Pubs and Lounges

AFTERGLOW
One of the few bars in town to advertise on the back of buses, Afterglow hardly seems to need the attention: attached to Glowbal, one of Yaletown’s most popular restaurants, the 50-seat lounge is usually packed as of 10 p.m. Fuchsia lighting upon white and pink brick walls is what gives the room its glow—or perhaps it’s all the ambient silicone and hairspray? Not sure, but a rather fun place to kick back and observe the Beautiful People in their natural habitat. 1079 Mainland St., Yaletown, 604-602-0835.

THE ALIBI ROOM
The Alibi Room opened in 1998 in a century-old heritage building, with early investors such as Gillian Anderson and Jason Priestley, and quickly became the favoured hangout of film industry types. Eight years later, the clientele has diversified some, as has the burgeoning mixed-use neighbourhood; today you’re as likely to find young architects, designers and loft owners in this sleek leather-and-dark-wood room, sipping a Helen Pitt or a Hotel Europe (all the martinis have locally inspired names) and watching the trains roll by through track-side windows. 157 Alexander St., Gastown, 604-623-3383.

BACKSTAGE LOUNGE
This Granville Island bar has a couple of things going for it: right next to the Arts Club, it’s a no-brainer for pre- and post-theatre crowds; and it offers one of those rare oceanfront patio views. The decidedly non-trendy roadhouse feel makes the lounge a good, casual hangout for nachos and beer—especially on Tuesdays ($3 draft, $3.50 highballs)—and to catch live local bands seven nights a week. 1585 Johnston St., Granville Island, 604-687-1354.

BIMINI'S TAP HOUSE
Dark wood panelling, deep-fried pub fare, multiple levels with various nooks and crannies give the feeling of a Brit-style watering hole. Canucks games on multiple screens and music alternating between Nickelback and Pussycat Dolls remind you of exactly where you are. There’s always a lineup on weekend nights, when the pub turns to club (and a cover charge goes into effect). 2010 W. 4th Ave., Kitsilano, 604-732-9232.

THE CALLING
Though the DHM family resemblance is readily observable in the modern lines and furnishings, The Calling clearly belongs in the West End. The clientele is a healthy mix of locals stopping for a few cocktails in between the beach and Celebrities, and tourists enjoying pints and appies after a visit to Stanley Park. Classic cocktails are well executed and there’s a strong list of draught beers, but what really puts this place on the map is its location. It’s perched on the edge of English Bay, facing the sunset. 1780 Davie St., West End, 604-801-6681.

THE CAMBIE
Occupying the main floor of a youth hostel, The Cambie is a dive bar, and makes no pretensions to being anything else. The floor is sticky, the beer is cheap, and come last call, every tipsy transient in the joint is looking for someone to (literally) take upstairs. Curiously, conversations at the beer hall-style tables often reveal that many in attendance actually live in Vancouver. People seem to enjoy drinking with backpackers. Maybe it’s their lust for, ahem, life. 310 Cambie St., Gastown, 604-688-9158.

CANVAS
Both art gallery and lounge, this funky Gastown drinking spot is a venue for private parties during the week and open to the public Thursday through Saturday for tapas and drinks. You’ll find a youthful crowd on Saturday nights when Canthrill Event Marketing hosts Dragon:I with live performers and DJs. 99 Powell St., Gastown, 604-609-9939.

CASCADE
Habit, an established South Main trendster joint, has calved a new room right next door. There are two things about this resto-bar that indicate an emphasis on the “bar” half of the equation. The first is the name, which references a popular beer from the city’s first brewery which was once located in the area. And the second is the presence of this magazine’s reigning bartender of the year, Nick Devine, behind the bar. Every ounce he pours is inspired. 2616 Main St., South Main, 604-709-8650.

CEILI'S
Occupying the now-defunct Skybar space, once Vancouver’s silicone central, Ceili’s brings to the Granville strip a shiny new, vaguely Irish mega pub. Of course the drinking style of the emerald isle is well represented on the strip, with The Lennox Pub and Johnnie Fox’s Irish Snug (not to mention Doolin’s) offering distinct takes on the concept, but Ceili’s does it a little differently. They changed, surprisingly, with the resulting vibe being that of a typical Granville scene, only with Smithwicks on the menu, a few over-thirties in attendance, and a fresh coat of black paint on everything. 670 Smithe St., Downtown, 604-697-9199.

