David’s Guidebook for Vancouver

David
David’s Guidebook for Vancouver

Drinks

You're looking at the Chamber (red brick building to the left) from my living room. This place has a great outdoor patio and interior dining year round. Known for mussels, but just a great place for food or drinks.
371 locals recommend
Chambar Restaurant
568 Beatty Street
371 locals recommend
You're looking at the Chamber (red brick building to the left) from my living room. This place has a great outdoor patio and interior dining year round. Known for mussels, but just a great place for food or drinks.
Close by, just up the stairs and around the corner on Beatty street, a great place to grab a quick drink near my place. Also has a nice sidewalk patio during the spring and summer.
15 locals recommend
Devil's Elbow Ale and Smoke House
562 Beatty St
15 locals recommend
Close by, just up the stairs and around the corner on Beatty street, a great place to grab a quick drink near my place. Also has a nice sidewalk patio during the spring and summer.
You can go to the Sportsbar which is inside Rogers Arena, even if you don't have a ticket to the game. If you do, even better. Great place to watch sports and pre-game for the big event. Not always open and you'll generally want a reservation on a game night, so call ahead.
The Sportsbar LIVE! At Rogers Arena
99 West Georgia Street
You can go to the Sportsbar which is inside Rogers Arena, even if you don't have a ticket to the game. If you do, even better. Great place to watch sports and pre-game for the big event. Not always open and you'll generally want a reservation on a game night, so call ahead.
Relaxed sports bar, a great place to get ready for the game or concert.
72 locals recommend
The Pint Public House
455 Abbott St
72 locals recommend
Relaxed sports bar, a great place to get ready for the game or concert.
Two blocks to the east down Keefer (Place in front of my condo, which becomes Street further east), you'll find this local favourite. It was ranked 2nd on Daily Hive's 2020 Top 50 bars in all of Canada.
250 locals recommend
The Keefer Bar
135 Keefer St
250 locals recommend
Two blocks to the east down Keefer (Place in front of my condo, which becomes Street further east), you'll find this local favourite. It was ranked 2nd on Daily Hive's 2020 Top 50 bars in all of Canada.
This cool tented area just opened up attached to the Keefer Bar, have heard great things.
Keefer Yard
135 Keefer Street
This cool tented area just opened up attached to the Keefer Bar, have heard great things.
Cool lounge inside the Parq Casino (other side of BC Place Stadium)
Honey Salt
39 Smithe St
Cool lounge inside the Parq Casino (other side of BC Place Stadium)
Trendy spot in Yaletown. There are lots of cool spots along the streets of Yaletown: Parlour, Victor and Brix among them.
23 locals recommend
Banter Room
1039 Mainland St
23 locals recommend
Trendy spot in Yaletown. There are lots of cool spots along the streets of Yaletown: Parlour, Victor and Brix among them.
A little further away from my place to the west, this is a great joint frequently by many celebs when they are in town.
51 locals recommend
Nightingale
1017 W Hastings St
51 locals recommend
A little further away from my place to the west, this is a great joint frequently by many celebs when they are in town.
This is at the Pan Pacific Hotel, go through the lobby and upstairs for some of the best views of the water around.
Coal Harbour Bar
300-999 Canada Place
This is at the Pan Pacific Hotel, go through the lobby and upstairs for some of the best views of the water around.
The lobby bar at the Hotel Vancouver, very sexy spot.
Notch8 Restaurant & Bar
900 West Georgia Street
The lobby bar at the Hotel Vancouver, very sexy spot.
This is outside the downtown core, a 15-20 min uber or bus ride down Main Street at about 28th. A fantastic place for drinks and I celebrate my birthday here every year.
98 locals recommend
The Shameful Tiki Room
4362 Main St
98 locals recommend
This is outside the downtown core, a 15-20 min uber or bus ride down Main Street at about 28th. A fantastic place for drinks and I celebrate my birthday here every year.
Worth the short trip over to E. 2nd Ave, this tasting room has great comfort food and even better beer. They often also have live music. In the summer, they have a few outdoor concerts in their parking lot (the "Red Truck Concert" series which I've performed at.
60 locals recommend
Red Truck Beer Company
295 E 1st Ave
60 locals recommend
Worth the short trip over to E. 2nd Ave, this tasting room has great comfort food and even better beer. They often also have live music. In the summer, they have a few outdoor concerts in their parking lot (the "Red Truck Concert" series which I've performed at.
Something totally different, Key Party is a speakeasy on the down low, the front window of the space at 2303 Main Street bears the name Zottenberg and Sons Accounting. It looks like an outdated office space, complete with a "Hang in there" kitten poster, adding machine, and various ephemera of a long-gone era. Don't be fooled - this is the entry way to a red-walled, velvet-curtained, cheeky mural-ed space complete with seating for 50 and a custom-made curved wooden bar.
Key Party
2305 Main Street
Something totally different, Key Party is a speakeasy on the down low, the front window of the space at 2303 Main Street bears the name Zottenberg and Sons Accounting. It looks like an outdated office space, complete with a "Hang in there" kitten poster, adding machine, and various ephemera of a long-gone era. Don't be fooled - this is the entry way to a red-walled, velvet-curtained, cheeky mural-ed space complete with seating for 50 and a custom-made curved wooden bar.
The Botanist is a lush garden environment at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel, it was ranked 6th on DailyHives Top 50 bars in Canada.
16 locals recommend
Botanist
1038 Canada Pl
16 locals recommend
The Botanist is a lush garden environment at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel, it was ranked 6th on DailyHives Top 50 bars in Canada.
South Beach meets Coal Harbour at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. The ground floor’s shiny expanse of gleaming white marble brims with beautiful people swaying to live music while crushing Japanese-inspired cocktails paired with dishes from the sushi bar.
7 locals recommend
The Lobby Lounge and RawBar
1038 Canada Pl
7 locals recommend
South Beach meets Coal Harbour at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. The ground floor’s shiny expanse of gleaming white marble brims with beautiful people swaying to live music while crushing Japanese-inspired cocktails paired with dishes from the sushi bar.
Typically a very happening spot in Yaletown. Great pizzas and a great bar. There is also a cool little back bar tucked away out of sight.
138 locals recommend
The Parlour
1011 Hamilton Street
138 locals recommend
Typically a very happening spot in Yaletown. Great pizzas and a great bar. There is also a cool little back bar tucked away out of sight.

