Best bars in Vancouver

64 people recommend, 5 warn against itvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Most people who weigh in recommend Keefer Bar in Chinatown, and many point to its cocktails. One commenter says it is so loud you have to yell and another finds it too dim to read in, and one has mixed views on it.

Chinatown

46 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Many people recommend The Cambie in Gastown, and several call it a casual dive-style bar where it is easy to meet people. Commenters describe the drinks as cheap, a couple praise the food, and one mentions its long communal wood tables. Commenters also feel it has lost some of its old character, several say it suits a young crowd, and one says it is not a cocktail spot.

Gastown

34 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/askvan

The Birdhouse is a queer and trans-friendly event venue rather than a conventional bar, and it is widely recommended whenever people ask for queer bars. Many describe it as a welcoming, trans-friendly space and many praise its events and parties. A couple of commenters point to a relaxed event night with dancing later on, and several note it is more of an event space than a bar. A couple have reservations: one would skip it for picking someone up, and one finds the music poor.

33 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Most people who weigh in recommend The Ivanhoe, and many name it as a dive bar. One patron likes the pool tables for joining in, another calls it a strange place but good for cheap beers on the way to the arena, and a few recall loving it in earlier years. Reservations include whether it counts as a true dive and the country bar side.

Main Street

32 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

The Shameful Tiki Room is a tiki bar on Main Street that most people recommend. Many praise its cocktails and several point to its atmosphere or vibe. One suggests the mystery bowl, and commenters advise booking ahead or joining the wait list. A few have reservations: one finds the scene odd unless you go with the right group, one finds it fun but less impressive than other picks, and one found it loud and tacky.

Main Street

31 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Many people recommend the Bayside Lounge on Davie and Denman, often for its views over English Bay, and several praise its cocktails. Several name it as a late-night option, and one says the bar suits a solo drink, with good music, though sports on TV are hard to see. One commenter singles out the sunset and one feels it is somewhat dated.

Davie and Denman

31 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Most people who weigh in recommend The Pourhouse in Gastown, and many praise its cocktails. A few mention the food, including the burger, and one singles out the Negroni. One commenter finds it loud and cramped, and one finds it too dim to read in, though another found the light fine for reading.

Gastown

27 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Many people recommend Hero's Welcome on Main Street. Commenters mention bar games such as darts, a couple say it is a good place to dance, and one enjoyed its trivia night. A few say it is less of a true dive than it looks.

Main Street

27 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/askvan

Most commenters recommend 33 Acres in Mount Pleasant, and a few mention its design or looks. A couple call it relaxed or casual, one praises its mezcal sour, and one found it comfortable for solo time with a sketchbook. Several say it gets loud: one calls it the loudest room they can recall, one says concrete walls amplify the noise, and one found the music cranked high on a recent visit.

Main Street

27 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Many people recommend The Narrow Lounge on Main Street, and several describe it as distinctive, fun or a good vibe. A few suggest the bar seats for conversation or a quiet solo drink. A couple of commenters dislike it, it is described as loud at times, and one files it with safer, trendier spots rather than true dives.

Main Street

27 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Most people recommend Funky Winker Beans, and many call it a dive bar. A few praise the crowd, it is suggested for karaoke, and a couple call it cheap. Commenters say it has changed or declined since earlier years.

37 West Hastings

25 people recommendvia r/askvan

Most people who name Brassneck recommend it, and several count it among the best breweries in Vancouver or the province. A few single out the quality of its beer, and commenters list it among their favourite breweries.

Main Street

25 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan

Most people recommend Superflux, a brewery on Clark Drive, and many single out its IPAs. Several list it among their favourite breweries, and a few describe it as relaxed or vibey. One says a mixed-age group would have fun there, and one calls its patio poor.

Commercial Drive

23 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Most people who weigh in recommend Mount Pleasant Vintage, and many praise its cocktails, while several mention the atmosphere or vibe. A couple of commenters say it gets loud or hectic, and one calls it pricey. One calls it overrated, and one finds it fine but thinks many other Vancouver bars are better.

