Good, Old-Fashioned Fare
There was once a time when every small town or city neighbourhood had a mom and pop coffee shop that served Chinese and “Canadian” food. Although it opened in 2001, the Skylight Restaurant is a nostalgic example of that dying breed. Brightly lit, with kitschy framed paintings, fake leather booths, golden oldies playing on the PA system, and white porcelain coffee cups, the diner serves up plain and simple grub. And yes, it’s a family affair.

Filling and Friendly
The menu features everything from freshly made burgers to a range of sandwiches to vintage entrees such as veal cutlets and pork chops with veggies and mashed potatoes. Teenagers from a nearby high school pile into the cafe at break time for the “side” of fries, which is enormous. On weekends, people from the surrounding neighbourhood pack the place, wolfing down inexpensive all-day breakfasts, hearty omelettes and endless free refills of coffee. Then there’s the Chinese menu: Chop Suey, Egg Foo Young [sic], Chow Mein and Egg Rolls, etcetera. The service is always friendly.

People Watching and Free Papers
Located on The Drive, Vancouver’s most multiethnic, family-friendly and gay-positive thoroughfare, the Skylight Restaurant draws quite an eclectic crowd. There are always stacks of recent newspapers at the front to flip through over your fries.