Photo via @tocadorbar / Instagram
Happy patio season, Vancouver! We truly can’t think of a better way to take in all this sunshine than on a beautiful patio with a cold drink in hand. So whether you’re heading to your closest neighbourhood patio or a rooftop bar, here are 14 of the best patio happy hours to check out in and around the city this season.
Smitty’s on Main has an all-day happy hour on Tuesday, among plenty of weekday specials. Whether you prefer your oysters raw ($2.50 each) or pan-fried ($3.50 each, minimum order of three), Smitty’s has you covered. And if you’re more fish-leaning, there are some delicious options there too, including Halibut Ceviche Tostada and Seafood Tostada.
When: All day Tuesday, 3 to 6 pm from Wednesday to Friday, and 12 to 6 pm on weekends
Where: 3124 Main Street
Menu: Click here
If you still haven’t checked out Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions, consider this your sign. With unique, flowing cocktails, retro decor, laid-back vibes, and tasty charcoal-grilled BBQ, the 70s-inspired bar & grill never disappoints. And the spot has two patios to choose from!
When: 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm Monday to Friday
Where: 67 West 6th Avenue
Menu: Click here
And now, for one of the city’s top tropical-themed spots. Inspired by the colours and culture of Havana, Cuba, this restaurant & bar boasts eats and drinks that are just as vibrant. Plus, they have a pretty sizeable patio perfect for a sunny day. Order some ceviche or Spanish mussels for the table and indulge in a refreshing, mezcal-based cocktail. You deserve it.
When: Daily, 3 to 5 pm and 9 pm to close Sunday to Thursday, 10 pm to close Friday and Saturday
Where: 1212 Commercial Drive
Menus: Click here
The quintessential spot for seafood in Vancouver also has a great rooftop patio. It’s the perfect place to kick your feet up after shopping on Robson or visiting the art gallery. All in all, it’s hard to deny that Forte’s has one of the best patios in Vancouver. We can certainly see why celebs like John Cena approve.
When: Daily, 3 to 5 pm
Where: 777 Thurlow Street
Menus: Click here
A Kitsilano staple, the main draw of Darby’s is their rooftop patio. We think this is the spot to go when you have time for a pint in the middle of the afternoon because we hate waiting but love patios. Darby’s has the best beer selection on our Vancouver rooftop patio list – and who can resist the chill vibes of a Kits patio?
When: Daily, 12 pm to 5 pm
Where: 2001 MacDonald Street
Menus: Click here
Tocador is another vibrant Cuban kitchen offering a variety of seasonal dishes and daily happy hour specials, including two tacos for $10, and Guava Spritzes for $10. The interior is full of bright colours, Cuban & beach-inspired decor, and cozy string lights overhead. Plus, they have live music every Sunday at 6 pm, which is certainly a great way to kick off the week.
When: Daily, open to 6 pm, all day Tuesdays
Where: 2610 Main Street
Menus: Click here
In terms of the most convenient patio happy hours, it doesn’t get much better than this pick. Situated in the heart of Yaletown, Brix and Mortar is the perfect place to grab drinks or dinner after work, and they even have live music on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to set the mood. Their happy hour is from 4 to 6 pm from Tuesday to Sunday, and includes $10 cocktails, $6 beers, and 30% off all wine priced $140 and under.
When: 4 to 6 pm Tuesday to Sunday
Where: 1137 Hamilton Street
Menus: Click here
Offered daily from 3 to 5 pm, Bin 4 Burger Lounge offers half-priced burgers at its South Granville restaurant, which means The Heritage burger drops from $18.75 to $9.50, The Bistro burger goes from $20.75 to $12, and the Mr. Bean burger drops from $20 to $11.
And until 6 pm, you can take advantage of appetizer and drink deals like house fries for $4 to $7, deep-fried pickles for $8, 16 oz beer for $6, and wines for $7 to $10.
When: Daily, 3 to 5 pm
Where: 2996 Granville Street
Menus: Click here
We couldn’t make a list of happy hours and not include the all-day food happy hour menu at Narrow! Pop on over the corner of Main and East 2nd for a speakeasy experience like no other – accompanied by $6 burritos, $4.50 tacos, and specialty cocktails for $12.50 (or wine for $5.50) – which are available until 7 pm daily.
Once you’ve got your goodies, head to the secret back patio!
When: Daily, 5 pm to close, drinks on special until 7 pm
Where: 1898 Main Street
Menus: Click here
Speaking of the Narrow Group, Uncle Abe’s never disappoints with its laid-back summer vibes, funky decor, and daily happy hour specials, including Abe’s Lager for $4.50!
When: Daily, open to 6 pm
Where: 3032 Main Street
Menu: Click here
Another Vancouver staple, and right down the street from Joe Fortes. Maybe your relatives are in town from the prairies, and they’re not super into eating a ton of seafood. No problem, just head for some high-quality steaks on a rooftop patio. Or, come for a $13 burger and beer power lunch on Fridays (til 2 PM).
When: Daily, 2:30 to 5:30 pm on the Roof
Where: 1032 Alberni Street
Menus: Click here
At Craft False Creek and English Bay, happy hour go-ers can indulge in $5 highballs, $6 house wines and cocktails, and rotating taps for $7. And for those in search of some food specials, they have parmesan fries for $8, Queen Bee Pizza for $12, and ahi tuna tacos for $4 each – to name a few.
When: Daily, 2 to 5 pm and 9 pm to close from Monday to Thursday
Where: False Creek and English Bay locations
Menu: Click here
This underrated brunch spot in South Granville is the perfect place to unwind with a beer or glass of wine after a long day. Its cozy interior is perfect for holing yourself up in when it’s drizzly, and the back patio makes for the perfect stop for happy hour.
Offered from 3 to 6 pm and 9 pm to late daily, the happy hour menu includes red and white wine for $7 to $9, well spirits from $5 to $8, and 20 oz beers for $6.50.
When: Daily, 3 to 6 pm and 9 pm to late
Where: 2975 Granville Street
Menus: Click here
Located on a pier in Coal Harbour, Lift might just have the best views on this entire list. Pacific Northwest cuisine dominates the menu, and their happy hour features buck-a-shuck oysters. The best spot for your upcoming date with a person that just moved to the city and wants to chill by the water.
When: Daily, 3 to 5:30 pm
Where: 333 Menchion Mews
Menus: Click here
And that’s a wrap on some fantastic patio happy hours you can enjoy this season. Cheers!
Happy short week!