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Escape the office and wind down with the most delicious deals in town
There is no shortage of happy hour options in Vancouver, which is great news for anyone looking for wallet-friendly fare. This city is known worldwide for its spectacular restaurants and if you come at the right time, the best of the best are serving up some of the tastiest bargains in town.
Here’s our ultimate guide to Vancouver’s happy hour scene…
*Prices and offerings subject to change.
Fun fact! L’Abattoir is built on the site of Vancouver’s first jail, dating back to the 19th century. Today, diners enjoy French-influenced West Coast food paired with an eclectic wine program and innovative cocktail list.Must eat: Half-price deals on all small plates from the dinner menu (except baked oysters). Small plates change frequently so you’ll always find something new to try. The only permanent fixture on the happy hour menu is a fan favourite: sweetbreads on toast.Must drink: Beer ($5), wine ($6), feature cocktail ($7)Happy hours: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily, bar seating only (first come, first served)217 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Peruvian and Japanese flavours merge into an exciting, cohesive profile at Ancora. Perched on the seawall, you can enjoy your billion-dollar view while sampling delicious food and cocktail specials all priced under $12.Must eat: Rotating food specials ($10 to $12) and buck-and-shuck oysters ($2 each)Must drink: Rotating drink specials, including Ancora’s select wine ($7)Happy hours: 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday1600 Howe Street, Vancouver
B.C. Kitchen is Vancouver’s newest sports bar, offering innovative, high-quality interpretations of classic comfort foods. Located at Parq Vancouver, the eatery’s menu items range from gourmet pizzas to burgers and Mexican-inspired street fare, with an extensive bar stocked with local, regional and international beer.Must eat: All appetizers are 50 percent off. Try the buffalo cauliflower, dirty mac ‘n’ cheese or poutine with soft poached egg ($4.75 each)Must drink: Beer and wine are rotating ($5)Happy hours: 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily; 9:30 p.m. to close Sunday to Thursday2nd floor, 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver
It’s not just your typical hotel restaurant, so expect some culinary finesse coming out of Boulevard’s kitchen.Must eat: Clam chowder ($9), crispy chicken wings ($10), smoked salmon paté ($9)Must drink: Feature cocktails ($7), wine ($7) and beer ($6)Happy hours: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily845 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Known for a vibrant, earthy farm-to-table menu that allows raw ingredients to shine, Burdock & Co. has a new weekly series that features a savoury dumpling menu, DJ Chris Allen spinning vinyl, and a flashy disco ball setting the mood.Must eat: Nettle and ricotta dumplings with wild greens ($10) or the restaurant’s famous fried chicken ($10)Must drink: Wine (starting at $9) and beer (starting at $6)Happy hours: 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. for “Disco Dumplings” on Mondays2702 Main Street, Vancouver
The province’s go-to for casual fine dining has a brand new happy hour menu available at all B.C. locations. It features four different price levels ($4, $8, $13 and $20) and includes Chef Rob Feenie’s signature creations.Must eat: Ravioli and prawn trio ($8), tuna stack featuring Ocean Wise ahi ($13) and steak frites made with certified Angus beef sirloin ($20)Must drink: The classic frosé with a twist, made with rosé wine, strawberries, elderflower, Smirnoff vodka and lemon ($5); jalapen?o margarita made with Cazadores Reposado tequila, triple sec and jalapen?os ($7)Happy hours: At most locations from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close Monday to SaturdayVarious locations, details online
Located in the Library District, this is the city’s favourite spot for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, deeply fragrant coffee and sweet sustenance (in the form of waffles).Must drink: House cocktails ($8), beer on tap ($5) and wine ($8)Happy hours: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays780 Richards Street, Vancouver
