After living in the west end for 5 years, I’ve become a bit of a veteran as far as where to grab a drink, and where to go out to eat. I love this neighborhood due to the proximity to English Bay and Stanley Park, while also containing some quiet spots.
There are plenty of restaurants and bars, but with rent being high, you do see quite a bit of turnover as well. For this reason, it’s rare that you’ll see any breweries in the area, with Stanley Park Brewing being the only one in close proximity. Of course, this doesn’t mean that there isn’t other places to grab a beer or cocktail. Strap in and check out my top three spots to visit next time you’re in the west end.
#3: Cactus Club Cafe, English Bay Beach
Trust me, I would love to not include a chain place like Cactus Club on this list, but the location simply can not be beat. Located directly on the beach with a walk out lower level, you’d be hard pressed to find a better location for a bar anywhere in the city.
It’s truly something that everyone needs to check out (even if it is just once). Ideally, head over and sit on the outdoor patio on a weekday afternoon and sip a Bellini. I’ve had many moments over the years where I’ve been hit with a realization of how lucky I am to be in Vancouver. Having a drink and staring out at the beach with the North Shore Mountains in the background is definitely one of those moments.
Be forewarned: Trying to show up here as a walk-in on the weekend (and even sunny weekday nights) is a fool’s errand. This place and area gets insanely busy, so pick your spots when to visit.
#2: The Buckstop, Denman & Haro
Buckstop is a hidden gem that may not be for everyone. Dark and a bit dingy, this place is a true dive bar. Service can sometimes be abrupt and direct, but this is all part of the charm. The bar will always be dotted with regulars, but you never really have to worry about finding a table. They have 4 or 5 seats right along the window that are perfect for people watching.
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This west end staple has been around since 2013, and has a rotating tap menu. I swear every time I go in there’s some obscure beer that I’ve never heard of. I was there last weekend and had a rice lager from a Ladner brewery, which I’m sure nobody else in Vancouver had on tap. This place also has amazing barbecue and very reasonable prices. Owner Fiona Grieve is always there and easy to talk to, as she is in charge of every little detail of this place running as efficiently as it does.
A bonus for this place is that unlike many bars in the area, they stay open until 2 am every night (except for Sundays where they close at 12). Bank on Buckstop always being there for you if you need a drink or bite to eat.
#1: Red Accordion, Cardero & Alberni
I went back and forth whether to include this place on this list, based simply on the fact that it’s been one of the best kept secrets for awhile. I recently found out how hard it is to reserve a table here, so I figure the cat’s out of the bag. Red Accordion is probably the coolest bar in the city.
Located on a quiet area of Alberni just off of Robson, this place is a little red house turned restaurant. With kitschy art and trinkets on the main floor, and cool paintings upstairs, this place is a spectacle to walk through. Seriously, have them give you a mini-tour before you sit down. Most of their paintings can be bought straight off the wall, as I did with a Toucan Sam painting a couple years ago for $50.
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Aside from the gnarly aesthetics, Red Accordion’s drink menu is extensive and cutting edge. They’re known for their extravagant cocktails, while also having a long craft beer list. The food is also delectable, albeit a tad fancy. I had a $27 burger here recently that lived up to the hype as one of the best burgers I’ve ever had.
This is my go-to spot to take visiting friends, as it’s bound to always get a positive reaction from people. I swear I’ve shown this place to 10 different people who have in-turn showed some of their friends themselves. This is probably why the secret of the Red Accordion has got out. Book a table and check it out whenever you’re downtown.