The Basic Denman St. Vancouver
⭐ The Basic on Denman is known for The Mess and Chorizo Eggs Benedict.
💡 Good to Know
- A Breakfast Inspired by a Regular
- The Brit was added after a regular kept bringing his own baked beans.
- Friendly Service
- Regulars appreciate the friendly staff who remember their customers.
- Formerly Joe's Grill
- A longtime West End diner serving locals since its Joe's Grill days.
❤️ Top Favourites
- French Toast
- The Basic
🍽️ The Basic on Denman Menu
🍳 Eggs & Things
Classic egg breakfasts served with pan-fried potatoes and toast. Substitute fresh fruit or tomatoes for potatoes. Egg whites and gluten-free bread are available for an additional charge.
Simply Eggs
Two farm-fresh eggs prepared to your liking, accompanied by pan-fried potatoes and toast. Vegetarian.
The Basic
Two eggs cooked your way with a choice of bacon, sausage or ham, served with pan-fried potatoes and toast.
Chorizo Breakfast
Spicy Spanish chorizo sausage paired with two eggs, pan-fried potatoes and toast.
Corned Beef Hash
Smoked corned beef tossed with fried onions, green peppers and pan-fried potatoes, topped with two eggs.
Pulled Pork Hash
Tender pulled pork coated in barbecue sauce and mixed with golden pan-fried potatoes, served with two eggs.
Veggie Hash
Garlic-sautéed vegetables combined with pan-fried potatoes and topped with two eggs. Vegetarian.
The Mess
A hearty combination of three eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, tomatoes, green peppers, onions and cheddar cheese, all mixed with pan-fried potatoes.
🥪 Breakfast Specialties
A selection of hearty breakfast creations served with pan-fried potatoes.
Bagel Breakfast Sandwich
A toasted bagel filled with bacon, egg, tomato and melted cheddar cheese.
Waffle Sandwich
A breakfast sandwich featuring bacon, tomatoes, eggs and cheddar cheese between waffles.
Tofu Scramble
A combination of tofu, three scrambled eggs, spinach, mushrooms and tomatoes. Vegetarian.
Beyond Sausage Brekkie
Sweet Italian-style vegetarian sausage served with two eggs and toast. Vegetarian.
The Chopped Steak
A 6 oz pure beef patty accompanied by two eggs and toast.
The Brit
A traditional British-inspired breakfast featuring sausage, bacon, eggs, baked beans and grilled tomatoes, served with toast.
🥞 From the Griddle
Sweet breakfast favourites served with two strips of bacon and two sausage links. Add two eggs for an additional charge.
French Toast
Golden slices of bread prepared French toast style, served with bacon and sausage.
Pancakes
A stack of classic pancakes accompanied by bacon and sausage.
Blueberry Pancakes
Fluffy pancakes featuring blueberries, served with bacon and sausage.
Banana Pancakes
Pancakes featuring banana, accompanied by bacon and sausage.
Belgian Waffle Combo
A Belgian waffle served with two bacon strips, two sausage links, two eggs and a cup of seasonal fresh fruit.
🍳 The Bennys
Classic eggs Benedict variations served with pan-fried potatoes and hollandaise sauce.
Eggs Benedict
Traditional eggs Benedict featuring ham, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.
Eggs Florentine
Poached eggs paired with lightly sautéed spinach and finished with hollandaise sauce. Vegetarian.
Chorizo Benny
A savoury Benedict featuring diced Spanish chorizo sausage, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.
Avocado & Tomato Benny
Fresh avocado and diced tomatoes topped with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. Vegetarian.
Pulled Pork Benny
House-prepared pulled pork tossed in barbecue sauce, topped with poached eggs and hollandaise.
Beyond Sausage Benny
Sweet Italian-style vegetarian sausage served Benedict style with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. Vegetarian.
🍳 Omelettes
Three-egg omelettes served with pan-fried potatoes and toast. Egg whites are available for an additional charge.
One-Topping Omelette
A fluffy three-egg omelette filled with your choice of one topping. Additional toppings available.
Denver Omelette
A classic combination of diced ham, onions and green peppers folded into a three-egg omelette.
Popeye Omelette
A three-egg omelette filled with spinach sautéed in garlic butter. Vegetarian.
Three-Cheesers Omelette
A rich blend of cheddar, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses folded into fluffy eggs. Vegetarian.
Vegetarian Omelette
A garden-inspired omelette filled with tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and cheddar cheese. Vegetarian.
House Omelette
A generously filled omelette combining bacon, ham, sausage, onions, green peppers, tomatoes and cheddar cheese.
🥗 Salads, Soups & Starters
Light starters, fresh salads and comforting favourites. Soup of the Day is available Monday to Friday.
