Sal y Limon
Family of 4
$50-65 CAD (~$36-47 USD)
Duration
45 minutes to 1 hour
Best Ages
All ages
About
Sal y Limon has become one of Vancouver's favorite casual family restaurants by doing something simple really well: serving authentic, affordable Mexican food in a warm, welcoming environment where families with kids feel genuinely at home.
The Commercial Drive location sits on one of Vancouver's most vibrant neighborhood streets — a stretch of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants with serious character. The restaurant itself is casual and colorful, with a friendly vibe that doesn't bat an eye at the chaos that comes with feeding children.
The menu is straightforward Mexican: tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, and bowls. What makes it work for families is the combination of quality and value. The quesadillas are enormous and stuffed with melted cheese — a guaranteed win for even the pickiest eater.
Burritos are big enough that two kids can share one. Tacos come on soft corn tortillas that are easier for little hands than crunchy shells. The chicken, al pastor, and carne asada are all well-seasoned without being spicy, though salsa options let adults and adventurous kids add heat.
The horchata — a sweet, cinnamon-flavored rice drink — deserves special mention. Kids who've never tried it are invariably delighted, and it's a nice alternative to the usual juice box.
Sal y Limon has multiple locations across Vancouver (Commercial Drive, Fraser Street, Kingsway, and more), so you'll likely find one near wherever you are. The Commercial Drive location is the most atmospheric, set on a walkable street where you can browse bookshops, admire murals, and get ice cream before or after your meal.
Practically: no reservations needed (or taken). Weekend lunchtimes can have a short wait but turnover is fast. Takeout is a great option when the small dining room fills up. Prices are very reasonable — a family of four eats well for $50-65 CAD. High chairs are available. The vibe is casual enough that nobody cares if your toddler drops a taco on the floor.
This isn't a special-occasion restaurant — it's a Tuesday-night-we-need-dinner restaurant that happens to be legitimately good and genuinely kid-friendly.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Lunch on weekdays for no wait. Weekend lunches can have 15-minute waits. Early dinner (5pm) avoids the rush.
Wait Times
5-15 minutes on weekends; walk-in friendly on weekdays
Nearby Food
Commercial Drive is packed with restaurants. La Grotta del Formaggio for Italian deli sandwiches. Fratelli Bakery for pastries. Rain or Shine Ice Cream on nearby Main Street for dessert.
Why Kids Love It
Sal y Limon is the kind of casual, vibrant Mexican restaurant where kids feel at home immediately. The food is real-deal Mexican — not sanitized Tex-Mex — but the flavors are accessible for young palates. Cheesy quesadillas are the go-to for picky eaters, and they're massive.
The chicken burritos are a safe bet for kids who are a bit more adventurous. Tacos come in soft corn tortillas that little hands can handle. The atmosphere is lively and colorful without being overwhelming — it's the kind of place where a toddler having a moment doesn't draw judgmental stares.
Commercial Drive itself is one of Vancouver's most character-filled neighborhoods, with murals, independent shops, and a community feel that makes the whole outing fun. Multiple Vancouver locations mean you'll likely find one convenient to wherever you're staying.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The quesadillas are huge and perfect for splitting between two kids
- Commercial Drive is fun to walk along before or after dinner — murals, bookshops, and ice cream
- Takeout is a smart option on busy weekends when the dining room fills up
- The horchata (sweet rice drink) is a treat for kids who haven't tried it before
- Multiple locations across Vancouver — check which is closest to you
What to Bring
- A bib for toddlers — tacos and burritos are messy
- An appetite — portions are generous
- Nothing else needed — it's casual and welcoming
- Patience for a short wait on weekend lunchtimes
- Cash or card — both accepted
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$50-65 CAD (~$36-47 USD)
Tips to Save
- Tacos and burritos are large and very affordable.
- Kids can share a burrito — they're huge.
- Water is free.
- The Commercial Drive location is casual, so no tipping pressure.
- Takeout is available if the dining room is full.