Raising the Bar: One Week of Not-so-Ordinary Nightlife

Jennifer Watts

Tired of the same old top 40 and ten dollar martinis? Think that if you’ve seen the inside of one bar you’ve seen them all? Think again. Here’s a full week’s worth of not-your-everyday choices to   escape the mundane.

MONDAY

The Beat 94.5’s Karaoke Throwdown @ The Media Club 
Not your average airport lounge karaoke bar. Featuring $3.50 drink specials, no cover and two $150 cash prizes. Take the opportunity to unleash your inner idol. Doors at 7pm.
695 Cambie, Vancouver

Texas Hold’em Poker Night @ Sawbucks Pub
Part-time poker fanatic or harbouring a desire to learn? Take a turn on the river and sign up for this four-table tournament. A great way to meet new people and practice your poker face. 
Sign up is at 6pm and games starting at 7, 9 and 10pm. 
1626 - 152nd Street, Surrey

TUESDAY

Soft-core Comedy @ The Cobalt
Hosted every 2nd Tuesday by Aubrey Tennant (from Scary Movie) and Paul Anthony, this variety act showcases burlesque, sketch and stand-up for the bargain price of $5. 
917 Main, Vancouver

WEDNESDAY

Gen X: Where Were you Wednesday’s? @ The Cellar
The house band Radio One covers the best of the 90’s from Pearl Jam to Green Day to the Chillies. Grab a plaid shirt and Doc Martens and bring back the grunge look (well…maybe just for the night).  Cover $5 and doors at 9pm.
1006 Granville, Vancouver

Anzabonanza Pub Quiz @ The Anza Club
Held in the downstairs tiki lounge on the last Wednesday of every month, this trivia contest is sure to get the cogs moving.  Bring a team of up to 5 people and test your smarts.  Starts at 8pm, $10.
3 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver

THURSDAY

Barrio Block Party @ LK Lounge
This Latin-inspired dining lounge serves up four tapas and two cocktails for $20 between 5-11pm every Thursday. So grab a friend and a mojito and wake up the neighbourhood!
1265 Hamilton, Vancouver

FRIDAY

Live Flamenco Music & Dancing @ Kino Cafe
A Vancouver tradition, this café with a pub-like atmosphere is well known for its live music and dance performances. Take in the authentic Flamenco show and down a pitcher of sangria.
3456 Cambie, Vancouver

SATURDAY

Name That Tune @ The Flying Beaver Pub
Consider yourself a pop-culture diva?  Have a knack for recalling lyrics at the drop of a hat?  Then grab a few friends and head out to this one-of-a-kind pub on the water. Create a team name and test your musical knowledge with song clips from every genre. Bonus? The bar tab is free for the winning team.  Starts at 8pm.
4760 Inglis, Vancouver Airport South

SUNDAY

Sunday Soul Service @ Cottage Bistro 
Forget this ‘day of rest’ business and instead check out this quaint little café that serves up live Blues music from 8pm on Sundays. 
4468 Main, Vancouver

Live Reggae with Mostly Marley @ The Rusty Gull Pub
Stir it up and head to the North Shore for a laidback Sunday evening with classic Reggae. Treat yourself to a burger and a beer and prepare to be transported.
From 7-11pm. No cover.
175 East 1st Avenue, North Vancouver