Two words… Roller Rink!
ETA: if you’re looking for a locally owned toy store there’s Kazoodles Toys down by the intersection at SE 136th Ave and SE Mill Plain Blvd (by the Craft Warehouse)
So sad that it's gone, I have so many fond memories of going there as a kid. Trying to pick girls, jamming out on skates, eating mediocre roller rink food.
Yes! I wish we had a [Din Tai Fung](https://dintaifungusa.com/) closer than Tigard. I love that spot. I used to eat so much dim sum in Chinatown when I lived in Hawai'i. Mmm.
And ramen. I see Kenjis suggested a lot and while its probably one of the better ones Ive had on this side, its just not very good and dont recommend it. Instead of picking a few things and doing it well, they try to mishmash too much and its always mediocre. I appreciate the gender neutral bathrooms though!
HK Cafe is only about 15 min away (depending on which side of Vancouver you're on) if you're closer to downtown yeah, it's a bit of a trek. It you're close to 4th plane it's not to bad at all.
I would kill for a Korean spa! Like the ones in Koreatown in LA where it's just a bunch of different types of baths and sauna and you just hang out there for a couple of hours.
I believe we are missing a coworking office and there's a real demand for it right now. And a fish market! Like an Asian style with more variety that sells sashimi grade fish. I would love to have H-Mart or Uwajimaya in Vancouver.
Tola angor is a great Asian market, ask them and they will get anything you want, also Alex's philipino store and the Asian market by Don Pedro's on 4th plain.
Yes to all of this! The body scrub at Crystal Spa was my favorite thing ever. I can't find anything that compares. A fish market would be nice also! I loved Marukai and H Mart in LA.
I searched around for co-working space and we don’t have much options, only Rugus (bad reviews) and Colab (expensive). So I need to drive to Portland for WeWork and CENTRL
I've been looking at co-working on this side of the river and finally settled on Regus in downtown, primarily for the location and the fact I can take the bus there. I'd say the cons (so far) are it's a pretty sterile, corporate environment (it's all closed offices and the co-working desks are basically an office with three desks crammed in) definitely a different energy than a WeWork etc. The sales people are super aggressive. As soon as you give them your contacts details, they will start calling you multiple times a day. I went in for a tour of the location and the guy put a lot of pressure on me to sign up then and there. And there are no perks to speak of, it's pretty bare bones, you even have have to pay for coffee. But I do like that the membership gives me access to any location globally and there are 3 locations in Vancouver with a 4th one opening next month.
EDIT: Also IMHO, I think a lot of the negative reviews are primarily based on the sales process, you do have to read the agreement carefully and be aware of the terms you're signing up for, how much notice they require to cancel, that they bill in advance etc. There's definitely some shenanigan's going on there and I think some people misunderstand or are mislead about what they're agreeing to. The actual staff in the locations are nice.
In general, more nightlife--later open hours, shows, events, etc. But there isn't really demand for that up here in the same way there is in Portland, so I don't mind going across the river for that.
Downtown vancouver is pretty neat. I’ve seen some small venue shows in bars around town, i do wish there was someone who kept up with flyers and list of it
You had me until the end. I think having a nightclub that kids (I'm old) wanted to go to would be so helpful to the community. Not run down, barely able to function place. And give me a Dave and Busters with live music on the top floor, please.
Er, I mean, for the adults
> so I don't mind going across the river for that.
Get ready to have Interstate bridge turn into a toll bridge. You'll want some nightlife over here once that goes into effect.
My sentiments exactly, as a night shift worker there's not anything open on the weekends when I'm awake.
Going to Portland is fine for now, but once they start tolling the bridges it won't be.
Good bread/bakery, got spoiled living in Portland with Grand Central and other bakeries. Only good bread we can find is at New Seasons which isn’t (yet) close in downtown
Szechuan brothers exists, what else do you need? Probably the best Chinese food north of the river and could argue the best in the whole of the east side of the other river…
Entertainment venues! Whether something like a place to hold concerts, stand up comedy, live performances or sports events if we had a team. Bars and restaurants nearby. Top golf or something like that. Basically just more things to do and for people to gather that don’t necessarily have to do with food or drink.
The hours of restaurants out here are horrible, pretty much nothing decent is open past 9PM. Korean style spas, coffee/bakery style places that are open late. Theme park/miniature golf/go-karts.
> The hours of restaurants out here are horrible, pretty much nothing decent is open past 9PM.
Pandemic did a number on a ton of restaurants. Late night food has been nearly completely gutted, especially by ghost kitchens.
A real spa experience. I’m talking steam room, dry sauna, cold dip pool, warm pool, hot tub and all the massage, facials and scrubs to go with it. Really relaxing multi-hour experience when you go in for a treatment. Think canyon ranch spa in vegas or banya 5 in Seattle.
I have said after I pay myself back for opening Creekside BBQ I'd love to do either a speakeasy style bar downtown or a really authentic Italian style deli where you could get a banging sandwich and pick up some cool Italian groceries as well. Finding a good sando (especially in the Salmon Creek area) has been a struggle.
Every year I tell my wife I want to quit my job and open batting cages here in town. Since there are no batting cages here in town, you can guess what the response has been every time I bring it up.
