It’s our fav time of the month, when we get to talk about a local business in town that is making waves and putting smiles on people’s faces.
My daughter and I started this series to spotlight locally owned businesses contributing their time and effort to making this neighbourhood thrive.
We’re dedicated to providing top-notch hearing care, but sometimes we just need to let loose and have some fun. Local businesses like this one are a great addition to the area and a big part of why we LOVE living here! If you have any tips for enjoying meals out or spending time with loved ones on the weekends, we’re all ears!
Seeing great things happen in our own backyard is also essential to our success. Places like the one we are about to discuss provide good times and full bellies – just what we all need to tackle the work week successfully.
If you need a great place to unwind this weekend, let us tell you about Cantina Norte. With a long history in Vancouver, they’ve found a permanent place in our hearts.
Get the Cholula sauce ready and pack your sombrero because we’re taking a trip south for some delicious Mexican fare. Ándale!
Exploring the Flavours of Cantina Norte
While street tacos will always have a place in our hearts, Cantina Norte is much more sophisticated. Elevated Mexican flavours are bursting out of every bite, and an artfully decorated dining room stimulates conversation and enhances the overall experience.
On top of all that, the service is impeccable. Such friendly staff from the moment you walk through the door. You can tell they are proud to serve the fantastic food and beverages that the kitchen and bar dish out.
This is easily the best Mexican food in the lower mainland!
Our Top Menu Must-Haves
Enough chit-chat; let’s discuss some drool-inducing menu items that keep us coming back for more.
Margaritas – No Mexican meal should start without a fresh-made marg. They offer a few different flavours, but let me help you skip to the best one, which is made with jalapeno. Spicy!
Queso Fundido – When you’re ready for an app, dive into this savoury bowl of blended cheeses. It’s served with fresh tortillas, and if you add the smoky chorizo sausage, your taste buds will never be the same.
Mussels – We know, we know: mussels aren’t exactly “authentic” Mexican food, but they are still seafood, and the Mexican culture is well-versed in anything that comes from the ocean. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy the sauce alone in this dish.
Local Tips From Us
Although this restaurant is an upscale establishment, they still offer happy hour every day from 2:00–5:00 pm and the last hour of each day. However, if you miss those times, a local tip from us is to sit at the bar, where they always honour happy hour.
Another local tip is to go with friends so you can share dishes. Many are very easy to share, allowing you to try the many different flavours they offer.
A Family and Local Affair
The story behind Cantina Norte is nothing short of inspiring. While they enjoy success now, it’s been a long, hard road.
From 1987 to 1998, Cafe Norte enjoyed great success and built a steady following. Unfortunately, extenuating life circumstances affected the business, and they were forced to close, despite the community raising $250kto support them – which at the time was unheard of.
In 2021 the legacy of Cafe Norte was resurrected and renamed Cantina Norte. In only a few short years, people have flocked back to the place that we have all missed for a very long time.
Now run by Jeremy and Katie Mitchell – the kids of original owners Philip and Linda, who started it all – they are enjoying the same success that was first experienced all the way back in 1987.
We hope this continues forever, as we love having them as part of our community and our dinner plans.
Cantina Norte
108-3246 Connaught Crescent
North Vancouver, BC V7R 0A7
Canada
(604) 670 8226
Monday–Thursday: 12:00 pm–10:00 pm
Friday: 12:00 pm–11:00 pm
Saturday: 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am–10:00 pm
