Vancouver loves a happy hour.
There are few North American cities that can rock the liminal space between work and dinnertime like we can. However, Europeans have perfected it.
Vancouver Cocktail Week, which is now in full swing, is playing with this idea and organizers have enlisted over 30 bars across Metro Vancouver for “cinq à sept” happy hours that feature special cocktails and entertainment.
These events are not ticketed and are open to the public - though some places may recommend reservations.
Now until Sunday, March 12, these 10 bars are (in our opinion) the places to check out for the best happy hour in Vancouver. You can see a full list of participating Cinq à Sept bars here.
The 515 Bar
The 515 Bar opened in 2021 and is somewhat of a hidden gem. For VCW it is offering three tropical cocktails that will transport you from the intimate red-hued bar to a beach somewhere far away. The Gingermelon is described as “summer in a glass”, the Island Gold is a kind of tropical fizz, and the Green Goddess is a refreshing tiki-inspired Margarita.
Address: 521 Seymour St
Banter Room
For Vancouver Cocktail Week, Banter Room has created the new Spring Fling cocktail; meanwhile, for Cinq à Sept, enjoy The Espresso Martini renaissance has reached the Banter Room for Cinq à Sept. For those who prefer spicy to sweet, Caesars are also on happy hour and there’s a special new Spring Fling cocktail just for cocktail week.
Address: 1039 Mainland St
Bar Susu
If you stop by this Main Street natural wine bar between 5 and 7 p.m. this week, you can order either a feature rum cocktail or one of the Kakigōri shaved ice drinks for an early evening pick-me-up.
Address: 209 E 6th Ave
Bayside Lounge
The Bayside Lounge, located on the corner of Davie Street with sweeping views of English Bay, is going all out for VCW. Not only is the lounge offering four specialty cocktails–the french-accented pisco sour Parisian in Peru, the Ginteresting cocktail made with three different gins and the savoury Saltamontes–it is hosting a different DJ every night for Cinq a Sept.
Address: 1755 Davie St
Capo and The Spritz
You can order a spritz flight at this bar inside the Opus Hotel for Cinq à Sept. Capo & The Spritz is also featuring three new cocktails and a non-alcoholic option with traditional Italian cicchetti (small bites).
Address: 350 Davie St
Carlino
Carlino inside the Shangri-La Hotel has made three special Italian-style cocktails for VCW: the Eclipse, made with Irish whiskey and peach wine; Sorridere, made with basil-washed gin; and an Amaro Espresso Martini.
Address: 1115 Alberni St
The Diamond
Vancouver’s prohibition-esque institution, The Diamond, is featuring four vodka-based cocktails for VCW this year. Try the nutty and spicy Temptation & Sin, the tropical San Juan Sour, or the herbaceous Cucumber Garden. There’s also always the classic Martini.
Address: 6 Powell St
Gastronomy
This newly opened bar and restaurant was set up by dream team Consulting Chef Alessandro Vianello (previously of Kitchen Table Restaurants and Wildebeest, among other high-profile ventures) and Bar Manager Stephen Sherry (previously of Greta Bar and Uva) in the former Nicli Antica space on Cordova.
The menu consists of a crudo bar, forno pizzas and Italian mains with west coast influences. For VCW Sherry has put together a cocktail list inspired by apéritif with a trio of spritzes: blackberry-infused By the Old Gods; cherry-flavoured Cherrycano; and a Lambrusco Spagliato.
Address: 62 East Cordova St
L’Abattoir
L’Abattoir bar manager David Bulters and his team have created a feature VCW cocktail menu around the flavours chamomile, lime, grapefruit, and orange. The drinks will be available during Cinq a Sept along with a selection of Chef Lee Cooper’s a la carte menu items 50 per cent off. Only available at the bar, first come first served.
Address: 217 Carrall St
Minami
Minami in Yaletown is taking one of the best beverages and turning it into a cocktail for VCW Cinq à Sept, everyday this week guests can enjoy a Miyazaki Bubble Tea cocktail, with milk-clarified mango hojicha tea, or a gin-based Hatsuhinode.
Address: 1118 Mainland St