CENTURY/HEIST
Modelled after its corporate older sibling, Lucy Mae Brown, Century’s got a restaurant-lounge upstairs-downstairs thing going. In a heritage-designated former bank building on the fringe of Gastown, the gorgeous room boasts barrel-vaulted ceilings and abundant marble. The only problem: unlike at Lucy’s, it’s hard to put down your expertly mixed, Latin-themed cocktail and leave the elegant restaurant space for the dim lights and dark corners of the upstairs Heist. 432 Richards St., Downtown, 604-633-2700.

THE CHARLATAN
Commercial Drive, a pub-rich environment, didn’t need another low-key afternoon pint purveyor. But it got one anyway. And the newcomer is threatening to challenge Stella’s for casual chill spot supremacy. It’s got a warm and inviting style and it’s reasonably well stocked in the draught beer department. Plus there’s a comfortable patio with a row of willow trees supplanting tacky umbrellas for shade. Gourmands should stick to drinking, as there’s only nominally fancified pub fare here. That said, a plate of the yam fries seems to find its way onto almost every table. 1447 Commercial Dr., 604-253-2777.

CHILL WINSTON
Located at the nexus of the Gastown universe, and blessed with a patio space so gloriously oversized that it seems to spill over the sidewalk, Chill Winston is the David Beckham of urban lounges. Its innate gifts are so appealing that something would have to have gone horribly wrong for it not to be overwhelmingly successful. And therein lies the Chill’s only real flaw: the promise of easy spoils from walk-ins discourages risk-taking. The decor is tasteful, the menu safe. Still, every Gastown outing should include a beverage here. 3 Alexander St., Gastown, 604-694-2445.

CEDAR COTTAGE PUB
Clark Drive is known more for truck traffic than nightlife, making this warm, unassuming little joint noteworthy. Current owners Kerry Williams and Kevin Kleparchuk bought the former Quincy’s pub in 2000, added a patio, spruced up the interior and rechristened it after the Cedar Cottage Brewery that used be at Kingsway and Knight (the block now occupied by King Edward Village). We won’t call it happening, but the beer is cold, the barkeeps are friendly and the fare is good and cheap. We’ll drink to that. 3728 Clark Dr., East Side, 604-876-1411.

THE CELLAR JAZZ CAFE
Like the bass player in a jazz quartet, The Cellar is ethereal and sexy, if a little worse for wear. Long regarded as the city’s most serious jazz venue, The Cellar is surprisingly unpretentious (though you’re asked to keep your voice down) and books top local and international musicians week after week in its 70-seat, velvety underground bar. Wine, martinis and the best jazz in town. 3611 W. Broadway, Kitsilano, 604-738-1959.

DARBY'S PUB
The live music is hit-and-miss and the food is average at best, but no one can deny the beer-fuelled buzz in the room on hockey game nights—or during any other big-ticket sports event—when the pub’s oversize TV screens and cheap drink specials attract large crowds of all ages. The rooftop patio is typically packed in warmer months; during the rainy season, Tuesday comedy nights are a big draw. 2001 MacDonald St., Kitsilano, 604-731-0617.

DOOLINS
You won’t get the straight-off-the-boat authenticity of the Irish Heather, but Doolins has the Guinness, the greasy pub fare and the live Celtic music—so your average drinker, Irish or otherwise, will feel right at home. Of note: there are $7 lunch specials on weekdays, so why not use your savings for a pint or two before heading back to your desk. Your boss won’t notice. Later, you can celebrate your newfound joblessness by rocking out till the 3 a.m. last call. 654 Nelson St., Downtown, 604-605-4343.

