Commercial Drive drinking and nightlife

Knowing the difference between Narnia and Neverwhere is not a prerequisite at this smashing Commercial Drive nerd pub. But if you do, you'll certainly make new friends. With displays of Dr Who figures and steampunk …

One of the most exciting of East Van's beer district microbreweries, Callister's red-painted former industrial space exterior houses a Spartan tasting room with beer-barrel tables on a bare concrete floor. But there…

Look for the huge, stylishly-hatted artwork lady adorning the exterior of this beacon-like yellow brewery, and then step inside for some even sunnier beers. The operation's Latin American flavor (it's run by a famil…

One of Vancouver's most welcoming microbrewery tasting lounges reflects the Italian heritage of the team behind it (the name means 'hops' in Italian). Order a $6, four-glass tasting flight and dive right into their …

Showing that Drive locals can never get enough good java, this later addition to Commercial's coffeehouse culture has a loyal following, especially among devotees of the communal table out front. There's a strong co…

One of the finest of Vancouver's surfeit of tasty breweries, super-popular Powell Street relocated to larger premises soon after launching. The tasting room is also much larger now, with a window so you can overlook…

Occupying the original (and tiny) gable-roofed space where Powell Street Craft Brewery started, Doan's inviting tasting room combines gallery-quality local art and a vintage video game machine. But the beer, with it…

A favorite with Commercial Dr locals, arrive off-peak (weekday afternoons are best) for a table at this large and busy microbrewery. Order a tasting flight in a paddle shaped like a crucifix (an East Van symbol) but…

A firm favorite among the locals, nip upstairs to the compact tasting room and snag a stool at the bar to try everything from Crazy Train IPA to Derailer Pale Ale. Need some non-liquid sustenance? Hit the cured saus…

This rambling bohemian cafe is a hip, healthy and ever-friendly Drive landmark, serving a good array of local beers and well-priced vegetarian comfort food. The small stage is deployed every evening, with acoustic m…