Ever tried rooftop bar hopping in Vancouver? It’s like dating—except instead of looking for “the one,” you’re searching for the perfect cocktail (cocktail bars vancouver) with a view! This city boasts some of the best rooftop bars where you can sip, savour, and soak up the skyline.
Did you know Vancouver’s the only place where you can ski in the morning and hit a rooftop bar by afternoon? Yeah, it’s that cool.
Let’s dive into the top spots where the drinks are cold, the views are hot, and the vibe is always just right.
Parker Rooftop
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Address: 1379 Howe St
Contact details: +1 604-669-7070
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 3PM – 11PM
- Sat – Sun: 12PM – 11PM
Pricing: $$$
Perched 120 feet above the city at the Parker Hotel, Parker Rooftop is your new go-to spot for dinner, drinks, live music, and more. This “living room in the sky” boasts three breathtaking patios, 20ft ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer unparalleled city and ocean views.
Think “caviar, cocktails, and canapés” with curated champagne and wine lists, bespoke cocktails, and many table-side experiences. The 4,000 sq ft destination offers seating for 80 inside and 60 outside, making it a high-end yet low-key hangout.
And don’t miss their mimosa bottle service at brunch – it’s a crowd favourite!
Pro tip: Head there during happy hour for some great deals on drinks and snacks. |
Lift Bar Grill View
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Address: 333 Menchions Mews
Contact details: +1 604-689-5438
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun: 11:30AM – 10PM
Pricing: $$$
For a quintessential Vancouver experience, Lift Bar Grill View sets the stage with sweeping harbour, Stanley Park, and coastal mountain views (mountain view cemetery vancouver). This is the city’s only oceanfront rooftop deck, located on the tranquil seawall in picturesque Coal Harbour.
Just minutes from Vancouver’s financial district, major hotels, and the Vancouver Convention Centre, Lift is a sexy, sophisticated restaurant and lounge.
From floor-to-ceiling windows that vanish in the summer to an illuminated honey onyx bar and inviting outdoor fireplaces, Lift offers a fresh perspective on regionally sourced specialties and the bounty of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a bit of a splurge, but worth every penny for the experience.
Pro tip: Go for the weekend brunch and try the smoked salmon benny, it’s a hit and the perfect start to a laid-back day by the water. |
Six Acres
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Address: 203 Carrall St
Contact details: +1 604-488-0110
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun: 11:30AM – 12AM
Pricing: $$
Six Acres in Gastown offers a more intimate vibe, perfect for catching up with friends over some seriously good food and drinks. This Gastown boozer is housed in Vancouver’s oldest brick building, dating from the 1880s.
It stands on the original site of famous gasbagger John ‘Gassy Jack’ Deighton’s 19th-century watering hole, the Deighton Hotel. Inside, there’s spacious seating at tables or up at the bar, and the outdoor patio absolutely heaves in summer.
The menu is packed with comfort foods like burgers (best burgers vancouver) and poutine, and their craft beer selection is on point. The Jura Superstition from Scotland makes a great nightcap. Service is friendly and the atmosphere is laid-back, making it a go-to for relaxed evenings.
Pro tip: Try their beer flights. It’s a great way to sample some of the best local brews they have on offer without committing to a full pint. |
The Narrow Lounge
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Address: 1898 Main St
Contact details: +1 604-678-1006
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun: 5PM – 1AM
Pricing: $$
The Narrow Lounge is like stepping into a modern-day speakeasy. Tucked behind the Grace Gallery at Third and Main, it used to be so secretive there wasn’t even a sign—just a red light bulb above an unmarked door.
Now there’s a sandwich board to help you find it. With just 30 seats, this place is cozy and often packed with fashionable Main Streeters sipping on pints of R&B stout and shots of bourbon.
The menu features comfort-food favourites like mac ‘n’ cheese and nachos, but let’s be real—you’re here for the drinks and the vibe. Don’t miss the framed credo at the bar: “I never drink water. Fish piss in it.”
Pro tip: Get there early to snag a seat. This place fills up quickly, and you’ll want to settle in with your drink of choice and enjoy the ambiance. |
The Wicklow Pub
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Address: 610 Stamps Landing
Contact details: +1 604-879-0821
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun: 11AM – 12AM
Pricing: $$
The Wicklow Pub is a gem with a focus on sustainable ingredients and top-notch service, offering some of the best views in Vancouver. It’s not your typical pub—think modern West Coast sleekness with neighbourhood tavern coziness.
The sliding glass doors give a sense of openness, and the views from the superb patio and Marina Bar are simply stunning. Chef Sarah Dudley’s menu ranges from hearty pub classics to west coast fare, with dishes like sesame-crusted tuna saku and spicy salmon poke.
Everything is prepared in-house with high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re catching the game or sipping a glass of wine as the boats leave the harbour, The Wicklow delivers a unique experience.
Pro tip: Try the sesame-crusted tuna saku. It’s a crowd favourite and pairs perfectly with a crisp local brew. |
Homer St. Cafe and Bar
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Address: 898 Homer St
Contact details: +1 604-428-4299
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 11:30AM – 10PM
- Sat – Sun: 10:30AM – 10PM
Pricing: $$$
Nestled in two of Vancouver’s most iconic buildings, Homer St. Cafe and Bar is where contemporary dining meets historic charm. You’ll find it at the base of the old Homer Building and the Beasley in Yaletown.
