Gather 'round: Vancouver restaurants to feed a crowd

Looking to host a casual birthday? Does your ultimate Frisbee team need some post-game fuel? Family reunion? Instead of booking private rooms at some of the city’s fancier restaurants, why not be part of the atmosphere at any one of these places that are happy to accommodate large crowds. [Image courtesy of The Union]

Alibi Room

1
157 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1B8

With long communal tables spanning the length of this 100-year-old Railtown stalwart and 44 taps featuring the best of craft beer, the Alibi Room is a great place for a party. Best to call ahead for groups larger than eight, but the friendly staff and expert servers will happily accommodate your large group, share their impressive beer knowledge and bill each of you separately if you so desire. Cheese, meat and appetizer plates are great for sharing as well.

St Augustine's Crafts Brew House

2
2360 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC V5N 4B7

Plan to reserve at St. Aug’s a few days in advance if you’d like to bring in a group. For them, it’s simply a matter of connecting tables near the back to form a large space for a crowd, which they’re happy to do. Another impressive beer list awaits you here with more than 60 taps, and check out their live beer menu that tells you how much is left in the keg. Standard but very good pub fare is on offer here.

Campagnolo Restaurant

3
1020 Main St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2W1

This small restaurant on the somewhat no-mans-land section of Main between National and Prior still manages to accommodate your large group. Chalk it up to their laid-back staff and their Italian bent — they’re all about family-style eating and gatherings. Again, call ahead, but expect a long, unadorned table under beautiful modern lighting and excellent food from wood-fired pizzas to fresh pasta and a nice wine list. Continue the party at Upstairs, their unassuming second-floor bar, for post-dinner cocktails and more good times.

Hapa Izakaya

4
1479 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C1

Traditionally, the Japanese izakaya is the relaxed bar where professionals head after work for a cold glass of beer or two and some small snacks before heading home. It’s taken firm root in Vancouver and we have Hapa to thank for this. With small bites comprising their menu, this is the perfect place for a large crowd. Get a few orders of whatever the lively and welcoming staff recommend, a couple of bottles of sake and let the good times roll.

The Union

5
219 Union St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2B2

Choose from one of The Union’s set menus for a crowd and be treated to an excellent taste of South-East-Asian-inspired dishes. Perfectly spiced Nasi Goreng, Indonesian Peanut Noodles and Crispy Fried Tofu are a few of the flavourful options. Just note that your reservation needs to be before 7 pm, but once you’re there, relax into the evening at their long wooden tables lit by massive turquoise industrial lamps and get swept away to the tropics.

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