Whether you’re a fan of alleyway bars and hidden speakeasies or looking for new happy hours to try, this list of cozy bars is a great place to start if what you’re after is a drink or two and cozy winter vibes. So with that in mind, here are 11 cozy bars you can visit in Vancouver.
Arcana Spirit Lounge
Vancouver’s newest hidden bar is occult-themed, inviting guests to indulge in a variety of spirits – and we don’t just mean drinks. So if you’re looking for a unique spot that offers a variety of innovative sips and upscale French comfort food, get ready to visit this spooky yet cozy hole-in-the-wall.
Where: 238 Abbott Street, according to Arcana’s Instagram story
Hail Mary’s
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 to make up for it.
Where: 670 East Broadway
The Red Accordion
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Situated in a two-level character house, The Red Accordion is the perfect place to pop in for a spell. And by spell, we mean a round of happy hour drinks surrounded by vintage decor & seating.
Where: 1616 Alberni Street
Is That French
This intimate spot is tucked away in Gastown’s Blood Alley, serving a rotating menu of freshly shucked oysters and BC wine. A hidden gem if there ever was one – Is That French offers guests a cozy, warm ambiance and stunning seafood plates that are almost too beautiful to eat. And from 6 to 8 pm every Thursday, you can enjoy some live jazz with your oysters.
Where: 45 Blood Alley Square
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La Fabrique St-George
Doubling as one of the only wineries in the city, La Fabrique is one of our go-to spots for a glass of satisfying vino no matter the season. In the summer, the patio makes the perfect spot to unwind with a tasting flight in hand, and during the colder months, the minimally designed space offers a cozy fireplace and nook to curl up in.
Where: 7 East 7th Avenue
Cantina 189
Sister spot to Chupito, Cantina 189 is a fantastic spot tucked away between Gastown and the downtown core. Simply head through the hidden door in the OG La Taqueria location for some cozy cocktails and drool-worthy Mexican fare.
Where: 324 West Hastings Street
Como? Taperia
Next up is Como Taperia. And while dinners here are fantastic, we have to hand it to them for making happy hour truly memorable, which great deals on authentic Spanish drinks (think vermouth and cava), and various tapas dishes, which are offered free of charge for those who are seated at the bar during happy hour.
Where: 201 East 7th Avenue
The Stable House Bistro
This neighbourhood bistro and wine bar is by far one of our favourite spots on the list, complete with a cozy covered patio and a larger outdoor seating area (courtesy of the adjacent South Granville Plaza West) adorned in fairy lights. Situated in South Granville on West 13th, the intimate spot is the perfect place to pop in for a glass or two and some fresh, inventive bites.
Where: 1520 West 13th Avenue
Key Party
One of the few spots on this list that actually brands itself as a ‘speakeasy’, and for good reason. Beyond the run of 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
Castaway Bar
If you’re looking for a solid neighbourhood bar in Kits with delicious food and drink features every day of the week, look no further than Castaway Bar. Their cozy booth seating arrangements and covered patio seats make for the perfect spot to curl up any time of the week.
Where: 3293 West 4th Avenue
Tocador
Another solid Main Street spot, Tocador offers guests an array of delicious Latin American fare and inspired cocktails, as well as multiple refreshing zero-proof sips. Perfect for popping in after doing some holiday shopping or going on a walk.
Where: 2610 Main Street
And that’s a wrap on some cozy Vancouver bars to check out this winter. Cheers!