23 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Most commenters recommend The Princeton on Powell Street in Hastings Sunrise, and many describe it as a dive bar. One patron calls it cosy and friendly, with meat draws, karaoke and live bands. Commenters praise the food, naming the poutine and the clubhouse sandwich. One commenter doubts the wing deal is special.

Hastings Sunrise

22 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan

Most commenters recommend The Lido in Mount Pleasant, and several mention its live music, DJ or dance nights. A few call it a dive, one says it is not really one, and one says it is cash only. One commenter likes that you order at the bar, one would not pick it for cocktails, and one finds it too dim to read in.

Mount Pleasant

22 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Many commenters recommend Uncle Abe's on Main Street. One suggests sitting at the bar to chat in its intimate room, one praises its friendly atmosphere, and one calls it a relaxed date spot. One commenter who visited a few times found it strange and not to their taste, and another calls it a good bar with a few interesting touches but still just a bar.

Main Street

22 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/askvan

Most people recommend The American on Main Street, and several praise the food, including the burger. Commenters mention pinball and games. Several say it is not really a dive, though others recall an older, rowdier version. One says it is not a cocktail spot and one is not a fan of the food.

Main Street

21 people recommendvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Many people recommend The Morrissey on Granville for a dim, low-key drink, and its music gets praise. Several say it works well for a quiet drink or reading, and a couple mention the fireplace. Two commenters note the dim lighting makes reading on paper tricky, and one says the sound level varies with the night.

Granville

21 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Most people recommend The Magnet, a bar on West Pender, and many praise its beer selection, with a few pointing to cask beer. A few say the cocktails are good and a few praise the food. A couple recommend sitting at the bar. One commenter calls it overpriced and one thinks it is just OK.

Downtown

21 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Most people are positive about The Moose, a downtown bar many connect with metal and rock music, and several call it a dive bar. Several praise its vibe, and a couple say it can get loud or rowdy. One commenter finds it fine for daytime beers but little beyond that, and one feels its crowd has long been unappealing, though they have never been inside.

Downtown

20 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Many commenters recommend Strange Fellows, a brewery on Clark Drive near the VCC-Clark SkyTrain station. A few praise its beer, one notes its outdoor tent could fit a group of twenty, and a couple rank it in their top three breweries. One commenter calls it decent.

Commercial Drive

20 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Most people recommend The Boxcar, a Main Street bar, and its cocktails get praise. A few describe it as relaxed and low-key, and one says it skews older. One commenter calls it bad and rejects the idea that it only suits older crowds.

Main Street

19 people recommendvia r/askvan

Most commenters recommend R&B Brewing, and several say the pizza is good. One says its pickle beer is worth trying, and several list it on Main Street or Mount Pleasant brewery routes. One ranks it only for a single sour beer, and one liked the pizza but had a disappointing visit.

Main Street

19 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan

Most people recommend Storm Brewing near the north end of Commercial Drive, and its atmosphere gets praise, with a few calling it unique or unusual. One names its stout among their favourites, one says it is the easiest spot for striking up conversations, and one notes there are no chairs. A long-time fan says it will not suit every taste, and one feels it has become more corporate than it once was.

Commercial Drive

17 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Bagheera is a hidden, themed speakeasy-style bar in Chinatown that many people recommend. Several find the room and vibe appealing, and one says they like the cocktails and one praises the happy hour. Commenters are split on the cocktails: some find the drinks underwhelming, and some call it pricey or advise against going.

Chinatown

16 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Many people recommend The Brighton, a pub in Hastings Sunrise. Commenters describe a social crowd, with one saying the regulars chat a lot and welcome newcomers. One calls it a light dive with decent music, one says it was their regular spot while living in East Van, and one found it pricier than they wanted. One notes it can get busy at times.

Hastings Sunrise

16 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Many people recommend Prophecy, and a few praise its cocktails. A couple describe it as dark and moody, and one adds that it is less social unless you sit at the bar. One patron who otherwise likes it disliked being asked to leave after a short seating window.

16 people recommendvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Many people recommend Guilt & Co, a basement bar in Gastown, and several point to its live music. A few describe the atmosphere as pleasant or vibey, and a couple mention the cocktails. A couple say it fills up, and a couple found the food weak.

