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Happy Hour Yaletown

/in /by Bob Pember

One of Vancouver’s most notable and iconic neighbourhoods, Yaletown makes for some of the best bars and patios for people watching and wondering what they all do for a living. It’s easy to empty your wallet doing this, so we’ve listed some of our favourite places to enjoy a cheap drink and snack while appreciating the local wildlife during Happy Hour Yaletown –

New Oxford

1144 Homer Street

happy hour yaletown at New Oxford

photo by New Oxford

Happy hour 3 – 6 PM Monday – Friday

with $6 craft beers, $5 house wines, and $4 highballs.

Living proof of Oxford’s rollicking athletic and party rituals, the New Oxford is a nod to British sporting culture and the oldest university in the English speaking language. Its gun-metal millwork, traditional furnishings and ‘study room’ adorned with ivy-league antiques are bridged by a 50-foot-long cantilevered bar serving fashionably classic cocktails. Some bloody good local, organic pub food washes down easily with the assortment of craft beer taps and imaginative wines. Spirits are always high on game-days, most notably as home to the Chelsea FC supporters club.

The Distillery Bar + Kitchen

1131 Mainland Street

Happy Hour Yaletown at The Distillery Bar + Kitchen

photo by The Distillery Bar + Kitchen

Happy hour Mon – Thurs 4 – 6PM / Fri – Sun 3 – 6PM

with $5 beer, wine, and highballs.

The Distillery Bar + Kitchen is committed to serving up straight forward Italian-American style dishes and boozy handcrafted cocktails. The menu was developed with an emphasis on sourcing local ingredients, taking the time to make products from scratch and being inspired by the way that ‘Mama used to make it’. Smack dab in the middle of the restaurant hosts a long 30 person communal table ideal for large groups, family-style dining or getting to know your neighbour. Guests can also sit outside on one of two heated patios to people-watch with a bottle of wine and flavourful pasta.

Urban Thai Bistro

1119 Hamilton Street

Happy Hour Yaletown at Urban Thai Bistro

photo by Urban Thai Bistro

Happy hour everyday 3 – 6 PM and 9 – 10 PM

with $4 Red Truck beers, $5 wines, $5 highballs, and $6 food menu.

Designed with traditional and modern Thai décor principles, Urban Thai Bistro offers a wide selection of traditional authentic Thai dishes to their signature fusion creations.

The inviting new bar area has an illuminated onyx bar top and flat-screen TV for sports and playoff action. They’ve also extended our new lounge area, an ideal space for unwinding, great drinks and lighter fare. During the spring and summer months, enjoy a signature and refreshing Thai cocktails on our heated outdoor patio, facing an always vibrant and bustling Hamilton street.

Central City on Beatty

871 Beatty Street

Happy Hour Yaletown at Central City Brewing

photo by Central City Brewing

Happy hour Sunday – Thursday 3 PM – 6 PM

with $3.25 beer, $3.50 highballs, $6 wines, and daily specials.

Great beer, amazing people! This space celebrates premium craft beer, cider, and spirits. The 40 draught taps showcase the best craft beer in BC, providing a huge variety of beer styles and breweries. In addition, they are now serving growlers! In addition to the best of local craft beer, they offer a premier pub menu, including a unique build your own burger program, handcrafted pizzas, and classic pub fare, all of which pair perfectly with your favourite craft brew!

Homer Street Cafe

898 Homer Street

Happy Hour Yaletown at Homer St. Cafe

photo by Homer Street Cafe

Happy hour 2 – 5:30 PM and 9:30 PM until close everyday

with $5 beers, $6 wines, and $5 highballs.

Housed in two of Vancouver’s most iconic buildings, Homer St Cafe and Bar is a contemporary restaurant set in the historic Homer Building and new Beasley building in Vancouver’s Yaletown district. Classic comfort cooking takes centre stage thanks to a fire engine red rotisserie that roasts all manner of proteins. A decidedly adventurous wine and cocktail list rounds out the menu. The restaurant features two spaces that consist of an open concept kitchen “Chef’s Bar” where one can get up close and personal with the culinary team, a private dining room with reclaimed factory windows, and bespoke seating complemented by antique tiling.

 

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

 

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:

Chinese New Year Parade

/in , /by Bob Pember

If you’re planning to check out the Chinese New Year Parade this Sunday, February 18th (map), here are some of the best spots for happy hour and drink specials after the festivities! The parade starts at 11 AM, so it will definitely be time for a caesar or craft beer with lunch. Kicking off at the Millennium Gate on 28 W Pender St. (between Shanghai Alley and Taylor St.), and ending near Andy Livingstone Park, the Chinese New Year Parade is a great excuse to get out and celebrate the year of the dog!

Black Lounge

526 Abbott Street

Black Lounge Chinese New Year Parade

Photo via Black Lounge

Happy hour 2 PM – 5PM every day with $4/$6 dollar beers, $5 house wines, and $2 off appies. $8 double caesars on Sundays.

