Don’t judge. Greasy spoons have their place and they do the job when the craving hits.
The most notorious places to go for midnight munchies in downtown are Fritz European Fry House, Megabite Pizza, and Tsui Hang Village. A line-up is almost guaranteed at any of the above if your night out is around Yaletown, Davie, or Granville Street.
But how about Gastown? They all cater to different crowds and you’re likely not going out of your way to satisfy a midnight craving. Well, that’s personal because I would, but for most, convenience is key and the closest thing you can stumble to or first thing you smell is good enough.
There are plenty of pubs and bars in Gastown, but surprisingly limited options for pizza, gyros, kebabs, and poutine, so where do you go for a late-night bite?
Well now you can go for a grilled cheese sandwich at Hi-Five.
The tiny late night spot opened only a few weeks ago by Corbin Winfield, one of the owners of 6 Acres, in a 100-square-foot space on 22 West Cordova.
If you don’t spot the take-out window, then keep an eye out for the line-up, otherwise you'll probably walk right by it.
While there’s never a bad time for a grilled cheese sandwich, if you want to get your hands on a Hi-Five sammie, you'll have to do it between 8pm and 2am, Thursday to Saturday. While Hi-Five is clearly looking to capitalize on the late-night drinking crowd, these sandwiches are good even if you're sober.
The menu features four grilled cheese sandwiches and a 6 Acres mac n’ cheese, each for under $6. From a more sophisticated "Art Basil" (with Gruyere, fontina, basil and honey), to the signature "Melter Skelter" (which is more trailer-park-style, with pepper jack cheese, pickled jalapeño, cilantro and barbecue chips), the menu is fun without being over-the-top.
My tip? Ask for more barbecue chips to be tucked in the sandwich and add bacon for $2.
On that note, another tip! Chef Scott Jaeger of The Pear Tree Restaurant in Burnaby is saying good bye to fine dining and hello to The Greasy Spoon – for one night only.
On March 9, Chef Jaeger will be hosting The Greasy Spoon Diner Supper Series, a monthly pop-up, at Save-On Meats to benefit The Better Life Foundation. All proceeds go to Jaeger’s charities of choice, which are Growing Chefs and the Strathcona Food Program.
This four-course dinner with local craft beer and spirit pairings is $95 and almost sold out with a 5:30pm seating and an 8pm seating.
If you’ve dined at The Pear Tree, one of the top restaurants in BC, then you’ll know to expect: refined food made with flawless execution.
Find out more about Mijune at FollowMeFoodie.com or follow her on Twitter and Instagram @followmefoodie.
