Even sports bars like The Pint hit right when there's a game on that I don't care about, because I am there for the memories. Let's level though — not every bar with a line out the door deserves it. You know the ones. The places that make every "Best Bars" list but leave you wondering if you're the only one who didn't have the time of your life.
Here's my take on where to go when you're officially over the hype, or when you need a reminder of which spots hit without trying too hard.
For rooftop patios... Black + Blue ➡️ Joe Fortes
Price: 💸💸💸
Address: 777 Thurlow St., Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: These two rivals are basically neighbours, and I'll admit, back in the day, Black + Blue was the place to be. Back when Trattoria on 4th was the hottest spot in town, and Glowbal Group had a chokehold on this city.
But times have changed, and the fact that Joe Fortes hasn't is exactly what makes it iconic.
Now, for any non-natives, Joe Fortes may seem like an odd choice, because Robson Street is a tourist trap (they turned the HMV into a Victoria's Secret and I'll never forgive them).
As true Vancouverites know though, sometimes its so bad, it's good. There's something about Joe Fortes and their staircase piano and checkerboard floors that gives off old-money New York energy.
The steak is fine, but the oyster bar is great, and their seasonal rooftop patio? My hands-down favourite in the city. Fake grass and all.
Joe Fortes Menu
For regular patios... Dockside ➡️ Sing Sing
Price: 💸💸
Address: 2718 Main St., Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: If there's one thing a city that rains over 150 days a year loves, it's the few precious days you can actually sit outside on a patio.
Growing up, a ton of my friends worked at Dockside, so I was there a lot (because — free drinks).
Dockside was always Granville Island's crowning jewel (after the kids market, which I still love as a 28 year old adult woman). But Granville Island? Not the vibe unless you're looking to make a pit stop at OPUS art supplies or have a 4 p.m. dinner with your grandparents.
If you're after a patio with a younger, buzzier crowd (where you might even grab a number or two), Sing Sing at 9 p.m. on a warm summer's evening is the move.
While it's popped off in recent years — and even opened a Commercial Dr. location — it's still the OG Main Street location that does it for me. That damn garage door patio keeps me coming back every time. It's breezy, and even if you're inside, because of the wide open layout, everyone feels part of the action.
Sing Sing is perfect for catching up with friends, getting buzzed on niche beers you've never heard of, and ordering bites once you're deep into a rant about your ex or your boss.
Personal faves? Pho Bo and the Chicken Katsu Burger.
Nightly Happy Hour: Runs nightly from 10 p.m. to close. $4 lager cans $6 "dad beers", $3 off cocktails, pizza, and pho, and 1/2 off select bottle wine.
For dive bars... The Cambie ➡️ Brickhouse Late Nite Bistro + Bar
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Dive Bar
Address: 730 Main St., Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: Look, The Cambie is basically a rite of passage. It's loud, sticky, and packed with backpackers who just discovered Canada. Last time I went, the DJ played "Despacito" seven times in a row — and the crowd went wild every time. Once you hit your late twenties though, the charm wears off.
That's where Brickhouse comes through. Still cheap, still grimy, but without the chaos. This is where locals go, and have been going for years. Brickhouse is another low-key, no-frills Vancouver institution that has lived many lives since 2009.
If you know how to play pool or know how to rope someone in to "teaching you" (it's giving Rom Com), this is the place for you.
For Karaoke... Fantacity ➡️ Funky Winker Beas
Price: 💸
Address: 37 W. Hastings St., Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: Funky Winker Beans is one of my favourite bars in Vancouver, and normally I would be worried about blowing up my spot, but Google that address and go on to "street view" and I'm pretty sure most of you won't have the balls to go.
Fantacity Karaoke is great if you want to keep the AP going and no one wants to trash their house, but here's the downside: private rooms only.
To me what makes a karaoke bar so fun is getting hammered and then singing the worst rendition of "Under the Bridge" in front of strangers who will boo you off the stage (can't just be me??). I have no desire to get a private room and drop money to throw back bottom-shelf vodka shots and sing Britney Spears with my besties. We can do that at home for free.
Funky Winker Beans is pure punk. Regulars, random metal heads, and a toilet seat you don't want to sit on.
For Games Bars... GRETA ➡️ Commodore Lanes
Commodore Bowling & Billiards.
Price: 💸
Address: 838 Granville St., Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: When GRETA first opened, there was a massive line down the block — because Vancouverites are some of the thirstiest people I know. Sure, the first few times, it's fun. But after a while? The novelty wears off.
Listen, I understand the appeal of games bars. In today's social media society, a lot of ya'll are straight up socially awkward (sorry, not sorry). Games can be a good distraction from a bad date or an easy icebreaker on a good one.
Run out of questions to ask? Just preoccupy yourself by throwing basketballs into tiny hoops two feet from your face. Going well? Wrap your arms around her and teach her how to free throw, and then pay your friend to pretend he's a stranger and say: "Mr. James, is that you?"
As a certified yapper though, I like a spot where the music isn't so loud that I have to ask a question 50 times and have someone nod and smile because they're too embarrassed to ask me to repeat myself.
For this reason, beloved bar and bowling alley Commodore Lanes is more my speed. It's giving Big Lebowski, not Dave and Busters. And IMHO, I think I don't think I need to expand further than that.
For Country Bars... Roxy Sundays ➡️ Yale Saloon
Price: 💸💸
Address: 1300 Granville St., Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: Roxy Sundays is where UBC kids in cowboy hats go to lose phones, one night of the week. Yale Saloon lives and breathes country, every night of the week.
There's line dancing three days a week, and a perfect mix of in-town regulars and out-of-town cowboys. Ladies, if you're looking to meet someone "not from around these parts," this is the place to be. There's dancing, there's a pool table, there's a mechanical bull, and a punching bag machine that will rob you blind.
There's also hella merch. Yes, I am a proud owner of a neon orange Yale Saloon hat. Who needs to go to Nashville for their bachelorette when you have the Yale down the street? No, seriously. They have bachelorette packages for one last good night on the town.
For Tiki Bars... The Shameful Tiki Room ➡️ Tiki Bar at The Waldorf
Price: 💸💸
Address: 1489 E Hastings St., Vancouver, BC
Why You Need To Go: The Shameful Tiki "Mystery Bowl" is one I have both cried and laughed into it. I'm a Tiki Bar aficionado — mostly because I love my cocktails blue and caloric.
Shameful Tiki Bar is sweet and reminds me of being 22 in the best way. I have the biggest and most beloved place for it in my heart, but apparently, the rest of the city also feels that way — because the wait times have become a little too long these days.
The Tiki Bar at The Waldorf, on the other hand, is one of my favourite lesser-known places. It's a bit rough around the edges, but isn't that kind of the point? This bar looks like it hasn't been renovated since 1979. There's live music and and endless supply of tiny umbrellas. I also think there is a weirdly sexy "anything can happen" vibe there.
The catch? The Tiki Bar is only open on select nights of the week – Friday and Saturday, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m..
If you ask me though, that just makes this novelty bar all that much more of a treat.
For Wine Bars... Bar Susu ➡️ La Fabrique St-George
Price: 💸💸
Address: .7, E 7th Ave., Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: I love Bar Susu — just like everyone else and all the "best of" list's in Vancouver. During my research though (A.K.A. drinking), I discovered Le Fabrique St. George, and honestly? It hits different.
Bar Susu is polished but Le Fabrique feels more special, and not in that typical, minimalist Vancouver way. It's a working neighbourhood winery-meets-lounge space with an artisan edge.
There's a fridge stocked with "picnic staples" like Spanish olives, tinned seafood, vegan cheeses, fresh sourdough, and fancy imported chocolates. It's casual, but curated.
They also serve espresso from House of Funk, and on weekends there's live jazz (Wednesdays and Saturdays) and piano (alternating Sundays). With its open and design-forward interior, and relaxed energy, it feels like a slice of Los Angeles in the best way.
It's intimate, a little eccentric, and still just under the radar — exactly how you want your wine bars.
For Live Music Bars... Guilt & Co. ➡️ LanaLou's Restaurant
Price: 💸
Address: .362 Powell St., Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: I am a big believe that live music should be accessible. While Guilt & Co. is safe (and let's be honest, kind of bougie) LanaLou's is way more punk rock, edgy, and way less touristy.
If someone took me out to LanaLou's I'd immediately think they're actually plugged into the scene. It's giving cool without trying, unlike someone who just googled "best bars Vancouver".
No shade to Guilt & Co — I know ya'll are thriving — but sometimes you've gotta boost the little guy. Especially in this economy.
For Low-Key Bougie Yaletown Bars... Banter Room ➡️ The Greek Gastown
Price: 💸
Address: .362 Powell St., Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: In the age-old debate of Banter Room vs. Parlour, I choose the secret third option: The Greek by Anatoli.
She is the girl next door (literally, like right beside Banter Room). Banter Room is a clubstaurant that after sunset, turns more club than restaurant, and The Greek is a clubstaurant that's more restaurant than club — so I guess, pick your poison?
Banter Room couldn't have a longer line (not like The Greek on a Saturday night is any easier to score a table at). But still, the energy at The Greek is fun as hell. Trust me on this one, because I used to work there (as a food runner, mind you).
At the end of the day, you don't need anything fancy — just good people, a glass to chug, and a seat to sit in!
The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
