Timber

/in /by Ben McRae

Located on the corner of Robson and Jervis, Timber boasts a beautiful space with floor to ceiling windows, an excellent craft beer list, and savoury Canadian comfort food. In paying tribute to B.C.’s rich timber history and the beauties who built our ‘True North Strong & Free!’, this is a can’t miss spot in Vancouver’s West End.

photo by Elle O’Brien

Timber’s dedication to using locally sourced products as well as making mostly everything in house is a testament to the passion of head Chef Chris Wittaker. A beacon of new-age thinking and local responsibility, the menu is very reasonably priced for the quality and offers food & drink specials every day!

photo by Elle O’Brien

Happy Hour runs every day of the week from 3-6pm where you can toss back an ice cold can of Central City beer for only $4! – Or munch on the 1/2 price snack menu while sipping on a $7 glass of wine. They also keep the party going by offering Happy Hour on Saturday & Sunday and weekend Happy Hours are harder to come by so take advantage!

photo by Elle O’Brien

Bring on more drink specials! Who doesn’t love 1/2 price bottles of wine? Timber knows that by mid-week everyone could use a little pick me up, which is why they offer 1/2 off their entire wine list every Wednesday! Looking to wet your whistle with some local craft beer? Head to Timber for their Kill the Keg Thursdays, featuring $5 sleeves of craft beer until the keg is gone!

photo by Elle O’Brien

If you came for Timber’s glorious craft beer list you’ll soon fall to the temptation of their down right delicious food menu! Head Chef Chris Whittaker’s philosophy sums up what makes this Robson Street restaurant a stand out in Vancouver’s diverse culinary scene. “Respect our land and water. Use local suppliers: small farms and wild food. Nose-to-tail cooking. On premises baking and preserving. Use all resources wisely and – in the end – waste nothing”. A beautiful philosophy that serves as the foundation for a beautiful establishment. Put Timber on your list of spots to check out and you’ll see what we’re talking about! Until next time…

Timber’s Official Patio Launch Party on Saturday May 12th, from 3-9pm. Featuring Bomber Brewing $15 Pitchers of Park Life Passion Fruit Ale & Skyline Lager!

For more information:

TIMBER
1300 ROBSON ST.
VANCOUVER, BC
V6E 1C5

(604) 661-2166

timbervancouver.com

 

Yagger’s Downtown

/in /by Ben McRae

Yagger’s Downtown has rolled out their ridiculous Happy Hour menu! $3.50 cans of Pilsner, $3.50 Highballs, and $5 Appetizers… like I said, ridiculous!

Yagger’s Happy Hour menu is proof that establishments that are passionate about providing Vancouverites the opportunity to go out drinking and not break the bank still exist. What a concept!
Last week I visited Yagger’s and got to indulge in the Happy Hour goodness. I grew up drinking Old Style Pilsner and was stoked to find out they’re only $3.50. The perfect time to call up the bros and get down to some serious drinking. Not a beer drinker? Not a problem, Yagger’s is offering $4.13 glasses of wine as well as $3.50 highballs! Imagine, you can pay for the entire bill, look like a boss, and you’ll still have money to waste at an over priced night club!
Do yourself a favour and check out Yagger’s downtown restaurant & sports bar. The drink prices are definitely some the best in the city and I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious the food is. Yagger’s is proud of making all of their items fresh and in house. Soups, sauces, burger patties, and wing sauces are all originals and made from scratch! I love a great deal so hit Yagger’s Happy Hour from 3-6pm Monday to Friday and 4-6pm Saturday and Sunday.
Thanks for reading and following along as we drink our way through Vancity!

For more information:

YAGGER’S DOWNTOWN
433 W PENDER ST.
VANCOUVER, BC
V6B 1V2

(604) 602-7030

yaggers.com/yaggers-downtown

 

Monkey 9 Brewing Company

/in /by Ben McRae

Craft beer, big screen tv’s, wood fired pizzas, and a bowling alley?!? Monkey 9 Brewing Co has all the ingredients for an awesome night! Located on Richmond’s Entertainment Boulevard, Monkey 9 Brewing takes advantage of the vast amount of land our suburbs provide and utilizes every square foot! Ever found yourself roaming the streets of Vancouver with a group of friends only to find every bar is at capacity? You’ll never have that problem at Monkey 9 Brewing. It boast a spacious layout with ample seating and viewing areas. But what about all this craft beer I’ve been hearing about? Tucked in the background are giant vats of delicious craft beer brewed on site by local Brew Master Travis Lang.