EL FURNITURE WAREHOUSE
El Furniture is not a warehouse and it’s not a bar; it’s a restaurant, at least according to the B.C. government. This means patrons of this fine little Granville strip hole in the wall can only have so many tequila shots before being forced to partake in the five layer tex-mex dip. It’s a good thing, really. El Furniture has a way of swallowing you up at 10 and spitting you out at last call—you need the energy. 989 Granville St., Downtown, 604-688-1111.

ELWOOD'S
The kind of local joint that everyone wishes they had in their neighbourhood, though recent renovations shook up the regulars some. (What happened to the hookah-smoking Santa? Conspiracy theories run wild.) The food is solid pub fare, but of the kind you’d order sober, too: seared yellowfin tuna over greens, a veggie club that features slices of feta and grilled vegetables, and one of the best burgers on the west side. It’s dark, it’s rough around the edges—but this bar is all about the cold beers and warm conversation. 3145 W. Broadway, Kitsilano, 604-736-4301.

FIVE POINT
As Main Street’s grime gets polished to a shine, it’s comforting to know there are still a few sullied watering holes. Like any good neighbourhood pub, the Five Point is a melting pot—you’re guaranteed to find hipsters, jocks and old-time drunks imbibing collegially any night of the week. Go for 35-cent wings on Tuesdays; $3.50 Caesars, for curing what ails, on Sundays; or burger ‘n’ brew, $10, every Wednesday. 3124 Main St., South Main, 604-876-5810.

FOUNDATION
Don’t come to Main Street’s hipster mecca for the service (it’s slow and surly at the best of times), come for the Storm Brewing and R&B draft, the $5 a glass vino, the black-bean-covered Utopian Nachos, the authentic Québécois sugar pie and the kitschy ’70s decor that would be right at home in a Kevin Smith film. 2301 Main St., South Main, 604-708-0881.

GEORGE ULTRA LOUNGE
Since opening in 2005, this uber-chic Yaletown lounge space has been a favourite of trendy, well-heeled cocktail connoisseurs. George is the avant-garde of a boozecraft revolution; from flawlessly prepared Manhattans to the fresh fruit-infused originals (the Mumbai Sling has taken off), everything that crosses the bar here is a masterpiece. If you plan to order a highball, consider going a few doors down to Bar None—this place is for drinking with a refined palate. 1137 Hamilton St., Yaletown, 604-628-5555.

GINGER 62
Ginger 62 puts a sexy spin on the ’60s rec-room scene, with comfy patterned couches, yellow-orange mood lighting and a suave selection of drinks and music that’s more James Bond than My Three Sons (or Gilligan’s Island for that matter—the purported inspiration for their “Ginger Not Marianne” cocktail). Thursday night “Plan B” (disco, funk and “groovy” house) and a tasty tapas menu for peckish are good reasons to go. 1219 Granville St., Downtown, 604-688-5494.

GOTHAM COCKTAIL BAR
Here, everyone is dressed like they’ve just punched out from a long day operating the levers of power and influence. Even on Saturdays. And with rich leather everywhere, the aesthetic of the space matches that of the clientele. There are more expensive martinis in the city, but Gotham manages an air of exclusivity that seems out of proportion with the bill at the end of the night. 615 Seymour St., Downtown, 604-605-8282.

GRANVILLE ROOM
This popular lounge straddles the line between watering hole and innovative eatery. An extensive list of imports, premium scotches, and cocktails—the Churchill Downs, with Woodford Reserve bourbon, white grapes and pressed apple juice, is a favourite—fuels the boisterous merrymaking, and the surprisingly impressive menu hits well above its weight class. The small plates in particular attract a late-night industry crowd, with plates of the pesto, goat cheese port pomegranate reduction bruschetta (a steal at $9) still flying out of the kitchen at 2 a.m. 957 Granville St., Downtown, 604-633-0056.

IZ LOUNGE AND BISTRO
Not much roomier than a single-car garage, Iz is tucked in between lofts and a body shop near Second and Main, though it could just as well be in central Tokyo or Montréal. Owners Bernell and Leann greet most patrons by name, and the guy downing draft in
paint-spattered coveralls might be an artist or a contractor. Probably both. The small open kitchen produces a decent beef short rib sandwich and a miso-glazed mushroom salad. Good fresh fruit martini list. 1880 Lorne St., South Main, 604-879-5660.