Nice Casual Dinner

This is listed above for drinks, but also a fantastic dinner spot, and couldn't be closer.
371 locals recommend
Chambar Restaurant
568 Beatty Street
371 locals recommend
This is listed above for drinks, but also a fantastic dinner spot, and couldn't be closer.
This is my fav view for dinner in the city, overlooking Coal Harbour and Stanley Park
76 locals recommend
Lift Bar Grill View
333 Menchion Mews
76 locals recommend
This is my fav view for dinner in the city, overlooking Coal Harbour and Stanley Park
Another Vancouver favourite, and just around the corner from Lift, they often have live music in the lounge, and great dining in the larger restaurant. Just like Lift, amazing views of Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, and sea planes taking off during the day.
145 locals recommend
Cardero's Restaurant
1583 Coal Harbour Quay
145 locals recommend
Another Vancouver favourite, and just around the corner from Lift, they often have live music in the lounge, and great dining in the larger restaurant. Just like Lift, amazing views of Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, and sea planes taking off during the day.
The Rooftop Patio at the Keg in Yaletown has a great vibe and mood for dinner, classy but casual environment.
159 locals recommend
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Yaletown
1011 Mainland St
159 locals recommend
The Rooftop Patio at the Keg in Yaletown has a great vibe and mood for dinner, classy but casual environment.
Cactus Club is a local chain that has taken over Canada and expanded quick. I recommend two locations downtown including Coal Harbour on the waterfront
167 locals recommend
Cactus Club Cafe Coal Harbour
1085 Canada Pl
167 locals recommend
Cactus Club is a local chain that has taken over Canada and expanded quick. I recommend two locations downtown including Coal Harbour on the waterfront
Another location I love is over in English Bay, the views of the ocean are incredible.
249 locals recommend
Cactus Club Cafe
1790 Beach Ave
249 locals recommend
Another location I love is over in English Bay, the views of the ocean are incredible.
You have to take the Seabus at Waterfront Station across Burrard Inlet, across to the North Vancouver side, and then you'll be in the Shipyards area. I highly recommend Joey for great food and phenomenal views of the city from across the water. Worth the little adventure to get there.
29 locals recommend
JOEY Shipyards
125 Victory Ship Way
29 locals recommend
You have to take the Seabus at Waterfront Station across Burrard Inlet, across to the North Vancouver side, and then you'll be in the Shipyards area. I highly recommend Joey for great food and phenomenal views of the city from across the water. Worth the little adventure to get there.
Another North Van recommendation in the same area as Joey, I love Pier 7, both downstairs and the upstairs deck. Insane views, great food, and some live acoustic music in the summer. You have to take the Seabus at Waterfront Station across Burrard Inlet, across to the North Vancouver side, and then you'll be in the Shipyards area. I highly recommend taking the trip.
59 locals recommend
PIER 7 Restaurant + Bar
25 Wallace Mews
59 locals recommend
Another North Van recommendation in the same area as Joey, I love Pier 7, both downstairs and the upstairs deck. Insane views, great food, and some live acoustic music in the summer. You have to take the Seabus at Waterfront Station across Burrard Inlet, across to the North Vancouver side, and then you'll be in the Shipyards area. I highly recommend taking the trip.
This is over in Granville Island, you can get there via short uber or water taxi (from Plaza of Nations down the street). On the main level they often have a piano player, and the rooftop deck has more amazing views of the city!.
103 locals recommend
The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant
1535 Johnston Street
103 locals recommend
This is over in Granville Island, you can get there via short uber or water taxi (from Plaza of Nations down the street). On the main level they often have a piano player, and the rooftop deck has more amazing views of the city!.

