Located within the iconic Marine Building at 385 Burrard Street, Brass Fish Tavern seamlessly combines the rich history of Vancouver’s financial district with the modern allure of refined dining and drinking. As a member of the Freehouse Collective, this grandiose tavern offers an impressive blend of style, substance, and sophistication across its expansive space, which comfortably seats nearly 200 guests.

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A Space for Every Occasion

Brass Fish Tavern’s design, curated by Ricky Alvarez, features three distinct areas that cater to a variety of moods and occasions. Upon entering, guests are welcomed into the Main Tavern, a space imbued with the charm of maritime nostalgia. Upholstered bars and subtle nautical details evoke the atmosphere of a classic ship, making it an inviting spot for lively gatherings and casual meet-ups.

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To the right lies the Izakaya, a striking and eclectic space defined by its show-stopping centrepiece—a massive suspended whale skeleton. This unique feature, combined with contemporary design elements, sets a playful and dynamic tone, offering a setting that feels adventurous yet refined.

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Upstairs, the Parlour provides a retreat into warmth and intimacy. With its rich textured furnishings, low ceilings, and cozy library-inspired aesthetic, this mezzanine lounge is ideal for semi-private or private gatherings, creating an environment perfectly suited for quiet conversations or celebratory dinners.

Elevated Tavern Dining

Brass Fish’s modern pub menu pays homage to both classic and contemporary cuisine, with dishes that cater to diverse palates. Our selections exemplified the kitchen’s creative flair and commitment to flavour.

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Rosemary Fries: Crisp shoestring fries with just the right hint of aromatic rosemary. Fried Brussel Sprouts and Greens: A delightful mix of textures and flavours with chili pecorino, pickled onions, and sourdough crumble.

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Dicky’s Dumps: Handmade vegetarian dumplings with a satisfyingly crispy chili crunch.

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Roasted Beans & Carrots: A standout dish featuring perfectly grilled vegetables atop creamy cashew cheese, elevated by a lemon dill dressing and puffed wild rice.

The pairing possibilities were endless thanks to a bar program that is as meticulous as it is imaginative. To accompany these dishes, the tavern’s well-curated bar program provided a variety of expertly crafted drinks.

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We began with a classic pint of Guinness, its creamy texture offering a perfect contrast to the richness of the food. A shot of Johnny Walker followed, raising a toast to the tavern’s timeless spirit.

From there, we wished to refresh and ordered the Stray Bullets, a vibrant cocktail that combines Omeca Altos Tequila with zesty lemon, passion fruit, a hint of sugar, and a refreshing splash of soda, garnished with fresh mint for a bright and invigorating finish. Then, a more decadent option, the Chais and Lows captivated with its luxurious blend of Hennessy VS Cognac, Drambuie, chai, and chocolate bitters, perfectly rounded out with a boozy cherry garnish. These expertly crafted beverages elevated the meal, showcasing the bar’s ability to balance tradition with creativity.

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A Fine Finish

For a final flourish, we indulged in the HOH 460 Short Gordo cigar – picked up at 2000 Cigars on our way through downtown. Produced in partnership with Placencia S.A., this medium-strength Nicaraguan cigar offered a smooth draw and a full-bodied aroma. Cloaked in an oily Nicaraguan wrapper, its Brazilian binder and Nicaraguan-Honduran fillers delivered a rich, balanced experience. As an exceptional value, it is a perfect choice for both seasoned aficionados and those exploring premium cigars.

brass fish, downtown vancouver, vancouver vices, vlad x, cocktails and cigars, bc, yvr

brass fish, downtown vancouver, vancouver vices, vlad x, cocktails and cigars, bc, yvr

Brass Fish Tavern masterfully marries the charm of a classic tavern with the innovation of modern dining. Whether you seek a spirited gathering in the tavern, a whimsical escape in the izakaya, or a sophisticated retreat in the parlour, this restaurant delivers on every front. Add an unparalleled whisky selection (over 250), a curated cocktail menu, and an elevated cigar experience, and you have a destination that truly embodies the essence of refined indulgence in Vancouver.

 

Author Profile

Vlad Xanthopoulos
Vlad Xanthopoulos
Vlad Xanthopoulos is the Vices Ambassador at Folio.YVR, host of Cocktails & Cigars, and contributor. A connoisseur of fine cigars and craft cocktails, Vlad explores the art, culture, and stories behind these indulgences. His passion for tradition and refined living elevate Vancouver Vices for Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine.
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