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Black + Blue – Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2018

/in /by Ben McRae

Now that Dine Out Vancouver is upon us it’s time to start treating ourselves to the finer things in life at a price that’s easy to swallow. There’s no better spot for that than Black + Blue by Glowbal Restaurant Group. We were invited to a Dine Out preview with them last week and are excited to recommend them as a must-visit during this year’s event.

black + blue by glowbal group

photo by Ben McRae

Black + Blue

In the words of their head chef, they’re getting back to solid cooking and avoiding overly complicated dishes to make sure that guests get the full enjoyment of the items on the plate. Their Dine Out menu stays true to this, and there is something for everyone on the spread, including fish, vegetarian, and vegan dishes. But, of course, steak. As the chef himself puts it: “we’re a steakhouse.”

black + blue by glowbal group

photo by Ben McRae

To start, they have the options of a hearty and wholesome mushroom soup, a cheesy kale caesar salad, and a pork shoulder terrine that will make want a second instead of a main. But the main course is the real hero here – your choice of a harissa-crusted tuna loin, Jasper grilled tofu, and, of course, a savoury slow-roasted striploin with potato gratin and smoked onion jus. All of the entrees are fantastic, but they ensure that they impress with the steak option. The striploin, carved into two slices for easy sharing, will melt in your mouth while you wonder if you can order a cup of jus to sip on. To finish, they’re serving a black forest cake that anyone will still have room for. At $40, the meal is truly a steal during the Dine Out season.

black + blue by glowbal group

photo by Ben McRae

The room itself feels like you’ve taken a trip to when dining was a real and elegant experience. You can enjoy an expansive three-level space, anchored by a ‘cloud of gold’ that can be viewed from wherever you are in the room. From their display of the finest cuts of steak available in town, to their phenomenal service, you feel confident that you’re in the hands of a top-tier restaurant.

black + blue by glowbal group

photo by Ben McRae

black + blue by glowbal group

photo by Ben McRae

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

For more information:

BLACK + BLUE
1032 ALBERNI ST
VANCOUVER, BC
V6Z 2V6

(604) 637-0777

glowbalgroup.com/blackblue

 

Taco Tuesdays at El Camino’s on Main Street

/in /by Ben McRae

Tuesday’s have never tasted better! El Camino’s, located on Main and 16th, is a small Latin American inspired restaurant that serves nothing but big flavours! Enter the doors with a warm welcome and instantly be captivated by the unique setting and vibe. Let their knowledgeable and charming bartenders recommend drinks while telling stories about the origins of many of their delicious tequila’s and mezcals.

el caminos taco tuesday

photo by Ben McRae

Taco Tuesday’s featuring 2 tacos for 6$ (frijoles were our favourite ?) as well as their amazing happy hour specials make El Camino’s a staple for us! $3 el tigre shots are great way to wash down tacos and complimentary tajin seasoned popcorn. If you’re looking for a unique spot where you’ll definitely have a blast with friends check out El Camino’s on Main Street. Do yourself a favour and hit it during Happy Hour!

el caminos happy hour

photo by Ben McRae

El Camino’s Glorious Happy Hour?
• MAIN ST. PILSNER $4
• EL TIGRE SHOT $3
• PALOMA COCKTAIL $6
• HOUSE RED & WHITE $5

MONDAY TO THURSDAY: 5-6pm & 10PM-CLOSE
FRIDAY: 4-6pm & 10PM-CLOSE
SATURDAY: 3-6PM & 10PM-CLOSE
SUNDAY: 3PM-CLOSE

el caminos taco tuesday

photo by Ben McRae

el camino taco tuesday

photo by Ben McRae

For more information:

Atlas Steak + Fish

/in /by Bianca Yeung

Pulling into Grand Villa Casino’s parkade, I remarked to my date, Jen, how I couldn’t remember the last time I dined in Burnaby. Born, raised, and still living in Burnaby, it was a facetious dig at my own neighbourhood with – embarrassingly – an element of truth. With Vancouver’s booming culinary scene and Arby’s departure from Metrotown, I seldom found reasons to dine east of Boundary Road. My experience at Atlas Steak + Fish this week may be enough to change that.

atlas steak fish

photo by Bianca Yeung

ATLAS Steak + Fish

Nestled in a gambler’s haven, the debaucherous mood shifted quickly as we entered. Greeted by a chorus of warm, front-of-house staff and a live piano rendition of Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up, my dining-in-Burnaby apprehensions were put to rest. Dominion Street cleaned up pretty good.

