Everyone is going gaga over the just-released 2018 list of Canada's 100 Best Restaurants (with Vancouver well-represented), however sophisticated boozehounds should take note of a sibling list that's also just out from the Canada's Best crew.
The Keefer Bar/Facebook
Canada's 50 Best Bars honours the movers and shakers in the coast-to-coast cocktail-making scene. Vancouver can not only boast six picks on the list, but also the number two spot for Chinatown's beloved Keefer Bar.
Also making the list are sophisticated sipping spots at Prohibition (at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia), Gastown's The Diamond, Farmer's Apprentice's sibling snacks and drinks spot Grapes & Soda in South Granville, the venerable UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar, and the always-fun Shameful Tiki Room.
One other B.C. spot is on the list; it's Little Jumbo (#29) in Victoria.
Drinking at The Diamond (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)
This is the first year Canada's 50 Best Bars has been compiled. Organizers' main criteria was that judges not default to selecting bar programs within restaurants, instead focusing on dedicated libation places--which perhaps explains why your favourite cocktail list from a Vancouver restaurant didn't make the cut.
Here are the Vancouver bars on the list, with their ranking.
- 2. The Keefer Bar
- 13. Prohibition
- 16. The Diamond
- 20. Grapes & Soda
- 22. UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar
- 26. Shameful Tiki Room