One of Vancouver’s most innovative Indian restaurants (complete with a dedicated bread bar), this locale showcases a happy hour featuring many Indian twists on classic dishes.Must eat: Poutine topped with butter chicken ($8.95), lamb meatball sliders with avocado mint salsa ($6.95) and handmade samosas (tandoori vegetables, tandoori beef or butter chicken served with mango chutney, tomato kalonji, $8.95) Must drink: Cucumber Collins (Long Table London Dry, lime juice, soda water, cucumber bitters, dehydrated lime, $10) and Chimney Sling (Long Table London Dry, pineapple juice, lime juice, black pepper & cardamom bitters, cherry brandy, dehydrated orange, $10)Happy hours: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday567 Hornby Street, Vancouver
One of the city’s newer restaurants offers a modern spin on the classic fish house concept.Must eat: Oysters (half price), fritto misto with aioli ($12), cod croquette ($9) and crab and shrimp roll ($8)Must drink: On-tap Negroni ($8), pints of craft beer ($5), glasses of Coquille Semillon (Lock & Worth Winery) or Coquille Syrah (Nichol Vineyard) ($6)Happy hours: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily181 Carall Street, Vancouver
Nestled in Vancouver’s “golden triangle” in Fraserhood, Crowbar matches perfectly with its casual, intimate space. The restaurant’s menu is dedicated to in-season, organic ingredients and a nose-to-tail program that routinely puts grilled chicken hearts, popcorn sweetbreads and braised lamb neck on the menu. Vegetarians should try the zucchini aglio e olio and fried broccoli.Must eat: Food specials are rotating daily and offered at 50 percent offMust drink: Happy Negroni ($8), happy lager ($4) and happy Jameson ($4)Happy hours: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; 10:30 p.m. to Midnight Monday to Saturday646 Kingsway, Vancouver
Di Beppe‘s happy hour is inspired by the old world bacaro of Venice. A bacaro is an establishment that welcomes both locals and tourists as a friendly place to gather in the afternoon and enjoy an aperitivo and ciccchetti (olives, cured meats, pickled vegetables, etc.).Must eat: Burrata served with toasts and a tomato coriander marmalade ($12) and house-made potato chips ($2)Must drink: Aperol Spritz (of course!) ($8) and Lambrusco ($5)8 West Cordova Street, Vancouver
This charming space is located in Chinatown but features an old school Vegas vibe, complete with vintage decor. The restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy spirit-forward cocktails and a satisfying mix of snacks and heartier dishes. Must eat: Balsamic vinegar chips ($5) and goat cheese dip ($10)Must drink: Wine and draft beer ($5), a feature cocktail ($6) such as a Lavender 75 (made with lavender-infused gin), a Michelada (Sol beer, Tobasco, Worcestershire sauce and a spiced rim) or a classic Moscow MuleHappy hours: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday to Friday in The Emerald’s Lounge555 Gore Avenue, Vancouver
If you can’t make it to the annual summer BC Seafood Festival in Comox Valley, the next best thing is dining at Fanny Bay Oyster Bar here in Vancouver. You can’t get any closer to a true “tide-to-table” experience and, best of all, you can even buy their incredibly fresh shellfish to take home.Must eat: Featured oyster ($1.50 each), steamed mussels & clams ($14) or fried oysters ($13)Must drink: Oyster shooter (whisky Caesar topped with a freshly shucked oyster, $6.50), featured local craft beer on draft ($5)Happy hours: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily762 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Vancouver’s love affair with Japanese comfort food continues and Gyoza Bar delivers, with authentic yet innovative options. Best known, of course, for their signature gyoza, these are served in a traditional Japanese imono cast iron pan to achieve a perfectly seared, crunchy exterior while locking in juices inside.Must eat: Pork teppan gyoza ($6), chicken wings karaage ($6), pulled pork bao ($5)Must drink: Mango mule ($7.50) and highballs ($4.50)Happy hours: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily622 West Pender Street, Vancouver
H2 Rotisserie & Bar offers upscale home-style food along with local beer, wine and even kombucha on tap that focuses on fresh, local ingredients. With an unrivaled location directly off of Vancouver’s gorgeous seawall, H2 is an ideal spot to relax, unwind and indulge. Enjoy their garden-side patio, which boasts one of the best views of the North Shore mountains.Must eat: House-fried potato chips served with sour cream and onion ($5), spiced yam fries ($5) and roasted red pepper artichoke dip served with grilled naan and blue corn tortilla chips ($5)Must drink: Draft beer ($6), house wine ($7), highballs ($5), and boilermakers (spirits mixed with beer, $9)Happy hours: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. everyday1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver
