Say Hey: Sandwiches with a Side of Vancouver Views

Vancouver is a city that feels like it was built to impress. Surrounded by magical mountains, kissed by the Pacific Ocean, and blessed with a skyline that’s equally striking in the rain or under the sun, it’s a place where nature and urban life coexist effortlessly. Whether you’re walking the Seawall, catching the view from Grouse Mountain, or cruising along the Sea-to-Sky Highway on your way to Whistler, Vancouver is a love letter to the great outdoors. For food lovers, it’s a culinary playground, but sometimes the unassuming spots leave the biggest mark. That’s where Say Hey Cafe & Deli comes in.

A City of Contrasts and a Sandwich That Delivers

Growing up in Vancouver, I didn’t have a long list of sandwich shops I’d go out of my way to visit. If it wasn’t an Italian deli, it was probably a spot with NYC train lines plastered on the wall. So, when I read about Say Hey Cafe & Deli, I knew it had to be a Sights & SEANWICHES journey. It checked every box. A feature sandwich like the Meatball Hoagie? Say no more. Throw in a world-class view to round out the experience, and you’ve got the kind of outing I live for.

Say Hey, sits in Vancouver’s Chinatown, a neighborhood rich in history and full of contrasts. This part of the city has seen it all: waves of immigration, decades of transformation, and the stark realities of urban challenges. Walking these streets, you’ll find a mix of stunning heritage buildings, vibrant murals, small markets, and visible reminders of income inequality and addiction. It’s a neighborhood that doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and in the middle of it all, Say Hey stands out like a beacon of warmth and simplicity.

Stepping Inside: Where Simplicity Shines

I might be biased, but something about that simple “Sandwiches” sign out front made me grin. No hype, no gimmicks—just a quiet promise that you’re in the right spot. Step inside, and the charm hits you like a warm handshake: stripped-down, no pretense, just a laser focus on the good stuff.

The counter’s stocked with cookies, Slim Jims, chips, and candy—the kind of classics you begged for as a kid—while the menu has a charm all its own, with sandwich names that feel like they came from late-night banter or inside jokes among friends. Names like the “La Bomba” or the “Richie” spark curiosity, playful and unpretentious, like a quiet wink that these folks aren’t just making sandwiches—they’re having fun with it. It all feels familiar, like the neighborhood deli, the ones that cared more about getting it right than looking cool. 

When it came time to order, I had tunnel vision—I was here for the Meatball Hoagie. The arugula on a meatball sub threw me off for a second, but I was game—always down for a twist on a classic. My adventure sidekicks, my mom and her friend Margaret, went for the Crunchy and the Granny. Both looked different in the best way: one stacked with sprouts, the other topped with something satisfyingly crispy. They didn’t say much while eating, just two thumbs up and full-mouth smiles as they devoured their sandwiches. Sometimes silence says everything. And my sandwich, it was glorious. The bread was the perfect vessel, cradling meatballs so juicy and tender they practically melted in my mouth. Oh, and the arugula worked.

Two Paths to the Perfect View

So here’s the thing about Vancouver: it rains, so this has to factor into all of your Sights & SEANWICHES plans. But let’s pretend, just for now, that it’s not. You’ve got your sandwiches and it’s time to take the walk—a 20-minute stroll to the waterfront, where Vancouver really starts to show off. There’s a rooftop grassy knoll next to Canada Place, a golden jewel of a view: snow-capped mountains sprawling in the distance, float planes skimming the ocean, and the city skyline behind you. It’s the kind of spot where you sit on the grass, unwrap your sandwich, and feel like you’ve hit the jackpot. This is Vancouver at its best, and for once, the rain stayed out of the way. Use “The Drop” as your Google Maps beacon to get you there, then find your way up to the roof.

If you’re up for a shorter walk, head to CRAB Park at Portside, where the view is just as impressive but with its own character. You’ll get a different angle of the city skyline, a front-row seat to the hum of the helicopter pad, and the mountains standing tall in the background. There might be a homeless encampment nearby—a stark reminder of the city’s struggles—but it doesn’t steal the park’s quiet beauty. It’s still a great spot to sit down, unwrap your sandwiches, and experience Vancouver.

When the Rain Wins

On my last visit, it was pissing rain, so I had to deviate from the plan—but not the experience. I still had the sandwiches, and I still wanted the view; I just needed to stay dry. 

Luckily, there’s a big parking lot next to CRAB Park with a perfect shot of the city and the mountains. I rolled down the window just enough to let the breeze in, unwrapped my sandwich, and took it all in from the car. Rain or shine, a good sandwich with a great view just hits differently.

Savoring the Moment

Say Hey Cafe & Deli doesn’t need flash to stand out. It’s simple in all the best ways—no gimmicks, no ego, just damn good sandwiches served with quiet confidence. It’s exactly the kind of sandwich shop I love to stumble upon. Pair it with a walk through downtown Vancouver and a view that reminds you exactly why people fall for this city, and you’ve got yourself the perfect Sights & SEANWICHES adventure.

buy the sandwich, take the walk

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