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The Roxy
Categories: Nightlife Bars Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Bars, Music Venues [Edit]
932 Granville StreetVancouver, BC V6Z 1L2
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Granville Entertainment District
(604) 331-7999
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 pm - 3 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
34 reviews for The Roxy
Review Highlights
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"they had a live band that played all the classics." In 7 reviews -
"The dance floor is small and intimate and always packed so..." In 5 reviews -
"...time dancing and singing along to some classic cover songs." In 4 reviews
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34 reviews in English
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Review from Christine Y.
3/22/2012
Hahahahaha - when everyone who knows you says that you should probably check it out, you know it'll be an interesting night... and luckily I live in Los Angeles now, which means douchey meat market bars feel just like home.
Long story short - woke up hurting the next morning with fake tattoos on my boobs and very little recollection of the night... But here are the salient points - cover sucks, but as girls, we had no trouble getting round after round bought for us, so ultimately not an expensive night. We drank, we danced, we got phone numbers... definitely not the kind of place you want to go for a quiet night, and it wouldn't be very fun if you aren't single, but a great go-to place to get hammered and meet people. We'll be back sooner or later!
Bonus - great temperature inside - didn't get too hot or sweaty, even while drunk and dancing, which is definitely a plus. -
Review from Sid R.
3/14/2012
It's just the worst place to spend your night at. They are very rude and the bartenders suck!
We went there for my friend's birthday and I the bar was pretty busy, and I was trying to get bartender's attention to buy a drink for my friend, and the bartender came to me and started yelling at me that there are so many people before me (ok, fair enough, but why do you yell?) and then he called me "BITCH"! I could not believe it! cause I wasn't even rude or drunk or anything... I told the manager, he was kind enough to buy me a drink but he was basically laughing! I do not understand this people, if you are not prepared to service a busy bar, why do you even work, and call your costumer a bitch??? it is just so disrespectful and unacceptable. I mean can you believe it?
And it is not only this bartender, the other ones were very rude too. I saw them giving free drinks to girls, but when i asked for special drink (not even free) for my friend, who is a guy, they yelled back no FREE drinks! WTH!
I would never recommend going to this place... we should show them that costumer service and giving a good experience should be their priority! -
Review from Annie W.
1/9/2012
With their $7 cover, loud canthearthewords music, super wasted and scruffy/skanky mostly white crowd - The Roxy is a dirty, grungy, TPT paradise.
But it's fun - surprisingly, A LOT of fun. The key I believe is to be very, very drunk.
With my group, there's never a plan to come to The Roxy. It's where we end up. We usually start off at nicer establishments, knock back many a drink, and on the nights that we can realllllyyy feel the drunk kicking in - we head here. Being wasted in a nice establishment is no good, but at The Roxy it is simply a means to some very good times.
Come with very low expectations and a dozen or so shots in your belly for the best chance at having yourself a messy, but very fun night. -
Review from Brittany W.
North Vancouver, BC
Updated - 12/4/2011
Same story for years, but apparently it works. Packed wall-to-wall with Caucasians, of the Canuck fan variety and with a good lookin' mix of peeps, this place continues its legacy as the busiest bar along the Strip.
It's all about its rep and the crowd here. Otherwise, I don't get the appeal. It smells BAD. It's got that sweaty feeling. It's super run-down. Service is meh. Washrooms are meh. Music is a live band alternated with top 40, and the live music is good, but the band plays the same music every week (classic hits over the decade that everyone knows). The experience has been the exact same each time I've come for the past 3 years, and I've come a lot. I've never been a fan, but my North Van friends always tend to migrate to The Roxy... sigh ... but I will give it to them. They do have a good system in place. And if this is your scene, you will have a wicked time.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/12/2010
Live music. A fun-loving crowd. A packed nightclub with a pub-type feel.
If this appeals to you,… Read more »
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Review from Amanda L.
12/21/2011
I went here for my birthday party on a Saturday night having never been there and was surprised at how not horrible it was.
The inside is nothing like I expected and I kinda like it in there, the music was good, unusual that they play pop music while the "rock" band rests but I like both and don't really care what's playing once I am liquored.