We kicked off our evening with two signature Atlas cocktails: the El Diablo and the Anejo Old Fashioned. Theatrics are not in short supply at Atlas; the lime garnish on my El Diablo erupted into sparks as the bartender set the orange peel in Jen’s Anejo Old Fashioned ablaze. The pyromanic displays were nearly as stimulating as the cocktails themselves. The El Diablo was fruity and tangy, with invigorating effervescence, while the Anejo Old Fashioned offered a mellow, oaky palate, tinged with smoky sweetness. Atlas serves up an admirable aged-tequila interpretation of a traditionally whiskey-based cocktail, making the Anejo Old Fashioned our favorite drink of the night.

atlas steak fish

photo by Bianca Yeung

On With the Show

Enveloped in Atlas’ showmanship, it was only fitting that we ordered the tableside Caesar salad as our appetizer. Our server, Hassan, promptly carted out a smattering of raw ingredients, mise en place. During the 15-minute preparation, Hassan enthusiastically narrated each step in detail, as though he didn’t have any other tables to attend to. Jen and I, both jaded serving veterans, joked about the slapdash Caesar salad our guests would have to stomach if it were up to us. Fortunately, Hassan was a true professional, so we had the pleasure of enjoying a delicious, garlicky tableside Caesar salad.

Jen and I both ordered the beef tenderloin (Alberta Angus Reserve) as our next course. Between the two of us, we cut into 18-ounces of smoky, nutty flesh that smoldered in a mesquite-fired Josper oven, a five-figure kitchen appliance boasting grill-oven duality. Our steaks were cooked to rare perfection and heightened by creamy, brie-infused mashed potatoes and fragrant roasted wild mushrooms.

atlas steak fish

photo by Bianca Yeung

Can’t Help Falling in Love

As our song request (Can’t Help Falling in Love) tapered off the piano, we capped off our night with two glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot (Arrogant Frog, 2013) and a crème brûlée.

The crème brûlée was velvety and rich with a buzz of vanilla bean. Even after two tasty appetizers and scrumptious 9-ounce steaks, our arms reflexively reached for more after the first bite.

Digging around the mason jar to recover all of the custardy decadence, I heard myself telling Jen my plans to return to Atlas.

See you in Burnaby.

atlas steak fish

photo by Bianca Yeung

For more information:

Happy Hour on Main Street

/in /by Bob Pember

For our next neighbourhood feature we’re looking at some of our favourite happy hour spots on Main Street. This part of town is no stranger to craft beer and delicious cocktails as its one of Vancouver’s most prominent restaurant scenes. Here’s where we like to unwind with some cheap drinks and snacks on Main –

 

The Whip Restaurant

209 East 6th Ave.

Happy hour Monday – Friday with $5 highballs, house wine, and beers.

happy hour main street

The Whip Restaurant and Gallery is a neighbourhood favourite in a funky loft space featuring a rotating exhibition of local artists. This cozy, relaxed atmosphere encourages lingering over lunch or dinner with a menu highlighting an eclectic mix of market fresh and organic vegetarian dishes, burgers, Ocean Wise fish, and locally-sourced meat dishes. The Whip showcases local microbrews and features a weekly cask brew from a wealth of Vancouver breweries tapped every Sunday at 4pm.

Locus Restaurant and Lounge

4121 Main Street

Happy hour 3 – 6 daily with $4 beers, $5 wine, and $5 caesars and black lemonades.

happy hour main street

The Locus Restaurant offers an eclectic fusion of modern and classic favourites. The staff sources the best local and seasonal ingredients to create globally inspired, innovative dishes and delicious daily specials. Visit the Locus Restaurant and enjoy the natural yet unique and dynamic, gothic décor. The atmosphere is friendly, cozy, and casual.

