Tucked into the second floor of The Sands Hotel, at the corner of Denman and Davie, the Bayside Lounge is a surprising jewel in the crown of English Bay. A Vancouver establishment with a local feel, it’s affectionately known as ‘the spaceship’ thanks to its sunken, circular bar. It was probably built in the 70s and hasn’t had much of an update since then; but with the dark wood and brass fixtures, the grit and nostalgic seediness of years of good nights, and its eclectic crowd – we wouldn’t have it any other way. This is the kind of place where the waitress sidles up, winks at you and asks, “Can I get you a beer, honey?”

The rows of tables surrounding the bar have a panoramic view of the ocean. It’s dark and intimate enough to bring a clandestine lover, yet has a vibrant and social vibe to suit pretty much everyone. Every night there’s a DJ, and there are always good drink specials – nothing fancy, good beers and hi-balls to instigate the debauchery. They’re also open later than everywhere else nearby, which means you know where to find us.