Liam AndersonLooking to paint the town red in Vancouver? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re a local wanting to explore new spots or a visitor ready to dive into the city’s vibrant nightlife, we’ve got the lowdown on where the party never stops.
Vancouver’s nightlife is a mix of the eclectic and the electric, offering something for everyone. Fancy a sophisticated cocktail with a view of the city skyline? Or maybe you’re more about the hidden gems where the drinks are as unique as the décor.
Either way, we’ve got you covered. And let’s be honest, a night out without a plan can lead to a lot of wandering and wondering.
So, consider this your insider’s guide to the best bars in town. We’ve done the legwork (and drank the drinks) to ensure your night is nothing short of epic. Just remember: what happens in Vancouver stays in Vancouver—unless it’s too good not to share.
Bayside Lounge
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Address: 1755 Davie St
Contact details: +1 604-682-1831
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-2AM
Pricing: $$
For years, the Bayside Lounge existed in a strange little bubble. Cool because it was a bit uncool and unapologetically dated, it was, perhaps, the Norma Desmond of local lounges—a place to hang out before irony fell out of fashion.
You’ll find a mix of classic cocktails and inventive spins like a Cucumber Collins or a Cosmopolitan made with raspberry vodka. Don’t miss their variations of the Caesar cocktail – the Caliente Caesar with tequila, ginger, Dijon mustard, and habanero tabasco is a must-try.
There’s a full menu of lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks, but the killer deal is the $1 happy hour oysters (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.). Friendly, convivial service ensures you feel right at home.
If you’re solo, sit at the round bar; you’ll get some conversation along with your Caesar.
| Pro tip: Visit during sunset for a spectacular view that enhances the entire experience. |
Guilt & Company
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Address: 1 Alexander St
Contact details: +1 604-288-1704
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 6PM-2AM
Pricing: $$
Bands at Guild & Company are sometimes local, with genre (and clientele) varying from night to night, and a normal week could see everything from a David Sanborn tribute to soul, swing, funk, and blues.
There are about a dozen house drinks, all that evoke a different song or band; the Femme Fatale, for example, has Bulleit rye, yellow chartreuse, house-made Velvet falernum (a tropical drink ingredient), cardamom, lime zest, and a spritz of absinthe.
The food menu isn’t extensive – just some charcuterie, antipasti, and cheese boards – but it’s perfect for snacking while you enjoy the tunes.
The upbeat, cordial staffers are thrilled to work somewhere with live music and are eager to chat about everything from the drinks to the performers.
| Pro tip: Arrive early to snag a good spot as the place fills up quickly, especially on weekends. |
The Keefer Bar
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Address: 135 Keefer St
Contact details: +1 604-688-1961
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 5PM-1AM
Pricing: $$
The space at Keefar Bar shines in the late evening, when the dark space is packed with hipsters who crowd the bar, migrate to the back (just past a sign that says “Rubber Goods: Sick Room Supplies”), or choose a spot on the outside patio.
The Keefer is just as serious about food, and some of the small plates would give Bao Bei a run for its money. The BLT Bao (pork belly with oven-cured tomato and Napa slaw) is a winner, as are the pulled pork and Peking duck tacos.
And if you want to listen to good music in a cosy room full of beautiful people while sipping on inventive, uh, medicine, this is the place for that, too. Large groups will find it difficult to hang together; keep it to couples or foursomes, max.
| Pro tip: Try their Keefer Yard cocktail, it’s a crowd favourite and perfect for starting your evening on a high note. |
The Liberty Distillery
Address: 1494 Old Bridge St
Contact details: +1 604-558-1998
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-9PM
Pricing: $$
The Liberty Distillery is one of Vancouver’s small-batch distillery pioneers, nestled right on Granville Island. More than just a place where booze is made, Liberty offers a cosy cocktail lounge with a classic pub-style bar that radiates warmth.
Here, you can savour local gins, vodkas, and whiskies, or take a behind-the-scenes distillery tour to witness the magic firsthand.The cocktails here are all crafted with Liberty’s own products. The West Coast Negroni, featuring house-made gin, Aperol, Lillet, and sage, is a standout.
For a fresh twist, try The Greenheart, a refreshing blend of gin, muddled cucumber, lemon, and elderflower cordial. Snack options include wraps, a soft pretzel, and a few other bites, but the spotlight is firmly on the spirits.
For the full experience, call ahead and book a tour. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the distillation process, topped off with a guided tasting.
| Pro tip: Liberty is an ideal stop while exploring Granville Island during the day or early evening. |
Commodore Ballroom
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Address: 868 Granville St
Contact details: +1 604-739-4550
Operating Hours: Varies by event
Pricing: $$
Entering the Commodore Ballroom is like stepping into a slice of Vancouver’s music history. You can’t just walk in off the street; this legendary performance venue requires a ticket.
The crowd at the Commodore varies with the show; Recent performers have included Snoop Dogg, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga. This is a casual spot with no dress code, so come as you are.
