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Railway Club
Categories: Nightlife Bars Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Bars, Music Venues [Edit]
579 Dunsmuir StVancouver, BC V6B 1Y4
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(604) 681-1625
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 12 pm - 2 am
Fri 12 pm - 3 am
Sat 2 pm - 3 am
Sun 4 pm - 12 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
36 reviews for Railway Club
Review Highlights
"Many local bands are featured here."
(in 3 reviews)
"...may have found my after work pub within stumbling distance."
(in 7 reviews)
"...miniature train running around the ceiling reminded me of a..."
(in 3 reviews)
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36 reviews in English
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Review from A K.
Vancouver, BC
1/7/2012
The Railway Club is the bomb. It sort of feels like a secret clubhouse and seems to have a cult following due to its refreshingly unpretentious clientele and lack of street-level advertising. There is music going on here just about all the time, and they do serve decent bar food, but it's certainly nothing special.
The staff are friendly and laid-back, and the atmosphere is totally relaxed. If you get tired of jockeying for position at the new hotspot, and don't want to go for $2 pints at a scary DTES dive bar, go to the Railway Club. -
Review from Brian G.
9/19/2011
The Railway Club is fun!
Located above a convenience store, this hidden gem has reasonable drinks, live music for a modest cover charge, a section to play darts and plenty of table space. While you are hanging out with your friends and slowly getting drunk, you will be amused by the little train that circles the club on a track above your head.
The only down sides are that the restrooms are not well marked and hard to find (sober or drunk) and that the place felt rather muggy. Be sure to grab a table near the windows to avoid this issue. -
Review from Patrick Q.
Vancouver, BC
1/25/2012
While i applaud TRC's fostering of local live music, something is not quite right anymore. Was there on a Thurs evening, 'bout 8, and the rear was packed. The bartender (lady) had a bit of an attitude when asking about drinks, (there was no line up behind me) a bit soup nazi-ish. Our server was fine and apologized for mistakes with the order and not having what was initially asked for, no problem. What got me was the attitude of the bartender and the 20% tip selection that came up on the debit machine. Come on RC, youre not the Pan Pacific here and for a self serve pub, that's a bit of a laugh. Just seems they are catering to a more yuppie crowd now.
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Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Railway Club is fabulous.
They have great live music throughout the week, decent beer on tap and in bottles, great space to hang and chat as well as a good venue to actually watch the music from.
My understanding too is that if you are a member and want to come in for lunch you can, they do have okay food, or so I'm told.
All in all it's a Vancouver institution and I'm a fan. -
Review from Stephanie M.
Vancouver, BC
5/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Very cool and completely unpretentious hangout right in my 'hood. The no-nonsence menu and reasonably-priced drinks definitely worked for me, particularly after a long work week. I couldn't have the sandwiches or burgers that were part of the fundraiser I was attending, so I ordered the chilli (with corn tortilla chips instead of bread). It came with a nice big salad tossed with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. The chilli itself was piping hot and very tasty. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is super chill (including lots of random art on the wall and a model train circling the ceiling in the main room). The prices are a bit lower than the typical bar in the neighbourhood, which is also a plus.
They did a great job hosting an awesome fundraiser and I'll definitely be back! -
Review from Kat S.
1/30/2011 ROTD 6/16/2011
The Railway Club is my happy place. It's always a great time. There's no pretentiousness to the place. They have a great beer selection with real 20 oz pints. Their staff are friendly and clearly love their jobs. The other patrons are also some of the friendliest and nicest bunch of people in a bar. And, they have a train that runs around the bar on a suspended track non-stop. How could you ask for more?
The Railway has long been supporting up and coming musicians and they have a pretty decent sound system despite their small size. It's hard to get a spot close to the stage to see the band, but there is a tv in the back to watch the stage, if you like. I only wish they would turn off their old radiators because it gets smokin' hot in there.
The food is pretty decent, too. The cajun fries are massive and only $5. Try them. Real wedges of potato. Yum.
If the Railway ever shuts down I am leaving Vancouver.Listed in: Rockstar Of The Day
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Review from Gina I.
11/27/2010 ROTD 1/19/2011
If you want an unpretentious place to come and drink, the Railway is it. I haven't been here for years (I was underage people!) and I was pleasantly surprised.