Here, comfort food is king, thanks to a striking red rotisserie that perfectly roasts a variety of proteins. The star of the show? The chicken, which you can get in quarter, half, or whole portions, served with classic sides soaked in rich jus.
The restaurant boasts an open-concept kitchen known as the “Chef’s Bar,” a cozy semi-private dining room with reclaimed factory windows, and custom seating enhanced by antique tiling. Their adventurous wine and cocktail list is the perfect complement to the menu.
Pro tip: Get up close and personal with the culinary team by grabbing a seat at the Chef’s Bar. |
Alibi Room
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Address: 157 Alexander St
Contact details: +1 604-623-3383
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu: 5PM – 11:30PM
- Fri: 5PM – 12:30AM
- Sat: 10AM – 12:30AM (brunch: 10AM – 2:45PM)
- Sun: 10AM – 11:30PM (brunch: 10AM – 2:45PM)
Pricing: $$
Alibi Room, a modern tavern in Vancouver, has been delighting patrons since 2006. With a whopping 50 taps of both local and imported craft beers, beer enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice.
The menu is a tribute to locally sourced, ocean-friendly, and naturally raised meat, poultry, and fish, every bite is as sustainable as it is delicious. Standout dishes include the crispy pork belly sandwich, and the indulgent corned beef hash for brunch.
The atmosphere at Alibi Room is laid-back and welcoming, making it a perfect spot for catching up with life buddies, work buddies, or anyone in between. Expect a crowd that’s as friendly as the staff, with plenty of folks sporting flannel and enjoying the relaxed vibes.
The large industrial-heritage space adds a unique charm, always buzzing with energy. Given its popularity, you might have to wait a bit for your first brew, but the experience is well worth the wait.
Pro tip: Try something from local breweries Four Winds or Brassneck. |
Beach Ave Bar and Grill
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Address: 1012 Beach Ave
Contact details: +1 604-428-1948
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun: 11AM – 10PM
Pricing: $$
Beach Ave Bar and Grill is the perfect spot to share nicely cooked fried chicken, prawns, and tacos with friends. The chef here cooks tasty waffles, making it a delightful place for a relaxed meal.
The drink menu includes delicious draft beer, craft beer, and wine. Sitting on the veranda, you can enjoy a great view, and the atmosphere of hospitality highly depends on the efficient staff.
Prices are democratic, making it a popular spot. The Beach Bowl is a standout, combining crisp, warmth from shrimp, and freshness from greens.
Pro tip: Try the Beach Bowl for a perfect combination of crispiness, warmth, and freshness. |
Black+Blue
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Address: 1032 Alberni St
Contact details: +1 604-637-0777
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun: 11:30AM – 11PM
Pricing: $$$$
Black+Blue is a steakhouse that redefines the dining experience, starting with its unforgettable bread service. This isn’t your typical bread basket. Imagine a massive loaf of brioche, butter-basted and topped with melty, gooey gruyère.
It’s served with sun-dried tomato butter and Maldon sea salt, making each bite a delightful mix of flavours and textures. And while the bread is a showstopper, the rest of the menu is equally impressive.
The carpaccio is a standout, but honestly, everything here is top-notch. Black+Blue turns even the simplest elements into something extraordinary.
Pro tip: Don’t skip the bread service, an experience that elevates your meal and leaves a lasting impression. |
Tap & Barrel • Convention Centre
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Address: 1055 Canada Pl
Contact details: +1 604-235-9827
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun: 11AM – 11PM
Pricing: $$
Tap & Barrel at the Convention Centre is the ultimate spot for enjoying regional food with local craft beer and premium wine.
Located in the Vancouver Convention Centre West building in Coal Harbour, the large waterfront patio offers breathtaking views of Burrard Inlet, the North Shore Mountains, and Stanley Park. And if you’re a sports fan, enjoy free WiFi and TVs for all the big games.
Their menu focuses on fresh, local ingredients, every dish is packed with quality and flavour. With 36 beers and 20 wines exclusive to BC on tap, it’s a haven for beer and wine lovers.
Pro tip: Head to the year-round heated patio for the best views, especially during sunset. Also, the extensive tap list is a beer lover’s dream, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations. |
Blue Water Cafe
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Address: 1095 Hamilton St
Contact details: +1 604-688-8078
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun: 5PM – 11PM
Pricing: $$$
Blue Water Cafe is a seafood lover’s dream. Nestled in a brick and beam heritage warehouse in Yaletown, it’s known for its innovative West Coast plates crafted by Executive Chef Frank Pabst.
The restaurant is all about using seafood from wild and sustainable harvests, and you can taste that dedication in every bite. The dining room is lively, with views of the bustling kitchen and raw bar, making your meal feel like a real event.
If you’re looking for something a bit more private, check out their wine room, stocked with an impressive selection of award-winning wines.
On the menu, you can’t go wrong with the Sushi Platter, the Seafood Tasting for Two, or the Gindara Sablefish Sashimi from their sustainable farm. And if you’re an oyster fan, their ever-changing selection of fresh oysters is a must-try.
Pro tip: Start with the Sushi Platter or the Seafood Tasting for Two to sample the best of what they offer. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the Matsutake Mushroom Risotto or the Gindara Sablefish Sashimi. |