Since it seems to be raining in Vancouver 75% of the year, you need to find a safe haven to wet your whistle without actually getting wet yourself. Low and behold: Vancouver’s bar scene. Gastown is hands-down my favorite neighborhood to get a drink at in the city. I’ve put together a list of the best bars in Gastown (in my humble opinion).
Table of Contents
Guilt and Co.
If you’re a live music connoisseur, Guilt and Co. is one of the best bars in Gastown – maybe even Vancouver. There is live music every night and the genre constantly changes. One night you can see an 8-piece jazz band and the following night a solo hip hop artist. You typically need to wait squeezed into a tight staircase next to The Local while they shuffle people in and out.
Once you’re in you feel like you’ve entered an underground cave. There’s exposed stone wall, the stage sits front and center, and their long bar is against the back wall. Try and grab a seat or join the dance floor that undoubtedly gets filled as the night continues.
Pro tips: If you want a table be ready to get aggressive. Also, the bathroom is unisex (even though they have a male-labeled door on one side and female-labeled on the other), so don’t be alarmed if you walk into the Ladies Room only to find a bunch of men waiting in line.
The Keefer Bar
Keefer Bar has a very specific vibe about it and you just feel really ~cool~ as soon as you enter. Come early to ensure a good table. The dimly-lit high tops in the corner feel very cozy.
The bar has a quirky Chinese medicinal theme it plays off of well; the bar menu is aptly titled “Remedies and Cures.” Place an order of their delicious dumplings to snack on while appreciating the atmosphere.
Revel Room
The Revel Room is another live music venue. However, this is a completely different vibe than Guilt and Co. It feels a bit grittier, but I personally like that about it! Revel Room is inspired by New Orleans – southern food, jazz music, laid-back attitudes. There is live music here every night as well. The drinks are absolutely delicious.
The Diamond
Get a window seat at The Diamond for some of the best people watching in Vancouver. Many of my friends consider this the best bar in Gastown; it overlooks a busy intersection, so there is plenty to observe. There are also plenty of drink options for your palette. This is a great date night location or a fun spot for a celebration.
Portside Pub
Depending on what time of day you come to Portside Pub, you will have completely different experiences. On a nice afternoon, pop inside and have a pint and some oysters. There’s a mellow and relaxed vibe. However, after 10pm on a weekend, this place transforms into a club. A DJ booth is stationed on the second floor with sweaty millennials dancing the night away.
Alibi Room
If you’re a craft beer fanatic then Alibi Room is your one-stop-shop. The beer list is massive (usually 50+ beers on tap) and they are constantly rotating through different specials. They also do a fantastic job at supporting the local micro and craft breweries. I am also pleasantly surprised at how great the food is here too!
As you can see, Gastown is home to plenty of amazing (non-chain!) bars, which isn’t surprising because I do think it has the most character of the Vancouver neighborhoods.
If you want a recap of what I honestly think about some of the Vancouver neighborhoods, you can read My Honest Guide to Vancouver Neighborhoods.
Some of my other Vancouver content includes: