23 best restaurants and bars for Tinder dates in Vancouver
So you’ve swiped right, hit it off via text, and now it’s time to meet in person.
The most stressful part? Figuring out where to head for that first Tinder date.
Every date and situation requires a different venue, and we’ve done the work for you by pairing common types of date with the most suitable restaurants and bars in Vancouver.
Here are 23 of the best places for Tinder dates in Vancouver.
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Dates you already know
It’s not totally uncommon to come across someone you already know on Tinder, especially if you’re a long-time swiper. In this case, a super-serious atmosphere or formal setup would just be awkward. Something lighter and more playful suits this sitch.
Storm Crow
Storm Crow Tavern brings microbrews, delicious food, and games all under one roof. The menu is big and vegan-friendly dishes are named things like the Vulcan Veggie Burger and the Mr. Fantastic Falafel Wrap. Choose from their extensive collection of board games or bring your date for their Nerdin Trivia every first and third Tuesday of the month.
Address: 1619 W Broadway, Vancouver
Phone: 604-428-9670
Address: 1305 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Phone: 604-566-9669
Back and Forth Bar
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Enjoy craft beer like Fuggles and Warlock or Strathcona Pilsner, and dive into a game of ping pong at Gastown’s Back and Forth Bar. This popular bar has six ping pong tables that are reserved by the hour, so make a reservation in advance.
Address: 303 Columbia Street, Vancouver
Phone: 1-604-564-7664
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Pizzeria Ludica
There are 500+ board games that line the back wall of Pizzeria Ludica, ranging from popular favourites to more obscure unknown games. Enjoy thin crust pizzas made in this spot’s stone oven as you challenge your date to a round of your favourite childhood game.
Address: 189 Keefer Place, Vancouver
Phone: 604-669-5552
Bells & Whistles
Bells and Whistles has quickly become the place to be if you are wanting a hearty burger, organic soft serve sundaes, craft beer, and classic arcade games. Enjoy a few games of skeeball and indoor basketball.
Address: 3296 Fraser Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-620-7990
Bimini Public House
The Bimini Public House in Kitsilano is always a fun place to take your date. As you enter, you will see their impressive array of pinball machines which are only $1 per play. The Bimini has got a large selection of draughts on tap including local favourites Four Winds, Postmark, and Twin Sails as well as some classic bar grub to snack on.
Address: 2010 W 4th Avenue, Vancouver
Phone: 604-733-7116
Dates you’d rather be low-key with
Not because they are unsightly, but because you’d just rather not run into Auntie Carol while you’re trying to get to know someone fresh from the Tinder universe. These spots are a safe bet you won’t be spotted by your homies.
The Shameful Tiki Room
Hidden along Main Street is the dimly lit exotic cocktail bar, The Shameful Tiki Room. With no windows to the outside, escape into the world of tiki and share a few cocktails. If you are really wanting something unique, share one of the bowls with your date. The Mystery Bowl is, in fact, a mystery blend of spices, rums, and juices, and arrives at your table with real flames.
Address: 4362 Main Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-999-5684
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Hello Goodbye
Hello Goodbye is one of the toughest cocktail bars to find as it is literally underground and only accessible by a flight of red stairs in Yaletown. The space is intimate and offers unique cocktails crafted by their talented bartenders. If your date is getting a little hungry, Hello Goodbye make some pretty good dumplings too.
Address: 1120 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-669-6292
Cheesecake Etc.
Cheesecake Etc is hidden at the very end of South Granville just before the bridge and they open around 7 pm. Their luscious slices of cheesecake come with fresh whipped cream and various toppings and are served in their dim candlelit room. The space is intimate and patrons are often deep in conversation as jazz music fills the air.
Address: 2141 Granville Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-734-7704
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The Narrow Lounge
At the intersection of Main Street and 3rd Avenue keep an eye out for a red light as it marks the entrance to the secret speakeasy, The Narrow Lounge. Must-tries from their food menu are the BBQ Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese as well as the Veggie Tacos. During the summer their elusive ‘Hide Away’ is open which is just ’round back.
Address: 1898 Main Street, Vancouver
Phone: 778-737-5206
Dates who are tight on cash
Tight on cash or unsure if your date is worth dropping a sufficient amount of money on? It doesn’t matter which situation you’re in, drinks will be had, and cheap spots are necessary for Tinder dates. End of story.
The Pawn Shop
For delicious tacos, but at an unbelievably cheap price, take your Tinder date to The Pawn Shop YVR. On any day of the week between 3 and 6 pm get tacos for $1.49 each. If you are feeling peckish later on, this same deal runs from 11 pm ’til close from Sunday to Thursday.
Address: 1117 Granville Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-687-7474
El Furniture Warehouse
Every Vancouverite has heard of The Famous Warehouse and its incredibly affordable menu. Over the years the price has increased, but at $5.95 for anything on the food menu, it is still a remarkable deal. Favourites include the Chicken Wings, Perogies and the Warehouse Crispy Mac n’ Cheese.
