1181, Vancouver

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  • 1181

    Review by Lori Henry
    Davie Street has indeed maintained its status as seriously hot grazing grounds, with new joints constantly sprouting here and there, and the latest addition - simply named 1181 - seals the deal. Lucky for us, the latest implementation of the already irritating trend of address-based monikers doesn’t translate 1181 into an equally boring venture.

    Taking over the old Book Warehouse on Davie, transcends its gay bar stereotype into its own place among the surrounding hyperactive venues. Brought to you by the local architecture duo of David Battersby and Heather Howat, the design is all but boring. Low-key, comfy and very intimate, it’s defined by clear lines and sleek furniture. The room exudes a genuine cleverness to the already clever Davie Street area and has embraced the understated modern coolness found more in Yaletown and Kits.

    Initially, the name of the bar was “Tight,” a wickedly cool name. However, the B.C. Liquor Control Board turned down the name, as it had connotations of “getting a little tight,” meaning drunk. Alas, the team went the numbered route, with 1181.

    The focus is on fun, drinks and hanging out with a cool selection of people. It’s clearly a nice addition to the ‘hood and one that has caught on quickly with weekend nights already packed and weekdays catching up quickly.
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    7 Reader Reviews

    1. Cam Smith's Review :: July 20, 2008
    I have recently only started to come to this place after a good friend of mine Carl took me there over 2 months ago. I can now say that I do enjoy going there several times a week. TRUE the staff there are very good looking. My hats off to Ryan, Clay, the HOT bouncer boy Trey who has an awesome smile, and some what shyness about him. I do know other staff that work there by face, but I am bad with names, so ALL staff there are good, and only after 3 times there the staff know my drink... run, and coke (DOUBLE of course)
    Place has a great atmosphere, but at times such as Friday nights it can get VERY busy with too many people hanging around the bar area making it difficult to get your drink. Even after saying "excuse me " as you are trying to move through the crowd, only some people move for you. The rest are ignorant, and bitch if you spill .

    Cam Smith's Rating: 3 Stars
    2. Jon's Review :: December 16, 2007
    Love this place usually but can't believe they want $50 for new years eve. CRAZY. since they offer nothing, and is normally free to get into this place. Save your $50 and go to a nightclub.. its cheaper. Odyssey is $20 and Celebrities is $40. Hotter guys and dance floor to boot.

    Jon's Rating: 3 Stars
    3. Derek's Review :: June 7, 2007
    Loved the music and the atmosphere. The ambience is casual-chic, and the seating is comfortable and conducive to mingling. And while the bartenders are indeed quite nice to look at, they aren't really very good at being bartenders! I've been subjected to truly undrinkable Martini's on more than one occasion. C'mon guys, how hard can it be??

    Derek's Rating: 2 Stars
    4. Ivan's Review :: March 8, 2007
    This is THE ONLY non-resto uber kewl and sophisticated lounge (and that is really what it is as the bar is too well-designed to be simply...a bar) on Davie's strip, if you don't count Moxies (which is not bad in its own right but lacks the atmosphere of 1181). And yes, Ryan and Jeff, the bartenders are total eye candy, such that if the drinks were terrible, you'd still have a great experience. Ask for the berry mojito (not really on the menu but the guys will customise on request....within reason) as it's the best in the city.

    Depending on the night you go, a cool mix of tunes will be sonically eminating from the specially customised sound system (though if only a bit loud?). This is the place to see and be seen. There's nothing sleazy about this place at all, too. It's high-style design that any architect and designer would highly approve of. After all, two of Vancouver's top architects, Battersby and Mowat, were commissioned to execute the concept's design.

    Don't take my word for it, 1181 is worthy of a visit even though no longer a secret. You're guaranteed to destress at this trendy hangout.

    Ivan's Rating: 3 Stars
    5. Ryan's Review :: October 11, 2006
    This is the hottest and best place in Vancouver! I love the atmosphere, the bartenders are HOT, the drinks are the BEST I've had at any bar! This place is a must for everyone! I am from Bellingham, WA, and this is my new favorite watering hole when I go to Van. I'm willing to go up for a night just to hang out at this awesome place!

    Ryan's Rating: 4 Stars
    6. Bar Patron #1's Review :: September 1, 2006
    love it....its like new york on davie...Vanhattan

    Bar Patron #1's Rating: 4 Stars
    7. Sean's Review :: August 11, 2006
    Great Place! Tasteful, elegant, comfortable and not sleazy at all. Finally, we need more places like this. Love the minimalist decor and the projected movies. That being said, the music was really too loud. Mixing up the type of music might go a long way in making this place truly different. Seating was sometimes a problem. A place to dance would be nice too, but I don't think that that is what 1181 is about. Just some suggestions to make a great place better.

    Sean's Rating: 4 Stars
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    1181

    Address

    1181 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC

    Phone

    604-687-3991

    Area

    West End

    Age

    20 - 60

    Venue

    Restaurant, Lounge

    Hours

    Daily: 11:00am – 1:00am
    Sun.: Brunch: 11:30am – 4:30pm

    Price

    $$ (affordable)

    Payment

    Master Card
    Visa
    American Express
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