The food is your standard fare of burgers and such, but I had the reuben and it was actually pretty decent. The fries were not as hot as they could have been, but they were alright.
The beer is decently priced as well.. and I like the self serve they have going on! I think it makes things a bit easier.
The crowd was a total mix of people which made me feel really comfortable. A great place to come and have a few beers with friends. Yay! -
Review from Calex P.
Vancouver, BC
5/12/2011
My visiting father suggested we play some darts and he recommended the Railway Club as a place he used to do so with his friends in the 70's.
Really enjoyed the lay out with the live music at one end and the darts on the other. Friendly service from the staff and reasonably priced beer.
While the Railway probably deserves 5 stars, I've got to knock it down one for the local cockroach that made an appearance.
We will be moving to the area soon and I may have found my after work pub within stumbling distance. -
Review from Kirsten S.
Vancouver, BC
12/27/2010
I think of the Railway as the closest genuine Canadian equivalent to the British pub. I mean, there are lots of "pubs" in Canada, sure, but they usually plaster the walls with English or Irish stuff and pretend to be something they're not. The Railway really feels like an unpretentious "local" - a place that you can just wander into, day or night, feel at home and be among friends.
There's always good music, both touring and local artists. If you want to hear the bands, you can squeeze in up front; if you're just there to chat, you can hide out in the back where it's quiet.
The bar staff are wonderful people. The food is alright, but the beer is better. There's a few quirks, of course - the layout is strange and that bottleneck by the bar can get hectic at peak times - but that's part of the Rail's charm, and I hope they never change it. Just go with it, and enjoy. -
Review from Kimberley B.
Vancouver, BC
9/7/2010
While I can't speak to any other nights of the week, Monday's are AMAZING! There is an actual, real life sing a long complete with song books and a full (well depending on who is in town etc) band.
The atmosphere was incredible with people there strictly to have a good time and the little miniature train running around the ceiling reminded me of a grown up Thomas the Tank Engine (a definite "pro"). Tons of beers to choose from and the prices were very reasonable.
I've never seen so many people of so many varied walks of life and ages sing with such reckless abandon and (in my case at least) little concern for staying on key.
I'm delighted that this sort of thing exists in Vancouver and wish I'd known about it sooner. The singalong happens every Monday, be there by 9! -
Review from Cyndi H.
Vancouver, BC
10/26/2010
Saw James Lamb perform here live and feel in love with both his music and the venue! So cozy--not quite divy but not trying hard to impress either. The crowd is so great. Just chill people looking to let loose.
The bar is located upstairs above street level and has a long multi room-like layout. The long corridor of the bar can make it difficult to get from one end to another (depending on how busy it is) but makes the space dynamic and interesting. The Railway club attracts great local bands and great patrons. Plaid shirts are a bonus here but not required, hehe.Listed in: Hipster Hangouts
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Review from Jasmine O.
Vancouver, BC
1/26/2010 ROTD 8/17/2010
Went there last night for a beer, it was quiet and dimly lit. Really relaxing atmosphere. Very lounge-y.
I was really hungry so when I asked if the kitchen was open I got a very friendly and suprising answer: The bartender said I could order food from somewhere else and get it delivered there. Wow! that is so neat, especially in vancouver!!! Anyway, we actually just had our drinks and then went to another bar to watch the hockey game and get food... After the game we returned...
There was a cover charge at this point ($7) for the 3 live acts performing that night. The service was good and a different bartender than earlier was very friendly as well.
(Not your usual bar staff either. There are real people working here! No fake boobs and tans. A real people place for real people.)Listed in: Drink it up
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Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
8/27/2008
The Railway is one of Vancouver's last, true come-as-you-are nightspots. You see a real variety of people at this place, from downtown hipsters to beautiful people, to guys just having a pint and some conversation. You can wear jeans, a feather boa, or an ironic T-shirt - all are welcome here.
Beer is the drink of choice here - I love a pint of Grasshopper from Big Rock. Daily beer specials are ridiculously cheap - something like $4.75 for a domestic brew.
