Vancouver Urban Winery

In the past, I've written about a few places that weren't really pubs.  Tonight, I'm going to be stretching the definition of pub past it's breaking point.  I don't particularly care, though.  This place is awesome, and I want to write about it.  I'm talking about the Vancouver Urban Winery.  The coolest place you never knew existed.

The Vancouver Urban winery is situated in an often overlooked little neighbourhood just East of Gastown.  Past the boundaries of Vancouver's hippest enclave, and just North of some of the sketchiest parts of the Downtown East Side, is an area no one really explores.  Why should they?  There's nothing but warehouses, and residences.  One of those warehouses has been refurbished as a winery.  They do a little bit of everything wine related.  They make wine for The Roaring Twenties Wine Co.  They sell, and distribute wine for producers all over the province.  They house a company called FreshTAP that's dedicated to bringing on-tap wine to bars and restaurants all across the country.  A lot of people give a look of disgust when they hear the words "wine on tap" but I think that's an old fashioned attitude.  Like corks, (which are finally starting to be phased out,) wine as bottle only product is a result of a misplaced sense of propriety.  The idea that to serve wine any other way would be wrong.  This attitude is changing, and if popular Vancouver area wine writer, Jurgen Gothe can get on board with wine on tap, who am I to argue.

It's wine taps which make this place special.  They have a tasting bar with dozens of taps.  Each of which pours a different, delicious, (and very affordable,) wine.  I was blown away by everything I tasted, and at an average of $5 a glass, it's a good way to over-indulge for the budget conscious.  It's also visually gorgeous.  The whole space is one massive room. Barrels and aluminum tanks line the walls.  There is a big, ornate fireplace, surrounded by a few easy chairs, and long tables for those not lucky enough to grab a softer spot.  

Accessing the bar is a little more difficult.  As this place is primarily a winery, they don't generally cater to the bar-hopping crowd.  A few times a month, they open what they call a pop-up bar, and their big, beautiful room is open to the public for the evening.  When I went it was an open-mic night.  The place was absolutely packed.  There was some real talent too, the audience was treated to some amazing voices (and one terrible rapper).  There is food, but it's mostly small snacks designed to highlight the wine.  Have a proper meal before hitting the winery.  I will most definitely be heading back.

Vancouver Urban Winery

Tangent Café

Yikes, I've been gone a while.  In my defence, I've been moving.  You know what that's like.  Everything takes three times as long to set up as it's supposed to, you're operating without internet.  All that fun stuff.  I'm back, though, and I have a bunch of cool places in the pipeline to write about!

Today, Tangent Café, a new, sleepy little place on The Drive, that is interesting, and probably isn't as big as it wants to be... yet.  I got there late on a Friday night, and it was very quiet, which is unusual for most places on Commercial.  Wood paneling seems to be very in at the moment, and I like the effect.  It manages to be dark, but bright at the same time.  Otherwise it's a fairly standard bar.  Small, side patio, and quite a small stage.  They do music nights somewhat sporadically, though Jazz Sunday seems to have become a standard.

Food was good.  I had a very nice panini and fries.  Menu is, like the place itself, fairly laid-back.  Nothing wildly unexpected, but what's on order is quite nice.

The beer list gets my seal of approval.  10 taps, rotating periodically.  Almost everything a local microbrew.  Unless you're one of those horrible people who insists they don't like beer, there will be something on the list you like.

I fear I'm not doing a great job of selling this pup.  Perhaps that's because this writeup is low on adjectives, but I find I can't think of that many to use.  If this writeup is understated, it's because the bar is understated, and please understand that I mean that as a compliment.  It's a quiet place, ideal for a chill summer evening.  Exactly the sort of place this city could use more of.

Tangent Café

Caffe Barney

I have not been a good pub-blogger.  I've been a good pub-goer, but I'm not sure how much that counts for.  I have been to a couple of new places, I just haven't gotten my lazy butt around to writing about them.  The upside is, I have a few new spots in the pipeline, so hopefully it should be a bit busier a summer around here.

Caffe Barney.  I've bent the definition of pub for this blog in the past, and this is going to be another such occasion.  I'm really not sure how to characterize Barney.  I first discovered it the better part of a year ago when I was out looking for breakfast.  They do a really good breakfast.  Then, a few weeks ago, I was out with a friend, and in that rare mood when I was looking for a quiet wine bar, and I remembered this place.  

It's a long room, with a bar at the front, and it has more of a bistro feel at the back.  It manages to look very modern without feeling like it's trying too hard.  Though I did find the art on the walls a bit disconcerting.  (There was a maniacal baby!)  

