Archie MontroseIf you’re ready to dive into Gastown’s buzzing bar scene, you’re in for a treat! After countless nights of hopping from one incredible spot to another (yes, a few hangovers were involved),
I’ve uncovered the best bars this vibrant neighborhood has to offer. From cozy hideaways to bustling hotspots, these bars are perfect for everything from casual drinks to unforgettable nights out.
Grab a friend, get ready to toast, and let’s explore the best places to get a little tipsy in Gastown!
- Savor Exquisite Cocktails at the Alibi Room
- Experience a Vibrant Nightlife at Blarney Stone
- Relish the Historic Ambiance at L’Abbattoir
- Indulge in Gourmet Bites at Clough Club
- Discover Unique Brews at Pourhouse Restaurant
- Delight in Rooftop Views at Steamworks Brewpub
- Taste Craft Beers at Six Acres
- Unwind with Friends at Guilt & Co.
- Chill with a Cold Drink at Smith’s Irish Pub
- The Cambie Bar & Grill
Savor Exquisite Cocktails at the Alibi Room
Website: https://alibi.ca/
Address: 157 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1B8, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-623-3383
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 4pm to 10pm
- Friday and Saturday: 4pm to 12am
- Sunday: 4pm to 10pm
The real gem at the Alibi Room is their ever-changing lineup of 50 taps featuring the best local and imported craft beers.
You’ll find the usual pub fare on their menu like fries, charcuterie, and burgers. But the crispy Pork Belly Sandwich, topped with a hoisin glaze, cabbage & carrot ginger-sesame slaw, and jalapeño jam, was a revelation.
Located in a century-old building on the edge of Vancouver’s vibrant Gastown, the Alibi Room oozes effortless cool with its exposed brick, eclectic wall art, and towering windows.
Situated in the downtown eastside, this spot used to be the Taxi Club. It now boasts a cool atmosphere with a mix of single and family-style tables.
Pro tip:
If you’re into boozy desserts, don’t miss their banana bread pudding, generously spiked with bourbon.
Experience a Vibrant Nightlife at Blarney Stone
Website: http://blarneystone.ca/
Address: 216 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J1, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-687-4322
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11am to 1am
- Friday and Saturday: 11am to 3am
- Sunday: 11am to 2am
As the longest-running Irish pub in the city, Blarney Stone is your go-to spot for casual bites and drinks any time of day.
The menu is straight out of an Irish kitchen, with classics like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips, plus a wide selection of Irish pints to complement your meal. The roast beef sliders are a must-try, with delicious gravy that has extra meat.
Their cozy patio setup features a couple of tables overlooking the sidewalk, and they offer a happy hour deal that runs an hour longer (4pm-7pm) than most bars in the area.
Inside, you’ll find a stage with drums, suggesting fun live music events, along with a pool table and darts for some extra entertainment. The space is expansive, with a warm and inviting vibe, and the atmosphere is always friendly.
Pro tip:
They serve the best pint of Guinness in the city, and during some off hours, you can snag one for just $5 and some change.
Relish the Historic Ambiance at L’Abbattoir
Website: https://www.labattoir.ca/
Address: 217 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-568-1701
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 5pm to 11pm
It’s quite fancy around these parts. L’Abattoir specializes in French-inspired West Coast cuisine, offering an à la carte menu and a refined course tasting menu.
Highlights for us included the Hamachi with coconut lemongrass sorbet—an insane flavor explosion. The Tartare with Toro was velvety perfection, and the dessert trio was absolutely delightful.
The cocktail program focuses on local and seasonal ingredients and spirits. We highly recommend trying the Pinot Noir Rosé.
Inside, L’Abattoir feels cosmopolitan while effortlessly capturing the rustic and coastal vibe of Vancouver. The space is gorgeous, blending a rugged and elegant aesthetic. The refurbished brick-and-beam heritage building exudes sophistication.
Pro tip:
Keep in mind, they might close early if it’s a slow day, so it’s best to call ahead if you’re planning a late visit.
