Sadly, unlike other major cities, adjectives such as "cool & swanky" or "trendy, chic" are hardly associated with anything gay in Vancouver. Crush, Ginger, and Shine do fit those adjectives, however, they are "mixed" at most.

BIN does serve some tasty tapas with very loud high-energy house music, but it's decor is borderline-back-alley-grunge-wannabe. Also, with barely 6 tables designed for maximum cramped seating for 2, the 1 hr+ wait (longer for Fri/Sat nights) for a table in their 'waiting area' (aka standing room alley in front of their washrooms) may hardly be worth it.

Wild Rice, however, is truly a miraculous (First Class) upgrade from BIN's 'cattle' class. Serving a fusion of pan-asian & fresh West Coast delicacies, in a Wallpaper-decor lounge atmosphere, it certainly lives up to it's WALLPAPER and ENROUTE magazine recommendations. With a long, beautiful back-lit bar, it serves up a long list of drinks to delight the chic/stylin' crowds.

Neither Wild Rice, nor BIN takes reservations, so arrive early or expect to wait. They close late.

Alternatively, a stroll through Yaletown can be very entertaining and productive. Just pop into any of the bars or restaurants (mixed crowded on the weekends) that you find amusing. However, many have started to stop serving early in that area (usually because for fear of disturbing their surrounding neighbours, but sometimes because the wait staff would rather opt to be 'off-duty' and mingle with their visiting friends at the bar).

For an exclusively gay time, you might want to check out, the new "Gorgeous" night at the VODA on Fridays. The club (straight during the week) is quite nice, but I haven't been to this event. Supposedly, they'll have a LIVE band.

On Sundays, there's "Twilight" at Luce...claiming that "one should dress fabulous and be glamorous". Another straight club, opting for a gay evening. Again, I haven't been, but it's $10 cover, snobby doormen, and quiet location on the outskirts of the business district has detered most gays.