If you have a sweet tooth, this is one of the few happy hour menus that includes some truly decadent desserts.Must eat: Maple butter pork belly ($8) and the Homer Street burger ($12), or chewy peanut butter cookies with Nutella cream ($6) and chocolate pudding with Maldon sea salt, cocoa nibs and honeycomb ($6)Must drink: Wishbone lager ($5), house wine ($6) and Claude Chevalier Blanc de Blancs Brut ($6)Happy hours: 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. to close daily898 Homer Street, Vancouver
Even though Joe Fortes is a Vancouver institution, a lot of people still don’t know about the incredible rooftop patio. Their happy hour runs seven days a week, so you can get your oyster fix after running errands over the weekend.Must eat: Jumbo tempura prawns ($14.95), mini lobster and shrimp rolls ($14.95) and, of course, buck-a-shuck fresh oystersMust drink: Wine by the glass ($7.50) or Red Truck Lager ($5)Happy hours: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily777 Thurlow Street, Vancouver
Joey is known for bringing bold, international flavours from around the world into their signature dishes, making exotic flavours approachable. And their newly launched super happy happy hour features many of these menu favourites at a bargain. For night owls, their late-night after-hours happy hour includes meal-sized options.Must eat: A Joey classic: the sushi cone ($4) or the vegetarian lettuce wraps ($9.50)Must drink: Super Sonic Gin and Tonic, sangria or Whistler Mountain Lager ($4 each)Happy hours: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily and 9 p.m. to close Sunday to ThursdayVarious locations
An authentic French bistro experience in the heart of Gastown and the perfect afternoon respite amongst quaint ambiance and delicious French food at an affordable price. Must eat: Everything on the happy hour menu is $8.50, including Albacore tuna sashimi, charcuterie platter and artichoke croquettes.Must drink: Featured wine ($5 per glass, $25 per bottle)Happy hours: 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily216 Abbott Street, Vancouver
Regulars know a few secrets about Mamie Taylor’s… like the fried green tomato sliders, chicken wings and meatballs are available only during happy hour. And for a secret menu hack, order the meatballs and sliders to build your own tomato and meatball sliders.Must eat: Ham grenades (basically a tater tot-stuffed with cheese and ham, 3 for $4), marinara meatballs (3 for $4) and the fried green tomato sliders (2 for $5)Must drink: Signature Mamie Taylor’s cocktail (scotch, Angustora bitters, fresh lime and ginger beer, named after a 19th cetury American opera singer, $7) and draft beer ($5) on daily rotation, including the restaurant’s bespoke collaboration with Monkey 9 Brewing Happy hours: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday to Sunday251 East Georgia Street, Vancouver
As if you needed another reason to go to the Shangri-La Hotel, head up to Market on the third floor to discover one of the city’s secret patios. Just steps away from the financial and shopping districts, it’s truly a civilized escape in the middle of a bustling city.Must eat: Signature steelhead sashimi with crispy rice and chipotle emulsion ($9), hand-cut Kenebec frites with chives and truffle aioli ($10) and a weekly pizza feature ($11)Must drink: All wines are $6 per glass, Ginger and buckthorn fizz, a spirit-free cocktail ($10) or a weekly “bartender feature,” which is a testing ground for their bartenders to explore new flavours and concepts ($10, all cocktails)Happy hours: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close daily1128 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
For anyone who’s ever wished for smaller portions only so you could order more food, this is the happy hour for you. Many of La Mezcaleria‘s most popular dinner items are on offer during happy hour on a smaller scale.Must eat: Quesito Fundido ($8), their signature molten cheese fondue served in a volcanic stone bowl; amigos flight ($16), a flight of ceviche callejero, octopus ceviche, guacamole and pico de gallo served with freshly made chips; and ceviche callejero ($6), made with seasonal fish cured in lime with tomato, onion, jalapeño and cilantro, served with freshly made chipsMust drink: Palomita ($7), a traditional drink made with tequila and grapefruit soda, and Juan de Fuca Michelada ($7), made with Juan de Fuca lager, clamato, lime, Worcestershire, salsa huichol, cilantro and tan rimHappy hours: Gastown: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday to Sunday; Commercial Drive: 9 p.m. to close Monday & Tuesday and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday68 East Cordova Street, Vancouver & 1622 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Odd Society