If you’re looking for the best bars in downtown Vancouver, this is the list we send our friends.
Downtown Vancouver’s bar scene covers a lot of ground, from speakeasy-style cocktail dens to rooftop patios you’ll actually want to stay at.
This list has our top 17 picks for the best bars in downtown Vancouver, including what to order at each one so you don’t waste a round figuring it out.
1. Keefer Bar (Chinatown)
Keefer Bar pairs apothecary-style cocktails with Asian snacks inside a heritage space dressed in rich colours and luxe details. It also earned a #8 spot on Canada’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list, which tracks with how serious the drinks are here.
Start with The Rosemary Gimlet, tart and herbaceous with a fresh rosemary-lime edge. Then proceed to something lighter, such as the Dragonfly, which mixes ginger with Nigori sake for a softer sip. If you want to go a little deeper, the Bold Fashioned goes spirit-forward with a coconut note.
Add a snack while you’re there, The Basa Roll or The Chicken Baos both work well alongside the cocktails.
What to order: Tokyo Drift, Rosemary Gimlet, Dragonfly, Basa Roll, Sichuan Chicken Baos
Address: 135 Keefer Street, Vancouver, BC
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2. Botanist (Coal Harbour)
Botanist, located in Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel, offers a luxurious indoor garden and locally-sourced cuisine. The dining room’s lush greenery sets an elegant scene.
The Experiential Cocktails are a MUST-order, built as a multi-sensory series inspired by Pacific Northwest microclimates and developed in the Cocktail Lab. For mezcal fans, there are options like Casamigos Joven, Del Maguey, and Koch Espadin.
The Me Time is a clarified milk punch made with aged rum, blackberry, chai tea, citrus, clarified milk, and crème de cacao, so it drinks smooth with a subtle sweetness.
On the food side, Braised Lamb Shank is the hearty pick, alongside Black Pepper Crusted Salmon or Wagyu Beef Carpaccio.
What to order: Experiential Cocktails, Botanist’s Martini, Me Time, Lamb Shank, Black Pepper Crusted Salmon, Wagyu Beef Carpaccio
Address: 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver B.C. V6C 0B9
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3. Chickadee (Chinatown)
Chickadee is one of the best late-night restaurants in Vancouver for fried chicken and cocktails, set in a lively, ’80s-inspired room. Hot Sauce Chicken and Sweet-Spicy Chicken are the orders people come back for, especially with a drink in hand.
The Martini comes with a choice of Tanqueray Gin or Ketel One Vodka, then finished dry, wet, or dirty. The Japanese Highball keeps things light, pairing Suntory Whisky Toki with Perrier, while Twin Sails Lager is the simple beer pick.
Happy hour is the move here: order any listed drink and the first beverage comes with two pieces of Juke Fried Chicken, seven days a week.
What to order: Twin Sails Lager, Martini, Japanese Highball, Chilli Chicken, Chilli Chicken Sandwich
Address: 182 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X4
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4. L’abattoir (Gastown)
L’Abattoir in Gastown pairs French-influenced Pacific Northwest cooking (it’s also on our list of the best French restaurants in Vancouver) with seasonal cocktails in an industrial-chic space that fills up fast on weekends.
The room has a great date-night energy (see our full list of the best romantic restaurants in Vancouver), with a bar program that gets just as much attention as the food.
Start with the Baked Pacific Oysters with burgundy truffle for a rich, savory bite. For cocktails, the Avocado Gimlet leans bright and herbaceous with a creamy edge.
The Grazing Vesper goes savory and layered, and the Butcher’s Block lands darker and more bitter-leaning in a classic stirred style.
What to order: Baked Pacific Oysters, Avocado Gimlet, Grazing Vesper, Butcher’s Block
Address: 217 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2
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5. Brix and Mortar (Yaletown)
Brix And Mortar sits inside a 1912 heritage building and pairs old-world character with a modern food-and-drink program. With the setting having a bit of storybook drama, it’s a popular choice for nights out that deserve a nicer backdrop.
On the menu, Yarrow Meadows Duck Breast is the food pick to prioritize. For drinks, Smoking Gun is smoky and citrusy, with a ginger-beer lift. Behind the Curtain takes a darker route, mixing cacao-infused mezcal with spice and an espresso-foam top.
Wine drinkers can pour a glass of Pata Negra Tempranillo Toro to round out the table.
What to order: Johnston’s Farm Pork T-Bone, Yarrow Meadows Duck Breast, Smoking Gun, Masuta & Minarai, Behind the Curtain, Pata Negra Tempranillo Torro
Address:1138 Homer Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2X6
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6. Bartholomew (Yaletown)
Bartholomew Bar in Yaletown, Vancouver, is a stylish destination for cocktail enthusiasts and charcuterie lovers. It’s a good choice for small groups who want conversation and a few rounds without rushing.
