The Basic Main St. Vancouver
⭐ The Basic on Main is known for The Mess and Corned Beef Hash.
💡 Good to Know
- Formerly Joe's Grill
- A longtime Main Street breakfast spot, now operating as The Basic.
- Dog-Friendly Patio
- Outdoor seating welcomes dogs.
- Family-Owned Diner
- A cozy Mount Pleasant restaurant known for its friendly atmosphere.
❤️ Top Favourites
- French Toast
- The Basic
🍽️ The Basic on Main 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 Main Favourites
These selections are based on dishes commonly praised in Google reviews.
The Mess
A hearty breakfast hash that has developed a loyal following, with customers particularly enjoying it topped with eggs and hollandaise sauce.
Corned Beef Hash
One of the restaurant's most frequently recommended dishes, praised for its generous portions and well-prepared potatoes.
Eggs Benedict
A popular brunch choice with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce, frequently complimented by returning customers.
Chorizo Eggs Benedict
A customer favourite that adds chorizo to the traditional Benedict combination.
Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict
A hearty variation praised for its generous serving of pulled pork and accompanying potatoes.
The Basic Breakfast
A traditional breakfast plate with eggs, bacon and potatoes, appreciated for its straightforward preparation.
The Brit Breakfast
An English-inspired breakfast that has been a longstanding favourite among regular customers.
Blueberry Pancakes
Frequently recommended for their generous helping of blueberries and satisfying texture.
Belgian Waffle Combo
A popular sweet-and-savoury breakfast choice featuring Belgian waffles alongside traditional breakfast accompaniments.
French Toast
A classic breakfast favourite praised for its flavour and preparation.
Tofu Scramble
A well-reviewed plant-based breakfast that customers describe as satisfying and nourishing.
Vegetarian Hash
A popular meat-free alternative featuring a vegetable-focused hash rather than a potato-heavy preparation.
Steak & Eggs
A hearty diner breakfast that customers recommend for its preparation and substantial portions.
Chopped Steak & Eggs
A customer favourite praised for its satisfying combination of chopped steak, eggs and breakfast potatoes.
Deluxe Burger
A popular lunch choice that customers enjoy alongside fries or other traditional diner sides.
Corned Beef Sandwich
A well-liked lunch option recommended by customers looking for something beyond the breakfast menu.
Pan-Fried Potatoes
One of the most consistently praised accompaniments, appreciated for their browned exterior and tender centre.
🍽️ Dining Experience
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Classic Neighbourhood Diner
The Basic offers an unpretentious breakfast and lunch experience centred on familiar comfort food and friendly service.
Former Joe's Grill Location
Longtime Vancouver customers remember this Main Street restaurant as Joe's Grill, with many continuing to visit after the name change.
Family-Owned Restaurant
The owners describe The Basic as a small, family-operated business with strong connections to the Mount Pleasant community.
Cosy Indoor Dining
The modest dining room has closely arranged tables and a relaxed, traditional diner atmosphere.
Sunny Streetfront Patio
Outdoor tables provide a pleasant setting for breakfast, brunch and people-watching along Main Street.
Dog-Friendly Outdoor Seating
The patio welcomes customers with dogs, and staff provide a water bowl for visiting pets.
All-Day Breakfast
Traditional breakfast dishes remain available throughout the restaurant's daytime service.
Breakfast & Lunch
The menu includes eggs, pancakes, waffles, breakfast hashes, burgers and sandwiches.
Generous Portions
Many customers appreciate the substantial breakfast plates, particularly the hash dishes and traditional breakfast combinations.
Friendly, Familiar Service
Regulars frequently praise the welcoming staff, with servers such as Honey Mama receiving enthusiastic recognition.
Frequent Coffee Refills
Customers regularly compliment the attentive coffee service and relaxed morning diner experience.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Parents describe comfortable visits with young children, including occasions when staff accommodated strollers and larger family groups.
Casual Solo Dining
The relaxed setting is popular with customers stopping in alone for breakfast, coffee or a quick lunch.
Weekend Brunch Crowds
The small dining room can become busy on weekends, occasionally resulting in waits for tables.
Quieter Weekday Visits
Customers report that weekday mornings and later afternoon visits can be less crowded than peak weekend brunch periods.
Traditional Diner Character
The Basic emphasizes straightforward meals and neighbourhood hospitality rather than elaborate décor or upscale brunch presentation.
🅿️ Parking & Accessibility
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Main Street Parking
Metered street parking is available along Main Street, although spaces can be limited during busy periods.
Nearby Side Streets
Additional parking may be available on surrounding residential streets, with some free spaces and others subject to restrictions.
Public Transit
Main Street bus service provides convenient access to the restaurant from other Vancouver neighbourhoods.
Walkable Mount Pleasant Location
The restaurant is surrounded by shops, cafés and residential streets, making it convenient for neighbourhood visitors.
Streetfront Patio
Outdoor seating provides an alternative to the compact indoor dining room during suitable weather.
Dog-Friendly Patio
Customers can bring dogs to the outdoor seating area, where a water bowl is available.
Compact Dining Room
Indoor tables are arranged fairly close together, which may make navigating the restaurant difficult for guests with mobility equipment.
Family Accommodations
Staff have accommodated families with young children and strollers, including rearranging tables for larger groups.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Step-free entrance access and accessible washroom facilities have not been independently confirmed. Contact the restaurant for specific requirements.
📍 Landmarks & Location
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Main Street, Mount Pleasant
The Basic is located at 3048 Main Street in Vancouver's Mount Pleasant neighbourhood.
Main Street Shopping District
The surrounding blocks feature independent boutiques, cafés, restaurants and specialty retailers.
