We love this time of year, when football of all kinds all but takes over the screens at our favourite Notable sports bars around YVR. Whether you like CFL or prefer the NFL courtesy of our neighbours to the South, Sundays are all about kicking back for a little couch-side action. It’s all heating up this coming Sunday, November 25th, when the Toronto Argos are set to tackle the Calgary Stampeders, and we’ve sourced some great go-to sports bars that offer up the next best thing to being at this historic game.
Red Card Sports Bar and Eatery (900 Seymour) has long been a sports fan favourite. With a menu filled by Italian-inspired comfort food (including wood-oven pizza and pastas), they’ve got sports bar fare too (sliders, calamari). Come game day, this bar is buzzing with energy and the space gets packed early on. Secure your spot and rest assured you’ll be able to watch the action courtesy of a few dozen screens strategically placed throughout the room. Plenty of cocktails and beers on tap ensure you’ll find your libation.
Yagger’s (the name says it all) has a few locations around town – but for this post, we’re suggesting you head to their downtown locale (422 W.Pender) for your football fix this weekend. They’ve arguably got the traditional Gastro pub-feel down pat and offer a killer selection of wings and beer, perfectly suited for Sunday-funday. It’s the sort of spot you can happily disappear for half a day’s worth of CFL-watching (you can event book their back room free of charge if you’ve got a crew in-tow).
The Keg Rooftop in Yaletown (1011 Mainland) is another great spot to park yourself and catch the game this Sunday. It boasts a convenient, casual-upscale location in the heart of Yaletown and a sheltered rooftop patio/lounge area gives it a quintessential west coast twist we love. During the Olympics this place was definitely the spot to be (we may have been guilty of putting in our own 12-hour shift a few times). The large heated patio area is anchored by a wraparound bar with about a dozen or so large screen TVs positioned for easy watching. Couple this with their user-friendly cocktails (hello, Caesar Sunday!), bar bite and guaranteed good-times, be sure to tack this one on your list.
The Bimini Pub is another sports bar mainstay in YVR and has been serving up ice cold beer and great game day atmosphere to guests since 1974. Located on W. 4th Avenue in trendy Kitsilano, we love how they’ve renovated the sprawling, multi-floored space. Bimini’s craft-beer selection is very respectable: about 24 on tap – last time we checked. Be sure to test out their new DIY Caesar bar if you stop by on Sunday.
The Beaver & Mullet (insert muffled snicker here) is yet another go-to place for game-watching and conveniently located in English Bay. Not only do they have a stellar lineup of craft beer and cocktails available, but also boast a great menu fuelled by tasty ‘Canadian’ pub grub (wings, grilled cheese with all the fixings, poutine and mac n’ cheese). The B&M guarantees a laid-back spot to catch on-field action via their extensive flat screens, which (as for sports bars) aren’t overly imposing. Or perhaps it’s the view of English Bay, 1st Beach and the Vancouver harbour that serve as a welcomed backdrop? Whatever it is, this spot is worth noting.
Photo courtesy Red Card Sports Bar and Eatery