Business Details
14 Years
experience
Railtown Cafe - Vancouver's Best Healthy Comfort Food
Railtown Cafe has been serving healthy and delicious food in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside since the summer of 2012. Founded by award-winning chefs Dan Olson and Tyler Day, we combine global culinary expertise with locally sourced organic ingredients to create daily made-from-scratch meals. Our menu features artisan breads, gourmet sandwiches, build-your-own salads, and house-made frozen soups, complemented by locally roasted coffee and craft beverages.As both a cafe and catering operation under one roof, we maintain rigorous quality standards while fostering a community-focused environment for staff and customers alike. With decades of combined experience from top-tier international kitchens, our team delivers exceptional food experiences that reflect Vancouver's vibrant food culture.
Services
Catering Services
Breakfast Menu
Gourmet Sandwiches
Custom Salads
Artisan Breads
Coffee & Beverages
Event Catering
Frozen Soups
Delivery Service
Pastries & Desserts
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Award-winning chefs with global culinary experience
- Locally sourced organic ingredients daily
- Made-from-scratch meals prepared fresh daily
- Catering and cafe operations under one roof
- Community-focused hospitality environment
Services
Catering Services
Railtown Catering provides premium catering services for corporate events, weddings, and private functions. Our menus feature chef-prepared dishes using local organic ingredients, with options ranging from elegant plated dinners to casual buffet-style service. With the same kitchen facility as our cafe, we maintain consistent quality standards for all events.
Gourmet Sandwiches
Our signature sandwiches feature house-made components on fresh-baked breads. Options include classic deli-style creations like The Reuben with smoked brisket and Swiss, alongside modern interpretations like The Salmon with poached salmon salad. All sandwiches use premium ingredients with attention to texture and flavor balance.
Custom Salads
Guests can create personalized salads from a wide selection of fresh greens, proteins, toppings, and house-made dressings. The salad bar features seasonal ingredients and unique combinations like the Lemongrass Chicken with nuoc cham dressing, offering both nutrition and culinary creativity in every bowl.
Artisan Breads
Our bakery produces daily fresh breads including focaccia, sourdough, and multigrain loaves. These breads form the foundation for sandwiches and toast options, with gluten-free alternatives available. The bread program emphasizes traditional baking methods and quality ingredients.
Frozen Soups
House-made frozen soups are available in 1-liter containers for take-home convenience. Varieties include classic recipes like Chicken Noodle and Creamy Mushroom, with seasonal specials like Butternut Squash. The 'Buy 2 Get 1 Free' offer makes these soups accessible for home meal preparation.
People
Dan Olson
Executive Chef/Partner
Vancouver native Dan Olson brings global culinary expertise from Michelin-starred restaurants in France and executive roles at The Beverly Hills Hotel. He co-founded Railtown Catering and Cafe in 2012, combining classical French techniques with local ingredients.
Tyler Day
Chef/Partner
Tyler Day trained at Dubrulle Culinary Arts School and worked under Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons. With 15 years of experience in Vancouver's top kitchens, he co-founded Railtown Catering and Cafe to realize his vision of healthy, delicious food with environmental consciousness.
Questions
Does Railtown Cafe offer catering services?
Yes, Railtown Catering provides event catering for corporate functions, weddings, and private events using the same quality ingredients as our cafe menu.
Are there gluten-free options available?
Yes, we offer gluten-free bread alternatives for sandwiches and select pastries, clearly marked on our menu.
What are the cafe's operating hours?
We're open Monday-Friday 7:30am-5pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm at our Railway Street location. Other locations have similar weekday hours.
Do you use local ingredients?
Yes, we prioritize local and organic ingredients daily, supporting regional producers and maintaining freshness in all our dishes.
Can I order food for delivery?
Yes, we offer delivery through DoorDash and online ordering for pickup at all our Vancouver locations.