If kicking back with a drink on Chupito Cocteleria’s hidden patio space has been on your ‘to do’ list, then you’d better hustle, because the celebrated cocktail-forward Mexican restaurant has officially received word from their landlords that the building is coming down. Although the notice technically allows them to continue running until January, patio permitting regulations mean that the outdoors-only concept will have no choice but to cease operations by the end of October – so now is the time to check off that box!

Chupito was brought to life by Co-owners Tara Davies and Marcelo Ramirez in June of 2021. It quickly became a local favourite thanks to its outside setting, exceptional food, and innovative zero-waste cocktail programme – a combination that also earned it a spot on the Michelin Guide’s list of recommended restaurants. Despite its popularity, though, the Gastown locale has been a long-time point of contention with the City of Vancouver, making the fight for its existence difficult. Now that Chupito had finally secured the right to operate, its impending closure feels even more poignant, marking a significant loss for the city’s vibrant dining scene.

The closure impacts not only Chupito, but also its sister establishments: La Taqueria, which has been a fixture in the building since 2009, and adjoining bar Cantina 189. Both other businesses will continue serving until the end of the year; then, as long as the construction and permitting gods shine favourably on the project, La Taqueria will move three blocks west from this original location into its new digs at West Hastings (at Seymour).

Chupito’s closing is sad news for sure, but it’s worth mentioning that when I met with Davies at the restaurant last week, she confided that the team were looking for a partnership or investor that could allow them to expand into a new space – so there’s still a chance that the party might continue in a new home… Keep your fingers crossed, and tell all of your investor pals!

Some words, from Davies:

“I am humbled and honoured with all our little back alley oasis has achieved since then in terms of accolades. But, more importantly, the people it has brought into our lives, the regulars, the smiling faces, the joining of communities, the incredible producers we were proud to showcase and encouraging people to walk down alleys in the downtown Eastside to hopefully create some visibility.

Our desire was never to follow a set steps of service or achieve specific sales goals but to get to know guests as the individuals they are when they walk through that gate. Through this approach I’ve had the chance to meet incredible people from many different walks of life who have left a mark on me forever. We wanted to showcase a different region of Mexican cuisine and just have a space where you can find a really good cocktail. I close this space confidently knowing that what we set out to do was achieved alongside much much more.

One thing Chupito has taught me is to put everything on the line and follow your dreams (as cheesy as that sounds) no matter how scary. Words can’t express the thanks I have for all our followers, guests, staff and supporters who saw something special and showed up for us in these past four years.

I couldn’t have done it without you: Erick, Ruben, Marcelo, Alfonso, Ana, the taqueria hastings staff and Maria. Every single staff member that believed in the concept and gave me their time, energy and spark of life. Every bartender, that I still look up to, who came to take over Cantina while we were peak season or so I could take a week off to catch up on sleep. My family who believed in me, supported me financially and emotionally through the roller coaster that is owning a small business. My friends (the sleepies) who picked up endless distressed phone calls, some even flying into Vancouver to support me when nobody else was in the space. Michelle and Scout magazine for helping support small businesses (when we know the city most certainly does not).

From the bottom of my heart, muchas gracias.

On to the next. Not without some tears, many hugs and many many chupitos.

C/C/C forever.”

If you’ve noticed how quickly the summer days are slipping away, just think about how fast the final days of Chupito Cocteleria will go by, too. Don’t wait – get in there as soon and as often as you can before its doors close for good.

A heartfelt thank you to Tara, Erik, Marcelo, Maria, and all the staff — past and present — who have made Chupito such a warm and much-needed oasis of fun.

Stay tuned for news of a BIG end of the season party! 

Chupito

Neighbourhood: Gastown

322 W Hastings St.

WEBSITE