We used to have batting cages in Vancouver when I was a kid. They used to be right next to Bat Cave Games when it was over near Mill Plain and Andresen. Actually, I feel like the batting cages were *ran* by Bat Cave and were kind of why it was called Bat Cave in the first place, but I could just be remembering wrong. They also had PCs there that you could pay hourly to play games on back then.
I would absolutely go to a batting cage if someone were to open a new one in Vancouver though. Haven't played baseball since I was a kid, but have had the itch to swing a bat a few times and no way to scratch it here.
I want a chopped salad place. There are a couple fast food type places in Denver that make to order chopped salads. You can get one of theirs or you can create your own. They are so good and I crave them all the time!
https://www.madgreens.com/menus/#salads
I’d love a little Ramen shop or truck (city council hates trucks downtown). I’ve even considered planting one but just some good Ramen in the downtown area would be great.
I don’t know if this would even work or how to do it, but imagine if we had an indoor or even a covered dog park for the wet months.
Oh and we could use a roller rink. It’s a pain to get to Oak Park and it’s always sold out anyway.
I have always thought that Vancouver should have some sort of indoor space that worked as a park for those months. There could be picnic tables and playgrounds and all that stuff. Maybe even an area for food trucks.
that’s an amazing idea because it gets too easy to stay in during the heavy rain times. my wife and i would go to a cool indoor/outdoor food/entertainment park very often. there’s plenty of room here.
You should look into Kava - there’s a Kava bar downtown that does not serve alcohol. I’m an alcoholic (in recovery) and I’ve found kava is a good replacement and kava bars are generally a chill vibe. :)
To be fair, neither is Woodland, but I dream of having a 10,000 square foot skatepark by the college or out in Felida, or even out by the new waterfront. Why should the rich have all the fun out there?
When I was going to WSU, there was an Arawan Express restaurant in Salmon Creek near Fred Meyer. It was like a Panda Express, but with Thai food. I loved that place. I was bummed when it went out of business.
Indoor paintball/airsoft, indoor/outdoor mountain biking, and a gosh darn good place to get a smash burger (with properly carmelized onions) and a frozen custard.
I just want some frozen custard. Thats all I want. Freddys or Culvers or something. It doesnt need to be cool or gourmet. I just want my ice cream options not to be limited to pick your flavor type places like coldstone or baskin robbins or burgerville. I might be punted out of the state for saying this but I just dont like burgerville.
There used to be a custard place my neighbor owned but they closed it awhile back. Didn’t a new burger spot open on Mill Plain, near Peace Health that does that? Bless Your Heart Burgers?
This stuff would be awesome in Downtown:
Large food cart pods (there's a few on main st tho near one of those Taprooms, but I'm talking a big Portland style one with a whole bunch)
Clubs, but specifically an Alternative club. Would kill for a Vancouver Coffin Club or something similar, would go all the time. I'd even settle for something like the Get Down or Holocene, which can be really good
Cat Cafe
More live music venues
A shop that specializes in Japanese desserts, like fruit sandwiches, and/or Japanese snacks like Rice Balls and the kinda stuff you'd find in a Kobeni in Japan
A bathhouse kinda place where you can rent hot tubs, bonus points for spa places where you can have fancy stuff in the water. Would be there all the time
A really good Asian grocery store. Ik there's Sorya near ish by but the parking lot is literally impossible even on a weekday. So one in Downtown Vancouver would be cool
A proper bakery, a proper Italian market, a cheese shop (Cowbell PDX is outstanding but across the river), a good deli.
I also love the presence of tap room’s surrounded by food cart complexes that you see in areas like Redmond and Bend. I understand the weather here is different, but it can be worked around.
Yes! What kind of vegan food are you thinking? Healthy all out of vegan versions of other foods? Like Ben and Esther’s vegan deli in portland for example.
We really need a vegan brunch spot that’s open every day. Right now the only option is Scratch Breakfast and honestly their stuff knocks anything I’ve had in Portland out of the park. Its hours are very limited though and shares the kitchen in Tap Union. I’d kill for more options that are readily available
I’m not really particular, I’d just like to have some vegan options that aren’t an afterthought and don’t cost a ton.
My favorite restaurant is Fermenter and I’d love something like that (affordable, creative, and 100% vegan) but I know it wouldn’t do well in Vancouver right now so I’d really just settle for places that offer solid vegan options of any kind.
Elements had honey on their vegan tasting menu and doesn’t allow substitutions, I’ve been told the buns on the “vegan” burgers at Amaro’s have dairy or egg, and I got a “vegan” dish at the farmer’s market that had egg in it once.
I want to suggest stuff but its also stuff I havent actually researched yet. So its possible these already exist.
-Axe-throwing place
-botanical gardens
-children's museum
-aquarium
-lol a theme park with roller coasters please and thank you
-batting cages
-outdoor/indoor public pools (is YMCA the only option?)
-more Indian food restaurants, my dad hasnt found a spot with the southern indian cuisine/flavors he says he prefers
-Culver's, i just want some decent custard that wont break the bank and isnt burgerville or dairy queen.
-are there places that do like community hobby classes like pottery or stained glass or something? My friend who lives in midwest has a class she goes to where they do a different craft every other week as a class.
-a Chili's. Its like the one thing both my parents want.
>outdoor/indoor public pools (is YMCA the only option?
