I am here for 5 days this week in Coquitlam. So far I have been going to Woody's liquor store for beer and am ready for some more variety. I am going to Alibi this week after doing some research and seeing that's the best local bar off the island. But beside Alibi, what go to places should I stop at? I am looking for a good bottle shop to find things like Peche and other good offerings. Sitting here currently drinking a Fat Tug and am pleasantly impressed.
Yo, I lurk the forum and finally signed up to answer your question. St. Augustine's is super awesome and it is a two minute walk from commercial/broadway skytrain station. They have about 50 different beers on tap at any given time It isn't cheap, but it's reasonable. A place that is nearby St Augustine's is Biercraft on Commercial Drive. They have a good selection as well with a big focus on bottled stuff from Belgium (If that's your thing. It isn't mine). There is the Legacy Liquor Store, which is in olympic village. Sizeable selection with a focus on local, american, belgian and english stuff. This is the best place I know of to find rare beer. Although there is a place I've never been to called BottleJockey that seems promising, and it is a quick pit stop off the skytrain at brentwood. If you're going to the Alibi room, I'd highly recommend stopping by Steamworks on your way at some point. Really good brew-pub and a common destination of mine when I go downtown. I've never had a beer from them that wasn't good. Other notable breweries/tasting rooms are Brassneck (easy to get to), Parallel 49 (less easy to get to), and Yaletown Brewing Company (easy to get to via public transit but sort of far away). I hope that some of this info is useful, and have fun in Vancouver!
Peche Mortel? Quite a few shops have it around. I think it might even be on tap at Alibi right now. Legacy might, Brewery Creek, Firefly probably, Darby's, 16th St., Bottle Jockey is somewhat closer to Coquitlam. John B's is out in Langley supposedly good. Central City Liquor Store just across the bridge in Surrey from you. There's a surprising amount of options East of Vancouver.
Some good advice from JonnyBeers there. I'd also add, keep your eyes peeled for Driftwood's Singularity when you're out beer shopping (http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/18858/65392/), it came out on the 13th of Feb but there should still be some kicking around, it has an all black label this year with black wax. I saw that Brewery Creek had a few cases of Westy 12 come in yesterday (that sold out quickly) but that could mean that some of the other stores will see it later this week if you're into that. I'd also grab some Four Winds while you're here. Anything from them that's bottled in a bomber or 750 is probably delicious. Alternatively, you could stop by the brewery in Delta on your way back to WA.
Peche Mortel is on tap at Steel Toad (close to Legacy Liquor Store) and at Darby's right now, cheaper at Steel Toad ($6 for 250 ml glass)
Thank you guys for the suggestions. I spent a few hours cruising around downtown Vancouver seeing the city and ended up at Brewery Creek because of their convenient free parking behind the store. Got a few goodies that I am thrilled to finally try.