Start with the Butcher Board, packed with house-made charcuterie and cheese. Their Duck Tacos add a savory, snackable option alongside drinks.
For cocktails, the Smoked Old Fashioned goes deep and spirit-forward with an aromatic finish. Momotaro is lighter and more floral, with a peachy sparkle.
During happy hour, Blood & Sand is a smart pick for something balanced, with whisky, cherry, and orange notes in the mix.
What to order: The Butcher Board, Duck Tacos, Smoked Old Fashioned, Momotaro, Blood & Sand
Address: 1026 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2T4
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7. Is That French (Gastown)
A hidden gem, Is That French is built around BC wine with a focus on minimal-intervention bottles. The list rotates often, so what you’ll find on one visit may not be there on the next.
Small plates and a raw bar round out the format, which keeps things light and flexible.
The Oysters work well for a quick stop: a glass of wine, a few bites, done. The Belgian Endives, Orange & Saffron Vinaigrette with Goat Cheese goes in a different direction, balancing bitter and bright with a creamy finish.
Add the Lac Brome Duck Confit and the meal takes on a bit more weight. For dessert, the Cheesecake Basque is rich and creamy without tipping into heavy.
What to order: Rotating Wine List, Today’s Oysters, Cheesecake Basque, and Belgian Endives, Orange & Saffron Vinaigrette – Goat Cheese (Add Lac Brome Duck Confit)
Address: 45 Blood Alley Square, Vancouver, BC V5B 0C4
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8. D/6 Bar & Lounge (Yaletown)
D/6 Bar & Lounge crowns the Douglas at Parq Vancouver with a rooftop setting that shifts easily from sunset drinks to late-night hangs. With indoor and outdoor space, city views, a pool table, and even a rooftop garden, the atmosphere here is lively without being over the top.
Victoria’s Secret leans fruity and floral, with pear and pomegranate adding a soft sweetness that plays well against the skyline backdrop.
A glass of Whispering Angel dry rosé makes things crisp and easy, while Hakkaisan “Snow Aged” Sake offers a smoother, more refined sip. The Charcuterie Platter is a solid table share, especially when you’re settling in for the view.
What to order: Victoria’s Secret, Hakkaisan ‘Snow Aged’, Chateau D’Esclans ‘Whispering Angel’, Fraser Valley Hiro Wagyu Burger, Charcuterie Platter
Address: 45 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3
9. UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar (Downtown)
In downtown Vancouver’s heart, UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar creates a cozy, romantic setting ideal for dates or friendly gatherings.
The Coyote & The Condor brings fun to the table with Chilean pisco and sotol, finished with a smoky touch and a silky texture.
The Desert Revival follows with mezcal and chili-mango warmth, achieving a balance between sweet heat and citrus snap.
For something indulgent, CHAPOUTIER “Bila-Haut” Banyuls 2015 from Roussillon delivers rich berry fruit and cocoa notes in a grenache-based fortified pour.
What to order: Pink Sour, The Coyote & The Condor, Dessert Wine, Desert Revival, Mangochattar,
Address: 900 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3L9
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10. Craft Beer Market (English Bay)
Craft Beer Market, overlooking English Bay, offers a cozy indoor setting and a beach chair patio.
Their American Double Cheeseburger is a classic comfort with plenty of gooey, melty goodness, and the Bacon Fun Guy Pizza, with its citrusy finish, is a creative choice.
On tap, Tofino Blonde Ale pours crisp and biscuity, while Stanley Park 1897 Amber Ale brings smooth caramel and toasted malt into the mix. It’s an easygoing spot for burgers, brews, and sunset views.
What to order: American Double Cheeseburger, Bacon Fun Guy, Golden Glow, Tofino Blonde Ale, Stanley Park 1897 Amber Ale, Yellow Dog 5 Five Hazy
Address: 1795 Beach Avenue, Vancouver BC, V6G 1Y9
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11. Zabu Chicken (West End)
Zabu Chicken is a lively go-to for Korean fried chicken (one of our top picks for the best fried chicken in Vancouver) and casual drinks, where the buzzing room elevates the fun. It’s built for sharing plates and passing bottles around the table.
Soy Wings come coated in Zabu’s signature soy garlic sauce that delivers a craveable sweet-savory glaze over crispy chicken. The Hot Wings turn up the heat for spice lovers, while their Signature Shrimp Pasta is a rich, comforting option with a Korean twist.
Match your food with a creamy and refreshing Yogurt Soju or a Chum Churum Peach, a smooth, lightly sweet sip that pairs nicely with bold flavors.
What to order: Hot Wings, Soy Wings, Signature Shrimp Pasta, Corn Cheese, Chum Churum Peach, Yogurt Soju, Real Strawberry Slush Soju, Sapporo Pitcher
Address: 1635 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C8
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12. Pourhouse (Gastown)
Pourhouse has been a Gastown staple since 2009, known for its vintage charm, classic cocktails, and solid pub fare.
