22 unreal hidden bars and restaurants in Vancouver
This piece was written for Daily Hive by Gurleen Boparai. You can follow along with all of her adventures over on Pink Tea Latte. Twitter // Instagram
These restaurants, cafes, and bars might be tricky to find, but once you find these gems, the search will have been well worth it. These establishments are some of Vancouver’s best kept secrets (some more secret than others), but now you too can enjoy these treasures.
From underground cocktail lounges emulating the roaring twenties to cafes in the middle of neighbourhoods, go out and find them – just be sure to wear your glasses!
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1. Gran Reserva Downstairs
After years of patiently waiting, fans of Bodega On Main can now rejoice, because the Main Street restaurant’s highly anticipated underground bar, Gran Reserva Downstairs, is finally open.
Address: lower level of Bodega on Main – 1014 Main Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @granreservamain
2. Caffe Di Beppe
New Gastown restaurant di Beppe Restaurant has a small coffee shop called Caffe Di Beppe. The cafe has a different address (2 West Cordova Street) and it’s all about the espresso, baked goods, and hot sandwiches .
Address: 2 West Cordova, Vancouver
Instagram: @caffeedibeppe
3. Northern Café & Grill
You’ll find this gem at Northern Building Supply Ltd, where the kitchen will be whipping up mom and pop diner classics (which they’ve been doing since the sixties).
Address: 1640 East Kent Avenue, Vancouver
4. The Narrow Lounge
Look for the red light, that’s how you’ll find this secret spot. Located on the corner of Main Street and 3rd Ave, head here so a modern speakeasy atmosphere, delicious drinks, and delectable bites.
Address: Main Street and 3rd Avenue, Vancouver
Instagram: @narrowlounge
5. Guilt & Co
Formerly underneath Chill Winston, now under a Local Public Eatery, Guilt & Co is still there and still creating the same awesome atmosphere daily from 7 pm til late. Live music, whiskey, and brews are endless at this Gastown haunt.
Address: 1 Alexander Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @guiltandco
6. Hello Goodbye
Through an unmarked door and down a flight of red stairs is Yaletown’s most popular cocktail club, Hello Goodbye. Their talented bartenders have concocted a one of a kind menu of beverages, and there’s awesome dumplings here too.
Address: 1120 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @hellogoodbyebar
7. The Emerald
Behind the green door in Chinatown and up the stairs you’ll find The Emerald’s talented bar staff creating drool-worthy libations and delicious bites.
Address: 555 Gore Avenue, Vancouver
Instagram: @emeraldsupperclub
8 and 9. Nordstrom’s Habitant & Bistro Verde
Hidden inside the luxury department store Nordstrom is Habitant, a swanky bar on the second floor. If you head up one more floor, you’ll find the seasonally-inspired Bistro Verde.
Address: 799 Robson Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @nordstromvan
10 and 11. Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s Reflections and Prohibition
On the fourth floor of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia is the sensational outdoor cocktail lounge, Reflections. The hotel’s other hidden spot – Prohibition – is open three days a week, Thursday through Saturday. To enter, look for the green light on the side of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia along Howe Street for the dark stained wood door with ornate wrought iron handles.
Address: 801 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @tasterwhotelgeorgia
12. Army and Navy’s Jack’s Place
Hanna Mclean/Daily Hive
Inside Army and Navy there’s a lunch counter serving up hot and prepared food for a bargain price out of the discount department store.
Address: 36 West Cordova Street, Vancouver
13. Caffe Cittadella
This Vancouver heritage home turned cafe is nestled in a residential area at the corner of Ash street and West 7th, one block west of Cambie street. The charming two story cafe makes a fabulous cup of matcha to fuel you through the day.
Address: 2310 Ash Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @caffecittadella
14. Gringo
Gringo is an upbeat taco bar serving up affordable tacos in a space filled with bright pink flamingos and neon signs. This Mexican cantina is located along Blood Alley across from Tacofino’s patio in Gastown, between Carrall and Abbott street.
Address: 27 Blood Alley Square, Vancouver
Instagram: @gringoyvr
15. Le Marche St George
In the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood sits the beloved Le Marche St George. Part cafe, part grocery store, Le Marche offers a momentary escape from the chaotic big city with its hot lattes and expertly crafted crepes.
Address: 4393 St. George, Vancouver
Instagram: @lemarchestgeorge
16. Salt Tasting Room
Salt Tasting Room is located in Gastown’s Blood Alley Square and has mastered the art of charcuterie boards and wine pairings. Create your own unique tasting experience by picking three artisanal cheeses and cured meats, three condiments, and a flight of three wines.
Address: 45 Blood Alley Square, Vancouver
Instagram: @SaltTastingRoom
17 and 18. The Diamond and The Back Room
Through an emerald green door and up a flight of stairs is the award winning cocktail lounge, The Diamond. It’s all about the cocktails at this joint and it is hard to pick just one from their extensive three page menu. This spot also has a back room, which serves basic drinks and plays VHS tapes on an old school television.
Address: 6 Powell Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @thediamondgastown
19. Mosquito
Along Gastown’s popular Water street is the often missed luxurious cocktail and dessert bar, Mosquito. The entrance is small and dark, but keep an eye out for their gold Mosquito sign because their artfully plated desserts are phenomenal.
Address: 32 Water Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @mosquitodessert
20. The Bottleneck
Tucked into bustling Granville Street, The Bottleneck is super easy to cruise past if you’re on a mission. Great for cheap drinks and filling food like pizza and charcuterie, this spot serves as a central place to pre game before a concert or night on the town.
Address: 870 Granville Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @bottleneckvan
21. Grapes & Soda
Vancouver’s first natural wine bar isn’t out in the open, it’s tucked right next to its sister restaurant, Farmer’s Apprentice. It’s got 30 seats and awesome cocktails.
Address: 1541 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver
Instagram: @grapesandsoda
22. Monarch Burger
This hidden gem is located inside The American and they make one of the best burgers in town (in our opinion). Vegetarian, vegan, or beef – this spot’s got you covered and their fried as just as amazing at the burgers.
Address: The American – 928 Main Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @monarchburger
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