Travis rolled out the red carpet with a behind the scenes tour and even let me try some of his pet projects like the Belgian Waffle Ale and the Banana Hef! After two minutes with Travis you understand how passionate he is about locally sourcing high quality ingredients to make the best beer he can. I love his grass roots approach to brewing craft beer and I’m satisfied to know that Vancouver has gained another passionate brewer! Monkey 9 Brewing Co. is a brew-pub with an excellent menu featuring wood fired pizza’s and a craft beer list with 6 beers brewed right on location! If you thought the fun stopped their you’ll be pleasantly surprised that the brew-pub is attached to a massive bowling alley where you can sip on a beer and go for the coveted Turkey XXX!

I had such a blast at Monkey 9 Brewing I’m seriously considering having my birthday party there. They can accommodate large groups and I like the idea of having an activity to enjoy besides guzzling craft beer! You have to check this place out and if you’re looking for a sweet deal hit it for happy hour 2-5pm daily and indulge in $3.50 craft beers!

I’m always stoked when bars push the boundaries and provide a unique and lasting experience. Monkey 9 Brewing Co. is a great addition to Vancouver’s growing craft beer scene! Born from opportunity, in the year of the monkey, Monkey 9 Brewing is a passionate group people who love good beer and a good time. The number nine represents positivity, gratification, togetherness, magic and wisdom. After sipping on a flight of locally sourced craft beer and soaking in the atmosphere you’ll see why the name is so appropriate. Until next time my fellow beer enthusiasts.

For more information:

MONKEY 9 BREWING CO.
14200 ENTERTAINMENT BLVD.
RICHMOND, BC
V6W 1H8

(604) 370-7363

monkey9.ca

 

Nomad Restaurant

/in /by Logan Brown

You and your bestie are lounging in your apartment, both approaching dangerous hangry levels and craving a drink after a long week at work. “Why don’t we hit up Main Street?” your pal pipes up. While it’s a great suggestion, it barely narrows anything down. With such a diverse food & drink scene, Main Street can be an overwhelming destination. But fear not friends, your dining dilemma can be solved with a trip to Nomad Restaurant. Located directly on Main, tucked between 23rd and 24th Ave., Nomad boasts delicious Pacific Northwest inspired cuisine with a focus on local house-made ingredients, for both kitchen and bar.

photo by Logan Brown

We were lucky enough to come in on a Tuesday, when Nomad has a $15 Burger & Beer deal, with the burger changing each week. They also had all day Happy Hour, and yes, you read that correctly. $5 Imperial Pints, $6 Negronis and $6 Femme Fatales, a Nomad signature cocktail with lavender vodka, ginger, lemon and topped with a little bubbly.

photo by Logan Brown

We sat at the bar and were greeted by Phil, the bartender. He and the rest of the staff were friendly and engaging, and really made the experience one to remember. We started with a Femme Fatale & a Rachel’s Fantasy, two of Nomad’s signature cocktails, and after that we let Phil take the wheel with the Dealer’s Choice option. However vague or specific, simply tell the bartender what you feel like drinking and they will create a cocktail tailored to your tastes. He hit the nail on the head every time, creating offerings that ranged from a Mezcal Tobacco Vanilla Sour to a Lavender Raspberry Citrus Punch. We would definitely recommend putting your faith in the skilled bartenders and have a unique cocktail created just for you.

photo by Logan Brown

The kitchen also managed to blow us away with their creative takes on seemingly ordinary dishes. The house-made sourdough changes every few days and is served with herb butter and addictive smoked chilli salt. We followed up with Sticky Berkshire Pork Belly, with cauliflower florets and puree and topped with a crispy chicharron. And of course, we couldn’t resist trying the Tuesday burger special- this week’s being a 100% grass-fed beef patty, apple fennel mustard, pear barbeque sauce and bourbon onion aioli. The quality of the ingredients really shined through and made for some mouth-watering dishes.