The Reef

4172 Main Street

Happy hour 4 – 6 PM and 9 PM – close daily with $4 drinks and half price tacos.

happy hour main street

Enjoy the edible treasure of the tropics with their eclectic Caribbean fare and drinks.

The Reef’s menus are complete with plates inspired by the styles and tastes of the Caribbean.

Vibrant colours, tropical plants, and kitschy signs create a casual, fun atmosphere. The friendly and personable staff keeps the vibe upbeat and always make for a good place to unwind.

Meet on Main

4288 Main Street

Happy hour daily 3 – 6 PM with $4 sleeves and $5 snacks.

happy hour main street

Meet is a comfortable room and  inviting space where people leave happy and full without a compromise on choice or satisfaction. Rely on them for a tasty cocktail and even tastier food. A place to get food and drink the way you want it – neighbourhood prices, lots of choice and a philosophy of casual comfort.

The Five Point

3124 Main Street

Happy hour 3 – 6 PM Monday – Thursday with $3 beers.

happy hour main street

The Five Point Restaurant’s stunning turn of the century chandelier, friendly service and innovative menu has made this local the brightest restaurant on Main Street. With a focus on fresh ingredients, good wine and an upbeat relaxed atmosphere The Five Point Restaurant and Pub is an essential part of Main Street’s restaurant and nightlife culture. Complete with an awesome South-West facing patio there is no better place to relax on the block.

 

How to Have the Best Basic Birthday in Vancouver

/in , /by Bella Tang-Graham

Your true friends will always arrive at your door bearing champagne and orange juice to kick start the day’s festivities. No basic Vancouver birthday is complete without a mimosa (or six): the pregame for birthday brunch is vital. Pick an aesthetic spot to insta-story your first beverages and head out to brunch.

Best Basic Vancouver Birthday

photo by Bella Tang-Graham

Catch 122 Cafe Bistro

We chose Catch 122 and ordered an Espressotini (for the sleepy friend), a Bourbon Bellini (for the friend not willing to give up on the bubbles yet) and a Rosemary Maple Bourbon Sour (for the classy friend). All three were delicious and had us feeling warm, fuzzy, and ready to carb up. Try the breakfast sandwich, with thick cut bacon, folded scrambled eggs, avocado and caramelized onion goat cheese, or the lamb and eggs with braised lamb shoulder and polenta. Equipped with a brunch and a buzz, take on the day’s activities with the confidence of someone who is day drunk at two in the afternoon on a Monday.

Best Basic Vancouver Birthday

photo by Bella Tang-Graham

The Flying Pig Gastown

After draining our savings accounts on Robson for a few hours, we headed to Flying Pig Gastown: the iconic Vancouver birthday dinner spot. Here, you can spoil the birthday girl (or boy) with bottles of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, gingery Moscow mules, a walnut old-fashioned that tastes like maple walnut ice cream and Burt Reynolds shots sure to make you feel fresh the following morning. Sober up with the decadent truffle mac and cheese, lemony, parmesan-topped crispy Brussels sprouts and the wild seafood pappardelle with brin fresh seafood and a spicy rose sauce. The Flying Pig also kindly provided us with a giant piece of vanilla-chocolate cake the size of the birthday girl’s (beautiful) head.

Best Basic Vancouver Birthday

photo by Bella Tang-Graham

Best Basic Vancouver Birthday

photo by Bella Tang-Graham

Best Basic Vancouver Birthday

photo by Bella Tang-Graham

The Diamond

Finish a perfect evening heart-racingly close to the suave cast of Riverdale at The Diamond. Fan girl at the top of Jughead Jones’ toque-clad head, one booth over, as you sip your Gassy Jack’s Lady made with local crème de cassis, amontillado sherry, and lemon. Try not to trip down the Diamond’s stairs as you side-eye FP Jones and Kevin Keller on your way out. Get home safe to the loving embrace of your bed, head swimming with birthday friend-love, an unseemly amount of cocktails, and dreams of horseback riding into the sunset with Cole Sprouse. Till next year!

