RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
/HAPPY HOUR IN THE WEST END
Afternoon Delights (And Sometimes All Day!)
by Jacqui Birchall
(click images to enlarge)
Happy Hour in the West End is fun!! Can’t afford posh restaurants? You can during Happy Hour. Are you looking for a cheerful Cheers style bar where the servers know your name? No problem! Want a little up-market experience? Read on.
Neither my wallet nor my liver allows me to explore all that the West End has to offer, but here are some that I have enjoyed.
SOMETHING FOR EVERY BUDGET
The view from the Bayside Lounge. (Jacqui Birchall Photos)
The Bayside Lounge: Upstairs at 1755 Davie Street, where Happy Hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. daily, is an absolute favourite of mine. My Cheers! Big windows with views to English Bay and the Laughing Men statues, both the drinks and food menu are affordable and delicious. Beers, wines, highballs and terrific Caesars start at $5. Food specials also start at $5 but my favourite is sesame crusted ahi tuna on wonton crisps at $9. Low key and super charming manager Keaghan elevates one’s experience and the weekend servers, Joe and Justin, are sunshine personified. The delightful hostess Larissa completes this awesome team.
The Loft on Denman.
The Loft Lounge: Right around the corner from the Bayside, upstairs at 1184 Denman, Happy Hour is 4 to 6 p.m. daily. A lovely, airy space also with views to English Bay, there is a terrific balcony where you can sit, sip, and watch the world go by. The staff and three owners are super friendly.
The Happy Hour menu lists only beer and wine, but check out their daily drink specials. This restaurant bar boasts a Caribbean menu and their $4 fries are the best. Tuesday’s specials are $9 margaritas and $10 jerk poutine all day. Thursday is happy hour all day, with many food choices.
The Med Grill and Bar: At 1157 Davie Happy Hour is from 3 to 5 p.m. daily. You’ll find a deliciously cool interior and an exterior patio. Beer and highballs start at $5 and wine is $1 an ounce. Food is Greek style.
Mondays are all-day Happy Hour. I really enjoyed the mezze, especially the baba ganoush at $6. Delightful and charming service.
Ebisu on Robson: Upstairs at 827 Bute, Happy Hour is 3 to 6 p.m. daily. Ebisu is a Japanese restaurant, serving Sapporo beer at $3.99 a glass, plum wine for $4.95, and red and white wine for $5.95. Terrific Japanese food starting at $6.99 includes gyoza, karaage, nigiri, sashimi and of course rolls for $9.99. Oysters are $.99 each, with a minimum order of six. Two outside patios, a cosy interior and very welcoming staff.
SOMETHING UPMARKET?
Wanting to go upmarket at Happy Hour prices? Try the following.
Joe Fortes: At 777 Thurlow Street, Happy Hour is daily from 3 to 5 p.m. Sitting at the roof top patio bar is the best, or try the downstairs bar or their sidewalk patio. All happy hour drinks are $6 to $8, from bubbly to martinis to margaritas and of course beer. Wine is $1 per ounce.
The Happy Hour food menu is delicious. Jumbo tempura prawns are $13, crab and corn fritters $12, and truffle Parmesan fries $9, to mention a few. Their very famous oysters are $2.15 each.
It’s only time I can afford Joe Fortes. Once again, wonderful staff and the ambience is perfect.
The Coast: At 1054 Alberni, Happy Hour is from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. daily. There’s a great choice of martinis at $9, highballs at $6, wine at $5, and beer and highballs at $6. Oysters are $1.50 each.
The very creative Happy Hour plates range from $9 for fish and chip cones to $22 for a seafood charcuterie plate to share. Delicious!
Nice service in a charming setting.
The Roof, Black+Blue: At 1032 Alberni Street, Happy Hour is daily from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. A special treat! In this upscale restaurant where a rib eye steak costs $99, Happy Hour is very affordable.
The attractive roof terrace is a happening, elegant spot. Such a buzz in the restaurant, and the staff are very friendly. A glass of beer is $7, wine is $8 to $10, and cocktails are $7 to $10. Food includes oysters at $2.50 each, mac and cheese sticks (2) for $10, beef sliders at $5 each, and steak house nachos for $14.
The Happy Hour menu at Autostrada..
Autostrada Vancouver House: Beside the spinning chandelier at 1481 Continental, Happy Hour is Monday to Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. Their website does not show prices so check the attached photo of the menu. Not quite in the West End, but just a few steps away, Autostrada Vancouver House is a friendly, pricy, popular Italian restaurant. Happy Hour is excellent and the staff are charming. Bar and table seating available. Reservations are not accepted for Happy Hour. Cocktails include negroni and martinis at $8 and 5 ounces of wine for $10. Small plates start at $6 and pasta at $20
HAPPY HOURS OF YORE
España on Denman used to be one of my favourite Happy Hour restaurants. They told me that unfortunately, staffing problems have caused the restaurant to cancel Happy Hour. The Cactus Club on English Bay has cancelled afternoon Happy Hour for the summer but have retained their late night Happy Hour.
WEBSITES
WHO DID WE MISS?
If you own a business with Happy Hour that is not mentioned here, or you have a favourite Happy Hour that we missed, please post the information in the comment section below.