What I don't like is you have to be there oddly early to get in without a really long wait. -
Review from Bootz B.
11/3/2011
This podunk place was more hyped up to me than Halle Berry's nude scene in Swordfish - i.e. I would have been better off staying home and whacking it to KCal 9's weather girl.
It's a bar, ok... A bar with a 5 dollar cover and a shitty cowboy band? Umm.... This type of shit gets people off in Canada? Still, I am a simple guy; when forced into a shitty situation I can usually drink my way out of it. But wow.... wow.... A Jameson on the rocks at full price is a perfectly poured one ounce shot of whiskey over ice? So to then get a normal American pour I have to ask for a triple at 15 dollars? Luckily they have free health care here because if I had to pay those prices on a regular basis you better be damn sure that the morphine drip is free when I fake a hemorrhage.
Oh yeah, later in the night all the chicks freaked out because some scrub 4th liner from the Canucks showed up. To my fellow Americans, picture Adam Morrison of the Lakers showing up to a bar and the people there actually giving a shit, let alone having him sign a titty. I'll pass on this place next time I'm in Vancouver. -
Review from Katie S.
Vancouver, BC
11/21/2011
Every time I go to the Roxy I seem to end up having a night to remember. The crowd is loads of fun, the drinks aren't too steep, and the music is blasting all night long. It's a bar that knows how to throw a party.
Cover is a little steep and it does get super crowded, and don't get me started on the nasty bathrooms- so if any of those things get your goat, perhaps you should avoid this Vancouver staple.
On the plus side, the bands are great, and country night (Sundays) is always out of this world fun (even my country-music-hating friends have a good time). The bartenders are pretty good too, even if you have to wait a long time to get a drink.
In all, if you're in the mood for a good ol' fashioned party night, then the Roxy will do the trick! -
Review from Siri W.
6/21/2011
Say what you will about the Roxy, it's still one of the least pretentious and most fun clubs in Vancouver.
Granted the crowd has a very odd distribution. There's a lot of barely legals, but also a lot of cougars on the prowl. The band looks like they've seen better days, but always amp up the crowd with some classic rock.
If you like to classic rock, like the feel of a pub as opposed to a slick nightclub, and like to get a little messy in public, this one's for you.
Now the con's: Last time I was here, a bartender was so unbelievably rude, that he made my friend cry. She asked for a glass of water and I kid you not he turned to her and said, "Get the f*** away from my bar or I'll kick you the f*** out of here." I complained to the management but they didn't really seem to care too much. So definite points off there.
Aside from the incredibly rude staff though, this place was a lot of fun and a great place to get a little rowdy on the Granville Strip. Despite the abundance of clubs on the strip - that's a big accomplishment. Props to ya Roxy.Listed in: Oh, Oh the Places I Go
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Review from Steven S.
3/20/2011
Ah The Roxy it may be a Vancouver institution but so is the corner of Hastings & Main. A place that defies time and yes taste. But to experience this Land that Taste Forgot you must pay $15 bucks then you can enter the den of 1990 but with 2020 prices!!
You will first notice the smell, it is a mix of Axe body spray, shame and stale overpriced beer. Sure everyone should experience this place once maybe twice depending on your drunkenness and need to possibly catch a STD or maybe Ebola. Can you have fun here sure but should you? -
Review from Erin U.
11/2/2011
The roxy is not my scene at all, i mean at alllllll. Alas about once a year I end up stumbling in here one way or another and I like that there is still live music. Unfortunately its mostly cover songs and overall this place is stinky, overpriced and feels like a gross small town bar gone wild in a city. The staff werent very nice last time I was there either. That said, out of towners seem to love this place!! and its always full of people so thats a bonus if you like crowds or are looking to hook up lol
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Review from Cyndi H.
Vancouver, BC
12/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
The Roxy is a gritty, upbeat joint on the Granville strip. Every Vancouverite (yes, even you grandma...ok, maybe not) has been here at one time or another whether they like it or not. Helllooo stagette parties!
What I like about the Roxy: there's no need to dance like usher, dress like Spears or be surrounded by 19 year olds. Hip hip hooray!
