Mastering the art of a well-heeled West Coast life should include the following: a few down-dogs, perfecting the ordering of a massively complex warm dairy libation (a.k.a. the latte at Starbucks) without a flinch, and knowing where to get a leg-up on life. Whichever you choose to perfect, grasshopper, read the list below and reap the rewards.
● O Lounge (Downtown) – Wanna shoe-in for a fun night? They come in all shapes, heights, makes, and models here. The view is so much better from the top. ● Lift Bar and Grill (Coal Harbour) – The only thing better than watching the floatplanes take off from this yacht-laden enclave is gawking at the folks getting on them in their fabulous shoes.
● Bacchus (Downtown) – Not sure where the Donald and his newest wife hang out in NYC, but if they lived in Van City, they’d be here, enjoying their golden years along with the rest of them. ● George Ultra Lounge (Yaletown) – If you’re into model mayhem (the site) or America’s Next Top Model (the show), you’ll want to get here. Whisperings of “Are those Manolos she’s wearing?” can be heard near the private room in the back, known as G-Spot. ● Boneta (Gastown) – The ladies love Boneta for many reasons (we’ll save that for another list), and as Boneta’s slogan affirms, “Boneta Loves You”. What else is lovable about Mark Brandt’s cool shindigs besides the cocktails? Eavesdropping on up-and-coming designers talking about sewing class. ● Goldfish Pacific Kitchen (Yaletown) – Before the red card, there was a black card. And before that there was a gold card. James Bond would’ve had the time of his life in this fishbowl. ● Opus Bar (Yaletown) – The CCTV in the loo will help you decide which leggy fashionista (or male model) you’ll stomp over (or with) on the way home. ● VOYA (Downtown) – Are you a desperado searching for the perfect solemate? Save your time and the legal fees and just order the drink with the same name. ● Yew (Downtown) – Sorry, but if a direct walking-link to Holt Renfrew, its shoe department, and Harry Rosen isn’t a good enough reason for you to check out this scene, then we just don’t know you anymore. ● Joeys Bentall One (Downtown) – Because girls wearing Payless pumps are worth something too (and because the Italian built-in-the-wall wine dispenser is really cool).