The Pourhouse Burger, one of the best burgers in Vancouver, is stacked with dry-aged beef and confit pork belly for a rich, satisfying bite. The Scotch Egg is comfort food with a crisp exterior and soft centre, while Beef Tartare offers something sharper and more refined.
At the bar, the Old Fashioned is a timeless option with whiskey and bitters, while the Amaro Long Island Iced Tea adds a bold, bittersweet spin for those craving something different. The Steel & Oak Dark Lager rounds out the lineup with a smooth, easy-drinking pour.
What to order: The Pourhouse Burger, Scotch Egg, Beef Tartare, Old Fashioned, Amaro Long Island Iced Tea, Steel & Oak Dark Lager
Address: 162 Water Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B2
13. Prophecy Cocktail Bar (Downtown)
Tucked beneath Hotel Georgia, Prophecy Cocktail Bar carries the spirit of its jazz-era past into a sleek, modern setting.
Cocktails arrive with eye-catching presentation and serious depth. The Microcosm is silky and bright, blending strawberry, rhubarb, and vanilla into a smooth clarified finish.
The famous Northern Lights is citrus and floral notes with a clean, aromatic lift, while the Kelpie moves in a savory direction, layered with subtle brine and herbal complexity.
Food is simple but satisfying. Fresh oysters pair naturally with the cocktails, while a classic Margherita Pizza can never go wrong.
What to order: Microcosm, Northern Lights, Kelpie, Cherry Blossom, Radio Saigon, Oysters, Margherita Pizza
Address: 801 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7
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14. Score on Davie (West End)
Score On Davie, a casual sports bar, is famous for its extravagant Caesars. This place has quickly become a destination spot to check out in the city for a casual date, a late-night bite, and even a cocktail on its sunny patio!
Their Mac & Chaesar and Grande Caesars are meals in themselves.
For cocktails, try the Peach Mojito for a fruity touch or the Davie Shaft for A smooth, coffee-kissed cocktail that doubles as dessert in a glass.
What to order: Aint No Thang, Mac & Chaesar, Nachos, The Grande, Driftwood Fat Tug IPA, Peach Mojito, Davie Shaft, White Sangria
Address: 1262 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC
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15. Yaletown Brewing Company (Yaletown)
Yaletown Brewing, Vancouver’s oldest brewpub, offers a variety of seasonal beers and hearty food. The BBQ Smoked Chicken Pizza and crispy Fish Tacos are perfect for sharing.
Beer enthusiasts will enjoy the tropical Loading Bay IPA and the spicy Roundhouse Wheat.
Beyond the taps, there’s also a vast cocktail menu. The vibrant Purple Reign is a favorite and definitely a can’t-miss for a bright, floral pour.
What to order: Mac & Cheese, Fish Tacos, BBQ Smoked Chicken Pizza, Loading Bay IPA, Roundhouse Wheat, Purple Reign.
Address: 1111 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2T9
16. Local (Gastown)
Local Gastown is one of those jubilant restaurants and bars that get busy offering casual bites, cold beers, and the best patio in the neighbourhood!
Their Shrimp Dumplings are an easy share, while the Ahi Tuna Poké Rice Bowl is fresh and satisfying with bright, savory notes. The Truffle Cheeseburger covers classic comfort territory with a richer twist.
The Spicy Guava Margarita balances sweetness with a touch of heat, while their Beautiful Drink adds a vibrant mix of vodka, yuzu, and pomegranate for something citrusy and refreshing.
For those sticking with beer, the Parkside “Dreamboat” is an amazing choice.
What to order: Ahi Tuna Poke Rice Bowl, Cheese Perogies, Shrimp Dumplings, Truffle Cheeseburger, The Beautiful Drink, Parkside “Dreamboat”, Spicy Guava Margarita
Address: 3 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1B2
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17. Steamworks Brew Pub (Gastown)
There’s a timeless energy at Steamworks Brew Pub. It’s a long-standing favorite where the atmosphere is always buzzing, and the lineup of house-brews is consistently top-tier.
Their Heroica Red Ale pours smoothly with a malty backbone, while Hazy Pale Ale highlights a juicy, hop-forward profile. When available, the seasonal Gummy Sour Juicy Watermelon adds a playful, fruit-driven twist.
The food menu covers all the bases, with the Cajun Salmon Burger being a well-seasoned bite with just enough spice to complement the brews.
What to order: Heroica Red Ale, Hazy Pale Ale, Gummy Sour Juicy Watermelon, Beer Battered Onion Rings, Cajun Salmon Burger.
Address:: 375 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B8
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That’s our list of the best bars in downtown Vancouver right now. If we missed your favourite spot, let us know.
Don’t forget to check out our lists of the best Vancouver coffee shops, and this city’s amazing restaurants for your next brunch or evening out.