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42 awesome places to drink in Vancouver

Hanna McLean
Hanna McLean
|
Sep 8 2018, 2:56 am
42 awesome places to drink in Vancouver
Bells and Whistles Interior (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)

Besides the fact that the city is the home of Canada’s stellar and burgeoning craft beer scene, we’re also a hotbed for craft coffee and local roasteries, kombucha brewers, and are located in the province with the country’s best wine scene.

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That being said, while there are dozens of amazing bars, restaurants, and mixologists in and around Vancouver, this is our list of the top spots to grab a drink in the city.

Cheers!

Casual drinks: The Diamond

 

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Located in the heart of Vancouver’s historic Gastown neighbourhood, once you head up the stairs to The Diamond you’ll be on cloud nine. Sip on craft cocktails in the lounge overlooking Maple Tree Square, or head to ‘the backroom’ for highballs and casual speakeasy vibes.

Address: 6 Powell Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Gastown
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Beer lovers: Alibi Room

 

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Like beer? Come here. Arguably the best place to hunker down and try a few beers from their ever-rotating and a massive selection of brews. Alibi Room also makes a great order of fries with vinegar.

Address: 157 Alexander Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Gastown
Phone:  +1-604-623-3383
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Craft cocktails: Anna Lena

AnnaLena_Absolutely Darling

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Come for the food, stay for the drinks. This Kitsilano spot not only has the best bread you’ll literally ever put into your mouth, but it also has an incredible bar program and the concoctions are seriously rave-worthy.

Address: 1809 W 1 Avenue, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Kitsilano
Phone:  +1-778-379-4052
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Craft spirits: Liberty Distillery

 

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Offering vodka, gin, and whiskey, Liberty Distillery makes one of the best Caesars in the city and it can be enjoyed in its quaint and charming old-school tasting room. A great place to pick up a bottle to go or sit and stay awhile and soak up the sight and sounds of Granville Island.

Address: 1494 Old Bridge Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Granville Island
Phone:  +1-604-558-1998
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Tea heaven: TWG Tea

 

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Calling all tea connoisseurs, TWG is the spot to go if you’re looking for a luxurious tea sipping or shopping experience. Discover new creations during a tea service or in the retail section of the downtown store – either way you’ll be enjoying the finest luxury tea brand in the world.

Address: 1070 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Phone:  +1-604-692-0071
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Old fashioned lovers: Wildebeest

 

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With a carefully crafted cocktail list, Old and New World wines, and nine different kinds of a classic beverage – the Old Fashioned – you’ll be staying at Wildebeest for more than just the glaze boar belly (but get that too).

Address: 120 W Hastings Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Gastown
Phone: +1-604-687-6880
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Dreamy brewery: 33 Acres

 

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One of Vancouver’s most Insta-worthy breweries, 33 Acres also happens to make some of the best beer in town too. Whether you’re grabbing a 33 Acres of Sunshine with brunch (avocado toast here is 10/10), or opt for a flight to try a bunch, the people watching here is as great as the atmosphere.

Address: 15 W 8 Avenue, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant
Phone: +1-604-620-4589
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Local coffee roaster: Timbertrain

 

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Where cool and coffee come together, Timbertrain is a Vancouver staple for those seeking local craft caffeinated beverages. Patrons will find house-roasted, artisanal coffee, pastries, and latte art here. If you’re in East Vancouver and want a taste of this spot, head to their sister cafe, Depot.

Address: 311 W Cordova Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Gastown
Phone:+1-604-915-9188
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Craft cocktails: Juniper

 

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Known for their Pacific Northwest fare and gin cocktails, Junipers offers an awesome selection of signature drink and classic concoctions perfect for any occasion – formal or casual.

Address: 185 Keefer Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Chinatown
Phone: +1-604-681-1695
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Local sake: Artisan Sake Maker

 

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This is Canada’s first sake winery, so you know you’ve got to head here if you’re into Japanese rice wine. Come to taste or to buy, no matter what your objective, this spot on Granville Island is a must-hit.

Address: 1339 Railspur Alley, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Granville Island
Phone: +1-604-685-7253
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Good vibes brewery: Parallel 49

 

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After renovating their tasting room and taking it 0 to 100, Parallel 49 is definitely a fantastic spot to sip on quality craft beer, people watch, and get drool-worthy comfort food from the idle ‘food truck’ kitchen at the centre of the space.

Address: 1950 Triumph Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Hastings-Sunrise
Phone: +1-604-558-2739
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Cheeky cocktails: Crowbar

 

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How could you not love a spot that names their drinks after 90s icons? Crowbar is constantly raising the bar when it comes to cocktails, and that goes for names and flavour. We urge you to come here and drink your way through the unique list, and if you’re lucky, they’ll have a few off-menu burgers left too.

Address: 646 Kingsway Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant
Phone: +1-604-336-2769
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Craft kombucha: Oddity Kombucha

 

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For those looking for non-alcoholic places to get your sip on, we recommend Oddity Kombucha’s tasting room. While you can also get Oddity’s kombucha on tap at several local spots in Vancouver, it’s definitely worth checking out this new spot so you can enjoy some locally-crafted ‘buch from 10 am to 7 pm from Tuesday to Saturday in their beautiful space.

