In a city as vibrant as Vancouver, finding the perfect pub for a crafted delight can feel like a quest. Lucky for you, we’ve mapped out the top spots where you can enjoy a pint (or two) of something special.
These pubs are known for their exceptional brews, friendly atmospheres, and unique character. Time to raise a glass and celebrate the best of Vancouver’s craft pubs—cheers to great times and even better beer!
Brassneck Brewery
– Media from brassneckbrew
Address: 2148 Main St
Contact details: +1 604-259-7686
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 2PM-10PM
- Fri – Sat 12PM-12AM
- Sun 12PM-10PM
Pricing: $$
Brassneck Brewery is quite possibly the cutest craft brewery in the city. As you step inside, you’re greeted by a long, narrow room adorned with rough-hewn millwork and concrete floors, exuding a rustic charm.
The bar offers about a dozen taps, each pouring a distinct, meticulously crafted brew. Start with the No Brainer, a “pre-Prohibition style corn lager” with an ABV of 4.5%.
As you progress, try the Inertia III, a stout aged in bourbon barrels that packs a 10% ABV punch. The flights here are fantastic, allowing you to mix and match pours to suit your taste.
While Brassneck doesn’t offer a full menu, they occasionally serve sausages. Plus, there’s often a food truck parked outside, so you can grab a bite and bring it into the tasting room.
Pro tip: Order a flight to sample a variety of their brews, and don’t miss the bourbon-barrel-aged stout for a truly unique experience. |
Alibi Room
– Media from alibiroomvancouver
Address: 157 Alexander St
Contact details: +1 604-623-3383
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 5PM-12AM
- Fri 5PM-1AM
- Sat 3PM-1AM
- Sun 3PM-12AM
Pricing: $$$
Located in a historic building in the Railtown district, Alibi Room features long table seating and wall booths that create a cheery, welcoming atmosphere. Light floods through the arch windows, offering a stunning view over the railway tracks and mountains.
The main draw here is the ever-changing beer list, featuring 20 lagers, 6 stouts, and 27 session ales. Their kitchen offers a mostly small plates menu, with all meat, fish, and poultry being ocean-friendly, locally sourced, or free-run.
The cocktail list, though concise with just seven drinks, is well-curated. Each cocktail has a beer component, such as the classic Black Velvet or the Green Run with bourbon and an IPA foam float.
Pro tip: Visit during cask nights for rare and unique beer offerings that you won’t find anywhere else. |
The Moose Vancouver
– Media from themoosevancouver
Address: 724 Nelson St
Contact details: +1 604-678-1705
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-2AM
Pricing: $$
The Moose Vancouver is a gem for those who love a laid-back atmosphere combined with a fantastic beer selection. This place is all about comfort, from its warm, wood-panelled interior to its welcoming staff.
The menu boasts a variety of pub classics like wings, nachos, and burgers, all perfectly paired with their rotating taps of local craft beers. On weekends, you can enjoy live music, adding to the already vibrant energy.
The Moose is also known for its excellent happy hour deals, making it a perfect spot for both weekday unwinding and weekend celebrations.
Pro tip: Try their house special burger – it’s a crowd-pleaser and goes brilliantly with any of their local brews! |
The Cider House
– Media from vancitycider
Address: 1602 Yew St
Contact details: +1 604-336-1941
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: $$
The Cider House offers a unique selection of ciders that cater to all palates, whether you prefer something dry and crisp or sweet and fruity. The rustic yet modern interior provides a comfortable space to relax with friends.
The plant-based menu is a delightful addition, featuring locally sourced ingredients. Don’t miss the nachos loaded with pico de gallo, black olives, pickled onion, jalapeño, queso, mozza style cheese, and cashew sour cream.
For a hearty option, try the mac + cheese made with confit garlic and cashew cream. Proximity to Kitsilano Beach means you can easily grab your cider and food to go, perfect for a beachside picnic.
Pro tip: Grab a cider to go and enjoy it at Kitsilano Beach for a perfect sunset view – a local favourite activity. |
Steamworks Brewpub
– Media from steamworksbrewpub
Address: 375 Water St
Contact details: +1 604-689-2739
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-1AM
Pricing: $$$
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Steamworks Brewpub is renowned for being Canada’s only steam-powered brewery. This unique brewing method dates back to 1995 when they discovered the rare steam heat system in their building.
With 20 rotating taps, you can sample a variety of their core beers, seasonal specials, and exclusive brews. The 10 Tap Taster Paddle is a fantastic way to explore multiple flavours in one sitting.
From the crisp Lions Gate Lager to experimental seasonal brews, there’s always something new to try. The menu features a mix of traditional pub fare and modern, plant-based dishes.
The Fish N’ Chips, battered with their own Lions Gate Lager, is a standout. The expansive brewpub offers over 700 seats across two floors, each area exuding a historic and eclectic charm.
Pro tip: Order the Fish N’ Chips – it’s a customer favourite and pairs perfectly with their lagers. |
Parallel 49 Brewing Company
– Media from parallel49beer
Address: 1950 Triumph St
Contact details: +1 604-558-2739
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 12PM-10PM
- Fri – Sat 11AM-11PM
- Sun 11AM-10PM
Pricing: $$
Parallel 49 Brewing Company is a bit off the beaten path but well worth the visit. The avocado-green bar and slatted ceilings create a vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere.
