YALETOWN. A laid-back, rustic ambience pervades this welcoming pub, where seafood is tops and the maritime-themed decor boasts well-loved upholstery and tables crafted from kegs. East Coast flavor reigns in beer, food and music, providing a western outpost for transplants and fans alike. Live bands play Thursday and Saturday evenings, regaling patrons with folk and Celtic tunes. This bit of fun is always free, which makes the food and drinks taste that much better! The place's curious name can be attributed to local liquor laws, which forbade use of the word "tap" in the name. As a result, owners simply shifted the "r" from "grill" to "tap."

DOWNTOWN. It's elegance personified at this hotel lounge, whose crackling fireplace, plush appointments, and polished wood detailing speak of Old World luxury. Great cocktails are a welcome standard after work as professionals stop in for moneyed socializing and attentive service. Later into the evening, a pianist plays familiar melodies and even takes requests if there's a song you must hear. An ideal place to treat yourself to a measure of the good life.

GRANVILLE ISLAND. Located in the Granville Island Theatre, this establishment plies patrons with island charm. An outdoor patio sits beside the water and is a popular, warm-weather hangout. The place has garnered a substantial reputation for its slate of live music, especially that created or played by local folks. Draft beers, liquor, and a menu of bar food are available, and the lounge is a terrific stop-off if you're on your way to or from a theatre performance.

Saddle up for a hoedown, or the closest thing you'll get in Canadian cowboy country. Live music regularly, a friendly staff and a welcoming crowd of locals make for a homecooked good time at Big Star Country Cabaret in Burnaby just east of downtown. Chaps and Stetsons not required but you'll find plenty of stylin' folk sporting hats as they sip cocktails or slam shots while watching a runway parade of girls in minis or any one of the A Circuit Country Acts to hit this roadhouse Thursday to Saturday. DJs spin on Wednesday with DJ and the mechanical bull named "Bad Boy" is ready to ride any time.

GASTOWN. Always featuring lively Celtic house bands on the weekends, this Gastown-area bar packs in a crowd that is growing along with their reputation as a midsize live-music destination. Recent renovations include a new, larger stage, an improved sound system and better seating. A mezzanine offers another great sightline to the entertainment which also features touring artists and high-drawing local acts. And it is still a great place to quaff a pint and chat up the locals.