Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.theblackfrog.ca
;
108 Cambie St; 11:30am-1am Mon-Thu, to 2am Fri, noon-2am Sat, to
midnight Sun; Waterfront)
A few steps from the Steam Clock in a side-street blind spot,
this bar - run by owners from Edmonton, Alberta - does everything right, from friendly
staff to no-nonsense pub grub. In summer, aim to bask on the deck (it's covered against
rain) with an array of Big Rock beers from across the border in Alberta. Foodwise,
swap the burger route for the hearty ploughman's lunch.
Black Frog is a great place to catch a live ice hockey game on TV; you'll soon real-
ize why the sport is often regarded as Canada's religion. In fact, this may be the only
time you'll see locals openly weeping and plotting riots against the injustice of it all.
STEAMWORKS BREWING COMPANY
BREWERY
(
www.steamworks.com
;
375 Water St; 11:30am-midnight Sun-Thu, to 1am Fri & Sat; Water-
front)
The signature beer at this huge brewpub on the edge of Gastown is Lions Gate
Lager. It's a refreshing summer tipple, but the Empress IPA is even better. Popular with
tourists and clocked-off office workers, Steamworks has an enticing pub-grub menu.
The monthly Green Drinks night (
www.greendrinks.org/bc/vancouver
)
is where chatty
enviro-types flirt with each other.
Ask about special seasonal brews (the summer wheat beers and hardy winter ales are
best). There are outdoor tables for summer drinkers, but the best views across the water
are from inside on the main floor, where several tables face the mountain-framed Bur-
rard Inlet. There's also a liquor store here if you fancy a takeout: Steamworks recently
started bottling its beers for the first time.
GASTOWN TEA COMPANY
TEAHOUSE
(
www.gastowntea.com
;
1 Gaolers Mews; noon-6pm Mon-Fri, 11am-6pm Sat & Sun; 4)
Tucked down a back alley in a building that once housed a police-horse stable block,
this large, lounge-like tearoom is an oasis from busy Gastown. Grab a seat in the win-
dowed conservatory or nip upstairs to the second level. Indulge with afternoon tea (a
bargain at just $12 for tea and scones) or choose from a menu of dozens of leafy variet-
ies.
If you've been on your feet all day, go for the 'pure yerba mate tea,' a strong pick-
me-up from South America - coupled with a cookie, of course.
CAMBIE
PUB