Finer Dining

It doesn't get more Vancouver than the famous Joe Fortes chop house. Also a great rooftop patio. This is just off Robson Street.
178 locals recommend
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
777 Thurlow St
178 locals recommend
It doesn't get more Vancouver than the famous Joe Fortes chop house. Also a great rooftop patio. This is just off Robson Street.
Revolving restaurant that will show you the entire view of the city from Harbour Centre. If you look over the brick buildings across the plaza, you'll see the top flag pole of the Harbour Centre and this restaurant from my place.
44 locals recommend
Top Of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant
555 W Hastings St
44 locals recommend
Revolving restaurant that will show you the entire view of the city from Harbour Centre. If you look over the brick buildings across the plaza, you'll see the top flag pole of the Harbour Centre and this restaurant from my place.
Really nice French cuisine. Foie gras anyone?
50 locals recommend
Le Crocodile
909 Burrard St
50 locals recommend
Really nice French cuisine. Foie gras anyone?
Another Vancouver classic!
70 locals recommend
Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
615 Seymour St
70 locals recommend
Another Vancouver classic!
They will cook the food for you at the table, amazing Japanese steakhouse.
26 locals recommend
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
1042 Alberni St
26 locals recommend
They will cook the food for you at the table, amazing Japanese steakhouse.
I really enjoy this place. Food is awesome. Not quite as fancy as the others, but great food.
139 locals recommend
Black+Blue
1032 Alberni St
139 locals recommend
I really enjoy this place. Food is awesome. Not quite as fancy as the others, but great food.
Vij is a famous local indian chef. He was friends with Anthony Bourdain and appeared on his various TV shows numerous time. One of Vancouver's most iconic internationally recognized Chefs. You won't be disappointed.
264 locals recommend
Vij's
3106 Cambie Street
264 locals recommend
Vij is a famous local indian chef. He was friends with Anthony Bourdain and appeared on his various TV shows numerous time. One of Vancouver's most iconic internationally recognized Chefs. You won't be disappointed.
Really enjoyable spot at the Georgia Hotel.
85 locals recommend
Hawksworth Restaurant
801 W Georgia St
85 locals recommend
Really enjoyable spot at the Georgia Hotel.
Another Vancouver classic at the Wedgwood Hotel. A lot of Vancouver's movers and shakers dine here and put together some of the city's biggest deals.
22 locals recommend
Bauhaus Restaurant
1 W Cordova St
22 locals recommend
Another Vancouver classic at the Wedgwood Hotel. A lot of Vancouver's movers and shakers dine here and put together some of the city's biggest deals.

