STAY AWAY! If you want a cocktail bar, I would go to Cantina 189 as they are a few blocks away. This place was beyond disappointing. When my friend arrived, she asked for a table of 6 and was told that we would not be able to get one. For reference it was 8pm on a Thursday. She asked if there was a wait list and she responded by laughing and saying "good luck" that it was "impossible". Within a few minutes we were seated, so clearly it was not "impossible". 30 minutes after being seated, we had yet to be given service by anyone in the restaurant, despite making eye contact with out supposed server over 10x. At one point we waved her down and she walked away. In these 30 minutes, the bar completely emptied. So not only was it not "impossible" to be able to seat us all, but we were also not given any sort of service. After waiting for over 30 minutes, we waved down a bartender and got him to get us our round of drinks. When I asked if he had a particular drink, he responded with "no". He didn't offer similar drinks, he literally just said no and was about to walk away... Most of our drinks we got were good, but the flight of white wine was served warm. Also the beer was given 3/4ths full... Nobody had come back to ask us if we needed anything when we finally got our drinks and then when we again asked another random bartender for water, he proceeded to fill 3 out of 4 of our glasses and then never came back to fill our fourth friends. During this time, the servers and bartenders were eating at the bar and completely ignoring us. For the first time in my life, I never tipped. The sad thing is that reading other reviews, others have had similar experiences. I would never recommend to this place, even to a person I dislike.

Unbelievably bad service. One star is too much. Went in on a Monday evening around 7pm. Wasnt particularly busy. We sat at the bar. Two bartenders working. First bartender takes our order of two cocktails. We wait 10 minutes or so.. the second bartender asks us if he can get us a drink. We explain we already ordered from the other bartender but told him what we wanted anyway. We wait another 10 minutes... for real. I get the first bartenders attention and ask if he is getting our drinks? He says "oh yea my bad" and has to take our order again. No joke.. we wait another 10 minutes watching them make drinks for everyone but us.. bizarre. We decided to just leave, and as we get up the bartender that took our order twice says "Thanks for coming in folks, have a great evening!"... He had no idea we were leaving because of their terrible service after being ignored three times. Worst cocktail bar in Vancouver. Never going back. EDIT* Just wanted to also point out that the manager comment below asking to reach out to make it right is just like the service here. Didnt even get a response. Likely post on here to make it look like they care. They don't.

What a disappointment! I took my friend there for a drink on a Saturday night as he told me this was his favorite cocktail place in the city. Unfortunately, the whole experience was really bad from the beginning to the end. The lights were too bright, there was no background music, there was a candle on the table that was just fuming, but nobody cared to light it up. No ambience whatsoever. My drink was pretty much just concentrated grapefruit juice, so sour that I had to add a lot of water to it. And the server had a bad attitude and greeted us in a way that really meant "what do you want?" and I'm sure she would have rolled her eyes if she could. But, the cherry on the top was when the bar tender blocked my way to the wash room and asked me where I was going. When I said that I was going to the washroom he asked me if I had a table. When I said that I did, he asked me what table. So, I literally had to point to the table that he himself had given to us just a few minutes before. I guess he mistook me for a homeless person, maybe? I don't know. What I know is that I'm never coming back there and I definitely won't recommend it to anyone.

I Was in uva with a couple of friends loved the music and the vibe of the bar , the barman George makes great cocktails, and he makes his own recipes! He told us that he made a “pink sour” that actually got published in a cocktail book !! If you love a good cocktail it is definitely the place to go. Food was lovely and affordable if your looking for a quick bite to eat. Brona our server was so fun! Was lovely chatting with her. we weren’t sure what to eat we just gave her some hints on what we like and I’m a vegetarian and she knew exactly what to order and the food was delicious ! We got the eggplant parmigiana and the chicken piccata the food was 10/10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Went the other night for a a few cocktails. The girl at the front wasn't particularly friendly, had a very blasé attitude. Service was very slow, she didn't appear to care. The cocktails took forever because she made them for a number of tables at the same time and ours were just sitting there, while she made the other people's cocktails. The whisky sour was average and by the time that I received it, all the froth from the egg yoke had disappeared. I work in customer service and know that it's hard to find decent people right now, but why hire people who don't care and are disinterested? It's only damaging your business. Definitely will never come back.