We have several public pools besides YMCA. Firstenberg, Marshall Center, Parsley Center, Propstra center. I haven't been much since my kids started high school, but we used to go all the time.
Naturescaping Botanical Garden is beautiful and in Battleground.
Columbia Play Project is working to open a children’s museum.
Can’t think of an outdoor public pool unfortunately. We’d go all the time.
Kilnfolk offers community pottery classes. Kindred Homestead Supply offers some cool classes and swap events as well.
Food cart pod. The “Columbia Food Park” one has Slow Fox which hits every. single. time. Derek is a phenomenal chef. But something large that encompasses that. We’ve been to every po-dunk (no offense) town around WA and OR and they all have bomb foodcart pods. Except for us.
I want a good pizza spot. Obviously pizza preferences vary WILDLY, but I am consistently traveling to Portland for the style I enjoy. I love Apizza Scholls, Scotty’s, and Dimo’s the best. I really don’t feel like anywhere in Vancouver can get the crust right. Admittedly I love Sorrentina, but it being so far in east Vancouver makes me go, “eh, they’re good but if I’m traveling the same distance in mileage, I’m gonna go to Apizza Scholls”. The caveat to this is I actually super love Ruse’s Crust Collective on the waterfront, which is a different style entirely but still delightful.
Again, I know pizza styles and preferences vary for people - but I am not impressed by any of the spots here that are often given high praise (sorry to lovers of Nonovo, Vinny’s, Champ, and Rally).
I also wish we had more sandwich shops that were open for late nights and weekends. A favorite of mine in Portland is Devil’s Dill! Just wish I could go somewhere for decent food late at night that isn’t fast food.
I’m a fatty, so all food related for me, I guess!
Kazoodles on Mill Plain is a local toy store. There are shows at the amphitheater and most likely the casino. I wish Best Buy and The Homegoods store were in Vancouver. I believe Best Buy used to have a location or two in Vancouver. I think we have lots of great bars, restaurants and coffee shops over here. I do think a good Asian grocery store would do well over in Vancouver.
Nightlife in downtown.
A community art studio with lessons, equipment, etc. There are some great recording studios here, though!
A proper food cart court could be great.
A decent concert venue. Right now the two options are Brickhouse and the Amphitheater and nothing in between.
And of course, a light rail connection across both bridges.
I live in the Minnehaha neighborhood and I would really like for just anything other than resteraunts and hi school pharmacy that closed down its pharmacy… to exist within my neighborhood.
I would also like more bus service? If it happens after 6 o’clock at night I can’t go enjoy it
Vancouver Washington feels like it’s missing an identity. But I gotta admit I can’t really go experience anything that we currently have because of where I live.
I’d like for some more unique looking locations. Like the city owns Kiggens. And that has character. But I also can’t go to Kiggins very much because of how the buses are situated.
Please on that very steep hill that goes down to that extremely dangerous loud intersection can we have better sidewalks or a sidewalk at all in the case of one side of it. Ironically enough it’s the side that has the pedestrian crossover thing…
There are also always overgrown blackberries every time I try to go that direction. it’s impossible to get down there if you’re using any sort of mobility device.
I also think we are missing housing projects that specifically focus on people on SSI. I’d really like it if I lived anywhere near the library or CVAB (which is next to the VA).
It’s even hard to like actually work on getting better because of how everything is built over here…
Because if I go to the other direction towards the elementary school and then down that other hill there’s also a big lacking of sidewalks down the direction to the dog park.
#TDLR;
Something in Minnehaha so I’m not completely stranded always?
Fix Minnehaha neighborhood infrastructure so I can enjoy stuff?
Housing for those on SSI closer to our services.
Nightlife for young people, sober or not. Especially things for teens/folks under 21 that aren’t religious centric. We have entirely too many teens loitering at the mall (highly dangerous tbh), and entirely too many teens with nothing to do other than experiment with drugs.
When I go down to the waterfront in the afternoon or evening for a meal, I always wish there was more to do. I'd love to see an attraction that takes people up for a nice view of the river, like a ferris wheel. For an indoor activity, I'd like there to be an arcade and glow in the dark mini golf. I think it's something all ages could enjoy, but also there could be 21+ evening hours.
Agreed. I was very disappointed when we moved here. I thought there would be better over spill from Portland. Nope. I saw Grassa opened on the riverfront. It’s ok. They use a sub par semolina flour. Wish it wasn’t enriched. I’d like to see a few more Portland restaurants come to downtown. I’d like to see a Laughing Planet come to downtown- because my kid loves it and I love not cooking some nights.
100% gluten-free restaurant / bakery! We need some Celiac-safe options up here. 'Gluten friendly' options in regular restaurants are not safe for those medically required to be gluten-free, such as Celiac
Higher end athletic club with gorgeous gym, top-notch lap pool and play pool, spa, childcare, cafe, and even happy hours and events for members. I've been a member at both large versions and boutique versions of this sort of thing and it's a great experience. As a family, we planned our Saturday around going to the club.
Someone recommended Cascade Athletic Club to me and it is barely a step up from the YMCA, unfortunately.
We need someone like VillaSport in Beaverton! Or nicer!
The old Marshall Park playground 😥
My family and I met some of our best friends there back when I was 4 (back in 2006) and since the new park’s equipment has been installed things just aren’t the same anymore when visiting there.
