Meet me at 515 Bar

I’m sure for those of you steeped in the cocktail culture of Vancouver, you’ve heard of The 515 Bar at 521 Seymour St, but this was my first visit. 

I had never heard of the place and up until five minutes before I arrived, had no plans to visit. But that’s the joy of walking around looking for new places to try, with nothing but time to kill, as I waited to meet up with a friend later in the evening. 

It’s a small space with a bar and a few tables, a bohemian vibe mixed with upscale elegance. A mismatch of dark leather couches, multi-patterned sofa chairs, and eclectic lamps, all illuminated by a florescent red lighting fixture, an undulating neon line of light that bathes the entire space, almost like a sunset at English Bay.

It looks thrown together, but you can tell much thought was given to each item. The lighting placement, how the colours mix and match, the green bar panelling, the yellow-lit bookcase sporting a French horn, antique cameras, and a sports trophy — it’s chaotic, but it works, really well. 

What stood out was the mixture of clientele. A solitary patron sitting in the corner, enjoying the drink list. Finance bros sporting tailored suits, berating each other in the corner. Hipsters, more at home in East Vancouver, but enjoying a night on the town... The place caters to anyone and everyone. 

The attention to detail within the bar is only matched by their drink menu. Custom cocktails are priced at $16-$17, focusing on Aperol, Mezcal and Campari along with fruity elements like orange, lemon and grapefruit. A few liquors I’ve never seen such as Akvavit and Fernet Branca dotted the menu. 

I ordered an Ashton Lane ($16). Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Fernet Branca, lemon juice, and orange finished with Angostura bitters, it was simply a delight without an overpowering taste of bourbon.

I also tried the Exit Strategy ($17), made from Reposado Tequila, coffee-infused Carpano Antica, Campari and a Kodama ice cube. The subtle coffee flavour paired nicely with the Campari. 

• They also offer an assortment of snack foods, including cured meats and cheeses. This is not a place to expect dinner. 

As someone whose partner doesn’t drink, I’m always on the lookout (pun intended) for places with a non-alcoholic menu that have more than just pop or orange juice. With a non-alcoholic gin and tonic, negroni, as well as some other custom drinks and two non-alcoholic beers, there’s something for everyone’s palate, even fresh squeezed orange juice. 

As people cycled in and out, you could imagine spending a long night here, working your way through the drink menu, reminiscing with friends, meeting up for a first date or catching a cocktail before a movie. 

• I visited the place on a Thursday afternoon at 5 pm and was able to get a table. I suspect this place fills up fast on weekends. 

It’s places like The 515 Bar, the small spots full of strangers from all corners of Vancouver, that make a city so vibrant. It’s a place for someone, be it a bartender or an aspiring restaurant designer, to showcase their vision and talents, in a city that sometimes feels like it’s overrun with Cactus Clubs and Donnelly pubs. 

If you’re in the neighborhood, or just walking by, be sure to stop in. Chances are, it won’t be the last time you visit. 

Noise Level: A bit hard to hear.

Recommended: Ashton Lane, their own cocktails which judging by the two I had, were quite good.

Drinks: $14-$17 for cocktails, but $10 for classic cocktails and wine during happy hour from 4 pm-6 pm.

Other details: Wheelchair friendly. They offer event bookings, which sounds like an excellent idea. A few non-alcoholic drinks are available.