Vancouver Patio Guide 2023: The Victor

The perfect pre and post-concert hangout for some tasty cocktails and eats to fuel a night of scream-singing.

Best Pre/Post Concert Hang: The Victor

39 Smithe St.

Dogs allowed: Only by the pond
Coverage: Yes
Afternoon sun: Yes
Patio reservations: Yes

Credit: The Victor (parqvancouver.com)

You’ve already dropped hundreds to see Beyoncé at BC Place, so why not enjoy a pre- or post-show dining experience that’s worthy of Queen Bey herself? Within walking distance of both downtown stadiums, The Victor’s expansive patio is surprisingly stealthy for one that’s located on a 30,000-square-foot green space. In order to find it, head up to the sixth-floor lobby of the Douglas Hotel in the Parq resort, then cozy up on the covered patio areas directly outside the lounge and dining room or bask in the sun at one of the umbrella-dotted tables that line the deck surrounding the water feature (furry friends are permitted here). And then there’s the food. Recently awarded an honourable mention in the steakhouse category in our 2023 Restaurant Awards, The Victor is sure to please the steak snobs in your party. Choose from the numerous premium cuts (all cooked in a 1,200-degree broiler—we told you it was snobby) and dig into can’t-resist sides like mac ’n’ cheese waffles ($15) and a classic onion ring stack ($13). Pair your steak with a selection from the extensive wines-by-the-glass list (the Enomatic wine system keeps things fresh) or go with a signature cocktail (try the rum-spiked Tiki Kahiki) then sit back and relax while you enjoy a close-up of the glowing lights from BC Place and the views of False Creek and downtown. This is elevated (pun intended) pregaming at its best. parqvancouver.com

HOT TIP: Didn’t score Beyoncé tickets?
The staff at The Victor confirm that you can hear concerts at BC Place from the patio—whether the stadium roof is open or closed.

This story was originally published in the July/August 2023 print issue of Vancouver Magazinefind the digital issue here.