Though I'm no barstar, I appreciate the live cover bands, casual vibe and diverse crowd. When you're with a gaggle of girls It's not hard to be invited onstage (maids of honour, take note) or to meet local sports celebs. -
Review from Tabatha Anne Y.
Richmond, BC
12/27/2010
I came here with a large group from work as part of our Christmas Party. Well, I guess not PART of...we just didn't want to go home when the official event ended, so we went downtown.
There was a line to get in, even at the ungodly hour of 9 PM (ha!) but we kept ourselves entertained talking to the crazy girls in the line up with us. Once inside we found a table for our group and got a few drinks. There was a cover band as well as a DJ and the music was a mix of 80's, 90's and current top 40. We danced a lot, drank even more and had a pretty good time!
This isn't the type of place I would normally come to, but it's not what was described to me. I was expecting something rowdy and sleazy but it was just a normal place. Probably (I can't really say from experience though) one of the less jackass filled places on Granville? No one was super dressed up and we didn't run into any douche bags.
I'd go again if someone suggested it, but I probably wouldn't bring up the idea myself haha. -
Review from Matt T.
Calgary, AB
12/2/2010
I always have fun at The Roxy so I'm going with 5 stars! Staff are friendly and the red carpet is a sight for sore eyes. The atmosphere is usually very casual and fun with great music to boot.
It's always busy so get there early and enjoy being served booze until 3 am... ya I know... just what we need right! haha Just don't bring your mom and then you can guilt free drink until the wee hours. Problem solved.
It's like the Whiskey-a-go-go in LA... it's a staple that must be visited if you're in town. 17 years of partying hard and it's not showing any signs of slowing down now! -
Review from Lynn H.
Vancouver, BC
8/5/2010
My brother used to come here a lot so I finally took his advice, waited in the consistently long line outside, and took a chance on the Roxy.
Drinks were good and the bar has a relaxed, unconsciously cool vibe that automatically makes you feel at home. I think this is helped by the slightly grungy exterior which seems to repel men with wandering eyes and gropey hands, and women in short black dresses and too much make up. The live band was awesome and my friend and I had a great time dancing and singing along to some classic cover songs. It was one of my "costume nights" but the Roxy clientele base didn't seem to mind that I was decked out in suspenders and some odd assortment of other clothing.
I had a great time that night and return visits have reassured me that the Roxy is a great place to go when there just isn't anywhere else to go. I now consider it the "Cheers" of the downtown Vancouver nightclub scene. -
Review from Dayna B.
Vancouver, BC
8/25/2009
I can't believe I haven't reviewed the Roxy yet.
I'm not sure why but the Roxy appears to be everyone's secret shame. Everyone rants and wails about how they hate the Roxy and swear locusts will have to swarm the city before they ever go there but once you get a beer in them everyone breaks down and admits they love it there.
Well, if they are closeted I'm out living in the sunshine and I'm loving it! I have three words for the Roxy: A. MAY .ZING.
The reason everyone loves it here, and why I love it here, is I'm not sure anyone has EVER had a bad time at the Roxy. But I digress, lets get the worst of it out of the way right now...the line.
The dreaded line. It may as well go all the way across the Granville bridge some nights and I can see the tear rolling down your cheek when it comes into your view. I'd have more sympathy for you but you showed up at 10 and didn't put yourself on the guest lists did you? Sympathy revoked!
The Roxy is the Roxy because there is an amazing mix of everyone from Vancouver in one place, which means that everyone is going there. Which means, unlike the rest of the Vancouver nightlife scene which doesn't get going till at least 11, this is hoping by 9pm. Please pay close attention to that little word there "BY" 9pm. If you're not in line by 9pm or are on the guest list or know someone personally you're done for. Like anywhere else that is a Vancouver institution, its busy and you have to plan ahead.
OK, so you worked it out, you emailed in advance for the guest list (give yourself 3 weeks in advance for Saturdays), you got through the line in an easy 30 minutes or less, you paid your cover, they swiped your ID and you're in!
Success!