East 14th Avenue
The restaurant sits along Main Street near East 14th Avenue, within the neighbourhood's busy commercial corridor.
Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood
This established Vancouver community is known for its independent businesses, residential streets and local dining scene.
Mount Pleasant Community Centre
The nearby community centre provides recreational programs, fitness facilities and gathering spaces for local residents.
Mount Pleasant Library
The Vancouver Public Library's Mount Pleasant branch is located within the neighbourhood's community centre complex.
Mount Pleasant Park
The neighbourhood park offers green space, a playground and recreational facilities within walking distance.
Main Street Murals
Mount Pleasant is known for colourful public murals and street art throughout its commercial and residential areas.
Kingsgate Mall
The neighbourhood shopping centre is located farther north along Main Street, near Broadway.
Broadway Corridor
The busy commercial and transit corridor is a short distance north of the restaurant.
Queen Elizabeth Park
One of Vancouver's best-known parks is located farther south, offering gardens, walking paths and city views.
Riley Park
The residential neighbourhood south of Mount Pleasant is accessible along Main Street.
📱 Ordering Options
This section summarizes information from restaurant sources, customer reviews and other public sources.
Dine-In
Enjoy traditional breakfast and lunch dishes in the restaurant's cosy, casual dining room.
Patio Dining
Streetfront tables provide outdoor seating during suitable weather, with customers particularly enjoying sunny mornings.
Dog-Friendly Outdoor Dining
The patio welcomes dogs, and staff provide a water bowl for visiting pets.
All-Day Breakfast
Order classic breakfast dishes, hashes, eggs Benedict, pancakes and waffles throughout daytime service.
Lunch
Burgers, sandwiches and other diner-style meals are available alongside the breakfast selection.
Takeout
Customers can order breakfast and lunch dishes for pickup.
Delivery
Customers have reported ordering through Uber Eats and DoorDash. Current availability depends on the delivery platform and address.
Vegetarian Breakfasts
The menu includes tofu scramble, vegetarian hash, omelettes and other meat-free breakfast options.
Plant-Based Choices
Tofu scramble provides a substantial meat-free breakfast, although individual ingredients should be checked for vegan suitability.
Gluten-Free Requests
Customers with gluten restrictions report positive experiences, including substitutions to accommodate dietary requirements.
Breakfast Customization
Staff have accommodated requests involving egg preparation, extra bacon, substitute sides and other breakfast modifications.
Family Dining
The restaurant welcomes families with children, although its small dining room can become crowded during peak hours.
Solo Breakfast Visits
Customers regularly visit alone for coffee and a relaxed breakfast, particularly during quieter weekday periods.
Weekend Brunch
The restaurant is popular on weekends, with occasional waits for indoor and patio tables.
Coffee Service
Traditional diner-style coffee is available, with customers frequently praising the attentive refill service.
💬 Customer Feedback
This section summarizes recurring themes in customer reviews.
A Beloved Mount Pleasant Diner
Many customers describe The Basic as a dependable neighbourhood breakfast spot they return to regularly.
Friendly, Attentive Staff
One of the strongest recurring compliments concerns the welcoming servers, prompt attention and familiar neighbourhood hospitality.
Memorable Personal Service
Several employees receive enthusiastic recognition, particularly for their warmth, humour and thoughtful customer care.
Generous Breakfast Portions
Customers frequently praise the substantial servings of breakfast hashes, traditional plates and pancakes.
The Mess Has a Loyal Following
This hearty breakfast hash receives repeated recommendations from customers who consider it one of the restaurant's standout dishes.
Excellent Breakfast Potatoes
Pan-fried potatoes are particularly popular, with customers praising their browned exterior and soft interior.
Popular Eggs Benedict
Traditional and specialty Benedict dishes attract strong reviews, especially the chorizo and pulled pork variations.
Well-Liked Vegetarian Options
Tofu scramble and vegetarian hash receive positive feedback from customers looking for satisfying meat-free breakfasts.
Relaxed Diner Atmosphere
Many visitors appreciate the straightforward, unpretentious setting and traditional breakfast experience.
Patio Is a Highlight
Customers enjoy sitting outside on sunny days, with some returning specifically for the outdoor seating.
Dog-Friendly Hospitality
Regulars appreciate being able to bring their dogs to the patio, where water is provided for visiting pets.
Family-Friendly Service
Parents report welcoming experiences with children and babies, including helpful staff and flexible seating arrangements.
Quick Food Service
Many customers are impressed by how quickly breakfast arrives, even when the restaurant is busy.
Weekend Crowds
The small dining room can fill quickly during popular brunch hours, occasionally resulting in waits for tables.
Limited Indoor Space
Some reviewers find the dining room cramped or dark, with tables positioned close together.
Mixed Opinions on Pricing
Many customers consider the portions reasonably priced, while others feel certain breakfast dishes and beverages are expensive.
Occasional Food Inconsistency
A minority of reviews mention undercooked potatoes, disappointing waffles, bland dishes or food arriving less hot than expected.
Service Can Vary During Busy Periods
Although hospitality is generally praised, some customers report forgotten requests or difficulty getting attention when the restaurant is crowded.
Traditional Coffee Experience
Customers enjoy the regular coffee and frequent refills, although the restaurant does not offer an extensive specialty coffee selection.
Dietary Accommodations Appreciated
Customers with gluten restrictions report positive experiences, including thoughtful substitutions and attention to their dietary needs.
A Familiar Local Institution
Longtime visitors remember the former Joe's Grill and appreciate that the restaurant continues offering a traditional neighbourhood breakfast experience.
