II’ve uncovered my fair share of downtown gems, and I’m forever searching for that standout cocktail—the one that makes you slow down and truly savour the night.
So I wanted to share a few of my favourite spots, the ones that feel a little special — perfect for good drinks, a few light bites, and easy conversation. Of course, there are the classics like Cactus Club, Tap & Barrel, and Joey, but these are the standouts — the ones worth trying at least once. And honestly, what better reason than date night?
These spots stood out for their balance of great food, beautiful ambiance, and cocktails that feel crafted for meaningful moments.
Pourhouse: A Gastown Gem with Vintage Soul
Vibe: With its dim lighting, vintage decor, and soft jazz humming in the background, it’s one of Gastown’s most charming cocktail bars.
Happy Hour at Pourhouse
Every Day: 3 PM – 6 PM
Late Night Happy Hour: Sun-Thurs 10 pm -late, Fri & Sat 11 pm -late
Favourite Cocktails:
🍸 Gastown Gimlet
El Jimador Blanco Tequila, Tapatio 110 Blanco Tequila, grapefruit cordial, lime
Bright, balanced, and a little bold — the perfect cocktail to start the evening.
🥃 Blanche Negroni
Delord Blanche Armagnac, Antica Vermouth Bianco, Luxardo Bitter Bianco
A lighter, more floral twist on the classic Negroni — smooth and sophisticated.
🔥 Oaxaca Old Fashioned send it
Solmano Mezcal, Herradura Reposado, agave, Angostura Bitters
Smoky, rich, and beautifully complex — a slow-sipping favourite for late nights.
What I love is the vibe and dim lighting backdrop of a classic, antique-furnished room. Built in 1910, the space still shows off its original character — Douglas fir ceilings, thick wooden pillars, and exposed brick walls that tell their own stories. The bar itself is a showpiece: a 38-foot masterpiece handcrafted from 120-year-old reclaimed Douglas fir. It’s warm, moody, and full of personality — the kind of place where it feels like you are back in time.
They have a great selection of expertly crafted cocktails and bar snacks. The cocktails have an old-fashioned soul, in variations both plain and fancy – the catalyst for the entire concept. Try their Old Fashioned or the Pourhouse Sour — both are timeless, smooth, and perfect for sipping slowly.
The Jungle Room: Cocktails, Atmosphere, and Tropical Vibes
The vibe: moody, tropical, and sophisticated — a mix of lush greenery, warm lighting, and a touch of mystery. It feels elevated but relaxed, perfect for date nights or intimate catch-ups with friends.
Favourite Cocktails:
🍏 Elevenses
Hendrick’s Orbium gin, Arancello, parsley, apple
Fresh and herbaceous with a citrus twist — light, elegant, and quietly complex.
🥥 Rice, Rice Baby
Lychee cordial, coconut milk, toasted Thai sweet rice
Creamy, tropical, and delicately floral — like a vacation in a glass.
🍑 Maracujà Gimlet
Milk-clarified El Gobernador pisco, lychee, passionfruit, lime
Smooth and vibrant — a silky, fruit-forward cocktail with a refined finish.
One of the most visually stunning bars in the city, The Jungle Room is a tropical dream brought to life — lush greenery, dramatic lighting, and a sense of escape in every corner. It’s an urban oasis with a moody, sophisticated vibe and just the right touch of playfulness.
The lighting is soft and golden, the décor layered with deep greens and rich textures, and every detail — from the artful glassware to the glowing bar — draws you in to stay a little longer. It’s the perfect setting for a romantic night out or a flirty first date, where cocktails become both conversation starters and showpieces.
Their drinks are as imaginative as the space itself, beautifully presented and often infused with exotic ingredients like lychee, yuzu, and tarragon. Each sip feels like a mini getaway — elegant, surprising, and effortlessly cool.
Black and Blue Patio: A Great Night Out
The Vibe: is upscale and lively — a glamorous mix of city energy, warm lighting, and rooftop views that make every cocktail feel like a celebration.
Happy Hour at Black and Blue
Every day: 2:00 PM-5:00 PM
Favourite Cocktails:
🍋 Margarita
El Tequileño Blanco tequila, triple sec, lime
Simple, sharp, and refreshingly tart — a true crowd-pleaser.
