Game on! Where to watch the Olympic Games in Vancouver
From cultural centers to traditional English pubs to Belgian beer parlours and Aussie hangouts, many local businesses will show the Olympic Games this summer. So, choose your favourite team, and head to one of these eight locations over the next couple of weeks. Not only will you meet fellow fans, but you’ll also enjoy drinks, food, and atmosphere as you cheer. [Image credit: iStock.com/andresr]
Italian Cultural Centre
3075 Slocan St, Vancouver BC V5M 3E4Even if you’re not a true-blue Azzurri, you’ll feel Italian at this spacious East Vancouver cultural centre, where hundreds of Italy fans will gather to cheer throughout the two weeks. A hub for Vancouver’s Italian community, the grand Osteria Lounge is the place to watch Italy compete, with three flat screens, a menu of Italian-style refreshments and snacks, and ample free parking.
Mooses down under
830 Pender St W, Bsmt, Vancouver BC V6C 1J8Moose’s shows Aussie sports such as cricket and rugby year round, but during the Olympics this popular all-ages bar and grill will get much more crowded – and competitive – hosting large groups of rowdy Aussie fans (and their pals) throughout the two weeks. It’s also one of the only places you’ll find Australian comfort food in Vancouver – from kangaroo burgers to Aussie-style corndogs to meat pies and Vegemite sandwiches.
BierCraft Bistro
3305 Cambie St, Vancouver BC V5Z 2W6Flat screens, dozens of tables, gold trimmings, and beautiful Belgian beers make this elevated bistro a natural gathering place for Belgian expats during the Olympics. So, if you love the Belgian team (or Belgian food) grab your squad, order a Grimbergen ale or d’Achouffe IPA, and get ready to cheer your heart out. And as far as food goes, six kinds of steamed mussels – each with a different flavour of Europe – are delightful and fresh, as is the French onion soup, served with Belgian frites.
Yaletown Brewing Co
1111 Mainland St, Vancouver BC V6B 5P2This expansive brewery is an ideal place to take out-of-towners during the Olympics. Vancouver’s most historic brewery – the first ever, in fact – it’s also within walking distance from tourist destinations such as Granville Island, Stanley Park, the West End, and Chinatown. HD flat-screens and daily drinks specials attract athletes and sports fans alike, and 160 seats (including those on the massive patio) ensure you’ll rarely be turned away, even when Canadians are competing.
Malones Bar & Grill Downtown
608 Pender St W, Vancouver BC V6B 1V8This vibrant and eclectic taphouse has long been a hangout for Vancouver sports fans. An upstairs lounge offers multiple flat-screens, comfy leather booths, and pool tables that come in handy during commercial breaks. On the main floor, communal tables, ample bar seating, more flat-screens, and quirky, antique fixtures create an inclusive, unfussy atmosphere. Thirty-eight rotating taps and daily drinks specials (Whiskey and Wine Wednesdays, anyone?) ensure you’ll never get thirsty as you scream for your team.
London Pub
700 Main St, Vancouver BC V6A 2V7This bustling heritage pub is the place to watch UK teams during the Olympics. In addition to several flat-screens, a well-stocked bar, and a dance floor (for post-game celebrating), elements such as exposed brick archways, expansive windows, painted coats of arms, and a separate entrance (originally designed for ladies only) will transport you back to the streets of jolly old London as you cheer. So, order a meat pie, grab a pint, and enjoy the match, mate!
Joey Restaurants
1424 Broadway W, Vancouver BC V6H 1H4Giant flat screens, drool-worthy finger foods, stylish yet comfortable booths and vigilant servers make JOEY a perfect spot for watching your favourite team. Find a group of spectators, or watch solo, but be sure to take in JOEY’s contemporary design and romantic lighting, which add sophistication and flair to your Olympic experience.
Portuguese Club Of Vancouver
1144 Commercial Dr, Vancouver BC V5L 3X2Rooting for the green and red? Watch from this intimate Commercial Drive club, where fans spill out onto the street during most game days, shouting jovially, and encouraging passing cars to honk in support. The club will play most Olympic events in which Portugal competes, and traditional Portuguese meals such as homemade garlicky squid, grilled chouriço, fresh cheese and olives, and seafood soup, will be available.
Score On Davie
1262 Davie St, Vancouver BC V6E 1N3This beloved sports bar’s energetic and inclusive clientele is reason enough to watch a game here – but other highlights include dozens of flat-screens, affordable daily drinks specials, healthy and hearty Canadian dishes such as the Okanagan summer salad or zucchini fritter burger. And one can’t forget about their famous Checkmate Caesar, piled high with roasted chicken, a juicy burger, a pulled pork slider, onion rings, chicken wings, and a brownie.