Came here and experienced horrible service! Absolutely no service given, with no consideration for customers. Told to seat ourselves, waited 20 minutes for the waitress to finish having a conversation and doing non urgent or important tasks. Watched two tables walk out, with another table also being completely ignored. Upon actively trying to obtain the waitresses acknowledgement, she doesn’t offer us a menu, water, food, drinks, apology.. just sassiness and disrespectful communication. Over charged for drinks, no explanation or price adjustment was given, just Attitude and a walk away, to spend another 10 minutes gaining our waitress attention.

Stopped by Uva for cocktails and this place was really good. There were barely any folks on a Sunday evening so we were seated promptly. The bartender is friendly and made amazing cocktails. We wanted to order the Pangea but they ran out of something so we ordered for Fireside Night Cap and One night Stand. Boy were these drinks delicious. Fireside night cap is served with a side of walnuts to enhance the taste of the drink and it truly does make a difference. The One night stand was one of my favorite cocktails with banana liquer and mind you I am not a fan of fruity cocktails. It was delicious. Highly recommend this cocktail bar in Vancouver.

My partner and I came to this bar after a recommendation for my birthday, it took what seemed like forever for us just to order drinks. When it was time we ask the server if we can order a couple more drinks and their response was "oh, last call has passed, I didn't make it over here in time... Sorry." Which was disappointing. During our experience here, I also watched a table sit down, drink all their water and have to get up to find the server so that they could order drinks. After reading some of the reviews it seems as though this is a pattern. Which is a shame because it's a cute spot.

Came in after dinner for a cocktail. Was happy to wait until a table was available. The server let us know about the wait, no problem. We waited for 20 mins, then we were seated and continued to wait another 20 mins, watched 3 staff members stare at computers or chat to other staff and no one addressed us once. We decided to leave after waiting 20-25 mins without any help. Thought it would be a good after dinner cocktail place; unfortunately not. I could have gone to a grocery store, purchased ingredients and made a cocktail myself faster. Really too bad considering we had high hopes.

We stayed at the attached hotel and went here for their breakfast menu. It did not live up to the menu description and took ages to arrive. My husband ordered the uva breakfast with sausage and it was literally deep fried chunks of hot dog. My eggs benedict had stale English muffins. The rosemary potatoes were sparse and lacking any rosemary. Near rancid butter product on dry bland toast.The only redeeming part was the coffee and the music playlist. Maybe this is better for cocktails.
Price per person
$20–30
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 4

Visited this cocktail bar today for my first time. I was very kindly greeted by the female server followed by the smiley bartender. I was looking to try a cocktail as I usually drink wine. I got first class service from the staff who recommended cocktails to me as I listed my preferences of taste. I decided on the pink sour after both George and Brona recommended it to me. Safe to say it was the most delicious drink I’ve ever had. Such a great experience I’ll definitely be back.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I really like the feel of this wine & cocktail bar. We tried a few of their wines and cocktails over our visits and have enjoyed them all. Unfortunately, several times our food was ordered but never made due to not having enough cooks available. We had to leave and find food elsewhere. TLDR; Do not go here if you are watching a show at the Orpheum unless its just for drinks only even if you are over an hour early. Otherwise, this is a nice place but cannot comment on the food even though we have tried several times.

Had a lovely experience in uva , the staff were so friendly! Lovely atmosphere in the bar , I loved the candles on the tables. it’s a very relaxing environment and Bronah our server (lovely girl) gave us a lovely recommendation for a bottle of wine that me and my boyfriend loved ! Their barman George is amazing at making cocktails my boyfriend was taken back by how good his rose negroni was ! Can’t recommend this place enough , great spot for a date night !
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

My wife and myself were there last night towards the end of the night and we couldn't have been happier with the service and the quality of drinks. The bartender Noah definitely made our experience what it was. We also witnessed two ladies that had a little too much to drink berade the staff about the service and the staff including the manager couldn't have handled it nicer and professionally. We will definitely be going back and we recommend this place for anyone looking for a cool new spot.