photo by Logan Brown

photo by Logan Brown

The space is warm, casual and inviting, and is the perfect backdrop for that perfect Instagram post. High ceilings, minimalistic artwork, lots of wood and a tiny succulent placed on each table manage to create a trendy vibe without trying too hard. The restaurant is on the smaller side, giving it an intimate feel and allowing you to actually be able to hold a conversation with your guests.

photo by Logan Brown

Nomad offers up a fine dining experience with no fuss and lots of personality. So next time you and your buddy are mindlessly scrolling through Yelp and can’t decide between Mexican or Vietnamese, save yourself the headache and stop into Nomad, your taste buds will thank you.

photo by Logan Brown

 

For more information:

Eight 1/2 Restaurant Lounge

/in /by Leah Bens

What better way to break the Monday blues than a few drinks and a good laugh? With its live stand up comedy night paired with $4 drink specials, Eight 1/2 Restaurant Lounge is definitely the place to be on a Monday night. Just tucked in behind the crossroads of 8th and Broadway, this quaint little lounge provides a super convenient spot for an after work pick me up.

photo by Leah Bens

Eight and a Half provides casual dining that focuses on simple, local ingredients in order to create a uniquely ‘Vanouverite’ ambiance. And its this laid back vibe that really outlines Eight and a Half as a place to unwind. On Mondays they offer $4 select draught beers paired with $10 perogies, which I’m sure we can all agree is the perfect way to start off a casual night out!

photo by Leah Bens

In addition to its daily features, we were surprised to see the variety of different twists on classic cocktails. We started off the night with cucumber mojitos-a refreshing change from the classic recipe. The White Peach and Wild Berry Moscow Mules were another example of a delicious alternative that really supplemented the unique taste of this lounge.

photo by Leah Bens

Whether it be the casual aesthetic of cocktails served in mason jars, or the unique martini names that outline the flavours of Vancouver; something about Eight 1/2 Restaurant Lounge really makes you feel at home. However, the highlight of this lounge is definitely its Monday night special, which features live stand up comedy starting at 9pm.

The comedians were hilarious-obviously- and it makes you feel good to support local talent. Hope to see you there this Monday!

photo by Leah Bens

photo by Leah Bens

For more information:

EIGHT 1/2 RESTAURANT LOUNGE
153 E 8th AVE
VANCOUVER, BC
V5T

(604) 568-2703

eightandahalf.ca

Where to go in Vancouver for a Special Occasion – Seasons in the Park

/in /by Ben McRae

We all have a friend, partner, or spouse that needs to feel extra special from time to time. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or you’re really in the dog house, a dinner at Seasons in the Park will solve all your problems! I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Seasons in the Park’s top-level service, hand crafted cocktails, and mouth watering dishes. These three components added with the amazing view inspired me to pay homage to this Vancouver gem.

seasons in the park

photo by Ben McRae

As a married man, I’m fully aware of important dates throughout the year and the significance they mean to my wife. In my experience, an amazing dinner in a beautiful setting always does the trick! Seasons in the Park is perched on top of Vancouver’s highest point situated in Queen Elizabeth Park. The view is spectacular as you take in the entire city with the mountains painted in the background.

seasons in the park

photo by Ben McRae

The service I experienced at Seasons was high level. Which is key when your celebrating a special occasion and you want everything to go smoothly. Our server guided us through the menus as we picked the Piquante Prawns and White Wine Mussels to start followed by the Veal T-bone and Red Wine Truffle Rack of Lamb!

seasons in the park

photo by Ben McRae

seasons in the park

photo by Ben McRae

I always take advantage of the house cocktail list and suggest sipping on their signature “The Vancouver”. Seasons in the Park has an impressive wine list and I loved how much they support BC wines. I sipped on Burrowing Owl’s Cabernet Franc pairing beautifully with the Veal T-bone and was taken to a place of euphoria. Add the world class view and you have the setting for the perfect night!

