Want to get to know Langley’s food scene? Let Angela Ruscheinski be your guide. She’s the creative director and co-founder behind sister restaurants Haven Kitchen and Bar and Steven’s Cocktail Corner Bar and Kitchen, and she knows her way around the city like maybe no one else. Her restaurants couldn’t be more different—Haven is chic and vibe-y, Steven’s is cheekily dive-y—but together, they fulfill one goal: “We wanted to bring a piece of downtown to Langley.” Here, we’ve mapped out Ruscheinski’s fave spots in town.
Date Night Delight
Get the decadent cioppino (MP) at Mediterranean-chic Sabà Bistro. 9220 Glover Rd.
It’s a Vibe
Crispy tempura cauliflower ($16) is best paired with a spinach-infused Tourist cocktail ($12.50) at the buzzy Haven. (Hot tip: the patio is open year ‘round.) 105-19664 64 Ave.
The Perfect Nightcap
The signature drink at Steven’s is the Orange Julius ($13)—a boozy version of the ’90s mall staple. 20526 Fraser Hwy.
Happy Hour Haunt
Camp Beer Co. is an oasis for craft beer lovers in the thick of the strip-mall zone. The Anorak IPA ($8) is hoppy perfection. 19664 64 Ave.
Comfort Club
If you’re not getting the beer cheese dip ($17) at the Barley Merchant, have you even truly lived? 20090 91A Ave.
Cheap and Cheerful
The family-run Tacoholic is a hidden gem: authentic carnitas Mexican tacos for around $3 a pop. 20631 Fraser Hwy.
What a Scoop
Sorry, Marble Slab, but Oxford Ice Cream is king here—get a scoop of brown butter cheesecake ($6). 20581 Fraser Hwy.
Coffee Break
Get your latte to go from Blacksmith Bakery, or stay with a croque madame ($18). A100-20018 83A Ave.
What to do Between Meals in Langley
1. Find the small-town charm
Fort Langley is like a Lower Mainland Stars Hollow: heritage buildings house bookstores, florists, antique shops and galleries.
2. Roll the dice
Obviously this is a list of things to do if you’re not hungry, but surely you have room for a beer and a round of Anomia at the Raving Gamer Bistro?
3. Stock your cellar
There’s a jaw-dropping amount of bottles (many specialty or premium) at Everything Wine; catch tastings and meet-the-maker events, too. If you’d rather buy right from the source, Langley has a handful of wineries to tour as well: Backyard Vineyards and Township 7 among them.
4. Lace up your sneakers
The Houston Trail is a scenic four-kilometre lop—perfect for burning off the beer cheese you had earlier. Be wary of horses sharing the path, though: you’re in the country now, after all.
