No matter if your idea of a perfect night involves taking in a live show with a cold pint, tearing it up on the dance floor or throwing something fabulous and sipping a cocktail, these Vancouver nightlife options run the gamut.
For something a little out of the ordinary, check out the Vancouver TheatreSports™ League. This theatre seats up to 186 people, making it a fairly intimate show. While most comedy shows don't use much audience participation, that's what makes this evening of improv even more fun and hilarious.
If you're in the mood for tiki and strong drinks, head to The Shameful Tiki Room. As the name suggests, a few drinks here can leave you three sheets to the wind. Step inside this fun room and soak it all up.
Date night is always fun at the Fairmont Pacific Rim's Lobby Lounge. This lively hotel bar features live music seven nights a week and serves delicious cocktails with top-notch sushi. An added bonus would be to book a room and spend the night here.
One of the (many) good things about Vancouver is that the city itself isn't huge, so you can get a few things done in a super doable night.
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On most nights, Fortune Sound Club brings local and international DJs to the stage to create an all-night dance party, but you'll also find live music. Perched at the top of a dimly lit staircase in Vancouver's Chinatown, Fortune is a local favourite because of the diverse types of music they bring. From rock and punk to hip hop and electronica, you'll find all sorts of world-famous musicians. the world here. It's not a big club, which makes attending a live show here even better. They usually have their shows listed a few months in advance so you can get tickets in advance and not worry about missing out.
The Rosewood Hotel Georgia brings splendour and glamour to Vancouver; it should come as no surprise that it's been an iconic hotel since 1927. Prohibition is located in the basement of the hotel, and this bar and lounge exudes Roaring Twenties decadence from top to bottom. As you step through the arched doorway onto Howe Street and down the stairs, take a moment to soak it all in. From the rich décor and dimly lit atmosphere to the carefully selected drink options and service, Prohibition is a class act. As well as the atmosphere and drinks, there's also live music that adds a pleasant ambience to the space.
Sometimes atmosphere is everything, and that's exactly what The Narrow Lounge is known for. On the corner of Main St. and 2nd St. is a local favourite watering hole, and if you didn't know what you were looking for, you might miss it. To say it's discreet would be an understatement. Pro tip: look for the door with the red light above it. Go inside and down the long, dimly lit corridor and grab a stool at the bar. As the name suggests, the space is narrow and not huge, so it can fill up quite quickly. There's nothing extraordinary about the Narrow Lounge and that's what makes this hole-in-the-wall bar so great. When you're in the mood for a cold beer, a casual bite and some solid tunes while you catch up with friends, this place fits the bill.
For years, Calabash Caribbean Bistro has been a mainstay of Caribbean cuisine and live music in Vancouver. After one visit, you'll understand why. Head downstairs to the lounge where you'll find a cosy venue that hosts live music and DJs, depending on the night. Music is so deeply rooted in Caribbean history and Calabash brings that culture to life. What makes Calabash so special is that you can come for a delicious meal, then stay for drinks, music and dancing. For food, enjoy comforting classics like braised oxtail, free-range jerk chicken and jerk pork belly with coconut dumplings. Wash it all down with one of their special cocktails like the Calabash Dark and Stormy or the Bordertown Swizzle. The latter is made with homemade vanilla rum churned with soursop, pineapple and tamarind syrup, then topped with Baron Samedi.
This local gem serves freshly brewed draught beer in a beautiful contemporary space, perfect for a drink with friends. They brew all their own beers and ciders and there's a healthy variety to choose from. Glasses are available in 6oz, 10.5oz, 12oz and 24oz so you can try lots or just a little. When you find something you really like, grab a growler and ask them to fill it up so you can take it home to enjoy. They offer a variety of snacks and main courses to nibble on throughout the day. Late night meals include dishes like their homemade perogies which are pan-fried with caramelised onions and served with sour cream, bacon and coleslaw. How can you go wrong with beer and perogies? Capacity is 60, so it's best to go in small groups.
Wander the cobbled streets of Gastown and you'll find an underground lounge with a mix of live music and cocktails; making for the perfect night out. Located below The Local, you'll find the space cozy and intimate. Feeling hungry? There are plenty of casual bites that are ideal for sharing. The drinks menu is packed with delicious wines, beers and cocktails. With something going on all week, there's never a dull moment. Take a seat and enjoy an eclectic mix of musicians and performers. It's easy to miss Guilt & Co. if you don't know what you're looking for, so keep your eyes peeled for the sandwich board and a set of steps on the side of the building this space shares with Chill Winston.
Keefer Bar has been around for years and after trying a few of their cocktails, you'll understand why. What makes this place so special is the intimate environment and the delicious drinks. The cocktails are made with unique homemade tinctures, mixes and ingredients. They also have a small menu of tasty bites to nibble on while you enjoy a cocktail or two. The dimly lit, dark space itself isn't huge, but there's plenty of room to sit, given the size of the room. When the weather's nice, there's a large patio at the front which even has fire pits to add ambience and warmth. If you're planning to go with a group of 8 or more, a reservation is required.
Every evening, a live band, cold drinks and delicious food are available at the Lobby Lounge and Raw Bar. Located inside the luxurious Fairmont Pacific Rim, this lively spot is popular with hotel guests and locals alike. The high ceilings, dimly lit chandeliers and roaring fireplace create an inviting atmosphere, ideal for romantic rendezvous and getting together with friends. The cocktail menu offers inventive mixes based on top-of-the-range spirits and quality ingredients, while the wine list offers a wide choice. When hunger strikes, they have plenty of bar bites and an excellent sushi menu. The Lobby Lounge is always a good time and feels like a mini-vacay, even for locals.
Since Vancouver TheatreSports?? League founded in 1980, this comedy troupe has delighted countless people with shows brimming with quick wit and physical innovation. Here, improvisation techniques meet audience suggestions and interactions in a fun show of ad hoc comedy. No two shows are ever the same, so if you've been before, you should go again. Friday and Saturday nights tend to be dicey, but most performances are pretty tame. Alumni include the likes of Ryan Stiles and Colin Mochrie, who use their well-honed skills in the TV show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" Located on Granville Island, the theatre is easy to get to and there are plenty of restaurants nearby for dining before a show.
The Shameful Tiki Room is one of the most fun places to have a drink in Vancouver. Once inside, soak up the super kitsch decor, carved masks, art, retro lighting, Hawaiian advertisements and postcards are scattered throughout the room. With no windows in sight, the room is dimly lit, making it easy to forget the weather while you enjoy the ambience and cocktails. This 50-seater lounge fills up quickly. When it comes to drinks, expect lots of tropical ingredients and plenty of alcohol. Most contain between two and three ounces of alcohol. They also serve cocktails in bowls designed to be shared and are quite the performance piece. If you're hungry, they have a bunch of apps and mains to help you soak up the drinks. Think dishes like wings, sliders, tacos, poke, nachos and more.