Soup of the Day
A freshly prepared daily soup selection. Ask your server for today's offering. Add a side of toast.
Tossed Green Salad
A refreshing assortment of crisp, fresh lettuce varieties. Vegetarian.
Chicken Fingers
Crispy chicken fingers served with your choice of honey mustard or barbecue dipping sauce, accompanied by fries or a green salad.
🥪 Sandwiches
Freshly prepared sandwiches served with coleslaw and your choice of fries or green salad. Add cheese, bacon or avocado for an additional charge.
Grilled Cheese
A comforting grilled sandwich filled with melted cheese and toasted until golden. Vegetarian.
BLT
A toasted sandwich layered with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce and sliced tomatoes.
Cucumber Avocado Sandwich
Fresh cucumber, creamy avocado, sliced tomatoes and crisp lettuce tucked into a sandwich. Vegetarian.
Corned Beef Sandwich
Thinly sliced Montreal-style corned beef layered with mustard and lettuce on rye bread.
Patty Melt
A 6 oz AAA Angus ground chuck beef patty topped with fried onions and cheddar cheese, grilled between slices of rye bread.
Monte Cristo
An egg-dipped grilled sandwich filled with turkey, ham and Swiss cheese.
Reuben
Montreal-style corned beef, Swiss cheese and tangy sauerkraut grilled together on rye bread.
Clubhouse
A triple-decker sandwich stacked with ham, turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes and mayonnaise.
Chicken Melt
Chicken breast topped with melted cheddar cheese and fried onions, grilled on rye bread.
Beyond Melt
A vegetarian patty layered with cheddar cheese and fried onions, grilled on rye bread. Vegetarian.
Tuna Melt
Tuna mixed with mayonnaise and onions, topped with melted cheddar cheese on grilled rye bread.
Chicken Clubhouse
A triple-decker sandwich featuring chicken breast, avocado, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce and mayonnaise.
🍔 Hamburgers
Burgers served with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, relish and mayonnaise, accompanied by coleslaw and your choice of fries or green salad.
Regular Burger
A 6 oz AAA Angus ground chuck beef patty grilled and served with classic burger toppings.
Beyond Burger
A lightly grilled plant-based burger patty dressed with traditional burger toppings. Vegetarian.
Chicken Burger
A 5 oz charbroiled chicken breast served on a burger bun with fresh vegetables and condiments.
Deluxe Burger
A 6 oz AAA Angus ground chuck beef patty topped with cheddar cheese, mushrooms and bacon.
➕ Side Orders
Additional breakfast and lunch favourites available individually or alongside your meal.
One Egg Any Style
A single egg cooked to your preference.
Toast & Jam
Toasted bread served with jam.
Bagel
A classic bagel.
Ham
A side serving of ham.
Sausages
A side portion of breakfast sausages.
Bacon
A serving of breakfast bacon.
Fruit Bowl
A bowl of fresh fruit.
Pan-Fried Potatoes
Golden potatoes cooked in a pan.
Cream Cheese
A side serving of cream cheese.
Fries
A portion of crispy fries.
Brown Beans
A side of brown beans.
Hollandaise Sauce
A serving of rich hollandaise sauce.
Gravy
A side of savoury gravy.
☕ Non-Alcoholic Beverages
A selection of organic coffee, teas, refreshing juices and soft drinks.
Organic Coffee
Freshly brewed organic coffee with complimentary refills.
Organic Decaf Coffee
Freshly brewed organic decaffeinated coffee.
Tea
Choose from Orange Pekoe, English Breakfast, Green Tea, Peppermint, Earl Grey or Chamomile.
Hot Chocolate
A warm chocolate beverage topped with whipped cream.
Milk
Chilled milk available in regular or large sizes.
Soft Drinks
Choose from Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, 7-Up or iced tea.
Juice
A selection of refreshing fruit juices available in regular or large sizes. Ask your server for current varieties.
🍺 Alcoholic Beverages
A selection of beer, cider and classic breakfast cocktails. Alcoholic beverages are available to guests aged 19 and older with valid government-issued identification.
Extra Dry Apple Cider
A 330 ml serving of crisp, extra-dry apple cider.
Domestic Beer
Choose from Kokanee, Okanagan Spring Pale Ale or Coors Light. Served in 341 ml bottles.
Imported Beer
Heineken imported lager served in a 330 ml bottle.
Caesar
A classic Canadian Caesar cocktail served with lemon and spices, with extra seasoning available upon request. Single or double available.
Boozy Baileys Coffee
Freshly brewed organic coffee with a shot of Baileys Irish Cream. Whipped cream available upon request.
