50 Best Dive Bars near Vancouver

“The Elbow Room is a bar inside Paul’s restaurant downtown Vancouver. It has a 1970's dive bar vibe. The joint looks like it could have been in an episode of Barreta or The Rockford Files. Usually a place that looks this dated has mediocre drinks made with bargain basement ingredients but if you’re savvy, you’ll discover that the self-deprecating bartender manager is actually cloaking his superpowers. In reality, he’s a superb mixologist.

At present, their stock is much better than a dive bar but has room to grow. Yet the bartenders are clever with substitutions. The end results are very good. And if you know what to ask for, you can receive a superb craft cocktail. Especially if Mike is behind the bar.

I tried one of their “Bar Bites” called Disco Tots—tater tots with gravy and cheddar cheese. Next time, I’ll go for the “Cowboy” version, which comes with jalapeños, chili, and cheddar. I really like the vibe of The Elbow Room and I'm looking forward to seeing how it develops. You can take that to the bank. -VanPort Insider“

“Good food I love there fully loaded steak bites only complaint is pool table is a dollar a game. Older crowd of people not alot of young people.

Parking: Lots of parking

Wheelchair accessibility: There is spots close to door“

“Friendly staff, delicious pub food with an interesting twist, a good beer selection, and great cocktails!“

“Best music bar in the city! Good vibes and character all over.“

“If you like funky bars with that 1950's vib this is your place. Lots of fun items for that time period including gas station signs, gas pumps and motorcycles (hanging from the ceiling) great vib. Friendly service. We would go back.“

“One of my all time favorite bars“

“Was the best time Jon and Me had so so so much... What a fun adventure and entertainment!!!“

“The Montavilla Mic returns on April 8th.“

“This is probably the best fried chicken and JoJos on the entire planet. I’m not even kidding. I used to live a couple blocks from here and I would come here a couple times a month. I crave it all the time. It is a super divey bar with a funky atmosphere and kind of cramped, but certainly worth it!“

“They were a lifesaver during the snowstorm because I was stuck at work for 2 days. Ordered a great burger to go. That was warm and fresh“

“The bartender was rude & the server was all over the place. Happy hour and specialty cocktails were definitely lacking. But the food was amazing!“

“Awesome place to grab a brewski. Went here with the wife and had a great time!“

“We had their sweet and sour chicken and it was actually really good. The rice was fresh and fluffy and the chicken was crispy and covered in a delicious, sweet and sour sauce. Karaoke was very fun. Operation of the karaoke unit was very professional and the audio was a spot on. No distortion and you could actually hear people sing. The song selection was, of course great and the ambiance and drinks were on par with what you'd expect on a popular bar in Portland. This is a great place to meet with some friends sing some songs. Have some good food and drink some too.“

“Just what the Doctor ordered. Great little neighborhood bar even if you aren't from the neighborhood.“

“We loved it here!! Such a fun vibe - like a mix of divey and neighborhood friendly bar. Pool tables and cool stained glass signs, a decent amount of TV’s (Xfinity cable, no NFL Sunday ticket) and a board game cabinet. Our bartender Noelle was absolutely delightful! Can’t wait to come back again soon to check out Saturday night karaoke.“

“I'm 59, female, and the cold pilsner beer hit the spot on a stormy day. Casual, comfy atmosphere. Bring a charging cord as there's ports at the bar to charge electronic devices. This was huge for us. A couple pool table so bring your que.