Gastown

16 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Many commenters recommend Greta in Gastown, often for its arcade games, and one calls it a classic bar. Several say it gets busy, so arriving early is suggested. A couple have reservations: one says it may be a bit much depending on the day and another says there are no quiet corners. One commenter points to a Greta downtown, so check which location you are heading to.

Gastown

16 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Most people recommend Bartholomew in Yaletown, and many praise its cocktails. Commenters pick it for a date and one finds it more intimate than other bars. One would not choose it for going alone, and one skipped it for a first date because they believed a deposit was required.

Yaletown

16 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Many people recommend Grapes & Soda in Kitsilano, and several praise its cocktails. A few describe it as cosy with a good vibe, and several suggest it as an addition or swap on a cocktail-bar shortlist. One finds the lighting too dim to read by without a lamp, and one says missing it would not be a big loss.

Kitsilano

16 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Mum's the Word is a bar on Commercial Drive that many commenters recommend, and a few point to it for cocktails. A couple describe it as laid-back or chill, and one calls it very cozy with a nice atmosphere. One commenter is less impressed and calls it not great.

Commercial Drive

16 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Hail Mary's on Broadway near Fraser is a bar many people recommend, with several praising its relaxed, dark or cozy atmosphere and commenters suggesting you sit at the bar. One finds the cocktails good and one lists it among bars that stay open late.

15 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Most people recommend the Alibi Room, and many point to its beer selection. One patron found it cozy and intimate on a first date, and one enjoys its fun vibes. A couple say it has declined since it changed hands, and a couple were let down by a holiday pop-up there, though one of them usually likes the room.

Gastown

15 people recommend, 5 warn against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Steamworks is a Gastown waterfront brewpub that more people recommend than warn against, though many comments do not say which of its locations they mean and many mean the Mount Pleasant branch; the Gastown one is shown here. A few suggest it for larger groups, with one describing a multi-level layout with plenty of seating. Booking accounts conflict, with one commenter saying they reserved there twice and another saying a group booking was declined. A few advise skipping it for other bars and several call it fine or mediocre.

Gastown

14 people recommendvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Most people recommend The Irish Heather, and several point to its whisky range. One commenter thinks its Guinness may be the best in North America, one praises the food, one finds the mood relaxed and welcoming, and one calls a birthday party in its basement excellent. One says the pub has declined since it moved. Commenters mention both the original spot and the newer Georgia Street location.

14 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Most people recommend Brewhall, a brewery near Science World. Several name it on Main Street crawl routes or area lists, a couple suggest it for groups, and a couple mention sports, with one also citing the food menu, patio and games. One finds the happy hour decent.

Main Street

14 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Many commenters recommend The Container, a brewery near Commercial Drive. One says its beers are great, one praises the outdoor patio, and a couple point to its sauna and cold-plunge amenities. One suggests the upstairs area for a group and one calls it their favourite of the Commercial Drive breweries. Some simply name it without giving an opinion.

Commercial Drive

14 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Many people recommend Arcana, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar in Gastown with a spooky, occult theme, and many describe the atmosphere as cool or fun. A couple of commenters are less impressed by the cocktails, calling them novelty-style or average, and a few find the drinks pricey. One commenter dismisses it outright.

Gastown

14 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Most people speak well of Score on Davie, a Davie Street sports bar, and many go there for its Caesar cocktails, which come loaded with garnishes. One describes a fun, lively atmosphere and one highlights the community tables. Two commenters are less convinced by the Caesars, one calling them fun but not the best and one calling them eccentric, and one visitor found the sound off and the room nearly empty during a Sunday football game.

14 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Visitors lean toward recommending Two Parrots near Granville and Davie, and several call it a dive bar. Several say the drinks are budget-friendly, one found the burger and beer pretty good, and some say the food is poor. One visitor finds it unappealing and not really a dive, and one warns it can get loud.

Davie and Granville

13 people recommendvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Most people recommend Batch, an outdoor beer garden. Commenters mention both a Kits Beach location and a False Creek / Plaza of Nations location, and several name the Kits Beach one. Several praise the patio, the setting or the live music. One finds the canned beer pricey, another calls the local beers affordable, and one dislikes that restrooms close before the bar does.

