Formerly known as the Railway Club (until 2016), the Railway Stage & Beer Cafe has been around since 1931 and has hosted live music since 1981. Not long ago, the fate of this beloved venue was up in the air until new owners could secure its future. Locals loved this space because it was comfortably worn after multiple decades of service and the Railway Stage & Beer Cafe pays homage to the historic roots, while reviving it into something that is right for Vancouver. Along with cold beer, cocktails and wine, the Railway Stage & Beer Cafe also has a small selection of food to enjoy. When it comes to music, they host a variety of bands throughout the month.
Recommended for Live Music because: Their blues brunch is unique to the Railway Stage & Beer Cafe and is a fun way to start your Sunday.
Natasha's expert tip: It is best to check their website or Facebook page to see who is playing when.
Look for the bright neon sign that says "Patricia" along East Hastings Street and you're in for a special surprise. This hidden gem of a brew pub offers a charming atmosphere that's complemented by cold beer and hearty food. While this pub is known for their micro-brews they craft on-site, they also pack in plenty of live music. In fact, in the early 1900s, this locale was a popular spot to catch a live jazz show. Today, they host live jazz every Saturday night and feature special events throughout the week. Feeling peckish? The menu has a range of nibbles and starters include pub fare items like chicken wings, burgers, and a very Canadian classic, poutine. Pat's Pub is a short walk from Gastown and parking is available out front.
Recommended for Live Music because: Pats' Pub and Brewhouse hosts live jazz every Saturday and a Blues and Brews evening on Wednesday that are worth checking out.
Natasha's expert tip: Check out their website to see who's playing on a Saturday, and to see what special events they're hosting.
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.
Recommended for Live Music because: Calabash Caribbean Bistro is the best place to listen to reggae in Vancouver.
Natasha's expert tip: They're closed on Mondays and the lounge is closed on Tuesdays.
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 sorry about missing out.
Recommended for Live Music because: Fortune Sound Club brings in an eclectic mix of artists. When paired with the large dance floor, you've got the ingredients for a great time.
Natasha's expert tip: Grab dinner before hitting the club at one of Gastown's or Chinatown's tasty restaurants.
This small venue attracts some of the best up and coming bands and DJs from around the world. With a capacity of 350, it may be one of the best shows you will see before the band makes it big. The atmosphere is dimly lit with rich reds and velvet seating that creates a sultry boudoir feeling. The Biltmore is a favorite amongst Vancouver's hip crowds and music connoisseurs. Check out their website for dates and special nights they have on tap each week. The location is slightly out of the way, but public transportation and cabs make getting to it very easy.
Recommended for Live Music because: The Biltmore is where indie music and an intimate environment collide, creating for a laid back evening of music and drinks.
Natasha's expert tip: Sign up to get on their guest list on their website.
If there's one hotel that's a good time every night of the week, it's the Fairmont Pacific Rim. This luxury hotel is home to the Lobby Lounge and RawBar, where live music and fancy cocktails make for a chummy pair. With its sprawling ceilings, modern fireplace, and open concept, the grand lobby makes for a chic space to get comfy, grab a drink, and order some nibbles. Adding to the atmosphere is live music seven nights a week. From soulful singers to lively bands, The Lobby Lounge and RawBar is a fun place to be. Feeling peckish? The RawBar serves incredible sushi. The fish is melt-in-your-mouth fresh and Chef Taka's skill and passion compliments the beautiful ingredients.
Recommended for Live Music because: Whether you're going before dinner or later in the evening, The Lobby Lounge has live music and killer cocktails all night long.
Natasha's expert tip: Make sure to order some sushi to go with your cocktail.
Along the cobbled streets of Gastown, you'll find an underground lounge where live music and cocktails mingle. Located below The Local Gastown, 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 going on every night of the week, there's never a dull moment. Grab a seat and enjoy an eclectic mix of musicians. 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 The Local.
Recommended for Live Music because: Guilt & Co. offers a unique space where you can catch a live show and tuck into tasty food, too.
Natasha's expert tip: Check their website for an online schedule for the evening musicians.
Located on the Granville Street strip, the Commodore Ballroom can hold about 1000 people inside the 75-year-old building. Though the venue isn't huge, you would be surprised at the big names that have played there over the years. Everyone from Nirvana to Bob Marley to Coldplay to Adele to Lady Gaga have been booked here before they made it really big. The intimate setting is perfect - regardless of where you are in the room, you won't miss a beat and can see the band's every move. This licensed venue hosts events that are mostly for 19 years and older. Shows can often sell out ahead of time, but if it hasn't, you can get tickets at the box office or online.
Recommended for Live Music because: Catch your favorite indie or up-and-coming band at the Commodore Ballroom. The space is intimate so you won't miss any of the action.
Natasha's expert tip: Most of the space is standing room, so wear comfy shoes.
Established in 1941, the Vogue Theatre Vancouver has become a landmark amongst the city's performing arts. Nuzzled along the bright lights of Granville Street, Vancouver's entertainment distract, the Vogue is a popular venue that attracts acts from around the world. It's one of the best venues to go and see a show because there really isn't a bad seat in the house. The intimate setting connects the audience to the artist on stage and gives fans a chance to be up close with their favorite act. The stage sees all types of musicians and bands and it isn't limited to one genre. In fact, the Vogue hosts theater, live music, and cinema. The space itself has a warmth that's inviting, complete with old-school, yet well maintained, velvet folding theater style chairs.
Recommended for Live Music because: The Vogue Theatre is a Art Deco/Art Moderne style venue that brings in acts from around the globe.
Natasha's expert tip: The Vogue is licensed so you're free to enjoy a drink while you watch the show.