Breakfast & Brunch

A great spot for brunch or breakfast, which you can tell as there is usually a short line to get in. This is steps away up on Beatty street, beside Chamber and The Devil's Elbow.
117 locals recommend
Jam Cafe
556 Beatty St
117 locals recommend
A great spot for brunch or breakfast, which you can tell as there is usually a short line to get in. This is steps away up on Beatty street, beside Chamber and The Devil's Elbow.
I love this spot for breakfast as well, just a few blocks away. Try the Gastown Classic!
59 locals recommend
Catch 122 Cafe Bistro
128 W Hastings St
59 locals recommend
I love this spot for breakfast as well, just a few blocks away. Try the Gastown Classic!

Vegan & Healthy

Not much to look at, but the food is health and fantastic.
18 locals recommend
Caveman Café
508 Abbott St
18 locals recommend
Not much to look at, but the food is health and fantastic.
Cool spot somewhat hidden in Gastown. Meet instead of Meat (they have no meat) ..get it? Try the vegan poutine!
49 locals recommend
MeeT in Gastown
12 Water St
49 locals recommend
Cool spot somewhat hidden in Gastown. Meet instead of Meat (they have no meat) ..get it? Try the vegan poutine!
A little spot just to the right and down 2 blocks on Abbott Street.
Vegan Cave Cafe
415 Abbott St
A little spot just to the right and down 2 blocks on Abbott Street.

Quick Food

There is a food court in the International Village mall, kitty-corner to the Espana building on the 2nd floor.
55 locals recommend
International Village Mall
88 W Pender St
55 locals recommend
There is a food court in the International Village mall, kitty-corner to the Espana building on the 2nd floor.
Just around the corner in our building, to the right on Abbott.
38 locals recommend
Sushi Den
609 Abbott St
38 locals recommend
Just around the corner in our building, to the right on Abbott.
Subway is also in our complex, around the corner to the right on Abbott St, just past the Sushi Den
124 locals recommend
Subway
5218 Joyce St
124 locals recommend
Subway is also in our complex, around the corner to the right on Abbott St, just past the Sushi Den
Great burritos and tacos to go (or you can sit in the restaurant) on the Cordova entrance, a few blocks away.
207 locals recommend
Tacofino Taco Bar
15 W Cordova St
207 locals recommend
Great burritos and tacos to go (or you can sit in the restaurant) on the Cordova entrance, a few blocks away.
White Spot or "Triple O's" is a Vancouver staple, and there is one just up the street from my place heading west on Dunsmuir. A great family spot for lunch.
82 locals recommend
White Spot
1476 Kingsway
82 locals recommend
White Spot or "Triple O's" is a Vancouver staple, and there is one just up the street from my place heading west on Dunsmuir. A great family spot for lunch.
You've seen the meme that this place should have a Michelin Star? :) You can grab $1.50 hot dogs, chicken strips, and pizza, poutine etc for cheap and quick just around the corner at the Costco outdoor food area (no membership required).
7 locals recommend
Costco Food Court
3550 Brighton Ave
7 locals recommend
You've seen the meme that this place should have a Michelin Star? :) You can grab $1.50 hot dogs, chicken strips, and pizza, poutine etc for cheap and quick just around the corner at the Costco outdoor food area (no membership required).

Groceries

Right across the Keefer Loop out the front door, this Asian supermarket has most of what you need.
326 locals recommend
T&T Supermarket
179 Keefer Pl
326 locals recommend
Right across the Keefer Loop out the front door, this Asian supermarket has most of what you need.
Nesters is another option, just 2 blocks away to the left (North) on Abbott Street.
366 locals recommend
Nesters Market
333 Abbott St
366 locals recommend
Nesters is another option, just 2 blocks away to the left (North) on Abbott Street.
Just across the street from our building and the arena, if you have a membership to Costco you can grab a lot of food items here. Memberships are $50-60
190 locals recommend
Costco Wholesale
605 Expo Blvd
190 locals recommend
Just across the street from our building and the arena, if you have a membership to Costco you can grab a lot of food items here. Memberships are $50-60