Robert WebbInitially, we were not a fan of craft beers. We honestly thought that they were too bitter—and there were too many choices that felt more intimidating than exciting.
But when our friend celebrated her birthday in one of the brewpubs around Vancouver, our first impression changed. After trying our first beer flight, we ended up trying different types and flavors of craft beers, and loved every single one of them.
So if your usual bottle of beer sounds a bit boring, it’s time to try to sip on the different craft beers you can find around Vancouver. We made sure we did, so continue reading this blog to get a glimpse of what we tried and loved in the city.
1. CRAFT Beer Market
Media credit: @craftbeermarket
Website: https://www.craftbeermarket.ca/locations/vancouver-false-creek/
Address: 85 W 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 0C4
Contact Details: +1 604-709-2337
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Friday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM; Saturday: 10:30 AM – 1:00 AM; Sunday: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM
We recently celebrated our friend’s 40th birthday at CRAFT Beer Market since she wanted to have a lively bar atmosphere that offers a wide selection of craft beer. In fact, they’ve got over 140 beers on tap found at their large 360° island bar in the middle.
Once we got in the bar, we noticed that the place wasn’t too crowded, so even if the celebrant didn’t rent out the entire space for us, we still felt like we were in our own bubble while we’re enjoying the night.
This bar is located inside the old Salt Building, which explains the rustic and industrial vibe to it. While they play good R&B and dance music throughout the night, you’ll definitely enjoy the lively sets of their resident DJ.
While you’re here, don’t forget to try their chicken sliders, classic burger, and kung pao chicken wraps.
Pro tip:
Consider celebrating your birthday here at CRAFT Beer Market so you can take advantage of their birthday discount equal to your age. Imagine getting $40 off your bill if you’re turning 40!
2. Steamworks Brewpub
Media credit: @steamworksbrewpub
Website: https://steamworks.com/brew-pub/
Address: 375 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B8
Contact Details: +1 604-689-2739
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM; Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM; Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
What we liked most about our stay in Steamworks Brewpub is that we got to catch up with our friends without shouting. While they still play good music in the pub, they keep the volume at a minimum, creating a more chill vibe compared to the others.
It’s also great that their staff are friendly and attentive, so we felt like VIPs throughout the night.
If you like to sample different flavors of their craft brews, we suggest ordering their beer flight instead. And don’t forget to pair it with their chicken wings!
And if you like to drink craft beers with a view, request to be seated by the window. We think that it’s the best table in the pub!
Pro tip:
Restrooms are located on the lowest floor here at Steamworks Brewpub. Since drinking will definitely increase your trip to the restroom, make sure to be ready before you take your second pint!
3. 33 Acres Brewing Company
Media credit: @33acresbrewing
Website: http://33acresbrewing.com/
Address: 15 W 8th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1M8
Contact Details: +1 604-620-4589
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
33 Acres Brewing Company is known for its minimalist vibe. This place is quite popular with the younger crowd, so prepare to line up even during early afternoon.
As soon as we entered the bar, we noticed the white walls and wooden accents. So if you’re looking for a minimalist place, then we highly recommend this bar.
They also have big windows that let the natural light in, so it’s a perfect spot to take your selfie too!
We started with their 33 Acres of Ocean, which is a West Coast pale ale. We recommend this drink if you’re looking for something refreshing—best if you’re staying here during the day.
If you love brunch food, you can try ordering their avocado toast. And if you like something with a bit of a kick, then make sure to order their beer waffles.
Pro tip:
If it’s your first time here at 33 Acres Brewing Company, don’t skip the popcorn! It’s one of the best food pair you can have with their craft beer.
4. Superflux Beer Company
Media credit: @superfluxbeer
Website: http://www.superfluxbeer.com/
Address: 505 Clark Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3H6
Operating Hours: Sunday – Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Wednesday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
While Superflux Beer Company doesn’t offer flights, you can still get three half pours, which we think is more generous than what we usually get from a standard flight.
Make sure to try their flagship IPA, which is the Colour & Shape. You’ll love this drink, especially if you like a tropical taste.
The waiters here are extra thoughtful too. They would even refill your water, ensuring you stay hydrated throughout the night.
However, food selection is quite limited here. They mainly serve hotdogs here, so you may consider eating in another restaurant before visiting Superflux Beer Company if you prefer a more filling meal.
Pro tip:
Superflux Beer Company welcomes dogs at their patio, so feel free to bring your furry pals along.
5. BREWHALL
Media credit: @brewhall
Website: http://brewhall.com/
Address: 97 E 2nd Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 1B3
Contact Details: +1 604-709-8623
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM; Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM; Sunday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Last month, we finally tried craft beers here at BREWHALL. The bar is located in an old red building, with high ceilings and wooden beams welcoming you as soon as you step in.
For those of you who want to experiment on their craft beers, you’ll love that this bar has a “drink lab” upstairs. You can create your own mix of cocktails and beer combos—so be creative in making your own drink.