Mimosa
A refreshing combination of sparkling wine and your choice of orange or grapefruit juice.
⭐ The Basic on Denman Favourites
These selections are based on dishes commonly praised in Google reviews.
The Mess
A hearty breakfast hash that regulars particularly enjoy with over-easy eggs, allowing the yolks to mix with the potatoes.
Chorizo Eggs Benedict
A popular variation featuring chorizo, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce, frequently praised by breakfast customers.
Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict
A substantial Benedict combining pulled pork with eggs and hollandaise sauce.
Corned Beef Hash
A longtime favourite featuring corned beef and breakfast potatoes, praised for its hearty portions.
Spicy Pulled Pork Hash
A customer-recommended breakfast hash combining pulled pork with the restaurant's signature potatoes.
The Brit Breakfast
A traditional English-style breakfast that has developed a loyal following among longtime customers.
The Basic Breakfast
A classic diner breakfast with eggs, breakfast meat, toast and pan-fried potatoes.
Eggs Benedict
A traditional brunch favourite frequently recommended for its hollandaise sauce and generous serving size.
Blueberry Pancakes
A popular sweet breakfast choice praised for its fluffy texture and generous blueberries.
French Toast
A classic breakfast favourite, with customers particularly enjoying the generous portions.
Belgian Waffle Combo
A sweet-and-savoury breakfast combination that customers regularly order alongside traditional diner favourites.
Vegetarian Hash
A satisfying meat-free breakfast praised for its generous portions.
Avocado & Tomato Benedict
A vegetarian Benedict variation that has earned recommendations from regular customers.
Deluxe Burger
A popular lunch choice for customers looking for something beyond the breakfast menu.
BLT Sandwich
A traditional bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich that receives positive feedback for its bacon.
Homemade Soup
A comforting lunch option, with customers specifically recommending the house-made pea soup.
Pan-Fried Potatoes
One of the restaurant's most celebrated accompaniments, praised for their crispy edges and tender centres.
🍽️ Dining Experience
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Traditional West End Diner
The Basic offers a relaxed, old-fashioned breakfast experience without the formality of Vancouver's trendier brunch restaurants.
Longtime Denman Street Location
Formerly known as Joe's Grill, the restaurant has served West End residents and visitors for many years.
Family-Owned Restaurant
The owners describe The Basic as a family-operated neighbourhood business.
Cosy Indoor Dining
The compact dining room features tables and booths in a casual, traditional diner setting.
Neighbourhood Regulars
Longtime customers return for familiar meals and staff who recognize their regular visitors.
Friendly Table Service
The Denman location receives particularly enthusiastic praise for its welcoming servers, including Heather.
Breakfast & Brunch
Traditional egg breakfasts, hashes, pancakes, waffles and Benedict dishes are central to the dining experience.
Casual Lunches
Burgers, sandwiches, soups and other comfort-food dishes provide alternatives to breakfast.
Generous Portions
Many customers appreciate the substantial breakfast plates, particularly the hashes and traditional breakfast combinations.
Traditional Coffee Service
Regular coffee refills contribute to the familiar neighbourhood diner atmosphere.
Quick Kitchen Service
Customers frequently report receiving their meals promptly, even during busy breakfast periods.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
The restaurant attracts families, couples, solo diners and visitors staying in nearby West End accommodations.
Popular Weekend Brunch
The relatively small dining room can fill quickly on weekends, occasionally resulting in short waits.
Quieter Early Mornings
Some customers recommend visiting earlier in the morning to avoid peak brunch crowds.
No-Frills Comfort
The restaurant emphasizes familiar home-style meals and friendly hospitality rather than elaborate presentation or upscale décor.
🅿️ Parking & Accessibility
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Denman Street Parking
Metered street parking may be available along Denman Street, although spaces can be difficult to find during busy periods.
Nearby Residential Parking
Surrounding West End streets offer additional parking possibilities, subject to resident permits and posted restrictions.
Public Transit
Denman Street bus service provides convenient access from other parts of downtown Vancouver.
Walkable West End Location
The restaurant is surrounded by residential buildings, hotels, shops and other neighbourhood businesses.
Compact Dining Room
The relatively small interior has tables and booths, which may limit manoeuvring space during busy periods.
Family Seating
Customers have reported comfortable visits with young children, although the restaurant's compact layout may require planning for larger strollers.
Washroom Facilities
Customer reviews mention washrooms, with cleanliness feedback varying between visits.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Step-free entrance access and accessible washroom facilities have not been independently confirmed. Contact the restaurant for specific accessibility needs.
📍 Landmarks & Location
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Denman Street, West End
The Basic is located at 948 Denman Street in Vancouver's West End neighbourhood.
