If you head downtown on a Friday or Saturday night, you'll see that Vancouver is full of late-night hotspots and bars crowded with partigoers looking to drink and dance.
Despite this, over the years Vancouver has earned a reputation as a “
no-fun city,” due largely to strict liquor license laws and many live music venues closing.
While bars and lounges close around the same time in Vancouver as they do in New York and Montreal, it has more to do with the red tape surrounding the creation and operation of spaces that host live music, performance art, and other
cultural events.
For some people disappointed with the nightlife in Vancouver, lounges have become a good replacement for the loud bar scene. Often open as late as
dance clubs, lounges offer visitors a fun but more refined, laid-back nightlife experience. Most lounges are located in downtown Vancouver, and are frequently a starting place for friends to have a few drinks before they head to the nightclubs.
The
hotels in Vancouver are also known for their elegant piano lounges, such as Bacchus at the Wedgewood, the 900 West Lounge at the Fairmont Vancouver, or the Sutton Place lounge, voted 'Best Bar' by top local food critics three years in a row.
Because you will pay more for drinks at hotel lounges, they are usually saved for special occasions, such as a birthday or anniversary, when you want to get a bit dressed up.
The differences between a Vancouver lounge and a nightclub are:
› Lounges offer food. Most lounges in Vancouver have impressive menus with lots of appetizers and small meal options. Tapas, small plates of finger foods to pass around among friends, are popular here.
› At most nightclubs, you'll order beer or hi-balls like Rhum and Coke. Bartenders at clubs don't have time to make complicated drinks when there's a long lineup at the bar, but at a lounge, you can choose a unique martini or cocktail with lots of different ingredients. You can also find
quality wines to match your meal - or, you can stick with
draft beer if that's what you prefer!
› Lounges are a good place to take a date for a drink, while nightclubs are not. Some lounges do have a dance floor and DJ booth, but there's still a more relaxed atmosphere than you'll find in a Vancouver nightclub. Most lounges have lots of couches, cushions and comfortable chairs to accommodate you and a number of your friends.
Keep in mind: depending on the lounge, you may have to pay cover – anywhere between $5 and $15. Many lounges charge cover after 10 or 11 pm, when dancing or DJ's start, while others will let you in for free all night. The peak time for lounges is usually around midnight, and they often close at the same time as clubs: at 3 am.
Check
Clubzone.com for Vancouver lounge info, including cover charges.
Our selection of local lounges in Vancouver:
The Refinery is hidden upstairs above a shop on Granville; it's a cross between a lounge and a chic wine bar. The refined wood tables, floors and walls aren't just stylish, they are also eco-friendly.
The best part: Unique cocktails like the Tea Marteani.
The worst part: Food portions can be on the small side; don't come here if you're really hungry.
Location: 1115 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC - Close to Granville St. Entertainment District
Activities near by: Pacific Centre Shopping Mall |
Granville Island
A newly-renovated, chic
Irish pub where you won't hear any Celtic songs, just great alternative music (like Morissey, of course). Bands like the Kings of Leon and the Killers have had a pint here.
The best part: Laid back and unpretentious.
The worst part: Seating can be limited on the weekends; so expect to stand with your beer if you come later than 11 or so.
Location: 1227 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC - Close to Granville St. Entertainment District.
Activities near by: Pacific Centre Shopping Mall |
Granville Island
Located in the historic Wedgewood Hotel, Bacchus is the place to get dressed up for a martini. The room is cozy and elegant, with overstuffed armchairs, a grand piano and a giant fireplace.
The best part: An extensive wine list.
The worst part: Drinks are pricey, so definitely not a spot to stay for the entire evening.
Location: 845 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC - Close to Pacific Centre.
Activity near by: Shopping on Robson Street
Voted the best cocktail bar on
Yelp.ca, the Pourhouse is in a historic building and makes use of the 1920's dark wood and high ceilings. Bartenders crack ice as needed for drinks; their specialty is classic vintage cocktails. There is no cover and reservations are recommended.
The best part: They have a live music license so Sunday nights, from 7pm to 10pm are lively.
The worst part: They have a live music license, so expect standing room only on Sunday nights.
Location: 162 Water Street, Vancouver, BC - Close to Gastown Steam Clock.
Activities near by: Harbour Centre Observation Centre |
Steam Clock in Gastown
The Cascade is a popular spot on Main, and used to be the Cascade brewery. It's been redecorated in posh, modern decor, and boasts an extensive beer, wine and cocktail list. It's a favourite among thirty-somethings who like to go out and have a few casual drinks.
The best part: The variety of different cocktails with names like the Hemingway Daiquiri and the Dark 'n' Stormy.
The worst part: Lately, reviews of the food have been poorer than when it first opened, so eat at your own risk.
Location: 2616 Main Street, Vancouver, BC
Activity near by: Main St. Shopping District (
Local Vancouver Designers).
Stella's has a long list of beers from around the world, but specializes in Belgian beers. The lounge is open, airy and has more than enough bar stools, benches and tables to hold the weekend crowds.
The best part: Watching the ten-step Belgian beer-pouring ritual they use for each brew you order.
The worst part: Beers are around $7 so it can be costly to work your way through too many on the list.
Location: 1191 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC - Close to Grandview Park
Activities near by: Commodore Lanes (Bowling) |
Shopping on Commercial Drive
Afterglow is located behind Glowbal restaurant in
Yaletown. Decorated in hot pink, it's swanky and filled with beautiful people most nights of the week.
The best part: Sampling the creative martinis served in stainless steel glasses.
The worst part: It's not a large lounge, so make a reservation or come before 10, or you may end up sitting on the Glowbal patio.
Location: 1079 Mainland Street, Vancouver, BC - Close to False Creek Seawall.
Activity near by: False Creek Seawall