L'Abattoir

Photography by L'Abattoir

Words by Nikki Bayley

Address: 217 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Tel: +1 604 568 1701
Website: view L'Abattoir’s website
Door: Open door
Style: Restaurant bar
Food: Tapas/plates & dishes

Review

You can watch the comings and goings of Gastown from pole position on a bar stool at L'Abattoir's compact L-shaped bar which sits neatly between the one room of the restaurant on the upper level and the second room past the kitchen at the back of this heritage brick building. Slanted wall shelves, vintage glassware, low-hung lights in mason jars and a soundtrack of 90s-jams-meets-old-skool, tick all the 'Gastown Cool Bar' boxes but what separates this from other equally hip hang-outs is the bar team's attention to detail and the drinks' consistency.

The approachable list comprises 1 page of classics and 1 of originals, savoury concoctions such as the rosemary and oilve-infused Avocado Gimlet pull in a lively crowd of pre/post dinner drinkers, and those bar-hopping around the 'hood. Limited space makes for a modest back bar but fans of Amaros and herbal liqueurs will find plenty to excite them. Ask about bar manager Shaun Layton's collection of vintage spirits if you're in the mood for a pricey but unique drinking experience. Queues form for the daily Happy Hour at 5.30pm with bargain-priced food and drinks.