As the cold and wet weather persists, we thought it might be a good time to share some cool indoor spots to hang out with friends over drinks. Specifically, some of the best hidden bars and speakeasies around Vancouver. After all, what’s more fun than capping off a night with a memorable drink at a swanky, sometimes literal “hole in the wall?”
Without further ado, here are 12 of the best hidden bars & speakeasies to check out around Vancouver on your next crawl.
Cantina 189
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While Chupito season might be over for the time being, its sister spot, Cantina 189, has a ton of exciting weekly events and winter cocktails to check out during these colder months. The space is cozy and intimate, accessible through a hidden door in the OG La Taqueria location on Hastings. Inside, you’ll be treated to delicious eats & drinks (and music) that are perfect for a couple of nightcaps.
Where: 324 West Hastings Street
Laowai
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What does ordering the “Number 7” get you at BLND TGER in Chinatown? Access to this swanky bar, hidden by a very unassuming facade. Inside, you’ll find some amazing cocktails and small plates to enjoy, and a cozy interior that oozes class.
Where: 251 East Georgia Street
Where is Bagheera
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Along the same vein as Laowai is09 Bagheera, Vancouver’s newest speakeasy-style, gold-clad bar. Captioned simply “we hide, you seek,” the hidden spot is now open from 5 pm to late from Tuesday to Sunday. Note that the venue only accepts groups of 6 and under. Simply follow the clues in their Instagram stories to uncover its location!
Where: Downtown Vancouver
The Stock Room
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A classy yet approachable spot for cocktails and good chats, The Stock Room sits behind Hundy Burger downtown, designed to lure folks back with tropical island vibes and a stockroom’s worth of fancy libations and bar snacks.
Where: 1144 Homer Street
Key Party
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One of the few spots on this list that actually brands itself as a ‘speakeasy’, and for good reason. Beyond the run of the mill exterior, you’ll find a fun and eclectic spot inspired by the 60s and 70s, when actual ‘Key Parties’ were popular amongst swingers. Don’t worry though, it’s just a name here.
Where: 2305 Main Street
The Narrow Lounge
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Now for an iconic spot from the same folks behind Key Party. The Narrow Lounge is an underground bar that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Maybe our top pick on this list for when you want something off the beaten path that’s cozy enough to become a go-to spot. Plus, the amazing happy hour deals never hurt.
Where: 1898 Main Street
Guilt & Co.
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If live music is more your jam, then Guilt & Co. is the answer. Another underground bar (this time in Gastown) this spot is the perfect option for a night of eating, drinking, and listening to some of the city’s best artists perform on a weekly basis.
Where: 1 Alexander Street
Hail Mary’s
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This East Van spot might not brand itself as a speakeasy in the traditional sense, but as soon as you step into the heaven and hell-themed bar, you’ll understand why it’s on this list. Low lighting, funky seating and decor, and a certain way of making guests feel tucked away in a time capsule somewhere. They can’t turn water into wine, but they’ve got plenty of delicious cocktails and Mary’s pilsner (20 oz for $8) to make up for it. Plus, they have a later happy hour from 5 to 7 pm – perfect for the after-work crowd.
Where: 670 East Broadway
Hidden Lounge
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Okay, back to the ‘bars within bars’ wave. Located in the D/6 Bar and Lounge, this space is hidden behind one of the many bookshelves, and offers access to a complete room to kick back in. Pair that with a rooftop patio in the main space, and it’s a great place to start in one area and finish off in the other.
Where: 39 Smithe Street
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The Hideaway
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Maybe the most well-known hidden bar on this list, not least because it’s inside The Diamond. Tucked away near the entrance (& formerly called The Elk Room), this cozy spot is a great way to kick back and enjoy some conversation, before getting a little more lively in the main room.
Where: 6 Powell Street
The Shameful Tiki Room
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We know, we know… The Shameful Tiki has become anything but a secret over the years, but we can’t help but include it. Maybe it’s the unassuming exterior, maybe it’s the incredible interior – one thing’s for sure: It’s definitely the amazing tiki drinks and shareable bowls. Whatever the reason, it’s the first place we go when we want a break from the usual fare.
Where: 4362 Main Street
Gran Reserva
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This spot is actually located in the basement of Bodega on Main, which serves up some of the best Spanish-style fares in the city, if you ask us. So if you’re out for dinner and want to keep the party going, head downstairs for a cocktail or three.
Where: 1014 Main Street
And those are our picks for the best hidden bars and speakeasies around Vancouver! Now, you’ve got options for your next bar crawl that are guaranteed to garner awe from your friends. Happy sipping!
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