JIMMY'S TAP HOUSE
Jimmy’s suffers from the same location problem that afflicts its better-established neighbour, the Library Square Public House. The corner of Homer and Robson, though close to everywhere, is itself (in bar scene terms) nowhere. Jimmy’s confronts this problem less effectively than its competitor, offering food, atmosphere, and drink of passable quality, but little imagination. Come here for Kokanee and nachos pre-game. 783 Homer St., Downtown, 604-689-2800.

KING'S HEAD INN
Most aren’t here for the food—an array of deep-fried mushrooms, veggies and other ’70s-era munchies—but the patio is meant for summer nights in Kits, the beer is cold, and the service is fast and friendly. Homesick easterners load up on screech (it bites back!) and Pepsi, provided their schedule is clear for the next day. Live music most nights of the week. 1618 Yew St., Kitsilano, 604-738-6966.

KINO CAFE
This stretch of Cambie is feeling the effects of Canada Line construction, but you’d never know it tucked inside this lively spot. The setting: packed, close-set tables, wood floors in need of varnish, walls papered with old Spanish and Italian film posters. The entertainment: talented musicians and flamenco dancers five nights a week by donation. The drink: pitchers of sangria (what else?). 3456 Cambie St., South Cambie, 604-875-1998.

LAMPLIGHTER
Didn’t ya hear? Weekends are for amateurs. The cool kids are seeking out venues like the Lamplighter on Tuesdays—for a mix of musical and comedy acts labelled the Superfantastic Variety Gong Show—and live music on Wednesdays. It’s also home to the occasional burlesque party. 210 Abbott St., Gastown, 604-681-6666.

LOLA CABARET
At this, Kitsilano’s only nightclub, find university girls rubbing up against each other on the dance floor. (P.S. They gussied her up and raised her drink prices, but Lola’s will always be the Side Door to the west side’s born-and-raised.) 2291 W. Broadway, Kitsilano, 604-733-7989.
Lucy Mae Brown Food Network darling Rachael Ray highly recommended LMB during an episode of Tasty Travels—but don’t let that dissuade you; the former bordello/opium den, named for its mistress, is as sexy and stylish as ever. Upstairs, fresh, nuanced flavours pair beautifully with a well-edited wine list; downstairs, the Opium Den mixologists stir up boozy martinis and inventive cocktails from a sleek under-lit bar; the beats are good, too. 862 Richards St., Yaletown, 604-899-9199.

MALONES
The major draw during summer months is the patio: lining the Cornwall Street strip, it’s the perfect place to peruse tanned bodies headed to Kits Beach. There’s always a bikini contest, usually a drive-by appearance by a Corona/Bud Light/Felions posse of promo girls, and plenty of ball-capped gym monkeys. Smell that? Eau de testosterone. 2210 Cornwall St., Kitsilano, 604-737-7777.

THE MEDIA CLUB
Ingredients for a good live entertainment venue: varied acts that make it tough to label; an intimate room that maxes out at 150 people; and a no-frills bar list (hold the drinks that resemble toilet bowl cleaner, thanks). Check, check, check. Membership has its privileges: $12 a year gets you to the front of the line and a free drink. 695 Cambie St., Downtown, 604-608-2871.

MILL MARINE BISTRO
The Mill is easy to miss—the indoor space is just a little cave tucked under a park at the south end of Bute. But in its full-scale summer weekend configuration the patio seems to cover the space of a soccer field. Tourists watching the seaplanes land and admiring the North Shore mountains dominate the crowd, but a few West End and Coal Harbour locals can be found enjoying first-rate pizzas and a pint in this spectacular setting. 1199 W. Cordova St., Coal Harbour, 604-687-6455.

THE MORRISSEY
The Morrissey is billed as an Irish tavern, and the selection of quality draughts and pub-friendly menu items (think stews and shepherd’s pie) certainly point that way, but think goth, not Celtic. A favourite haunt of the indie and punk rock set, it’s a great place to escape identikit Granville bars. 1227 Granville St., 604-682-0909.