🌶️ Spicy Pineapple Mule
Vodka, pineapple juice, ginger beer, dash fire tincture
A tropical kick with just the right amount of heat — bold and fun.
🍐 A’Pear’ol Spritz
Aperol, pear nectar, prosecco, topped with soda
Crisp and fruity — a playful twist on the classic spritz.
This spot has a very trendy and modern vibe. Surrounded by twinkling lights and modern city views, it’s a glamorous spot for golden-hour drinks. They offer a great happy hour with discounted wines, bubbles, and signature cocktails. Order a glass of rosé, sit under the heaters, and soak in the atmosphere — it’s effortlessly romantic.
Bacchus: Where Romance Meets Refined
The Vibe: is timeless and romantic — rich velvet, candlelight, and soft piano music create an atmosphere that feels intimate, elegant, and quietly indulgent.
Happy Hour Bacchus:
Sunday – Thursday: 4 PM – 6 PM
Friday & Saturday: 4 PM – 7 PM
Favourite Cocktails:
🍾 Old Cuban
8-Year Bacardi, lime juice, sugar, Angostura bitters, sparkling wine
A refined blend of rum and bubbles — smooth, citrusy, and subtly spiced.
🌸 Clover Club
Tanqueray gin, Chambord, lemon juice, sugar, egg white
A silky, blush-pink classic — bright, tart, and beautifully balanced.
🍸 French 75
Gin, Lemon Juice, Sugar, Sparkling Wine
A timeless classic — bright, crisp, and bubbly with just the right kick of gin and citrus.
If you’re after that classic, old-world kind of romance, Bacchus delivers it beautifully. Velvet drapes, soft piano music, and the faint scent of aged brandy set the mood the moment you walk in. The space feels timeless — rich, warm, and made for lingering.
Their happy hour is all about elegance: refined wines, expertly stirred martinis, and small plates that feel indulgent without being overdone. It’s the kind of place where hours slip away easily, the conversation flowing as smoothly as the cocktails.
The vibe at Bacchus Lounge is intimate and quietly sophisticated. Sink into a velvet chair, sip a perfectly balanced martini, and let the low hum of piano fill the room. Whether it’s an anniversary, a first date, or simply a night to unwind, Bacchus is where romance meets refinement — effortlessly, and with grace.
Cardero Lounge and Bar
The Vibe: is relaxed waterfront elegance — bright and airy by day, warm and inviting at sunset, perfect for cocktails, light bites, and a romantic evening by the marina.
Happy Hour Cardero’s:
Monday – Friday: 3 PM – 6 PM
Favourite Cocktails:
🍊 Gastown Gimlet
El Jimador Blanco Tequila, Tapatio 110 Blanco Tequila, grapefruit cordial, lime
Bright, citrusy, and refreshing — a playful and flavorful start to the evening.
🔥 Spicy Pineapple Mule
Vodka, pineapple juice, ginger beer, dash of fire tincture
Tropical with a gentle kick — fun, bold, and full of personality.
🍐 A’Pear’ol Spritz
Aperol, pear nectar, Prosecco, topped with soda
Light, fruity, and effervescent — perfect for a sunset toast by the water.
Nice walk there and nice walk back.Few things are more romantic than a waterfront walk — and Cardero’s gives you both: a cozy bar with views of the marina and a beautiful stroll there and back. Their happy hour runs 3–5 PM with $6 wines, local craft beer, and seafood-forward small plates. Come for the view, stay for the atmosphere — especially if you time it for sunset. It’s a good happening spot that is a Vancouver staple.
Bartholomew Bar
The vibe: is stylish, intimate, and moody — cozy yet sophisticated, perfect for quiet nights out, romantic dates, or lingering over craft cocktails and small bites.
Happy Hour at Bartholomew Bar
Friday & Saturday: 5 PM – 6 PM
Sunday – Thursday: 5 PM – 7 PM
Favourite Cocktails:
🐅 Tiger Milk
Odd Society rye, S.O.V. amaretto, nocino, Amaro Montenegro, Ceylon black tea, condensed milk foam, black cardamom
Rich, spiced, and deeply aromatic — a velvety cocktail with a touch of intrigue and warmth.