What a disappointment! Worst service imaginable!!! It took over 30 minutes to receive our drinks, while the manager did take them off of our bill it didn't make up for the slow service, terrible cocktails ( we left without finishing them) and appies??? we ordered pepperoni and ciccirone...what we got were 3 sticks of gas station jerky, and some stale pork rinds. Such an upscale place should be ashamed of what they served. So many better places to spend your time and money.

My husband and I have a discerning palate, but this place satisfies 100%. My husband is a whiskey lover and there are a variety of cocktails that hit the same spot as his classic favourite, the Old Fashioned. There are several fresh and/or fruity drinks that impress my gin and tequila-loving palate. Plus, the service is attentive, with the bartender even stepping out to insure we were taken care of. Uva is a worthwhile Vancouver stop-over for any craft cocktail lover.

Not a good place for breakfast. Server took our order then rung in and brought out the wrong food. Breakfast sandwich was on a hamburger bun and the avocado on the avocado toast was so underripe it was like eating wax coated plastic. Here's the real crime though: they list a mimosa on the menu but can't serve alcohol until 11am. What the hell is that!? Disappointing, that's what.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Stayed at the Moda while vacationing in Vancouver, and went to Uva two nights that we were there. Both nights were very enjoyable; the music and overall ambience are fantastic. The cocktails may seem pricey but they’re worth it. The staff were pleasant and knowledgeable, and when I ordered one of the cocktails they were extremely apologetic about being out of stock of one ingredient; they suggested an alternative ingredient and it was delicious.

Server and other staffs were friendly (their service was good) but the drinks and food were way below my expectation. I was especially surprised when the server, while serving, picked up the food with her bare finger to place it back on the dish for us to eat... I was not able to say anything at that moment since I normally don't feel comfortable talking about those things. Drinks tasted super watered down. I'm not sure if I would go back here.

I came here only for one drink and very impressed with the espresso martini. I lived in Melbourne Australia where they make AMAZING drinks; so I had very high expectations and they delivered! It was extremely creamy, light not too strong, super tasty. I highly recommend! The ambiance is a little bit dark however, went in on a Wednesday night and was very quiet. Great place to relax and have some good conversations without the crazy atmosphere!

UVA is attached to Hotel Modern on Seymour street. It has a very close intimate atmosphere, with a great cocktail list, also a good happy hour menu. We tried the polpette and the beef carpaccio style dish that was tasty as hell. Don’t skimp on the bread as theirs quite a bit of sauce for these dishes. And the bread comes olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Great service, and they made a tasty White Russian.

Wish I could review the food and drink but sadly I sat at the bar and for 18 minutes, other than saying hi and checking my vax card/ID, no one offered me a menu or said anything else to me. Sure, they were busy, but I was sitting directly in front of them making drinks. Sure, I could have asked for a menu, but why pay for a different level of service than those around me were getting as they sat down?

I visited here on weekday for late night drink. I don’t know it’s normal in here but when I enter the bar, servers were sitting on the customer’s seat and talking. They left us for a while…I even didn’t realized these people were staff…Cocktails are ok, but water glasses were so dirty(almost unwashed) and I couldn’t drink the water. After that staff was friendly but my first impression was terrible.

I had an incredible experience at the UVA Bar, and I'd like to give a special shoutout to Nikita for creating some of the most delicious and unique cocktails I've ever had. The atmosphere in this bar is fantastic, and the service made me feel like a valued guest. I can't recommend the "Pisco Nut Cracker" cocktail enough – it's a must-try! Cheers to UVA Bar and Nikita for a memorable evening.

Sat at the bar but the experience was ruined because the manager asked us several times to move down a seat even though there was 4 empty bar stools to the left of me. He eventually moved the two of us to the end of the bar in front of the service bar and sat another couple where we were originally sitting. The bartenders were really friendly, but I can’t get past this bad manager on duty.