There is a coat check in the back but not open until 10pm so don't worry about it. Now drinks are priced the same as any other place in Vancouver so don't act surprised when a beer is $6. But the bartenders are ridiculously friendly and helpful. Don't forget not to get jammed up on the bar at the door either, there are 6 more places to get drinks: To the left of the door is a beer stand, take a heavy right handed U-turn to end up at the other front bar, go straight back to the rear bar, get your beer at coat check, yet another beer stand by the woman's washroom, or find your way into the little extra room in the back to yet another bar. 7 easy ways to get drinks!
Depending on the night and the rotation you'll get one or the other of the house bands. Both of them do cover songs that everybody loves from current tunes to oldies. Between sets the DJ does a great job in keeping everyone lively. The dance floor is small and intimate and always packed so you never feel out of place.
Don't feel like dancing? There are two pool tables, one in the front and one in the back room. There are also some tables and booths along the wall as well as a little lounge area in the back if you want to get out of the middle of things for a little while and chat someone up.
And then above and beyond, the reason this place is amazing, it attracts everyone from celebrities to college kids and everyone in between. No one is too old and no one with a legit ID is too young. No such thing as rich or poor, everyone mingles and plays nice. You're almost guaranteed to meet awesome people, a Canuck or two and maybe some visiting stars.
Every day of the week has a live band, with local up and coming bands usually playing early on Tuesday and Wednesdays, with the house band and DJ coming on after, so for those of you who don't have weekends off, this is a great place for midweek partying.
Watch out for annual events like the graffiti party, where everyone gets a white tshirt and a sharpie, their anniversary party, or just Halloween and new years. Always a destination. Always mind blowing.
I honestly hope to see you there. -
Review from Emma G.
2/4/2010
I dare you not to have fun at the Roxy. Seriously, it's divey and not particularly clean, but it's so much fun!
The bouncers have a reputation for being surly and the line for being long, but I've honestly never had a problem with either. I've never waited for more than 15 or 20 minutes, and the bouncers have always greeted me with a smile. They're really good about helping out if you have an issue with some grabby-hands guy or something; at least from a girl's perspective they do make you feel safe. They also make sure you get a cab and aren't stuck wandering around Granville at 3am, which is nice.
There are like, six or seven places to get drinks here (even coat check sells beer!), which is awesome. The bars often have big lineups but there are a handful of flair bartenders who work there, which makes the wait kind of fun. I love watching them throw the glasses and bottles around...I'm still waiting to see them drop one! The bartenders are generally friendly and if you're not sure what you want, they'll make you something cool.
The live music is good, the bands cover songs that everybody knows, which is always fun. The dance floor gets a bit crowded at times, but you can generally dance freely without bumping into too many people. There are often girls who hop up on stage and dance.
The crowd is pretty fun - it tends to be a little bit older than some of the other clubs, which is a pro to me but might be a con to others? People are usually friendly, but it's more of a 'bring your group' place where you hang out with the people you know. The room in the back is a good place to chill out and get acquainted if you want to just sit down and talk. The main room has seating but it fills up really quickly and the tables are super sticky.
There are crowds every night that they're open, but my favourite night is Sunday: Country Night! Personally I've always noticed it being the busiest on Sundays, so go early and bring your boots! -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
1/25/2010
Are there better clubs?
sure there are.
but no bar/club provides a consistently good time like the Roxy.
I'm still amazed that the Roxy gets lineups almost every night of the week.
The bartenders are just a nice crowd that have always been prompt, the crowd is a crapshoot- as I get older the crowd remains to stay young...I think that this may be a sign that I should stop going. But in a bind, it's a good "regulars place".
It also seems to attract a bit of a suburban party crowd. take that for what you will.
There's always a good mix of annoying to not so annoying characters that are worth sifting through. what I generally like is that amongst the characters available there will always be a good small crowd of people who don't mind starting off the dance floor- which is nice because I generally dislike the way people are too cool for skool here and stand around the dance floor to glare at other people.
haha..oh vancouver. i love you so. -
Review from Stacie T.
4/16/2009
I went on a Tuesday night and they had a live band. The scene was cool and had a pretty decent mixed crowd. Apparently it's a celeb spot on the weekends but whatever.
