Best Nightlife in Vancouver

Most nights, Fortune Sound Club brings local and international DJs to the stage to create an all-night dance party, but you'll also find live music too. Perched at the top of a dimly lit staircase in Vancouver's Chinatown, Fortune is a local favorite because of the diverse types of music they bring in. From rock to punk to hip hop to electronic, you'll find all sorts of known musicians from around the world here. It's not a massive club, which makes catching a live show here even better. They typically have their shows listed a couple of months in advance so you can get tickets ahead of time and not worry about missing out.

The Rosewood Hotel Georgia brings splendor and glamor to Vancouver; it should be no surprise that it has been an iconic hotel since 1927. Prohibition is located in the basement of the hotel and this bar and lounge exude the decadence of the roaring twenties, from top to bottom. As you step inside the vaulted door off of Howe Street and make your way down the staircase, take a moment to soak it all in. From the rich decor and the dimly lit atmosphere to the carefully selected drink options and service, Prohibition is a class act. In addition to the atmosphere and drinks, there's also live music that brings an added nice vibe to the space.

Sometimes the atmosphere is everything and that's exactly what The Narrow Lounge is known for. At the corner of Main St. and 2nd St. is a local favorite watering hole, and if you didn't know what you were looking for, you may just miss it. To say that it's inconspicuous would be an understatement. Pro tip: Look for the door with the red light above. Head inside and make your way down the dimly lit, long hallway and grab a stool at the bar. As the name suggests, the space is narrow and it's not huge so it can fill up pretty quickly. There's nothing fancy about The Narrow Lounge and that's what makes this hole-in-the-wall bar so great. When you're in the mood for cold beer, a casual bite, and some solid tunes while you catch up with friends, this place does the trick.

For years now, Calabash Caribbean Bistro has been a mainstay for Caribbean food and live music in Vancouver. After a visit, you'll see why. Head downstairs to the lounge where you'll find a cozy venue that hosts live music and DJs, depending on the night. Music is so deeply rooted in Caribbean history and Calabash brings this culture to life. What makes Calabash so special is that you can come for a delicious meal and then stay for drinks, music and a night of dancing. For food, tuck into comforting classics like braised oxtail, free-range jerk chicken and jerk pork belly with coconut dumplings. Wash it all down with one of their specialty cocktails like the Calabash Dark and Stormy or the Bordertown Swizzle. The latter's made with house-made vanilla rum churned with soursop, pineapple and a tamarind syrup and then topped with Baron Samedi.

This local gem serves freshly brewed beer on tap in a beautiful, contemporary space that's perfect for drinks with friends. They brew all of their own beer and cider and there's a healthy variety to choose from. Glasses are available in 6oz, 10.5oz, 12oz and 24oz pours so you can try a lot or just a little. When you find something that you really like, grab a growler and have them fill it so you can take it home to enjoy. They offer a variety of snacks and mains to nibble on throughout the day. Late night eats include dishes like their homestyle perogies that are pan-fried with caramelized onions and served with sour cream, bacon and slaw. How can you go wrong with beer and perogies? Capacity is 60 people so it's best to go in smaller groups.

Make your way along the cobbled streets of Gastown and you'll find an underground lounge where live music and cocktails mingle; making for an ideal night out. Located below The Local, you'll find the space is cozy and intimate. Feeling peckish? There are plenty of casual bites that are great for sharing. The drink list is packed with plenty of tasty wine, beer and cocktail options. With something happening throughout the week, there's never a dull moment. Grab a seat and enjoy an eclectic mix of musicians and performers. Guilt & Co. is easy to miss if you don't know what you're looking for so keep your eyes peeled for the sandwich board and a set of steps on the side of the building this space shares with Chill Winston.

The Keefer Bar has been around for years now and after sampling a couple of their cocktails, you'll see why. What makes this place so special is the intimate environment and delicious drinks. Cocktails are made with house-made tinctures, mixes and unique ingredients. They also have a small menu of tasty bites to nibble on while you enjoy a cocktail or two. The dimly lit and dark space itself isn't huge, but there's plenty of room to sit, given the size of the room. When the weather is nice, there's a great patio out front that even has some fire pits to add ambiance and warmth. If you're planning on going with a group of 8 or more, they do require a reservation.

On any given night, there's a live band, cold drinks, and delicious food available at The Lobby Lounge and Raw Bar. Set inside the luxurious Fairmont Pacific Rim, this lively spot is popular amongst hotel guests and locals. The soaring ceilings, dimly lit chandeliers, and roaring fireplace create an inviting atmosphere that's ideal for date nights and catching up with friends. The cocktail list boasts inventive mixes made with top-shelf liquor and quality ingredients, while the wine list has plenty to choose from. When hunger strikes, they've got plenty of bar bites and an excellent sushi menu. The Lobby Lounge is always a great time and feels like a mini vacay, even for locals.

Since Vancouver TheatreSports™ League premiered in 1980, this comedy troupe has delighted countless folks with shows brimming with quick wit and physical innovation. Here, improvisational techniques join audience suggestions and interactions in a fun display of ad hoc comedy. No two shows are ever the same so if you've been before, you should go again. Friday and Saturday evenings have a tendency towards the risque, but most performances are pretty tame. Alums of the program include folks like Ryan Stiles and Colin Mochrie, who use their well-honed abilities on the TV show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" Located on Granville Island, the theatre is easy to get to and there are plenty of nearby restaurants to grab dinner before a show.

The Shameful Tiki Room is one of the most fun places to grab a drink in Vancouver. Once inside, soak up the super kitschy decor, carved masks, art, retro lighting, Hawaiian ads and postcards are scattered throughout the room. Without any windows in sight, the room is dimly lit, making it easy to forget about time while you enjoy the vibe and cocktails. This 50 seat lounge fills up quickly. When it comes to the drinks, expect plenty of tropical ingredients and lots of booze. Most have between two and three ounces of alcohol in them. They also serve up cocktails in bowls that are made for sharing and are quite the performance piece. If you're hungry, they have a bunch of apps and mains that help soak up the drinks. Think dishes like wings, sliders, tacos, poke, nachos and more.