Top Bars in Vancouver – Most Viewed (2025)

Located behind the unassuming dumpling storefront of Blnd Tgr on Vancouver’s East Georgia Street, Laowai—a Mandarin slang term for “foreigner”—unveils itself as a glamorously themed 1920s Shanghai speakeasy. Unlocked via ordering “Number 7” dumplings, the entrance through a freezer door transports guests into a richly appointed lounge filled with emerald velvet booths, copper and gold detailing, peacock‑feather-style lamps, and fifty suspended phoenix-like bird lights across the ceiling. Designed by Bergman Interiors, the space evokes the clandestine allure of Prohibition-era Shanghai while offering a modern cocktail experience. Guests can choose from around 57 seats including bar, front and back rooms, and a private “Room No. 8” for up to 15 guests. The drink program features one of Canada’s largest baijiu selections—nearly three dozen varieties—alongside inventive cocktails inspired by Chinese historical figures and ingredients like lychee, Sichuan peppercorn, bamboo, or ginseng. Many ingredients are sourced locally for sustainability. The menu includes dumplings and small plates crafted by chef Phong Vo, with standout items like pork Sichuan “Zhongs,” bison momos, cumin lamb, vegetarian dumplings and dumpling tasting experiences, all priced affordably under CA$10 each. Laowai has quickly earned recognition, ranking #17 in Canada’s 100 Best Bars, blending playful secrecy with refined hospitality and cultural nuance. Walk‑in only, no small group reservations, but happy hour specials and occasional live music add to the theatrical ambience.

Tucked below street level behind a red glow and no signage, The Narrow Lounge remains one of Vancouver’s best-kept “in the know” secrets. The moment you slip inside, you step into a moody, intimate space defined by low light, vintage furnishings, eclectic art, and a long, narrow bar that runs the full length of the room. Regulars love calling it a “hipster speakeasy” — with whispers, hidden entrances, and a layout that forces camaraderie among strangers squeezed between stools and tables. Drinks are a major draw: expect classic cocktails, well-made martinis, craft beers, interesting highballs, and specials during happy hour. The lounge doesn’t rely on heavy décor flash — it leans into ambiance. Chandeliers, dark walls, quirky decor items, vintage touches, and an intimate feel make it ideal for nights when you want a drink and conversation over clanging music. Food is modest but thoughtful: shareable plates, tacos, burgers, flatbreads, popcorn, and small bites that pair well with drinks. In warmer months, the back patio expands into The Hideaway, a tiki-bar–style extension serving seasonal drinks, sunlight, and a bit of space to breathe. Over its life, The Narrow has weathered scrutiny. In mid-2024, regulatory pressure forced it to close briefly, citing concerns over liquor licensing and food-to-alcohol ratios — the team took that downtime to refresh and reimagine parts of the décor and drink program. That said, much of the core aesthetic remains: dark, mysterious, welcoming to those who seek something a little offbeat. In short: The Narrow Lounge offers a layered nightlife experience — a bar that rewards explorers, cocktail lovers, and those who prefer nuance over spectacle.

Nestled discreetly on Main Street, Key Party is Vancouver's hidden gem that transports patrons back to the swinging 1970s. Behind the unassuming façade of "Zottenberg & Sons Accounting" lies a vibrant speakeasy adorned with velvet drapes, vintage furnishings, and a cheeky mural that sets the tone for an unforgettable night. Conceived by the creative minds behind The Rumpus Room and The Narrow Lounge, Key Party offers a playful escape from the ordinary. The cocktail menu is a delightful nod to the past, featuring reinvented classics like the Coconut Cream Grasshopper and the Cherry Paralyzer, alongside inventive concoctions such as Kir Royale jello shots topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. Complementing the drinks are nostalgic snacks that evoke memories of yesteryears. Guests can indulge in treats like chili cheese dip with tortilla chips, "Ants on a Log" celery sticks with dill-infused Cheez Whiz, and DIY s'mores complete with tabletop heaters and Grand Marnier graham crackers. With its intimate 40-seat capacity, Key Party fosters a cozy atmosphere perfect for date nights or gatherings with friends. The bar operates on a first-come, first-served basis, embracing the spontaneity of the era it celebrates. Whether you're seeking a unique cocktail experience or simply wish to revel in retro charm, Key Party invites you to step back in time and enjoy a night of whimsical indulgence.

