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Chill Winston

3 Alexander Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1B2

604-694-2445 | Website

For an elegant dining experience or a spur-of-the-moment drink, Chill Winston is the place to go in Gastown.

Category: Bars/Clubs
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What:

Ambiance | Lounge

Where:

Neighbourhood | Vancouver City Centre

When:

Mon-Sat: 11AM - 1AM; Sun: 11AM -12AM

Profile Last Updated: May 27, 2008

Big and Beautiful
Chill Winston is a large, classy resto-lounge that attracts a mixed crowd — from the club crew out for a pre-dancing drink to city office workers visiting their “local,” to tourists fresh off a cruise ship. Everyone is welcome to chill and enjoy the fine fare and atmosphere at this hip yet unpretentious spot. Completely renovated before its summer 2006 opening, Chill Winston is sleek, but retains the charm of the old building. Exposed-brick walls, dark leather furnishings and massive windows create a New York lounge feel. It’s one big open space with the bar and open kitchen in the middle. Across from the Gassy Jack statue on Maple Tree Square, Chill Winston has a prime location. The big patio offers a fantastic vantage point to watch the hustle and bustle of Gastown.

A Lot More
“Get Your Protein,” the menu urges before introducing its mains. The Atkins fad is long gone, but this seems an appropriate way to present the meaty choices, which include duck, turkey, ribs and beef tenderloin, among others. The cute menu also offers “More . . . A Little More” items, such as mussels and tuna tartar, and “A Little More” choices, such as pizza, crab cakes and tempura. A big choice of light snacks is also available: calamari, golden beet carpaccio, tomato avocado salad and the list goes on. The pride of the menu is an adventurous wine list with several by-the-glass choices. The cocktail menu is impressive, too, and with religious overtones in the names — Spooning Jesus, Kentucky Monk and Believer — hopefully you won’t be asking for forgiveness later! Brunch is also available on Sundays. Mimosas and Spanish coffees go great with eggs Benny!

Even The Loo Is Cool
The washroom in Chill Winston is one of the most talked about in the city. The unisex loo encourages mixing and mingling and adds to the chill vibe of the lounge. A large, round sink is at the entrance of the washroom, which then splits into men and women’s private stalls. Everyone meets back at the stainless-steel giant bowl where they wash their hands and often share smiles and giggles . . . and maybe even a bottle of wine later!

Who’s Chill Winston?
The owners say they borrowed the name from the Guy Ritchie flick Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. But, according to the Urban Dictionary, a chill Winston is “a big strong joint/blunt that will send you to sleep.” (Not on the menu.)