It’s Friday night, you are all dressed and have nowhere to go, maybe you’re new to Vancouver or just aren’t inspired by the nightlife. Well, well, well you’re in the right place.
I’ve been curating this list for close to a year, while y’all were sleeping, I was out there grinding, getting my hands dirty, to give you: the best places to grab a drink in Vancouver.
Strathcona Beer Company (895 E Hastings St, Vancouver)
The best thing at Strathcona Beer is their sours, they’ve got a Blood Orange Maple one pictured below which sounds delish. However, I recently tried their Peach Cobbler Sour, made with peaches, graham cracker crumbs, lactose and Madagascar bourbon vanilla extract. And oh my god, it was so refreshing, light and yummy. Not to mention, ABV: 10%.
I really hope I’m selling you on this.
Along with your tart sour, I’d recommend grabbing a pizza. My favourite is the Hawaiin pizza. It’s super unique, and I know there are a lot of pineapple pizza haters out there but trust me this pizza is built different. Instead of cheap ham, it’s got capicola, and to balance out the sweet pineapple the pizza is drizzled with a jalapeno cream, topped with Padano and pistachios. Don’t knock it till you try.
Parallel 49 (1950 Triumph St, Vancouver)
My favourite thing at Parallel 49 is the atmosphere. Sure, the beer’s great and the food is bomb, but the indoor-outdoor layout in a quiet East Van neighbourhood is just so nice on a warm evening. The picnic benches outside make it a great place to bring a big group of friends.
I love going here after a long day and splitting an order of spicy rub wings with someone. I haven’t figured out my favourite beer at p49, but I’m working my way through the menu. Recently I ordered something called the Salty Scott, I can’t find it anywhere online but it was salted caramelly stout. It was super rich and delicious and if anyone can find it, I’d love you forever.
La Casita (101 W Cordova St, Vancouver)
“A Taste of MEXICO in the HEART of GASTOWN”
When I was a little theatre kid, my parents used to take me to La Casita after my shows at SFU Woodwards. It was tradition to reserve a big table for our friends and family, and get queso, wings, the whole nine yards.
It’s been a long time since I’ve been on stage, so when my boyfriend and I stumbled into La Casita on a Friday night, it was a blast from the past. Except now I’m 19 and can enjoy a marg!
We ordered margaritas, mango for me, lime for him. It was Friday so the nachos were on special for $12.
The margaritas were delicious and the bartender was super friendly and cool. The real star was the humungous American-sized plate of nachos that the two of us could barely get through together… And trust me, we can eat! The perfect way to cap off a Friday night out.
They also offer delicious drinks like Horchata and Hibiscus Flower Ice Tea, Mexican and local Beers, Tequila, Margaritas, Pina Colada, and many more.
The Cambie (300 Cambie St, Vancouver)
The Cambie can get pretty busy on the weekends, but it’s for good reason! Cheap fun drinks, arcade games and hip location. I like that The Cambie isn’t right on Granville, it’s close enough that you can head to clubs if you’re feeling it, but far enough to avoid the clubbers if you aren’t. The patio is huge and is so nice in the daytime with a burger and a beer.
Oh god, I wish it was summer.
The main draw is how cheap the drinks are. Although it looks like they recently raised the price… ouch. $10.25 for a 2oz cocktail still isn’t the worst, especially if you’re downtown. The last time I was there, I ordered a Bellini and I really enjoyed it! No, it didn’t blow me away, but for the price, location and overall experience, I’d do it again!
Oh and maybe you can meet your next wife here!
Wedgewood Hotel Bar, Bacchus Lounge (845 Hornby St, Vancouver)
If you’re feeling a little fancier and have a special friend to impress, or even just to treat yourself to one drink, I’d highly recommend the Bacchus Lounge.
Sit by the fireplace in the beautifully decorated lounge. Beautiful Venetian décor and original artwork with a classy cocktail in hand, you’re living the dream, round of applause.
My mum took me here on my 19th birthday, for my “first drink” wink wink. But in all honesty, it felt like my first drink, because truly nothing compares to a 20 dollar cocktail. I was lucky enough to be treated to 3 off-the-menu special cocktails from the bartender. One of them had this green tea smoke in it, it was just an amazing experience.
Unfortunately, not everyone is cool and charismatic enough to get secret drinks, but I’ll say, the Apple Cider Mule and the Elderberry Bramble sound gorgeous.
My mum and I the Bacchus Truffle Frites with Parmesan Aioli. My mouth is watering…
The Princeton (1901 Powell Street, Vancouver)
You may laugh at me for this one, but this pub holds a special place in my heart. If you’re looking for a mellow old-school bar head to one of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood pubs, The Princeton. They’ve got tons of fun gigs, a pool table, and karaoke on Thursdays! What’s not to love?
The interior is the super classic pub-y style, but what makes The Princeton different is the huge window looking out onto the train tracks leading to the Port of Vancouver. Every few minutes, you’ll hear, see and even feel trains passing by.
The pub is a historical landmark and a great time!
The menu is pretty generic, I usually just order whatever’s on special! I like that it’s just a good ol’ neighbourhood pub. Last time I had the Popinjay West Coast Sour from Strange Fellows, which was on special for $6.74 Pints 20oz.