Live bands play almost every night. The line-up is eclectic but they tend to be rockabilly, roots rock, and just rock! It;s a good place to see local bands - even though the dance floor is tiny, and the seating area with the best views isn't all that much bigger. The bar also sees few literary nights a month, including the Teen Angst Poetry nights and other readings hosted by local lit mags. Don't worry - even then, there's a band in the mix somewhere.
It's also located just across from the SkyTrain for handy escapes. Try the hot peanuts for the burst of energy you'll need to flee awkward pick-ups in the pass way. Good times! -
Review from Christie S.
Vancouver, BC
1/4/2010 ROTD 3/30/2010
If you find it tough to find good live music venues in Vancouver, the Railway Club will delight you. The cover charges are always reasonable ($25 per person on New Years Eve!) and so are the drinks. You could hear virtually any kind of music here: ska, punk, rock, folk, etc. Many local bands are featured here.
The crowd is pleasingly laid-back, and there is absolutely no "attitude" at all. Wear whatever you like, no one will care. You're all there for the music! -
Review from Carl Dietrich F.
Vancouver, BC
4/23/2009
A Vancouver institution and probably the best bar in the city. A relaxed atmosphere with a healthy compliment of regulars, visitors, scenesters and anyone else. With music 7 nights a week The Railway has something for everyone. The bar staff can't be beat for friendliness, competence and service and say hey to Stan the doorman (recognized for his awesomeness by Rolling Stone). The Railway serves some delicious and sometimes innovative pub fair and features a fantastic tap selection of mostly local brews served in real 20oz pint glasses (try the Railway exclusive Boxcar Bitter by Phillips).
Be sure to come by on the last Monday of every month for the Deet Street new and emerging artist showcase hosted by yours truly.
The Railway is a must for all locals and visitors to Van-City. -
Review from Amanda W.
Vancouver, BC
2/22/2010
This bar was my saviour on an Olympic Saturday night! With 3 American guests to entertain my roommate and I were at a loss when deciding where to take them that is cheap, no line-up and most of all FUN!
After wandering around Vancouver giving out "free high-fives" we could not find anywhere that would suite our 3 basic needs. Seriously, it is an Olympic event in itself just finding somewhere to party on an Olympic Saturday night! Luckily we stumbled upon the Railway Club. I think the very fact that it is upstairs and fairly non-descript meant that there was no line-up and had cheap cover ($10)...what they didnt' inflate their prices for the Olympics? SCORE!
Railway club was awesome...ended up getting fairly busy through the night, there was a live band, the bartender was quick and fun and we ended up having a rockin' Saturday night! -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
11/13/2008
I heart the Railway. After checking out their website, I was afraid it'd be a member's-only, clique-y affair, but on my very first visit to see Jim Guthrie live, I met a pal who would turn out to be one of my closest friends.
And I know it's not hard to bump into people in Vancouver, but this is one of those spots where I consistently run into folks from different friend groups. I miss that a lot about my ol' stompin' grounds; thanks for being one of those vehicles, Railway! I CHOO-CHOO-CHOOSE YOU.
The place brings people together, the local live music programming is great -- more on the folky poppy side of things -- and the monthly Hard Rock Miners' singalong encapsulates its spirit, with a bunch of sweaty people crammed into a bar singing Johnny Cash and Beastie Boys alongside a punchy live band. -
Review from Sheila W.
BC
11/21/2008
This live music venue has been a Vancouver institution for decades. It's loud and there's a cover charge that varies depending on the event. It's all about the music at this place. Depending on the lineup, you might hear rock, punk, swing or jazz on stage. I went to see a couple rock bands play and they all had fairly long sets, so it was a bonus that they were playing great music.
It's a very intimate setting, and you can get to know new people pretty quickly when it's a busy night cause there's not much room to move. The crowd is so mixed that anyone can fit in here. There's a chill lounge in the back for those who prefer to chat and have music as the background. -
Review from Louise G.
**Three and a Half Stars**
Decent self-serve bar & pub dining experience. Service is relaxed but friendly.
Arrived early enough to grab some space last night to watch another great set of readings this time by One Cool Word Magazine and the Memewar Arts & Publishing Society.
They have a great burger & beer special for $10.00. (Pictured) Two of us had this. Daughter had the chicken & provolone burger with wedge fries. Fries a tad bit underdone. Both chicken & beef served on a lovely Portuguese bun (perhaps from our favourite Calabria Bakery we wondered... http://www.yelp.ca/biz...).
