Wine and Dine: Vancouver’s Main St. under $30 Bar

Everyone deserves a treat wink wink after a long day or week. Whether it’s getting dinner with your loved ones or a drink-a-doodle, here are some bars to get lit along Vancouver’s very own Main St. without breaking the bank: 

Uncle Abe's

Uncle Abe’s eclectic interior provides a relaxed yet intimate ambience, perfect for a first date or casual drinking. Uncle Abe’s is open every day of the week, including Christmas Day, so they keep you company (along with their walls of wacky paintings). With a limited food menu (but delicious burger by Monarch Burger), Uncle Abe’s focuses on crafting their boozy drinks, such as their Pickletini and Winter Lucy Spritz. In addition, they have a patio for your furry friends and family to join the fun. Happy hour is available from Monday to Friday from 4-6 pm. 

https://narrowgroup.ca/project/uncle-abes/

Sing Sing

The lively Asian fusion bar offers a wide variety of craft beers and an open-space concept that complements the bar’s bright vibe. From kimchi grilled cheese to pho and soju-based cocktails, Sing Sing has your back for local beer and Asian food cravings. Check out their weekday happy hour, which runs from 2 to 5 p.m. and every day from 10 p.m. to closing every day! 

https://www.freehouse.co/locations/sing-sing

Tocador

Looking for a dim-lit, private bar with the breeze of a tropical destination? Tocador might be the bar for you. Located in the heart of Main Street, the Latin cocktail bar and restaurant's chic look matches its favourite enchiladas and extensive cocktails. Start the night with a fruity drink or two–try the “Tell the Bartender” for your custom drink for a fun twist! Share their 4 for $20 tacos with friends and family to try the different variations from the meaty chocinita pibil to smokey cauliflower. Tocador’s happy hour is available all weekday from open-6 pm and weekends from 2 pm-6 pm. 

https://www.tocador.ca/

Friendlies Bar

If dinner is not the vibe or casual enough (situationships, huh?), Friendlies Bar might be for you. Tucked in the corner of Main St., with the laidback setting of Cartoon Network playing in the background, string lights, and bringing your own food policy, Friendlies is just your friendly neighbourhood bar. Don’t come in hungry when planning to visit Friendlies; they don’t even have a food menu. The bar is as simple as it gets, serving only classic and seasonal cocktails with ingredients such as cinnamon passionfruit and spiced apple sage. 

https://www.instagram.com/friendliesbar/?hl=e

The Watson

Long to be surrounded by chandeliers, high ceilings, and cocktails served in teacups to fulfill your intellectual curiosity (yapping) like Sherlock? Check out the Watson, with their famous duck wings and specialty cocktails. The bar provides the perfect space for those special occasions without the pretentiousness. Don’t miss out on their happy hour drinks like the Watson's Margarita from 4-6 pm on weekdays or 3-6 pm on weekends. 

https://www.thewatson.ca/

Main Street’s lovely, lively night scene, makes it an excellent destination for a chill night out. Save this article to visit these local bars and enjoy your next drink (responsibly)!