Located on Abbott near Tinseltown and this weekend’s parade route, Black Lounge offers a modern and inviting decor with a food and drink menu to match. It’s an ideal spot to relax with a drink after work, on the way to Rogers Arena, or for a weekend brunch.

London Pub 

700 Main Street

London Pub Chinese New Year Parade

photo via London Pub

Happy hour 3 PM – 6 PM every day with $3.50 beers, $4 wine, and $4 highballs. $6.25 double caesars on Sundays.

This neighbourhood pub was constructed during Vancouver’s pre-World War I building boom. London Pub, with its exposed brick arches, floor to ceiling heritage windows, creative draught beer line and inviting Pub atmosphere makes this one one of the most unique Heritage Pubs in the city.

The Union

219 Union Street

The Union Chinese New Year Parade

photo via The Union

Happy hour all day Sunday with $5 beers, $5/$8 wine, $4/$7 highballs, and $ cocktails.

Chef Lisa Henderson has created a Southeast Asian inspired menu, while head bartender Kristi-Leigh Akister uses the regions ingredients, sourced from neighbouring Chinatown, to create her cocktails. They have a Chinese New Year menu this weekend, making it a great stop after the parade.

Gong hei fat choy!

 

Happy Hour on Granville Island

/in /by Mack McGill

Fresh, cool air and some early peaks of spring sun makes for the perfect day to visit Granville Island in Vancouver. Walk the streets, shop, eat, and of course grab a drink or two at Happy Hour! Here are some of our favourite spots for Happy Hour Granville Island –

Dockside

1253 Johnston St.

One of the most scenic spots in Vancouver to sit and have a cocktail, Dockside Restaurant now offers a great little menu of Happy Hour items from wine to tacos. Take advantage of these great prices to experience their award winning patio, classy dining room and first class views.

Happy Hour is 3-5pm, seven days a week.

  • House White or Red Wine $5
  • Well brand highballs $5
  • In-house brewed draft beer $4
  • Chicken Wings $8
  • Beer Battered Onion Rings w/aioli $4
  • Beef Taco $4 ea
  • Shrimp meat sliders $4 ea

Vancouver Fish Company

1517 Anderson St.

The Vancouver Fish Company

photo via vanfish.com

A relatively new kid on the block, the Vancouver Fish Company opened on Granville Island in 2014 and has been a staple ever since. Modern and warm decor, friendly staff and plenty of tasty seafood options will have you coming back again and again.

Happy Hour is 3-6pm, seven days a week.

  • Draught Beers $4
  • Glasses of Wine $5
  • Seven-item Food Menu all under $10

Edible Canada

1596 Johnston St.

A uniquely Canadian spot (not just for tourists!), Edible Canada boasts a 100% BC Wines list (sorry not sorry Alberta!), 100% Canadian Beer and 95% BC Spirits (5% for must have scotch and unique mixers). Be sure to check out their bistro for Happy Hour, but also take the time to visit the shop and look into the events or private dining options.

Happy Hour is 3-6pm, seven days a week (doubles as weekly specials menu).

  • Monday – Moscow Mules w/ Sids Vodka $5
  • Tuesday – All Draft Beer $5
  • Wednesday – Glass of BC Wine $8
  • Thursday – Gin & Tonic (select from 10 BC gins) $6
  • Friday – Bartender’s unique cocktail or house infusion $6
  • Saturday – Glass of Vancouver Islands Seacider on tap
  • Sunday – Double Caesar $8

Bridges

1696 Duranleau St.

Although no Happy Hour drink specials, Bridges is always a fun stop while cruising around Granville Island. Since 1980 the bright yellow restaurant has been a landmark, providing stellar views of the city skyline and north shore mountains. With a great lineup of happy hour food, daily drink specials to go with them and a legendary patio to boot, be sure to check out Bridges next time you’re in the neighbourhood.

Happy Hour is 4-7 pm, Monday-Friday. 

  • Caesar Salad $7
  • Fresh Shucked Oysters $2 ea
  • Nachos $10
  • Wings $10
  • Popcorn Shrimp $10
  • Spicy Fries $4
  • Calamari $10
  • Monday – Classic Martini $2 off
  • Tuesday – Highballs $6
  • Wednesday – Half Price Bottles of wine with purchase of entree
  • Thursday – Italian Spritz $8
  • Friday – Dark & Stormy $7
  • Saturday – Raspberry Lemonade $7
  • Sunday – Bridges Caesar $7

The Keg

1499 Anderson St.

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar may not be the place you’d usually choose for a drink on a casual day out around Granville Island, but with a few excellent Happy Hour specials you may want to think twice! Located in the heart of the neighbourhood, be sure to visit The Keg for a premium casual dining experience.

Happy Hour is 3:30-6 pm, Monday-Friday & 2-5 pm Saturday-Sunday.

  • FAMOUS KEG CAESAR Polar Ice Vodka (1oz)  $5
  • HEINEKEN Draught Beer (18oz)  $6
  • “KNOTTED VINES” Chardonnay & Chenin Blanc (6oz) $6
  • “LOS CUATRO” Cabernet & Malbec (6oz) $6

 

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: