Coquitlam’s longtime Deer Garden Restaurant is preparing to close after more than 20 years of serving the community. The Hong Kong-style café first opened two decades ago near Henderson Place and later relocated nearby, keeping its welcoming atmosphere and loyal following.
The closure was shared on Instagram by local foodie @itsgalvin, who encouraged fans to visit one last time. “As this beloved Coquitlam spot prepares to close its doors for good, let’s give it the heartfelt sendoff it deserves. Stop by, share a memory, savor your favorite dish one last time, and help celebrate the legacy of a true local icon,” the post said. No official closing date has been announced, though it is expected toward the end of this year.
Unlike the Vancouver and Richmond locations, which operate as Deer Garden Signatures and focus on noodles, the Coquitlam restaurant offered a broader Hong Kong café experience. Popular dishes included Hainanese chicken, sweet and sour pork, and gai lan with beef, attracting a steady local following for decades.
The Coquitlam location is run by a different family than the Deer Garden Signature branches in Vancouver and Richmond. This explains the slight variation in menu and concept, offering diners a unique local experience compared with the more widely recognized noodle chain.
The Richmond locations have also seen recent changes, including a relocation from Union Square to the Richmond Olympic Oval area in late 2024. This spring, the brand expanded into hot pot with a new spinoff, Deer One at One Park.
Although many Vancouver and Richmond locals were unaware that Coquitlam had its own Deer Garden, the restaurant has remained a beloved community fixture. Its closure marks the end of an era for the neighbourhood and longtime fans who have frequented the spot for Hong Kong-style classics.
As the year progresses, locals are encouraged to visit Deer Garden in Coquitlam one last time to celebrate its 20-year legacy, share memories, and enjoy their favourite dishes before it closes for good.
