Most Romantic Cocktail Bars in Vancouver

If you hadn’t noticed, Valentine’s Day is coming up. Don’t worry, if you don’t have anything planned yet, I’ve got you covered. In fact, forget about Valentine’s, I’ve got you covered for ANY romantic date in the future.

How so? Well, I’m going to list out the cities most romantic, or to that classification ‘date-worthy’, cocktail bars. These are the perfect balance of intimate and atmospheric, exactly what you need to set the tone for romance.

Without further ado, here’s the cocktail bars you need to become intimately familiar with to up your dating game:

Bin 941

Why: Bin 941 has that special blend of comfort and class that makes it for a perfect date spot. The food is well put together and yet so familiar, and the cocktail program blends perfectly with the menu.

Recommendation: Binarita- Reposado Tequila, Grand Marnier, Lime, orange, egg white

Uva

Why: Uva oozes charm, it’s that rare hotel bar that doesn’t feel like a hotel bar. It has the right lighting, seating and on some nights an intimate live jazz band. Not to mention an award winning cocktail program.

Recommendation: Pink Skies- belvedere vokda, lillet rosé, cucumber, grapefruit peel

Grapes & Soda

Why: I love Grapes & Soda, it’s that hidden gem that I worry the more I talk about it, the more chance I might ruin it. But it is simply one of the best hidden gems in the city when it comes to cocktails, and it’s small and intimate, perfect for a date.

Recommendation: Izabel- tequila anejo, mezcal, aperol, apricot, yellow chartreuse, lime

Salt

Why: Nothing is sexier than wine and cheese, and Salt is one of the best. Granted, Salt may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of cocktails, but they do have a small dedicated menu if you aren’t up for some vino.

Recommendation: Aphrodite- sherry, dry vermouth, sweet vermouth, angostura bitters, orange twist

The Diamond

Why: The Diamond (and its back room) is probably the worst kept secret in Vancouver. But somehow, everyone still seems to think they are ‘in the know’ when recommending the place for a drink. It just retains that special something, a packs a powerful cocktail.

Recommendation: Paper plane- Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, Lemon

Shameful Tiki

Why: Because going to a tiki bar on a date is just a fun idea. It doesn’t matter what the weather is outside, the Shameful Tiki is always warm and inviting. And you can share a drink with your date.

Recommendation: Mystery bowl- a delightful mix of rum and secret spices and juices.

Mamie Taylor’s

Why: A little eclectic, a little fancy, and a whole lot of character. Mamie Taylor’s is another Vancouver restaurant that has flown under the radar but still manages to survive thanks to its reputation with the crowd in the know.

Recommendation: Mamie Taylor- scotch, fresh lime juice, ginger beer, angostura bitters

Mosquito

Why: If you’re really looking to elevate your date, Mosquito is the place to be. It’s perfectly designed and focuses specifically on dessert and champagne, nothing more romantic than that.

Recommendation: Lost Afternoon- Cazadores Reposado, Grapefruit Cordial, Maraschino Liqueur, Sparkling Wine

Juniper

Why: Gin lovers won’t find a single better place to have a drink than Juniper in Vancouver. It’s beautifully designed so that you can come in and enjoy dinner or just drinks and still feel like you’ve got a whole section of the place to yourself.

Recommendation: Savoury Seas- parmesan washed sheringham gin, black moon gin, dry vermouth, fino sherry, yellow chartreuse, smoked pear bitters, fig