Amazing cocktails and food. The waitresses were also very friendly. The hostess told us we had to wait for 10-15 minutes for a table of 4 and it was such a smart move for her to give us the menu in advance so we could get a sense of what we want to order and also helped us kill time. For cocktails, I highly recommend the Peach Fuzz and Snap Dragon! Both are very refreshing drinks.

Its not in the name but they do coffee in the morning too! Aibhlin is a great barista with great music choices. It’s so quiet in the morning. The decor is lovely, very modern. Would definitely recommend stopping in early for a cup. She made us a custom drink with maple syrup. Would definitely recommend London Fog w maple syrup instead of vanilla for tourists. :p very Canadian!

The staff is friendly, both bartender where good, she made a great gin tonic and the guy that also met me at the door choose a rhum base drink for me, it was great. I am Giving four star for the simple reason I did not had choice of gin. They use a quality gin, but I like to be able to choose. The places is clean, not too crowded. the place is great and it is fancy too.

The staff here is very laid back. We really enjoyed the ambiance and the drinks are great! We ordered a few drinks and our waitress was great about making sure we were happy with everything we ordered. If you need to use the washroom though, it is weirdly hidden in the back of the restaurant, it is somewhat of labyrinth, but they have plenty of signs to guide you.

Their cocktails are fantastic - I had a seasonal one called “oh my heart” which was my favourite and another bourbon-based one from their regular menu which I liked as well. The cocktails were well-made with great egg white foam and quality-tasting ingredients. Also, their Parmesan potato wedges were pretty delicious. Service was great! I would definitely return.

Went there on a Thursday night after work and it was very quiet. Nice decor and friendly staff. I would describe it as more of a cocktail place than a wine bar. Sat at the bar and saw some finely crafter cocktails come off. Did a couple of wine flights and they were decent and fairly priced. Food menu is quite limited, but what they do serve appeared well done.

We saw online that they had some nice non-alcoholic beverages which is great because I'm pregnant and wanted to feel included in "cocktail" hopping. Ordered one and was told they don't have non-alcoholic drinks at all - wasn't given any other options or possible modifications. Very confused. We ended up just immediately leaving and feeling very disappointed.

Cozy spot for drinks, great atmosphere for a date. A few small 2-4person tables and plenty of seats at the bar. Excellent selections of wine and liquor AND they even had Ron Zacapa 23, Guatemalan rum that drinks like a bourbon . Nice cocktail list and the best service. The sign out front said happy hour from 2-5pm, we’ll be back for that another day

Nice spot for a date, or some casual drinks. Went for happy hour and ordered two gin drinks Mango tango (Hendricks gin) and a Gin Gin Donkey (Ginger and gin based drink). Both were delicious, recommend trying if you like Gin. Had a flight of red wine, and all of them were great. Also, had a few appetizers, they were ok but wouldn't come back for those.

On our initial visit to UVA, we were truly impressed by the outstanding service and delightful ambiance. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Nikita for creating cocktails that were the most exceptional we've ever had in our lives.
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Cocktil

Like other reviewers the drinks were good (white wine flight) but the service was very slow and inattentive. There were no more than 5 tables at a time while we were there with two full time servers plus two popping in from the restaurant next door. I only mention that because one of the next door staff did check in on us once and refill our water.

We stopped in for drinks as we heard that this place was very interesting. My cocktail was a Frosty Espresso Martini with of all things, shaved parmesan cheese. It was really delicious. Other drink was a wonderful New York Sour. Great dark atmosphere in the bar.
Price per person
$30–40
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great Little restaurant across from the Orpheum. Hadn't been back since the winter before COVID and it hasn't lost any of its charms. The service remains great and personal; server is personable and informative; food is very good with a responsive kitchen; and the wine list is delightful. It very nicely completed our evening out.

