Lucas CloutierThe first time I wandered into Vancouver’s gay bar scene, I thought I was just in for a quiet drink…oh, how wrong I was. One minute I’m sipping a cocktail, and the next, I’m in the middle of a drag show that had more glitter than I thought possible.
By the end of the night, I’d danced with strangers, shared a giant Caesar (seriously, it had a whole chicken on top), and realized that this city knows how to throw a party.
Vancouver’s gay bars are more than just places to grab a drink – they’re where you come to celebrate, let loose, and find your people. We’ve scoped out the best spots for everything from dancing till dawn to laid-back lounging with friends, so read on!
Score on Davie
– Media from scoreondavie
Address: 1262 Davie St
Contact details: +1 604-632-1646
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM–1AM
Pricing: $$
Score on Davie isn’t just your typical gay bar – it’s Vancouver’s only gay sports bar! If you’re the kind who loves a good game with the Canucks or other local teams, this is where you’ll want to be.
Huge screens play all the action while you dig into some gloriously greasy pub grub, like their famous Score Caesar, which is more tower than cocktail.
The vibe is casual, the crowd is welcoming, and whether you’re in it for the sports or just the socializing, you’ll leave with a full belly and probably a few new friends. A great spot to kick back before a night out or catch that game you don’t want to miss.
| Pro tip: Order their over-the-top “Checkmate Caesar”, it’s practically a whole meal served in a glass. |
PumpJack Pub
– Media from thepumpjackpub
Address: 1167 Davie St
Contact details: +1 604-685-3417
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM–3AM
Pricing: $$
If you’re looking for a mix of casual pub vibes and a lively party atmosphere, PumpJack Pub has you sorted. During the week, you’ll find their leather and bear clientele chilling out, but come the weekend, things get a bit more diverse, and the place packs out.
Weekends attract a more mixed crowd, and if you’re someone who doesn’t mind rubbing elbows (quite literally) with a ton of people, the legendary Sunday afternoon keggers are a must-visit.
With its spacious interior, pumping music, and a massive open-air patio, you’ll find it hard to leave once you’ve settled in for the night.
| Pro tip: Check out the popular Sunday beer bust , it’s a local tradition that always draws a crowd. |
The Fountainhead Pub
Address: 1025 Davie St
Contact details: +1 604-687-2222
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM–2AM
Pricing: $$
For a mix of good vibes, traditional pub fare, and a cheeky sense of humor, The Fountainhead Pub is your go-to spot.
Welcoming a wide range of queer folk, this place doesn’t take itself too seriously, as you’ll notice when you catch a glimpse of the, ahem, rather playful artwork scattered around.
Between the pool tables, dart boards, and paintings of, let’s just say, exaggerated anatomy, you’ll find plenty to keep the mood light. It’s also a fantastic (adults-only) spot for a Sunday brunch, complete with pub classics and a solid drink menu to help you ease into the day.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget the patio – it’s prime real estate for people-watching on Davie. The patio is perfect for those who love a bit of people-watching while enjoying a pint. |
Junction
– Media from thejunctionpub
Address: 1138 Davie St
Contact details: +1 604-669-2013
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM–2AM
Pricing: $$
When it comes to Davie Street entertainment, Junction doesn’t just dabble—it dominates. This place is a magnet for anyone looking for a night filled with drag shows, stripteases, and stand-up comedy.
The energy here is so electric, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of a cabaret, except the spotlight’s all over the place, and everyone’s part of the show.
From queens serving up sass and glamour to cheeky performers making you blush between laughs, there’s no such thing as a dull night at Junction. Sure, the bar menu won’t exactly have you writing home, but you’re not here for the food, are you?
It’s all about the drinks, the drag, and the drama (the fun kind).
| Pro tip: The earlier, the better. Rock up a little before showtime to snag a good spot, trust us, you don’t want to be craning your neck to catch all the action. |
1181 Lounge
– Media from 1181_eleven81
Address: 1181 Davie St
Contact details: +1 604-687-3991
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 6PM–1AM
Pricing: $$$
Pronounced “eleven eighty-one”, this ultra-sleek spot is where Vancouver’s young professionals unwind after a long day of slaying at work.
1181 Lounge has the kind of sophisticated vibe that makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into a hidden gem of the city – dim lighting, chic interiors, and a cocktail list that reads like poetry for your taste buds.
Sundays are a real treat, too, with their drag shows drawing in crowds for some glam, glitter, and fun. The mix of craft cocktails and playful events makes 1181 a must-visit for a more upscale gay bar experience.
| Pro tip: Sundays are where it’s at, the drag show is the perfect excuse to glam up and sip something fancy. |
Numbers Cabaret
– Media from numberscabaret
Address: 1042 Davie St
Contact details: +1 604-685-4077
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 9PM–3AM
Pricing: $$
If you’ve been in Vancouver’s gay scene for a minute, you’ll know that Numbers Cabaret is practically a local institution. This isn’t just any nightclub—it’s a multi-level dance haven where the beats are as hot as the cruising scene.
Numbers is the kind of place where you go to get lost in the music, and maybe catch a few cheeky glances while you’re at it.
Seven nights a week, this place is alive with DJs spinning everything from pop hits to deep house, pulling in crowds that are here for both the dancefloor and the undeniable “meat market” vibes.
It’s flirt central, so if you’re up for a bit of fun (and can handle being ogled at), this is the place to be. Numbers has seen it all and is still standing strong as one of Vancouver’s most notorious gay spots.
| Pro tip: Bring your best dance moves and don’t shy away from the attention, Numbers is all about embracing the flirt and the fun! |
Club Newton
– Media credit: dorothydownstairs
Address: 119 E Hastings St
Contact details: +1 604-696-9969
Operating Hours: Fri – Sun 9PM–3AM
Pricing: $$
Club Newton is one of those places that you wouldn’t exactly find by accident—more like a hidden gem on Davie Street that you need to be in-the-know to enjoy.
It’s got this underground vibe going for it, where the space feels small enough to get cozy but big enough to pack in a crowd that’s ready to party. You’ll be dancing shoulder to shoulder with locals, club kids, and the occasional raver who just can’t stop.
If you’re into house beats, themed nights, and a more intimate setting where you’re not shouting over the music, this is your go-to. It’s not flashy, but it’s fun—no need for velvet ropes or VIP sections here.
| Pro tip: Friday and Saturday nights are their bread and butter—don’t sleep on those themed parties unless you’re prepared for some serious FOMO. |
Celebrities
– Media from celebrities_van
Address: 1022 Davie St
Contact details: +1 604-681-6180
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 10PM–3AM
Pricing: $$
Ah, Celebrities. If you haven’t heard of it, you’re either new to Vancouver or living under a rock.
This place is basically nightlife royalty on Davie Street—massive dance floor, lights that make you feel like you’re in a music video, and a sound system that could wake the neighbors three blocks away.
It’s been around forever, and for good reason. The crowd is as mixed as it gets, with drag queens, DJs, and clubbers all coming together for one big, sweaty, glorious dance fest.
It’s not the place for quiet drinks, but if you want to lose yourself to the music and possibly spot some international DJs, you’ll fit right in. Just be ready for packed weekends—it’s one of those spots that fills up fast, especially when something big is happening.
| Pro tip: Get there early to dodge the long lines on weekends. Trust us, waiting in line while hearing the music inside is a different kind of FOMO. |
