The Best Irish Bars in Vancouver

With two locations in the Greater Vancouver Area—on SW Marine Drive, which opened in February 2016, and in Surrey—Dublin Crossing is a great Irish bar option for people not wanting to drive or transit into the city. Their food menu includes Irish pub fare, shared plates, and a variety of burgers and sandwiches. Behind the red door is an elegant dining experience, reminiscent of authentic pubs in Ireland.

The Irish Heather is a gastropub located in historic Gastown. The owners call their business a “beacon of authenticity: an Irish House that is owned by Irish people who actually work there.” There’s a lot of casual bar seating inside, which makes this a perfect place for after-work drinks. Guests will also find shared plates, bar snacks, and pub grub on the menu.

Located on Granville Street, Doolin’s Irish Pub is known for being the life of the party. The bar regularly broadcasts big sports events and is all about the music. There’s a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights, and local acoustic musicians during the week. Kick back at Doolin’s and enjoy one of over 23 craft, domestic, and international beers on tap.

Wolf and Hound is named after the late Danny Burns, who emigrated from Ireland to Vancouver in the 1970s; he was a member of the Belfast band known as The Wolfhound—hence, Wolf and Hound. His memory is kept alive through the live music nights throughout the week. As for drinks and food, there are local and international beers on tap and delicious pub fare on the menu.

“May the sound of happy music, and the lilt of Irish laughter, fill your heart with gladness.” This description is how Dubh Linn Gate hopes you feel after visiting their Irish pubs, in either South False Creek in Vancouver or Whistler. Their specials and events include happy hour deals, weekend brunch until 3 pm, weekly live music, board game night on Tuesdays, and Wednesday trivia nights.

Blarney Stone is the only original Irish pub still standing in Gastown, and with its establishment in 1972, it’s also the longest-running. Vancity Buzz said it has the best St. Patrick’s Day party on the West Coast, but you can be assured a good time every other day of the year too. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night, the Blarney Stone’s house bands play a combination of Irish classics, party hits, and Top 40 tunes.

Mahony & Sons is a classy, family-owned Irish bar and restaurant with three locations across Vancouver: Stamps Landing at False Creek, Burrard Landing at the Convention Centre, and on the University of British Columbia campus. Weekly specials include Irish Sundays, Wine Wednesdays, Crafternoons, and Buck-a-Shuck Oysters. Their menu features authentic Irish favorites, all made with the freshest ingredients possible.

With several locations in Vancouver and across British Columbia’s interior, Carlos O’Bryan’s Neighborhood Pub is a favorite. Food highlights on their menu include pachos, which are lattice-style seasoned fries topped with cheese and green onions; various chicken dishes such as Celtic chicken; and the Guinness beef burger.

Owned by the same Irish folk behind The Irish Heather, Shebeen Whiskey House sits next door and focuses on one of Ireland’s favorite things—whiskey. They serve the same food as The Irish Heather, including tapas, pub grub, and shared platters. But their drinks menu includes mixed drinks, beers, and a huge list of whiskeys primarily made in Ireland, Scotland, and the United States.