Elbow Room

The Elbow Room is a bar inside Paul’s restaurant downtown Vancouver. It has a 1970's dive bar vibe. The joint looks like it could have been in an episode of Barreta or The Rockford Files. Usually a place that looks this dated has mediocre drinks made with bargain basement ingredients but if you’re savvy, you’ll discover that the self-deprecating bartender manager is actually cloaking his superpowers. In reality, he’s a superb mixologist. At present, their stock is much better than a dive bar but has room to grow. Yet the bartenders are clever with substitutions. The end results are very good. And if you know what to ask for, you can receive a superb craft cocktail. Especially if Mike is behind the bar. I tried one of their “Bar Bites” called Disco Tots—tater tots with gravy and cheddar cheese. Next time, I’ll go for the “Cowboy” version, which comes with jalapeños, chili, and cheddar. I really like the vibe of The Elbow Room and I'm looking forward to seeing how it develops. You can take that to the bank. -VanPort Insider

Went in for drinks early on a Saturday. The cocktails were phenomenal! The bartender, I did not get her name, was skilled and knowledgeable! I also had the chance to chat with a guy who I'm guessing may have been the owner or something. He gave me some excellent advice on my home cocktails based on my preferences. Already planning my next visit and bringing friends with me! Dropped in for a second visit and it was even better than the first. I had a new menu item they were in the process of creating and it was phenomenal! I also had the chance to meet the man himself, Toby. Really chill guy and skilled in his craft. The bartender, Zola, is awesome.

Awesome local jem we stumbled upon. Jared and his apprentice were awesome. Great mixed drinks! The Ruben and mushroom melt on rye were absolutely delicious and the locals were great!

Amazing atmosphere with a 1970 Chic look. The two bartenders, Jared and Brandon created such amazing and friendly atmosphere. To be honest, with this new bar opening the other bars around town should be watching the back because I know I'll be a lifetime returning customer. Whether it's a small gathering or a simple night out, you are guaranteed to have a wonderful time at this bar.

The new Elbow Room is everything you could want in a true dive bar restoration: heavy on the pours and light on the renovations. We’ve walked here a few times since the new owners took over and have left perfectly satiated every time. To start, the vibe is quintessential 70s—complete with a killer playlist on vinyl and groovy swag lamps accented by vintage wall kitsch. Drinks are original and mostly pre-batched, but of course they have the usual selection of spirits to create whatever concoction is needed to fill the void. The freezer door martinis and manhattans are killer in every sense of the word (you’ve been warned). Food menu is fairly limited but homey and delicious. When we last visited, the tots were cooked to crispy perfection and the grilled cheese dipped in the tomato soup fulfilled a nostalgic base need. Now, the real question is: Can one hope for some equally warming late night desert night in the future? Give it time and this will become THE spot in Uptown for those know how to hang and love a good vibe. Check it out now before the word gets out (and I may even just delete this review…)

My husband and I went there last night to check it out with the new ownership. I absolutely loved the atmosphere. There was a male bartender who we really like. I do have a request though, I found it odd there were no domestic beers except Rainier. For that reason I’m not sure my family and I would be frequent customers like we would like to be. Even if you were to get it in cans or bottles. I’d love to come there and have a colors light. My friend drink Rolling rock, pub beer and colors also. I loved the place and would love to come back. Thank you for the consideration

After seeing that the elbow room was recently renovated I had to pop in - and what a treat! You walk in and the vibe is already selling you - mood lighting, vinyl playing, leather chairs - all the vibes. The menu is simple and straight forward - I opted for a Paloma with mezcal and my fiend the regular Paloma - both of which were great. Love having more options in Vancouver and this going to be a great go to spot.

Nice cocktails, unique bar bites. Nostalgic divey vibe but clean and chill. Great music and plenty of dark corners.