Summer Arts Guide: Vancouver stage artists reveal their favourite pre- and post-show patio spots
Whether you’re looking for a quick drink and snack, conversation, reflection, or people-watching, these airy meeting places hit their marks
Alimentaria Mexicana; Ashlie Corcoran
JUNE GOT OFF to a rainy start, but patio season will quickly be in full swing in Vancouver.
If you’re looking for a sunny space to yap with your friends before and after performances this summer (because, let’s face it, that’s a big part of the fun of getting out to see live theatre), here’s some help in deciding where to go: we spoke to five directors, actors, and artists who are shaping our city’s stages this summer about their favourite patios.
The Wicklow Pub; Ming Hudson
Ming Hudson
Actor, director. and writer
Patio of choice: The Wicklow Pub
Location: 610 Stamp’s Landing (False Creek)
Go-to order: The Yorkshire Pudding Bowl
If you’re looking for a patio with “one of the best views in Vancouver,” look no further than this spot, says Hudson.
She notes: “It’s the perfect place to grab a pint and a snack if you are biking to or from a summer show down at Bard on the Beach or on Granville Island.”
Ming Hudson makes her Bard on the Beach directorial debut with Antigone this summer.
The Improv Centre Bar and Lounge; Alan Pavlakovik
Alan Pavlakovik
Artistic director, The Improv Centre
Patio of choice: The Improv Centre Bar and Lounge
Location: 1502 Duranleau Street (Granville Island)
Go-to order: A crisp Hazy IPA or Czech Pilsner on tap, paired with a bag of popcorn
Pavlakovik’s pre-show choice is none other than The Improv Centre’s own patio. Tucked in by the Granville Island boardwalk, it offers a front-row seat to the marina. “It’s gorgeously lit and right on the boardwalk, so you can see all of our native wildlife flapping and swimming around, especially as the fishing boats return to dock,” he says.
For a post-show patio moment, Pavlakovik recommends heading over to Davie Street. “From the Fountainhead Pub to Score on Davie, there are great options down that stretch,” he says. “Both give great people-watching opportunities, which always help spark conversations with friends or new inside jokes.”
Havana Vancouver; Kat Reynolds
Kat Reynolds
Actor, director, and writer
Patio of choice: Havana Vancouver
Location: 1212 Commercial Drive
Go-to order: Fried plantain chips
You knew this location was going to be mentioned! Since opening on Commercial Drive in 1996, this patio has been a local favourite.
Reynolds says: “The Havana patio has been a go-to of mine over the years. It’s great for people-watching and taking in all the action on the Drive. It’s also right across the street from Grandview Park, which often has events taking place throughout the summer.”
Catch Kat Reynolds as Deloris in Theatre Under the Stars’ production of Sister Act this summer.
South Granville Plaza West; Christopher Lam
Christopher Lam
Actor and director
Patio of choice: South Granville Plaza West
Location: West 13th Avenue and Granville Street
Go-to order: A latté from a nearby coffee shop
Sometimes the best patio isn’t a bar, but a beautifully designed public space where you can catch your breath. For Lam, this community plaza in South Granville is the perfect escape.
“The architectural structure they built there is really fabulous to just hang with friends, eat your lunch, read a book, or just chat on the phone,” Lam says. “It’s also a really great spot in spring or summer when you are on break from rehearsal around that area. It’s about just slowing down and reflecting.”
This July, Christopher Lam directs A Streetcar Named Desire as part of Ensemble Theatre Company’s summer festival.
The Stable House Bistro; Bar Asra
Ashlie Corcoran
Artistic Director, Arts Club Theatre Company
With massive summer shows hitting the Arts Club stages—including the hit Come From Away with a three-week extension at the Stanley BFL CANADA Stage, and The Play That Goes Wrong hitting the Lindsay Family Stage on Granville Island—Ashlie Corcoran knows exactly where you should head before and after showtime.
If you’re taking in Come From Away at the Stanley:
Patio of choice: Bar Asra
Location: 1480 West 11th Avenue
Go-to order: The hot pepper dirty martini
Patio of choice: The Stable House Bistro
Location: 1520 West 13th Avenue
Go-to order: A charcuterie board paired with a nice glass of wine
And if you’re heading to Granville Island for The Play That Goes Wrong, Corcoran recommends:
Patio of choice: Alimentaria Mexicana
Location: 1596 Johnston Street
Go-to order: Their main selection of tacos
Patio of choice: The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant
Location: 1535 Johnston Street
Go-to order: Fresh seafood (any of it!)
“There’s a spectrum of fanciness—Sandbar is probably the fanciest—but they all feel quite ‘West Coast casual’. However you are dressed, whether you’re suited up for the theatre or completely casual, you fit in,” Corcoran says. “Most importantly, you can actually hear people talk. I like being able to really converse with the friends I’m meeting.” 
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