Vancouver Nightlife

Nightlife

No longer the fresh-faced, early-to-bed town it all too recently was, Vancouver is now home to an ever-increasing number of slick martini dens, cocktail cabanas, and wine lounges, not to mention a solid array of sports bars, pubs, and live music venues. Several distinct nightlife hubs vie for attention: more Davie Street, roughly between Howe and Bute Streets, is home to a thriving gay scene; Granville Street is the center of downtown’s sometimes unruly entertainment; Yaletown is home to a new crop of restaurants, lounges, and upscale bars; and Main Street is where young hipsters descend in droves for cool clubs, dive bars, and late-night diners.

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Backstage Lounge
Popular with locals, the Backstage Lounge is a laidback Granville Island drinking den. A generous patio, gregarious staff, and a seven-day calendar of live music add to its appeal.
1585 Johnstone St.; Vancouver, BC; 604-687-1354; www.artsclub.com
Tags: international travel | bar | view | live music
Steamworks Brewing Co.
Multiple bars, lounges, and dining rooms tap plentiful brews to help travelers blow off some steam.
375 Water St.; Vancouver, BC; 604-689-2739; www.steamworks.com
Tags: international travel | lounge | view | brewpub
Afterglow
The energetic 50-seat Afterglow lounge attracts a well-dressed, pre-club set. Rich fabrics and mood lighting lure a varied crowd, from local hipsters to visiting celebrities.
1079 Mainland St.; Vancouver, BC; 604-602-0835; www.glowbalgrill.com
Tags: international travel | lounge | wine | celebrity hangout
Celebrities
DJs spin for an energetic set at Vancouver’s top gay and lesbian club. Revelers crowd the sunken dance floor and extensive bar areas, or eye the talent below from a horseshoe-shaped balcony.
1022 Davie St.; Vancouver, BC; 604-681-6180; www.celebritiesnightclub.com
Tags: international travel | dancing | electronica | gay&lesbian
900 West Lounge
One of the city’s top wine and martini bars. Jazz accompanies complimentary hors d’oeuvres on weekday evenings.
Fairmont Hotel; 900 West Georgia St.; Vancouver, BC; 604-684-3131; www.fairmont.com
Tags: international travel | jazz | live music | notable wine list | editor pick
The Cascade Room
Neighborhood joint meets hipster hangout at the Cascade Room, which lures Main Street’s 20- and 30-something fashionistas with its award-winning cocktails. Master mixologist Nick Devine whips up classic libations and contemporary concoctions. A competent food menu rustles together some excellent entrees (think sirloin from Northern British Columbia and roasted Arctic char), with all seafood deemed sustainable and abundant by Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program.
2616 Main St.; Vancouver, BC; 604-709-8650; www.thecascade.ca
Tags: international travel | trendy | bar | cocktails
Dix BBQ & Brewery
Game day hot spot Dix is mere feet away from B.C. Place, home to Vancouver’s adored hockey team, the Canucks. Solid brews are produced on site and an extensive barbecue menu (with attitude!) offers some of the best bar food in the city.
871 Beatty St.; Vancouver, BC; 604-682-2739; www.markjamesgroup.com/dix.html
Tags: international travel | bar menu | sports bar | brewpub | barbecue
1181
A sleek, minimalist gem perched nonchalantly in the midst of Davie Street, 1181 is the cosmopolitan face of gay Vancouver. An extensive cocktail menu caters to the drinking whims of the city’s most attractive gay and lesbian denizens. DJ sets and cabaret shows adorn the calendar of this dimly lit den.
1181 Davie St.; Vancouver, BC; 604-687-3991; www.tightlounge.com
Tags: international travel | trendy | lounge | bar | gay
The Irish Heather
In the cobbled heart of Gastown lurks this tasty gastropub with its perfectly poured Guinness, extensive whiskey list, and fun Celtic twists on cocktails, such as the Dublin Sidecar, made with whiskey instead of brandy, and the Ginger Lady, which features whiskey, Benedictine, vermouth, and lemon. An authentic Irish bar, owned and staffed by Irish people, the Heather is also the best place to tuck into a hearty Irish breakfast (available weekends until 2pm).
212 Carrall St.; Vancouver, BC; 604-688-9779; www.irishheather.com
Tags: international travel | bar | bar menu
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