Parking: Small parking lot in back.“

“Great spot. Its a dive bar! Excellent prices, tasty food and good service. The owner is top notch. Know where you're going and you'll love it. Keep expectations on a mellow setting and enjoy. I attended their anniversary celebration recently and it was clear they are a pillar of the community with a great following and history.“

“Watch our the wild goose! Trivia on Sundays!“

“Have been enjoying this place for more than a decade, when in the neighborhood. Welcoming, mellow, spacious, variety of seating options for small or larger groups, large outdoor area (don't usually sit out there because of the smoking). Good prices. Just all around good bar. Adding current Big Fucking Deals photo for the public good.“

“hipster central good drinks“

“Love this place! Jill is the best. The place is fun and friendly, clean, cheap beers too! Love the live music too!“

“Been going here since the doors opened. Still a home base for me even though I don't live in the neighborhood anymore.“

“Holman's Bar & Grill – Review

Holman's Bar & Grill is a classic neighborhood bar known for its friendly, laid-back atmosphere and solid American comfort food. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, wings, and pub-style appetizers, paired with a good selection of beers, cocktails, and spirits.

The food is generally tasty and well-prepared, with generous portions that satisfy casual diners. Service is friendly and attentive, contributing to a welcoming vibe.

The ambiance is relaxed, with bar seating, casual tables, and often TVs for sports. It’s a great spot for catching up with friends, enjoying a casual meal, or watching a game. Overall, Holman’s offers a reliable, comfortable bar-and-grill experience.“

“Great beer selection!! Friendly staff highly recommended!“

“"This Ship Don't Sink" is the perfect motto for this bar. A local neighborhood spot that's been kicking up dust since the 40's offering local craft beers and great times. From the welcoming demeanor of the bartenders to the heavy handed drinks, this the place to be in the neighborhood, friendly atmosphere, great locals/regulars that have been coming here for many many years makenit very inviting and wholesome. I've made many a great friend with staff and patron alike. I always felt that the motto was derived from the comradery of the patrons/staff. It's very inclusive and safe with everyone looking out for eachother and also welcoming and accepting of new folks, it's always a good laugh and good times at the ship!

They also have video lottery and a pool table, as well as a big back patio. This is a place where you can come to be by yourself and do work/listen to podcast/etc, or just strike up a random conversation and make a new friend. I highly suggest this bar to anyone new to the neighborhood just looking to scope things out and get more acquainted with their neighbors.“

“Sharon is such a fun & friendly bartender! Husband won on video poker, my drinks were great I went a sweet drink & husband went with rum & coke.
weekly events are fun too like karaoke and line dancing night! And bonus if you play pokemon go; there’s a pokestop“

“the best place to shoot pool and now they got karaoke too 😃“

“Best dive spot lol true Slammer joint. Walk in sit almost a fist to cuffs lol bartenders did great since is the size of a 3 bedroom apartment lol. Cheap fun and entertaining. TV good music and friendly except the 1 guy who just seemed to miss Read his company lol
Did see others food... yup Commissary status but awesome“

“are house in the middle of the street ... HOME“

“Great staff and food! Love it here!“

“Best drinks, friendly atmosphere, great bartenders! Especially liked sitting outside on a warm day having a drink with old friends, and making new ones. Always someone there to play pool with and “talk story”.“

“The bartender had a great story about a person who ordered a disgusting cocktail. 🙂 And then failed to drink it afterward.“

“This had to be one of the best dive bars in Portland. Drinks were cheap! The had an amazing patio and a great area upstairs with pinball machines and a pool table. This was the highlight of the night. There is food up and down the street from Billy Rays so you’ve got plenty of food options for when you get hungry. It is a classic dive bar so don’t expect bright lights and fancy drinks. This is definitely a local spot!“

“love this little hole in the wall, yup one of portland's finest dive bars.On weekends there is a lot of different folks that stop by,Marcee and Stormi always treat them well.“

“Best dive ever“

“awesome bartenders here...if you like that kind of thing. 😍“

“The blond bartender who works the night shift is absolutely wonderful. She is my favorite bartender. If i ever make plans to go grab a couple drinks or play video poker I will literally drive completely out of my way if i know she is working. She is wonderful to talk to. She remembered my name the second time i went there. She just makes the vibe of the bar so much more than any other bars I've been too. I went in a couple times when another bartender was working the night shift, she was a brunette and she was very snappy and i didn't want to be negative but she seemed really ditzy or sorry to say but maybe a little intoxicated in my opinion. But other than her. GREAT BAR!!!“