Kits Beach

13 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Most commenters recommend the Metropole on Abbott Street. Commenters call it a dive bar and budget-friendly, including a beer-and-shot deal, and one notes it has pool. One commenter finds it tamer and duller since the pandemic.

12 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

The Chickadee Room is a cocktail bar in Chinatown that many people recommend, especially for its happy hour, which several say comes with fried chicken alongside a drink. Several praise the drinks, and a couple describe the room as cozy or charming. One visitor finds the drink specials underwhelming, though the chicken would make up for it.

Chinatown

12 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan

Meo is a cocktail bar in Chinatown that commenters recommend, and many describe its atmosphere as good or vibey. A few point to it for cocktails and one mentions that it also serves food. One commenter would move it off a must-go list to a lower-priority one.

Chinatown

11 people recommendvia r/askvan

Many visitors recommend Friendlies, and a couple praise its drinks, with one calling the cocktails amazing. A few describe it as small or intimate, and a couple list it among divey bars. One patron at the 12th and Main spot says bar seats can be hard to get in the small room. Another calls it great but notes few solo drinkers.

12th and Main

11 people recommendvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Many people recommend The Wicklow, a pub at Stamps Landing on False Creek. A couple say it is a good spot at sunset, and one of them calls it their local. One patron who goes alone calls it cozy for solo visits, and one suggests a water-view nook reached by aquabus. One notes that patrons talk with each other at the bar, one suggests a Caesar, and one ranks it the city's top casual pub.

11 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Most commenters recommend Key Party on Main Street, and several describe it as a speakeasy-style bar. Commenters praise the drinks and two find it cozy, though one feels it is low-energy for a livelier evening. A couple say it gets loud, and one says it is too dim to read by without a lamp.

Mount Pleasant

10 people recommendvia r/askvan

Many people recommend Electric Bicycle, a brewery in Mount Pleasant, and several name it on Mount Pleasant brewery routes. One calls it fun with a colourful 80s vibe and a food truck alongside, and one enjoys its fruity and sour beers. Many commenters name it only in passing among other breweries, so little is said about the place itself.

Main Street

10 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/askvan

Many commenters recommend The Junction, a gay bar on Davie Street, and a couple say it is a good place to dance. A couple mention its drag nights, including drag bingo, and one says the whiskey lounge side is well lit and not too busy early in the evening. A few say the crowd has grown more straight, and a few are negative about it, with one advising people to skip it.

West End

9 people recommendvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Most commenters recommend The Blind Rabbit, several suggest it for gin drinks, and a couple name it a favourite. One patron finds it cosy, another says it is usually not too busy, and one says it is a small spot suited to talking with others over a drink. One commenter finds it out of the way, and another calls it rundown but enjoyable for gin and says it does not suit every kind of night out.

9 people recommendvia r/askvan

Most people who name Luppolo recommend it, and several praise its beer, with one liking a seasonal sour and another citing its gose. One also praises its vibe and pizza, one calls it decent, and others simply name it among their picks.

9 people recommendvia r/askvan

Many people recommend The Watson on Main Street. One commenter says it has a very New York feel, one suggests it for upscale drinks, one lists it among favourite happy-hour spots, and one says it has many non-alcoholic options, including a spirit-free Negroni.

Main Street

9 people recommendvia r/askvan

Several people recommend Faculty Brewing as part of a Mount Pleasant brewery run. One names it second among their top breweries, one loves it for also stocking a kombucha brand, and one lists it among breweries with a more relaxed feel and better drink choices.

Mount Pleasant

9 people recommendvia r/askvan

Several commenters name Main Street Brewing as a place to find proper cask ale, with one saying its cask ales match the malty, low-carbonation style they were after and another saying the cask beer is good. It also appears on Mount Pleasant brewery routes.

9 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Lamplighter is a pub in Gastown that many commenters name among the bars worth a visit. One suggests it for dancing later in the night, one points to its arcade features and says it can get busy, and one tentatively lists it among the city's few decent sports bars. One found it too rowdy for a first-drink outing.

