If we had to name one must-do activity that is quintessentially Yaletown, it’s Happy Hour. With wide sidewalks, low awnings, and restaurants spilling out onto the street the second the sun cooperates, Yaletown is a neighbourhood that loves to spend those mid-day hours with a bite and a glass of something.
Here are some of our team’s favourite restaurants for Happy Hour in Yaletown.
1. Dovetail
A more recent neighbourhood favourite, Dovetail opened in 2023 as a California-inspired eatery with an impressive menu of share plates, pastas, and cocktails. The space is bright and airy, lots of sandy tones and natural textures, while the Californian vibes spill out onto the patio – it almost feels like you can spend the whole day here people-watching, making it a natural fit for their happy hour, aptly named “Happy Days.” Happy Days run daily from 11:30am to 5pm, with specials on both drinks and food. The move: $25 pastas and a $12 cheeseburger that punches well above its price point. (And if you miss that, they still have a martini hour from 5pm to 6pm.)
When: Daily, 11:30am to 5pm (then martini hour, 5pm to 6pm)
Happy Days Menu
2. Earls Yaletown
What is a Vancouver export now known across Canada and the US all started right here in Yaletown. This is the original Earls location – a modern dining room with exposed brick, wrap-around patio, crushable cocktails, and truffle fries that need no introduction. Happy hour runs daily from 3pm to 6pm, then picks back up on the weeknights from 9pm to close.
When: Daily, 3pm to 6pm + Sundays-Thursdays, 9pm to close.
Happy Hour Menu
3. Bartholomew
No patio here, but you won’t miss it. Bartholomew is a European-style cocktail bar with industrial-chic interiors, tucked into a narrow, intimate space. It’s the kind of place industry folks love to go on their nights off, which tells you everything about the drink list: inventive twists on classic cocktails, paired with charcuterie boards that are worth the trip on their own. Happy hour is from 5pm to 6pm – perfect for those who can’t clock out a little early.
When: Daily, 5pm to 6pm
Happy Hour Menu
4. Hapa Izakaya
A Yaletown institution since 2003, Hapa Izakaya is a modern, elevated take on the traditional Japanese izakaya tradition. Head here for “Hapa Hour”, daily specials on beer and share plates (sushi and rice bowls, included!) from 5pm to 6pm.
When: Daily, 5pm to 6pm + Sunday-Thursday, 9pm to close.
Happy Hour Menu
5. Provence Marinaside
Down by the water with a patio that looks out over the seawall – this is, again, a prime people-watching location. French bistro fare, a glass of something good, and a view most restaurants in this neighbourhood can’t compete with. Happy hour at Provence runs 3pm to 5pm and again from 9pm to 11pm. Still one of Yaletown’s most underrated spots for a great meal and a glass of wine.
When: Daily, 3pm to 5pm + 9pm to 11pm
Happy Hour Menu
6. Social Corner
A Michelin-recommended spot just a couple blocks down from Smithe House, with grand interiors and a patio that somehow still feels cozy. Social Corner earns its reputation twice over. There’s two Happy Hour moves here: $5 beers and a burger that’s in the running for one of the best in the city anchor; or a glass of wine and a pizza, while you watch it go into an impressive brick oven.
When: Daily, 2:30pm to 5:30pm, Sunday-Thursday, 9pm to close + Friday-Saturday, 10pm to close.
Happy Hour Menu
Where to Stay in Yaletown
Located at the edge of Yaletown, Smithe House is just steps from the neighbourhood’s iconic patios and marina. Designed for you to stay like you own it, whether you’re here for a few nights or a few months, Smithe House offers modern apartments with thoughtful layouts, locally-curated amenities, and everything you need to make our house your home. For business travelers, it means client dinners, coffee meetings, and the occasional happy hour are all within walking distance. While anyone settling in for an extended stay means a place to call your own in a neighbourhood with a little bit of everything.
Ready to explore Yaletown? Book your stay at Smithe House.
