If you’re on the prowl for a fun, care-free, boozy, and wild time, the dive bars on this list are right up your alley. They’re chock-full of character, and there’s no shame in losing your dignity after a couple (a lot) of drinks. You’ll probably wake up feeling a little rough around the edges, but then again, these joints are a little rough around the edges themselves. Bring a friend, and leave your morals behind.
- The Metropole
320 Abbott St
Aka, “The Met,” is not a full-on dive bar per se, but still plenty a wild and messy time to be had at this joint. The dive without the “sketch.”
- The Cobalt
917 Main St.
More of a hipster/punk scene, The Cobalt is dark, dingy, boozy, and home to killer bands. A cool bar with a rad decor, great dive ambiance, and a guaranteed good time. Too good, sometimes.
- The Brickhouse
730 Main St.
A low-key dive bar, The Brickhouse is, as my one dive bar loving friend described to me, “rad, but more of a college hangout with kitsch,” which is totally fine, because 1) kitschy knickknacks are part of the allure of a dive bar, and 2) we all know how wild college kids like to get.
- The Astoria
769 E Hastings St
A popular hipster hangout on the weekends, The Astoria on E Hastings, is just as excellent during the week. Super cheap drinks, free pool, legit music, and lots of seating. It look like a dive bar and it smells like one too. A great place to catch shows, drink your face off, and make bad decisions.
- The Cambie
300 Cambie St
One of Vancouver’s most famous bars, The Cambie offers real cheap beer, in a relaxed, and open setting. A popular destination for backpackers on a budget or for anyone, The Cambie has a hostel-vibe (probably because there’s an actual hostel above it) and is loud, dirty, and a place for conversing – just the way a dive bar should be.
- West Hotel and Bar
488 Carrall St.
Rich in history, West Hotel and Bar is in a slightly sketchier part of town and is home to interesting creatures. With that being said, they have cheap beer (shitty beer – but hey! That’s expected), $3 drink specials, and decent entertainment.
- Funky Winter Beans
37 W Hastings St
If you enjoy metal, karaoke, and being in the presence of chill and unpretentious people looking to have a good time, you’ll enjoy Funky Winter Beans. As divey as it gets.
- The Ivanhoe
1038 Main St
Close to the skytrain and a long-standing staple of Main St, The Ivanhoe is worthy of all bragging-rights when it comes to being one of the last few, real deal, dive-bars in the city.
- Savoy
258 E Hastings St
And finally, Savoy Pub. The venue if you’re looking to have a fantastic night of uninhibited fun and live entertainment. For the young, old, and everything in-between. A proper dive bar.