While Barney is definitely trying to be all things to all people (breakfast joint, fancy restaurant, local bar), I think it best shines as a wine bar.  They have a chalkboard on the wall listing their current wines, and while I can't claim to be a wine guy, I really enjoyed the wines I imbibed.  I had a really astonishing rosé and I'm kicking myself for not writing down the vintners.  

Food I can't talk about as much.  We went there later in the evening, and the only thing we had to eat was dessert.  I can wholeheartedly recommend the pie.  It comes in a little casserole dish, heated up and swimming in rapidly melting ice cream.  Delish!

Otherwise the bar list is pretty standard.  The beer list is small, but it's dominated by good quality brews.  I would definitely go again.  It's a good place for when you're just looking for a quiet night out.

Narrow Lounge

Ye Gods!  A month since I've had a pub to write up?  No wonder my liver has been so happy with me lately.

I first mentioned Narrow the better part of a year ago when I went to The Hideaway.  Narrow and The Hideaway are almost the same place, in fact, they share a bathroom.  I decided to write them up separately though, because thematically, they're very different.  The Hideaway is a tiki-bar.  It's only open in the summer, and it's all about tropical rum drinks.  My plan was to write up Narrow quite a while ago, but I also planned on going back to Narrow much sooner than I actually did.  ...Something about plans and... mice?  You know how it goes.

Anyway, Narrow.  I almost feel like I'm giving away a big secret here, but really I'm not, because this place is always packed.  If you walk by Narrow, you won't find it.  You'll come to a weird furniture store that looks like it hasn't been open in several hundred years.  Just around the corner is a totally blank utility door with a red light.  You will think this door will be locked, it won't be.  You will think you are descending into some horrible industrial basement, you won't be.  Down the flight of stairs and you will find yourself in (an admittedly quite dark) well designed pub.  The Narrow is (as it's name suggests quite narrow)  It's also quite popular.  Don't go in groups larger than five, and go early if you'd actually like to sit down.

The Food at Narrow is really good.  That surprised me a bit, because I'm honestly not sure where they're hiding the kitchen.  I had a really nice (and really affordable) mushroom risotto.  From what I can tell, management likes to mix things up, and the menu changes if not frequently, at least seasonally.

The beer list is nothing wildly exciting.  All the beers on tap are good, but it's not a place to go try brews you've never had before.  They have more beer in bottles, but with a couple of exceptions ordering beer in bottles in bars is only for idiots.  They're cocktails are much more impressive, with a good mix of old standbys and unique combinations.

This place is definitely worth checking out, and a fun place to go if you want to impress a tourist as to how cool our city really is.  I've been there before, I'll go there again, though hopefully this time I won't wait another year.

Narrow Lounge

Local Public Eatery

What's in a name?  A surprising amount actually, as I discovered when I went to try out Local last week.  Picture this:  "We're going to Local tonight, meet us there at 8.""Which bar is our local?" "No, it's called Local." "What do you mean it's called Local?" So I had that conversation about 6 times.  Aside from the mildly irritating name, Local is a fun, friendly hangout with some of the best patio real estate in the city.  

Local terms itself an eatery.  Which as far as I can tell means it's divided between an area for everyone, and an area where minors aren't allowed.  It's right across the street from Kits beach, and has a huge patio designed to take advantage of the view of the ocean and the summer sun.  This means that once the season gets going, it tends to be crawling with beach rats, and can be a pain to get in.  We went early enough in the year that it wasn't a problem.  We also went early enough in the year that the patio wasn't open.  I can't win.

Food was good.  It's a pretty big menu.  For the most part it's what you'd expect; burgers, and sandwiches, but there are some more eclectic items like gyozas.  I had huevos rancheros, because I liked the idea of having breakfast for dinner.  It was damn tasty.  Everyone else at the table seemed equally pleased with their meal.

They've got a really big drinks list too.  Their tap list is divided into two sections: "Rotating" and "Well Known and Trusted".  What they call well known, I mostly call undrinkable.  The rotating list was interesting, though, and had enough good microbrews to get through the night.  For the non-beer drinkers, they have massive cocktails served in glass boots, and something called a tequila library.  I think that must be a misnomer, because after two shots of tequila, nobody has the ability to read.  

I think Local is worth checking out, but go early in the day if you want that coveted patio spot.  It could be a very nice way to cap off a relaxing day at the beach.  

Local Public Eatery

Chaise Lounge

I haven't written up a new bar in a few weeks.  I haven't been drinking as much.  That's probably a good thing, but what's good for my health isn't good for my website, so I braved the rigours of intoxication, and went out and found Chaise.

The only thing I don't like about Chaise Lounge is the name.  Puns and I don't get along.  Other than that, it was a fun place.  It's relatively new, and doesn't seem to be very well known yet.  They were able to seat a group of 8 without any warning; a rare and appreciated feature of a bar on a Saturday night.  Chaise is a reasonably large place.  The management seems to be going for an old fashioned look.  Everything is dark and wood panelled.  It's a nice effect, if a bit unoriginal.