Next time you need to impress that special somebody, reserve a table at Seasons in the Park and let them do the rest!

seasons in the park

photo by Ben McRae

For more information:

Jules Casual French Bistro

/in /by Ben McRae

If you’re looking for an authentic French experience, start your night out at Jules Casual French Bistro. Located in the heart of Gastown, Jules offers French cuisine at a very reasonable price. We all know a night out in Vancouver can be expensive, but if you plan your night right you might be surprised how reasonable it is!

jules casual french bistro

photo by Ben McRae

Jules Bistro’s happy hour offers $5 glasses and $25 bottles of wine! The selections of wine at Jules Bistro provide a delicate yet sophisticated French taste that I’ve grown so fond of. What better way to accompany a delicious French wine than decadent appetizers! Jules offers $8 Happy Hour Food Menu with tasty dishes such as Mussels, Charcuterie Platters, and Crab Salad Rolls! Remember when I said a night out in Vancouver can be reasonable, you just need to remember when and where to go! Jules’s happy hour runs from 2:30pm – 5:30pm, Tuesday – Sunday. This makes Jules a prime spot for casually catching up with friends before you hit the town.

jules casual french bistro

photo by Ben McRae

If you’re like me, a couple drinks during happy hour can turn into a full-blown dining experience! If you’re feeling the vibe and service, why leave? Which is exactly what happened to my date and I after a few rounds. How can you resist tantalizing options like Foie Gras and Escargot along with classic dishes like their Brome Lake duck confit!

jules casual french bistro

photo by Ben McRae

The friendly and knowledgeable service team manages to be on point and yet give you space and time to wind down and relax. I’ve had experiences where I’ve felt rushed in Vancouver when having dinner and drinks. I’m not sure if it’s me, the server or if it’s a Vancity thing but that’s not how the French do it! Jules Bistro provides the calming romantic French vibe that is intoxicating. Next time you’re looking for a spot to have dinner and drinks, try Jules Casual French Bistro and remember to catch happy hour!

jules casual french bistro

photo by Ben McRae

jules casual french bistro

photo by Ben McRae

For more information:

Banter Room

/in /by Ben McRae

The Banter Room, located in the sometimes stuffy but always sexy Yaletown, is a breath of fresh air. The reason, it walks the fine line of being upscale, bougey, and classy without being pretentious. The Banter Room is like being at a friend’s house, if you’re friend is a millionaire and the best host ever!

banter room

photo by Ben McRae

We fell in love with the couch seating, the poutine, and the one of a kind Champagne vending machine! Yes, you are reading this correctly, they have a Champagne vending machine stocked with Moet! You have to check out Thursday nights for $30 mini btl’s and $100 full sized btl’s of Moet. A hundred dollars to pop fine Champagne in Yaletown! I never thought I’d see the day.

Banter Room

photo by Ben McRae

As I mentioned before, Banter Room cuts down the veils of pretension that plague Yaletown by offering Happy Hour and Daily Drink Specials in a comfortable yet refined setting. The inviting space combined with ultra cool staff will make you feel like you never want to leave, and that’s fine!

Banter Room

photo by Ben McRae

We love the family style platters as everything is meant to be shared among friends. This creates a social atmosphere and encourages us Vancouverites to open up and enjoy the beautiful people that inhabit this city. The Banter Room is a breath of fresh air and is spot you need to check out!

banter room

photo by Ben McRae

Happy Hour Daily from 2pm-5pm

$4 Hey Y’all + Banter Lager

$5 P49 Wobbly Pop Ale

$5.50 Nude Strawberry Kiwi Vodka Soda

$6 Malbec/Pinot Gris

 

For more information:

Juniper – Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018

/in /by Ben McRae

Dine Out Vancouver Fest is a time for trying that restaurant that you’ve always wanted to but somehow never have. Juniper, located in Vancouver’s vibrant Chinatown, has been on my list for a while and I finally had the pleasure of experiencing one of my new favorite spots!

juniper kitchen and bar

photo by Ben McRae

Juniper

I was instantly impressed by the extensive hand-crafted cocktail list boasting made in house syrups, tinctures, all made with premium spirits. The “Necessities” cocktail made with local espresso liqueur, aviation gin, rose wine, and an espresso gel rim is one of the best cocktails I’ve had in the last year!