Best Basic Vancouver Birthday

photo by Bella Tang-Graham

For more information:

CATCH 122 CAFE BISTRO
122 W HASTINGS ST.
VANCOUVER, BC
V6B 1G8

catch122.ca

THE FLYING PIG
102 WATER ST.
VANCOUVER, BC
V6B 1B2

theflyingpigvan.com

THE DIAMOND
6 POWELL ST.
VANCOUVER, BC
V6A 1E9

di6mond.com

 

Can’t Stop Thinking About Calabash Bistro

/in , /by Bella Tang-Graham

Located at Carrall and East Hastings, Calabash Bistro offers haven from the ever-gentrifying Gastown, pulling you into the warm embrace of laid-back Caribbean vibes. With a cozy dining room upstairs and a groovy lounge-to-dance floor downstairs, Calabash offers brunch, dinner, live music and dancing. Our host and Calabash’s bar manager Chris, curated a delicious and intoxicating Sunday evening tour of Calabash’s authentic Caribbean food and drink.

calabash bistro

One-Two (Rum) Punch

Calabash hosts the largest selection of rum in Vancouver (try a tasting flight) and makes phenomenal cocktails bursting with Caribbean flair. The Calabash Dark and Stormy is the best in the city, featuring house-infused rum and house-made ginger syrup and ginger beer, topped with freshly shaved coconut. Follow the Dark and Stormy up with the Calabash Rum Punch, tropical and citrusy, complete with over proof rum and an orange wheel. After this one-two (rum) punch, replenish your electrolytes with a Coconut Jumby, light and refreshing with coconut water, agave syrup, lemongrass, mint, lime zest, and (of course) rum. As my date Kess and I discovered, Calabash’s rummy cocktails also offer a buzz to be reckoned with. Three drinks deep, you will be in-tune with your inner Jack Sparrow.

calabash bistro

Caribbean Cuisine

The marriage between Calabash’s boozy cocktails and their exotic, satisfying Caribbean food is a work of sublimity. Start with local Salt Spring Island Jerk Steamed Mussels, basking in a rich coconut cream and jerk spice broth. If you love a good, juicy chunk of pork belly as much as I do, try Calabash’s Jerk Pork Belly with Coconut Dumplings, a luscious offering with chunks of roast pork belly nestled alongside zesty pineapple and house-made coconut dumplings. If your stomach is as bottomless as ours, keep ordering: we were equally awed by the Ripe Ginger Plantains, topped with creamy chunks of goat cheese, and by the succulent Jerk Chicken Skewers, marinated in a resplendent Jerk Spice and roasted to glorious caramelisation. Still game for something sweet? Finish your meal with a generous helping of Calabash’s comforting, sumptuous bread pudding paired with jackfruit ice cream. If you still need help reaching food-coma nirvana, take yourself over the edge with one of Calabash’s house-infused rum shots (we had pineapple coconut).

calabash bistro

Vibrant Vancouver

As if the indulgent Caribbean food and cocktails are not enough, Calabash is in tune with the city’s vibrant arts and music scene. Take a moment to check out the local art displayed on the walls and see some live music in the intimate, low-key downstairs lounge. If you’ve been to Caprice one too many times and you need a break from twerking to Despacito, head to Calabash on Fridays (R&B and hip-hop) or Saturdays (reggae) to boogie the night away. Check out their online calendar for more details.

Three hours later, five courses in and four rounds deep, our verdict is that whether you’re hungry, thirsty, or looking for a night out, Calabash is an unassuming Pandora’s’ box: funky, cheerful and full of good vibes.

calabash bistro

For more information:

Calabash Bistro
428 Carrall St.
Vancouver, BC
V6A 0A7

(604) 568-5882

[email protected]

calabashbistro.com

Happy Hour in Gastown

/in /by Bob Pember

At VanCity Drinks, we’re always looking for better ways to serve your affordable drinking needs around Vancouver. That’s why we’re excited to bring you the first in a series of neighbourhood features designed to help you find the best happy hour specials across town. For our first instalment, we’re focusing on where the city itself began – Gastown. It’s been 150 years since Gassy Jack opened up the first saloon in what would become Vancouver, and we think he’d be proud of how the tradition has been maintained by the pubs and restaurants there today. We’ve chosen five of our favourite spots for you to explore and enjoy this part of town without hurting your wallet. We hope you enjoy – cheers!