NELSON CAFE
Eclectic grunge from all decades is present in this little joint—newspaper clips from the 1930s, paintings of mysterious origin, old wooden tables, soggy menus and the occasional local band performances. Daily drink specials include $12.50 pitchers of Rickard’s Red on Sundays and $4.75 shots of Cuervo (so you can be that person who returns to a table of civilized co-workers with a tray of tequila) on Wednesday. Not the best place for a date, but a pitcher of beer tastes damn refreshing with chilled glasses, and a mountain of nachos satisfies. 655 Nelson St., Downtown, 604-633-2666.

NEVERMIND
Bunkered below street level on far West Fourth, Nevermind is a gathering place for college kids and sports teams—the spacious interior and patio space is made for large groups. Two-for-one appies on Mondays, burger ‘n’ brew Wednesdays, double highball Fridays. 3293 W. 4th Ave., Kitsilano, 604-736-0212.

O'DOUL'S
Don’t let the mahogany-and-black modern decor fool you. For a place boasting the city’s “most comprehensive vintage wine cellar” and live jazz every night, the crowd is deceptively casual—baseball caps and all. It’s perfect for a mellow, low-key night. The wine list is extensive (from B.C. to Napa to Europe) and the bar food top-notch—go for the subtly flavoured Pacific salmon burger. 1300 Robson St., Downtown, 604-661-1400.

THE PUBLIC LOUNGE
Under new ownership, the Public has followed Main Street’s culinary resurgence with a drastic 180 in their menu. While the atmosphere’s still gritty and decidedly DIY, you’ll swoon over chili garlic prawn lollypops served with homemade roasted tomato, horseradish and honey brown relish ($8), or caramelized apple with brie and Italian prosciutto ($8). The crowd is Main Street hipster—some on first dates, others planning a protest rally, but all surprised to learn how well a pint of 1516 pairs with a warm chocolate brownie and pink peppercorn ice cream. 3289 Main St., South Main, 604-873-5584.

PURPLE CRAB
With a name like Purple Crab, you’d expect the decor would be, well, purple? Not so. The walls are a bright orange-red, which combined with flickering votives makes everyone in the room appear sunburnt. But no matter. People come to the Crab for cheap pub fare with an odd seafood influence (seven shrimp dishes on the menu, no less), a sidewalk patio on which they can still smoke, R&B drafts, and to see friends perform on open mic night. Expect Jewel covers. 3916 Main St., South Main, 604-484-2436.

THE RAILWAY CLUB
Billed as one of the only remaining “old-school live-music venues” left in the city, the Railway Club is a casual, pleasantly frayed-around-the-edges hangout that books local bands seven nights a week. The 70-year-old pub—this is where CPR railway workers got soused in the ’30s—is all dark wood, heavy drapes, and very friendly; the room is split into train-car-like sections so you can tuck away in the back for a pint if you don’t dig the band. Good selection of microbrews on tap, and the Railway is one of the few bars to serve English-style Merridale Cider from Vancouver Island.; the glass mugs are good and heavy. 579 Dunsmuir St. (upper level), Downtown, 604-681-1625.

SANAFIR
Egyptian urns, luxurious draperies and low-slung seats create a seductive atmosphere. Sanafir, Arabic for “meeting place,” attracts a well-heeled crowd who come to nibble on tapas-style, Moroccan-influenced food and sip signature cocktails (Desert Rose is a refreshing blend of citrus water, rose water and sparkling lemonade). The upper level features harem-style beds where, for a few hundred dollars and a bottle of something bubbly (bottle reservations? In Vancouver?), you and your party can make like Kubla Khan. 1026 Granville St., Downtown, 604-678-1049.

SANDS BAYSIDE LOUNGE
If you’re a regular or semi-regular at the Bayside, you’re loath to speak its praises too loudly, lest the thirsty English Bay hordes discover this hidden gem atop the Starbucks at Davie and Denman. The Lounge has considerably more charm than the hotel it’s attached to, with seasoned wait staff, reasonably priced drinks and an outlook over English Bay that’s hard to match. 1755 Davie St., West End, 604-682-1831.

