BierCraft Tap and Tapas (Commercial Drive): Belgian Mussels and Frites

During our July staycation, we were getting a hankering for some quality mussels and we headed down to our old stomping grounds on Commercial Drive only to be disappointed that our destination (Carthage Cafe) was closed despite their hours saying they should have been open. After a hurried Google search, we headed 7 blocks north to BierCraft Tap and Tapas because their menu said they offered mussels.

Located on the corner of Commercial Drive and William Street, this Belgian bar is located directly across from Grandview Park. We originally sat inside but, due to the heat and the fact that they don’t have air conditioning, we moved outside to their patio which turned out to be more pleasant with the large trees across the street providing shade from the summer heat.

BierCraft actually has a number of different preparations for their mussels which are brought in fresh each weekday. We ended up ordering a pound each of their Normande and Orleans ($23.50 each) as well as a side of Belgian Frites ($5).

The Normande Mussels is prepared with thinly shaved apples, mushrooms, bacon, shallots, brandy, and cream. Both bowls of mussels were pleasantly presented (instead of the haphazard pot of mussels that you get at some restaurants) and the mussels were super plump and fresh.

The Orleans Mussels is prepared with Andouille sausage, garlic, shallots, corn, peppers, and cajun cream. The creamy broth of both bowls makes for great dipping and that’s exactly what I did with the Belgian Frites. I was expecting a smaller serving of frites but there were plenty to share among 2 people.

Overall, although our trip to find mussels started off on the wrong foot, we wound up thoroughly enjoying the mussels at BierCraft.

1191 Commercial Dr
Vancouver, BC

biercraft.com/commercial/