Vancouver: Gay & Lesbian Bars & Clubs
sydney on Jun 12th 2009
Whether you’re looking for a classy cocktail, late night dancing, great food or all of the above, Vancouver has a solid gay bar and club scene. I thought in honour of Vancouver Gay Pride coming so soon, I’d give you an update on your old favourites and some new spots to check out.
1181 – 1181 Davie Street (604.687.3991
This is a relatively new gay lounge located in Davie Village, in one of Vancouver’s top boutique lounge spaces. There is a mix of gay and lesbian clientele, with lots of different specialty theme nights, like Meat Night, where shirtless waiters bring you $5 Coronas. Service is attentive and friendly here, the decor is cutting edge, it’s open seven days a week, and there is no cover to get in. (Try the Pink Brazilian, a tart mix of cachaca, giffard pink grapefruit liqueur, fresh grapefruit, fresh lime and raw sugar).
Celebrities – 1022 Davie Street (604.681.6180)
Celebrities is a legend, and there’s usually great energy here, which might have something to do with the largest dance floor in Davie Village. Top notch Vancouver DJ’s play sets with a high tech sound and lighting system. There are always talented performers and constantly changing feature nights here. The crowd is mixed, you’ll pay cover, and expect to stand in line if you’re not early on a Friday or Saturday night. Closed Mondays.
The Fountainhead Pub – 1025 Davie Street (604.687.2222
Another well traveled gay pub is The Fountainhead, smack in the middle of Davie Village. The street level patio is heated on cooler nights, and you can get off sales beer and wine inside. There’s a really relaxed atmosphere and lots of different people come out to play pool, hang out with friends, watch Canucks pay per view and enjoy good food at solid prices, especially before 10 p.m., when most of the other gay pubs and bars on Davie get busy.
Lick Club – 455 Abbott Street (604.710.7457
Lesbian club Lick got its start at Vancouver Pride 2003. The funky lounge/bar is open Thursday to Saturday nights. Regular events like the Nice & Naughty Dance Party every Saturday are a blast, and they feature a roundup of DJ’s and performers. Usually open Thursday to Saturday.
Numbers - 1042 Davie (604.685.4077)
Numbers calls itself the “Cruisy Dance Bar” and has been around over 25 years. This mostly male hotspot is known for its multi-level levi bar with live DJs, dance floor, pool, darts, and a variety of specialty theme nights. Regular Karaoke and Karaoke Dancer Parties attract plenty of tipsy vocalists. Open seven days a week.
Oasis Ultra Lounge – 1240 Thurlow Street (604.685.1724)
Right above the Davie St. Denny’s, this ultra lounge has a lush heated patio, a comfortable setting and an assortment of tapas, pastas and pizzas. Industry Night every Tuesday brings drink specials to restaurant and club staff and their friends. The service is sexy and friendly, entertainment is mostly DJ’s, and there is no cover. Open seven nights a week.
Odyssey – 1251 Howe Street (604.689.5256)
The crowd here is mostly young and attractive men, and the weekends are packed. Specialty nights feature Go-Go dancers, and top male and female entertainers. A large outdoor patio out back lets you cool off in between dances. Open seven nights a week, most nights have cover charge.
Pulse Night Club – 1138 Davie Street (604.669.2013)
Pulse is Vancouver’s newest gay bar, and in the recently renovated space you’ll find a VIP area, Go Go cages, mirrors everywhere and a new DJ booth. Bartenders are friendly, the crowd is mixed, and the candlelit garden/smoking patio is beautiful. Pulse Nightclub has a variety of gay and lesbian event nights, is open Thursday to Sunday, and there is a cover charge.
Pumpjack Pub – 1167 Davie Street (604.685.3417)
The Pumpjack has been around since 2000 and attracts visitors and loyal locals of the mostly male variety (lots of bears hang out here). The drink of choice is beer – especially for the legendary Sunday keggers, and they have a leather, levi and fetish nights. Two big screens and a great sound system keep things entertaining. There’s no cover, open seven nights a week.
Score on Davie – 1167 Davie Street (604.632.1646)
It’s not a bar, but a sports pub that has taken over the old Sugar Daddy and caters to a laid back, mixed crowd. The decor is warm and modern, and there’s a large patio to watch Davie Street go by. Tons of beer specials and a big menu of tasty pub food. There are TV sports featured here regularly, so make sure it’s not UFC night if you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere.
SpeakEasy Bar & Grill – 1239 Davie Street (604.685.5761)
The SpeakEasy also has a mainstream venue on Granville near Robson, and this is one of the latest additions to Davie Street. Standard pub fare, cozy booths, a bar, big screen monitors, and an outdoor heated
patio on the second level. I have to say, I heard mostly lousy things about the SpeakEasy on Granville and I’m hearing mostly lousy things about the West End version. Bad service, and bad food. I’ll let you know if things improve. No Cover.
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