HAPPY HOUR
CHEAPER MENU OPTIONS
Some of us have a budget when it comes to eating out, because indulging in Vancouver’s food scene doesn’t always come cheap. That’s why happy hours exist, to allow food lovers (and cocktail enthusiasts) to find affordable menu items that won’t leave them feeling that their wallet has been drained when the bill comes. Here are five spots to find happyhour food around town.
BELGARD KITCHEN (55 Dunlevy Avenue) Known for its moody lighting and wood-centric décor, this Railtown spot is definitely an inviting happy-hour hub. Its “happy afternoon” menu features a small but mouthwatering selection of eats, including mushroom-and-bacon pâté ($8), chickpea-and-avocado hummus ($9), and margherita pizzette ($7). You can also pair your food with a daily featured red or white wine or Postmark pint—all at five bucks each. Its happy hour runs Monday to Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m.
CARLOS O’BRYAN’S NEIGHBOURHOOD PUB (1774 West 7th Avenue) This Irish pub and restaurant is a hot spot in the Kitsilano area, and you’ll find yourself having a good time even on a rainy weeknight. Guests will find a happy-hour food menu with all appetizers discounted to $7. Indulge in some potato skins, chicken quesadillas, or pachos (lattice-style fries sprinkled with signature spice and topped with cheddar cheese and green onions). It also offers special-priced drinks such as highballs and cocktails ($3.50), domestic draft ($4.50), and Naked Grape wine ($6). Its happy hour runs daily from 2 to 6 p.m., and all day Monday.
CATCH 122 CAFÉ BISTRO (122 West Hastings Street) Perhaps you know this brick-lined spot for its contemporary Canadian brunch items, but Catch 122 also has a great selection of happy-hour snacks. The items on its specially priced menu include fried oyster ($4), fried chicken with maple glaze and smoked aioli ($8), and mussels with smoked bacon and Pernod cream ($10). You can also order beer ($4) and red and white wine ($5), as well as classic cocktails and house creations ($7), to go with your bites. Happy hour is offered Tuesday to Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 5 to 6 p.m.
GYU-KAKU (G3–888 Nelson Street and 201–950 West Broadway) If you haven’t tried Japanese barbecue, then you’re missing out. Guests can choose a variety of meats, seafood, and veggies to cook on a flaming charcoal grill—but the dining experience can add up fast. That’s why the best time to hit up this spot is during its happy hours. Menu items range from appetizers like fried calamari ($5) and sweet-potato
fries ($4) to ready-to-grill proteins such as toro beef ($4.50) and garlic shrimp ($6). The “super happy hour” choices include fried gyoza ($3), spicy pork ($2), and beer ($3). Its happy hour runs daily from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday and Tuesday to Thursday from 9 p.m. to closing, Friday and Saturday from 9:30 p.m. to closing, and all day Monday. Its super happy hour is available Monday to Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. (not including holidays).
TABLEAU BAR BISTRO (1181 Melville Street) This French bistro— with its sleek bar and contemporary interior—is popular with people who work in the downtown core. Its happy-hour menu offers tasty fare at a half-price rate, including a charcuterie-and-cheese plate ($9), burger and frites ($9), crispy fish cake with lemon aioli ($7), and poutine ($5). Drink specials ($5) include Blonde Bombshell lager, French reds and whites, and sparkling wine. Its happy hour is offered daily from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. until closing.
To find out about more happy-hour eating destinations, visit Straight.com.