Address: 1863 Ontario Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Olympic Village
Phone: +1-604-428-6633
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Wine and charcuterie: Stable House Bistro

 

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If you look up neighbourhood gem in the Dictionary, this would be there. Stable House consistently delivers an epic (and always rotating) wine list along with unreal build-your-own charcuterie to South Granville residents and visitors.

Address: 1520 W 13 Avenue, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: South Granville
Phone: +1-604-736-1520
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Specialty tea: Cha Le

 

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Cha Le Tea Merchant Cafe + Shop is not your typical teahouse. The Yaletown spot is a  purveyor of high-quality teas, which are brewed along the 674-sq-ft space’s sleek central tea bar using Steampunk Craft Brewing Machines, a top-of-the-line cutting-edge brewer. This spot offers 24 varieties of green tea, white tea, oolong tea, herbal tea, black tea, and pu’er tea (which great for digestion).

Address: 1207 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Yaletown
Phone: +1-604-633-9989
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Tiki room cocktails: The Shameful Tiki Room

This hidden haunt is popular with locals and visitors alike, and it’s not just because of its unique atmosphere and themed decor. The drinks here are fire…like actually on fire. Whether you’re after the Volcano Bowl, The Mystery Bowl, or something that doesn’t require multiple people to split it at once, you’re undoubtedly going to enjoy the no-window tropical vibes and the regular live dancing.

Address: 4362 Main Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Riley Park
Phone: +1-604-999-5684
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Craft cocktails: The Keefer Bar

 

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For many Vancouverites, The Keefer Bar is a place that embodies the spirit when it comes to mixology in the city. No fuss, welcoming vibes aside, the contemporary apothecary cocktails and Asian fusions bites are enough to keep us at this Chinatown gem all night long.

Address: 135 Keefer Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Chinatown
Phone: +1-604-6881961
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Cheap beer and good vibes: The American

 

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Drinks with friends are the best drinks, and this is one of the best places in Vancouver to make that happen. Small drink list but big atmosphere, The American has arcade games, communal table, and something called the Monarch Burger (beef, vegetarian, and vegan options) which is supposed to be a life-changing morsel.

Address: 926 Main Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Strathcona
Phone: +1-604-398-4010
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Exquisite cocktails: Botanist

If the phrase “Vancouver’s first and only cocktail lab” doesn’t get a mixology enthusiast going then we don’t know what will. The beverages from the front bar portion of the Fairmont Pacific Rim’s gorgeous second level eatery might have a higher price tag, but the experience is elevated too. These drinks truly showcase all the conceptualization that has been thoughtfully interlaced through the offerings here, emphasizing the principles of botany as the foundation of the restaurant.

Address: 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Coal Harbour
Phone: +1-604-695-5500
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Next level caesars: Score On Davie

Need a good foodie Instagram post? Look no further. Score On Davie offers some killer grub, and they are known across the nation for their outrageous caesars. Hotdogs, onion rings, brownies – you name it, they’ll put it on a Caesar (and when it reached your table, you’ll likely put it in your mouth).

Address: 1262 Davie Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: West End
Phone: +1-604-632-1646
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Live music and drinks: Guilt & Co

 

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Live music and drinks just go together, and you’ll definitely going to find that at Guilt & Co, one of Vancouver’s favourite places for underground shenanigans. Open 7 pm until late, this is a fantastic place to head for a taste of the city’s more casual nightlife.

Address: 1 Alexander Street, Gastown
Neighbourhood: Gastown
Phone: +1-604-288-1704
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Community beer hall: Brewhall

The name says it all, Brewhall is a modern beer hall and is definitely worth hitting up if you want a taste of Vancouver brew culture. This brewery and tasting room brews its own beer along with unique collaboration brews with some of the best local beermakers in Metro Vancouver. Aside from drinks, the food here is unfussy and satisfying, and the people watching/communal vibes are refreshing.

Address: 97 E 2 Avenue, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Olympic Village
Phone: +1-604-709-8623
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Wine and cocktails: Grapes & Soda

 

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This South Granville spot is tucked in beside Farmer’s Apprentice is walk-in only, first come first served. Grapes & Soda serves up a stellar selection of seasonal cocktails, natural wines, tapas, cheese and charcuterie.

Address: 1541 W 6 Avenue, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: South Granville
Phone: +1-604-336-2456
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Coffee and treats: Nemesis

 

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Just look for the upsidedown heart at the corner of W Hastings and Hamilton street and you’ll find this gem. This spot offers a great selection of baked goods, light bites, and one of the best Americanos you’ll taste in the city.

Address: 302 W Hastings Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Gastown
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Local beer selection: Bells & Whistles

Beer, burgers, and basketball – this spot has it all. A true gem for beer lovers and foodies alike, Bells & Whistles has a fantastic selection of local craft beer and it’s always changing.

Address: 3296 Fraser Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant
Phone: +1-604-620-7990
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Speakeasy vibes: Prohibition

 

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A true speakeasy-style joint, 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, and then get your drink on.

