I don’t know about you, but I’m much more likely to venture out for happy hour when Vancouver’s shed her grey rainy days. With summer around the corner I’ve been deep in research mode as to where I want to raise a glass or two pre-sunset. And let’s face it, besides the aforementioned sun, the best part of happy hour is a wide selection of not just well-priced drinks but elevated bites to match.
Luckily Downtown in particular is chock-full of delicious food and drink deals to lure you in. With prices that are easy on the wallet, these six restaurants make all the hours of the day happier.
Hydra Estiatorio
You’ve probably read about Neal McLennon’s revisit to Hydra Estiatorio. But if you haven’t, let me bring you up to speed: there was some minor drama back in 2019 when Neal ran his initial review of the Greek restaurant—but any beef has been squashed and that’s in part due to the fabulous happy hour menu. Running from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily, you can raise a glass to new beginnings with $6 glasses of wine, $1.50 oysters, and an array of $12 small plates that include perfectly crispy kalamari, feta-topped Greek fries, and saucy braised lamb sliders.
Address: 475 Howe Street
Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Friday; 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Capo and The Spritz
I have to admit my draw to Capo and The Spritz started with the name. I mean, c’mon… spritz? You don’t have to tell me twice. The siren call of my favorite summer drink may have brought me in, but the gnocco fritto solidified my loyalty. Luckily for all of us, the light-as-air crisp dough pillows are available on the happy hour menu (3 p.m to 5:30 p.m daily) along with Autostrada meatballs ($15), pizza ($12—my favourite is the Rebel… don’t come for me, pineapple haters), and $8 glasses of wine, beer, bubbly and negronis. Molto bene!
Address: 350 Davie Street
Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m Sunday to Thursday; 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday
D/6 Bar and Lounge
D/6 Bar and Lounge’s vibey Vegas-inspired space feels like a hidden respite in the city. Though I’ve been known to scratch a pool game or two inside, izakaya happy hour (5 p.m to 6:30 p.m daily) on the year-round rooftop patio is where I’m usually parked (Parq’d?). The happy hour and a half includes deals on sake ($12), Asahi ($7), wine ($12) and cocktails ($13). Plus top-tier bites like Nobu-style hamachi ($10), wagyu beef mini dogs with wasabi aioli ($10) and spicy edamame ($5). P.S. While you’re there, check out the hidden lounge behind one of the bookcases.
Address: 39 Smithe Street (6th floor of The Douglas)
Hours: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday; 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday; 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday; 12 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday; 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday
The Roof at Black and Blue
Black and Blue’s stunning trellis-topped rooftop patio is one of my go-to happy hours (2:30 p.m to 5:30 p.m daily). The expansive menu includes deals on draft beer ($7), wine ($7-9), prosecco ($8) and six different cocktails ($7-10)—including the summer-perfect golden pear spritz. Food-wise, you can choose from twelve items including feature oysters, horseradish crema-topped carpaccio ($16), A5 Japanese wagyu ($32) and the must-try steakhouse nachos ($14). I mean, house-made potato chips with steak, bacon, chili and cheddar… need I say more?
Address: 1032 Alberni Street
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. Daily
Fanny Bay Oyster Bar
Vancouver is an oyster-lovin’ city and Fanny Bay Oyster Bar is definitely a top choice for a shuck or twelve. The happy hour runs 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily and you bet those oysters are on special. With a rotating menu of feature oysters ($2) and featured premium oysters ($2.75) there are ample varieties for you to douse with your fave toppings. Also on special are menu items like Cajun-spiced fish tacos ($14), decadent lobster poutine ($24) and tuna tartare in a maple-soy glaze ($15). Libations include oyster shooters ($7), beer ($6), wine ($9-12), prosecco ($10) and champagne ($24).
Address: 762 Cambie Street
Hours: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Homer St. Cafe and Bar
I have a confession to make: I consider Yaletown part of downtown. You may not agree with me regarding the dividing lines of our fair city, but since Homer St. Cafe and Bar won Best Yaletown Restaurant in Vancouver Magazine‘s 2024 Readers’ Choice Restaurant Awards, I think we can all agree it deserves a place on this list. Happy hour at Homer St. (2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily) includes the dream-worthy house-smoked hickory honey ham with pimento cheese ($18), cashew onion dip ($15) and the high-low combo after my heart: steak tartare with smoked creme fraiche, cheddar and tater tots ($18). Beer ($6-7), wine ($7), bubbles ($7) and well cocktails ($5) are all marked down—plus $2 off signature cocktails (cucumber negroni? Yes please).
Address: 898 Homer Street
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m Saturday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday
