A short guide to places to check out for food and drinks in this beautiful city.
Once you have had your breathe taken away by the landscape of the North Shore mountains or the beauty of Stanley Park and you are all hiked out, I am sure many of you will be thirsty (or hungry) and require an establishment to enjoy a drink or sample some food.
I will give my personal opinion on places I have eaten in or enjoyed drinks at around certain areas of the city, listing prices from high end, middle ground to cheap and cheerful.
Coal Harbour - Expensive area filled with business people and on the water with a gorgeous view of the North Shore
- Cactus Club: The food is always fantastic, the atmosphere is always buzzing and with an array of female servers that would stray any male (or female) eye, this place is top of the list
- Carderos: Seafood restaurant with an interesting decor resembling on old boathouse. A bar only section if it's 'just drinks' or a full restaurant on the waters edge to enjoy a lovely romantic meal
- Mahony & Sons: Great place for drinks on a sunny day. Watch the float planes land on the water, breath taking scenery of the mountains on the North Shore & a wide range of beverages to enjoy (Food menu also available)
Gastown - The locals hang out here and it is full of breweries to enjoy different flavored beers & ales
- Lamplighter: - Very busy late in the evening with a fantastic vibe. Arcade machines & pool table for a bit of fun and games. Great selection of beers offered in a large venue
- The Local: - A newer bar developed on the success of their beach front bar in Kitsilano. Good pub food, large selection of beer and the unisex toilets they offer are becoming widely used in the city
- The Blarney Stone: - Where would I be without another Irish Bar option. Live music, cover charge late on but well worth the atmosphere if a night out is on the cards
Yaletown - High end area popular with the locals due to the array of bars on two strips all within a close walk
- Banter Room: - Definitely the current Hotspot where you can star spot the local hockey team (Canucks) on a regular basis, purchase a bottle of Moet & Chandon from a vending machine and enjoy a buzzing environment on most evenings
- The Keg: - A favorite of mine due to the rooftop bar and the Margaritas here are my preferred choice. Great food including delicious steaks, well packed burgers & a choice of tasty salads. Rooftop gets busy so get in early if you want a seat
- The Tavern at New Oxford: - I like to get down and dirty once in a while and with the busyness of the Yaletown 'yuppie' bars there is always space at The Tavern. Located downstairs at the New Oxford this venue offers cans for a favorable price, arcade machines (including pinball & Buck Hunter) and a snazzy Jack Daniels pool table for those that consider themselves a shark
Olympic Village - Great place to watch the boats come in on the harbor and close to the stadiums after a game
- Craft: - If you ever wanted to see a selection of beers that hits near the 100 mark then this is the place to go. If you leave here thirsty you have done it wrong!! The craft beer lovers are in heaven and for those of you that do not have the required palette...they still have a Bud Light on tap.
- Mahony & Sons: - The second of their 3 locations and this one is a must visit. Out on the patio watching the kayaks, yachts and paddle boarders cruise the harbor you can enjoy a few drinks and a great pub menu with some delicious British options to taste. Can I recommend the Yorkshire Pudding starter!!
- The Hurricane: - A quick hop on one of the many Aqua Buses chugging through the water and you dock at this great pub with a patio looking out to the super yachts. Reasonably priced with an array of beers and quality food I think it's definitely worth a stop
Granville Street - The main late night tourist area, blocked off on weekends due to the volume of people
- Cinema: - A classy bar at the beginning of the main strip (North end) offering a mature atmosphere but with the option of a shuffleboard game to fill the conversation break. A regular First Date venue for many ladies that agreed to a drink with yours truly
- The Famous Warehouse: - This is a must visit for any party goer. Many celebrities are spotted at this well-known dive bar. Line ups out front due to the consistent busy flow of traffic. Any meal at $5.99 and reasonably priced beer with the inclusion of specials such as PB&J (Pabst & Jameson shot) or a favorite of mine for those that dare, the Inception Bomb (Tequila shot, Jagerbomb & DR Pepper)
- The Roxy: - Ye olde favorite for most tourists and locals that drop their standards after too many drinks. More of a late night bar than a club. Cover charge at the door, country scene most nights and highly likely to find a fun, single counterpart, of the appropriate gender, to provide companionship for the evening...if you get my drift.
That should cover the Downtown part of the city but for those that are visiting the North Shore for a hike, a ski or god forbid the Grouse Grind (I salute you brave people) here are a few extra options to consider.
North Shore
- Earls (West Vancouver): - A new addition to Ambleside with a great view of downtown and a patio to please those after a bit of sunshine. Still very busy due to it's recent opening but great food, a wide selection of drinks and a classy vibe for those looking for something a little high end
- The Taphouse (at Park Royal Village): - One of my most frequented bars due to the relaxed atmosphere and buzzing vibe. I have spent many nights at the bar, hit up there themed parties for New Year and Halloween but also enjoyed the quality food they offer and the line up of craft beers available (and Budweiser on tap too) Owned by the Cactus Club brand its standards are kept very high but in a comfortable setting. (FREE POOL TABLE TOO)
- Tap 'N' Barrel (North Vancouver): - Located at Lower Lonsdale, a fast developing area with bars and restaurants, this venue has one of the biggest patios in North America. Located right on the water at the Quay you have a great view of downtown, another lengthy line up of beers and wine made in local areas in BC and a mouth-watering menu to suppress the appetite. A short walk from here to the Sea bus if the plan is to head out for the evening in the downtown area.
Enjoy and feel free to leave any feedback & other suggestions.
Thanks for reading,
Oly
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