I did not know such an event existed, so was not surprised to hear it had returned.
This is the Gastown Shuffle, and essentially it is a way to get people exploring some drinking hot spots in Vancouver’s historic Gastown. It requires the obtaining of a special lanyard that grants you free drinks at the 5 locations listed on it. The goal is to hit all 5, get your lanyard card punched and take note of the setting as one you might be willing to return to, at a later date.
The following stops are in the order that we visited, one that made sense geographically, but the trajectory is completely up to each person.
The Lamplighter Public House
92 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2K8
(604) 687-4424
freehouse.co
We started at Lamplighter to pickup our lanyards. There, they had a special event booth set up. Lime Margaritas made with Altos tequila, which is apparently the bartender voted favourite mixing tequila.
From there we got a bonus jager bomb prepared with watermelon flavoured Red Bull. This we shot back quick as an after work pick-me-up, in preparation of the rest of the night ahead.
Clough Club
212 Abbott St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2K8
(604) 558-1581
freehouse.co
Next stop was Clough Club, which is literally connected to Lamplighter, but considered a bar and property all its own.
Here, shufflers had their choice of drinks between a canned mixed Jack Daniels cocktail or a shot of either JD honey or cinnamon whisky. Thinking of time and having to keep it, I opted for the shot.
The Blarney Stone
216 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J1
(604) 687-4322
blarneystone.ca
Next we hit up the Blarney Stone, the popular Irish bar offered up a round of Jameson Irish whisky and chase.
I ordered a round of pickle back chases for the group, to their chagrin. Their expressions spoke to their dislike of the briny and tangy slurry.
The Portside Pub
7 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1E9
(604) 559-6333
theportsidepub.com
After it was off to Portside, an underground bar/club with live music to mark the occasion.
And here it was yet another shot. A round of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky to shoot back, or dilute with soda for a highball.
GRETA Bar YVR
50 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1C8
(604) 423-3081
gretabar.com
We planned well and ended our night at Greta, as our last lanyard card punch entitled us to 1 hour of unlimited play time in their arcade. Games included carnival throwing and tossing challenges, racing matches with steering wheels and bucket seats, and the classic multi-player smash ‘em joystick games.
And thus ended a fun shuffle, visiting some of the hottest Gastown party spots you might not otherwise considering visiting, and now knowing to look out for when hankering for a night of lucid drinking and play!
Then it was back where we started: Lamplighter for the after party and more drinks!
If you missed this one, be sure to look out for the next, and I hope they continue to do such tours and experiences, allowing you to explore the neighbourhood a little bit more.
