Fortunately, there is one way you can enjoy some decent food and drink without breaking the bank… a little something called…
We know that dining doesn’t come cheap in Vancouver but that doesn’t mean that you have to deprive yourself of the occasional top-notch meal!
Vancouver has the second-highest living cost of any city in North America, yet it still attracts thousands of working holidaymakers every year.
If you’re from outside of North America, you may not be familiar with the concept of happy hour, in fact, it was only made legal in British Columbia in 2014. Basically, it’s a set time of the day or week where eateries and bars do awesome food and drink deals.
So naturally, we’ve rounded up the very best spots in Vancouver to grab a cheap but cheerful meal…
1. Carlos O’Bryan’s Neighbourhood Pub – 1774 West 7th Avenue
This Irish pub and restaurant is a favourite with young people in the Kitsilano area. Their happy hour menu includes lots of discounted appetizers; chicken quesadillas, potato skins and their signature dish – waffle style fries topped with their own famous spice mix, cheddar cheese and green onions – yep, we’re almost drooling over that photo!
And if you want a little something to drink, don’t worry, there are some great value offers on drinks too so you have something tasty to wash it all down. This includes wine, draft beer and highballs and cocktails.
Happy Hour Times: Daily 2-6 pm
2. Coquille Fine Seafood – 181 Carrall Street
This great seafood spot is located in Gastown. While this restaurant is relatively new, it already has a reputation for delicious food and a great happy hour menu. This is an otherwise kinda pricey restaurant so it’s nice to have a chance to sample the menu without paying big bucks for it.
Half price oysters, marinated octopus, Qualicum scallop Crudo and fresh crab cakes are some of the fresh seafood items on their happy hour menu. Oh and you can dine inside or out making this a nice spot for the summertime.
Happy Hour Times: Daily 3-6 pm and 9 pm until late
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3. Di Beppe – 8 West Cordova Street
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This hidden Italian gem can be found in Vancouver’s cobblestoned neighbourhood on West Cordova Street. Their Venice inspired dishes here are home-style, hearty and full of authentic Italian flavours.
The happy hour menu includes octopus-potato crostino and Italian cold cuts with a great selection of wines so you can pair your food with the perfect (discounted) drink.
Do yourself a favour and order their burrata served with toasts and tomato coriander marmalade with a side of house-made potato chips… and don’t forget the Aperol Spritz!
Happy Hour Times: Daily 3-6 pm for drinks and 3-10 pm for food
4. Fanny Bay Oyster Bar and Shellfish Market– 762 Cambie Street
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Located in downtown Vancouver, Fanny Bay’s Oyster Bar is an excellent place to stuff your face with delicious seafood. There’s also a wide selection of beers and a bustling atmosphere.
You won’t get fresher shellfish than Fanny Bay’s!
The only catch is Happy Hour reservations must be for groups of 6+
Happy Hour Times: Daily 3-6 pm
5. Crowbar – 646 Kingsway
If you’re a meat-eater with an adventurous spirit, Crowbar is sure to impress. They have a nose-to-tail policy meaning they use every part of the animal that they can… so don’t be surprised when you come across items like marinated grilled chicken hearts, lamb neck braised in lemongrass and veal tongue on the menu.
Their young chef has been dubbed one of the most innovative in Vancouver.
Happy Hour Times: Monday to Saturday, 5-6.30pm, 10-12 pm
6. The Emerald Supper Club and Cocktail Lounge – 555 Gore Avenue
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This is something a little different, located in China town The Emerald Supper Club’s suave décor is a nod to vintage Vegas glamour! If you don’t want to opt for a hearty meal, you can grab some balsamic vinegar fries with goats cheese dip.
The great thing about this venue is the fact it’s a supper club and a cocktail lounge so you can expect only the best of the best when it comes to your drinks! Their Happy Hour cocktails and beers are only $5-6.
Happy Hour Times: 5-7 pm Tuesday to Friday
7. Gyoza Bar – 622 West Pender Street
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Known for their great Asian menu and welcoming staff, Gyoza Bar’s Happy Hour menu includes a beer/gyoza deal with tasty treats like spicy miso gyoza, gyoza with sweet citrus soy, butter lettuce, Pico de Gallo and sriracha aioli.
If you want something more substantial you can always try out some of their super cheap small plates where you’ll find miso tofu salad, chicken wings and or a hearty ramen dish.
This is the perfect place if you want to sample a bunch of different Asian dishes with a group of friends.
Happy Hour Times: Daily 3-6 pm
8. H2 Rotisserie & Bar at the Westin Bayshore – 1601 Bayshore Drive
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This brilliant Happy Hour spot is right beside Vancouver’s sea wall meaning when you’re done filling up on their house-fried potato chips, nachos, spiced yam fries and tacos, you can walk it all off and enjoy the view.
There’s even a garden-side patio where you can relax and take in a gorgeous view of the North Shore Mountains. The drinks are super cheap too so you can grab a highball or house beer from just $5!
Happy Hour Times: Daily 3-5 pm
9. BC Kitchen – 39 Smithe Street
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This downtown eatery is great if you’re a sports or a beer fan – they offer a wide variety of beers and have a lot of screens so you can catch the game with your friends while you tuck into your meal.
While BC Kitchen isn’t quite as fancy as some of the other restaurants on this list, it’s perfect for a cheap and cheerful happy hour meal. They have $5 drinks and 50% off food if you get there before 5.30 pm.
Happy Hour Times: Daily 2.30-5.30pm, Sunday – Thursday 9.30 pm to close
10. Belgard Kitchen – 55 Dunlevy Avenue
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If you’re looking for decent tapas or pub grub, Belgard Kitchen is the place for you. This funky little restaurant offers simple but delicious food. The portions are generous and more importantly full of flavour and it’s the perfect place to catch up with your friends.
There’s a brewery attached to the kitchen (The Postmark Brewery) so they also serve up some quality beer to accompany your meal!
Happy Hour Times: Monday – Thursday 3-6 pm
That concludes our list of the best happy hour places in Vancouver. If you’re stuck for cash and you could do with a little help, why not claim a tax refund? Our partner Taxback.com help working holidaymakers just like you maximise their tax refunds! Apply for a free assessment today and see if you’re owed money back. Their average Canadian refund $998.
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