Are you itching to flee this Vancouver weather, but can’t afford the time or cost to getaway? Then step into one of these themed cafes/bars and be transported to somewhere new and far away. Check out 8 of our favourite themed bars, that boast a cohesive experience from its decor to food and drinks.
Hail Mary’s
670 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC
(604) 829-7032 or hailmarys.net
Located in East Vancouver, “Hail Mary’s” with its Catholic theme, is a little on the controversial side. They use the imagery of Jesus and Mary as decor with paintings, porcelain figures, and literature. Individual washroom stalls have you choosing between “saint” or “sinner”, each with the motif to match. And to help you get into the “spirit”, enjoy a couple of their cocktails like the “holy grail”, “an evening prayer”, or “penance”. Or take a turn to the darker side with a cocktail named after each of the deadly sins.
Waldorf Tiki Bar
1489 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC
(604) 253-7141 or tikibarwaldorf.com
Vancouver’s original tiki bar has been inviting visitors to escape the city with their taste of Polynesia, since the 50’s. Located in the lobby of the Waldorf Hotel in East Vancouver, this bar is given a tropical feel with bamboo, palm trees, exotic carvings, Polynesian artwork, and twinkling stars on the ceiling. Not to mention plenty of boozy rum-forward cocktails topped with tiny umbrellas or served in tiki cups.
The Keefer Bar
135 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC
(604) 688-1961 or thekeeferbar.com
Located in Chinatown this bar servers elevated Asian-inspired dishes, featuring ingredients from local Chinese markets and herbalists. The latter speaks to the bar’s medicinal theme with X-Rays, IV drips, and a whole slew of apothecary vials and potions used as decoration. Enjoy a “remedy or cure” in the form of a cocktail. or follow the doctor’s order for a “seasonal prescription”.
Storm Crow Tavern
305 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC
(604) 566-9669 or stormcrow.com
Themed as “A sports bar, but for geeks,” this tavern is home to all things pop culture. Where else can you find an accumulation of merchandise and memorabilia from the Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and Dr. Who franchises; plus all fandoms in between? Pairing it with trivia matches, movie nights; and cleverly named menu items like “Optimus Prime rib dinner”, “Eggs Benedict Cumberbatch”, and “Wingardium Mimosas”.
The Black Lodge
317 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC
(604) 428-5911 or blacklodgerestaurant.com
This is the second generation and new location of Vancouver’s Twin Peaks themed restaurant, now located in Mount Pleasant. For fans of the crime drama, the restaurant is reminiscent of the small logging town of Twin Peaks. With its wood cabin booths and bar, and bathroom hallway that is modeled after the famous Twin Peaks dream sequence. As for food, it is a vegetarian pub fare with local craft beer.
Storm Brewing
310 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC
(604) 255-9119 or stormbrewing.org
Storm Brewing is Vancouver’s longest running craft brewery. Located in an industrial area of Strathcona, they took what they had and rolled with it. Set up in a garage with its typical sights, sounds, smells, and equipment. You enter through the loading door and make yourself comfortable in their warehouse tasting room, much like you would in your own back yard; but with a diverse and ever changing menu of beers.
Catoro Cafe
666 East Broadway St, Vancouver, BC
(604) 423-2987 or catorocafe.com
Vancouver has a brand new cat cafe, this one with its own “Cat Forest”. A large room with cardboard trees and faux foliage, where cats of all breeds and ages are able to roam freely for you to interact with. And if you happen to grow to attach to one of your new feline friends, you can apply to adopt them. But for those who can’t have cats in their building, this is a great way to get all the kitty snuggles you want, while enjoying various cafe drinks like Vietnamese coffee, brown sugar milk tea, and fruit punch.
Rumpus Room
2301 Main St, Vancouver, BC
(604) 708-0881 or rumpusroom.ca
Comfort food served in what looks like your aunt’s basement or her “rumpus room”. With 70’s inspired decor, this is like a capsule in time. Geometric wallpaper in citrus orange and lemon, floral curtains, and retro lamps. Grab a table for dinner, or make yourself comfortable on the warn, slouchy couch; with plenty of board games and burgers to keep you and your group entertained.