Address: 989 Granville Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-677-8080
Basil Pasta Bar
Good pasta can be expensive, but Basil Pasta Bar has made this Italian favourite accessible with their Build-Your-Own-Pasta. For just $9.95 you are able to choose your pasta, garnishes, proteins, and vegetables. The best part? The portion sizes are huge.
Address: 636 Davie Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-568-3106
Address: 1602 Yew Street, Vancouver
Phone: 778-379-0566
Banh Mi Saigon
Banh mi Saigon is a family-run restaurant that serves up Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches for $5. All of the sandwiches are made fresh to order on a buttery baguette bread with delicious meats like chicken, meatballs, and lemongrass pork. What really makes this place special are the house-pickled vegetables that come on all of their sandwiches.
Address: 5397 Victoria Drive, Vancouver
Phone: 778-379-9992
Costco Wholesale Food Court
The Costco food court is legendary for its $1.50 hot dogs, $1.99 soft serve, $2.19 pizza by the slice and if you really want to get fancy, you can get a delicious gravy and cheese curd ladened poutine for $4.69. Did we mention, you do not need to be a Costco member to eat at the food court? That’s winning if you ask us.
Address: 605 Expo Boulevard, Vancouver
Phone: 604-622-5050
Dates you want to impress
Hawksworth Restaurant
Hawksworth Burger (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
Located inside the luxurious Rosewood Hotel Georgia is contemporary Canadian restaurant Hawksworth. The restaurant is luxe and boasts an incredible wine menu that is presented by their in-house sommelier. Hawksworth’s menu is constantly changing, and even returning patrons are impressed by the Chef’s new and innovative dishes, so you can be certain your date will be too.
Address: 801 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-673-7000
Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
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Gotham’s remains one of the nicest steakhouses in Vancouver and only hires the best to be part of their award-winning team. From the moment you step into the art deco building, you and your date will be treated like royalty.
Address: 615 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-605-8282
Miku
For some of the best sushi and Japanese food in Vancouver, take your date to the award-winning restaurant, Miku. The waterfront restaurant first popularized aburi sushi, but also serves sashimi, rolls, and mains. Miku is now also equally renowned for their gorgeously-plated dessert creations such as the much raved about Green Tea Opera cake.
Address: 200 Granville Street #70, Vancouver
Phone: 604-568-3900
Bishop’s
Nestled in the heart of Kitsilano is Bishop’s, a romantic restaurant that features a weekly menu made with fresh local ingredients. Expect sumptuous cuts of meat like Fraser Valley lamb or BC spot prawns accompanied by root vegetables. It is a great place for a special date as the service is always on point.
Address: 2183 W 4th Avenue, Vancouver
Phone: 604-738-2025
Dates you’re still unsure about
Let’s be real, there are some people that you’re not sure you’re going to jive with IRL, and you don’t want to be stuck on a dinner date with them or be asked “Want another round?” by the bartender at that trendy bar. This is the beauty of the coffee date, stress-free little-to-no cost, and you can leave after one cup without feeling like a jerk.
Le Marche St George
Le Marche St. George is a truly magical place that is hidden amongst rows of houses in Mount Pleasant. Sip some handcrafted lattes and share one of their sweet crepes like the classic lemon and sugar outside at one of their marble top barista tables. The casual cafe manages to still be romantic with its ornate silver plates and little wooden benches.
Address: 4393 St George Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-565-5107
Prado
Lots of seating, great coffee, and freshly baked goodies make Prado the ultimate cafe for a date. Their vast variety of house-baked treats range from sticky cinnamon buns to s’mores, cookies, and cakes of the days and will keep you fuelled for your date.
Address: 1938 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Phone: 604-255-5537
Address: 100 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
Phone: 778-379-4315
Address: 4208 Fraser Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-620-7977
Address: 1809 Fir Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-559-6638
Address: 131 Water Street, Vancouver
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49th Parallel
Everyone loves Lucky’s doughnuts, so when paired with 49th Parallel coffee, you know it’s going to be a good date. Treat your date to some pillowy fried dough with gourmet toppings like Swiss meringue, lemon curd, and vanilla bean custard.
Address: 2902 Main Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-872-4901
Address: 689 Thurlow Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-620-4905
Address: 2198 W 4th Avenue, Vancouver
Phone: 604-420-4901
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Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Cafe
Located in the heart of downtown along luxurious Alberni Street is Thierry, a stunning chic patisserie. The desserts are handcrafted fresh daily and includes a variety of chocolates, flaky croissants, and elegant mini pastries. You can either enjoy a passionfruit cake with a latte or go for something a little boozier because Thierry also happens to be liquor approved.
Address: 1059 Alberni Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-608-6870
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Beaucoup Bakery & Cafe
Decorated with red floral prints on white, Beaucoup Bakery & Cafe is a charming little place that bakes some of the best croissants in all of Lower Mainland. The space has a relaxing vibe and makes it a great place to spend the afternoon chatting away with a chai latte in hand.