Amber Bruce has plenty of reasons to celebrate. As the beverage director for both Keefer Bar and June on Cambie, she and her teams secured two top spots at the North America's 50 Best Bars awards in Vancouver this week.
Keefer Bar, located at 135 Keefer St. in Chinatown, is no stranger to accolades. This year, it claimed the No. 7 ranking and was named Canada's Best Bar. "We don't take anything for granted," Bruce said. "Accolades of all kinds definitely give our business a boost. International ones, such as North America's 50 Best Bars, help us get discovered by new guests from around the world. It brings in more opportunities. It's great, and especially rewarding for our team."
Apothecary-Style Mixology
Founded in 2010, Keefer Bar takes an apothecary-style approach to mixology. "We're all about balance, creativity, and most of all, honouring the community we're located in, which is Vancouver's Chinatown," Bruce explained. "We work with herbs, roots, and spices sourced from local herbalists, using these elements in both our classic cocktails and original creations."
The bar boasts an extensive collection of spirits, including local distillations and rare bottles from around the world, creating a mix-and-match vibe that extends to its glassware.
Signature Cocktails
When asked for standout sips, Bruce highlighted the Antidote, featuring Canadian whisky, yuzu sake, lemon, and Nin Jiom, a traditional Chinese herbal syrup. "This one is rich, herbal and fresh," she said. Another favorite is the Lunchbox Protocol, with a Keefer rum blend, baijiu, absinthe, salted plum, coconut rice milk, lime, and egg soda. "This one is funky, fruity, and fizzy. A great way to start the night."
Sister Property Success
Keefer Bar was joined by its sister property, June on Cambie, which represents the first full restaurant model for the growing Vancouver hospitality group. Located at 3305 Cambie St., the venue features a slick restaurant upstairs and Lala, a 40-seat vinyl listening lounge and bar in the basement. June on Cambie ranked No. 17 on this year's list, the third-highest Canadian establishment.
The recognition surprised co-owner Keenan Hood, who owns both bars with business partner Cam Watt. Keefer Bar was previously named one of the World's 50 Best Bars in 2012 and has appeared multiple times on the North America's 50 Best Bars list.
