A Little Nighttime Delight: 2 Popular Cheesecake Shops in Vancouver

Text & Photos /Dad Seahorse

What comes to mind when you think of a late-night snack? Salt and pepper chicken? Budget-friendly stir-fries? Or plain congee with side dishes?

Vancouver’s food scene typically winds down after dinner, with 90% of restaurants closing their doors after 10 PM. Even some Chinese restaurants or bars/lounges that hold liquor licenses might stay open longer, but by law, none can operate past 2 AM.

So when you hear Vancouverites say, “Let’s go for a late-night snack!” chances are they’re heading out… for cheesecake. These two cheesecake shops each have their own irreplaceable charm, becoming must-visit spots for a nighttime bite in the Vancouver area. Let the night owl Dad Seahorse take you on a little exploration～

Chessecake etc.

“Cheesecake and Other Things” is the Chinese translation of this shop’s name. The “Other Things” refer to the owner’s beloved jazz music.

The shop is run by a married couple. Back in 1959, they fell in love with jazz and wine in Paris, France. For the next twenty years, they traveled across Europe and North America with music as their companion. In 1979, they settled on the West Coast of Canada, originally intending to open a music restaurant. Unexpectedly, Michael Sims’ family-bred pastry skills unexpectedly gave rise to a dessert shop that soothes Vancouverites’ sweet tooth.

Located on a busy main road in downtown Vancouver, the two-storey-wide Chessecake etc. is very low-key. During the day, you’d probably walk right past it 99% of the time without noticing. But at night, a soft glow from the windows might make you wonder if you’ve stumbled upon something special.

As you step inside, the space remains dimly lit. Flickering candlelight gives an impression of openness, while music plays softly and shadows of patrons drift by. Many couples lean close, whispering by candlelight, feeding each other desserts. Some young people, just off work or school, come here to unwind after a long day. The weekly live music performances and delicious sweets are the perfect remedy for the blues.

The menu is very simple, offering only two flavors of cheesecake—original and chocolate. If you’re feeling down or want to indulge a bit, try adding a topping—whipped cream, strawberry jam, blueberry, or raspberry sauce—all generously drizzled over the cheesecake. Just looking at it can make your heart race and your mouth water.

The cheesecake strikes a balance between light and dense, with a hint of sponge cake texture. Paired with toppings, the sense of happiness instantly bursts forth. Close your eyes and let the jazz music blend with the sweetness in your mouth—there’s no better way to enjoy it.

Sweet Revenge Patisserie

Located on Main Street in Vancouver’s East Side, this shop is famous for the three differently-sized rolling pins hanging above its entrance.

Calling this cheesecake shop a little gem of the city is no exaggeration. The narrow space feels even more cramped once you step inside. The reason? A small area painted in vibrant red, dim lighting, small wall paintings, and silver decorations create a vibe that blends Middle Eastern and British aesthetics. Tables are tightly packed together, and diners share the space while waiting customers watch nearby. You also have to keep your voice down so as not to disturb guests at other tables separated by partitions.

Even with such limited and tight space, it’s common to see people lining up at night. After watching a movie or finishing dinner, many enjoy coming here for delicious sweets and the cozy feeling of being close to others.

Sweet Revenge’s cheesecakes showcase the artistry of handcrafted desserts. Their popular items are the White Chocolate Cake and Chocolate Pudding Cake—the former features a modest white chocolate cheesecake sitting in strawberry jam. A spoonful reveals a tangy yet sweet cheesecake flavor that teases your taste buds. The latter has a smooth dark chocolate flavor that may not wow you, but paired with the ever-popular London Fog (Earl Grey tea with steamed milk), it’s surprisingly well-matched and not overly rich.

Due to its popularity, Sweet Revenge enforces a minimum spend of CAD $6 per person and limits table time to 1.5 hours. Think twice before coming here for a long chat.

Vancouver’s winter nights are cold and long. There’s nothing better than a slice of cheesecake to keep you warm. Which one will you visit tonight?

Chessecake, etc.
Business Hours: Daily 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Phone: +1 (604) 734-7704
Address: 2141 Granville Street, Vancouver

Sweet Revenge Patisserie
Business Hours: Daily 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Phone: +1 (604) 879-7933
Address: 4160 Main Street, Vancouver

Dad Seahorse
A Gemini man born under the air sign, he worked as a senior marketing and PR executive for multinational corporations until the age of 45. After that, he moved to Canada. Now, alongside his teenage sons, he plays the role of a father amidst foreign springs of cherry blossoms, summers of sunshine, autumns of maple leaves, and winters of rain and snow, while also documenting his experiences in Vancouver.

Blog: My Vancouver Life (my.van.life)、Facebook Page: Dad Seahorse’s Vancouver Diary

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