloof too. read more

Such a warm quite cozy little cafe tucked away in Strathcona on the edge of Mclean Park, living up to its name, the Snail. made me a fresh ground JJ Bean organic misto, and a grilled panni as I did a little internet work and hung out with very real fresh artsy locals... This could be a destination place if your not to far of the corner of Clark & Vendables or Chinatown. A thought it seems everyone knows your name here, maybe so will you by the time you visit "The Snail"... read more

A Nice little cafe with a community vibe in the culture crawl heart of Beautiful Strathcona. Good organic coffee. (Origins) It is also a specialty grocery store inside but the goods are expensive. Baking and food are ok but spendy compared to other coffee houses. Upon several visits, I found the music choices loud and annoying to the point where I had to leave. That said, the outdoor seating is really nice and quiet :) read more

I was recommended this place by another Yelper on October 15th, therefore, book marked it for future reference. This is the cutest hidden treasure coffee place ever. I am genuinely in love with this place. It is cozy, stocked, well organized. There is a mini grocery store that sells some things, especially Earnest Ice Cream in Raspberry flavor. The people who work here are super nice. There is some gluten free treats. They don't have any sugar free syrup, therefore, had to take my London Fog unsweetened but it was still good. read more

Comfy cozy little coffee shop in Starthcona. This is where I used to get candy and pop with my childhood girlfriend Cheryl for less than a quarter. Now it's a coffee shop with tons of forgotten history. Just accross from what used to be Koo's automotive. I love the ambiance here. read more

Wilder Snail - Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Quaint little store with great coffee, wifi and seating to kick back and soak up the pleasant neighborhood vibe read more

Wilder Snail - a stove with a clock on top - Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Great neighbourhood spot. Friendly staff who know how to make an excellent cappuccino, remember your name, and can work a line up without getting stressed and huffy. There's indoor and outdoor seating, with a big awning, so you can sit outside, sip in the pouring rain and watch the light change in the beautiful big trees across the street in the park. The Snail also has a whole bunch of convenience items, including the all important Q tonic and a rockin' organic produce section. read more

Doesn't get much better than The Snail. This quaint little cafe is tucked away in Vancouver's best kept secret neighborhood of Strathcona. Right on historical Koo's Corner adjacent to Maclean Park, The Snail is the perfect place to grab a nibble and espresso after a game of bocce. Here you'll find local regulars catching up over tea or surfing away a couple hours on the iPad, but The Snail's fine proprietor also offers a handy selection of high quality, mostly organic grocery items. To put the cherry on top, the folks behind the counter are always pleasant and happy to chat, no matter if you're a Snail veteran or a welcome first-timer. Definitely check this place out! If you see me there, I'll no doubt be enjoying a fresh panini alongside some of the tastiest coffee you can find in this city of connoisseurs. read more

This little place is awesome! We used to work down the street from it and would go all the time. I loved the GF cookies! (That's gluten free, not girlfriend) They have these sandwiches that are soooooo good. Montreal smoked meat with a side of hot sauce! Mmmmmmmm! read more

This is the kind of place that makes me want to move to Strathcona. Great coffee, good food and even some groceries. I'm not a huge coffee snob.. I have a starbucks card and don't really care too much where my grounds come from. But I have to say I really appreciate a unique place like this read more

A relatively new addition to the 'hood. It's safe to say that the Snail has the BEST coffee of the three local favourites (Benny's/ Union Market) They also offer a reasonable selection of groceries (although nothing for produce really). Delicious paninis. Great sunny seating for enjoying a morning coffee and view of the park. read more

My go-to in the neighbourhood. Always friendly staff, happy to prepare my usual, plus a treat for the dog.

Love this little corner café the groceries are a bit pricey but the coffee is delicious and all the little baked goods are amazing they got some great treats and some great drinks I would definitely recommend it read more

Store, gallery, coffee shop. Best stop in the neighbourhood to grab a quick coffee and meet up with a friend.

This is the coolest convenience store in town! The owners are friendly, and the place has made the neighborhood a go to destination.

Love the owners and the menu selection. They make a mean Americano. The food selection is great for a place without a full kitchen. The pasta salad is A-O-K. It's a great little shop for us locals. Especially on those mornings when you are hung over and can't fill up a kettle for the life of you. Great selection of local organics as well. I'm going to miss this place when we move away! read more

my 2nd destination to pick up Earnest ice cream... cute coze place for the neighbourhood, laid-back, almost country-like. like the outdoor seating. hard to find if you're not from the area. free parking side streets. smaller grocery store but has the basics and some more. read more

This place used to have terrible music, but now it's chill! So glad it changed!! I would often leave angry because I was so distracted by the loud and fast paced music, but I love the place otherwise so I kept coming back. Thanks for changing it!! read more

Ah the Snail. One of my favorite cafe/grocery hangouts in the city. Located in lovely old Strathcona, it's an oasis inside an oasis. They've just installed some stationary bikes at a counter that generate electricity so you can produce some wattage while you're there. Cool idea. The coffee and pastries are great and the vibe is chilled out. Outside tables are usually full of local artists, people and their kids and visitors. The folks that work there are friendly and the wi-fi's is au gratis. It's across the street from MacLean park, a popular hangout in itself. If you're in the neighborhood indulge in some downtime and watch the clouds go by. read more

I like this place. Everytime I come in for a coffee, the people have always been pretty friendly and interesting to talk to. I've tried their vegetarian sandwiches and they are also pretty good. I've never bought any groceries there but from quick gander the price seems a little steep, however, they do carry many organic brands. If you're in the area, The Wilder Snail is gem for a coffee and a snack. read more

This place is right by my house and has amazing coffee and stocked with great things. However, the barista is probably one of the rudest people I have met in the neighbourhood. Compared to the other local corner store/coffee shops, this place has the worst service possible. I will give it another chance, but this girl is the worst!! read more

Super friendly staff with a simple (small), feel good menu. Great place to pick up necessities too.

Outsanding coffee, great atmosphere in an area (Strathcona) that resembles a village. Very artistic and creative crowd.

Lovely environment. However, the staff (namely two females) have been exceptionally rude. Ignoring customers, giving curt remarks and gossiping about community members loudly in the the cafe. I like the coffee and the vibe of the place but the staff members really need to be re-examined. read more