Near Nelson Street
The restaurant sits along Denman Street near Nelson Street, surrounded by residential buildings and neighbourhood businesses.
English Bay Beach
Vancouver's popular waterfront beach is a short walk south of the restaurant.
Stanley Park
The restaurant is conveniently located for visitors exploring Stanley Park and its walking and cycling paths.
Robson Street
The busy shopping and dining corridor intersects Denman Street a short distance north of the restaurant.
Denman Street Restaurants
The surrounding blocks feature international restaurants, cafés and independent neighbourhood businesses.
West End Hotels
Several nearby hotels and visitor accommodations make the restaurant a convenient breakfast destination for travellers.
English Bay Seawall
The waterfront walking and cycling route is accessible from the southern end of Denman Street.
Morton Park
The waterfront park near English Bay is known for the A-maze-ing Laughter sculptures.
Second Beach
The popular Stanley Park beach is accessible by walking through the neighbourhood toward the waterfront.
West End Residential Community
The surrounding apartment buildings and residential streets contribute to the restaurant's loyal local customer base.
📱 Ordering Options
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Dine-In
Enjoy breakfast and lunch in the restaurant's casual dining room, with traditional table service.
Breakfast & Brunch
Order classic egg breakfasts, Benedict dishes, hashes, pancakes and waffles during daytime service.
Lunch
The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, soups and other diner-style comfort food.
Takeout
Customers report ordering breakfast and lunch dishes for pickup.
Delivery
Customer reviews mention receiving breakfast through delivery, although current delivery platforms should be confirmed.
Gluten-Free Options
Customers report gluten-free breakfast choices and gluten-free bread, with staff offering guidance on suitable dishes.
Vegetarian Choices
The menu includes vegetarian hashes, meat-free Benedict variations and other breakfast options.
Breakfast Substitutions
Customers have reported substituting breakfast potatoes with fries and requesting changes to traditional breakfast combinations.
Family Breakfasts
The casual atmosphere and substantial portions make the restaurant suitable for family meals.
Solo Dining
The relaxed diner setting is popular with customers stopping in alone for breakfast or coffee.
Early Breakfast
Customers describe visiting during quieter morning hours before the main brunch rush.
Weekend Brunch
The restaurant attracts regular weekend visitors, although seating may be limited during peak periods.
Coffee Refills
Traditional diner-style coffee service includes refills that customers frequently praise.
Hotel Guest Breakfasts
Visitors staying in nearby West End accommodations regularly choose The Basic for breakfast before sightseeing.
💬 Customer Feedback
This section summarizes recurring themes in customer reviews.
Exceptional Neighbourhood Hospitality
Friendly, attentive service is one of the most consistent themes in reviews of the Denman Street restaurant.
Heather Receives Frequent Praise
Numerous customers specifically compliment Heather for her warmth, professionalism and attentive service.
Loyal Longtime Regulars
Many diners describe visiting since the Joe's Grill years, with some considering it their regular West End breakfast spot.
Generous Breakfast Portions
Customers frequently praise the substantial servings, particularly the hashes, Benedict dishes and traditional breakfast plates.
Outstanding Breakfast Potatoes
The pan-fried potatoes receive unusually enthusiastic feedback for their crispy edges and satisfying texture.
Popular Eggs Benedict
Traditional and specialty Benedict dishes attract strong recommendations, especially the chorizo and pulled pork variations.
The Mess Is a Standout
Regular customers repeatedly recommend this hearty breakfast hash, often describing it as their favourite dish.
A Comfortable Diner Atmosphere
Visitors appreciate the unpretentious setting, familiar comfort food and relaxed neighbourhood character.
Fast, Attentive Service
Many customers report quick food preparation and regular coffee refills, even during moderately busy periods.
A Favourite Among Travellers
Visitors staying in nearby hotels often discover the restaurant and return for breakfast on subsequent mornings.
Positive Gluten-Free Experiences
Customers with gluten restrictions appreciate the staff's menu knowledge and willingness to discuss suitable options.
Mixed Opinions on Pricing
Many customers consider the generous portions good value, while others feel breakfast prices have increased substantially.
Occasional Food Inconsistency
Some reviewers report bland omelettes, overcooked toast, greasy potatoes or disappointing pancakes.
Service Experiences Can Vary
Although the staff receive widespread praise, a minority of customers describe inattentive or unfriendly service.
Small Dining Room
The cosy interior appeals to regulars but can feel crowded during busy weekend brunch periods.
Traditional Rather Than Trendy
Customers generally appreciate the straightforward diner experience, although some find the décor dated or the food too ordinary.
Cleanliness Feedback Varies
Most recent reviews describe a clean restaurant, although some older customers reported concerns about dishes or washrooms.
