Tag Archives: gastown

The Best Places To Grab A Drink In Vancouver!

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Vancouver is a city known for its breathtaking scenery, thriving food culture, and outdoor lifestyle. But one thing I hear a lot is Vancouver’s nightlife scene, or should I say, the lack of. But to be honest, I think that narrative is all wrong. If you have a good group of people and find the right spot for the mood you’re in, I think a night out in Vancouver can be super fun! The city does really have something for everyone so here is your ultimate guide to the best bars and going out spots in Vancouver, from casual bars and breweries, to pubs and clubs. 

Let’s start out with cocktail bars, for when you’re feeling fancy and meeting up for a drink or two.

The Keefer Bar

Located in the heart of Chinatown, The Keefer Bar is one of Vancouver’s most famous cocktail destinations. The menu is definitely more on the creative side mixed with Chinese traditions which make some really unique flavours. Their dimly lit, cozy room makes it a perfect spot for a date or a relaxed night out. 

Vancouver Chinatown

The Stock Room

Tucked away as sort of a speakeasy is The Stock Room, if you’re trying to impress your date then this is 100% the spot you want to take them too. Fun drinks, a fun room, and late night hours. 

Copperpenny 

If you drink gin, look no further than Copperpenny. This place is actually a gin distillery so it’s all things gin at this place! The room and bar is absolutely gorgeous as well, and in the Summer the patio is a perfect spot to sip on some gin with friends. Whether you like your martini dirty, straight up, or maybe want to try a fruity cocktail, this is the destination for all you gin lovers out there! 

Now, something that is a bit more my style, breweries. I am a North Van local so I have to say that our community is quite blessed with the amount of breweries we have. The breweries have turned into a hotspot for my friend group and probably our number 1 Friday night destination. 

Beere

The beer is great and the location is prime. They have some great outdoor picnic style tables for big groups that are the best spot to be in the Summer. They also have an enclosed covered patio area that’s half in and out of the brewery and it’s a great spot to sit when the weather isn’t exactly giving patio weather, but you still want something close to that. They have a great selection of beer, from lagers, sours, and IPA’s there’s something for everyone. 

Shaketown

Another lower Lonsdale joint that I love. The music is always great and the beer is flowing. They have a dog friendly patio which me and my golden retriever, Goose, appreciate. They also have an awesome karaoke night that you can definitely catch me at belting out the lyrics to some Nickeback song. 

House of Funk

And of course, House of Funk, the best sours in town in my opinion. This brewery has an awesome music bingo night that my friend hosts so it’s always super fun to sip on some beers and enjoy the night. Again, a prime spot, gorgeous views of downtown Vancouver located in lower Lonsdale. 

There’s nothing better than grabbing a drink with friends and enjoying some live music at the same time, these are the best places to do just that. 

Guilt and Co

Located right in Gastown, this underground cocktail bar brings live music nightly! With a mix of jazz, blues, and indie performances, this spot is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of entertainment with their drinks. There’s usually two performers a night and it’s first come first serve so if you’re set on heading here for your night out make sure you go early to grab a spot!

Gastown

The Roxy

A little bit more club style, but still a place that has great live music entertainment! The house band is amazing playing anything from country, rock, and the whatever’s on the billboard chart! Definitely be ready to get up and dance with friends! 

There’s something about an Irish Pub that just gets me going. The beer, the music, the people, all of it. 

The Blarney Stone

A classic spot in Vancouver, great music, great atmosphere, late nights, and of course, great beer. You can’t go wrong if you’re looking for a high energy night out here. Always a 10/10 night with my friends spent on the dance floor doing an Irish jig with a pint of Guinness in hand. 

Donnellan’s Irish Pub

Located right in the heart of Vancouver’s nightlife entertainment district, Granville Street. Again, just the best place to be if you’re wanting to be transported to an Irish pub with friends, it feels like you’re in Ireland! Always a super fun place to go and the bartenders are great. 

 

Sometimes I’m in the mood for more of a casual divey night out, bring in the dive bars.

The Cambie

A classic Vancouver spot that has been around forever. My dad likes to share his stories of his nights at the Cambie and it always gives me a chuckle. They have a nice outdoor spot to hang too, the drinks are cheap and the food is good. There’s also some live music shows too which you can’t go wrong with! 

The Morrissey

A dark, grungy pub with rock music, stiff drinks, and a lively crowd, The Morrissey is perfect for those who want a late-night drink in a no-frills environment. Their whiskey selection is impressive for whiskey drinkers and their laid-back vibe is always welcoming. I love going to a spot where I can just sit and have some casual drinks with friends, no need to dress up super nice or put in effort, just fun times. 

At the end of the day, Vancouver’s nightlife might not have the “all night” energy of some bigger cities, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking. With the right mindset, great company, and a little bit of exploration, you’ll find plenty of fantastic spots to enjoy a night out. Whether you’re in the mood for a craft cocktail, a cold pint at a brewery, or a lively club scene, there’s something for everyone. So grab your friends, pick a spot, and make the most of what this incredible city has to offer! Cheers to discovering Vancouver’s underrated nightlife. What’s your go to spot for a night out on the town? 

Live Music Go Tos

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One of the things I love most in life is good beer and good music. Combine those two things together and we have a match made in heaven. I can’t be the only one who appreciates a good night out with friends in a good atmosphere with music keeping the night alive. If you are looking for a Vancouver spot to hit up where you are guaranteed a fun Friday and Saturday night then I have some places you might want to check out on your next night out with friends. 

One of my go-tos when my friends and I are picking out where we’re going to spend our Friday night is The Blarney Stone in Gastown. Every Friday and Saturday night there is fantastic live music from great musicians that know how to keep the party going. This is an Irish bar so you can expect some Celtic classics but also great covers from anything from Taylor Swift to even Nickelback. On Friday night The Sheets take the stage and kick off at 10:00 playing until late. The Sheets have been keeping Friday nights alive at The Blarney Stone for the past four years and the five piece band certainly knows how to keep the crowd engaged. Prefer to spend your Friday nights relaxing? No worries! On Saturday nights The Shenanigans rock the floor with their fun energy and good vibes. This five piece is there every Saturday night until late playing their hearts out. 

Blarney Stone

One of my all time favourite places to spend the weekend (even rolling into the weekdays) is The Roxy on Granville street. This joint has been delivering generational fun for years and their house band The Roxy Rollers is outstanding. Playing everything from country, rock, to pop this band is incredibly well versed and definitely knows their audience. I’ve never had a bad night here and I’m always taken aback by how good the music is and how good the band is at selecting songs that keep such a diverse crowd engaged the whole night! To get the night started The Roxy will occasionally bring in other smaller bands which I think is awesome because it’s a way for the band to get their name out there and creates a good opportunity for people to discover new artists! I also love a good themed night and The Roxy always keeps the party going 7 nights a week. Whether it be country Sundays or millennial Mondays there is always fun to be had. 

Live band! In The Roxy!

This Sunday is coming to a close but if you’re looking for events to get you through the week check these places out! If there is beer flowing and music strumming it’s always going to be a fun night. Cheers! 

Top Small Music Venues In Vancouver You Should Visit

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Vancouver has many small music venues where new local artists can share their work with the community. As much fun as big venue concerts are, there is something special about being in a cozy space where like minded people share the same interests, good atmosphere and good music, so let’s talk about the next spots you should check out when you’re looking to see some local musicians. 

Nestled underground in the heart of Downtown Vancouver’s Gastown is Guilt and Co. Open 7 days a week with at least 2 shows a night this cozy venue brings live music entertainment every single day! There is always an early show and a late show and there is food and drinks that you can indulge in while you watch the musicians. https://www.guiltandcompany.com/ 

This week there is a wide variety of talent hitting the stage from jazz to folk and more, Guilt and Co offers just about anything and everything. 

Recently, Guilt and Co released “Live at Guilt and Co” a collection of live acts that have performed and all of the proceeds go towards supporting Saint James Music Academy, Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, and more! It’s so great to see this local small venue giving back to the community that it calls home. So far there has been over $120,000 donated to the Downtown Eastside, wow! 

guilt&Co

Just around the corner on Water Street is The 2nd Floor Cafe. This venue carries the authentic and historic Gastown energy and brings the community local musicians. It has a speakeasy vibe which leads you up the stairs where the performances take place. The 2nd Floor Cafe is also a venue for the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, so if you are into jazz you could definitely catch a couple of shows here! https://www.waterstreetcafe.ca/2nd-floor-gastown

Gastown

Head east just down the street and you will stumble upon The Heatley. With weekly music events with a focus on bluegrass, country, to indie jams, The Heatley is the perfect place to sip on some drinks, munch on some snacks, and enjoy the live music. The next big act will be taking place on Saturday November 2nd starting at 9:00pm and there is a $15 cover fee. https://heatley.ca/calendar-events/g3c5ef6tnodob609v5hbbfn6759863 

Looking for something not in the downtown core? The Painted Ship in Kitsilano offers everything from fun music bingo events to attend with friends to live performances. And if you are looking to expand your music taste you should definitely head down on Wednesday nights as they have Irish music nights! Everyone loves St. Patricks day so why not keeping the green lucky energy going all year long! https://www.thepaintedship.ca/calendar-events/nadine-weldon-county-kits-irish-nights-e66cp-5npsh-s64r5-aap3e-ycgnh-da4bd-yrbyk-79jtw-rkhml-s88b3-yydth-bahbg-wt9bd-5my5a-gylxk 

 

The Blarney Stone in Gastown

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Looking for a fun night out in the town, with live music and lots of dancing? I’m here to tell you all about the Blarney Stone, located in the heart of Gastown, the Blarney Stone is the ultimate destination for all things Irish.

Whether you’re in the mood for some Irish-inspired food, entertainment or just an overall good time, you have got to check this pub out.

The Blarney Stone is open from 11:00 am – 2:00 am Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 am – 3:00 am Friday and Saturday, and they always provide a fun time with live music. Est. in 1972, this pub is the oldest Irish pub in the city.

I have only visited the Blarney Stone once; however, I definitely need to go back as it was a blast. I can guarantee that you’ll have an entertaining and lively night here. Unlike other pubs and clubs in the city, the Blarney Stone has live music weekly for you to enjoy.

Meet the Blarney Stone bands:

The Sheets

Every Friday, from 10:00 pm, you can see The Sheets perform live at the Blarney Stone. This young, energetic cover band perform a wide range of musical genres such as Celtic, pop, rock and more! No matter what your top genre is, they will always perform hits that you love.

The Shenanigans

And if you’re more of the stay-in Friday night, go-out Saturday type, don’t worry! The Shenanigans perform every Saturday from 10:00 pm. The Blarney Stone house band has been performing here for 12 years! This band has something for everyone from Celtic to dance music to rock. They perform covers of all your favourite songs that will get you moving and grooving!

And to top it all off, the Blarney Stone has an incredible menu with Irish classics such as Sheppard’s pie, bangers and mash, and many more traditional Irish cuisines. And of course, you’ll find Guinness here if you’re in the mood for some drinks.

So next time you’re looking for someplace new to go for your next night out, grab your friends, bring your dancing shoes and hit up the Blarney Stone! You will have the time of your life dancing the night away while listening to some fabulous live music performed right in front of you by two local bands. For more information and details check out the Blarney Stone website here. It has all the information you need as well as some fun upcoming events you will not want to miss out on!