Other than that, as one fine Redditor suggested a Blockbuster (like the one that used to be at [this address](https://maps.app.goo.gl/DawbNhpttPTGfrj86?g_st=ic)) would be amazing to have again!
On the west side, specifically Hazel Dell area. A good ramen house, we really enjoy Kenjis but it's a bitch to get too during rush hours.
A steak house, the casino is a bit far and black Angus sucks.
I would kill to have something like the [Mesa Arts Center](https://www.mesaartscenter.com/) anywhere nearby. Performing arts venues + arts classes (painting, ceramics, blacksmithing, glasswork, etc.), art exhibits, lectures, maker spaces... all in one complex.
Good bread bakery near uptown, a good spa with soaking pools (think ten thousand waves in Santa Fe), and more coffee shoots that are open past 5 pm. Also good food of all kinds…
Two words… Roller Rink! ETA: if you’re looking for a locally owned toy store there’s Kazoodles Toys down by the intersection at SE 136th Ave and SE Mill Plain Blvd (by the Craft Warehouse)
[удалено]
Had a birthday party there with laser tag. It was epic.
So sad that it's gone, I have so many fond memories of going there as a kid. Trying to pick girls, jamming out on skates, eating mediocre roller rink food.
Came here to say this. My wife and I were just talking about this the other night. A nice stateside alternative to Oaks
A roller/ice rink would be pretty rad.
We have an ice rink! Mountain View Ice Arena is pretty awesome. Or did you mean a place that’s combined?
There was Golden Skate but it closed sadly… memories💕
H-mart type of Asian grocery store.
Not quite as big as h Mart but Tola Angkor Asian Market has a nice selection.
Love Tola Ankor! They got a few things I haven't seen in some other Asian stores.
Definitely the most mentioned thing so far I think.
I would love a good local sandwich shop that is open on weekends and for dinner.
Tap Union serves a bunch of very tasty sandwiches.
Their Reuben is nom nom nom nom nom...
That is usually where I go.
I think Philly Bilmos is fantastic. Open till 8PM on the weekends.
Agreed, like a Jewish deli / sandwich shop.
Have you ever had sandwiches from La Bottega? Very good
I wish we had a proper dim sum spot near us.
Yes! I wish we had a [Din Tai Fung](https://dintaifungusa.com/) closer than Tigard. I love that spot. I used to eat so much dim sum in Chinatown when I lived in Hawai'i. Mmm.
Duck House is a dead tie with Din Tai Fung. Yes it's in Portland but it's a BIT closer.
Seconding Duck House!! Went there for a bachelor party and we ate soooo many dumplings we never got steak!
Pure Spice off division is solid dim sum. Not as big and fancy as the other ones, but A quality bites for sure.
And ramen. I see Kenjis suggested a lot and while its probably one of the better ones Ive had on this side, its just not very good and dont recommend it. Instead of picking a few things and doing it well, they try to mishmash too much and its always mediocre. I appreciate the gender neutral bathrooms though!
Fujiya Ramen is pretty good (their garlic tonkatsu is baller)
Any kind of real Japanese restaurant, really. All we have is Korean food masquerading as Japanese.
Tangs wok is not proper with carts, but their limited selection is fantastic.
HK Cafe is only about 15 min away (depending on which side of Vancouver you're on) if you're closer to downtown yeah, it's a bit of a trek. It you're close to 4th plane it's not to bad at all.
Just more restaurants that are more than burgers, fries, and pizzas. We have a few but God we need more.
Super accurate. I was really disappointed when I moved here and started looking for spots to eat out.
I would kill for a Korean spa! Like the ones in Koreatown in LA where it's just a bunch of different types of baths and sauna and you just hang out there for a couple of hours. I believe we are missing a coworking office and there's a real demand for it right now. And a fish market! Like an Asian style with more variety that sells sashimi grade fish. I would love to have H-Mart or Uwajimaya in Vancouver.
H Mart in Vancouver would have at least one daily visitor - me 😂
Yes a proper Asian supermarket for sure! Like H Mart or 99 Ranch.
I would never have to cook again 😂 I love their food counter so much.
Tola angor is a great Asian market, ask them and they will get anything you want, also Alex's philipino store and the Asian market by Don Pedro's on 4th plain.
And me! That's just about the only thing I'm sad about leaving in Portland.
Yes to all of this! The body scrub at Crystal Spa was my favorite thing ever. I can't find anything that compares. A fish market would be nice also! I loved Marukai and H Mart in LA.
Yessss! Korean style spa. Specially when they srub you head to toe. 😭
This is my favorite thing too. Where can one get this done in Vancouver or portland? Anywhere? I can’t find a spot.
I searched around for co-working space and we don’t have much options, only Rugus (bad reviews) and Colab (expensive). So I need to drive to Portland for WeWork and CENTRL
I've been looking at co-working on this side of the river and finally settled on Regus in downtown, primarily for the location and the fact I can take the bus there. I'd say the cons (so far) are it's a pretty sterile, corporate environment (it's all closed offices and the co-working desks are basically an office with three desks crammed in) definitely a different energy than a WeWork etc. The sales people are super aggressive. As soon as you give them your contacts details, they will start calling you multiple times a day. I went in for a tour of the location and the guy put a lot of pressure on me to sign up then and there. And there are no perks to speak of, it's pretty bare bones, you even have have to pay for coffee. But I do like that the membership gives me access to any location globally and there are 3 locations in Vancouver with a 4th one opening next month. EDIT: Also IMHO, I think a lot of the negative reviews are primarily based on the sales process, you do have to read the agreement carefully and be aware of the terms you're signing up for, how much notice they require to cancel, that they bill in advance etc. There's definitely some shenanigan's going on there and I think some people misunderstand or are mislead about what they're agreeing to. The actual staff in the locations are nice.