⏳ The Hourglass
The Botanist gin, Esquimalt dry vermouth, Licor 43, Fernet Branca, seabuckthorn, cardamom, citrus, egg white
Elegant and aromatic — a layered cocktail that balances herbal, citrus, and spiced notes with a silky finish.
Stylish, intimate, and perfectly moody, Bartholomew Bar is a true hideaway in the heart of Yaletown. The space feels effortlessly elegant — dim lighting, dark wood accents, and plush seating create a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere that’s perfect for a quiet night out or a romantic date. They have a nice vibe, known for artisanal charcuterie boards and great crafted cocktails great for sharing.
The Lobby Lounge & RawBar at the Fairmont Pacific Rim
The Vibe is elegant and relaxed — stylish, intimate, and perfect for unwinding over cocktails or enjoying a romantic date night.
Happy Hour at The Lobby Bar:
Daily: 3 PM – 6 PM
Favourite Cocktails:
🍶 Shibuya
Suntory Roku Gin, sake, tarragon and white pepper cordial, yuzu, lemon
Bright, herbal, and subtly spicy — a delicate balance of citrus and aromatic complexity.
🍋 Improved Lemon Drop (Circa 2017)
Grey Goose, Bianco Vermouth, lemon thyme oleo saccharum, lemon juice
Bright, herbaceous, and perfectly balanced — a sophisticated twist on a classic cocktail with a fragrant, citrusy finish.
🍹 Celibataire (Circa 2012)
Aperol, Cointreau, ginger beer, grapefruit, lemon
Bright, effervescent, and slightly bitter — a playful, refreshing cocktail with citrusy sparkle and a gentle ginger kick.
This absolutely deserves a spot on your list of romantic happy hour or cocktail destinations in Vancouver. It’s one of the city’s most stylish and atmospheric bars — ideal for date nights, elegant pre-dinner drinks, or even solo people-watching with a martini in hand.
Uva Wine & Cocktail Bar
The Vibe: Uva Wine Bar is cozy, intimate, and effortlessly romantic — warm lighting, exposed brick, and comfortable seating create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for lingering over a glass of wine and good conversation.
Happy Hour Uva:
Sunday to Thursday · 2–5 PM & 9 PM–Close
Favourite Cocktails:
🌵 Desert Revival
400 Conejos mezcal, apricot brandy, chilli-infused mango syrup, lime juice, Angostura bitters
Smoky, sweet, and just a touch fiery — a bold, sun-soaked cocktail that lingers with warmth and depth.
💜 Purple Flame
Butterfly pea flower–infused tequila, crème de violette, lychee liqueur, lime juice, edible flowers
Vibrant, floral, and visually stunning — a delicate, whimsical cocktail that delights the senses with every sip.
💚 Jade-Touched Cloud
Rosemary-infused limoncello, lemon juice, Prosecco, Angostura bitters, lemongrass cloud
Bright, aromatic, and ethereal — a sparkling, herbaceous cocktail topped with a delicate cloud that feels almost magical.
If you love intimate, candlelit settings and beautifully balanced cocktails, Uva is your spot. Tucked inside the Moda Hotel on Seymour Street, it’s a small, sophisticated bar that feels effortlessly European. The menu changes often, but their bartenders are known for classic techniques and creative twists — think a perfectly chilled Negroni or a citrus-forward gin sour.
It’s the kind of place where conversations flow easily, the lighting flatters everyone, and one drink often turns into two because it’s just that comfortable. Ideal for a date, a quiet catch-up, or that “just one drink” that becomes an evening. Its a great spot to grab the drink before a dinner or night out.
These hidden gems deliver the perfect mix of expertly crafted cocktails, romantic atmosphere, and unforgettable vibes. While Vancouver has no shortage of great spots, these are some of our personal favourites. For more insider guides, cocktail inspiration, and date-night ideas, explore Heavenly Table and discover the city one sip at a time. “Before you go — share your favourite date-night spot and your go-to cocktail. I’d love to hear what you’re loving lately.”