Regulars flock here, especially on weekends, to enjoy the lively scene at the 117-seat Street Kitchen. Their beer selection is impressive, with creative names like Hillbilly Ninja, a hazy pale ale with 5% ABV, and Salty Scot, a sea salted caramel Scotch ale.
For those feeling adventurous, the Jerkface 9000, a Northwest wheat ale, is a must-try. The rotating taps ensure there’s always something new to discover.
The graffiti-scarred food truck inside the space is not just for show—it serves as a portal to a fully operational kitchen. The menu is comfort food heaven, featuring fried chicken, poutine, ribs, tacos, burgers, and sandwiches.
Pro tip: Visit on a Saturday and make a reservation – it’s the busiest day, but worth it for the brunch and beer selection. |
The Shameful Tiki Room
– Media from shamefultikiroom
Address: 4362 Main St
Contact details: +1 604-999-5684
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 5PM-12AM
- Fri – Sat 5PM-1AM
- Sun 5PM-12AM
Pricing: $$$
The Shameful Tiki Room’s dimly lit oasis is dedicated to recreating an authentic tiki experience with no visible windows to the outside world, ensuring you’re fully immersed in its exotic ambiance.
The decor, sourced globally, includes tapa cloth from Tonga and Fiji, unique tiki carvings from California, and puffer fish lamps that add a whimsical touch.
The menu offers expertly crafted vintage exotic cocktails like the Zombie, Jet Pilot, and Mai Tai, perfect for sharing with friends over a variety of delicious share plates. The subdued music sets the tone for intimate conversations without overpowering the room.
Pro tip: Try the Zombie cocktail – it’s a crowd favourite and packs a punch with its blend of rums and tropical flavours. |
Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill
– Media from sharkclubcgynorth
Address: 180 W Georgia St
Contact details: +1 604-687-4275
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 11AM-12AM
- Fri – Sat 11AM-1AM
- Sun 11AM-12AM
Pricing: $$
Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill is the ultimate destination for sports enthusiasts. Towering big screens showcase every game and fight imaginable, complemented by a powerful audio system that ensures you won’t miss a moment of the action.
The atmosphere is electric, with an all-star staff dedicated to providing an exceptional experience. The menu is a delicious fusion of Asian, Italian, and Canadian cuisines, featuring everything from pre-game snacks to hearty dinners.
Beers from top breweries around the world, including local favourites, flow freely here
Pro tip: Visit during major sports events to soak in the unbeatable atmosphere and enjoy some of the best game-day snacks in town. |
Guilt & Company
– Media from guiltandco
Address: 1 Alexander St
Contact details: +1 604-288-1704
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 7PM-2AM
Pricing: $$
Guilt & Company, nestled in the heart of Gastown, is a refuge for live music lovers. Descend the stairs from Alexander Street into this dark, subterranean bar, grab a stool, and prepare for an evening of angelic or devilish delights.
The venue hosts a variety of live bands, from local acts to tribute bands, covering genres like soul, swing, funk, and blues. The food offerings are simple but satisfying, with charcuterie, antipasti, and cheese boards available.
The drinks menu features about a dozen house creations, each inspired by different songs or bands. The Femme Fatale, with Bulleit rye, yellow chartreuse, house-made Velvet falernum, cardamom, lime zest, and a spritz of absinthe, is a standout.
Pro tip: Take advantage of the “pay what you can” policy for live music nights – it’s a great way to enjoy top-notch entertainment on a budget. |
Glowbal
– Media credit: pearlthefoodie
Address: 590 W Georgia St
Contact details: +1 604-602-0835
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11:30AM-11PM
Pricing: $$$
Glowbal is a high-end restaurant located on the corner of West Georgia and Richards Street, offering a sophisticated dining experience spread over two floors. Nestled next to the TELUS building, it can be a bit tricky to find, but once inside, you’re greeted with modern elegance.
The restaurant is perfect for both intimate dinners and large private events, with dedicated rooms available for special occasions. The menu features a blend of global cuisines with a focus on premium steaks, fresh seafood, and inventive appetisers.
The ambiance is upscale, making it ideal for celebrating special moments or enjoying a luxurious night out. However, note that there is no elevator connecting the two dining floors, which might be inconvenient for guests with mobility issues.
Parking in the TELUS building can be costly and somewhat inconvenient, especially during events. The garage elevator stops operating at 6 PM, requiring guests to coordinate with security for after-hours access.
Pro tip: Plan your parking in advance and be prepared for some logistical challenges if you’re attending an evening event. |
Donnellan’s Irish Pub
– Media from donnellansirishpub
Address: 1082 Granville St
Contact details: +1 604-428-4041
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-2AM
Pricing: $$
Donnellan’s Irish Pub is a charming spot on Granville Street, bringing a taste of Ireland to Vancouver. With its dark wood furniture, dim lighting, and live music, the pub offers a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
The menu is filled with Irish favourites, including hearty Irish stew, crispy fish and chips, and a delectable Sunday carvery featuring turkey with all the fixings and a brownie dessert. The Irish breakfast is highly recommended, with options to add mushrooms and tomato.
Drink options are abundant, from classic cocktails like the Espresso Martini to a good selection of non-alcoholic beverages and the popular Smithwicks Irish beer. Outdoor seating is available, allowing you to enjoy your meal and drinks al fresco.
Pro tip: Take advantage of the bucket of beers or seltzers promotion for $20 before 11 PM – a great deal for an enjoyable evening. |