The 7 Best Unique & Stylish Bars in Vancouver

Looking for the best bars in Vancouver with tasty drinks and immaculate vibes?

We here at Vancouver Tips love a good evening out, and while we’re most often found hanging at one of Vancouver’s ten million breweries, we like to class things up now and again with nice cocktails and an atmospheric vibe to match.

So, if you’re looking for nice drinking spots that aren’t Cactus Club, a brewery, or a vaguely Irish pub, below, you’ll find a curated list of the best unique bars in Vancouver we’ve been to…….. so far. Be sure to save this list for your next date night or hang-out!

PS: You might also like our articles featuring the best Happy Hours in Downtown Vancouver and daily drink specials for every day of the week.

The Keefer Bar

135 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X3

The Keefer Bar is a dimly-lit narrow watering hole with a quirky apothecary/medical theme, provided by IV drips standing next to the tables, water bottles shaped as old medicine bottles, and X-ray scans hanging from walls as decoration.

… It’s romantic though. We promise.

This Vancouver cocktail bar offers an extensive selection of creative cocktails, and (based on our experience) each somehow tastes better than the last. After multiple visits, this spot has easily become one of our favourite bars in Vancouver, with not only consistently incredible drinks, but also super helpful staff who will assist you with choosing your next tipple.

Key Party 

2305 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C9

Key Party is a tiny speakeasy that hides behind the old school facade of an accountant’s office in Mount Pleasant.

Once you find your way inside, you’re greeted with a narrow interior painted bright red, with Renaissance-inspired art decorating the walls.

Menu-wise, you’ll find an assortment of naughtily named cocktails here, from “Birthday Suit” to “Shades of Gray”, alongside typical bar snacks like chips and dips, as well as some unique options like cheese fondue.

While this spot (like many Vancouver speakeasies) is no longer much of a secret, a visit here is still well worth it to experience the unique entrance and unexpected interior stylings. Just beware of a long line-up on weekends!

The Chickadee Room in Juke

182 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X4

The Chickadee Room is a small funky bar that is decorated with neon signs and offers modern booths to cozy up in.

Located in the heart of Chinatown, this fun Vancouver bar is conveniently connected to Juke Fried Chicken, which means that besides being able to sip on one of their creative cocktails, you can also order some Jukes’s beloved chicken sammies to go with your tipple of choice. 

Our recommendation: Ask your server about the daily features menu. We were recommended a floral gin-based sour and it didn’t disappoint!

The Narrow Lounge 

1898 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3B9

For a Vancouver bar that’s a little less of a typical cocktail bar and more of a grungy underground tavern, the Narrow Lounge hides at the end of a graffiti-covered staircase that leads you down into a basement.

We promise, it’s less murdery than it sounds.

As its name suggests, the space here is quite intimate, and while (based on our experience) the drinks are not the most creative, they are tasty enough and work well for a fun evening with friends in a casual setting.

If you’re feeling munchy, the Narrow Lounge also offers a selection of Mexican-inspired street food if you feel like snacking on something during your visit.

Hello Goodbye

1120 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2S2

Hello Goodbye is a small bar hidden in the heart of Yaletown.

To find it, you need to go through an unmarked red door, then down a staircase to find the small bar at the end of the dancefloor.

Tables here are reserved with the purchase of a bottle (#YaletownProblems), but you’re still welcome to come in and get a drink at the bar and throw some moves on the dance floor. Just be sure to arrive early on weekends, or be ready to face the wrath of their infamous bouncers.

Our recommendation: The never disappointing Moscow mule.

La Boqueria Tapas and Pintxos Bar

291 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T8, Canada

For a unique Vancouver bar that’s a bit more fun and casual, La Boqueria is a colourful and lively establishment inspired by the food markets of Spain.

Here you will be able to sample some typical Spanish dishes, accompanied, of course, by your choice of Spanish red wine, sangría, or a glass of flavorful vermouth.

The ambiance here is casual, but the holiday vibes make it a unique location to go for a drink – ideal for a casual date night or a catch-up with a group of friends.

Belgard Kitchen 

55 Dunlevy Ave, Vancouver, BC V6A 3A3, Canadá

Belgard Kitchen is a gem of Vancouver bar tucked away in Railtown (just on the fringes of Gastown) behind a pair of imposing wooden doors which open up to a lofty room with wine barrels stacked on top of each other.

With a unique underground wine cellar vibe, this space is gorgeously decked out with modern light fixtures and dreamily high ceilings.

As its name suggests, Belgard Kitchen is primarily a restaurant, however, they are also home to Settlement Brewing and Vancouver Urban Winery, making it a great location to enjoy drink with friends, or a romantic date night in a uniquely modern yet casual spot.

Did We Miss Any of Your Favourite Bars in Vancouver?

Let us know in the comments which Vancouver bars we should add to our list!