Gastown

9 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan

Most commenters recommend The Cascade Room on Main Street. A couple like the bar seats, with one saying the small room makes it easy to chat with neighbours on weeknights and another praising the range of non-beer drinks. One lists it among cocktail bars with fantastic drinks but says it can be a little loud, and one finds it too dim to read in without a lamp. One says it used to be a go-to but they have not been in a long time.

Main Street

8 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Most commenters recommend The Fringe in Kitsilano, and a couple call it dive-style, with one saying it sometimes hosts metal or punk. One patron says the regulars are very nice and that they chat with someone new on each visit, while another describes a crowd of eccentric, long-time regulars. One commenter recalls it as always unpretentious, one says the whole pub tends to hang out there, and another suggests it as a walkable option. One commenter who has not been in a while feels the mood has shifted.

Kitsilano

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Most people recommend Bacchus, a restaurant and lounge at the Wedgewood Hotel on Hornby Street, and a few mention its live piano. A few praise the atmosphere, two rate the food highly, and one praises the wine list. One says it is pretty quiet, and one had a poor visit.

Downtown

8 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Many commenters recommend the Shark Club, and the downtown branch on Georgia Street is the one people discuss. A few point to it as a place to watch sports, with one calling it the top choice for NFL games and two saying football audio was on during their visits. One finds its prices reasonable and one calls it a decent downtown pick. A couple are less impressed: one was not a fan, and one says the bar would not put on football sound, only hockey.

Downtown

7 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Many people recommend London Pub on Main Street, and a couple name it as a stop on Main Street bar-crawl routes. One calls it a dive bar with a pool table, one tentatively suggests it for watching England games, and one says weekday visits suit solo drinkers but weekend evenings turn club-like.

Main Street

7 people recommendvia r/askvan

Most commenters who name Threefold recommend it. It is described as three breweries combined under one roof, its pizza is praised, and one lists it second in their top three.

Commercial Drive

7 people recommendvia r/vancouver, r/askvan, r/britishcolumbia

Many commenters recommend Malone's. One points to it for watching NFL games, one for its happy hour, and one for its Taylor Swift-themed trivia nights.

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan

Most commenters with a clear view recommend The 515 Bar, and commenters praise its cocktails. One commenter finds it cozy, another says it is underrated, and one lists it among distinctive spots with character. One commenter would firmly avoid it, and another says it is okay but has grown a little worn.

6 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Several people recommend Junior's Pub & Grill on Commercial Drive, and several describe it as a divey pick. A few say it shows NFL games, with one saying the Monday game has audio. One visitor liked its uncrowded daytime vibe and pool table, one finds the atmosphere subdued compared with other NFL bars, one files it with trendier dive-style bars rather than genuine dives, and one calls it acceptable.

Commercial Drive

6 people recommendvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Many people recommend The Heatley. One finds it relaxed early in the evening with a patio, one describes it as a mock dive with welcoming regulars, and one says people there seem open to chatting. One files it with trendier dive-style bars rather than genuine dives, and one says it can get busy at certain times.

Strathcona

6 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Several commenters recommend The Fountainhead, a pub on Davie Street. One names it for beer and one enjoys the poutine, while two describe it as a chill, laid-back spot, one mentioning pool. Another likes it for sitting down rather than dancing. One commenter found the food poor with small portions, so they suggest sticking to drinks.

Davie

6 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Most commenters recommend Dublin Calling, and a few point to it for watching Habs games, with two saying the games are shown with sound on. One patron suggests sitting at the bar to chat with people and one calls it great. One commenter finds it a generic sports bar with nothing that feels Irish.

6 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Many people recommend The Hyde on Main Street. One patron calls it a little dive bar with friendly regulars, another says it has a really good burger and a small, no-frills room, and one points to a happy hour that runs through the day on Tuesdays. One names it as a bar where local musicians tend to gather, and another, who has since moved away, says they miss it.

Main

6 people recommendvia r/askvan

Several people recommend 1181. One calls it their go-to for drag, two single out Friday nights, and a couple say its music beats other spots. One notes Saturdays suit house music fans.

5 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Several people recommend The Blarney Stone. One calls its Caesar their favourite, made with a little Guinness added, one lists it among Gastown bars for a downtown crawl, and one lists it among bars for dancing with a mid-20s-and-older crowd. One suggests heading there for a night out.