Archie MontroseWhenever I get so stressed out from work, I would invite my colleagues to enjoy a few drinks before we all head home. Well, to be honest, we still end up talking about work stuff, but at least we’re drinking our favorite booze—-at a discounted price.
Yes, downtown Vancouver is home to pubs, bars, and restaurants that offer great food and booze selections during happy hour. Some establishments even offer it until closing time—which means more for us!
So if you need to enjoy your favorite bar food and drinks without spending your entire overtime pay for them, check out these happy hour spots we’ve tried and tested in downtown VA.
How much does happy hour cost in Vancouver?
In downtown Vancouver, bars or restaurants typically charge around $5 for a cocktail, local beer, or wine, during happy hour, while small plates may cost around $5 to $10.
Meanwhile, some establishments offer food and drink combinations that can let you save a few more bucks.
How we chose:
1. JOEY Burrard
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.6/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Variety of drinks | 4.4/5 |
| Wide range of drinks | 4.8/5 |
| Also offers non-alcoholic drinks | 4/5 |
| Duration | 4.8/5 |
| Staff service | 4.7/5 |
| Quick response | 4.6/5 |
| Knowledge about the menu | 4.8/5 |
| Atmosphere | 4.8/5 |
Happy hour at JOEY Burrard starts the moment you arrive as they’ll offer you a glass of champagne once you step your foot inside! What’s great about this restaurant is that you can avail their happy hour any day of the week from 2 until 5 in the afternoon.
And if you love wine, you’ll be glad to know that you can grab your favorite wines at half of its original price!
It’s great that this restaurant offers an extensive menu, making it a great choice if you’re coming with a big group with different food interests. They also have enough servings for everyone, so you’ll get to try each dish too.
Some of the food that you can order during happy hour are sushi cones, hummus, yam fries, Japanese gyoza, and tuna poke bowl. For cocktails, our personal favorites were the Super Vodka Highballs and their signature sangria.
For beer lovers out there, you can get the Sappoeo Premium Lager or the Red Truck Amber Ale.
Meanwhile, if you’re following a strict dietary regimen, we loved that this restaurant can accommodate both gluten free and vegetarian requirements.
While their staff was friendly, the waiters’ response rate tended to be slower because of the busier atmosphere during happy hour.
Knowledgeable about the menu
“Chris was absolutely phenomenal! From the moment we sat down, he made us feel welcome and comfortable. His attention to detail, friendly demeanor, and deep knowledge of the menu really stood out. Chris anticipated our needs before we even had to ask, and his recommendations were spot on. He made the entire dining experience feel special with his warm personality and top-notch service. It’s clear he genuinely cares about making sure every guest has a great time. I can’t recommend him enough—he truly made our night unforgettable!”
Sunny Sandhar, Google Review
Proactively assists handicapped customers
“The food was absolutely delicious. The staff were extremely friendly and immediately asked about any dietary restrictions we may have. They took great care of my handicapped grandmother, and were super nice about everything. Will definitely come back if I’m in the area! Crème brûlée cheesecake was to die for”
Lucy Straub, Google Review
2. Parker Rooftop
Consumer Rating: B
| Google reviews score | 4.2/5 |
| Total reviews | 4/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Variety of drinks | 4.4/5 |
| Wide range of drinks | 4.8/5 |
| Also offers non-alcoholic drinks | 4/5 |
| Duration | 5/5 |
| Staff service | 5/5 |
| Quick response | 5/5 |
| Knowledge about the menu | 5/5 |
| Atmosphere | 5/5 |
If you want to enjoy the happy hour offerings at Parker Rooftop, make sure to go there from 3 in the afternoon until 6 in the evening.
But if you want your happy hour experience a bit longer, head there on Sundays as you get to enjoy it until 11 in the evening. Bonus part: there’s live music for you too!
During this time, you can order small plates such as fish and chip cones, mushroom arancini, and truffle fries, just to name a few. For the booze, we personally loved their strawberry aperol spritz, and their champagne pop!
For those of you who love something fancy, you can also get oysters and caviar at a much lower price!
Even during happy hour, we loved that the restaurant kept its relaxed vibe. We also appreciate that their music isn’t too loud, allowing us to make conversations with our friends.
