Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WHIP
PUB
(
www.thewhiprestaurant.com
;
209 E 6th Ave; 10am-1am Mon-Thu, to 2am Fri, 9am-2am Sat, to
1am Sun; 3)
The laid-back, wood-floored Whip fuses the best in pub and lounge ap-
proaches. Hit the martini list with some yam
frites
on the side or indulge in the excel-
lent local beer list - check the specials board or order a Central City ESB. Better still,
drop by at 4pm Sundays when they crack open a guest keg: perfect for a patio bask in
the sun.
Arrive early on weekend nights when this spot can often be heaving: you don't want
to be lining up outside watching everyone else drink. And check out the artworks on
the walls: the Whip has a strong commitment to showcasing local artists and the exhibi-
tions are changed every few months.
SHAMEFUL TIKI ROOM
BAR
(
www.shamefultikiroom.com
;
4362 Main St; 5pm-midnight Wed-Mon; 3)
Slip through the
curtains into this windowless snug and you'll be instantly transported to a Polynesian
beach. The lighting - including glowing puffer fish lamp shades - is permanently set to
dusk and the walls are lined with tiki masks and rattan coverings under a straw-
shrouded ceiling. But it's the drinks that rock: seriously well-crafted classics from
Zombies to Scorpion Bowls.
Arrive early on weekend nights: there's only space for around 50 people. And check
ahead for events: a local surf band was playing the tiny corner stage on our visit and
more are planned, along with a promised Movie Monday night of apposite B-flicks.
Food-wise, you'll find simple skewer-type menu items. And the worse thing about this
perfect little tiki bar? When someone opens the door and lets the light in from outside.
NARROW LOUNGE
BAR
(
www.narrowlounge.com
;
1898 Main St; 5pm-1am Mon-Fri, 5pm-2am Sat & Sun; 3)
Push
through the door on 3rd Ave - the red light tells you if it's open or not - then descend
into Vancouver's coolest small bar. Little bigger than a train carriage and lined with
junk-shop pictures, it's an atmospheric nook that always feels like midnight. In sum-
mer, try the hidden tiki bar out back for a Dark & Stormy or three.
Mac-and-cheese is the fuel-up dish of choice here, or you can just have another whis-
key and hope for the best - but if the mangy bear head on the wall starts talking to you,