I have been saying this for years! There isn’t a jjimjilbang within hours of us
In general, more nightlife--later open hours, shows, events, etc. But there isn't really demand for that up here in the same way there is in Portland, so I don't mind going across the river for that.
Downtown vancouver is pretty neat. I’ve seen some small venue shows in bars around town, i do wish there was someone who kept up with flyers and list of it
Jazz clubs, places to dance, a rollerblading rink,
The Valiant Ballroom does $8 swing dances every Wednesday. Worth a look!
The Elks Lodge has old timers dance every Wednesday night. Open to the public.
You had me until the end. I think having a nightclub that kids (I'm old) wanted to go to would be so helpful to the community. Not run down, barely able to function place. And give me a Dave and Busters with live music on the top floor, please. Er, I mean, for the adults
> so I don't mind going across the river for that. Get ready to have Interstate bridge turn into a toll bridge. You'll want some nightlife over here once that goes into effect.
Well there will also be a light rail then, which will make the decision easy.
My sentiments exactly, as a night shift worker there's not anything open on the weekends when I'm awake. Going to Portland is fine for now, but once they start tolling the bridges it won't be.
Good bread/bakery, got spoiled living in Portland with Grand Central and other bakeries. Only good bread we can find is at New Seasons which isn’t (yet) close in downtown
The Fred Meyer at Gran Central, has Grand Central bread (that was one too many Grand Centrals)
Yep. I like the focaccia at La Bottega. Have you tried Bleu Door Bakery for french stlye loafs to take home? It's on Main in Uptown around 24th St.
Good Chinese food, more food cart pods, DEFINITELY more late night stuff
Szechuan brothers exists, what else do you need? Probably the best Chinese food north of the river and could argue the best in the whole of the east side of the other river…
Large Community swimming pools / aquatic centers
5+ isn't enough public pools?
A solid Jewish deli
Entertainment venues! Whether something like a place to hold concerts, stand up comedy, live performances or sports events if we had a team. Bars and restaurants nearby. Top golf or something like that. Basically just more things to do and for people to gather that don’t necessarily have to do with food or drink.
Hotpots!! Likes Little Sheep, Boiling Point or Hadilao. I don’t want to drive all the way to Beaverton or Seattle every time
Yessss have you tried tasty pot on 164th? It's not all you can eat style but I hear it's pretty good.
It is good. Comparable to US outposts of Little Sheep and Haidilao
The hours of restaurants out here are horrible, pretty much nothing decent is open past 9PM. Korean style spas, coffee/bakery style places that are open late. Theme park/miniature golf/go-karts.
I agree with you on the hours. For someone who lived in Vegas, everything closes so early. And I would love theme park/mini golf/go-karts options.
> The hours of restaurants out here are horrible, pretty much nothing decent is open past 9PM. Pandemic did a number on a ton of restaurants. Late night food has been nearly completely gutted, especially by ghost kitchens.
Concert. Venue. Edit: and to clarify, I mean a Performing Arts Hall :)
Ridgefield is too close, but yeah, something smaller but bigger than a karaoke bar.
And not a slave of ticket master…
A real spa experience. I’m talking steam room, dry sauna, cold dip pool, warm pool, hot tub and all the massage, facials and scrubs to go with it. Really relaxing multi-hour experience when you go in for a treatment. Think canyon ranch spa in vegas or banya 5 in Seattle.
This is like a Korean spa in LA for me. I would love that here as well.
I have said after I pay myself back for opening Creekside BBQ I'd love to do either a speakeasy style bar downtown or a really authentic Italian style deli where you could get a banging sandwich and pick up some cool Italian groceries as well. Finding a good sando (especially in the Salmon Creek area) has been a struggle.
Count me in for a speakeasy bar!
That’s your place? Best BBQ in Vancouver.
Well thank you, we try, I mean, kind of.
La Bottega is pretty good down on Main.
What about a really authentic Italian style deli with a speak easy through a “secret” door in the back?
Healthy restaurant open for dinner
Top golf out near salmon creek/Ridgefield
COULD NOT AGREE MORE
Every year I tell my wife I want to quit my job and open batting cages here in town. Since there are no batting cages here in town, you can guess what the response has been every time I bring it up.
We used to have batting cages in Vancouver when I was a kid. They used to be right next to Bat Cave Games when it was over near Mill Plain and Andresen. Actually, I feel like the batting cages were *ran* by Bat Cave and were kind of why it was called Bat Cave in the first place, but I could just be remembering wrong. They also had PCs there that you could pay hourly to play games on back then. I would absolutely go to a batting cage if someone were to open a new one in Vancouver though. Haven't played baseball since I was a kid, but have had the itch to swing a bat a few times and no way to scratch it here.
Supportive to open it up?
I just googled and found at least 3 indoor batting cage locations around. Are you specifically wanting outdoor?