Placed filled up a bit at the start of the readings, including one eager arse who practically sat ON my daughter, which made us uncomfortable. Way to posture like an ape in front of your new girlfriend, Bozzo... hope she realizes what a goon you are.
But we don't hold it against the establishment if one or two of its patrons are as Jenni O would say "Eedjiots". We are perfectly willing to give it another go on another night, in fact we look forward to it. Next time we'll bring bigger elbows.
Their debit machine was down last night...or maybe they never have one. Not completely sure. Either way...to be safe, bring alternate source of funds. Credit card requires ID & minimum purchase.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/17/2010
Visited this well-known Vancouver pub last night to listen to some poetry. They are a long time… Read more »
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Review from Lee N.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 10/29/2010
Indie band heaven, if you haven't been out supporting your local music scene lately shame on you, get your butt down to the Railway for one of their new band show cases. People you can just be cool talking about the new bands in town you have to go out and see them. Rant over.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/2/2009
The best live music venue with a great ambience. Lots of bands have played their first time in… Read more »
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Review from Megan S.
1/1/2009
The Railway Club is a great place for live local music. I went on a night of punk/ska bands and saw a crowd vaguely similar to what you'd get at the Media Club. The people here are cool and conversational. You can easily start talking to the person next to you.
I like the layout of the place. Choose your place based on your priority: drinks and conversation or music. The drink prices are typical.
Come on by and check out a show. -
Review from Gabriel C.
Vancouver, BC
4/20/2011
Love the Railway Club. Extremely interesting layout for a bar. Like a labyrinth, different warrens aplenty. Mini train zooming around up near the ceiling. Has a dripping with history feel.They regularly have fantastic bands of every stripe. Service is friendly enough, with the slight exception of door staff. Highly recommend.
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Review from kay s.
Vancouver, BC
9/15/2010
Happened to stop by this place around 9pm on a weekday with some international friends and was shocked by the condescending attitude of the bald doorman (Is this the famous Stan? I hope not!) Just looking for a decent place with good beer, but was with people who were on a budget, so we didn't want to go somewhere that had a cover.
I asked the doorman if they had a cover and he said "Well, we have covers EVERY day because we have LIVE bands SEVEN days a week." Out of curiosity I said, "Cool, who's playing tonight?" This seemed to really annoy him because instead of just giving a simple, helpful answer, the doorman talked to me like I was a 6 year old special needs child who didn't understand English: "Well...did you see the maaaaany posters on the walls on your way up here? Ohhhhh LOOK! We also have some heeeeerrre toooo."
For a bar that seems in other reviews to be admired for its friendliness, this definitely was NOT the vibe that I felt and we promptly left. Maybe I caught the doorman on a really BAD day? Maybe he only likes locals? I've been there after work with coworkers before the live music started and the bar staff were really friendly, so this occasion was strange and unexpected to say the least.
What that night did make me realize is that Vancouver needs more good live music venues-- and it seems like this one's becoming too proud of itself for its own good. -
Review from K S.
8/31/2011
Love the railway club! They have some interesting brewskies on tap and an interesting space. Cover charges can be annoyingly high though. Try to get there before they start charging it.
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Review from Kay C.
Vancouver, BC
11/15/2010
The food is good, and reasonably priced. The atmosphere is really friendly and fun, and if you sit in the back you can enjoy the music and watch the hockey at the same time.
Great for a chill evening. -
Review from Darien C.
BC
12/12/2008
As an irrepressible fan of the live venue, Railway Club is the perfect place for casual drinks. Hardly drawing in the big names like Commodore or Richards, Railway is instead privy to the unknown local acts.
In spite of this, there are rare treats to be had here. The club tends to have a band playing at least a few nights of the week. Like me you've probably heard of few of them. Still there is no way to become initiated into new music like seeing them live.
With low cover and cheap drinks, Railway is a great place to soak up local sounds like soaking in local suds. -
Review from Luisa D.