We really liked the cocktails here but the charcuterie board was not amazing for the $22 ( $11 /person) we will definitely be back for that espresso martini. They have a very extensive list of drinks available if there is a brand you are looking to try in almost any type of liquor, they may have it.

Noah and Steven took good care of us. We asked if we could go “off menu” and they were more than happy to find something for us. Try the Watermelon Sugar High, that was the highlight of the night. Excellent service all around and not pretentious! Priced right considering the downtown location!

I love this Yaletown spot and go at least once a trip. Kitchen is the same as Cibo so food is very good. My only negative was the current waiter-rude, abrupt, arrogant. Took my drink away before I had finished! He’s not ready for public exposure. Sit at the bar- the bartender is great.

Great tasting cocktails and appy's in an interesting building. One word to the wise: it's a dark ambiance inside and it may look closed from the outside. Check the hours or the door, they may be open! And it is worth checking out.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Stumbled in here for afternoon happy hour last weekend and we'll be back for sure. Not sure the last time we left somewhere a little buzzed for only $40, it was fabulous. Very cozy and quaint at that time of day watching traffic go by. Probably has a totally different vibe at night.

Nice bar. We got there around 10 pm. an hour before they close. The bartender was very cool, I had 2 espresso Martini, and then later, he asked me how I was going to sleep :) I told him I am on vacation and don't need to sleep.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Cocktails were great but service was super slow. We found ourselves with empty drinks often, awkwardly trying to get the staffs attention. We ordered 2 mains but only 1 came. Had to stop at the grocery store on the way home. Definitely not what I had in mind for a date night.

Came in on a not so busy night. Sat for 35 min with no service. We ended up leaving to get service somewhere else. The server that sat us was very unfriendly. Until they hire better staff. I would not recommend this place.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 2

Great Cocktails but buddy with the ponytail and tattoos, needs to learn how to be a server. Approaches the table “what do you want” and I’m not exaggerating. Kind of turned us off…
Price per person
$50–60
Food: 5
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5

Amazing cocktails selection, great music. Went there after an amazing concert next door… got two seats at the bar. Had no idea how good of a host bar tender George would be. Should you ? Yes. As simple as that.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I sat at the bar for an hour or two in front of George and Bronagh, they recommended extremely tasty cocktails and they were both well educated around ingredients in each of the cocktails that they had made for me.
Price per person
$40–50
Service: 5

Every time I’m here it’s always great. The cocktails and staff are really what makes the experience an easy 5/5 not to mention the atmosphere. Always get great service and an all around good vibe that the bartenders create making it an awesome spot to go to.

Very upscale cocktail bar. Sat at a high table as lighting was low enough that one could not see where other bar seating may have been available. But service was efficient snd the cocktail chosen - Pink Sour - was frothy smooth and absolutely delectable!

Great for wine and intimate ambiance. Not so much for food or cocktails though. I went with a group and it was very hit-or-miss.
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 2
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Flight

Nikita’s style as a bartender was impressive as was his confidence to serve based on flavour complexities. He WILL tell you what is good and does not hold back I love it. My “Ukrainian brother” much respect for this man and his trade!

Great service and vibes here; had the white wine flight and shared with a friend. The fried artichokes are nice as well. The blasted church is a local oaked white which is a little heavy handed on the oak but still well integrated and nice imo

Almost a five. The drinks and food here are phenomenal, if you catch them in the right moment. The reason for the four star rating is that occasionally you'll catch them at an awkward time and service will be exceptionally slow. Both drinks

We went for a glass of wine. They have a very good selection and decent prices. The server was friendly and made us feel welcome & relaxed right away. The seating is very comfortable. I will definitely pop in here for happy hour when I am

It’s one of those rare places in vancouver that closes past 1pm which great especially on a weekday and there’s an occasional. Good place to chat and have a drink, no eatery at all. Good collection of cocktails and drinks, on the high end

Will not be back. The bartenders were super busy socializing with each other and not tending to customers. Super long wait for service and t food to. The appetizers arrived cold, portion was small and not worth the price. The drinks were

It’s a good cocktail bar, but I think a little too hyped up for what it is. The bathrooms were cool though. They did make great cocktails but kinda pricy and I’d say better options elsewhere. If you boujee then you would like this place.

