Great bars for a first date in Vancouver

When you're looking to woo your first date, the relaxed vibe of a bar can serve as the perfect setting – while the boozy beverages can help calm your nerves. Whether you prefer a laid-back pub for a casual blind date or an upscale lounge to impress your long-time crush, here are some of the best spots in Vancouver to break the ice. [Image courtesy of Salt Tasting Room]

Great bars for a first date in Vancouver
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Salt Tasting Room Ltd

1
248 Georgia St E, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z7

Impress your date with your sophisticated taste and enjoy some excellent wine pairings at Salt Tasting Room. This Spanish-style wine and tapas bar encourages visitors to personalize their own tasting plates; build-your-own board with a combination of cured meats, artisanal cheeses and house-made condiments. When it comes to wine, you can let the in-house connoisseurs choose for you or opt to pick your own pairings from the extensive wine list, which features vintages from around the globe.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Guilt & Co.

2
1 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1B2

Gastown’s Guilt & Co. is a fun, lively bar with an intimate atmosphere. You can get to know your date without any pressure here. Break the ice over a game of Jenga as you drink tasty cocktails and listen to live music. The menu includes a selection of platters and appetizers that are perfect for sharing, as well as several larger gourmet-style meals if you’re feeling hungry.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Novo Pizzeria & Wine Bar

3
2118 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3H6

Italy is known for romance, good wine and delicious food. The real thing might be a little far for a first date, but you can still enjoy an European-inspired dining experience at NOVO on Burrard. The gourmet pizzas here are cooked in an authentic wood-burning stove and topped with fresh, high-quality regional ingredients. Order a thin-crust pie to share accompanied by a bottle of vino from their extensive wine list and your date will be off to a good start. Even you don’t find love, you'll definitely find a great pizza!

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The Shameful Tiki Room

4
4362 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P9

You won’t regret bringing your first date to this fun tiki bar on Main Street. This thematic bar has a cool, tropical vibe and a menu full of traditional Polynesian delights. Be whisked away to the beach while sipping on a fruity, island-inspired drinks; they only let 50 people in at a time, which keep things nice and intimate. The music is low, so you can actually hear your date, and there are no televisions to distract you. Veggie pot stickers, Tahitian tuna avocado sliders, and bamboo prawn skewers over rice are some of their tempting menu options.

Mosquito

5
32 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1A4

Treat your date to a sweet dessert and a glass of bubbly at this upscale champagne bar in Gastown. Mosquito specializes in luxurious desserts and boozy late-night libations, and the dim candlelit interior helps create a very romantic ambiance. Try the dark chocolate cremeux caramelia espuma: an elegant cocoa streusel with caramelia pearls topped with maple syrup and vanilla salt. Still hungry? Order the caramel popcorn with cashews and peanuts or a cheese platter to share. The drinks won’t disappoint either; the menu has several champagne cocktails and sweet wines to choose from.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

The Cascade Room

6
2616 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E6

This cozy and casual bar serves up great-tasting comfort food paired with craft beers, wines and cocktails. Enjoy upbeat music and lively atmosphere as you get to know your date. There are daily specials throughout the week, including margarita Mondays and taco Tuesdays. For budget-conscious daters, Happy Hour pricing is in effect from Sunday to Thursday. For a home-style meal, visit on Sunday evenings to nosh on a deliciously hearty roast dinner with all the trimmings.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Reflections : The Garden Terrace

7
801 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7

In the warmer months, Reflections is a romantic outdoor venue that’ll definitely set the mood for a first date. The chic open-air lounge features plush couches, a blazing fireplace, VIP private cabanas, and softly lit lanterns throughout the space. Located within the inner courtyard of the iconic Rosewood Hotel Georgia, it’s an urban oasis in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Snuggle up together and enjoy delicious sharing plates paired with handcrafted cocktails, a refreshing pitcher of sangria or a bottle of high-quality wine from their extensive wine list. Reflections is open seasonally, from spring through to early fall.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
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