Spirits is a craft distillery located in the heart of East Van, creating spirits from locally sourced ingredients. All cocktails that are served in the lounge are made with spirits crafted onsite in the distillery. Must eat: While there aren’t any special food discounts during happy hour, their friends from The Pie Shoppe supply some amazing hand pies, including honey-roasted carrot, coriander, caramelized onion and goat cheese, or pair your drink with a charcuterie and cheese plate loaded with delicacies from Les Amis du Fromage, Black Forest Meats, Two River Meats and D-Original Sausage CompanyMust drink: Double gin and tonic ($6) made with Odd Society Wallflower gin and tonic water, a cassis and soda for a refreshing early evening sipper or even a cassis and cola for something a little richer ($3 for a single and $6 for a double)Happy hours: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday to Friday1725 Powell Street, Vancouver
Incredibly fresh seafood served in a warm, sophisticated environment under the Granville Street Bridge and overlooking False Creek. The scenery alone is spectacular but the always-expanding happy hour menu is equally impressive.Must eat: The Ahi tuna poke sliders ($9) or the panko-crusted avocado chips ($7)Must drink: Granville Island pints, highballs and select wines are all $5Happy hours: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, in the lounge or at the bar (excludes patio)1535 Johnston Street, Vancouver
French-inspired comfort food that never fails to be both delicious and satisfying. And, if you’re looking for something sweet, their happy hour menu includes their two most popular desserts.Must eat: Mushrooms on toast ($10), Cocktail de Crevettes ($12) – chilled prawns, cocktail sauce and lemon, Croquettes de Poisson ($8) – fried fish cakes with spicy rouille, Bone Marrow ($12) – served with red onion compote and a baguetteMust drink: Cuvée Jean-Louis Blancs de Blanc Brut ($6), Blonde Bombshell Lager ($5) or house rosé ($6)Happy hours: 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. to close dailySpecial event: From June 21st to August 31st, indulge in the Yelloweek happy hour for special Veuve Clicquot and seafood tower offerings ($18 per glass, $90 per bottle, with $50 seafood towers)1181 Melville Street, Vancouver
Tacofino‘s origin story of starting off in the parking lot of a surf shop in Tofino is now the stuff of culinary legends. You can practically taste the surf in their Cali- and Mexi-inspired food, which is bold, fresh and locally sourced whenever possible.Must eat: Chips and salsa, nachos, queso fundido, tater tots ($8 to 14), though selections vary at each locationMust drink: Margaritas ($8), draft beer ($5) and wine ($1 off)Various locations and times, details online
Instead of providing a long happy hour menu, La Taqueria made it simple by picking their customer favourites and bundling them up into food and drink combos. Just like the perfect taco, happy hour is best when it’s simple.Must eat: Taco Baja and a pint of beer ($9), Taco Baja and a margarita ($12) or nachos and a pitcher of beer ($35)Must drink: Tequila Paloma ($7) and margaritas on tap ($7)Happy hours: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. dailyVarious locations
A European-inspired espresso cafe by day, a cocktail bar by night… and in-between is happy hour (and an early one to boot). Come for refined wines, enticing cocktails and an eclectic collection of imported beer.Must eat: Arancini ($5), scallop crudo ($9) and grilled foccacia ($4)Must drink: Seasonal cocktails ($10), wine ($6) and beer ($5)Happy hours: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily900 Seymour Street, Vancouver
The menu here focuses on delicious local ingredients sourced from surrounding farms and farmers that provide organically raised, healthy, happy animals and produce. This is food for food lovers.Must eat: Brussels sprout Caesar ($9), poutine with duck sausage ($9) and bone marrow ($13)Must drink: Cocktails ($9), beer ($5) and wine ($8)Happy hours: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily120 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
Located in The River Market with a patio right on the Fraser River Walk, you’ll have an idyllic view while sipping and snacking. Wild Rice is all about hyper local; all happy hour beers are from local breweries (Steel & Oak, Central City, Steamworks, R&B Brewing) and happy hour wines are from Chaberton Estate Winery in Langley. Whenever possible, ingredients are organic, sustainable, seasonal and local.Must eat: Salt & pepper squid ($11), Peking duck confit tacos ($8) and crispy chickpeas ($5)Must drink: Steel & Oak Roselle Wheat beer ($5) and Chaberton Estate Winery ($5)Happy hours: All day Monday; 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday; and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday to Sunday810 Quayside Drive in The River Market, New Westminster
