Vancouver Nightlife Picks
After decades of restrictive laws, Vancouver drinkers can now stand tall and order that beer with no fear of being forced to purchase food, are the city is filled with bars, pubs, clubs, and cafes.
Best Wine Bar
900 West Lounge. 900 West is a classic hotel bar in the lobby of the grande dame Fairmont Hotel. The chairs are plush and deep, the wine list is impressive (the martinis rate, too), there's a pianist in the evenings, and a jazz trio plays late on Friday and Saturday nights. (900 West Georgia St; tel.
604/684-3131;
www.fairmont.com; Bus: 2, 22. SkyTrain: Burrard Station)
Best Bar with a View
Sylvia's Bar. Vancouver's oldest cocktail lounge (it opened in 1918) is a woody, cozy, comfortable spot off the lobby of the vine-covered Sylvia Hotel. The view of English Bay through big picture windows is sublime, especially at sunset. (1154 Gilford St; tel.
604/681-9321;
www.sylviahotel.com; Bus: 5, 6)
Best for Beer Lovers
Six Acres. This stylish little spot, with exposed brick walls and a woody atmosphere, keeps about three dozen carefully chosen beers from all over the world on tap. (203 Carrall St; tel.
604/488-0110;
www.sixacres.ca; Bus: 50. SkyTrain: Waterfront Station)
Best Subterranean Bowling
Commodore Lanes Bowling & Billiards. Located under the Commodore Ballroom, this place has been drawing local friends, groups, and folks on active dates since 1930. Your options are 5-pin bowling, billiards, arcade games, and beer -- though the latter is allowed only in a designated area behind the lanes. (838 Granville St.; tel.
604/681-1531; Bus: 5, 50)
Best Irish Pub
The Irish Heather. Vancouver's classic, old-time, authentic Irish bar recently moved from its original home to a similar space across the street, which retains much of the old ambiance but with a larger, less labyrinthine layout. (210 Carrall St.; tel.
604/688-9779;
www.irishheather.com; Bus: 50. SkyTrain: Waterfront Station)
Best Sports Bar
Shark Club Bar & Grill. Located close to Vancouver's two main team-sports venues, GM Place and BC Place, this giant chain sports bar has the requisite TVs (about three dozen of them), sports memorabilia, and tall tables for good views, but it's also got DJ entertainment after the game, and dancing on weekends. (180 W. Georgia St; tel.
604/687-4275;
www.sharkclubs.com; Bus: 15, 17. SkyTrain: Stadium/Chinatown Station)
Best Old-School Cocktails
George Ultra Lounge. Old-school cocktails, super-stylish decor, and beautiful people dominate the menu at this Yaletown chic-spot. There's a good tapas menu, but all that fresh fruit at the bar goes into the drinks. (1137 Hamilton St.; tel.
604/628-5555;
www.georgelounge.com; Bus: 6, C21, C23)
Best Gay Bar
1181. The city's Most stylish gay bar, with the requisite polished concrete floors, cushy seating, and shoulder-to-shoulder bar area. It's known for its sexy cocktails and creative martinis. (1181 Davie St; tel.
604/689-3991;
www.tightlounge.com; Bus: 6)