Indulge in Gourmet Bites at Clough Club
Website: https://www.freehouse.co/locations/clough-club
Address: 212 Abbott St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2K8, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-558-1581
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday: 5pm to 1am
- Friday and Saturday: 5pm to 2am
- Sunday: 5pm to 1am
Located just around the corner from Vancouver’s storied Blood Alley and named after Gastown’s one-armed lamplighter, the Clough Club is quite an interesting spot.
The building is old with a lot of character, and the decor is chic, classy, unique, and moody—perfect for a speakeasy atmosphere.
The food consists of small plates, which means you can try a variety of dishes and share with your group. Some crowd favorites are the Doriloo, espresso martini, and rosemary fries with curry mayo.
We had the bacon cheese hot dog and some chips with dip, plus a side of fries. Everything was tasty and hit the spot. Adding some upscale BBQ cauliflower or wings to the menu could be a big hit!
What’s fun is that you can order off-menu! Just tell them your likes and dislikes, along with your preferred spirit, and they’ll craft a custom drink for you.
The only downside was the noise level. We expect a place like this to be loud, especially on a Friday night, but this was next-level loud.
Pro tip:
There’s a hidden back room where you can order unapologetically strong cocktails! Plus, there’s a hand sticking out of the wall for a quirky touch.
Discover Unique Brews at Pourhouse Restaurant
Website: https://www.pourhousevancouver.com/
Address: 162 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B2, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-568-7022
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30am to 12am
- Saturday: 11:30am to 1am
- Sunday and Monday: 11:30am to 12am
The Pourhouse serves up the best burger in the city, no contest. It’s definitely worth a visit just for that. The ambiance here is its standout feature—cozy and inviting, making it a perfect spot to relax.
The atmosphere is incredibly comfortable, with beautifully upholstered furniture ensuring that almost every seat in the house is a great one.
Their cocktails are on point—we tried the gimlet, which was excellent, and the fried chicken, which also hit the mark.
We shared the truffle tater tots and the fried chicken; the tots were wonderfully crunchy with a tasty sauce, and the chicken was served hot and fresh.
But, if you’re visiting, don’t miss their signature burger. The rotating 6th was a solid 9.5% and paired perfectly with the juicy smash burger. We also recommend grabbing a seat at the bar to watch the bartender whip up those drinks—it’s quite the show.
Pro tip: They also cook the burgers to your preferred level of doneness, so whether you like it rare or well-done, they’ve got you covered.
Delight in Rooftop Views at Steamworks Brewpub
Website: https://steamworks.com/brew-pub/
Address: 375 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B8, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-689-2739
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30am to 12am
- Saturday: 11am to 1am
- Sunday: 11am to 12am
Steamworks Brewpub is a cool pub right off the waterfront in downtown. It’s a cheery microbrewery with an impressive selection of seasonal and craft beers to suit any taste.
Though the bar looks small from the outside, it actually spans three floors below ground, with intriguing and welcoming spaces throughout.
We loved the steampunk vibes, with traditional and historic piping and wood fixtures adding to the charm. The location is picturesque, especially with views of the water and the train station at night.
On to the grub! The poutine was the standout dish for us, while the pizza and risotto balls were just okay. The tomato sauce was on the sweet side, but the hummus was fantastic.
The beer selection is solid, and you’ll enjoy sampling through a flight. The 4-beer flight was particularly interesting—the passion fruit beer tasted like a mix of passion fruit juice and beer, and we all loved the dark beer with hints of coffee and donut.
Pro tip:
Just a heads-up: the wooden steps at the entrance can get slippery, so watch your step!
Taste Craft Beers at Six Acres
Website: http://sixacres.ca/
Address: 203 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-488-0110
Operating hours:
- Monday: 12pm to 8pm
- Tuesday to Thursday: 12pm to 11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 10am to 1pm
- Sunday: 10am to 11pm
Six Acres is a totally inclusive spot that embraces Vancouver’s diverse community. The food is fantastic, with delicious choices whether you prefer baked or deep-fried options.
