THE IRISH HEATHER
Video courtesy of Couple of Yuppies and Whisper Media
The Irish Heather stays true to the European gastropub experience offering an incredible selection of beers, spirits and traditional cocktails, along with steak & ale potpie and juicy bangers. Hardwood floors are made from old Guinness vats, and vintage Irish posters add a bit of charm to every corner of their cozy space. Charming barmen and convivial patrons make The Heather a great place to meet new faces and get the conversation flowing. And when the day calls for live music, local group, Balleyhooley fills the room with traditional Celtic music on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
THE BLARNEY STONE
One never forgets a night at the Blarney Stone. During the day, The Blarney draws local regulars an early pint followed by a hearty breakfast of champions. At night, the scene changes into a bonafide party transforming the pub into a crowded dance venue as local bands like Killarney and The Sheets take the stage. Coming down with a big posse? No problem. The Blarney’s 7,000 square foot space is sectioned with cozy booths and back loungers perfect for accommodating large party groups. For all the sports junkies out there, you can catch the BC Lions and Whitecaps games on their epic 20-foot projector.
PORTSIDE PUB
Step aboard. Portside offers east coast hospitality in a unique three-level venue resembling the innards of a ship. Pubgoers can have their pick at 24 craft beers on tap, or hoist a glass of Jameson whiskey poured out of a suspended bathtub. Keeping with the maritime theme, the menu serves up delicious comforts including a Nova Scotia lobster roll and classic Philly cheese steak. Resident DJs Rhek and The Stuntman spin the latest & greatest hip hop and dance tracks turning the pub into a nightclub on weekends.
BLACK FROG EATERY
It’s unusual to find a pub that makes you want to return for the food, but Black Frog Eatery is continuously praised for its quality fare that runs the gamut with hearty and healthier options. Tucked steps away from the steam clock, their outdoor patio is a prime spot for people watching and offers an impressive view of the North Shore Mountains.
LAMPLIGHTER PUB
Brace yourself. This is one the city’s busiest watering holes. Lamplighter takes on ‘modern pub culture’ with plenty of things to keep you entertained during your night out. Their newly renovated space has a game section complete with pinball and foosball, and TVs mounted throughout playing old-school flicks. With local craft beers and seasonal brews on rotation, there are lots of options for fussy beer drinkers. Weekends are fueled with live DJ sets.
STEAMWORKS
Hungry? Steamworks caters to the food-loving crowd with a well-rounded menu that serves hearty comforts. The drink list includes fun, party cocktails, local craft brews and everything in between. Beer aficionados can empty their glass with exclusive in-house beers from their steam-generated brewery. The brew pub doubles up as a boutique event facility with private rooms and is one of the best places for accommodating large walk-in parties.
