Vancouver is a dynamic city with tons of things to do, offering a popular food and drink scene where you can fold back one page only to discover more interesting places to explore. There aren’t just “bars” in the city. Often it’s just as much about presentation and ambiance as it is about having locally sourced, expertly crafted cocktails. Get ready to be immersed into the colorful, intriguing and some times downright bizarre world of the coolest bars in Vancouver.
Gran Reserva
Gran Reserva is an underground bar beneath the hopping Main Street restaurant Bodega on Main. While events can be hosted down in this rustic, sleek space, you can also retreat down here for a drink or artisan Spanish fare to compliment the upscale cocktails. Perfect for a date night or just a relaxed time out, it feels like retreating to a secret spot in the city.
1014 Main St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2W1, Canada— +1 604-565-8815
The Shameful Tiki Room
Like being in a hut somewhere in Polynesia, The Shameful Tiki Room is anything but shameful, with its exotic eats and island-esque cocktails, such as the highly praised Mai Tai. Poke bowls, crab dip, tacos, and nuts with candied ginger are perfect to snack on while sucking down a Mystery Bowl for two—be sure to call an Uber after that one. Truly a unique find in Vancouver, it’s a guaranteed fun night out.
The Narrow Lodge
Decadently decorated, The Narrow Lodge has an earthy, old Vancouver feel, perfect for a chill night of sipping on foamy gin cocktails with friends. The selection of beer and drinks is impressive, and the food menu consists of slightly more refined versions of snack food like mini hotdogs, tacos and nachos.
1898 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3B9, Canada— +1 778-737-5206
La Mezcaleria
Does it get any better than tacos and margaritas? La Mezcaleria differs from many Mexican food joints thanks to efforts to stay close to the traditional way different regions in Mexico prepare their cuisine. Ceviche, queso and fish tacos pair effortlessly with real, authentic drinks made as close to true origins as possible. Savor a Smokey Mezcal Margarita or an Ancho Chile Old Fashioned.
1622 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3Y4, Canada— +1 604-559-8226
Jackalopes Neighbourhood Dive Bar
Grunge, rock, horror, delicious food, and drink—if these things appeal to you, Jackalopes is your bar. They’ve put a fun twist on their bar by draping the place in thrift store decor with a heavy focus on all things rock n roll, and it’s a fun, edgy kind of place that even classical music enthusiasts would likely enjoy. Hilariously proclaiming their cuisine as comfort food with a “trashy” twist, organic, locally sourced ingredients are the secret behind the mouthwatering creations. Mammoth-sized nacho plates with gluten-free chips and a variety of toppings such as antibiotic-free taco meat, house-made cheese, ghost peppers, and roasted yams are their specialty. As for the booze, there’s some interesting stuff to try, like the Beef Back shot, which is a Canadian Club rye followed by a shot of hot ‘n savory beef au jus.
2257 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1V3, Canada— +1 604-568-6674