The drinks were okay but after 4-5 who would really notice? Roxy was fun but it also helps when you're with good people. -
Review from Lindsay W.
North Vancouver, BC
11/25/2010
This video reminded me of why I love you The Roxy.
http://www.youtube.com... -
Review from Raza M.
3/7/2011
The Roxy is to Granville strip, what Canada place is to Vancouver itself. It's one the icon for Vancouver's club scene. If you don't want to be surrounded by snobby wannabes or pretentious teenager, this is the place for you. Live music, fun time. But the downside those who come here are too grungy and sweaty, the kind you don't want to be next to you. I always feel I need to dress down before going here instead of dressing up, just to mix in. But nevertheless, my friends love it so I keep on going back.
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Review from Sheila W.
BC
11/28/2008
Waking up with a couple mysterious bruises and a headache is getting off easy if you ended up at the Roxy last night. The Roxy never seems to be the desired spot to hit when you go out. It's more the place where you end up after you drank too much at a few other places. If you say to a Vancouverite "I was at the Roxy last night," they can pretty much fill in the blanks.
It's busy every night of the week, and there's usually a live band playing. The crowd is mixed, from business people on a bender with coworkers to college attendees, I even heard the Canucks like to party at the Roxy.
You leave with a huge smile and the next day you think you had a good time ... but you can't quite remember why. -
Review from Noa G.
Vancouver, BC
10/20/2008 1 photo
Ah, the Roxy. I remember my Roxy days well. Jaggermeister pyramids, bad band music, and dancing on the bar. All in all, a great time!
The Roxy Night Club generally appeals to an older crowd, but don't let that stop you. Featuring live bands (and, on weekends, the regular house band), the dance floor is always full.
The Roxy's not fancy, but it's long been the city's top nightlife spot because, frankly, it's just a kickass rock and roll club. Be prepared to line up. -
Review from Eric W.
2/14/2010
Oh, the Roxy ... looks like a dump from the outside but it's one of the best bars anywhere.
I started going here years ago when I visited Vancouver and it's always fun.
The first thing we think of for the Roxy is the band. I've seen the same band most nights -- thin male bassist, shaved head guitarist and short brunette lead singer. They sing EVERYTHING and it sounds amazing. Two of my favorite covers they did were U2's One and The Outfield's Your Love. I still remember that and they're a cover band. They are so talented. One of my coworkers said they'd make a great wedding band ... but then nobody would leave your wedding because they'd want to hear the next song.
There are two bars so it's convenient. The crowd is mixed from 20s to 40s at least. We've seen the Canucks' opponent here after a game and the girls flock to them.
If I had one issue, it's the music is always super loud. I try to stay in the back because I'm concerned about my hearing but it tends to be loud. No one wears ear plugs because it's not cool but I couldn't go here every night or once a week if I lived in Vancouver because of the noise level. -
Review from Matt F.
6/21/2010
So this place is awesome. The atmosphere is very friendly, and a great party from the time you walk in to the time you leave. The line wasn't too long, and the wait for a drink wasn't to long. The live music was great and the music that they platyed when the band wasn't playing was really good.
The overall quality of the facility was good. It was straight brick and seemed a little run down but it added to the atmosphere because it wasn't dirty or anything.
The crowd of people at this club was great. A nice mix of people but i couldn't help but notice how many people looked like they were twenty years older than me. Just a little past their clubbing days.
Overall a great experience. -
Review from Irena L.
3/2/2011
Compared to other night clubs in Vancouver, thias one is pretty cool. The band that plays on Thursday nights is really good. Went there on various occasions including Halloween, it was always ok. Not too good, and definitely not bad.
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Review from Kal B.
2/7/2011
sooooo glad we had a hook up and were able to bypass the line and get right in!
my first time there.. not a bad space.. they had a live band that played all the classics..
its very chill in there and not pretentious.. you can pretty much wear whatever you want which is refreshing
bartenders are kinda slow.. took a while to get drinks
all in all not bad.. wud not want to ever wait in that insane line tho to get in -
Review from Chris N.
