Brand New [WEDNESDAY]

Out on the Town

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

A few weeks back we sent you to Sanafir for a little nightlife entertainment. Well, one of these nights, you may want to hit Republic, a new gritty, London style bar located nearby on Granville Street.

Downstairs you can belly up to the long bar and order a cocktail, with plenty of room for hanging out and perusing the eye candy. On the upper level, two big guys might let you in – if you play your cards right! – to a singular space to groove the night away to tunes mixed by hot DJs or bands, depending on the night.

This place is industrial-style, with loads of open space and tons of local photography on the walls, featuring Van’s established talent and the up-and-comers. And if you’re in to sports, catch an event on one of the many flat screen TVs dotted throughout the place.

Republic has some interesting options on their late night menu – a twist on standard fare, such as coconut wild salmon fish sticks with kewpie and yellow curry mayo, yummy yam fries with smoked garlic mayo, and baked salsa mesclada with warm tortilla chips. The cocktail list is inventive, our fave was the Green means Go – gin, kiwi nectar, lemon, and uhh, we’re a little hazy on the rest of it. . . Have a smashing time!

Republic, 958 Granville St, 604 669-3266, www.republicbar.ca