Enjoy sangria season at these Vancouver restaurants and bars
There’s just something about the warm patio weather and long summer nights that demand a refreshing pitcher of sangria. What’s not to like about a boozy fruit-filled beverage right? Each of these Vancouver bars serve up their own sweet variations on the classic Spanish spiked fruit punch.
Havana
1212 Commercial Dr, Vancouver BC V5L 3X4This casual hacienda on the Drive serves up Pacific Northwest cuisine prepared with Caribbean flair – think seafood paella and coconut jerk chicken tacos. The sidewalk patio is a great spot to sun yourself while sampling one (or many) of the of six different sangria recipes. Available by the glass or by the pitcher, the traditional rojo sangria features red wine, cherry and apricot brandy and fresh berries. For something a little more adventurous, try the island-inspired Tropical sangria with Malibu rum and mango or the Champagne sangria, a luxurious rendition featuring bubbly, Cassis, mint, strawberries and fresh OJ.
The Mexican
1049 Granville St, Vancouver BC V6Z 1L4The red wine sangria packs a fruity punch at this cheap and cheerful Mexican joint on Granville Street. The décor might be simple, but the ambiance is in keeping with an authentic cantina –customers are loud and lively and you’re likely to learn a few Spanish phrases from the friendly wait staff. Sangria de Cortez ($6.75 for a glass or $18 for a pitcher) is made with red wine, specialty liqueurs and topped with fresh fruit. The refreshing drink pairs well with house made dishes like chorizo quesadillas and traditional tacos al pastor stuffed with grilled pork and adobo sauce.
Rogue Kitchen & Wet Bar
601 Cordova St W, Vancouver BC V6B 1G1This popular Vancouver chain boasts three locations around the downtown, but we’re partial to the original outpost located on the edge of Gastown. Just steps away from Waterfront Station, Rogue’s spacious patio is a prime spot for people-watching while enjoying views of the North Shore. The sultry sangria punch is served in a glass ($6.99) or can be upsized to a fishbowl goblet ($15.99) topped with fresh orange and lime wedges and served with comically oversized straws if you feel inclined to share among friends – although we wouldn’t blame you if you sipped this sweet cocktail all by yourself.
Rocky Mountain Flatbread
4186 Main St, Vancouver BC V5V 3P7This family-friendly spot in Kitsilano offers a kid-approved menu and refreshing pitchers of sangria for Mom and Dad. Little ones and grown ups alike will love the handcrafted pizzas (available with regular or gluten-free crust) topped with fresh vegetables, artisanal cheeses and organic meats. The house sangria is a citrus-forward recipe made with red wine and peach schnapps mixed with orange and pineapple juice and then garnished with Granny Smith apple. Take advantage of Sunday Family Nights (5:00 pm to 7:00 pm) when you can sit back and enjoy a glass of sangria while the kids make their own pizza.
The Rumpus Room
2301 Main St, Vancouver BC V5T 3C9This Commerical Drive mainstay hangout attracts a steady stream of local hipsters and twentysomethings thanks to its affordable vegetarian pub fare and $18 sangria pitchers. The casual spot has a funky vibe with mismatched chairs, graffiti in the bathroom and old-school hip-hop on the stereo. Go the sharing route here and order up a pitcher of sangria paired with Foundation’s infamous nachos (available only at dinnertime). The hearty plates are a neighbourhood fave featuring tortilla chips coated with melted cheese, beans, jalapenos and corn served with guacamole, sour cream and salsa on the side.
Guu With Otokonae
105-375 Water St, Vancouver BC V6B 5C6The classic Spanish fruit punch gets an Asian twist at the Gastown outpost of this famed Vancouver izakaya bar. The Fifi Sangria features Guu’s own house made Yasumi wine (a blend of 90% Pinot Blanc and 10% Viognier) mixed with blue Hpnotiq liquor, ramune (a carbonated Japanese soft drink) and fresh fruit. The result is a sweet-yet-refreshing mixture that goes down perhaps a bit too easily. Be sure to soak up the booze with scallop wasabi carpaccio, deep-fried chicken karaage, and BBQ kalbi beef and vegetable skewers.
Patron Tacos & Cantina
265 Robson St, Vancouver BC V6B 0E7You can expect the unexpected when it comes to sangria at Patron. According to the menu, the unpredictable house-made punch is created “on the fly” using the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Available in both red and white varieties ($7.50 for a glass or $27.50 for a pitcher), local wines are mixed with Southern Comfort peach liquor and in-season fruit to create an intoxicating summertime beverage that’s great for sharing. The atmosphere here is energetic and boisterous with mariachi music on the speakers and sports games on the TVs. Best to visit with a large group rather than on a date.
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