It feels a little disingenuous to call a "hidden gem," given how it largely skirts the definition (and the term is often overused).
Where "hidden-in-plain-sight-gem" nails accuracy it fails to fall off the tongue. I mean, really, no one says that.
But here's the thing: I have known Bar Corso existed for ages. I have walked past the narrow, dim-lit Commercial Drive space oh-so-many times. I have had friends (with trusted palates) tell me it's a great little spot to slip into for cocktails. And I had never been. And frankly, I have been missing out.
Bar Corso opened at the very start of 2020, so perhaps me, you, and many of us not making it in is making a bit more sense. The bar/restaurant aims to offer a slice of Italy (hold the pizza) in Vancouver's traditionally Italian neighbourhood with a negroni and amari-forward cocktail list and a seasonally-driven menu of share-plates that handily demonstrate you don't need a massive kitchen to turn out beautiful food.
Inventive, seasonally-driven snacks, share plates, and mains on the menu
In that kitchen is Chef Luke Bothwell, who is behind a compelling roster of ciccheti (tapas-style small plates) and larger dishes, ranging from elegant and bold options like a Hokkaido scallop crudo with heirloom tomatoes, zucchini and Calabrian chili to rich, satisfying pasta selections like impossibly long al dente noodles with seafood and bright pops of briny salmon roe or a deceptively simple bowl of casarecce with fresh marinara and creamy burrata.
Bar Corso is also known for its crostini, elevated bites on toasty bread with toppings like cured Albacore tuna with tonnato (a creamy tuna sauce often seen with veal carpaccio in the dish vitello tonnato) or a Wagyu tartare with a bone marrow emulsion. If you prefer to sip a custom or classic cocktail (i.e. the Burnside Avenue with The Botanist gin, Strega Italian liqueur, lemon, ginger-honey syrup, and Prosecco or an Aperol Spritz) or your glass of Lambrusco while grazing, Bar Corso puts together show-stopping charcuterie boards with a selection of cured meats, cheese, and house-made accompaniments like preserves and pickles.
As a fantastic bonus, every table gets a complimentary order of focaccia, whether the visit is just for drinks or if you're there to enjoy snacks or a meal.
The mood inside Bar Corso is a meld of lively and intimate, and in the warm months extends outside to their patio perched on The Drive. Otherwise, expect cozy tables for two or groups or seats at the bar, ideal for a date, post-work drinks, or a get-together with friends.
Once I finally stepped into Bar Corso for a nightcap not too long ago, the aroma of freshly-cooked Italian fare signalled a return visit was in order. Consider this your cue to check out this hidden-in-plain-sight neighbourhood gem.
Bar Corso is located at 1566 Commercial Dr and is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to late and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to late. Follow @bar_corso for more information and updates.
Video: Trying the food and drinks at Vancouver's Bar Corso
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