Good bar and ambiance, the crowd is usually varied and interesting. They have live music sometimes and the jazz keyboardist guy they have performing sometimes is amazing. I've only had dinner twice, once in their private room which was

Fantastic little cocktail lounge downtown on the corner of Seymour and Smythe. Great staff, very tasty cocktails. These people know what they're doing! There a week ago Wednesday.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Cocktails here are one of a kind with a very large selection of liquor! Bartenders are very skilled and service oriented. This place has nice ambiance with music on low volume and dimmed lights. Great place to have a convo.

Intimate place that almost solely focuses on drinks, and features a massive wall full of choice liquors. Not many tables, but the bar is roomy. Staff were very nice - they even waved and said goodbye as we left.

Excellent, not overly busy, wonderful atmosphere, awesome playlist and superb cocktails and food - highly recommended.
Price per person
$90–100
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

I visited this place for breakfast this morning and it was an amazing experience thanks to olesya she was very friendly i would love to visit again.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Here for happy hour. Had the personal pizza enough for two people and the salt and pepper wings. Food was delicious.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5

Uva is such an awesome cozy spot for amazing cocktails, always a stop on my night outs. George, one of the main bartenders, is an absolute gem whose smile and good vibes are infectious. …

Very slow service. The ambience is very nice and dark and cozy. The kitchen had closed before we could order food. The drinks were very well crafted but definetely on the stronger side.

The ambiance is great. I would take someone in a date here but unfortunately not for the wine. A place that praise to be a wine bar should pay more attention to their wine temperature.

I came here on thanksgiving weekend and the service was unreal! Not to mention the Espresso flight we ordered, their cocktails are carefully crafted and I 100% recommend ordering this.

Amazing drinks fast and efficient service! It really adds that the bartenders really look like they’re having a good time being there and working hard! Fantastic atmosphere good vibes

Cocktails were carefully concocted and the dark/dim atmosphere made for a cozy and romantic feel, perfect for date night! The staff was quite attentive as well. Highly recommend!

Food and cocktails are awesome! But the time we went was empty.The vibes will be better if there’s more customers. -pomelo $16 -Pink sour $16 -Ravioli $21

Their Happy Hour personal pizza is one of the tastiest I have ever eaten! Friendly professional staff. I'll be back!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

awesome start of my Pride Week Had Manhattan by a coolest French Bartender Luke and had superb Tuna Crudo on the thinnest crispy Baguette. Excellent! Highly Recommend

Really nice place with great service. I think i would have enjoyed it more at night as I’m sure the atmosphere changes a bit. Drinks were good, nicely decorated.

Outstanding service! The Bolognese was absolutely delicious!! The staff were so nice and knowledgeable! They knew the menu inside and out. Super entertaining!

Amazing cocktails, amazing staff. The girl was great and killed it behind the bar. One of the best cocktail experiences we've had so far in Vancouver.

Really enjoyed the food and cocktails, and the service was also great. Will definitely be back.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Cocktails and service were excellent before the symphony. Will be back!!
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Cocktil

Great wine. Didn't try the food after noticing there were TWO items on the menu that started with "grilled baby." Probably still tasty though.

Very nice place. Relaxed, casual, romantic atmosphere. We had been here before for Martini's. I had the Irish cream one which was great.

Loved this place! My wife and I went in and got served some VERY unique and delicious cocktail (and mocktails). Will be back for more!

Try the Moscow Mule. So delicious.
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Very friendly and attentive service. Made a great Vesper martini.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Best cocktail bar in the city. Both bartenders are phenomenal
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The wine and cocktails are great, but check out the excellent food. I had the octopus, it was tender and tasty.

Overpriced wine and mediocre service. Looks way better in the photos, in person not so good

Amazing cocktails and great food, this little gem is a definite go to in downtown Van.

Love the atmosphere- great cocktail options !
Atmosphere: 5