Arcana Spirit Lounge is a theatrical escape hidden in Vancouver’s Gastown—disguised behind a quirky “Pet Psychic” storefront, but once inside you’re transported into a realm of mysticism, shadows, and carefully crafted experiences. The décor leans into vintage spiritualism, with low lighting, antique chandeliers casting delicate flickers, tarot motifs, Ouija board inlays on tables, and an oversized programmable Ouija board above the bar that flashes cryptic messages in time with drink specials. There’s even a Zoltar machine inside to offer guests whimsical “fortunes.” The cocktail menu is the star: drinks named after Tarot cards (The Star, Death, The Magician, etc.) come with theatrical flair—illuminated ice, smoke effects from dry ice, custom glassware. They also incorporate a spirit-free / mocktail option for some of the signature drinks, so non-drinkers aren’t left out. On the food side, the offering is “elevated comfort” meets themed flair. Expect items like “Croque Sorcier” (a play on Croque Monsieur), steak tartare, sliders with occult styling, and seasonal salads. Although portions might lean small (many diners view the food as complements to the drinks and vibe), quality and presentation are strong. Arcana operates mostly in the evening, with opening times in the late afternoon/early evening continuing into late night. Because it’s still relatively new (opened late 2023) it is building a reputation for being one of Vancouver’s more ambitious cocktail/concept bar ventures. One local review even called it “the occult cocktail bar Vancouver needed.” Overall, Arcana is less about being the loudest or flashiest club, and more about atmosphere, intrigue, and the slow reveal of details—perfect for those who love bars with stories, theatrics, and sensory layering.

Nestled in Vancouver's historic Chinatown, The Keefer Bar stands as a beacon of innovative mixology and atmospheric charm. Drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese medicine, this apothecary-themed bar seamlessly blends historical elements with contemporary flair. The interior exudes a dark, moody ambiance, adorned with backlit anatomical illustrations and vintage medical paraphernalia, transporting patrons to a bygone era. The cocktail menu, aptly titled "List of Remedies and Cures," features an array of concoctions infused with exotic herbs and spices. Signature drinks like the "Antidote"—a blend of Canadian whisky, yuzu sake, lemon, and traditional Chinese herbal remedies—exemplify the bar's commitment to creative and thematic mixology. Beyond its drinks, The Keefer Bar offers a selection of Asian-inspired small plates, including dim sum and Taiwanese cauliflower, often sourced from neighboring establishments, enhancing the communal and local vibe. Recognized as one of Canada's premier bars, The Keefer Bar has earned accolades for its unique concept and exceptional offerings. Whether you're a cocktail aficionado or a curious newcomer, this establishment promises an unforgettable experience that tantalizes the senses and ignites the imagination.

Located on the second floor of the Fairmont Pacific Rim overlooking Vancouver Harbour, Botanist Bar is a standout cocktail destination brought to life under Creative Beverage Director Grant Sceney. The bar operates from a dedicated Cocktail Lab outfitted with industrial tools—centrifuges, a rotary evaporator, even a band saw for bespoke ice—to craft imaginative and sculptural libations rooted in Pacific Northwest terroir. The space is part of the larger Botanist venue, which includes a plant-filled Garden, elegant Dining Room, Champagne Lounge, and a Taschen Library. Designed by Ste Marie Design and Glasfurd & Walker, the interior is layered with over 50 species of living and preserved plants, natural light, pastel-hued furnishings, and botanical motifs that evoke forested and coastal ecosystems. Botanist Bar has earned widespread acclaim: ranked #26 on North America’s 50 Best Bars (2025), winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award (2023), and recognized by the MICHELIN Guide for “Exceptional Cocktails”. Signature drinks like “Raincouver,” an oyster‑leaf gin with edible rain cloud foams, and the “Water of Life” sensory menu offer experiential journeys through flavor, pairing cocktails with delicate culinary bites. Expect a sophisticated yet playful environment, ideal for elevated date nights, bespoke cocktail experiences, or refined small-group gatherings. With strong sustainability and local sourcing commitments, the bar emphasizes Pacific Northwest botanicals—from algae and oyster leaf to local agave and fruit shrubs—to deliver a one‑of‑a‑kind drinking experience.

The Shameful Tiki Room is Vancouver’s ultimate escape into mid-century Polynesian pop culture. Hidden behind a modest façade on Main Street, this dimly lit, bamboo-clad bar transports guests to a bygone era of tropical indulgence. Inside, the ambiance is rich with tiki carvings, velvet art, pufferfish lanterns, and vintage exotica and surf music playing on vinyl. The bar’s signature experience includes the “Mystery Bowl”—a flaming communal cocktail delivered with a dramatic gong and staff chant. The menu boasts a mix of tiki classics and inventive house originals like the “Day of the Dead” and “Hart of Gold,” alongside staples like the Mai Tai, Zombie, and Navy Grog. Each drink is meticulously crafted and served in custom mugs, some of which are available for purchase. Food offerings include tropical nachos, tuna sliders, samosas, and green curry, catering to both vegetarian and gluten-free diets. With seating for around 50 guests, the bar maintains an intimate atmosphere. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. Whether you're a tiki aficionado or a curious newcomer, The Shameful Tiki Room promises an unforgettable journey into a lush, tropical world.