The Keefer Bar

The Keefer Bar is a cocktail bar at 135 Keefer Street in Vancouver's Chinatown, British Columbia, Canada. The room is built around an apothecary theme, a nod to the neighbourhood's history of traditional Chinese medicine shops, and the drinks menu follows the same idea, with cocktails that borrow botanicals, teas, herbs and house-made infusions. It is one of the better-known cocktail destinations in the district and draws a mix of locals, couples on date nights, small groups of friends and visitors staying downtown or in nearby Gastown.

The atmosphere is dim, stylish and conversational rather than rowdy. There is no formal dress code, but the crowd generally leans smart-casual, and the clientele is adult, mostly in their twenties to forties. Music is typically a DJ-style or recorded mix kept at a level that allows conversation, and it tends to rise a little later on weekend nights. The drinks programme centres on signature cocktails priced typically around CAD $15-20 (US $11-14), alongside a smaller selection of beer, wine and non-alcoholic options. The venue is also known for late-night dim sum style food, which makes it a practical stop for visitors who want something to eat with their drinks after dinner hours.

Opening hours follow a weeknight and weekend pattern: roughly 4pm to 1am Sunday to Thursday and 4pm to 2am on Friday and Saturday, though hours can change and are best checked on the venue's website. There is no cover charge. Reservations are commonly recommended for groups and for Friday and Saturday evenings, since the room is not large and tables fill quickly. Bottle service is not part of the model; the focus is on individual cocktails and shared plates.

The location puts the bar within walking distance of Gastown, the Vancouver Chinatown gate, and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, so it fits naturally into an evening that combines a neighbourhood walk, dinner and a late drink. The surrounding blocks are busy in the evening but can be quiet and dimly lit later, so visitors often use taxis or ride-hailing when heading home late.