Drinks

5 of the Best Sangria Spots in Vancouver

Make summer “pitcher perfect” with a sampling of some of the city’s finest sangrias

By Josh Murray /

Credit: iStock

Vancouver’s finest sangria is served up at these local eateries

Making sangria is easy. Making good sangria is much more of a challenge. The wine-based summertime favourite features specialty liqueurs and fruit flavours that can easily sweeten or sour the recipe. These five local restaurants have mastered the art of the refreshing beverage, with variations that make for perfect summer sipping.



Credit: Havana Restaurant

Havana – 1212 Commercial Drive

Commercial Drive favourite Havana has been celebrating the culture of Cuba’s capital for nearly two decades now and their sangria offering is extensive. Six different varieties are available and range from the more traditional “rojo” or “blanco” right through to the Tropical – with a hint of Malibu Rum – or the Strawberry Lemonade, which of course folds in ripe berry and tart citrus notes.



Credit: Facebook/Kino Cafe

Kino Café – 3456 Cambie Street

Cambie Street’s Kino Café didn’t blow the budget on décor – because the talent on stage and at the bar are more than enough to make it a worthy neighborhood favourite. The simple, European-style café is beloved for its frequent flamenco nights and pitchers of its house sangria are the only appropriate drink of choice. 



Credit: Flickr/John M

Bin 941 – 941 Davie Street

Bin 941 is often credited with birthing the tapas trend in Vancouver’s restaurant scene and its menu is full of choices but their “bin-gria” is one item you need to hunt for. The concoction is not widely advertised, but even renowned travel guide Frommer’s labeled it the very best in the city.



Credit: Lolita's

Lolita’s – 1326 Davie Street

Lolita’s brought festive, modern Mexican cuisine to Davie Street shy of 10 years ago and the crowds have not died down. With just over three dozen seats, the joint is packed most nights of the week for tacos and Tecate. But Sunday night brings with it a weekly sangria special. Both the tropical-leaning “blanca” and the berry-focused “roja” varieties are well-priced so feel free to order a few.



Credit: Facebook/Tapas 23

Tapas 23 on Main – 3941 Main Street

The former home of Crave has a new look and a new name: Tapas 23 has brought tapas to Main Street and – with it – a delicious sangria to accompany their house-made chorizo and popular empanadas. Both white and red varieties are available and reasonably priced at under $20 a pitcher.