Vancouver is a lively city full of surprises, whether you’re looking for fine dining gems, casual lunch spots, romantic destinations for date nights or buzzing hotspots to enjoy until the end of the night. The food and drink scene in this magnificent British Columbia city is packed with dynamic bars where you can dance the night away in a wide variety of colourful atmospheres. For fun times, cool vibes and killer drinks, the best bars in Vancouver await.
Stadium District is home to a casual bar and kitchen for an Italian aperitivo with arancini, Aperol spritz and live music. With multiple locations around the city, a buzzing brewery loved by locals serves award-winning craft beers alongside top-notch burgers. A harbourside destination serves creative cocktails with breathtaking sea views in North Vancouver. Don’t miss a beat – get your taste buds ready at the best bars in Vancouver.
To kick off your evening or dance the night away, explore the best bars in Vancouver and book your spot on OpenTable now.
The best bars to enjoy in Vancouver – keep reading
For one of the best bars in Vancouver for groups – head to Maxine’s Cafe & Bar in West End
In a slightly vintage decor reminiscent of the European cafés and bars of Soho, Maxine’s Cafe & Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a good time with friends, family or colleagues. Whether for breakfast, brunch, lunchtime or dinner, the menu created by executive chef Bobby Milheron and chef de cuisine Hayden Rennie is specially designed to delight you. For happy hour, sit back and enjoy a glass of hibiscus Cadillac, a spicy blend of tequila and hibiscus cardamom syrup. For a bite to eat, pair it with a Maxine’s burger, with a juicy smash patty and American cheddar. If you’re a late morning coffee lover, enjoy an espresso martini at brunch time while you eat a fluffy Dutch baby with sunny side egg, crispy shaved house back bacon under a sauce Mornay.
For a romantic evening in a 1940s setting – take a seat at The Georgia Bar – Rosewood Hotel Georgia in Downtown
With sophistication and elegance, the centre of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia lobby has been newly transformed into The Georgia Bar – Rosewood Hotel Georgia. In a classic setting amidst a suave ambience of dark wood panelling, take a seat in an armchair worthy of the greatest film noirs, perfect for a romantic evening. With your loved one, enjoy captivating performances and talented musicians while sipping a glass of white wine. With a glass of champagne, share a plate of charcuterie featuring cured meats from Oyama or a dish of crispy chilli chicken thigh seasoned with peppers and onions. If you like cocktails, you’re sure to love the Hotel Georgia, an internationally acclaimed blend based on gin and orange blossom water, created in the early 1950s and brought up to date to mark the hotel’s reopening.
For a musical evening at one of Vancouver’s best bars – try The Story Cafe – Eatery & Bar in Richmond
Created with the idea that “there is a story in everything”, The Story Cafe – Eatery & Bar offers a range of colourful drinks that blend perfectly with the music and warm atmosphere. This restaurant, with a historical and arty vibe, opens the doors for live music nights that are dedicated to showcasing different musical genres. Enjoy the special summer menu with a plate of spiced roasted cauliflower steak with pesto and chilli oil. Discover the happy hour experience and share a bottle of wine at half price on Tuesday and Wednesday while enjoying a plate of story cafe tacos made with house-spiced pork belly. For night owls, treat yourself to the creamy lobster gnocchi served with flavourful prawns on the night menu.
For a superb evening savouring the flavours of the sea – go to Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar in Whistler Village
If you’re looking for a chic and refined place to celebrate a special occasion, Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar is a destination not to be missed. Named and recognised several times over, this restaurant is a fine-dining establishment that is devoted to delightful sustainable seafood inspired by Pacific Northwest cuisine. The exceptional team of partner chefs offers a variety of mouth-watering recipes: oysters, caviar, seafood towers or even steak and fries. For sweet tooths, try the warm chocolate fondant cake decorated with vanilla ice cream and sugar tuile while sipping a glass of sweet wine, like the Taylor Fladgate with its tangy marmalade and nutty aromas. When the sun sets, experience the vibrant late-night scene that offers welcoming vibes and groovy music.
For an Italian aperitivo to remember – visit Frankie’s Italian Kitchen & Bar in Stadium District
Italian cuisine is known around the world for its warm, sunny flavours. And it was with this desire to offer recipes of true Italian comfort food with fresh ingredients that Raffaele chose to open Frankie’s Italian Kitchen & Bar. Located in the vibrant Stadium District, this restaurant and bar offers live jazz and blues, as well as the perfect place for group evenings: The Cellar, a coveted space for private parties. Settle in for the aperitivo hour, every day from 2 pm to 5 pm, and share fried sicilian arancini over a nespolino white or a granville island pale ale with its rich, coppery colour and caramel malt flavour. For early risers, Frankie’s Breakfast offers a brioche egg sandwich, made with crispy bacon and aged cheddar, accompanied by garlic aioli.