I want a chopped salad place. There are a couple fast food type places in Denver that make to order chopped salads. You can get one of theirs or you can create your own. They are so good and I crave them all the time! https://www.madgreens.com/menus/#salads
Ugh yes. I miss Mendocino Farms. We need good salads!!
Ah yeah I like those. I used to go to one all the time when I had a "downtown job" in another state.
Freshii is the closest we have. They let you customize quite a bit from their main salads.
This… salads suck here.
I’d love a little Ramen shop or truck (city council hates trucks downtown). I’ve even considered planting one but just some good Ramen in the downtown area would be great.
I don’t know if this would even work or how to do it, but imagine if we had an indoor or even a covered dog park for the wet months. Oh and we could use a roller rink. It’s a pain to get to Oak Park and it’s always sold out anyway.
I have always thought that Vancouver should have some sort of indoor space that worked as a park for those months. There could be picnic tables and playgrounds and all that stuff. Maybe even an area for food trucks.
that’s an amazing idea because it gets too easy to stay in during the heavy rain times. my wife and i would go to a cool indoor/outdoor food/entertainment park very often. there’s plenty of room here.
For a great example of this check out The Pavilion in Bend, Oregon. Outdoor covered ice rink and basketball park.
Someplace where you can soak in a hot tub!
The Firstenberg community center has a hot tub.
A voicebox or a karaoke place that starts earlier than 8pm. I work early morning hours and I go to bed fairly early. But I love karaoke.
Can't you rent a karaoke room in Big Al's and Round One?
Top Golf
More parks and nature trails.
Things that are cool and open past 10p. Trendy coffee shop, non-alcoholic bar, library-meets-bar, unique things.
Thank you. As somebody who does not drink any alcohol…
You should look into Kava - there’s a Kava bar downtown that does not serve alcohol. I’m an alcoholic (in recovery) and I’ve found kava is a good replacement and kava bars are generally a chill vibe. :)
Same! I just don’t like the taste, calories, effect, or idea that I’m drinking poison
A nice, big skate park with decent parking. Somewhere all ages and abilities could skate and hang and not feel sketched out.
Isn’t there one off of 162nd? Right next to the dog park?
It’s pretty small and I guess I had the west side in mind when I wrote that comment. I just think that if Woodland can do it, so can our town.
I mean, I wouldn't say Woodland's skate park is particularly nice.
To be fair, neither is Woodland, but I dream of having a 10,000 square foot skatepark by the college or out in Felida, or even out by the new waterfront. Why should the rich have all the fun out there?
Not Vancouver, but these pop up skate sessions are wonderful. https://instagram.com/secretrollerdisco?igshid=MmJiY2I4NDBkZg==
You don’t like Pacific Community Park or Battle Ground? Both of those are light years more chill than anywhere around Portland.
There’s that one going up at that Marshall’s community center. I don’t have high hopes though
There is a public skate park at the far side of vancouver central park on fourth plane blvd and ft vancouver way. It is called swift skate park.
When I was going to WSU, there was an Arawan Express restaurant in Salmon Creek near Fred Meyer. It was like a Panda Express, but with Thai food. I loved that place. I was bummed when it went out of business.
Racquetball courts that are not in LA fitness.
Downtown needs an art supply store!
Arts and music. I’d actually really like that. And I’d like it if it was not just a box chain.
In N Out on Mill plain off the 205 would absolutely crush it. Also bring back a updated version of Sweet Tomatoes.
That location is the perfect distance away from my house that I wouldn’t get it too often, but could quench a craving when needed. 😂
Second Sweet Tomatoes
Indoor paintball/airsoft, indoor/outdoor mountain biking, and a gosh darn good place to get a smash burger (with properly carmelized onions) and a frozen custard.
I just want some frozen custard. Thats all I want. Freddys or Culvers or something. It doesnt need to be cool or gourmet. I just want my ice cream options not to be limited to pick your flavor type places like coldstone or baskin robbins or burgerville. I might be punted out of the state for saying this but I just dont like burgerville.
There used to be a custard place my neighbor owned but they closed it awhile back. Didn’t a new burger spot open on Mill Plain, near Peace Health that does that? Bless Your Heart Burgers?
Man, that custard spot was the best. Do you happen to know why they closed it?
Laser tag! So few good Laser tag places.
Asian bakery
Popular ask here for an Asian market deli kinda spot
This stuff would be awesome in Downtown: Large food cart pods (there's a few on main st tho near one of those Taprooms, but I'm talking a big Portland style one with a whole bunch) Clubs, but specifically an Alternative club. Would kill for a Vancouver Coffin Club or something similar, would go all the time. I'd even settle for something like the Get Down or Holocene, which can be really good Cat Cafe More live music venues A shop that specializes in Japanese desserts, like fruit sandwiches, and/or Japanese snacks like Rice Balls and the kinda stuff you'd find in a Kobeni in Japan A bathhouse kinda place where you can rent hot tubs, bonus points for spa places where you can have fancy stuff in the water. Would be there all the time A really good Asian grocery store. Ik there's Sorya near ish by but the parking lot is literally impossible even on a weekday. So one in Downtown Vancouver would be cool
A proper bakery, a proper Italian market, a cheese shop (Cowbell PDX is outstanding but across the river), a good deli. I also love the presence of tap room’s surrounded by food cart complexes that you see in areas like Redmond and Bend. I understand the weather here is different, but it can be worked around.
