Whether you call it Hastings-Sunrise or the East Village, you can find plenty of nighttime fun in the neighbourhood right beside the PNE. Whether it’s hoisting a mug when the house plays your favourite metal jam or swigging cheap suds between bites from a footlong, here are some top spots to grab a beer the next time you’re deep in the Eastside. [Photo credit: iStock/izuesek]
The “dive” tag is self-effacing, because this heavy metal-loving establishment is a cozy room for anyone looking to raise a hefeweizen. Happy hour offers cheap draughts and Hey Y’alls, and their food menu offers Southern classics like cornbread and baked chicken wings. You're bound to hear some Black Sabbath pounding through the speakers, but you can also cue up local bangers through Jackalope’s Vancouver metal scene-saluting jukebox.
Looking around The Brighton from the side wall’s cushy elevated seating, you may notice bits of Beatles memorabilia or a visual nod to Miles Davis. The import bottles list is hefty, but the East Vancouver space keeps their menu items in the neighbourhood, too. It’s a prime spot to pair a Granville Island Honey Lager with sausages made at Falconetti’s or Brighton’s vegetarian French onion chili, made with B.C. greens.
For many, there might not be anything better than the comfort of a footlong and a beer. In addition to cold cans and cocktails, East Van wienery What's Up? Hot Dog! serves up delicious franks with classic fixins like ketchup and pickles. Feeling adventurous? You can also add on hot dog toppings like mac and cheese or hot peppers. With its regular punk vinyl nights and PBR specials during happy hour, there’s plenty of sizzle at What’s Up?.
While technically sitting just outside of Hastings-Sunrise, the French bistro offshoot of all-day breakfast fave Red Wagon is an elegant drink spot for you and your pals. A large wine selection is on display just above the back bar, but considering the spot is just a few blocks away from both the Parallel 49 and Powell Street breweries, Bistro Wagon Rouge is a great spot to relax with a local brew.