Located at the end of the road, surrounded by fencing due to roadwork renovations, it’s definitely worth seeking out. This place is packed with unique drinks, a great happy hour, non-alcoholic beer options, and a solid wine selection.
The excellent service and cool atmosphere make it a standout. The poutine, scotch egg, and BBQ pulled pork were all top-notch! And definitely try the salted caramel espresso martini—it’s a must.
There’s an awesome patio with a great view of the cobblestone streets, making it a must-visit spot in Vancouver’s Gastown. The cozy ambiance is enhanced by gorgeous decor and perfect mood lighting.
Pro tip:
If you can, visit on a Thursday for live music and plenty of cozy spots to relax.
Unwind with Friends at Guilt & Co.
Website: http://guiltandcompany.com/
Address: 1 Alexander Street, Underground, Vancouver, BC V6A 1B2, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-288-1704
Operating hours: +1 604-288-1704
- Monday to Wednesday: 3pm to 12am
- Thursday: 3pm to 1am
- Friday: 3pm to 2am
- Saturday: 12pm to 2am
- Sunday: 12pm to 12am
Guilt & Co. stands out as one of the best spots for live music in Vancouver and much of British Columbia.
With live performances every night of the week and two different bands playing each evening, it’s a must-visit for music lovers. There’s even a dance floor if you’re in the mood to move.
The place has a rustic, underground vibe that fits perfectly with Gastown’s charm. It’s tucked away and accessed via a small set of stairs, giving it a “secret hideaway” feel. The dark, candle-lit atmosphere adds a cozy, romantic touch.
The food is excellent too. The honey & rosemary baked brie was simply divine! We enjoyed cocktails like the Army and Navy and the Cosmopolitan.
There’s also a happy hour menu from 6 to 7. The gin-based cocktails were on point, especially if you prefer less sweetness. We also recommend the whiskey sour if you’re looking for a classic option with a bit of a kick.
Pro tip:
Make sure to bring your ID, as they card everyone regardless of age. And if you’re planning to visit on a weekend, arrive before 8 to snag a table!
Chill with a Cold Drink at Smith’s Irish Pub
Website: http://www.smithsofgastown.ca/
Address: 208 &, 212 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J1, Canada
Contact details: +1 236-521-8381
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12pm to 12am
- Friday: 12pm to 3am
- Saturday: 10am to 3am
- Sunday: 10am to 12am
Smith’s Irish Pub is the go-to spot for an excellent pint of Guinness, poured with the kind of craftsmanship that sets it apart from most Irish pubs in Vancouver.
The service is top-notch—imagine a bartender delivering your pint with such precision and speed that even Usain Bolt might take a second look.
The pub serves up fantastic fish and chips, and the extra fish for $20 is great value, perfect for sharing as finger food to accompany your drink.
The vibe here is lively, with live music covering a range of genres. Between sets, house music creates the perfect backdrop for a fun evening.
It’s a great place to hang out with friends or on your own, boasting a wonderful selection of whiskeys and scotch, along with some impressive cocktails.
Pro tip:
On Friday nights, you can enjoy free live music with an Irish guitarist playing tunes.
The Cambie Bar & Grill
Website: http://www.cambiepubs.com/
Address: 300 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2N3, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-688-9158
Operating hours:
- Monday: 11am to 1am
- Tuesday: 11am to 2am
- Wednesday and Thursday: 11am to 1am
- Friday and Saturday: 11am to 3am
- Sunday: 11am to 1am
Established in 1897, The Cambie Bar & Grill is a legendary Vancouver spot in the vibrant Gastown district. It’s the go-to place for affordable drinks and a lively atmosphere.
The menu covers all the classics: pizzas, burgers, tacos and more. It’s a great spot for meeting up with friends or grabbing lunch.
I had the chicken tacos, which came with a generous portion of fries for under $20. The portions were huge, and the fries were delicious.
It’s perfect for a group outing, with fun games like beer pong, foosball, and pool. Plus, the alcohol prices are reasonable.
Pro tip:
Fridays can get quite busy, so arrive early to snag a table. Be prepared to stand until one opens up if you arrive later.
