Sophia SmithLet’s be real—there’s something magical about a good dive bar. It’s where the drinks are cheap, the conversations flow like the taps and the decor. Well, let’s just call it “vintage charm.”
If you’ve ever found yourself leaning on a sticky bar top at midnight, debating the meaning of life with a stranger who swears they met Neil Young at this very spot, you’re in the right place.
Vancouver’s dive bars have it all: quirky regulars, jukeboxes with questionable song choices, and bartenders who pour like they’re trying to solve your problems one shot at a time.
We’ve done the hard work (read: drank a lot) to find the best dive bars in Vancouver. So grab your mates, bring your best stories, and let’s dive into the places where the drinks are cold, and the nights are anything but predictable.
The Keefer Bar
– Media credit: birarum
Address: 135 Keefer St
Contact details: +1 604-688-1961
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 5PM-1AM
Pricing: $$
Keefer Bar isn’t just a bar—it’s a vibe. Located smack in the middle of Chinatown, it’s got all the dark corners and flickering candles you’d expect in a proper speakeasy.
Don’t let the moody setting fool you, though; the drinks are the real showstoppers.
Their Chinatown Sour is a tangy masterpiece, and the bao buns? Let’s just say they’ll have you ordering seconds before you’ve finished your first.
The bartenders are a chatty bunch, happy to guide you through their menu of ‘prescriptions’—because why just drink when you can drink medicinally?
| Pro tip: The Keefer Yard Flight is your ticket to sampling the bar’s greatest hits without committing to just one. |
Grapes & Soda
– Media from grapesandsoda
Address: 1541 W 6th Ave
Contact details: +1 604-336-2456
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 5PM-11PM
Pricing: $$$
Wine bar? Sure. But Grapes & Soda is no ordinary swirl-and-sip joint. This place is tiny, in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of way, but the flavours coming out of that kitchen are anything but small.
It’s got that cool, unpretentious vibe that makes you want to lean into your seat and stay a while.
The natural wine list is a winner, filled with quirky options you didn’t know you needed.
Not into wine? No worries. The cocktails here are sharp enough to convert even the most dedicated grape fanatics. And the food? Farm-to-table plates that are as tasty as they are smugly sustainable.
| Pro tip: Chat up the staff for off-menu wine recommendations, they’ve always got something special stashed away. |
Alibi Room
– Media from alibiroomvancouver
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: $$
Alibi Room is like the best kind of friend: unpretentious, dependable, and always up for a pint. Tucked into a historic Gastown building, it’s got that perfect mix of heritage charm and laid-back comfort.
The exposed brick and wood beams make you feel like you’re in on some sort of Vancouver secret. With 50 rotating taps, there’s a brew for every mood—from crisp lagers to stouts darker than your sense of humour.
First-timers should know the beer menu changes daily, so don’t get too attached to your favourite—it might be gone tomorrow, but that’s half the fun. The staff are beer wizards, always ready to suggest something new if you’re overwhelmed by the choices.
Pair your pint with their lamb burger or a veggie pie, and you’ve got yourself a top-notch night out. The communal tables are perfect for striking up a chat with fellow beer enthusiasts, and if you’re lucky, you might snag a spot by the cozy fireplace.
| Pro tip: The window seats have cracking harbour views, so grab one early and thank us later. |
The 515 Bar
– Media from the515bar
Address: 521 Seymour St
Contact details: +1 604-683-3415
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun: 4PM–1AM
Pricing: $$
Website
The 515 Bar is where no-frills meet good times. The decor is classic dive bar chic—dim lighting, a jukebox that always seems to have the right song, and a pool table with just the right amount of wobble to keep things interesting.
Their drinks menu isn’t about fancy garnishes or high-end spirits; it’s all about the essentials done right. Think ice-cold beer, solid cocktails, and maybe a cheeky shot or two if you’re feeling bold.
The vibe picks up around 9 PM, so arrive early if you want a quiet game of pool. The crowd here is a mixed bag—locals, students, and the occasional out-of-towner who’s lucky enough to stumble in.
And don’t miss their trivia nights; they’re a low-stakes laugh and a great way to break the ice with regulars.
| Pro tip: Check out their daily drink specials, you can’t beat a bargain pint. |
Bartholomew
– Media from bartholomew_bar
Address: 1026 Mainland St
Contact details: +1 604-428-8767
Operating Hours: Wed – Sun: 4PM–12AM
Pricing: $$$
Website
Bartholomew is the dive bar’s posh cousin. Sure, it’s got that relaxed, easy-going vibe you want, but with a touch of sophistication that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself without getting too fancy.
Located in Yaletown, this spot is all about cocktails and charcuterie—a match made in indulgence heaven. Their drinks are top-notch, with the bartenders slinging out everything from classic old-fashioneds to seasonal concoctions that’ll surprise you in the best way.
And the charcuterie boards? Packed with local meats and cheeses, perfect for grazing while you sip. First-timers should ask about the daily cocktail special—it’s often a creative twist on a classic.
The low lighting and plush seating make it an ideal spot for date night or a quiet catch-up with friends. If you’re into whisky, their curated selection will have you geeking out in no time.
| Pro tip: The bartender’s choice cocktail never misses, let them surprise you. |
The Shameful Tiki Room
Address: 4362 Main St
Contact details: +1 604-999-5684
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 5PM-1AM
Pricing: $$
The Shameful Tiki Room is like a tropical vacation without the airport queues. The cocktails here are outrageous in the best way, with drinks like the Zombie and Mai Tai served in elaborate mugs that feel more like works of art.
And let’s not forget the surprise volcano bowl—a flaming spectacle best shared with mates. It’s kitschy, fun, and totally unapologetic about it. First-timers should know this spot operates on a no-reservations policy, so be prepared to queue during peak hours—it’s worth the wait.
The menu includes detailed descriptions and rum strength warnings, so you know exactly what you’re getting into (or how strong you’re starting). Don’t skip the pu-pu platter; it’s a perfect sampler of island-inspired bites to pair with your cocktails.
Oh, and the servers? They’re in full tiki gear and happy to explain the backstory behind each drink—just ask!
| Pro tip: The mystery drink is exactly what it sounds like, take the plunge and let them surprise you. |
The Boxcar – Cocktail & Beer Bar
– Media from the_boxcar
Address: 917 Main St
Contact details: +1 604-336-9355
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun: 4PM–12AM
Pricing: $$
Website
The Boxcar is the definition of a hidden gem—blink and you might miss it, but once you’re inside, you’ll wonder how you didn’t stumble in sooner.
First-timers will love the laid-back, no-fuss vibe that makes it feel instantly familiar, like that well-worn pair of trainers you can’t part with. The beer list is packed with local brews, so it’s perfect if you’re looking to sample Vancouver’s craft scene.
Not a beer person? No worries—the cocktails are just as impressive, with a rotating menu that keeps things fresh. Seating can get tight on busy nights, but that’s part of the charm; you’ll end up chatting with strangers over the communal tables in no time.
Hungry? The Boxcar’s partnership with Cuchillo next door means you can order some killer tacos right to your table.
| Pro tip: The Boxcar shares a kitchen with Cuchillo, so you can grab some next-level tacos without even leaving your seat. |
Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill
– Media from sharkclubcgynorth
Address: 180 W Georgia St
Contact details: +1 604-687-4275
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu 11AM-12AM
- Fri – Sat 11AM-1AM
- Sun 11AM-12AM
Pricing: $$
First time at Shark Club? Here’s what you need to know: it’s the go-to spot for catching a game in style. Located just a stone’s throw from Rogers Arena, this place is always buzzing on match days.
With over 20 massive screens, you won’t miss a single play—whether it’s hockey, football, or that random rugby match you didn’t know you cared about. The menu is stacked with pub classics, but they’ve kicked things up a notch.
Think nachos piled high, juicy burgers, and wings that hit the sweet spot between crispy and saucy. For drinks, their beer selection is solid, and they’ve got some surprisingly creative cocktails if you’re feeling fancy.
| Pro tip: Get there early for big games, seats fill up fast, and the pre-game energy is infectious. |
Friendlies Bar
– Media from friendliesbar
Address: 917 Main St
Contact details: +1 604-620-7664
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thu: 4PM–12AM
- Fri – Sat: 4PM–1AM
- Sun: 4PM–11PM
Pricing: $$
Website
Friendlies is exactly what the name promises—a warm, welcoming spot where everyone from seasoned regulars to first-timers feels right at home. Their craft beer selection is a dream, featuring local favourites and rotating taps that’ll keep you coming back to see what’s new.
But the real charm lies in their events. Open mic nights and live music bring the place to life, making it a fantastic spot to discover local talent or even try your hand at performing.
If it’s your first visit, check out their trivia nights—they’re a fun way to break the ice with regulars and potentially win a round on the house. And if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon one of their surprise beer release parties—an absolute treat for craft enthusiasts.
| Pro tip: If it’s your first visit, ask the bartender for their top beer pick, they know their stuff and love helping you find a new favourite. |
The Moose Vancouver
– Media from themoosevancouver
Address: 724 Nelson St
Contact details: +1 604-559-8623
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-2AM
Pricing: $$
The Moose is your ultimate no-nonsense, good-times spot (country pubs vancouver). It’s loud, it’s lively, and it’s unapologetically unpolished.
You’ll find cheap pints, hearty comfort food, and an atmosphere that screams, “Come as you are.” Their happy hour is legendary—$5 for wings, burgers, or nachos, making it a wallet-friendly option for those looking to load up before a big night out.
If you’re a sports fan, this place doubles as a great spot to catch a game, with plenty of screens and an energy that ramps up during playoffs.
The Moose’s late-night menu is a lifesaver for post-bar crawlers, offering greasy, satisfying bites until closing. And if you’re feeling brave, ask about their infamous “Moose Shot”—a concoction that’s as mysterious as it is potent.
| Pro tip: Hit up their late-night menu for some of the best budget eats in town—perfect after a night of bar hopping. |