We’re quite impressed with the level of attention their staff gave us during our stay. We loved that they made sure to provide our orders right away, maximizing the happy hour duration.
We also appreciated that their waiting staff even took the time to engage with us. They even asked for our names so they can address us in a more personable manner.
Meanwhile, if you and your friends love splitting the bill, you’ll be glad that this restaurant will gladly do that for you—even if all six of you request it!
And if you’re a fan of sunsets, make sure to sit by the lounge area—you’ll love the view from there!
Premium food and drink selection
“Was my first time at Parker Rooftop, and I can’t believe I hadn’t experienced it sooner. The room is gorgeous, it’s the closest to NYC you’ll get in Vancouver, chic and upscale vibe.The staff and service were incredible—attentive and went above and beyond to make the experience special. The aesthetic, service, food, wine list, and drinks are all high-end. it’s the whole package. Their date night menu for $150 CAD is decent value, i think it’s monday tuesday and weds nights. The steak was delicious, as was the tuna, and I finished with the baked Alaska dessert, which was a showstopper, they set it on fire before serving! I’ll be going back! It’s a great spot for happy hour or after-office drinks in the city. Loved it and really recommend for date night to impress someone with! It’s also a rooftop so they have city views and a heated outdoor area, though inside by the bar was my preference, that room is perfect and I’m more of a bar/lounge person.”
Charlotte Ahern, Google Review
Nicely decorated
“We LOVED it here. I only have great things to say about this place!!
– The vibes are incredible, very classy. It is beautiful inside with nice decor, couches and glass windows everywhere so you can watch the sunset over the city.
– The service was great, they welcomed us with Prosecco on the house, and our server Beau was so kind and funny.
– My friends and I came here for drinks and snacks during happy hour, we had the oysters, which were so fresh and salty, and the caviar, which came with all the fixings! It was all so delicious!
– Lastly, the prices were SO good for happy hour!! $6 drinks, $1.50 oysters, and $50 for caviar service!! You can’t beat that!! And Sundays are happy hour all day!
If I could give this place 6 stars I would!! I definitely recommend you check it out!”
Kate Cordeau, Google Review
3. Pourhouse Restaurant
Consumer Rating: B
| Google reviews score | 4.3/5 |
| Total reviews | 4/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Variety of drinks | 4/5 |
| Wide range of drinks | 4/5 |
| Also offers non-alcoholic drinks | 4/5 |
| Duration | 5/5 |
| Staff service | 5/5 |
| Quick response | 5/5 |
| Knowledge about the menu | 5/5 |
| Atmosphere | 5/5 |
If you want to celebrate happy hour with an old-world charm, complete with rustic decor and modern culinary touch then you should head to Pourhouse Restaurant.
If you’re a fan of old stuff, your eyes will love what they see as soon as you enter this 100-year-old building. Our personal favorite was the 38-foot bar which was handcrafted 120 year-old planks of fir!
What we liked about this restaurant is that they can accommodate walk-in customers, even during weekends or holidays. We also appreciate that their waiters are attentive, making sure that our orders are placed even if we’re seated away from the bar.
We love that their happy hour happens every day, including weekends. You can even enjoy it in two available time slots–3 in the afternoon until 6 in the evening, or start late at 10 in the evening!
We loved that we could order food and drinks at a fair price during this time. Here, you can enjoy discounted booze such as their draught beer and wine.
If you love comfort bar food, then you’ll surely order more during happy hour! We loved their smash burger, truffle tots, meatballs, and the crowd-favorite scotch egg which you can’t order elsewhere!
Best scotch egg
“Pretty nice vibes here albeit a bit expensive. Hence why I’d suggest happy hour. It’s a decent deal and there’s some items you can’t really get at other places like a scotch egg. Was my first time trying one and I loved it. The tots were super yummy too. Service was great so I can’t complain but I definitely could if I didn’t go at happy hour. Prices seemed a bit steep for what you get.”
Felix Rankin, Google Review
Prompt service
“A classic establishment on Water St, the Pourhouse has one if the best burgers and meatballs in the city. Great cocktails and a terrific ambience.
– Excellent food and delicious cocktails.
– The atmosphere is great with lots of people out for a nice meal and conversation.