SEVENTY-TWO SPORTS BAR
How to categorize an upscale bar that hosts a swimsuit competition (Canadian Swimwear Model of the Year 2007)? Words like “sophisticated” and “refined” don’t usually qualify, which is why this hidden Robson haunt is no average sports bar. It’s a study in contradictions. It’s a place to watch UFC on an in-booth flat screen while enjoying high quality (if generic) pub fare and a pint of premium lager. The service is good, the space is well put together, and at the end of the day doesn’t everyone sort of want to see a swimsuit competition? 1025 Robson St., Downtown, 604-646-4031.

SHARK CLUB BAR AND GRILL
The Shark Club is entering its second decade as Vancouver’s preeminent sports bar chain, with locations now stretching from Victoria to Saskatoon. The Vancouver outlet is particularly well situated, just steps from the city’s two sports meccas: GM Place and BC Place. But the Shark Club isn’t just an upscale jock hangout: Fridays and Saturdays see the dance floor open up with tunes from a local DJ. 180 W. Georgia St., Downtown, 604-687-4275.

SIX ACRES
Six Acres, with its exposed brick and rich hardwood, is stylish enough that it can distract from the business of booze consumption and conversation. But one of the best beer lists in the city (34 carefully chosen bottled varieties) should demand full attention. 203 Carrall St., Gastown, 604-488-0110.

STELLA'S TAP AND TAPAS BAR
The setting is a little Keg-like with its faux stone half-walls and burgundy ceiling, but the beer list is a little slice of Brussels—one of the best in the city at that. There’s a monthly fresh sheet of 20 rotating Belgian brews—all with thorough tasting notes—10 more brews on tap (the Leffe and Hoegaarden are good choices), and 750-mL bottles of Belgian-inspired, Québec-made Unibroue, bargain priced at $10 per. Pair any of the above with $5 fries or the hand-graded Washington State mussels, $12 for a pound; $7 for half. 1191 Commercial Dr., 604-254-2437.

TATLOW'S BROILER BAR
A cosy retreat on a rainy winter night; the leather couches in front of the fireplace are (literally) the hot seats. Huge portions from an extensive menu of burgers, pastas and broiler items, plus nightly drink specials. Lengthy bar and parallel high-rise seating are conducive to drinking-and-dining for one, but this is the kind of neighbourly pub where you’re likely to run into a mate or two. 2741 W. 4th Ave., Kitsilano, 604-739-8668.

TIMBRE
Timbre, puzzlingly a timber-themed resto-bar, is an odd concept for its location. Situated between Fourth and Fifth Avenues on The Drive, it’s in the absolute eipicentre of contemporary Vancouver hippiedom, a few doors down from a dreadlock-laden Café Deux Soleil. It’s an attractive space, though, and garage-style doors are always a nice touch. 2068 Commercial Dr., 604-215-7515.

TOBYS PUB & GRILL
The Silvertone Tavern’s transformation to Tobys would have made a great episode of Extreme Makeover: Bar Edition. No trace of the former watering hole remains; it’s now a gleaming U.S.-style sports bar that attracts the twentysomething/college student/NFL-fan/I’m-visiting-from-Calgary set. Themed sports nights, a toasty patio, TSN on the telly and a mix of safe brews (Canadian, Stella, Keith’s) and micros (Strongbow, Okanagan Spring and seasonal Granville Island) on tap. 2733 Commercial Dr., 604-879-2099.

WAAZUBEE CAFE
There’s Subeez, the hoppin’ downtown bar, and there’s WaaZuBee, its well-worn east side cousin. Both feature metalwork on the windows and candles buried in what must be years of wax drippings (how old is the wax at the bottom of those foot-high piles?) but the similarities end there. WaaZubee is narrow, dark and popular with the quinoa crowd. The hefty drink list includes nine microbrews on tap—the organic Crannóg Pale Ale is perfect on a damp Friday night. 1622 Commercial Dr., 604-253-5299.

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