Skip the fancy cocktails; instead, grab a pint of beer from one of the tables or head to one of the three large bars on the first floor or the balcony. The food menu offers burgers, rice bowls, and shareable starters.
| Pro tip: With excellent viewing angles and great sound, the Commodore is one of North America’s finest live venues. |
The Shameful Tiki Room
Address: 4362 Main St
Contact details: +1 604-999-5684
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 5PM-1AM
Pricing: $$
The Shameful Tiki Room is the real deal: a genuine 1960s-style tiki lounge. They take their tiki very seriously here, from period swizzle sticks and drinks to hula dancers and blacked-out windows.
Classic tiki drinks are both potent and delicious. Try the rum-based Zombie or Trader Vic’s Tiki Puka Puka. For a group experience, the Volcano Bowl, complete with a blue flame, is a showstopper.
The interior is a retro paradise, perfect for escaping the everyday hustle. The drinks are strong and crafted with quality ingredients, staying true to the original recipes that defined the tiki era.
| Pro tip: Order the Volcano Bowl for a memorable group drink. |
Salt Tasting Room
– Media from salt.chinatown
Address: 45 Blood Alley Square
Contact details: +1 604-633-1912
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 4PM-12AM
Pricing: $$
Salt Tasting Room, located in Gastown’s intriguingly named Blood Alley (which sounds more sinister than it is), is a standout with its black banner featuring a stylized salt shaker.
As you approach, you’ll find a well-lit, modern, narrow room with concrete floors, exposed brick walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows. This spot was one of the first local wine bars to champion charcuterie, quickly building a dedicated following.
While Salt may not pull a crowd every night, it’s a beloved spot for locals who appreciate fine wines and expertly curated cheese and meat boards. The menu is designed to let you mix and match, making it a perfect place to start your evening or enjoy a sophisticated night out.
| Pro tip: Order a charcuterie board and let the staff recommend wine pairings for a delightful culinary experience. |
The Irish Heather
– Media from theirishheather
Address: 248 E Georgia St
Contact details: +1 604-688-9779
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11:30AM-2AM
Pricing: $$
Alright, mate, let’s take a stroll to The Irish Heather. Sure, it proudly embraces its roots with a hearty menu and a fantastic selection of drinks, but it also brings a modern twist that makes it a standout.
The menu is all about comfort food, perfect for soaking up those drinks. Think of it as a cosy spot where Guinness and Jameson sit comfortably next to local craft beers and an extensive list of single malt Scotch.
Now, for all you whisky lovers, there’s a hidden gem at the back – the Shebeen Whisk(e)y House. This cosy little spot specialises in whiskies, offering a selection that would make any aficionado’s heart race.
| Pro tip: Gather your friends for a post-work hangout, and if you want a quieter spot, head to Shebeen in the back. |
The Narrow Lounge
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Address: 1898 Main St
Contact details: +1 604-878-6215
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 5PM-2AM
Pricing: $$
The Narrow Lounge is the hidden gem that my friends and I always hit up during our pub crawls on Main Street. It’s got that speakeasy vibe, tucked away behind a furniture store with an unmarked door.
Follow the concrete stairs down a graffiti-covered hallway, and you’ll emerge into a plush, wallpapered room adorned with chandeliers and mood lighting.The bar’s long and narrow layout, reminiscent of a 1920s speakeasy, adds to its charm.
The menu offers simple yet delectable food options, from eclectic entrees like pasta or tacos to elegant snacks like mushroom pâté and truffle parmesan popcorn. They’re famous for their martinis, and at $11 for a 2 oz drink, it’s a steal.
| Pro tip: Try their martinis! They’re well-crafted and worth every sip, especially in such a unique setting. |
Electric Bicycle Brewery
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Address: 20 East 4th Ave
Contact details: +1 604-709-9939
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: $$
When in the Pacific Northwest, it’s almost a rite of passage to drink an IPA, and Electric Bicycle Brewery is the perfect place to do just that. This colourful, funky brewery is a haven for hop lovers.
Most of their beers are heavy on the hops, but there’s a delightful variety within that category. For instance, Paddy’s Goodbye features Equinox hops that give it bold citrus and pine notes, while the Galaxy IPA offers a refreshing pineapple flavour.
As you approach, don’t be startled by the wooden clown characters outside – they add to the brewery’s quirky charm. Inside, the vibrant decor and lively atmosphere make it a fun spot to relax and enjoy some top-notch brews.
| Pro tip: If you’re into bold flavours, try the Galaxy IPA. |
Parallel 49 Brewing
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Address: 1950 Triumph St
Contact details: +1 604-558-2739
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Pricing: $$
Located in the old industrial area of East Van, Parallel 49 Brewing offers a unique experience with a food truck literally inside the bar. As one of the older craft breweries in the city, Parallel 49 ensures that all their beers have character and go down easy.
The large selection means there’s something for everyone, with several brews that can only be sampled at the brewery itself. The atmosphere is laid-back and inviting, making it a great spot to hang out with your friends and enjoy some fresh, locally brewed beer.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to sample their exclusive brewery-only selections! |