The drinks list is also nothing special.  Average beer list, nothing to write home about, and all the cocktails you'd expect.  The bartender knows what he is doing though.  I told him I didn't really know what kind of drink I was in the mood for, and he made me something with rum, and ginger, and lime.  I have no idea what it was, or if it has a name, but it was delicious.  I had three of them.  I'm afraid I can't speak to the food, as we didn't have any.  It was later in the evening, and no one was really hungry.  Food appeared to be what you'd expect from a quiet bar, though.

Bottom line, Chaise was a nice place to go for a quiet drink.  However, it isn't anything special.  It also isn't trying to be anything special.  It wants to be a neighourhood bar, and in a city that's starting to insist every watering hole have some weird theme, that's not necessarily a bad thing.  I'd say it's worth checking out if you're in a mellow mood.

Chaise Lounge

Hyde Restaurant

Hyde describes itself as "A Tim Burton-inspired room of oddity and unusually wicked things."  I've gotta say, I don't see it.  Though, that may just be because Johnny Depp isn't hiding behind every corner.  Unnecessarily pretentious descriptive terms aside, Hyde is a decent place.  It's smaller place which manages to feel intimate, without being crowded.  The paintings of guns with flowers protruding from them which hang on the walls are not exactly subtle, but it works, and Hyde manages to come off as a classy, neighbourhood watering hole.

Space is at a bit of a premium.  As far as I'm concerned that's a good thing, I like small intimate bars.  We were told that they do have live music nights, and I found this really interesting as I can't imagine where you'd be able to put a band.  I'm quite curious to find out.  I wouldn't bring more than 6 people here, but if your group is small it's a great place to grab a pint and a bite and shoot the breeze.

The beer list is fairly standard.  Nothing wildly exciting, but nothing you'd be ashamed to drink either.  Very reasonably priced too, which is something I look for in a session bar.  The drinks list seems pretty run-of-the-mill until you discover that Hyde's specialty is their house made infusions.  I had their spiced rum, and I must say it was pretty damn tasty.  They also offer absinthe, which I find unusual in places like this, but the last time I had absinthe I have no idea how I managed to get home, so it wasn't something I was up for trying.

Food menu was also what you'd expect of a bar on main street.  I had a mushroom spinach pizza, which was quite nice.  Nothing wildly unexpected, but all fairly priced.  This is a bit of a tangent, but is it just me, or is the idea of serving nachos in a bar starting to go out of style?  I haven't seen them on a menu in ages.

Ultimately, Hyde is a good quality Vancouver bar, and you could do much worse than spend an evening there with some good friends.

Hyde Restaurant

The Keefer Bar

Not for the first time, I find myself writing up a place that I don't think really fits the strictest definition of a pub, but it was a fantastic place, so I'm ok with it.

I've been very clear that I'm a beer guy.  Good beer is amazing, and The Keefer Bar does sell beer.  If you buy any of it you should be smacked.  That's not a reflection on the quality of the beer.  It's because Keefer does some of the most wonderful, amazing cocktails anywhere, and if you choose to have something else, you are an absolute fool.

Hanging out just on the edge of Chinatown, this is a really cool joint that I'm embarrassed I didn't try out sooner.  The legends have it that once upon a bygone age the building housed a Chinese apothecary.  Whether it ever did or not, I have no idea, but the concept has been worked into the bar's theme.  The bar is decorated with depictions of ideal acupuncture points, and there are ancient x-rays hanging above the toilets.  Many of the drinks also take on a bit of a medicinal theme.  If you'd asked me a week ago, I would've said a hospital themed bar would be a really cheesy idea, and it is a bit, but it also works really well.

The drinks!  Did I mention they're fantastic?  The head bartender is the kind of guy who attends (and wins) international mixology competitions.  They make their own bitters, tinctures, syrups, and teas, and then use them to make some of the most creative, and wonderful drinks.  Most of them have some kind of Asian influence.  I had something made with rum, ginger, and dragon fruit.  Fan-damn-tastic.  When you first glance at the menu, you might think things are a little expensive.  My response to that is, a) you're paying for quality, and b) almost every drink is either a double or a triple, so it's actually a really good deal.  The drinks are lethally alcoholic though, so any more than a few and you will be flying.

Food!  There is food.  I stopped in at ten pm for a couple of late drinks, so I didn't eat anything.  I will be back to this place though, so I'll have some food then, and write an addendum when I do.

Didn't I already tell you this place is awesome?  Why are you still reading this, instead of heading downtown for amazing fruity drinks?

