Bars and Lounges

These 5 Vancouver Spots Pair Great Cocktails With Live Music

These bars and restos work double-duty, shaking up fine cocktails alongside live music.

By Katie Nanton /

Not sure about you, but we’re craving live entertainment more than ever in our exceedingly digital world. Look closely around our city and there are tons of vibe-y spots producing live DJ nights and slinging stellar cocktails. (A few faves: Pizza Coming Soon, The Lido, DD Mau, and just-opened Lala.) But here are five stellar locales turning out the slightly-rarer offerings of live jazz, singer-songwriters and even an open mic night while you imbibe on five-star sips, snacks and steaks. 

B-Sides & Deep Cuts @ Prophecy

Gargantuan-glam Prophecy underneath the Rosewood Hotel Georgia has introduced B-Sides & Deep Cuts, a concept with cocktails inspired by the live music of the night. On sultry Jazz Wednesdays, you’ll find local legends playing alongside a CanCon-inspired cocktail menu; on Old School Thursdays, DJs spin deep cuts while you sip your way through an extravagant Moët champagne service, or a cognac cocktail like the Stinger (Hennessy VS, Menthe-Pastille); and on Latin Jazz Sundays expect rum and tequila cocktails aplenty. Feeling flush? Get that Wagyu Sando (it’s $100) while you sip. 

WHEN: Jazz on Wednesdays; DJ on Thursdays; Latin Jazz on Sundays
WHERE: 801 W. Georgia St.
VIBE: Contemporary Slick

Photo: Ian Lanterman

Ama Raw Bar Sultry Sundays

Look up, way up above Nammos Estiatorio to find Ama, a Japanese-inspired cocktail bar. It’s a date-night-done-right kind of place every night, but on Sundays even moreso, with a rotating schedule of jazz collectives, vocalists, DJs and more. Thirsty? (Of course!) Clink glasses of the much-adored Kosmo, mixed with watermelon vodka, Cointreau and sour white cranberry juice. Hungry? Snack on albacore tuna tartare, uni pasta or the fan-favourite Wagyu bacon cheeseburger.

WHEN: Sundays, 7:00 to 10:30 p.m.
WHERE: 3980 Fraser St.
VIBE: Sexy Speakeasy

 

The Agency Singers @ The Victor

At Supperclub Wednesdays, expect old-world New York City-style glamour with a trio of femme fatales singing modern hits and classic jazz tunes. You’ll half-expect someone to light up a cigar while you dine on The Victor’s must-order mac ‘n cheese waffles, artful fresh sushi and maybe a classic ribeye. Alongside, try the Early Start cocktail mixed with Earl Grey infused Bombay Sapphire, strega, sweet vermouth and falernum. With Parq Casino right below, why not try your hand at roulette at the end of the night?

WHEN: Every Wednesday, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
WHERE: 39 Smithe St.
VIBE: Swanky NYC

Flamingo Room on Commercial

El Jardin. Ain’t She a Peach. Rodeo Wishbone. We’re in love with the cocktails at palm-frond-y tropical Flamingo Room, with its subtle entrance tucked down the side of Havana on The Drive. They pair perfectly with an ever-changing schedule of local musical duos, trios and DJs scattered throughout the month. A sample? The organ-guitar duo Adrian Emond or “New York in the ’60s”-inspired Midnight Boogaloo, featuring Juno-Nominated drummer Nick Bracewell (Canada), bassist Linaldo Sans (Brasil) and guitarist Alan Ruiz (Colombia).

WHEN: Check the schedule online
WHERE: 1214 Commercial Dr.
VIBE: Miami Fun

The almost-done interior of The Painted Ship at 2884 West Broadway.

The Painted Ship 

What was once Yagger’s sports bar on West Broadway near MacDonald is now something much better—it’s also named after one of Vancouver’s first ’60s psychedelic bands. The Painted Ship is a musical hub showcasing everything from hot jazz and classic country to blues, roots, folk and brass bands—there’s even an open mic night. Add to that a small-but-fun cocktail list (we’ll take a Fool’s Gold with rye, triple sec, amaro chiaro and gold glitter, please) and easy-sharing snacks, and you’ve got yourself a solid night out in Kits.

WHEN: Check the schedule online
WHERE: 2884 W. Broadway
VIBE: Casual Chill