Editors’ Picks: Our 7 Favourite Vancouver Bars

Old-school cocktail bars, tiki rooms and supper clubs—here’s where the VanMag editors wet their whistles.

Shameful Tiki Room

I’ve tried to recreate the Shameful Tiki Room (4362 Main St.) experience at home, but there’s something about sipping a frothy coconut bev out of a tiki glass (I always order the Pain Killer—it’s like drinking a vacation), surrounded by bamboo and Polynesian kitsch, that can’t quite be replicated in the living room.—Stacey McLachlan, Executive Editor

Comox Street Long Bar

I discovered the Comox Street Long Bar (1763 Comox St.) one night when my friends and I heard strains of what sounded like Pink Floyd wafting down the street. It was soon followed by the Black Eyed Peas, then the Tragically Hip, then the Knack—and our game became to guess which era and artist would be next. The Comox’s interior is ridiculously dated—there’s an incredible pink neon tube light above the bar, and the logo is very Miami Vice—but pool is still $1 per game, drinks are $5 after 10 p.m. most nights and whatever band is playing is not even remotely cool. Which makes the whole place very cool indeed.—Anicka Quin, Editorial Director

Bacchus

As awed as I am in temples of modern mixology, what I really love are old-school bars. And in Vancouver it doesn’t get any more old-school than Bacchus (845 Hornby St.). There are no handmade shrubs or bespoke tinctures, and the Broker’s gin martini is cold, huge, surprisingly well priced and served with a starched cocktail napkin and a bowl of bar snacks. Class—it never goes out of style.—Neal McLennan, Food Editor

Emerald Supper Club

From the minute I spied the Emerald Supper Club’s (555 Gore Ave.) crimson carpet staircase and crystal chandelier, I thought, “This is my kind of place.” While the cabaret stage hosts all manner of hip events, it’s the lounge—with its dark leather seats, wood detail, stone feature wall and classic cocktails on special (I’ll take the bourbon sour, thanks)—that makes this place feel like a true bar, and a rare find in a city that likes to overcomplicate its watering holes.—Jessica Barrett, senior editor

Portland Craft

The relaxed atmosphere at Portland Craft (3835 Main St.)—high-top booths and community tables—is perfect for mid-afternoon, casual date night or pre-dinner, I-have-to-wait-for-a-table drinks. And because the beer list is always changing, I have an excuse to try something new with each visit—though it’s not often I’ll choose anything other than a fruit-based sour or malty brown ale.—Kaitlyn Gendemann, Staff Writer

1927 Lobby Lounge

My favourite spot to wind down is the 1927 Lobby Lounge in the Hotel Georgia (801 W Georgia St.). It’s quiet, secluded, intimate and romantic; the selection is broad, the servers are lovely and there always seems to be someone mysteriously interesting at the next table.—Paul Roelofs, Art Director

Six Acres

My partner and I love Six Acres (203 Carrall St.). They have good beer and yummy, shareable nibbles: we always order the sliders with a side of fries. It sometimes gets annoyingly loud (the small space fills up quickly), but we love it nonetheless.—Jenny Reed, Associate Art Director

Check back for more from our Good Libations package (our June 2017 cover story!) for more on the hottest bars, beloved local watering holes and best hangover cures.