Address: 801 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Phone: +1-604-673-7089
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Good times, cheap beer: Portside Pub

 

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Good times await anyone who steps in the Portside. This nautically themed pub offers craft beers and shenanigans daily. A great spot to head for casuals or to get a feel for Vancouver’s more laid-back nightlife scene.

Address: 7 Alexander Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Gastown
Phone: +1-604-559-6333
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Craft cocktails: Pourhouse

 

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You know a place with a 38-foot bar has got to have good drinks, and Pourhouse certainly does. Cocktail, flights, by the glass, you name it, this Gastown spot has it for you to sip on.

Address: 162 Water Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Gastown
Phone: +1-604-568-7022
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Low-key speakeasy: The Narrow Lounge

 

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Look for the red light, that’s how you’ll find this secret spot. Located on the corner of Main Street and 3rd Avenue, head here for a modern speakeasy atmosphere, delicious drinks, and delectable bites.

Address: 1898 Main Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant
Phone: +1-778-737-5206
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People watching: The Lobby Lounge and Rawbar

 

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The Lobby Lounge and RawBar at the Fairmont Pacific Rim is an amazing place to grab a beverage and people watch. It’s easy to stay for hours and if you do, be sure to order some of their signature sushi.

Address: 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Coal Harbour
Phone: +1-604-695-5300
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Whisky lovers: Fets Whisky Kitchen

 

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This Commercial Drive eatery has over 1,300 kinds of whisky, and you can navigate the selection using the handy dandy Whisky Bible, aka the whisky menu.

Address: 1230 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Commercial Drive
Phone:+1-604-255-7771
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Craft cocktails: Royal Dinette

Royal Dinette

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Royal Dinette is one of those, can’t-go-wrong-here places thanks to the carefully curated Pacific Northwest menu and cocktail selection.

Address: 905 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Phone: +1-604-974-8077
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Wine and cocktails: Uva Wine & Cocktail Bar

 

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In addition to a fantastic selection of bottles, this wine bar offers themed wine tasting flights. Happy hour is from 2 pm to 6 pm daily, check out the menu online.

Address: 900 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Yaletown
Phone: +1-604-632-9560
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Craft cocktails: La Mezcalaria

 

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Head here for authentic Mexican fare, top-shelf margaritas, Palomas, and amazing tequila. La Mezcaleria’s two locations are cozy, charming, and give us the ultimate laid-back drinking vibes we need after a day of sightseeing or working.

Multiple locations
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Great happy hour: The Emerald

 

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The cool-factor here starts from the inconspicuous bright green door you enter through. The former home of a dim sum restaurant, The Emerald has all the charm of Chinatown and old-school Vegas vibes rolled into one, and they happen to have a stellar drink selection too.

Address: 555 Gore Avenue, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Chinatown
Phone: +1-604-559-8477
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Craft cocktails: L’Abattoir

 

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Get a strong cocktail with a side of atmosphere at L’Abattoir in Gastown. The craft cocktails, wine list, and champagne selection are always impressive and definitely worth checking out while you’re visiting Vancouver.

Address: 217 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Gastown
Phone: +1-604-568-1701
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Wine by the glass: Provence Marinaside

 

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Provence Marinaside and adjoining spot TWB (The Wine Bar) have been known to have an epic wine program for a while now, but with the new introduction of a rosé program about to launch in the Yaletown spot, their combined selection is going to be the biggest in North America.

Address: 1177 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Yaletown
Phone: +1-604-681-4144
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Coffee and treats: Prado Cafe

 

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One of Vancouver’s favourite places to grab a cup of Joe, Prado Cafe offers a stellar selection of caffeinated beverages and light bites and treats from its many locations in the city.

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Ping pong and beer: Back and Forth Bar

 

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This ultra-casual bar received a ton of pre-opening hype due to its relaxed policies about outside food, along with ordering takeout straight to the bar doors. Head here and find floral furniture from Craigslist, 90s rap booming through the speakers, ping pong tables, and beer.

Address: 303 Columbia Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Gastown
Phone: +1-604-564-7664
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Craft cocktails: The Boxcar

 

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Find this gem in between Pizzeria Farina and The Cobalt in Mount Pleasant, The Boxcar offers 24 rotating craft beer taps and a list of craft cocktails.

Address: 917 Main Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant
Phone: +1-604-398-4010
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Beer and pizza: R&B Ale & Pizza House

 

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Chill, unpretentious, and always a good time. R&B not only serves up high quality, handcrafted craft beer (complete with a growler station) but they also boast some of the best pizza in the area.

Address: 54 E 4 Avenue, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant
Phone: 604-874-2537
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Craft cocktails Pidgin Restaurant

 

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The French-influenced Asian eats here are always top notch, but the craft cocktails tend to steal the show if you’re into sipping on unique concoctions.

Address: 350 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Neighbourhood: Gastown
Phone: +1-604-620-9400
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Want to contribute to Mapped by sharing the top spots to drink in your own city? Contact us at [email protected] . 

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