My Favorite Vancouver Breweries

My friends and family are definitely the number one thing I miss back in Canada. Other than that, I’m happy to report that I’m not feeling any insane yearnings for home, with one small exception…

I miss my beer!

More specifically, I miss the awesome craft beer we are privileged to drink in Vancouver.

While the countries we have visited (Portugal and Spain) are known for their delicious wines, Vancouver is making a reputation for itself as a craft beer haven. There is nothing I enjoy more than sitting on a patio, overlooking the Seawall, indulging in a new seasonal beers from one of our local breweries. Here, the lack of beer selection here has me longing for home.

Therefore, I thought it would be appropriate to share some of my favourite Vancouver breweries, and where I like to go in the city to slam back a quick pint… or two.

Favourite Vancouver Craft Breweries

Parallel 49
I fell in love with Parallel 49 during my first fall/ winter to Vancouver when I discovered their Salty Scot, a Sea Salted Caramel Scotch Ale. After that it was a slippery slope. Their brews are found throughout the city, however, to really get the full experience I recommend checking out their tasting room. It’s open daily from noon til’ 11pm and you can sample the taps and better yet, leave with a growler of your favourite brew.

33 Acres
There are two things I love about 33 Acres, the first being obvious – the beer. My personal favourite is one of their summer sections, “33 Acres of Summer” which is an unfiltered white ale. The second thing I love about this brewery is their food selection. 33 Acres has teamed up with local Vancouver food trucks and one is featured each day, parked right outside. Typically, a check them out for lunch (11:30-2:30) or dinner (5:30-8:30). Local beer and local food trucks? It doesn’t get much better than that.

Brassneck
Brassneck opened in 2013 and is located in Mount Pleasant. I like the brewery because they keep it simple and focus on the beer, as they state, “First & foremost, we are a manufacturer. We make beer. That’s it.” Along with making quality beer, my favourite being the Staircase Wit, a Belgian wheat beer, they offer a growler shop and a small but fun tasting room. Though they don’t have a kitchen, they allow outside snacks in and often have a food truck parked outside in the evening.

Next up,

Favourite Places to Grab a Pint in Vancouver

Alibi Room
Hands down my favourite spot (when I can get in!), the Alibi room offers over 50+ beers on tap, a great menu, and is serviced by fellow beer lovers who really know their stuff. Go early!

BierCraft
With a selection of over 120 Belgian and craft beers, coupled with a great food menu and two locations, BierCraft is a beer lovers mecca. Nice little patios, too.

CRAFT Beer Market
The newest of the bunch is located in Olympic Village in the historic and architecturally beautiful Salt Building. CRAFT offers Canada’s largest selection of beer on tap (100+) and is a great place to enjoy a flight and watch some playoff hockey.

St. Augustine
Located in the area of Commercial Drive and opened by the gentlemen responsible for Parallel 49, St. Augustine offers 60+ rotating taps and a great atmosphere. A live screen warns as kegs approach empty; grab that pint before it’s too late!

Tap & Barrel
Now offering two locations in Vancouver, Olympic Village and Coal Harbour, the main draw to Tap & Barrel is their patios. Sure it’s a chain, but sit at the Coal Harbour patio on a sunny day and you’ll know this is a good thing :).

If you’re interested in a craft beer experience check out:

Vancouver Food Tour’s- Craft Beer ‘n Bites Tour

Vancouver Brewery Tours

Have you ever taken a craft brewery tour in Vancouver? What did you think?