Fall is all about mystery and intrigue. So why not up your drinking game by exploring one (or all) of the best speakeasies and secret bars in Vancouver.
These spots prove the city does have a bustling nightlife scene, contrary to what some people may think.
RELATED: A Hidden Cocktail Bar Just Opened In Chinatown & You Need A Code To Get In
Best Speakeasies and Secret Bars in Vancouver
Bagheera
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This hidden speakeasy pay homage to the spirit of the Indian subcontinent at the turn of the 20th Century, featuring hues of gold, red, teal and imperial purple. There is also a 45-foot hand-painted jungle mural that spans the entire north wall across from the 42-foot bar. The curved ceiling also gives off vibes of a underground space hidden away from prying eyes.
Location: Behind the Happy Valley Turf Club at 518 Main Street
How To Get In: You’ll need to place a wager at the counter on “King Louie”.
Arcana Spirit Lounge
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Vancouver’s newest speakeasy, Arcana Spirit Lounge, aka Pet Psychic just opened. Although their store front and website may make it seem like caters to our feline friend, the inside is actually a bar with a cool occult theme with tons of candles and eerie dark touches. There are amazing food and drinks, as well as a cocktail wheel for those who wants to try something new.
Location: Inside Pet Psychic at 238 Abbott St, Vancouver
How To Get In: You can just walk in, although reservations are recommended
The Stock Room
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This is a fairly new speakeasy that opened in Yaletown, behind the burger and beer bar Hundy. This is a low key hangout with amazing drinks, a pool table, and you can also order amazing smash burgers from the restaurant as well.
Location: 1144 Homer Street, Vancouver
How To Get In: You’ll find the bar via archway entrance, down a long hallway, and pass a door that says “Private”.
Chupito
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This hidden cocktail bar just opened up in Gastown over the summer, so it’s still very much a secret to most. The open-air space is tucked away in an alley and serves up killer cocktails and authentic Mexican bites. But half the fun of this spot is just finding it. It’s close to La Taqueria’s Gastown location and while it’s not quite visible from the street, you’ll be able to find it by venturing to the back alley and going through a secret gate opening.
Location: 322 W Hastings Street, Vancouver
How To Get In: Find it behind La Taqueria’s Gastown location in a back alley and go through a secret gate opening
Laowai
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Discover this mysterious and incredibly glamorous speakeasy nestled in Chinatown. Laowai is taking over the spot that was once home to Mamie Taylor’s. And It’s quite literally tucked away behind a fake freezer at the BLND TGER dumpling shop. Guests can sip on a plethora of creative cocktails here that they just won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Location: 251 East Georgia Street, Vancouver
How To Get In: Order the “Number 7” and you will be escorted to the shop’s faux freezer door, which leads to the trendy bar
Key Party
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This Vancouver hotspot on Main Street is located behind an inconspicious accounting office. From the front, you’ll see a desk, cabinet, shelf and a few framed photos on the wall. But it’s all just a hoax. The 40-seat lounge known as Key Party is actually located through a door right next to the desk. The name and theme of the bar is a nod to the 1970s, where people would host swinger parties.
Location: 2303 Main Street, Vancouver
How To Get In: Find it behind the Zottenberg & Sons Accounting office
D/6 Bar & Lounge
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While the bar itself is no secret, there is a hidden lounge to be found. This swanky bar is in Parq Vancouver and guests can find a secret space by pushing a bookshelf (that is actually a door leading to a private room). It’s the perfect place to sip on one of their innovative cocktails, from their emperor’s sour to crouching tiger.
Location: 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver
How To Get In: Find the bookshelf that leads to a private room
The Narrow Lounge
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This dimly-lit lounge is brought to you by the same minds behind Key Party. It’s also a very narrow space, hence its name. The cozy atmosphere lends itself to sharing a plate of nachos or a stiff drink with your neighbours. Sip on timeless cocktails like the negroni or aperol spritz. For eats, dig into Mexican-inspired fast food with an East Van twist. While the address is on Main Street, you actually access it on 3rd Avenue, where you’ll go through a secret door that is covered in graffiti.
Location: 1898 Main Street, Vancouver
How To Get In: Actually on 3rd Avenue, through a graffiti-covered door
Guilt & Co
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In order to find this live music bar in Gastown, you’ll have to go underground. It’s a cool hangout spot, with a variety of must-try bites and sips. Order a bunch of shareable plates to enjoy with friends over a few cocktails. Their drinks all have fun names as well, like “grounds for divorce,” “street fighting man,” and “hardcore hustle.”
Location: 1 Alexander Street, Vancouver
How To Get In: Find it underground on Alexander Street in Gastown
Hello Goodbye Bar
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Discover this subterranean bar in the heart of Yaletown. It offers seasonal cocktails and live music in a low-lit and intimate venue that is also located underground. The drinking den can be found through an unmarked door and down a hidden stairwell. With VIP table service and some of the city’s hottest DJ’s, it’s an escape from the ordinary.
Location: 1120 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
How To Get In: It’s located through an unmarked door down a hidden stairwell on Hamilton Street
