Looking for the best downtown Vancouver bars and cocktail lounges? Well, you’re in the right place!
In downtown Vancouver, the art of mixology reigns supreme, offering an array of local and imported spirits, innovative cocktails, and diverse cultural cuisines.
Quick Recommendations: Chinatown’s award-winning Keefer Bar and Bartholomew in Yaletown.
Below we’ve compiled the top downtown Vancouver bars and cocktail lounges you gotta explore and drink at.
1. Keefer Bar
At Keefer Bar, ranked #8 in Canada’s 50 Best Bars 2023, you’ll find apothecary-inspired cocktails and Asian snacks. The heritage building houses rich colors and luxurious decor.
Don’t miss the Blood Moon cocktail, a gin sour with a twist, featuring Szechuan pepper and celery tincture. For a lighter option, try Dragonfly, blending ginger with Nigori sake.
Crave something bold? Their Bold Fashioned with coconut flavour is a must-try. Pair your drinks with their Basa Roll or Chicken Baos for the perfect snack!
What to order: Tokyo Drift, Blood Moon, Dragonfly, Basa Roll, Sichuan Chicken Baos
Address: 135 Keefer Street, Vancouver Chinatown
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2. Botanist
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.
Their Braised Lamb Shank and Lost In Translation cocktail, a blend of Japanese whisky and oolong tea, are standout choices.
For something unique, try the Me Time cocktail, mixing bubble gum, chai tea, and aged rum. It’s a sweet, rich, and easy-to-drink concoction that pairs well with their innovative dishes.
What to order: Lost In Translation, Botanist’s Martini, Me Time, Braised Lamb Shank, Black Pepper Crusted Salmon, Wagyu Beef Carpaccio
Address: 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver B.C. Canada V6C 0B9
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3. Chickadee
Chickadee is your go-to for late-night fried chicken and cocktails in a vibrant 80s-inspired setting. Their Hot Sauce and Sweet-Spicy chicken are must-tries.
For drinks, Kiss From A Rose offers a refreshing, nutty, and floral experience, reminiscent of a Japanese cherry blossom orchard.
Prefer something stronger? Before The Storm, dark and bittersweet, or the tropical Golden Sunset are great choices.
What to order: Golden Sunset, Kiss From A Rose, Before The Storm, Chilli Chicken, Chilli Chicken Sandwich
Address: 182 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X4
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4. Straight & Marrow
Straight & Marrow, a cozy 12-seat spot, mixes Asian influences with unique meat cuts and cocktails.
The Bone Marrow, creamy with nutty undertones, and the Soft Shell Crab, crispy with avocado tomato salsa, are highlights.
For drinks, Bridgetown Mimosa and Midnight Elixir, a whisky-based cocktail with cream and coffee, are must-tries. The intimate copper and wood interior adds to the unique dining experience.
What to order: Soft Shell Crab, Bone Marrow, Straight & Marrow, Bridgetown Mimosa, Midnight Elixir
Address: 1869 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1H8
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5. L’abattoir
L’Abattoir in Gastown excels in French-influenced Pacific Northwest cuisine and seasonal cocktails.
Their Meat Hook #2, a marrow-infused whisky cocktail, and Baked Pacific Oysters with Burgundy truffle are standout items.
Also, try Juicy, a fruity rum-based cocktail, and A Moment In Time, with a refreshing, honey-nectar note. The industrial-chic ambiance adds to the charm, making it a popular weekend spot.
What to order: Baked Pacific Oysters, Smoked Steelhead Stout, Juicy, A Moment In Time, Meat Hook #2
Address: 217 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2
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6. Brix and Mortar
Housed in a heritage building from 1912, Brix and Mortar in Vancouver offers a unique dining experience, combining the charm of a Victorian castle with delicious food, fantastic wine, and creative cocktails.
Their Sound Of Music cocktail, Masuta & Minarai, and Pineapple Under The Tree are delightful choices, each offering a unique flavour profile.
What to order: BBQ Prawns, Yarrow Meadows Duck Breast, Sound Of Music, Masuta & Minarai, Pineapple Under The Tree
Address:1138 Homer Street Vancouver, BC V6B 2X6
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7. Bartholomew
Bartholomew Bar in Yaletown, Vancouver, is a stylish destination for cocktail enthusiasts and charcuterie lovers.
Must-try drinks include Barefoot In The Park, a Negroni twist, and Little Prince, an innovative take on Old-Fashioned. The Butcher Board, with house-made charcuterie and cheese, complements the drinks perfectly.
What to order: The Butcher Board, Duck Tacos, The Kiss, Barefoot In The Park, The Little Prince
Address: 1026 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2T4, Canada
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8. Is That French
Is That French, a hidden gem, offers Pacific Northwest dishes paired with an extensive wine list, featuring minimal-intervention BC wines.
The Sage Hills Syrah Summerland and Scout Syrah are excellent choices with their full-bodied flavours.
For a lighter option, Lock & Worth Cabernet Franc Rose is ideal, especially with fresh oysters.
What to order: Birch Block Pinot Noir Kaleden, Sage Hills Syrah Summerland, Scout Syrah, Whispering Horse “Epicure Wild” Epicure Chilliwack
Address: 45 Blood Alley Square, Vancouver, BC V5B 0C4
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9. D/6 Bar & Lounge
Located atop the Douglas in the Parq Entertainment Resort, D/6 Bar & Lounge offers a dynamic rooftop experience with both indoor and outdoor seating in Vancouver. The lounge provides stunning views, a relaxed vibe, a pool table, and a rooftop garden.
The Victoria’s Secret cocktail, with pomegranate and pear, pairs well with their Charcuterie Platter. Also try the Whispering Angel dry rose and Hakkaisan ‘Snow Aged’ Sake.
