West Hotel & Bar

The West has sweet regulars, and a fun little karaoke stage with a handful of drunken dancers and Gord, the best host in the city. You'll hear some great stories about the downtown eastside from the regulars and maybe even score some homemade bread. The place is mostly a peaceful affair even with the dark dingy dive atmosphere. I would recommend the paralyzers and the bottles, and they're usually on special for way too little money. The lucky lager on tap isn't terrible. My only warning is that sometimes it smells a little off near the back, and wait your turn at the pool table!

I like the West alot. I know the people there, I appreciate the drink prices, and it's open late. The atmosphere when there's a game is contagious and it makes you want to stay.

If you're a somewhat accomplished young man looking to find wifey... this is not the safest bet. BUT.. if you want to down a few cheap drinks and make out with a chick that could beat you in an arm wrestle.. this is it.

We had to wait an hour and a half to get a table but it was worth it. Excellent wait staff, top notch ambience.

Makes the Star Wars Cantina look like a J Crew catalog. Toothless hookers, strung out tweakers, people who like to yell, uncomfortable bathroom situations...be sure to spend some time observing the folks at Pigeon Park a block down. I won't forget the scene when a bag of oranges was spilled by a passer by.