Bars and Lounges

Gastown Pub Crawl

By Vancouver Magazine /

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( 1 ) Alibi  Kick-start the crawl with the city’s best selection of microbrews. Try the Frat Bat, named for the wooden paddle it’s served on: your choice of four beer samplers from the 22 taps and three ale casks. 157 Alexander St., 604-623-3383. Alibi.ca

( 2 ) Pourhouse or Diamond  Both of these bartender-owned spots are cocktail destinations that tip the hat to the classics (like Pourhouse’s Gold Fashioned, a simple—but effective—blend of bourbon, maple, and bitters; and Diamond’s Colin’s Lawn, sake-soaked, minty, and refreshing). While you sip hand-crafted concoctions, satisfy cravings for comfort food at Pourhouse or try the gyoza at Diamond that’s working half of Vancouver into a frenzy. 162 Water St., 604-568-7022. Pourhouse­vancouver.com; 6 Powell St. Di6mond.com

( 3 ) Revel  When others close, Revel keeps the party going. Busy, relaxed, and full of industry types and social butterflies. The Shiso Feisty, a tangy ginger-and-shiso twist on a margarita, is a sure crowd pleaser. (Tip: circle back here for last call and they’ll stuff a fresh-baked chocolate-chip cookie into your waiting palm.
 238 Abbott St., 604-687-4088. Revelroom.ca

( 4 ) Metropole  Despite the classy renos, the Met is still a bit rough around the edges—perfect for sloppy late-night dancing. They have a pool table and foosball, if you can still manage the hand-eye coordination after a few of their nightly $8 “can of beer ’n shot” specials.  320 Abbott St., 604 408 5822. Themetpub.ca

( 5 ) The Cambie  Just when you think you can’t drink anymore, stumble over to guzzle cheap beer ($9.50 pitchers) with backpacking students and grimy regulars. You’re not paying for atmosphere at this Vancouver institution, but you shouldn’t be in any state to notice. 300 Cambie St., 604 684 6466. Thecambie.com

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