What to order: Victoria’s Secret, Hakkaisan ‘Snow Aged’, Chateau D’Esclans ‘Whispering Angel’, Braised Wagyu Meatball, Charcuterie Platter
Address: 45 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3
10. Elisa Steakhouse
Elisa Steakhouse offers a fresh take on the traditional steakhouse experience, blending fine dining with a cozy atmosphere. Their wood fire cooking and extensive wine list are complemented by a beautiful, ornately decorated setting.
The Seafood Tower, with its variety of fresh seafood, is perfect for groups.
For cocktails, Rosella and Sakura offer a refreshing finish to your meal, complementing both steak and seafood dishes.
What to order: Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, Elisa Seafood Tower, Rosella, Sakura, Joie Okanagan Valley
Address: 1109 Hamilton Street Vancouver, BC V6B 5P6
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11. UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar
In downtown Vancouver’s heart, UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar creates a cozy, romantic setting ideal for dates or friendly gatherings.
Try their signature JADE cocktail, inspired by the founder’s wife, featuring fresh kiwi and a hidden punch of rum. The Desert Revival is another must-try, balancing smoky mezcal, spicy chili, and sweet mango.
End your visit with the Pisco Nutcracker, a comforting blend of roasted nut, pistachio cream, and hazelnut syrup.
What to order: Pink Sour, Jade, Pink Moon, Desert Revival, Pisco Nutcracker, Warm Herbs & Citrus-marinated Olives
Address: 900 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3L9
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12. 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 cheesy delight, and the Bacon Fun Guy Pizza, with its citrusy finish, is a creative choice.
Beer favourites include Tofino Blonde Ale, crisp and biscuity, and Stanley Park 1897 Amber Ale, a smooth blend of caramel and toasted malt.
What to order: American Double Cheeseburger, Bacon Fun Guy, Braggot Golden Elixir, Tofino Blonde Ale, Stanley Park 1897 Amber Ale, Yellow Dog 5 Five Hazy
Address: 1795 Beach Avenue, Vancouver BC, V6G 1Y9
13. Zabu Chicken
Zabu Chicken, known for its Korean fried chicken, pairs perfectly with beers and Korean-style cocktails. The bustling atmosphere is part of its charm. Their Hot and Soy wings are a must-try, and for spice lovers, the Hot wings pack a punch. Pair your meal with the creamy, refreshing Yogurt Soju for a unique experience.
What to order: Yang-nyeom Chicken, Soy Wings, Seafood Egg Soup, Chum Churum Peach, Yogurt Soju, Real Strawberry Slush Soju
Address: 1635 Robson St, Vancouver, British Columbia V6G 1C8
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14. Pourhouse
Pourhouse, a favourite since 2009, offers classic cocktails and a legendary Pourhouse Burger, featuring dry-aged beef and confit pork belly.
Beer choices include Steel & Oak Dark Lager and Raven Brewing Italian Pilsner.
End your night with a Los Angeles cocktail, a whisky-vermouth blend with an unexpected creamy twist from egg.
What to order: The Pourhouse Burger, Lobster Mac & Cheese, Los Angeles Cocktail, Steel & Oak Dark Lager, Raven Brewing Italian Pilsner
Address: 162 Water Street Vancouver, BC V6B 1B2
15. Gringo
Gringo, a vibrant Mexican-themed spot in Gastown, is known for its tacos and cocktails. Must-tries include the smoky Austin Taco, the pork-filled Wilbur Taco, and the spicy Encino Taco. For drinks, Son Of A Beach and Wreck The Halls offer refreshing and bold flavors, perfect for pairing with their flavorful tacos.
What to order: Austin Tacos, Wilbur Tacos, Encino Tacos, Son of a Beach, Wreck The Halls, Dusty Palmer
Address: 27 Blood Alley Square, Vancouver, BC V6B 0C4
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16. Score on Davie
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 Pineapple Pisco Sour, enhanced by El Gobernador Pisco’s floral scent.
What to order: Aint No Thang, Mac & Chaesar, The Grande, Driftwood Fat Tug IPA, Peach Mojito, Pineapple Pisco Sour, White Sangria
Address: 1262 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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17. Yaletown Brewing Company
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, spicy Roundhouse Wheat, and caramel-y Springtime In Vienna Lager.
What to order: Mac & Cheese, Fish Tacos, BBQ Smoked Chicken Pizza, Loading Bay IPA, Roundhouse Wheat, Springtime In Vienna Lager.
Address: 1111 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2T9, Canada
18. 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 and Smoked Trout Dip are perfect for snacking.
The Spicy Guava Margarita is a standout cocktail, perfectly balanced in heat and sweetness. Pair it with the citrusy 33 Acres Of Sunshine beer for a refreshing experience.
What to order: Smoked Trout Dip, Shrimp Dumplings, Truffle Cheeseburger, 33 Acres Of Sunshine, Parkside “Dreamboat”, Spicy Guava Margarita
Address: 3 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1B2
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19. Steamworks Brew Pub
Steamworks Brew Pub, a cornerstone for beer lovers, offers a lively setting and a range of award-winning beers. The Heroica Red Ale and Hazy Pale Ale are flavorful choices.
Their seasonal Gummy Sour Juicy Watermelon beer is a refreshing, nostalgic treat. Pair these with their varied food menu for a satisfying experience.
What to order: Heroica Red Ale, Hazy Pale Ale, Gummy Sour Juicy Watermelon, Beer Battered Onion Rings, Sockeye Salmon Burger.
Address:: 375 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B8
That rounds up our list of the best downtown Vancouver bars and lounges for your next night out on the town. We hope you try them out, and have a buzzing good time. 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.
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.