– Great decor. Exposed brick and large wood beams make it feel very classy.
– Staff was knowledgeable and friendly.
– Service was prompt and accurate.”
Leonardo Barragan, Google Review
4. The Butcher & Bullock Public House
Consumer Rating: B
| Google reviews score | 4.1/5 |
| Total reviews | 4/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Variety of drinks | 4.5/5 |
| Wide range of drinks | 4.5/5 |
| Also offers non-alcoholic drinks | 4.5/5 |
| Duration | 4/5 |
| Staff service | 4.8/5 |
| Quick response | 4.8/5 |
| Knowledge about the menu | 4.8/5 |
| Atmosphere | 4.9/5 |
For those of you who are looking for a good happy hour spot after a long day of work then you should consider going to The Butcher & Bullock Public House.
If you get off from work a bit early, you can enjoy happy hour from 4 in the afternoon until 6 in the evening. Nonetheless, you can enjoy it from 10 in the evening until closing time (just don’t forget to inform your partner about it!).
It’s worth mentioning, though, that happy hour only happens from Monday to Thursday so plan your weeknights accordingly!
We loved that there’s a great selection of food that you can try during this time. Some of our favorites in this restaurant are their steam bun, chicken katsu burger, and their grilled avocado and crispy tofu salad.
While you’re here, don’t forget to grab something sweet like their salted pretzel toffee pudding. Yes, it’s included in their happy hour menu too!
And for the booze, we loved taking advantage of their discounted cocktails. Our top favorites were their margarita and their “Express Train” which contains vodka, cinnamon, vanilla, and two shots of espresso!
Fair warning: their drinks are pretty strong, so if you want to tone it down a bit, make sure to mention it to the waiter or bartender!
Great mixology
“I recommend Alexis for making your drinks! He is very hospitable and good bartender. Nice mixology.”
Louie Quir Joseph Ijao, Google Review
Good place to watch sports events
“Fantastic experience, went for the UFC gala. Food was fantastic. Their chips and broccoli with house made mustard, beautiful. Good choice of beers and other drinks including non-alcoholic choices. Recommend for sport events and night out. I hope this place will stay open after new management will take over.”
Krzysztof Szczurowski, Google Review
5. Steamworks Brewpub
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.4/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B
| Variety of drinks | 4/5 |
| Wide range of drinks | 4/5 |
| Also offers non-alcoholic drinks | 4/5 |
| Duration | 4/5 |
| Staff service | 4.7/5 |
| Quick response | 4.7/5 |
| Knowledge about the menu | 4.7/5 |
| Atmosphere | 4.7/5 |
For beer lovers out there, you can enjoy this booze including classic pub food such as steak and pizza here at Steamworks Brewpub! Their happy hour happens every day from 3 until 5 in the afternoon.
While their happy hour duration is a bit short, you can still maximize their discounted booze such as house pints at $4. For the ladies, you can drink all the classic cocktails that you want, including the Moscow Mule—all at $2 off!
What’s great about this pub is that they offer classic gastropub fare including pizza, salads, steaks, and other Southwest-inspired dishes.
And if you’re a vegetarian, we love that you can simply mention it to your dedicated waiter, and the kitchen will whip up vegetarian dishes for you!
When it comes to their service, we appreciated the level of attention they gave us the moment we walked in the bar. Even if we’re not VIPs (and definitely took advantage of the happy hour), the staff ensures that all our orders were served correctly and on time.
Meanwhile, if you’re a bit tipsy and feel the need to go to the restroom, make sure to have someone sober enough to accompany you as the washrooms are located at the lower floor.
Lively atmosphere
“The place is lively and fun, great spot for drinks and conversation, not to loud but just enough to create a good fun atmosphere. Food was base pub food, Chicken burger over cooked and tasted like the oil needed to be replaced, regular burger was really good, wings were decent. Service was great, server was quick and attentive. I’ll go back for drinks and try something else, worth a second go”
Stuart Zatorksi, Google Review
Good serving portions
“Stopped in for dinner on an extremely busy weekend. We were seated within minutes of arriving. Our server was super friendly, ordered the Steamworks Burger, very flavourful, good size portion. Definitely recommended if you’re in Gastown for a visit.”
RacheleN, Google Review