Victoria, BC
1/22/2009
Nickleback, Ashton Kutcher, NHL players, Lou Diamond Phillips singing Lambada with the band,
These are all people or things I have seen at the Roxy over the years. This place is a Vancouver staple. The live music and small dance floor make it feel less like the rest of the clubs around town and gives an unpretentious feeling.
Drinks always flow freely here and you won't be able to keep yourself of the dance floor.
The Roxy feels a little dated on the inside and the bouncers live up to the stereotype but it is still worth going -
Review from Jessie M.
10/5/2010
I'm totally down with this place... especially since they let us in after they stopped letting everyone else in. It stays open until 3am unlike some other places, offers live music with no cover, seemed to be giving out free beer from sponsors... it's a fine place. I can see how it can get old really quick though. It's such a big space and gets packed so it's like you're a little mouse in a gigantic maze and the tall walls of the maze are actually really tall guys... so tall that my neck was sore from looking up at them. Not making this up. Maybe I should add another star for the guys alone? Tall, really good-looking, saying "sorry" just so adorably... or not.
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Review from Mike O.
Port Moody, BC
9/5/2008
The Roxy is a landmark of the Vancouver entertainment scene. I don't know how long its been rocking the rollers in this musically deprived city, but it never seems to have a dull night. Vancouver has never been known to be a huge music town. Outside of the marque bands who love to roll into town and partake in the many splendors any worldly city has to offer, this city is lacking real musical talent. Somehow the Roxy seems to solve this problem by finding talent in the strangest of places.
If you like live rock music, they'll find a band for you. They have a huge stage that makes the place look like a mini GM place.
They have these beer sponsor events a few times a year. Corona put on a huge party last year that went all night. They had some hot Corona girls who were dancing and giving away Coronas. They had a band, (I cant remember the name because i was completely Corona'd out!) and everyone in the place was having a great time.
There's all types of music for everyone. They may list their bands on their website. Regardless, live music lives on forever at the Roxy! -
Review from Greg G.
Vancouver, BC
1/27/2010
Vancouver institution! Midtown represent! Before you die, you kind of have to go to the Roxy at least once. It's kind of awful, but totally necessary.
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Review from Jenni B.
2/2/2009
A consistent good time ~ that place is a fail safe for a super fun night out with friends. I love it because it's casual, live band, good drinks (and as busy as it is the line for the bar is never too long). Beware the line starts early!
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Review from Alex D.
Vancouver, BC
5/2/2010
The Roxy is an institution here in Vancouver. People love to hate it but everybody has been here at one time or another. There seems to eternally be a line up and you may initially be disappointed if you are expecting some type of super club inside. The Roxy is a no frills nightspot that caters to a very mainstream crowd but if you not a culture snob and you like a drink you can definitely have fun at the Roxy.
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Review from Bryan W.
Vancouver, BC
6/16/2010
If I'm going to go to a nightclub downtown this is the place. the drink prices are good as well as the staff.They dont charge you an arm and a leg to get in either.They are busy 7 nights a week so you'll always be with a good crowd.I would only have to say that if you hate noise dont go there because the music can get really loud
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Review from Darien C.
BC
11/10/2008
During my action packed years of under-aged clubbing, The Roxy was to be avoided. The inside is deceptively large and the drinks reasonable for Granville Street. As a seventeen year old clubber I found the crowd to be too aged for my liking. Now either I've aged or the clientele has shrank in years, but now it seems more appropriate. Were this club situated on a different street I may be more inclined to see it in a favourable light. It's on the Granville strip however and that is a hallowed place. The various times I've been here in recent memory are barely in recent memory. Naturally the reason is my being liquored up, frankly I can't see anyone going here in any other state. I do appreciate the frequent live music, usually a rock cover band. Such is always in good taste in a drunken bar setting. 3:00 closing time is another appealing Roxonian aspect. When many other bars close at two, The Roxy rages on. I'd suggest hitting here around 1:45 if you intend to make this your second stop for the night. Come 2:00 the Granville Street spill out of club goers tend to gravitate to this location and the line increases accordingly. The Roxy is not the place for a classy evening on the town. It is what it is, and if you're looking to pound some bevies, be social while remaining in the 'club district', then likely here is your best bet.
