While it’s been painful to watch our boys throw away their lead by losing three straight, it looks like they finally got their groove back. The Canucks need your support more than ever and let’s be honest, the fans could use some encouragement and camaraderie, too. Your TV won’t give you high-fives, or guy hugs, so head down to one of our recommended sports bars for tomorrow’s Game 7.
Hub Restaurant
Perfect for sophisticated sports fans, this sleek Yaletown spot boasts eight HD TVs and plush curved booths for luxurious viewing. There’s also one projection screen for those who are too excited to sit still and prefer to gather around the bar. You’ll want to keep your eyes on Mason Raymond because if he scores, you score: All season, the bartenders have been pouring a free round for the house every time the winger puts the puck away. Fans can also win hockey swag or a dessert by playing What the Puck? when a Vancouver goal is scored. The back-to-basics menu features gourmet burgers, hearty pizzas and ample appies. There’s also chocolate chip pazookie if — dare we say — you need to drown your sorrows after the game.
The Sin Bin Sports Grill
White towels are a-waving at the city’s newest sports bar when our boys are on the ice. All fans who show up for a playoff game at this Olympic Village destination are given a towel to wave with gusto as the Canucks advance, or use to wipe away tears if they fall. You won’t miss a second of the game thanks to the 106″ projection TV that dominates this otherwise casual spot. Order a Canuck burger (Angus beef piled high with cheddar, bacon and mushrooms) and wash it down with the daily drink special, which is, conveniently, a Corona and a shot of Cuervo on Tuesdays. We’re going to need that shot.
Red Card Sports Bar & Eatery
This swank European-style sports bar scores a hat trick with high-end Italian cuisine, West Coast-retro décor and 18 HD TVs. Housed in the chic Moda Hotel, Red Card is the city’s most stylish spot to watch the game. You won’t find jersey-wearing, towel-waving fans here. From the extensive international beer list, order a Tuborg, in honour of Jannik Hansen; complement it with a Hat Trick pizza to help support the Canucks Autism Network.
The Anza Club
You wouldn’t think the clubhouse of the Australia-New Zealand Association would be the place to catch the Canucks, but it’s always one hell of a party at this quirky neighbourhood institution. “Anza Steve” is your host on hockey night, which takes place in the cozy downstairs tiki lounge. Watch the game on a huge plasma TV and enjoy cheap beer ($4.50 pints, $13.75 jugs) from Big Rock Breweries. Anza Steve always entertains with pools, contests and prizes.
G Sports Bar and Grill
Expect lots of locker room banter at the G Spot, which is not the place to take your bandwagon-jumping girlfriend. Proud to be “all sports, all the time,” this Entertainment District meeting place boasts 24 HD TVs, a nine-foot HD projection screen and seven satellite feeds, convenient if the Canucks game is too painful to watch. The drink prices are among the lowest downtown ($3.50 Jaegermister shots) and the testosterone level is possibly the highest.
BONUS: Grinders Sports Bar
Every time the Canucks score, fans receive a free beer at this foreign fan favourite. Foreign, as in it’s located in China. Still, if you happen to be in Beijing on business, head to this hockey haven owned by Langley native and Canucks fan Trevor Metz. With a 15-hour time change, the games start in the morning in Beijing, but that hasn’t stopped dozens of fans from showing up for the action.
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Image courtesy of iwona_kellie.
Does the author ever leave the house? It sounds like she’s just calling this in. Hire someone who actually knows what she’s talking about already! Where did you find this chick? Obviously not at a Canucks game.