You can still enjoy their bar downstairs, as they have a wide range of craft beers here too. Aside from craft beers, you can also try their pale ales and wine selection.
You can also order comfort food selections while enjoying your favorite drink.
Our most favorite bar chow here was their buffalo fried chicken mac and cheese. We even ordered their warm donuts with raspberries for dessert!
Meanwhile, we enjoyed playing their arcade games, such as the pinball machine, while waiting for our orders.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for a craft beer that has the highest alcohol percentage, consider trying their Triple Neon.
6. Brassneck Brewery
Media credit: @brassneckbrew
Website: http://brassneck.ca/
Address: 2148 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C5
Contact Details: +1 236-485-1398
Operating Hours: Sunday – Monday: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Tuesday – Friday: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
For those of you who are curious about the actual brewing process of craft beers, then make sure to stop by at Brassneck Brewery. While the place is quite small, you can still enjoy learning about the process right behind the bar.
We opted to stay in their tasting room so we can enjoy trying different flavors of craft beers. Since we wanted to start off with something citrusy, the bartender recommended their Peccadillo.
One of our friends was a bit adventurous that night so she tried the famous Bananas in Pajamas, which is a chocolate banana imperial milkshake stout. If you’re trying this drink, be ready with the 11% alcohol content though!
Since Brassneck Brewery is mostly an experiential brewing tour, their food selection is quite limited. But if you’re not too hungry, you can still enjoy snacks from their sister bar, The Magnet.
Pro tip:
Brassneck Brewery is an open concept, so be ready to share a table with other customers. Moreover, be prepared to stand during peak hours.
7. Strange Fellows Brewing
Media credit: @strangefellowsbrewing
Website: http://strangefellowsbrewing.com/
Address: 1345 Clark Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3K9
Contact Details: +1 604-215-0092
Operating Hours: Sunday – Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Thursday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
If you’re an art lover, you’ll definitely love the interiors here at Strange Fellows Brewing. Aside from the concrete walls and wood accents, you’ll definitely appreciate the quirky art around the place.
Not to mention that they even have an actual art gallery inside!
There are several big tables inside, making it a great spot if you’re coming here with a large group. In fact, every Friday evening, we normally see colleagues catching up after a long day at work.
When it comes to their craft beer, you can try their Talisman pale, a favorite craft beer flavor among the ladies. Well, maybe because of its citrusy taste.
Meanwhile, if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can opt for their Popinjay. Just be ready for a really sour taste of beer!
And if you’re in the area during Halloween, consider dropping by so you can see their haunted house!
Pro tip:
If you’re a fan of folklore and other strange traditions, consider checking Strange Fellows Brewing’s social media so you can stay updated on their monthly events called Strange Days.
8. Stanley Park Brewing Restaurant & Brewpub
Media credit: @erniefetting
Website: https://www.stanleyparkbrewing.com/brewpub/
Address: 8901 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
Contact Details: +1 604-681-0460
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Sunday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
We stumbled upon Stanley Park Brewing Restaurant & Brewpub after a nice bike ride, and now it’s been one of our go-to bars whenever we crave for good craft beers in town.
You can find the brewpub inside Stanley Park, so expect the place to be breezy as you’re surrounded by tall trees. It’s even a few steps away from the seawell!
The building served as the 1930s sports pavilion, and has been beautifully restored to house this brewpub. Here, you can choose to be seated at their covered patios, or stay inside their bright dining area.
This bar isn’t too busy compared to others, so you don’t need to worry about making reservations ahead. It’s also relatively quiet, so it’s easier to make conversations with friends while enjoying a drink or two.
While you’re here, don’t miss out on their west coast lager, perfect if you prefer a smooth drink with a light citrus taste. It’s one of my favorites since the drink wasn’t too harsh on my throat.
They also have a good food selection, so no need to dine elsewhere before trying their craft beers. You won’t go wrong with their seaside fish & chips, including their different flavors of pizza!
Pro tip:
Parking spots during summertime are limited, so consider taking public transportation or walking to Stanley Park if you’re visiting during this season.
9. R&B Ale & Pizza House
Media credit: @rbalepizzahouse
Website: http://www.randbbrewing.com/
Address: 1-54 E 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 1E8
Contact Details: +1 604-336-0275
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM; Thursday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AMl Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
If you’re looking for a retro bar that will transport you back to the 1970s, then consider visiting R&B Ale & Pizza House. You can even spot vintage vinyl records here!
As soon as we stepped inside, we immediately felt the welcoming and chill vibe.
We were also lucky to visit on a Monday, so we were able to avail their Happy Monday Happy Hour offering. So if you also want to get a craft beer and a pizza slice for just $25, then you’ll know when to visit!
Our most favorite craft beer here was the Vancouver Special IPA, which has candied orange and guava in it. But if you’re here for the light craft beer, just go for the extra lite lager with lime—that’s just 2.2% alcohol for you.
Pro tip:
If you’re quite unsure about what to order, consider asking the bartender for a recommended flight. It’s a great way to sample their bestsellers here at R&B Ale & Pizza House.