6/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
It's been far too long since I've hung out at this club! Last night some friends' bands were playing. The only downside to this place is that it's very small in the front room for band viewing. Regardless people pack in and around the tables, bar and dancefloor and make the most of it. If you do want to take a break from the live music you can head further back to more tables that even tuck around a corner. Tall cans of Strongbow are only $7.50 and you get a nice sleeve of ice with a lime wedge. That made the hubby smile. The staff are all super friendly too. One of the three women's stall was out of order but hopefully they'll get that sorted out asap. I'll look into that the next time I'm there which will be sooner than later.
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Review from Dani B.
4/23/2009
This is one of my favorite bars in Van, and its also one of my favorite places to see live music.
The best time to see great live music is the last Monday of every month, an awesome up and coming music promoter Dieter (aka Deet Street) puts together a diverse array of music that satisfies the soul every month I go. Also, he's really easy on the eyes (and super friendly too) which adds to the awesomeness of this bar.
The staff has a no BS attitude which I greatly appreciate and their beers on tap are not bad either. They actually serve real pints for reasonable prices and their antique run decor makes you feel like you've been transported to a different era.
It's one of Vancouver's oldest bars and many young muscians have gotten their start here. Notable performers include Louis Armstrong and the Be-Good Tanyas just to name a few.
This is one of the last dives in the city, and its history alone keeps this place close to my musical heart. -
Review from Catherine W.
New Westminster, BC
4/25/2010
I had such a great time here. Live music, relaxed atmosphere and great drinks!
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Review from Brynn T.
1/17/2010
cute little place with a really great sound system, nice and loud, but that's where the good stuff ends... the place had a really annoying setup to watch the live music performances. i really hated all the tables scattered about. there was plenty of room to stand up front, but one felt like a bit of a jerk doing this because it would block the view of people sitting at the tables. so a ton of space went to waste while the back bar was mad crowded. my suggestions: move all the tables up to the front of the room (if they must be there at all; i hate sitting at a concert) to leave more standing room at the back. and give the door-holding bum out front the polite brush-off. man, they are f'in annoying and aggressive in this town!
i was gonna give two stars, but i'll up it to three for a friendly bar staff and some good wines. i didn't try the food. -
Review from Ian B.
Vancouver, BC
4/25/2010
I go to the Railway Club once or twice per month for Skeptics in the Pub in the backroom. The beer is not really cheap (specials are $5.40 per glass) and I saw a mouse scurrying in the back at one point. The $10 burger and beer deal on Tuesdays is good though.
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Review from Karen R.
2:30pm on a Tuesday my boyfriend and I being in the area, stopped in for his favourite draft "backhand of god"-the dark spicy dessert of beers!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/10/2010
Gotta say I am so not impressed by the staff of this establishment. I arrived to meet a friend whose… Read more »
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Review from Luke L.
Vancouver, BC
3/2/2011
i've been slinking in here for 15 years now, and while my needs have changed, this place hasn't, but somehow i always get my needs met. hang out with washed-up musicians as they wait to die, get smashed drunk on 20oz pints from their considerable beer selection, listen to live music anywhere from awful-to-amazing depending on your luck that night, go "number three" in the bathroom, and wake up next to a random girl the next morning anywhere from awful-to-amazing depending on your luck that night. i admit i don't go much anymore, mostly because i'm older and so i try not to get messy, and the railway is a place where everybody seems to get messy, but it'll always hold a lot of memories.
Listed in: drink
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Review from J B.
1/22/2011
There's a train that drives around the ceiling of the place. How cool is that?!? It's on the second floor of a retail building which makes for good windows and people watching while enjoying a pint or two. friendly staff. looks like they attract pretty good live bands as well.
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Review from Alex M.
Waterloo, ON
9/16/2009
Awesome Pub! Very laidback atmosphere (serve yourself) and an awesome setup (the bar snakes around so there are a few distinct sections for live music and sitting) Although the entrance might seem a little daunting its definitely a place worth wandering into.
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Review from Janine L.
Vancouver, BC
4/18/2009
I came here for a birthday party hangout after dinner. It was really cool. The place was really big. We all hung out at the very very end of the bar where there is a dart board and a bar at the back where it's not so busy. There were three bands playing the night we were there, so when you feel like joining the crowd and cheering for the band instead of sitting around drinking beer with your friends, just head out to the other side of the club where the stage is. It's a fun place to hang out with friends...definitely cool.