For original beers in a dynamic setting at one of the best bars in Vancouver – choose Tap and Barrel in Burnaby, Fairview, White Rock, North Vancouver, False Creek and Coal Harbour
For evenings out with friends, sports bars are always great places to relax and have fun. Whether it’s on a large sunny terrace or in a lively interior, Tap and Barrel is one of Vancouver’s best bars for a fun night out with friends. With six locations across the city in Burnaby, Fairview, White Rock, North Vancouver, False Creek and Coal Harbour, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your group. With recipes that highlight, as they say, ‘next level comfort food’, this restaurant creates a memorable experience for everyone, whether for brunch or dinner. For the ultimate happy hour, try one of the drinks on a card featuring BC’s best wineries and distilleries, but most of all beer made at BREWHALL, Tap & Barrel’s own award-winning craft brewery. At brunch time, treat yourself to a croque madame made with white cheddar and prosciutto, topped with creamy truffle béchamel and poached egg. Don’t forget to quench your thirst in summer with a colourful concoction like the tangy coconut margarita.
📍 Burnaby — Check availability
📍 Fairview — Check availability
📍 White Rock — Check availability
📍 North Vancouver — Check availability
📍 False Creek — Check availability
📍 Coal Harbour — Check availability
For one of the best budget-friendly bars in Vancouver – head to Haven Kitchen + Bar in Langley
If you like modern Canadian cuisine “with a global adventurous approach”, then you’ve just found a new haven of peace and relaxation. Casual dining with a quirky vibe and an independent spirit, Haven Kitchen + Bar is the ideal place for a date or to treat yourself to a moment of wellness. Whether you choose Self Care Sunday with its superb cocktails, Half Price Bottles of Wine on Monday, or Tiki Tuesday with its delicious drinks and bites, the daily features are not to be missed. At the happiest hour, all day on Monday, 2 pm to 5 pm from Wednesday to Saturday, share Pipikaula dry ribs served with chili lime soy sauce with your loved one. Continue with a spicy peanut noodle bowl, made of flat rice noodles and marinated tofu, served with vegetables under a “watts” peanut sauce. And save room to share a strawberry shortcake-cake decorated with an Oreo and white chocolate crumble.
For one of the best wine bars in Vancouver – try Tutto Restaurant & Bar in Yaletown
At Tutto Restaurant & Bar rich Italian cuisine is best enjoyed with a glass of wine to enhance the flavours. The menu elegantly blends tradition and modernity, with traditional Italian dishes using the finest ingredients from different Italian provinces. In an energetic and inviting atmosphere, come and try a Focaccia French Toast, made with lemon ricotta on French toast with a strawberry compote for brunch. Every day from 3 pm to 6 pm, sit down in this wine bar to enjoy an Italian-style happy hour. Treat yourself to a glass of La Stella, a rosé with fruity flavours, or Alois Lageder, a light, crisp Pinot Grigio layered with minerality. Of course, try one of the daily specials, such as the Tutto’s Mixed Grill on Wednesdays, a dish combining flavourful sea bass, veal and generous prawns.
For cocktails by the sea in one of Vancouver’s best bars – take a trip to PIER 7 restaurant + bar – ‘Shipyard Square’ North Vancouver in North Vancouver
At PIER 7 restaurant + bar – ‘Shipyard Square’ North Vancouver, you can enjoy the best seafood right by the seaside. At lunchtime, try the exquisite prawn avocado cobb, a salad made with fresh tiger prawns and smoked bacon, topped with an avocado vinaigrette. Quench your thirst with one of PIER 7’s signature cocktails, such as the Gaia’s garden, combining gin and St. Germain with a touch of lime and mint. This charming restaurant offers special dishes every day of the week, so it’s easy to treat yourself. From Monday to Wednesday, indulge in the tempting set menu available for only $55, offering a three-course meal accompanied by a great bottle of wine and every day from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm you can take advantage of the happy hour with menu items starting at $5. On Saturdays and Sundays, enjoy a seaside brunch with a breathtaking view of the Salish Sea and savour fried chicken and waffles made with fluffy Belgian waffles and crispy fried chicken, all dressed up with homemade bourbon maple syrup.
For one of the best cocktail bars in Vancouver – try The Stock Room in Yaletown
With a style that combines rock and chic, The Stock Room is one of the best cocktail bars in Vancouver. This secret cocktail bar, designed with tropical island vibes, is the perfect place to have fun and dance until the end of the night. Book a space with your friends to plan your next amazing party while enjoying the extensive cocktail menu. With elegance in every glass, The Stock Room offers you, for example, the colourful Ahh Pamplemousse! a harmonious and delightful blend of Fandango mezcal and Cointreau enhanced with agave and a touch of lime. Refreshing Martinis or bitter-sweet negronis, choose your favourite drink at the 4 pm to 6 pm happy hour and toast to summer.
Feasting, entertaining and celebrating has never been easier or more fun than in Vancouver. The city is a melting pot of cultures, flavours and places to party. Here, you’ll find recipes for drinks and meals from around the world mixing in every neighbourhood. Vancouver has the perfect places for a night out with friends, family or lovers, and you should make the most of them. Whether you’re looking for Italian, American or Canadian flavours, there’s something for everyone. From chic and subdued settings to terraces, secret bars and atmospheres full of plants, Vancouver knows how to welcome and delight you, so get ready to explore the city’s culinary treasures.
Book a table at one of the best bars in Vancouver on OpenTable as soon as possible
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