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.

DOWNTOWN. Shimmy into those casually fabulous threads and get ready to dance. One of the new kids on the downtown scene, Club 686 sports a long, glossy bar pushed right up to the dance floor, 3 VIP areas with high definition plasma TVs and a host of hotties shaking their moneymakers and taking to the poles in the upper alcove. DJs make sure the late night crowd just won't quit. For a breather, grab a bench behind the poles or near the floor and drink a sophisticated cocktail.

GASTOWN. For a touch of genuine Irish spirit, this gastropub can't be beat. Irish owners provide a note of authenticity, as do the menu and drinks. Guinness is always accessible, along with a selection of other draft and bottled beers, not to mention wines and cocktails. Plus, the Shebeen, a small venue across the courtyard, carries a great number of whiskies, scotches and ryes. Traditional Irish fare peppers the menu, along with creative dishes that capitalize on Vancouver's great culinary bounty.

DOWNTOWN. One of Vancouver's most lively gay clubs, Odyssey runs the gamut of nighttime entertainments. Dancing takes the forefront most nights, but you'll also find female impersonators, go-go boys, strippers, gay bingo and other events. An outdoor patio accommodates folks who need a smoke, and a pool table invites friendly competition. Bartenders mix up mean cocktails, especially martinis, and because all folks are welcome, lines to enter often form on weekends. On the eastern outskirt of Davie Street.