Clough Club

212 Abbott Street

Happy hour Monday – Friday 5 PM – 7 PM with $7 classic cocktails, $4 highballs, and $5 gourmet hot dogs.

happy hour gastown

Located just around the corner from Vancouver’s storied Blood Alley and named after Gastown’s one-armed Lamplighter, John Clough, the bar is appropriately connected to Vancouver’s busiest & oldest pub with the building dating back over 115 years. The well-appointed back bar fills every need and the educated bar team offer cheeky house originals and are well educated in classic cocktails and spirits. 12 taps of heavily rotating Pacific North West beer and a 100% VQA wine list round out the drink menu. The kitchen offers an elevated take on traditional street food serving everything from foot-long dogs to french fry nachos. For music lovers, they host local acts of live music four nights a week Thursday through Sunday.

The Portside Pub

7 Alexander Street

Happy hour Monday – Saturday 5 PM – 7 PM with local draft beers for $5.75

happy hour gastown

Designed to cater to sailors, fishermen and the families who made their living off of the sea, maritime pubs are decidedly friendly. Portside’s management is proud of where they came from – the East Coast of Canada. There they grew up surrounded by establishments laden with wood, rope and more wood. As such, the goal with the Portside Pub is to be the friendliest bar in Vancouver. Great beer, friendly staff, comforting food, good music, fine people.

Rogue Kitchen & Wet Bar

601 West Cordova Street

Happy hour food and drinks 3 PM – 6 PM every day with $4 highballs and $3.70 BC session ale.

happy hour gastown

Rogue’s menu is fun, fresh and bold; it is creative yet conventional and fills you up without being full of itself. From your childhood favourites and rainy day comfort to Asian flare and deep fried goodness, you will find something to satisfy all of your cravings.

The bar menu gets the job done when you need it and lets you be adventurous when you want it. With 30 taps you can stay within the every day with a frosty pint of domestic lager, or venture out and try a pint of one of BC’s award-winning micros. Whatever you’re in the mood for, the wetbar has a drink for you.

The Charles Bar

136 West Cordova Street

Happy hour food and drinks Monday – Friday 3 PM – 6 PM with $4 domestic draft, house wine, and highballs.

happy hour gastown

The Charles Bar supports the ground floor of the famous Woodward’s building. The room’s airy, modern design and unique V-shape allow for various pursuits. Guests can crowd the bar watching an NBA or NFL game on the 9′ HD screen while around the corner others can quietly enjoy well-crafted food, craft beer or cocktails. The Charles Bar has a lively and friendly reputation with both locals and tourists. Local Vancouver DJs round out the venue on weekend nights – dropping everything from classic hip-hop and R&B to your favourite Top 40 songs. Whatever you’re looking for in a night, they’ve got it.

Six Acres Pub & Restaurant

203 Carrall Street

Happy hour food and drinks 11:30 AM – 6 PM every day

happy hour gastown

Six Acres is proud to continue the Gastown tradition of talking, swigging and tucking into good food in a friendly spot. They’re housed in the Alhambra building, the oldest brick building in Vancouver, which stands on the site of Gassy Jack’s Deighton Hotel. Jack built a shack of a saloon in the middle of the wilderness in front of where Six Acres now stands. This little whiskey-fueled saloon spawned a settlement which grew to a six-acre plot of land now known as Gastown. Eventually, this humble township grew up to be Vancouver. They are inspired by folks coming into Six Acres to get together over food and drink as they’ve done in Gastown since Jack built his little shack.

