Going out at night looks different for everyone; some like to enjoy a quiet one, indulge in liquid libations, go out on the dance floor with a bang, or laugh the night away in a comedy club. Whatever your preference may be, you can find what gets your groove going in Vancouver.
Happy Hour deals can be found all over Vancouver and attract locals that are in need of something to wash the day away and fill the hunger pains. When in Vancouver, indulge in oysters that are fresh from the Pacific waters that surround you. Many restaurants offer buck-a-shuck and can be paired with drink specials. The Oyster Bar and COAST are perhaps your best bet to get in on some oyster happy hour. The deal your getting on your oysters is the perfect excuse to indulge in some bubbles to pair with your gems of the ocean.
Bubbles at BlueWater Cafe — Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar
Beer lovers rejoice because the Alibi Room will douse you with choice, unique brews and a laid back atmosphere. The long communal give you the option to get to know your neighbors, and let's be honest, making new friends seem to be par for the course after a few. The beer menu changes occasionally and they offer beer flights so that you can sample a few different kinds, while still being able to gracefully walk out. If you're hungry, the menu is not your average pub fare and is satisfying and kind to your wallet.
Sip Restaurant — Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver
Mixology has been shaking up over town for a while now, but The Keefer Bar has it nailed down to an art. With one of a kind tinctures and premium booze, it's the perfect recipe for something delicious. The vibe of The Keefer is as cool as the drinks and draws upon its surroundings in Chinatown's natural healing stores. Think jars filled with healthful herbs along the wall, mixed with New York chic and random x-rays of cats on the walls. On Thursday night they do a Burlesque evening and it's best to get there before 10pm so that you can get a good seat.
Perhaps the idea of just sitting around chatting all night is enough to drive you to drink, and you would rather do something with your friends, while enjoying a drink. Well, Guilt and Co in Gastown, beneath Chill Winston, is the perfect place for you. The life size Jenga has built a reputation for maybe one of the best party-games in the city. Just be careful that you don't leave your drink on the floor because when those big wood bricks go crashing down, so will your drink. They also have live music, a burlesque night and other boardgames that you can rent out.
The Yale — Photo courtesy of Wendy D Photography
Every now and then it's fun to put on those dancing shoes and let loose on the dancefloor. You're not going to be limited to just one place to go out dancing, and depending on the type of music you like, there's a venue for you. If you're into Top 40 music, Bar None in Yaletown, and Pop Opera are where you can sing along to your favorites. Fortune Sound Club brings in international DJs to play their own unique sets, so it's best to see who is playing the night you plan on going.
If the idea of moving around from place-to-place stresses you out, the Waldorf has got you covered. Have some dinner and drinks at Nuba, then make your way across the hall to the Tiki Bar where remixed oldies gets your feet going, and finally head downstairs to dance the night away to the DJs music.
Yuk Yuk's is the best place if you're in the mood for a hearty gut laugh and is centrally located downtown on Burrard Street. There are two different shows, so you can always go out before or after and make a night of it. The comedians rotate and bring in traveling talent, so you're always going to be kept on your toes, not knowing what kind of joke will come out next.
The music junkie in you may want to check out an up and coming band, and the best place to do that is at the Media Club and the Commodore. The Commodore brings in international acts, whereas the Media Club has been the playing ground to some now major bands.
Vancouver is one of those city's where you can go out for a delicious dinner, head to a bar for a perfectly mixed cocktail, catch a concert at the Commodore, dance the night away, drop some coins in the casino slots, watch a live hockey game and enjoy a quiet nightcap in the cozy hotel lounges. Our nightlife is as diverse as our people.
