August 28, 1999, By Finbarr O'Reilly, National Post

The Drive Takes Commerce to the Edge

Although the bulk of Vancouver's gay businesses and residents are clustered in the West End, another popular queer part of town is Commercial Drive. Once the home of Vancouver's ethnic Italian community, this area has since become a center for urban hipsters of all sexual orientations, with a particular preponderance of lesbians. Wander the Drive (as the locals call it) and explore the funky shops, hip coffeehouses and budget ethnic restaurants. If all that wandering puts you in the mood for some tapas, grab a patio table at Havana (1212 Commercial Drive), a funky and arty Cuban restaurant. For a pick-me-up (lattes, snacks and more), stop by the Calabria Bar (1745 Commercial Drive) or Harry's, just off the Drive at 1716 Charles.

A definite "must visit" on the Drive is Womyns'Ware Inc., home of the largest selection of quality sexual products for women (and a few things boys might enjoy, too). Be sure to sample the wares.