In a city where restaurants come and go, Banter Room has quietly settled into its role as one of Vancouver’s go-to spots for friend hangs that actually feel like fun.
It’s not the newest place in Yaletown—but it might be one of the most reliable when what you’re after is a casual lunch or dinner out that doesn’t feel too casual.
When Banter Room opened in the spring of 2017, it knew exactly what it was: A place to go with friends.
Eight years later, and they're still true to that ethos, though the team routinely brings on new food and drink offerings along with events and the restaurant is known for having little extras, like their champagne vending machine (the definition of "a little extra").
Taste-testing Banter Room's summer 2025 menu update
Earlier this summer, Banter Room rolled out some new menu features as part of a seasonal refresh featuring globally-inspired flavours. Led by Executive Chef Mike Rose, new additions include great shareables like a light and savoury Ahi Tuna Tataki and The Med Spread (a roasted beet hummus dip with fried chickpeas and soft pita bread).
For mains, while salmon is the local workhorse of fish, Banter Room is making the seafood staple a standout; their Pistachio-Crusted Salmon dish is a generous plate and big flavour. Speaking of big plates, given its rep as a group hangout, Banter Room has got a Steak Platter for sharing that comes with a 24-oz striploin, potatoes, and mac and cheese.
That said, for those who have known the Banter Room a long time know they're known for their burger, which is most definitely still available. It's a juicy concoction starring a quarter-pound of ground chuck and brisket on a buttery bun with melted cheese and thick smoky bacon with a chef's special sauce and a pile of waffle fries on the side. (Confession: I had never been to Banter Room until this summer but the burger was the one thing I knew I had to order, given how much I'd heard about it over the years.)
Something for the Swifties still on the cocktail list
Cocktails have also long been a calling card of the socially-fuelled Banter Room, but Taylor Swift's visit to Vancouver last December helped give the Yaletown spot a reason to celebrate and get more creative. You can still order their popular "Lavender Haze" cocktail (inspired by the song) along with some fun new drinks, like Tea Party (gin, vanilla bean, and Earl Grey tea) which is served in an adorable glass mushroom lidded tea cup.
Banter Room isn’t trying to win any culinary awards—and that’s kind of the point. It’s a place built for vibes, not fuss. Whether you’re there for a cheeky cocktail, burger craving, or just an excuse to gather your crew, this Yaletown mainstay proves that sometimes, fun is the only flavour you really need.
Banter Room is located at 1039 Mainland St and is open Mondays and Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to midnight, Wednesdays until 12:30 a.m., Thursdays until 1 a.m., and Fridays until 2 a.m. On weekends, they open at 11 a.m., closing at 2 a.m. on Saturdays and 12:30 a.m. on Sundays. Happy Hour runs daily from 2 to 5 p.m.
Video: Checking out The Banter Room
@forkingawesomevia Never had I ever been to: Banter Room. Until now! Perfect for friend dates or group hangs, this spot is in party-lite mode with its easygoing food and fun drinks. (I’ll drink anything that nods to Taylor Swift or that’s served in a glass mushroom teacup!) This spot isn’t new but it was new to me and I can see why people often recommend it for patio hangs or fun get togethers. #forkingawesome #vancouverbc ♬ Cantaloupe Island (Original Mix) - Angelo Ferreri & Angelo Ferreri & Moon Rocket & Moon Rocket
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