Located at the foot of Davie Street, next door to Provence Marinaside, TWB has a glorious view of the Seawall, perfect for their “tappy hour”, boasting the largest by-the-glass wine program in all of western Canada.Must eat: Grilled avocado ($5), popcorn with truffle oil ($9) and goat cheese stuffed piquillo peppers ($7)Must drink: Montelvini Prosecco ($5) and Seven Directions Cabernet Franc Rosé ($7)Happy hours: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 3 p.m. to close Monday to Tuesday; 10 p.m. to close Sunday to Thursday1167 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver
In following the European tradition of the aperitivo hour, Yew offers a selection of drinks at a special price.Must eat: Food is not included in their happy hour program, although many menu items beg to be shared, such as the lobster & pork bao ($22) and the jerk spiced wings ($15).Must drink: Featured cocktails are $12, including the Pomegranate Spritz and the Flying LotusHappy hours: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily791 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Just in case an amazing selection of local craft and artisanal beers on tap isn’t enough to make you smile, Arc offers a Stinger honey lager made with honey from the Fairmont’s own rooftop apiary.Must eat: Arc fries (creamy beet or spicy chipotle aioli dip, $5), fish tacos (battered fish, salsa verde, pico de gallo, smoked sour cream, $9) and crispy cauliflower (curried cashew ketchup, sesame coriander, $9)Must drink: Local craft beer (16 oz for $6)Happy hours: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver
In addition to the typical afternoon and evening happy hours, Earls offers a brunch happy hour on weekends from open to noon, where most locations offer food items for $8 and brunch drinks for $5.Must eat: Street chicken tacos ($5.50), garlic fries ($3.75), bigger better burger with fries ($12.75), though prices and selections will vary by locationMust drink: Rose sangria ($5.25) or a sleeve of Rhino beer ($3.25), though prices and selections will vary by locationHappy hours: Most B.C. locations offer happy hour 3 p.m. to 6 pm and 9 p.m. to late, dailyVarious locations, details online
As Vancouver International Airport’s most popular lounge, Jetside offers guests a taste of the West Coast and boasts a carefully curated list of local and international wines, signature cocktails and craft beers.Must eat: On Thursdays, California roll, dynamite roll, Ahi tuna poke roll, asparagus cucumber roll ($5/half roll), while Fridays offer freshly shucked oysters on the half shell ($2 each)Must drink: On Thursdays, the Samurai cocktail (Japanese sencha tea, chartreuse, botanist gin, $12), while Fridays offer a feature craft beer (Steamworks, Summer Ale, $8).Happy hours: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (pop-up sushi bar) Thursday; 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (pop-up seafood and oyster bar), Friday3111 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond
Fun fact! “Notch 8” refers to a train’s top speed, an homage to Hotel Vancouver’s storied legacy as a C.P. hotel and to the bygone days of luxury train travel. Notch8 is the hotel’s refurbished lobby restaurant and bar, embodying a timeless glamour with its Art Deco touches.Must eat: All menu items are $8, including the fried pickles, fritto misto (crispy prawns, calamari, spicy garlic aioli, spring onion, bonito flakes) and Yorkshire pudding prime rib bites (signature prime rib creamy horseradish, au jus)Must drink: Red Truck lager beer ($8) and Mission Hill wine (red/white, $8)Happy hours: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
For the ultimate “food with a view” experience, Prospect Point in Stanley Park has a 130-seat outdoor deck that overlooks the Lions Gate Bridge, North Shore Mountains and Burrard Inlet.Must eat: Starters and share plates are all 2-for-1 during happy hour, including the root veggie crisps (parsnip, beet, sweet potato crisps served with ranch dip, $6), 1/2 lb of chicken wings (honey garlic, BBQ or Cajun served with veggie sticks and ranch dip, $13) or veggie poutine (Quebec cheese curds, veggie gravy, crispy French fries, $13)Must drink: Draft beer ($5), red or white sangria (for $2 off per glass or $7 off per pitcher)Happy hours: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily5601 Stanley Park Drive, Vancouver
After a day exploring Stanley Park, find respite at the
