Breaking: The Team Behind Keefer Bar to Open Cocktail Bar ‘June’ on April 10

Last summer we broke the news that the team behind much-loved Keefer Bar were launching a whole new concept in Cambie Village. Finally we can announce the the new ‘brasserie-inspired’ restaurant, June will be opening in Cambie Village on April 10.

Opening a restaurant is no small feat, but co-proprietors Cam Watt and Keenan Hood are going above and beyond with the space of the city’s newest room. The bi-level, 4,500 square-foot space will seat 100 upstairs, plus an additional 35 downstairs and three forthcoming patios. (Let’s just say is particularly exciting because as I type I am watching the sun break through the clouds and that means patio season is on its way, baby). Designed by Mexico City-based architect Héctor Esrawe, the space is meant to be both intimate and vibrant, with copper elements and green ceramic tiles. But the star is the bar, which acts as a focal point and a counterbalance to the open kitchen.

June’s cocktail bar space downstairs will open its doors later this year—but for now, we’re really excited about heading upstairs to the dining room to dig into their dinner and late night menus. Think French meets West Coast brasserie fare, like scallops with beurre blanc and verjus, crab dip (!!) with spiced madeleines and dill and mussels with fino sherry, chili and fries for dipping.

“With our dinner menu, it was important for us to curate an experience that isn’t too fussy, but still elevated and special,” explains head chef Connor Sperling (previously of Published on Main). “We’re serving up some French brasserie classics, like tartare, but we’re also putting our own June take on things–French ravioli with Beurre d’Isigny, a version of French roast chicken with Loong Kong, and of course, steak frites. We’ll definitely have some nostalgic sweets like banana soft serve and chocolate madeleines.”

Sperling’s creative menu offerings don’t stop at dinner though. Late night and happy hour include some fun items: like the ‘June dog’ (which I can only imagine is a take on a corn dog, which might be the best thing I’ve heard all year) and ‘mini hammies’ (that I’m assuming are mini ham sandwiches? again, my level of excitement is through the roof).

The cocktail program is also elevated and playful. Designed by bar director Amber Bruce, bar manager Satoshi Yonemori (previously of Grapes and Soda) and head bartender Riley Maggs, the whimsical yet refined menu features signature cocktails that are influenced by both French and Japanese elements. Take the genmaicha clover club which features Beefeater gin, grappa, lemon, raspberry, honey and egg white, or the ‘Blue Fizz’ that’s made with Absolut vodka, lime, Calpico (!), blue banana (!!) and egg soda.

There will also be a craft ice program, which I can only assume means we’re going to see some seriously clear cubes and spheres. Plus, a full martini menu, where takes on the classic cocktail (like a burnt Gibson, that features persimmon mignonette and Islay mist in addition to the ubiquitous pickled onion) will be poured directly from the freezer.

“Every drink, including our non-alcoholic section, is designed to complement the exciting brasserie energy of June, be it a sip at the bar, a pairing with dinner, or soon, cocktails and snacks in our intimate downstairs bar,” says Bruce.

June will officially open its doors on April 10, though there are soft opening dates prior. Limited dinner reservations are now available online; the downstairs cocktail bar will open at a later date. You can follow June on Instagram for any future updates.

June

3305 Cambie Street