The craft beer scene has exploded in B.C. recently, with new microbreweries popping up all over the province. A number of Vancouver pubs have picked up on the trend and now tailor their menus to support the little guys in the beer industry. Discover your new favourite pint at one of these taphouses.
This two-floor tavern on the edge of Gastown has a constantly changing menu of small-batch and hard-to-find craft beers. With 50 taps of local and imported brews it may be hard to choose, but the Alibi Room’s young hip staff is very knowledgeable and can help you pick the right pint for your frame of mind.
Located in Olympic Village, Craft Beer Market celebrates draught beer in a big way. The 500-seat restaurant boasts the largest on-tap menu in Canada with 140 beers to choose from, including 50 B.C.-made brands. Craft also hosts cask-tapping nights, dinners with local brewmasters, and special collaboration beers with local breweries.
Portland Craft offers just what its name suggests: a Portland-themed bar serving Pacific Northwest craft beer – 16 rotating taps to be specific. This Main Street resto-pub celebrates Portland’s unique palate with an eclectic menu that features Hopworks, Deschutes, and Rogue beer alongside cheese grits, kale and beet topped burgers, and fried chicken with waffles.
St. Augustine’s has over 60 flowing beer taps and is named after the historical Saint Augustine himself, who is known for his wild lifestyle and love of drinking before becoming virtuous. This Commercial Drive taphouse posts their rotating menu online daily, along with a live feed showing how much is left in each keg.
Tap and Barrel combines scenic views, great craft beer selections and delicious pub food at all their locations – a North Van addition opens in 2015. In addition to their regular West Coast micro-brew menu, they frequently partner with local breweries to offer custom small-batch beers made exclusively for Tap and Barrel.
Located on West Hastings Street, Bitter Tasting Room offers a wide selection of locally made and international craft beers. Ordering a tasting flight is encouraged for guests looking to discover something new, or there are beer-based cocktails for the more adventurous drinkers out there. Pretzels, deviled eggs, and chili dogs round off an eclectic food menu.