“Not many things were open on Christmas during the afternoon but this place was and I spent a few hours here reading a book with fresh drinks aplenty and I was happy about all of it. ⚓️

Vegetarian options: Beer and liquor are available.“

“To be honest I never would have gone here if it wasn’t for Drag Trivia.
It felt like such a warm, inclusive place and I have made so many new friends.
The bartenders are lovely, and I love that they have CBD soda on tap!“

“She told me her name, but I can't remember it. I just remember she was a 49er fan like me. Great service. Really good breakfast but forgot to say no cheese.I don't eat cheese, but the food was still really good. Hash browns were cooked just right. And the bloody Mary hit the spot!“

“A cool neighborhood bar that serves some good fried chicken and wings. The interior is clean and there are plenty of tvs with sports playing in the background. We ordered some wings, fried chicken, and a grilled cheese and tomato soup to eat. The person taking our order at the bar was pretty nice and patient while we figured out what we wanted. The grilled cheese and tomato soup was pretty simple. The wings were good and the fried chicken had a good crunchy exterior, but nice and moist inside. I do want to come here next time for happy hour.“

“All of the staff are amazing and the food is way better than you'd expect from a shady dive like this. Holly, Jenny, and Sarah are always killing it and all make what could be a forgettable neighbourhood video lottery spot a local staple. Give them a raise!“

“Old Portland. Excellent beers and cocktails, pinball, music from Tom Waits to Rainbow. Totinos pizza and White Castles provide a buffer to the alcohol. An expansive patio affords views of the Clinton Street bike path and happy Portlanders passing. Go here and experience Portland circa 1995.“

“Great hangout spot to meet with friends and play pool“

“The lady that seems to be the main bartender (Miss Cleopatra) is absolutely amazing. And their food is the best food I've had in a bar in years. Got to try their "Smash Burger" today for Halloween, and it was epic. A1 food and service. Highly recommend 100%!“

“Still love this place!!! We had our normal go-to's, but we added the beef with vegetables, even though it was mostly onions and jalapeños 😆. I think it's either #8, or #11, or #13, or was it #31 or 32?🤔
Either way, I love--and really admire--how they can get everything so piping hot and not burn anything!! Those beef cubes were sooooo tasty and sooooo freaking tender!!!

Most people sit at the bar to eat, but they do have regular restaurant seating in another portion of the building.“

“Cheapest prices in this country. Shots, beer, & bar food are priced 1980s. Take advantage of this place as long as it last. Wont be around much longer as it attracts borderline hobos & other folks that only come out at night. I absolutely love this sleezy but top spot preflight! 4 drinks limit.“

“Fir 6 months the owner would blatantly ask to give me felatio or if I would masturbate in my window while he stands across burnside and watches since my apt was directly above the bar. Lastly out of spite and hate he blatantly would ask bro z” suck my nigger dick” When I asked the bartender to tell his boss that I was wto call the police next time, the bartender James ran around the counter and pushed me and my two dogs into traffic and called me a nigger. I was surrounded by 7-9 patrons who all wanted to defend the bar. The bartender then threw a stack of coasters at my face and shoved me again. The owner Duane did nothing. I’ve taken this to the police as well“

“Initially I had written a poor review of Dots. A few days later I returned with some friends. Upon getting my drinks the owners asked if I was the one who left the review and I said yes. They then kindly asked that if there's anything wrong, that I speak with them in person so they can have the opportunity to make it right. They even comped our drinks.

I cannot express enough how kind and cordial they were with the interaction. You don't get that in a lot of places. I've been a patron of Dots for some years now and have many fond memories there. The owners expressed that they've been finding out what Dots means to the community and are doing what they can to maintain its integrity! I'm confident Dots is in great hands!“

“great space, nice pool tables, awesome selection of fine drinks, great decor, awesome DJ and shows! plus, Giant Jenga!“