YALETOWN. A laid-back, rustic ambience pervades this welcoming pub, where seafood is tops and the maritime-themed decor boasts well-loved upholstery and tables crafted from kegs. East Coast flavor reigns in beer, food and music, providing a western outpost for transplants and fans alike. Live bands play Thursday and Saturday evenings, regaling patrons with folk and Celtic tunes. This bit of fun is always free, which makes the food and drinks taste that much better! The place's curious name can be attributed to local liquor laws, which forbade use of the word "tap" in the name. As a result, owners simply shifted the "r" from "grill" to "tap."

GASTOWN. Always featuring lively Celtic house bands on the weekends, this Gastown-area bar packs in a crowd that is growing along with their reputation as a midsize live-music destination. Recent renovations include a new, larger stage, an improved sound system and better seating. A mezzanine offers another great sightline to the entertainment which also features touring artists and high-drawing local acts. And it is still a great place to quaff a pint and chat up the locals.

GRANVILLE ISLAND. This cozy, waterfront pub, located on Granville Island next to the Public Market, is just part of an entire Bridges complex, which also offers indoor dining rooms and spacious, outdoor decks. The place, perennially busy, is a favorite of the after-work crowd, who gather to sample terrific, local microbrews and munch on tasty pub fare. Other pastimes include playing darts or catching the game on TV. Part of Bridges' strong appeal is its fantastic views of city, water and the distant mountains.

WEST END. Like many Vancouver pubs, Cardero's takes advantage of its waterside locale by serving fresh seafood (including great oysters!) and offering a nautical-themed decor. Its comfy interior invites folks to linger, which isn't hard to do at all, considering the place's appetizing selection of pub fare and its great drinks. Bolstering all of that appeal are wonderful views of the harbor and the terrain beyond. The adjacent restaurant serves creative, affordable, and upscale cuisine. Great outdoor patio and live entertainment too.

GRANVILLE ISLAND. A little sleeker and more polished than typical pubs, this hotel establishment gets points for its Granville Island location and its microbrews, which are crafted on the premises. TVs and a fireplace add instant appeal inside, but the patio is, by all accounts, one of the best places to hang out. The large space offers sweeping views of Vancouver and the water, and it's heated when the weather cools. Representative quaffs include the Alder Bay Honey Lager and the Haupenthal Hefeweizen. Food is available.