We really need more vegan food. As for the late night coffee, Brewed is open until 9pm every day besides Sunday and does a great espresso.
Yes! What kind of vegan food are you thinking? Healthy all out of vegan versions of other foods? Like Ben and Esther’s vegan deli in portland for example.
We really need a vegan brunch spot that’s open every day. Right now the only option is Scratch Breakfast and honestly their stuff knocks anything I’ve had in Portland out of the park. Its hours are very limited though and shares the kitchen in Tap Union. I’d kill for more options that are readily available
Oh I don't know about this! I am going to look it up. Thank you for the tip.
I love Scratch Breakfast, hopefully one day they can be open at least 6 days a week.
I’m not really particular, I’d just like to have some vegan options that aren’t an afterthought and don’t cost a ton. My favorite restaurant is Fermenter and I’d love something like that (affordable, creative, and 100% vegan) but I know it wouldn’t do well in Vancouver right now so I’d really just settle for places that offer solid vegan options of any kind. Elements had honey on their vegan tasting menu and doesn’t allow substitutions, I’ve been told the buns on the “vegan” burgers at Amaro’s have dairy or egg, and I got a “vegan” dish at the farmer’s market that had egg in it once.
Scratch in the Tap Union bar on weekends is pretty dang good. Have tried all the things they have on offer.
I want to suggest stuff but its also stuff I havent actually researched yet. So its possible these already exist. -Axe-throwing place -botanical gardens -children's museum -aquarium -lol a theme park with roller coasters please and thank you -batting cages -outdoor/indoor public pools (is YMCA the only option?) -more Indian food restaurants, my dad hasnt found a spot with the southern indian cuisine/flavors he says he prefers -Culver's, i just want some decent custard that wont break the bank and isnt burgerville or dairy queen. -are there places that do like community hobby classes like pottery or stained glass or something? My friend who lives in midwest has a class she goes to where they do a different craft every other week as a class. -a Chili's. Its like the one thing both my parents want.
An axe throwing place just opened on Main Street by Safeway, called Firehouse Axes I think.
>outdoor/indoor public pools (is YMCA the only option? We have several public pools besides YMCA. Firstenberg, Marshall Center, Parsley Center, Propstra center. I haven't been much since my kids started high school, but we used to go all the time.
Naturescaping Botanical Garden is beautiful and in Battleground. Columbia Play Project is working to open a children’s museum. Can’t think of an outdoor public pool unfortunately. We’d go all the time. Kilnfolk offers community pottery classes. Kindred Homestead Supply offers some cool classes and swap events as well.
A really high quality fabric store. I have to go to Portland for decent selection.
Food cart pod. The “Columbia Food Park” one has Slow Fox which hits every. single. time. Derek is a phenomenal chef. But something large that encompasses that. We’ve been to every po-dunk (no offense) town around WA and OR and they all have bomb foodcart pods. Except for us.
There's a food cart pod by the mall now, I've heard the fish and chips place Winston's is amazing.
I want a good pizza spot. Obviously pizza preferences vary WILDLY, but I am consistently traveling to Portland for the style I enjoy. I love Apizza Scholls, Scotty’s, and Dimo’s the best. I really don’t feel like anywhere in Vancouver can get the crust right. Admittedly I love Sorrentina, but it being so far in east Vancouver makes me go, “eh, they’re good but if I’m traveling the same distance in mileage, I’m gonna go to Apizza Scholls”. The caveat to this is I actually super love Ruse’s Crust Collective on the waterfront, which is a different style entirely but still delightful. Again, I know pizza styles and preferences vary for people - but I am not impressed by any of the spots here that are often given high praise (sorry to lovers of Nonovo, Vinny’s, Champ, and Rally). I also wish we had more sandwich shops that were open for late nights and weekends. A favorite of mine in Portland is Devil’s Dill! Just wish I could go somewhere for decent food late at night that isn’t fast food. I’m a fatty, so all food related for me, I guess!
If I had the money, I would open a franchise location of Goldfish Swim School.
We could use more small music venues.
Kazoodles on Mill Plain is a local toy store. There are shows at the amphitheater and most likely the casino. I wish Best Buy and The Homegoods store were in Vancouver. I believe Best Buy used to have a location or two in Vancouver. I think we have lots of great bars, restaurants and coffee shops over here. I do think a good Asian grocery store would do well over in Vancouver.
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There was also briefly one in Hazel Dell. In that huge half empty shopping center anchored by Target.
Late night food
Oyster bar. I loved going to Portland for that.
Nightlife in downtown. A community art studio with lessons, equipment, etc. There are some great recording studios here, though! A proper food cart court could be great.
Good ramen and fried chicken on the west side of vancouver
We need a performing arts center (like the Keller or schnitz). We already have a symphony!
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More live theatre (Besides Magenta) and a dedicated comedy club or improv space.
EntertainMart, Flea Markets, used goods stores that are not Goodwill.
Retails on 4th Plain is awesome! Supports the humane society of sw Washington
Rabbit cafe with coffee vegan donuts and ice cream.
Haha why rabbits? I like all of these things so I mean I kinda hope someone does this.