Vancouver International Film Festival 2017

/in /by VanCity Drinks

With the 36th annual Vancouver International Film Festival running from September 28th to October 13th, 2017 – naturally there will need to be plenty of food and drink options for the hoards of cinephiles, celebs and industry folk alike.  VIFF has everyone covered this year in teaming up with some of Vancouver’s best restaurants and bars – including #VIFFTails, featuring film inspired cocktails to celebrate!

#VIFFTails

While you’re attending the festival, be sure to check out some of these motion picture perfect cocktails! Follow along and post your own pictures with #VIFFTails on social media.

 

cocktail_deathproofDeathproof

Ingredients: Beefeater gin, green Chartreuse, lime, egg white, cucumber, cilantro

An old Chambar “cult classic”, the Death Proof, which takes its name from the 2007 Quentin Tarantino slasher movie. Inspired by Tarantino’s cameo scene where he brings over a round of Chartreuse shots for the lead actresses and says “Chartreuse! The only liquor so good they named a colour after it.”


Where: Chambar | 568 Beatty Street | 8am-Late

 

songoficeviff-cropped1Song of Ice

Ingredients: Peppermint Vodka, Creme de Cacao Chocolate Liqueur, and Blue Curaçao Liqueur.

Summer Isles orange flavors mixed with the finest chocolate essences from across The Narrow Sea. Shaken on ice in the North and kissed by a White Walker.


Where: EXP Bar and Restaurant | 309 West Pender Street | 5pm-1am

 

homer_crop2I Always Wanted to be a Tenenbaum

Ingredients: 1.5 oz Famous Grouse, 1.0 oz Cinzano Orancio, 0.75 oz Luxardo Bitter Bianco, spray with lemon oil, garnish lemon peel

The Royal Tenenbaums

Where: Homer St. Cafe | 898 Homer Street | 11.30am-11pm

 

labattoir-viff-cocktail_saturday-night-fever

Saturday Night Fever

Ingredients:45ml El Gobernador pisco, 15ml Giffard Abricot du Rousillon, 30ml orange juice, 20ml lemon juice, 2 dashes Bittered Sling Clingstone Peach bitters, Hibiscus drizzle

Inspired by the 40th anniversary of this movie! A 70s inspired disco cocktail from the golden age that will make you dance like John Travolta. 


Where: L’Abattoir | 217 Carrall Street | Happy Hour: 5.30-6.30pm

 

cocktail_windsofarrakisWinds of Arrakis

Ingredients: London Dry Gin, Lime Juice, Orange Juice, Pineapple Syrup, Ginger Liqueur, Cinnamon Syrup, Ginger Beer, Aromatic Bitters, Lime Bitters

Dune (1984)


Where: Long Table Distillery | 1451 Hornby Street | Happy Hour: 3-5pm

 

nuba_cropped2Godzilla Gimlet

Ingredients: Gin, Lime Juice, Celery Juice, Agave Syrup, and garnish with a “Nuba”sized cucumber

Godzilla!


Where:  Nuba | 207 West Hastings Street + 508 Davie Street | Lunch: Monday to Friday, 11.30am-4pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11am-4pm. Dinner: Sunday-Thursday, 5pm to last seating at 9pm; Friday and Saturday, 5pm to last seating at 10pm

 

cocktail_singaporeslingSingapore Sling

Ingredients: Gin, Benedictine, Cointreau, Pineapple, Cherry Brandy, Angostura Bitters and Grenadine

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas


Where:  The Union | 219 Union Street | Monday to Thursday, 5pm-12am; Friday, 5pm-1am; Saturday, 10am-1am; Sunday, 10am-12am | Weekend Brunch: 10am-2.30pm

 

Host Restaurants

If you’re feeling a little peckish, VIFF has partnered with some of Vancouver’s best restaurants to host you before or after your show. Enjoy a fantastic meal during your night out at the movies, with a range of options from public houses to fine dining.

