Arcana, Gastown
14 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/vancouver, r/askvan19 comments cited below
The comments cited below are a sample of the full tally across 12 threads.
What people say, in short
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.
Address
Arcana Food and Spirits, 238 Abbott St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2K8, Canada
At a glance
- Known for
- Speakeasy style setting, Occult theme
Nearby on this map
Other places on this map closest to Arcana, Gastown, as the crow flies.
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
- Recommendsu/Affectionate-Edge652 in r/vancouver · Jan 2024
Recommends Arcana Spirit Lounge when asked for fun themed restaurants, noting it is in Gastown.
- Recommendsu/not_ch3ddar in r/vancouver · Jan 2024ambience
Notes they haven't been, but understand it's a spooky cocktail spot in Gastown.
- Recommendsu/poonknits in r/askvan · Apr 2026ambience
Described as a fun, hidden-style bar with a spooky theme.
- Mixedu/Global_Objective4162 in r/askvan · Oct 2026taste
Calls drinks novelty-style and not top-tier for cocktails, though the vibe is cool.
- Recommendsu/hallerz87 in r/askvan · Oct 2024ambience
Says they enjoyed it and suggests it for a quirky vibe.
- Mixedu/meowkiplier in r/vancouver · Jan 2024price
Thinks the drink prices are excessive.
- Recommendsu/Infamous-Echo-2961 in r/vancouver · Jan 2024
Calls Arcana Spirit Lounge great when asked for a speakeasy cocktail bar.
- Recommendsu/Ilejwads in r/askvan · Oct 2024
Says it is their personal choice for the request.
Show all 19 cited comments
- Mixedu/scratsquirrel in r/askvan · Oct 2026taste
Says the atmosphere is very cool but the drinks are average.
- Recommendsu/linapinacolada in r/askvan · Jan 2026ambience
Calls this Gastown speakeasy very cool, with a distinctive vibe.
- Recommendsu/VexingVision in r/askvan · Nov 2026taste
Had a standout cocktail night here; says drinks and food impressed, though it's pricey.
- Recommendsu/SSJ3Ant in r/askvan · Oct 2026ambience
Says they love the atmosphere; asks whether the drinks hold up.
- Caveatu/oddible in r/askvan · Oct 2026
Dismisses it with a one-word verdict.
- Recommendsu/LongjumpingHeron5707 in r/askvan · Oct 2026ambience
Hasn't been yet, but says it looks really cool.
- Mixedu/Longjumping_Rip_294 in r/askvan · Jun 2026price
Says it costs a bit much but the experience is pleasant.
- Recommendsu/Budget_Case3436 in r/askvan · Jun 2026ambience
Calls this place fun to go to.
- Recommendsu/Van_Can_Man in r/askvan · Sep 2024ambience
Recommends for cool vibes, though not for reading.
- Mixedu/Biggerthanfun in r/vancouver · Jan 2024ambience
Liked the vibe on a first date, but finds the cocktails too pricey to return for.
- Recommendsu/jcontainsmultitudes in r/vancouver · Jan 2024
Agrees enthusiastically with the Arcana recommendation.
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Freshness
Details last checked 14 Nov 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.