8 Must-try Dive Bars in Vancouver

By Carlin Leung

Tired of the Granville Strip? Venture into one of these local dive bars. They're open late, have affordable prices, and you're guaranteed to meet interesting characters.

  • Brickhouse

    http://www.yelp.ca/biz/brickhouse-vancouver

    With a decent array of whiskies & craft beers, Brickhouse is a low-key dive bar. The couches & stuffed chairs make it look more like someone's basement than a bar. Bring cash.

  • Ivanhoe Pub

    http://cnnbackpackers.com/vancouver-pub.html

    Located by Pacific Central, Ivanhoe is a go-to pub for travelers on a budget. With $5 lunch specials & free-meal-with-beer Mondays, it's a good bar if you like being around interesting people.

  • The Fringe Cafe

    http://www.thefringecafe.com/

    The oldest neighborhood bar on West Broadway, the Fringe provides a cozy, friendly atmosphere. It's small but not cramped, and has a solid selection of Scotch and craft beers—what's not to love?

  • Cambie Pub and Grill

    http://www.cambiepubsgastown.com/

    Located under a hostel, the Cambie is voted one of the best places to meet your significant other by the Georgia Straight. With pint specials at $3.75, it's one of Vancouver's most well-known dives.

  • The Cobalt

    http://www.thecobalt.ca/

    The Cobalt is a inclusive bar & venue that hosts a mix of interesting events, punk rock and drag shows. If you like live shows, this is the place to be.

  • Pub 340

    http://www.pub340.ca/

    One of Vancouver's longest-standing dive bars (since 1898), Pub 340 is well known for their extremely cheap specials, live punk/metal shows, and pinball—they have a pinball room with 11 machines!

  • Royal Canadian Legion

    http://www.yelp.ca/biz/the-royal-canadian-legion-vancouver-3

    Only blocks from Commercial-Broadway, this Legion hosts a diverse crowd. Not close to your house? Find a legion in your 'hood to show your friends your shuffleboard skills.

  • Jackalope's Neighbourhood Dive

    If you're looking for a dive, but still want good food, Jackalope's is for you. The quirky decor, and bustling atmosphere coupled with great food makes this a friendlier bar than others on this list.

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