by Shaun Layton | Though we have an incredible cocktail culture in Vancouver, it nevertheless looks up to the more seasoned cities of the world; places like San Francisco, New Orleans, and London. Happy Hour – the recently made legal practice of selling discounted food and drink items during off-peak hours (usually early) – just might be the kick in the ass it needs, and now that it’s legit, it’s time to detail what’s out there. Next up: Boulevard.

Drink: Moscow Mules and Negronis, $5 | Eat: Buck a shuck oysters and the galbi “dog”, $10

Though happy hours have slowly started to become popular around the city, the West End and Downtown in general have remained somewhat starved. I was stoked to hear that Boulevard has jumped on the wagon, as I’m a fan of the beverage team there. Drop by daily from 3:30pm to 5:30pm, and say hi to bar master Justin Taylor, who is making Moscow Mules and Negronis for $5 a pop.

Wines and beers are also on special, complimenting a strong Happy Hour menu from the kitchen that includes a Korean galbi “dog” $10 that will make you walk right past the Japadog cart outside and right into the bar (think American Wagyu beef, pickled vegetables, and chili paste on a brioche bun). Also, buck-a-shuck oysters are pretty mandatory, and perfectly paired with Moscow Mules. I’m super excited to hurry back and try the rest of the Happy Hour menu, as it runs a whopping nine dishes deep.

Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar | 845 Burrard St. | 604-642-2900 | 3:30pm – 5:30pm | boulevardvancouver.ca

INDULGE IN FURTHER GLUTTONY