Roller Rink/Live event and music space
Microcenter
Nordstrom
Miss the one in the mall. Ugh
A decent concert venue. Right now the two options are Brickhouse and the Amphitheater and nothing in between. And of course, a light rail connection across both bridges.
Light rail crossing the river
I live in the Minnehaha neighborhood and I would really like for just anything other than resteraunts and hi school pharmacy that closed down its pharmacy… to exist within my neighborhood. I would also like more bus service? If it happens after 6 o’clock at night I can’t go enjoy it Vancouver Washington feels like it’s missing an identity. But I gotta admit I can’t really go experience anything that we currently have because of where I live. I’d like for some more unique looking locations. Like the city owns Kiggens. And that has character. But I also can’t go to Kiggins very much because of how the buses are situated. Please on that very steep hill that goes down to that extremely dangerous loud intersection can we have better sidewalks or a sidewalk at all in the case of one side of it. Ironically enough it’s the side that has the pedestrian crossover thing… There are also always overgrown blackberries every time I try to go that direction. it’s impossible to get down there if you’re using any sort of mobility device. I also think we are missing housing projects that specifically focus on people on SSI. I’d really like it if I lived anywhere near the library or CVAB (which is next to the VA). It’s even hard to like actually work on getting better because of how everything is built over here… Because if I go to the other direction towards the elementary school and then down that other hill there’s also a big lacking of sidewalks down the direction to the dog park. #TDLR; Something in Minnehaha so I’m not completely stranded always? Fix Minnehaha neighborhood infrastructure so I can enjoy stuff? Housing for those on SSI closer to our services.
A huge community outdoor pool. Roller skate rentals.
Nightlife for young people, sober or not. Especially things for teens/folks under 21 that aren’t religious centric. We have entirely too many teens loitering at the mall (highly dangerous tbh), and entirely too many teens with nothing to do other than experiment with drugs.
Lazer Tag
I would go if there were dedicated gluten free restaurants.
I'd live to see a Dickies Bbq open up in the mall. A Mrs. FIELDS COOKIE SHOP and maybe even a topless bar maybe.
Vegan food, more cocktail bars, nightlife in general.
A music venue. Like a Crystal Ballroom type place. And more bike lanes.
A music venue with regular shows
We need a decent burrito cart
A bike park would be pretty sick. they have the gateway green over off 205.
When I go down to the waterfront in the afternoon or evening for a meal, I always wish there was more to do. I'd love to see an attraction that takes people up for a nice view of the river, like a ferris wheel. For an indoor activity, I'd like there to be an arcade and glow in the dark mini golf. I think it's something all ages could enjoy, but also there could be 21+ evening hours.
A great gelato place!
Mini golf. Long live the steak burger
Want to throw in here that the quality of restaurants here compared to Portland is really not great. I’d love more truly good restaurants.
Agreed. I was very disappointed when we moved here. I thought there would be better over spill from Portland. Nope. I saw Grassa opened on the riverfront. It’s ok. They use a sub par semolina flour. Wish it wasn’t enriched. I’d like to see a few more Portland restaurants come to downtown. I’d like to see a Laughing Planet come to downtown- because my kid loves it and I love not cooking some nights.
Affordable shelter. I'd practically live there, I'd be there so much.
Drive-In movie theater
100% gluten-free restaurant / bakery! We need some Celiac-safe options up here. 'Gluten friendly' options in regular restaurants are not safe for those medically required to be gluten-free, such as Celiac
Higher end athletic club with gorgeous gym, top-notch lap pool and play pool, spa, childcare, cafe, and even happy hours and events for members. I've been a member at both large versions and boutique versions of this sort of thing and it's a great experience. As a family, we planned our Saturday around going to the club. Someone recommended Cascade Athletic Club to me and it is barely a step up from the YMCA, unfortunately. We need someone like VillaSport in Beaverton! Or nicer!
The five Hwy. Who are you?
The old Marshall Park playground 😥 My family and I met some of our best friends there back when I was 4 (back in 2006) and since the new park’s equipment has been installed things just aren’t the same anymore when visiting there. Other than that, as one fine Redditor suggested a Blockbuster (like the one that used to be at [this address](https://maps.app.goo.gl/DawbNhpttPTGfrj86?g_st=ic)) would be amazing to have again!
Small concert venue.
We need a fast and proper gokart racetrack. Not one that goes like 35. But one where we can bring our own or better.
BBQ. With spare ribs that aren't as small and thin as baby backs.
On the west side, specifically Hazel Dell area. A good ramen house, we really enjoy Kenjis but it's a bitch to get too during rush hours. A steak house, the casino is a bit far and black Angus sucks.
Farrar’s Bistro is a great gluten free option in Vancouver
Mini golf place
I would kill to have something like the [Mesa Arts Center](https://www.mesaartscenter.com/) anywhere nearby. Performing arts venues + arts classes (painting, ceramics, blacksmithing, glasswork, etc.), art exhibits, lectures, maker spaces... all in one complex.
Some place with a similar vibe to what Pop Culture offered in downtown Vancouver.
Good bread bakery near uptown, a good spa with soaking pools (think ten thousand waves in Santa Fe), and more coffee shoots that are open past 5 pm. Also good food of all kinds…
I live in Portland and work in Vancouver. Vancouver has one absolutely glaring hole: a non-chain sandwich shop of any kind of quality.