Oliver EvansAh, the birthday! That annual celebration where calories magically don’t count. If you find yourself in Vancouver when the calendar flips to your special day, you’re in luck.
This city is not just a backdrop for postcard-perfect photos, you know: it’s also a place for foodies and drink connoisseurs alike. So, dust off your party hat, forget about your diet for a day (or two), and join me on a culinary journey through the city’s best places to eat and drink on your special day.
For Freebies and Deals on Your Birthday
Denny’s
– Media from dennyscanada
Location: 1098 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1M3, Canada
Contact: +1 604-689-0509
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
On your birthday, Denny’s bestows upon you a gift as grand as the Canadian Rockies themselves – the Birthday Grand Slam. It’s fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, savoury sausages, and eggs done just right. And the price? Nothing (just present a valid ID!).
Just keep in mind that their offer is only valid on your actual birthday, so mark your calendar!
Red Robin
– Media from redrobinburgers
Location: 803 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1W1, Canada
Contact: +1 604-662-8288
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
At Red Robin, your birth is not just a cause for celebration but for gastronomic joy! By joining their Red Robin Royalty program, you get a free burger! However, you do have to purchase a minimum of $4.99 and dine in to claim your free burger.
While you’re here, you can explore their extensive menu that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From gourmet burgers to hearty salads, mouth-watering appetizers, and decadent desserts, there’s something for everyone here.
Booster Juice
– Media from boosterjuice
Location: Upper Mall Level, 555 W Hastings St Unit #27, Vancouver, BC V6B 4N6, Canada
Contact: +1 604-428-6808
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
In a city as health-conscious as Vancouver, what better way to say “Cheers to another year!” than with a drink that’s both delicious and nutritious? Booster Juice’s smoothies are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
So how do you get their freebie? Just sign up for their Booster Juice Nation program and you can get a free birthday smoothie!
Yep, a concoction of fruits, veggies, and all things delicious awaits to honour your special days. No treasure map is needed, just you and your ID!
Panera Bread
– Media from panerabread
Location: 7200 NE Hwy 99, Vancouver, WA 98665, United States
Contact: +1 360-258-2149
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday – 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
In a vast ocean of birthday freebies, Panera Bread offers a beacon of hope – a free pastry or sweet treat on your birthday when you’re part of their MyPanera rewards program. All it takes is a swipe of your MyPanera card, and voila, indulgence is yours, gratis.
Whether your birthday cravings lean toward a crisp Caesar, a robust Broccoli Cheddar Soup, or a Turkey Avocado BLT so majestic it deserves its own throne, Panera Bread has you covered.
For Big Birthdays & Casual, Fun Vibes
Burdock & Co
– Media from burdockandco
Location: 2702 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E8, Canada
Contact: +1 604-879-0077
Pricing: $$$
Opening hours:
- Thursday to Monday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
At Dark Table, the absence of sight ushers you into a world where taste, smell, sound and touch are the guests of honour. Definitely a birthday bash like no other!
The menu here, while a secret at the moment of dining, is crafted to surprise and engage you. Without your sight, you’re encouraged to guess the ingredients and explore the textures and flavours in a way you likely haven’t before.
Tacofino
– Media from tacofinolovesyou
Location: 15 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1C8, Canada
Contact: +1 604-899-7907
Pricing: $$
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 11:30 AM 11:00 PM
Imagine a tortilla that’s cradling ingredients so fresh you’d think they were plucked from the Garden of Eden itself. Yep, definitely worth experiencing. Celebrating your birthday here means treating your amigos to a trip to Mexico, without the need for a passport.
Tacofino blends the laid-back vibe of Baja Beach with the bustling energy of Vancouver’s food scene. It’s the kind of place where you can rock up in flip-flops and beanie, and fit right in.
