On a 6 1/2 hour layover in Vancouver in November we plan to leave the airport and take a cab to the Richmind area and have dinner at an izakaya. I'd rather not have to exchange currency for such a short visit, so I'd like to know if the cabs in Vancouver take credit cards? I know most restaurants do, and if the cabs do then we won't have to get any Canadian dollars.

Any suggestions for izakayas in that neighborhood? I have read about a few and they all sound good. The ones I've looked at are Guu and Tsukiji. We will be there around 8:00pm on Nov. 21.

Most seem to, at least the Vancouver-based ones. Just check with the individual cab when you're at the stand.

They'll most likely accept US dollars as well. I assume you are coming from the US???

There is an ATM in the arrivals hall next to the entrance where the cab stand is. Just grab some CAD before going to the queue

Most will, just check at the taxi stand. If the one you're in doesn't, just take the next one.

Most are also quite used to taking US$.

Yes, coming from the US enroute to Hong Kong/Thailand. Just passing through.
Spent a few days in Vancouver a few years ago and loved it. I wish we had more time. We love the Asian influences there.

On another note, which izakaya?

Don't know yet-that's why I asked the locals. The Aberdeen Center in Richmond is close and looks to have some restaurants. I'm taking suggestions. We have to be back at the airport for a 2:00am flight.

Ahh.... the Guu in Aberdeen is nothing like the Guu's downtown. The Aberdeen is more sushi oriented than an Izakaya. I tried Tsukiji years ago and thought it was average - but it doesn't bill itself as an izakaya place.

The 2 popular ones are Manzo and Nan Chuu, both in the same "complex". They're on Alexandra Street, or better known as "Eating Street" in Richmond. Both are good, but I personally prefer Nan Chuu more. Seems like the people at www.dinehere.ca agree with me.

Other options include :
Jang Mo Jib (Korean) also on Alexandra - very authentic Korean
Northern Delicacy (Northern Chinese) in Aberdeen - one of the best Northern Chinese restaurants I've ever tried, and that includes the ones in Beijing!
Tropika (Singapore, Malaysian, Thai) in Aberdeen - part of a local chain with this location being the best
Posh (Japanese sukiyaki) - an all-you-can-eat Japanese sukiyaki place. Mind you, it's not the average Chinese hot-pot fare in Richmond (although that's also pretty good). If you've been to Japan, you'll know what this is.

I have to check out your tips Braindrain. A month or so back, I was racking my brain trying to find a casual "Japanese-ish" (sushi, izakaya, etc) place to eat after playing ball in Richmond. I could not come up with anything. Most of the places the wife and I go to are in Vancouver.

Also didn't know Guu opened up a location in Richmond. Might have to check it out the next time we go to Aberdeen Mall.

Let me know what you think!