Vancouver

Vancouver might be best-known for its outdoors activities but this hip, young, innovative city delivers plenty of entertainment once the sun goes down.

Gone are the days of prohibition-era liquor laws (well, most, anyway) and the general loosening of regulations has helped liven up the city after dark. When you add in a surge of modern craft breweries, wine bars implementing the latest technology, a lively mix of festivals throughout the year, and the inspiration of a fantastic wine region nearby (the Okanagan),Vancouver's nightlife scene looks as fit as any seawall runner.

In nice weather, Vancouver is all about the patios—preferably waterfront. Otherwise, the younger set migrates to dance clubs while more laid-back types gather in friendly pubs (perhaps to watch the hockey game), live music venues hosting up-and-coming stars, and splashy cocktail bars where savvy mixologists cultivate city-wide followings.

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  • 1. Alibi Room

    If beer is your thing, head to Alibi, which specializes in pairing beer with your meal. Kegs of microbrews from around British Columbia and beyond are the pride and joy here, and it's known for having one of the best selections of craft beers in Vancouver. For those looking for something other than beer, there are also organic wines and a few fun cocktails to enjoy. 

    157 Alexander St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 1B8, Canada
    604-623–3383
  • 2. Bar Susu

    Tucked away just off Main Street on 6th Avenue, you'll find a cozy space known for its endless selection of natural wines—as well as sakes, cocktails, and more. Late-night bites include creative dishes like mussels escabeche tartine and duck liver parfait. And FYI, the wine bar and eatery won Gold for Best New Restaurant at Vancouver Magazine's 2022 Restaurant Awards.

    209 E. 6th Ave., Vancouver, British Columbia, V5T 1J7, Canada
    604-874--4687
  • 3. Long Table Distillery

    A 14-foot communal table crafted from a redwood plank is the heart of this tasting room and distillery, which produces small-batch gins, vodka, and special liqueurs. The house-made spirits are the basis of excellent cocktails, and though the tasting room has fairly limited hours (Friday for gin and tonics, Thursday and Saturday for cocktails), the family charm makes the experience a worthwhile treat. Plan ahead, as it's closed Monday to Wednesday.

    1451 Hornby St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 1W8, Canada
    604-266--0177
  • 4. R&B Ale & Pizza House

    One of Vancouver's original microbreweries, R&B serves house-made beers with East Vancouver-inspired names (try the Stolen Bike Lager or Dude Chilling Pale Ale) alongside a delicious brewpub menu (they are well known for their pizzas). Grab a seat in the busy taproom or on the small outdoor patio. And while you nosh on pizza and beer, enjoy the music on the overhead speakers, and take in the baseball knickknacks and cool retro decor. 

    1-54 E. 4th Ave., Vancouver, British Columbia, V5T 1E8, Canada
    604-336--0275
  • 5. Tap & Barrel

    The 360-degree views from this convention center patio take in Stanley Park, the seaplane terminal, and the North Shore Mountains. You can sit inside, amid the wooden casks of wine (in addition to 36 beers on tap, there are more than 20 British Columbia wines on tap), but waiting for a seat on the deck is worth it if the weather even hints at sunshine. There's another location—and similarly large patio—on False Creek, another at North Vancouver's Shipyards district with equally stunning harbor views on a giant patio, and yet another giant patio venue on Granville Island.

    1055 Canada Pl., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 0C3, Canada
    604-235–9827
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  • 6. The Chickadee Room in Juke

    Inside this intimate bar on the eastern edge of Chinatown, you'll find retro '80s vibes, A+ cocktails (you must try the Greyscale with gin, black lime, black sesame, lime juice, and egg white), and affordable eats from the attached Juke Fried Chicken (fried chicken, ribs, sandwiches, cornbread, mac and cheese, etc.). There's a small outdoor space, too.

    182 Keefer St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 1X4, Canada
    604-336--5853
  • 7. The Improv Centre

    Since 1980, the award-winning Vancouver TheatreSports troupe has been performing hilarious improv. Catch a show before an enthusiastic crowd Wednesday to Saturday evenings at 7:30 and 9:30, or enjoy some stand up, featuring Canadian and international headliners every other Thursday at 9.

    1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3S4, Canada
    604-738--7013

    Nightlife Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. – Tues.
  • 8. The Keefer Bar

    The Keefer Bar has fully capitalized on its Chinatown connection, using ingredients sourced from local herbalists—think ginseng, tea-based tinctures, or astragalus root. Small plates of Asian dishes make good nibbling. The decor is dark and red, with hanging cylindrical neon lights that layer a sultry, hidden vibe over nights of live music and DJs.