Vancouver International Film Festival

Donnelly Group, VIFF Official Hospitality Partner

Visit any Donnelly Group Public House from Sept 28 to Oct 13 and enjoy an exclusive VIFF 2 course prix-fixe menu for $19. Visit donnellygroup.ca to book a table and view the menu.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-1am, Fri. 11:30am-2am, Sat. 4pm-2am

Blue Water Cafe & Raw Bar, 1095 Hamilton Street

Hours: Dinner: 5pm-11pm, Bar: 4.30pm-1am

Chambar, 568 Beatty Street

Hours: 7/7 days, 8am-Late

CinCin Ristorante + Bar, 1134 Robson Street

Hours: Dinner: 5pm-11pm, Bar: 4.30pm-Late

Joe Fortes, 777 Thurlow Street

Hours: 7/7 days, 11am-11pm

L’Abattoir, 217 Carrall Street

Hours: Open nightly. Happy Hour: 5.30pm-6.30pm daily (bar seating only)

Nuba, 207 W Hastings Street / 508 Davie Street

Hours: Lunch: Monday to Friday, 11.30am-4pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11am-4pm. Dinner: Sunday-Thursday, 5pm to last seating at 9pm; Friday and Saturday, 5pm to last seating at 10pm

During VIFF, show your ticket at Gastown and Yaletown locations to receive 10% off your meal.

viff

Safe to say we’re looking forward to all of the Vancouver International Film Festival activities, celebrating creativity and innovation on the screen. Be sure to check out viff.org & @viffest on social media for more information on tickets and festival events!

photos and information via viff.org

 

Game Night Downtown – Planning Right In The Stadium District

/in /by Bob Pember

Whether you’re watching the BC Lions finish, catching the Vancouver Whitecaps beat the Seattle Sounders, or staying faithful to the old/young Canucks – here are a few great places to enjoy some drinks before or after your game night downtown!

Bogart’s Bar & Restaurant

121 Robson Street, Stadium District

Happy hour Monday – Friday 3 PM – 6 PM, $4 pints, $4 house wine, and $8 food menu

game night downtown 1

Located in the heart of Vancouver’s Stadium District, Bogart’s Bar is a casual New York-style bar & restaurant serving spirits, wine, craft beer and some of the best international whisky in the area. Offering delicious comfort food with a wide selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Chef Jeramie Adams’ technique and modernist-style cuisine, creates a unique menu experience.

Hello Goodbye Bar

1120 Hamilton Street, Yaletown

Happy hour Wednesday – Saturday, 6 PM – 8 PM, $6 beer, $7 wine, $8 cocktails, and $1 dumplings

game night downtown 2

Through an unmarked door and down a hidden staircase in Yaletown, Hello Goodbye is a buzzing cocktail club and drinking den. They feature seasonal cocktail menus, light snacks, live entertainment and DJs for late night revelry. Their happy hour is a great way to warm up before the game and the drinks flow all night after the final whistle.

Devil’s Elbow Ale & Smoke House

562 Beatty Street, Gastown

Happy hour Monday – Friday 3 PM – 5 PM, $6 wine, $6 snacks, $10 cocktails

game night downtown 3

The Devil’s Elbow Ale & Smokehouse is a tasting room serving a full range of Howe Sound products (approximately 12 – 17 brews) plus a selection of beer from emerging craft breweries in the city. They bring the backyard to the city.

The Pint

455 Abbott Street, Gastown

Happy hour Monday – Friday 3 PM – 6 PM, FREE wings with any pint

game night downtown 4

Serving a true 20oz pint ($5.50 on Thursdays) + 40 mouth watering sauces & dry rubs for your wings! They have 80+ HDTVs so you never miss your game even if you’re not in the arena.

Shark Club Vancouver

180 W Georgia, Stadium District

Daily features, happy hour Monday – Friday 3 PM – 6 PM, $4.75 highballs, $4.75 wine, and $9 food menu

game night downtown 5

Upscale without being pretentious, and freshly renovated, Shark Club Vancouver redefines sports bar & pub greatness. Shark Club’s close proximity to Granville Street, fused with pregame energy from Rogers Arena and BC Place, puts this legendary downtown sports bar in a league of its own.