Craft beer culture in Vancouver has exploded in recent years and dozens of microbreweries have sprouted up all over town. So which brewery should you hop to next? Many of these local spots are within biking distances of each other, so why not leave the car at home and go on a biking tour to sample some of the city’s best ales, lagers, stouts and porters.
Bring home some sharp carbonation, bite and hoppy characters in glasses, growler and bottles from this Mount Pleasant microbrewery. 33 Acres is all about community and simple West Coast pleasures. The interior is a photogenic white space with a Scandinavian vibe. If you’re hungry, check out the weekly food truck eats: the waffle menu draws crowds on weekends while Monday nights feature Juno Kim’s pop-up dinner.
Serving the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, this local brewery is full of character, wooden panels and serious ales. Brassneck doesn’t have a kitchen of its own, but you’re welcome to bring your own outside food to enjoy with your beer. Saisons, dry hops, porters, Hefeweizen and other European styles will have you asking for more. Visit the tasting room often as their chalkboard menu changes frequently.
Head east to find this big truck-stop style brewery in an industrial area of Strathcona. Contrary to the aesthetic of many newer craft breweries that are filled with minimalist decor and PNW style, the space at Red Truck resembles a super-sized American diner. The impressive menu features a long list of food options and perfect snacks, such as garlic fries, for less than five bucks. Order a pint of Red Truck Ale, Lager or India Session Ale to go with your food.
This nano-brewery is filled with quirky vibes, artistic wall murals and personal touches. Located in the East Van neighbourhood of Granview-Woodland, it’s one of the few that pours a full 20-ounce pint. Whether you’re looking for a crisp and refreshing easy drink or a full-bodied altbier, Doan’s has something just for you.
You’ll fall in love with Off The Rail’s smooth-tasting Lancaster Cream Ale that’s rich without being, well, too creamy. Enjoy an afternoon in their tasting lounge or fill a growler to go. Snacking options include spicy pepperoni sticks or sundried-tomato and feta twisty bread. All sound a little too healthy? Double up on a Smoked Porter that drinks almost like a meal!
You’ll find hockey, flannel and stubbies at this East Van tasting room founded by three long-time friends. The ESB, IPA, Pilsner, Blonde and all of Bomber Brewing’s beers are super drinkable with a satisfying rich texture. The old school branding and decor keep this microbrewery true to its roots. Pick up two growlers to go in a wooden to-go case.
Don’t be a stranger and hop over to Strange Fellows Brewing on Clarke Drive in Strathcona. This brewery has a great line up so it’s best to order a flight of six different varieties to sample. Choose from the easily drinkable West Coast pale ale, the cloudy Belgian Wit or the sharp-biting French-style Saison; the list of Old World inspired brews will have you plotting return visits.
In the suburbs of New Westminster, Steel & Oak is located on a tiny corner adjacent to the overpass ramp on Third Avenue. Wooden panels and industrial polished steel ornament the space. Friendly beer drinkers make the trek for the full-bodied and crisp Red Pilsner and the refreshingly smooth Royal City Ale.
Postmark Brewing shares the space at The Settlement Building with Roaring Twenties Wine Co. and The Belgrade Kitchen, which means there are tasty lunch, dinner and brunch menus to enjoy alongside your small-batch brews. Accompany your meatball brunch skillet with a refreshing pint of Hibiscus Ale or a glass of Dry Irish Stout, which features subtle notes of coffee and chocolate. The growler station is open daily from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. The brewery also offers a tasting bar, wine tours and wine-on-tap via freshTAP.
Located in a middle-of-nowhere industrial park in Delta, Four Winds holds an impressive lineup of limited brews. The family-owned brewery has earned numerous awards since joining the B.C. craft beer community in 2013. Try the crowd favourite Phaedra Belgian Rye IPA filled with floral and citrus notes, or go for the hop-centric Vexillum with grapefruit and melon flavours.