Phnom Penh
– Media from phnompenh.restaurant
Location: 244 E Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z7, Canada
Contact: +1 604-682-5777
Pricing: $$
Opening hours:
- Monday & Wednesday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 11:00 AM 9:00 PM
The chicken wings at Phnom Penh have achieved a near-mythical status among Vancouver foodies. Their wings alone are worth marking another year of your magnificent journey around the sun.
Now, if your gang wants more chicken, this place has you covered too! From the zing of their Papaya Salad to the heartwarming comfort of their Luc Lac Beef, each dish here is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Southeast Asia.
MeeT in Gastown
– Media from meetgastown
Location: inner Courtyard, 12 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 4K7, Canada
Contact: +1 604-696-1111
Pricing: $$
Opening hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:00 AM 10:00 PM
MeeT in Gastown amplifies your birthday bash by offering a cozy and welcoming environment regardless of your dietary preferences. Whether you’re a steadfast vegan, a curious vegetarian, or a meat-eater looking to explore plant-based delights, MeeT has you covered.
Here, you’re spoilt for choice. From the innovative vegan calamari poutine to the heartwarming butter-crispy calamari caesar, there’s something to tantalize your taste buds.
But it’s not just about the food.
Hawkers Delight
– Media from hawkersdelightdeli
Location: 4127 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P6, Canada
Contact: +1 604-709-8188
Pricing: $
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:00 AM 10:00 PM
Nestled in Vancouver’s Riley Park – Little Mountain neighbourhood, this unassuming spot is where culinary dreams meet reality, especially for those with a penchant for adventure and a love for deeply flavorful and comforting dishes.
Here, you can dig into lontong, prawn noodles, Hainanese chicken rice, or the ever-popular Laksa. You can indulge in these dishes while you’re surrounded by your closest friends as you toast to another year well-lived.
But here’s the kicker: despite its popularity, this place remains one of those “if you know, you know” spots. Its no-frills approach means all the attention is on what matters most – the food.
Bars for Celebratory Drinks
The Keefer Bar
– Media from thekeeferbar
Location: 135 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X3, Canada
Contact: +1 604-688-1961
Pricing: $$$
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday to Sunday – 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Tucked away in the heart of Chinatown, this bar dazzles with its unique apothecary theme, drawing inspiration from Chinese medicinal practices to concoct remedies and cures that delight the palate and soothe the soul.
Now, if you’re looking for the best bar to celebrate, this is the place to be. They literally have the receipts! They’re listed among North America’s 50 Best Bars, for one.
We highly recommend going during their Happy Hour where you will only get delightful drinks but also enticing small plates like soup dumplings or green onion pancake pizza.
The Shameful Tiki Room
– Media from shamefultikiroom
Location: 4362 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P9, Canada
Contact: +1 604-709-8188
Pricing: $$
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM
With a capacity of 50 guests, The Shameful Tiki Room offers an intimate setting that’s perfect for birthday gatherings. This exclusivity ensures that your celebration remains personal and engaging.
They even have weekly events to add an extra layer of excitement to your birthday festivities. From Go-Go Bungalow with live go-go dancing to Mai Tai Monday offering discounts on their iconic drinks.
But the real stars here are the shareable bowls, such as the Blood of the Kapu Tiki and the Mystery Bowl.
The Cambie Bar & Grill
– Media from cambiegastown
Location: 300 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2N3, Canada
Contact: +1 604-688-9158
Pricing: $
Opening hours:
- Monday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 3:00 AM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Celebrating at The Cambie means you’re partying in a place that’s been a cornerstone of Vancouver’s social scene since 1897. Each cheer and toast is backed by over a century of tales and revelries.
Vice Magazine didn’t dub this place the “#1 Place to Get Wasted on the Cheap” without good reason. Imagine the joy of treating your friends to rounds of drinks without the fear of your wallet weeping the morning after.
What’s a birthday without some delightful eats? The Cambie doesn’t skimp on satisfying your cravings with favourites like bacon cheeseburgers and chicken. It’s the kind of comfort food that fuels the fun and keeps the party going strong.
