Vancouver Magazine has put up some pub crawls for some neighbourhoods in Metro Vancouver.
One that I can’t wait to try out soon is definitely the one they’ve set out for Gastown. Since September, I’ve been here 5 days a week for school @ VSBM, and have fallen in love with the neighbourhood.
( 1 ) Alibi Kick-start the crawl with the city’s best selection of microbrews. Try the Frat Bat, named for the wooden paddle it’s served on: your choice of four beer samplers from the 22 taps and three ale casks. 157 Alexander St., 604-623-3383. Alibi.ca
The Alibi Room. You are, hands down, my favorite pub as of yet.
( 2 ) Pourhouse or Diamond Both of these bartender-owned spots are cocktail destinations that tip the hat to the classics (like Pourhouse’s Gold Fashioned, a simple—but effective—blend of bourbon, maple, and bitters; and Diamond’s Colin’s Lawn, sake-soaked, minty, and refreshing). While you sip hand-crafted concoctions, satisfy cravings for comfort food at Pourhouse or try the gyoza at Diamond that’s working half of Vancouver into a frenzy. 162 Water St., 604-568-7022. Pourhousevancouver.com; 6 Powell St. Di6mond.com
What’s amusing about Pourhouse is it’s right beside my building! One of these days…
( 3 ) Revel When others close, Revel keeps the party going. Busy, relaxed, and full of industry types and social butterflies. The Shiso Feisty, a tangy ginger-and-shiso twist on a margarita, is a sure crowd pleaser. (Tip: circle back here for last call and they’ll stuff a fresh-baked chocolate-chip cookie into your waiting palm.
238 Abbott St., 604-687-4088. Revelroom.ca
This is on my to-drink list.
( 4 ) Metropole Despite the classy renos, the Met is still a bit rough around the edges—perfect for sloppy late-night dancing. They have a pool table and foosball, if you can still manage the hand-eye coordination after a few of their nightly $8 “can of beer ’n shot” specials. 320 Abbott St., 604 408 5822. Themetpub.ca
As is this one…
( 5 ) The Cambie Just when you think you can’t drink anymore, stumble over to guzzle cheap beer ($9.50 pitchers) with backpacking students and grimy regulars. You’re not paying for atmosphere at this Vancouver institution, but you shouldn’t be in any state to notice. 300 Cambie St., 604 684 6466. Thecambie.com
I’ve been to The Cambie before, and it’s true, you’re not paying for the atmosphere….you’re here for the cheap beer.
Of course, there are pub crawls for other neighbourhoods. The Commercial one is also one I want to try, even more so cause it’s limited to only one straight street. Trust me, that WILL be important as the night goes on.
Have you ever been done a pub crawl? How was your experience? Let me know!