The Dine Out experience offered by Juniper is about utilizing local makers and celebrating the best of the Cascadian region. Our first course consisted of beets, grilled with soft farmhouse cheese and roasted hazelnut or a choice of salmon, lightly cured with rye crackers and creme fraiche and dill vinaigrette. The dishes were delicate and rich and paired beautifully with their unique cocktails.

juniper kitchen and bar

photo by Ben McRae

Dine Out is all about decadence! With this in mind my guest and I went for the $7 upgrade (well worth it) and indulged in the bison braised short rib on celery root puree with roasted sunchokes and heirloom carrots. The braised bison was tender and delicious! I had had a moment as I was enjoying this dish while sipping on a beautiful cocktail that reminded me why I’ve been passionately following Vancouver’s drinking and dining scene for the last 7 years.

juniper kitchen and bar

photo by Ben McRae

Vancouver is constantly growing and developing which creates the platform for establishments to experiment and innovate! Whether it’s a cocktail list with ingredients you’ve never heard of or a dish you’d never think of. Experiencing the creativity of mixologists and chefs that let their passion shine through their creations is an elevated dining experience. Experiences like the one I had at Juniper adds to the culture of Vancouver as well as your own.

juniper kitchen and bar

photo by Ben McRae

As I said before, Dine Out is the perfect time for you to get out there and enjoy that restaurant that you’ve always wanted to try. For me, it was Juniper. With it’s Cascadian-inspired fare and unique and extensive cocktail list, I’ll definitely be back!

juniper kitchen and bar

photo by Ben McRae

juniper kitchen and bar

photo by Ben McRae

*Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018 – $40 three-course menu.

For more information:

Granville Room – Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018

/in /by Leah Bens

It’s easy to get lost in the vastness of downtown Granville Street. But hidden in in the nooks of Vancouver’s busiest streets you’ll find one of The Donnelly Group’s premiere cocktail taverns subtly rested; Granville Room.

granville room

photo by Leah Bens

Granville Room

Right off the bat we were introduced to a unique atmosphere, where the ambiance of a casual cocktail lounge met dainty sophistication. Everything from the brick walls to the nine-foot-high oak bar formed a one-of-a-kind aesthetic that’s not easily found within Vancouver’s bar scene.

With enthusiastic service and a welcoming cocktail menu, we were more than ready to kick off the night; And what better way than with Monday’s $7 Old Fashioned drink special?

Granville Room Dine Out Vancouver Festival

photo by Leah Bens

As inviting as the cocktail menu was, we were ready to dive into the Dine Out Vancouver Menu and their beautifully selected BC VQA wine pairings. Being as indecisive as we are, we decided to try all the different options as we could. For the appetizers we were shocked by the major flavour packed into the coconut fried prawns and the beef rib empanada. The Thinhorn Creek Merlot paired with the empanada was amazing, but it was the night’s only white wine pairing, the Desert Hills Voignier that really knocked our socks off (and at only $9 for a 6oz pour, you really can’t go wrong).

granville room in vancouver

photo by Leah Bens

But it was the entrees that really took the cake. We decided on the meatloaf grilled cheese paired with Quails Gate Cabernet Sauvignon, and the fried pork belly paired once again with the Thinhorn Creek Merlot. The caramelized onions and coleslaw in the grilled cheese were a bold spin on a classic—and did it ever work! But you really couldn’t top the unreal tenderness of the pork belly, something I had never tried before, but will definitely be back again for.

Granville Room Dine Out Vancouver Festival

photo by Leah Bens

We capped off the meal with both desserts, the chocolate praline bar and coconut panna cotta, which were the undisputed surprise of the night. Both were equally amazingly flavourful, and just the right size for a little treat. But of course, what would a dessert be without a fun cocktail to wash it down? We blindly chose the “Bye Felicia”, a completely unique spin on a coffee cocktail with Lot 40 Canadian Whiskey, and were surprised with blend of flavours that seemed to change with every sip. This was really the staple of Granville room’s vibe; a unique ambiance steeped with individuality. With the staff-run playlist setting the mood and the accommodating service by some of the friendliest bartenders I’ve met, you couldn’t help but feel good from the moment you walk through the doors. If you’re looking for a little retreat from the conventional, you can’t go wrong with Granville Room!

*Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018 – $20 three-course menu.

For more information: