he Trap probably isn’t the best bar in town to tell a Newfie joke in. Chances are good that anyone within earshot hails from the Maritimes and, although technically not the same, East Coasters are well aware most people don’t know St. John’s and Saint John are actually two different cities. Nova Scotians, New Brunswickers, Newfs and Annelanders – they’re pretty much all from the same kettle of fish so far as the rest of the country is concerned.

The major export from the Maritimes these days is Maritimers themselves and this is where those who’ve settled in Vancouver come when feeling either thirsty, homesick or both. The Trap & Gill was originally known as the Tap & Grill but notoriously absurd BC liquor laws forbid the word “tap” in a bar’s name and so the “r” simply moved west as well. (There’s a reason folks from back east are known for their sense of humour.).

As unpretentious and rustic as the region itself, this friendly pub is where east meets west; the kind of place where they play Stompin’ Tom without a trace of irony, where Trailer Park Boys is pronounced Trailer Park B’yes, where management doesn’t bother with pay-per-view Canucks games as regulars are more apt to follow the Habs or Bruins and where an hour can seem to go by in just 22 minutes. Not unlike with fans of Alexander Keith’s, those who like it like it a lot.

The Trap’s menu screams East Coast as anything you might ever come across in New Brunswick - Guinness Stew of braised lamb, Guinness and veggies; Right Wicked Clam Strips and Fries; Sharon's Crusty Chicken pot pie; Bird Boy-R-D. This is food to wash down with Guinness, not with a glass of sherry - don’t miss the The Big Arse, a monster charbroiled burger with cheddar cheese and bacon.

While the free live Celtic music Thursdays and Saturdays always packs the place, it’s the seafood that is the real draw. Vancouverites may love their sushi and salmon but few things in life can compare to the taste of fresh Atlantic lobster. At just twenty bucks a plate, you can’t afford NOT to try it. - A.F.