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Remember back in the olden days when appetizers were always full price, and you couldn’t find yourself a late afternoon beer for $5, no matter how hard you tried?
Thankfully, those days and their archaic policies are long gone, and Vancouver has become a Happy Hour mecca, with many pubs and restaurants not only offering one, but multiple hours each day for people to find libation-induced cheer. Here are six particularly stylish spots to visit in downtown and Gastown, each with their own exclusively curated cocktail, wine, and beer lists. Sidle up to these well-polished bars and get happy:
L’Abattoir Happy Hour. Photo: Viranlly Liemena
It’s tough to beat the view from this bar. To the left is the bustling kitchen, visible if one sits up high enough in her bar stool; to the right is a window looking out over Gassy Jack Square; and straight ahead is a wall of playfully slanted shelves, making the booze bottles themselves appear tipsy. Each day from 5:30-6:30 pm, it’s first come first served at the bar, with half-priced appetizers, daily red and white wines for $6, beer for $5, and cocktail specials by Bar Manager Thor Paulson for $7.
Happy Hour at Uva. Photo: James Stockhorst
Italians are pros at pairing late afternoon drinks with salty snacks, and Uva is no exception. Daily from 2:00 – 6:00 pm, treat yourself to cocktails by head Bartender Lauren Mote for $10, glasses of wine for $8, and beer for $6.50. Bar snacks include the satisfyingly creamy/crunchy arancini (3 for $5), crispy polenta ($3), and buck a shuck oysters. In mid-afternoon the room is quiet and relaxing, perfect for lingering over a drink.
L’Apero at Royal Dinette. Photo: Fred Fung
Royal Dinette’s take on Happy Hour is also European, but this time in the French tradition. Monday through Saturday from 4:30 – 6:00 pm, they offer “L’Apero,”a way to whet one’s appetite for a larger meal. Though their menu changes regularly, the aperitifs typically include drinks like the Americano, Pastis et L’eau, “Apero” Spritz, and Kir Royal for only $6, mixed up by Bartender Kaitlyn Stewart. Pair these with snacks like Beyond Bread sourdough with olive oil, harissa, and sunflower seed oil. Once your appetite is piqued, stay on from 5:00 – 6:00 pm, when they have daily pastas and a glass of wine (or beer) on special for $22.
Cafe Medina’s Golden Hour. Photo: Barry Calhoun
While most restaurants require you to arrive early for Happy Hour, Medina’s “Golden Hour” requires diners to stay on after their brunch or lunch. From 2:00 – 3:00 pm daily, Bar Manager Trixie Blumel offers up $7 house cocktails, $5 local craft beer, and $4 coffee spikes, which include combos like Bourbon + Crème de Cacao. Then, then you’ll get on with your highly productive day, right?
Tacofino Gastown’s Happy Hour. Photo: Shelley McArthur Communications
With its big, colourful room and lengthy bar, Tacofino’s Gastown location is a popular place to catch up over drinks from 3:00pm-6:00pm during weekdays. Specials include featured classic cocktails like the Batanga and Caipirinha (both $8), with a daily featured cocktail for $7 from Bar Manager Julia Diakow. There are also rotating beer selections on tap ($5), glasses of red and white wine ($5), and once your drinks are ordered, a variety of share plates to choose from.
Happy Hour at Boulevard. Photo: Steve Li
Go and be swanky. Boulevard, located in the Sutton Place Hotel, puts on daily Stanley Park beer, highballs, and feature cocktails for just $5, select wines for $6, and an appetizer menu full of inventive but casual Happy Hour bites ranging from $1 to $10. Enjoy snacks like octopus ceviche or house smoked salmon pâté in plush banquette booths under sculptural, glowing chandeliers.
Hapa Hour at Hapa Izakaya. Photo: Hapa Izakaya
Hapa Izakaya’s “Hapa Hour” wins for best name, with three Vancouver locations to choose from (weekdays in Coal Harbour from 3:00 – 5:30 pm, and on Robson and in Yaletown everyday from 5:00 – 6:00 pm). Featured draft beers are on for $4, red and white wines for $5, with dishes like Hapa Hot Wings and Renkon Gyoza Tempura to appease your late afternoon hunger.
Happy Hour at Clough Club. Photo: Clough Club
For an intimate and trendy Happy Hour experience, try Clough Club in Gastown. Weekdays from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and 12:00 – 1:00 am Sunday to Thursday, this low-lit, brass-finished bar serves up $7 select classic cocktails, and $4 Jameson, highballs, and Fernet Branca (for those in need of a digestif). If you’re peckish, order a hot dog for $5, or take advantage of the complimentary snacks, set out for those enjoying a cocktail at the bar.
That’s just a small sampling of some of the many fantastic places to enjoy Happy Hour in downtown Vancouver! What are your favourites?
Featured image: Vancouver aerial. Photo: Tourism Vancouver