The Keefer Bar

Portland Craft

Every time I think I've found the ultimate beer lover's bar, this city keeps upping the ante.  Portland craft is definitely for... beer enthusiasts... hop heads... let's just say people who are a little too into beer.  This relatively young Main Street joint is often packed, and well worth the line to get in.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I should mention that I have never been to Portland.  I want to go, I'm hoping to get there this summer.  Deservingly or not, Portland has somehow garnered the reputation of being something of a microbrewing mecca.  Portland Craft seems to be an attempt to bring some of that local beer spirit to Vancouver.  Like I said, I've never been to the real Portland, so I have no idea if it works, but I do quite like what they've come up with.

The bar has a simple layout.  It's one large room, with a small upper level that seems to be regularly used for private parties.  It has reeeeeeeeally high ceilings.  It has a dark, simple design, that is only marred by what appear to be massive grain bags lining the ceiling.  I'm sure they're only decorative, but I did notice that everybody who walks in takes minute to say, "those aren't going to fall, are they?"  It's not a bar for large groups; not unless you get there really early anyway.  Lots of small tables, one large communal table, and a few bigger tables around the edges.

Food is good.  It's not a huge menu, but what they have is high quality.  They divide the menu up by price, which I appreciate.  If you want a big meal, it could get a little pricey, but otherwise prices seem fair.  I had a ridiculously good thin crust pizza.  The people in the kitchen know what they're doing.

Again, though, this is a place for beer nuts.  ...People who really like beer, not the actual abominable salted nuts.  The name of the bar might be a giveaway, most of the beers are from portland.  Most of the beers on the list were ones I'd never heard of.  They sell between 15 and 20 beers a night, all listed on a great big board.  Most of them are part of Portland's craft brew scene, but a few locals make it onto the list, though.  Like most of my other favourite places, the tap list rotates.  Anything you find that you really like might not be here again next week.  That's ok, though.  New great beers will be there instead.  I also quite liked that they listed the alcoholic strength of the beer next to it on the board.  I just wish I'd noticed it before I had three at 9%.  Portland also does a rotating bourbon list.  However, I'm not a bourbon guy, so you'll have to find someone else to tell you if the selection is any good.

I really like this place.  If you're a local beer lover, you owe it to yourself to stick your head in the door at least once.

Portland Craft

Alibi Room

Located on the very edge of Gastown, this funky brick bar overlooking a rail yard is something of a beer mecca.  It's definitely trendy, and often packed, but this is the place to go if you're looking for a brew you've never even heard of.  

When you first walk down Water street, it's hard to shake the feeling that you're about to drown in Tourist kitsch.  However, as you go further east, and Water street ends, the touristy joints dry up, and refurbished townhouses and apartments abound.  Just before you hit the Downtown East Side, if you're paying attention, you'll pass by Alibi Room.  An unassuming place at first glance, it's one of these pubs that manages to somehow be way bigger inside than it is outside.  Two levels, bare wood, exposed brick.  Classic urban reclamation.  It looks cool, but you didn't come here for the decor.  

The food is alright.  It's a little pretentious, though.  Who goes to a pub and orders pâté with crostini anyway?  It's not bad.  Prices are reasonable for the area, but keep in mind the area is downtown Vancouver.  You didn't come here for dinner.

You came for the beer!  So many different kinds of beer.  Alibi has an enormous beer list.  At least thirty beers on tap at any one time, and a healthy bottle list.  The beers are always changing, so don't bother picking any favourites, they probably won't be there again next week.  They come from all over, local micros, craft imports.  If it's good and produced in small batches it's welcome.  The management also seems to have decided to give Alibi a heavily (but not exclusively) IPA themed beer list.  The list is loaded with changing IPAs.  (They even have a hoppiness scale).  India Pale Ales are often something of an acquired taste.  It sometimes takes beer drinkers a while to develop an appreciation for the strong flavour of hops.  Once you get there though, it's very well worth it.  

My favourite thing about Alibi, though, is it's one of the only places in the city that's always pouring cask ale.  I've briefly mentioned cask ale in the past, but as a quick refresher, cask ale is unfiltered, unpasteurized beer that goes through a secondary fermentation in the cask.  This means that the beer is still alive.  It gets carbonated in the cask instead of having carbon dioxide artificially added like most beers.  This means it's has a lighter sparkle rather than a dominant fizz.  The taste is harder to describe.  It just tastes... better.  I know several people who don't like beer, but quite enjoy cask ale.  Something about it just tastes natural.  I suggest you try to find some cask beer and give it a go.  Beer purveyors aren't generally wild about producing cask ale.  It's a pain to deal with, and there's a greater chance it'll go stale before it can be sold, but like with most things in life, the extra step appears to be well worth it.  

I don't know what more you need to hear.  Alibi Room.  Great beer.  Go get some.

Alibi Room