    135 Keefer St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 1X3, Canada
    604-688–1961
  • 9. 33 Acres Brewing Company

    This bright tasting room attracts creatives and techies who work in this once industrial, now trendy neighborhood. A crowded layout of communal tables creates a very social feel, and potent house-brewed beers (with happy monikers like 33 Acres of Sunshine) are served up in charming Weck canning jars. The small selection of bready nibbles features local producers, plus there’s a rotating selection of food trucks on the doorstep.

    15 W. 8th Ave., Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Y 1M8, Canada
    604-620–4589
  • 10. Bacchus

    Always an elegant choice, the lounge at Bacchus, in the Wedgewood Hotel, is a gathering place for Vancouver's movers and shakers. There's music every evening, as well as classic cocktails.

    845 Hornby St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 2H7, Canada
    604-608–5319
  • 11. Backstage Lounge

    Granville Island

    Local bands and solo artists of varying genres—from jazz to tribute bands—perform most nights. Even though the music is hit or miss, the drink specials are cheap and reliable.

    1585 Johnston St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3R9, Canada
    604-687–1354
  • 12. Bar None

    Once you hit Bar None, you never really have to leave Yaletown. This longtime favorite is the place to get your groove on after dinner and drinks. Wide wood beams, exposed brick, and trendy lighting give it that Yaletown warehouse history-meets-hip feel. Celebrated Vancouver DJs spin house and electronica on weekend nights, and international stars sometimes take over, too.

    1222 Hamilton St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 2S8, Canada
    604-689–7000
  • 13. Bartholomew Bar

    Inside this busy industrial-chic space in the heart of Yaletown, you'll find creative craft cocktails, an extensive wine list, and upscale charcuterie boards. The cozy booths and dim lights create a vibe perfect for an intimate date or night out with friends. They also have a daily happy hour from 5 to 6.

    1026 Mainland St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 2T4, Canada
    604-423-4131
  • 14. Biercraft

    Commercial Drive

    With more than 50 Belgian, craft, and draft beers, the drinks menu here is a lengthy read. There are wine and cocktails, as well as plenty of snacks, from mussels to tacos and burgers as well. A street-side patio is perfect for watching life pass by on eclectic Commercial Drive when the weather's good. More suds are on tap at two other Biercraft locations, at 3305 Cambie St., and in the Wesbrook Village on the UBC campus.

    1191 Commercial Dr., Vancouver, British Columbia, V5L 3X2, Canada
    604-254–2437
  • 15. Biltmore Cabaret

    A favorite hangout for dance parties and live music, the Biltmore Cabaret hosts a mix of DJs, local bands, international performers, and stand-up comedy. It's a casual spot that comes with a half century of history as a public house.

    2755 Prince Edward St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V5T 0A9, Canada
    604-676–0541
  • 16. Brassneck Brewery

    Long, lean, and creatively wood-paneled, this is among a fresh crop of Mount Pleasant breweries leading East Vancouver's craft beer resurgence. The brewery operations dictate the layout, and the tasting room’s communal tables attract a dedicated after-work crowd for pints, flights, and growler fills.

    2148 Main St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V5T 3C5, Canada
    604-259–7686
  • 17. Cabana Lounge

    Bask in the aura of South Beach with fluorescent colors, chic cabanas, and a dance floor beneath the boughs of an acai tree. Local and international DJs keep the energy high and happening. FYI, dress to impress.  

    1163 Granville St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 1M1, Canada
    778-251--3335
  • 18. Cascade Room

    Evoking the vibe of a 1950s British cocktail bar, this busy nightspot attracts a loyal crowd with its signature blends, cocktails on tap (try the boozy slushy), and local microbrews. The upscale pub menu includes favorites like smoked game hen, chickpea burger, and sticky toffee pudding, along with charcuterie and a cheese plate.

    2616 Main St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V5T 3E6, Canada
    604-709–8650
  • 19. Celebrities

    True to its name, this gay hot spot has had celeb cred since the 1980s. Expect to find a young, scantily clad crowd bumping and grinding to club hits, house, electronic, and Top 40 on a huge dance floor equipped with the latest in sound, lighting, and visuals. Men and women are welcome.

    1022 Davie St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 1M3, Canada
    604-681–6180
  • 20. Commodore Ballroom

    This 1929 dance hall has been restored to its Art Deco glory, complete with a massive dance floor and state-of-the-art sound system. Indie rock bands and renowned DJs play here most nights.

    868 Granville St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 1K3, Canada
    604-739–4550

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