What time is it? It’s Friday and it’s beer o’clock at Central City.. now in Vancouver! The Surrey brewers behind Red Racer beer is moving into Dix BBQ & Brewery’s old location in Yaletown with Red Racer Restaurant.

The spacious restaurant is a great addition to the craft beer scene in Vancouver, offering an authentic, unpretentious brewpub feel, rather than a sportsbar atmosphere. Its fun character includes Victorian steampunk-inspired features, such as oversized long tables, leather chairs and industrial lighting. One of my favourite pieces is the Central City clock. 

Central City tips its hat to Dix BBQ & Brewery by keeping some elements of its unique brick and beam character, the most prominent being the giant sign in the center of the restaurant.

It makes a great location for after work drinks and snacks with the team, or pre/post game munchies. Red Racer Restaurant offers 40 local craft beers on tap, as well as rotating taps of some of BC and North America’s best beers. Of course, they also have 14 of Central City’s own Red Racer and limited release beers, including Hopping Mad Cider.

Food-wise, Central City’s Red Racer Restaurant will have a primarily southern BBQ-focused menu, featuring their signature build-your-own-BBQ-burgers, and dishes infused with beer.

Looking for a great summertime beer? Try Mayor Kolsch, Central  City’s latest character-based beer. Brewed with Heidelberg and German wheat malts, Mayor Kolsh is an easy drinking, pale-coloured, traditional German style ale that’s full of flavour.

Fun fact (I didn’t know this): Central City distills its own vodka AND gin! The gin goes down so smoothly without the terrible aftertaste. Pictured below is a dry gin martini, stirred with an olive and a twist of lemon peel.

Central City’s new Red Racer Restaurant opens today, Friday July 24, across from BC Place at 871 Beatty Street in Yaletown. Have a beer, have a burger, and say hello to Red Betty!