By Charlotte Ahern (January 2026)
Social is a global fusion restaurant on Commercial Drive with a rooftop patio, stylish vibes and a lively happy hour in one of Vancouver’s trendiest east side neighbourhoods.
Combining minimalist aesthetic design with sunset views and creative drinks, the restaurant strikes a balance between trendy and approachable dining on Vancouver’s east side.
Explore Food, Drinks, Happy Hour and Pricing, or continue reading for the full experience.
Social Restaurant on Commercial Drive
Perched above Commercial Drive, Social offers one of Vancouver’s most stylish rooftop experiences. At the time of writing, Social has the only rooftop patio in the neighbourhood.
Social blends a chic design with a laid-back feel, attracting a hip, unpretentious crowd. The interior features a minimalist aesthetic and earthy green tones.
Minimalist Chic Meets Rooftop Oasis
Social’s crown jewel is its rooftop patio, though it’s only one floor up, it remains a one-of-a-kind on Commercial Drive. The patio is decorated with natural-wood details, oversized ceramic planters, and greenery, creating a beachy vibe. As golden hour sets in, the space glows, creating a laid-back energy with views over Commercial Drive.
Tip: Arrive early for rooftop patio seating as it’s available on a first-come, first-served basis. Social doesn’t take rooftop reservations.
See more of Commercial Drive‘s neighbourhood dining scene
Global Fusion & Local Flair
Social’s menu is best described as global fusion, blending influences from Asian, Latin American, and Western staple dishes. The restaurant’s offerings feature creative combinations that showcase fresh ingredients and bold flavours.
Menu Highlights
Standout dishes include the Lemongrass Chicken Bánh Mì ($23), which balances Thai basil with pickled daikon, jalapeño and cilantro. The Jalapeño Burger ($22) gives a satisfying kick with its 5oz beef patty, bacon, fresh jalapeño, cream cheese and serrano chipotle aioli.
For those who prefer seafood, the Ceviche ($19) combines prawn, citrus, corn, red onion, red pepper, coconut cream, cucumber and Tajín, served with tortilla chips for scooping.
The above dishes are all available on the rooftop menu during the summer months, making them ideal companions for sunset cocktails.
Vegetarian & Vegan Options
The restaurant marks vegetarian options with a leaf symbol and vegan choices with a double leaf, making it easy for those with dietary preferences to find suitable options. There’s plenty of choice.
Vegetarian standouts include the Brussels Sprouts with miso tahini aioli and the Power Bowl, featuring squash, avocado, quinoa, and beet hummus. There’s also the option to add tofu to the Power Bowl for an additional cost.
Picture-Perfect Drinks
Drinks at Social are anything but ordinary. Expect cocktails served in cups shaped like fruits or astronauts, turning every round of drinks into a photo opportunity. The Royale, the bar’s spin on a piña colada, comes in a pineapple cup and tastes as good as it aesthetically looks.
For a nostalgic twist, try the peach mango or guava juice boxes, yes, real juice boxes. This drink is served with a mini liquor bottle sitting upside down on the box, infusing it with your spirit of choice.
Happy Hour at Social
Social’s happy hour runs from Sunday to Thursday from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and again from 9:00 pm to close. On Friday and Saturday, happy hour happens from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, then from 10:00 pm to close.
During happy hour, beer starts at $7, cocktails at $10, and wine at $8. There’s also a selection of appetizers that includes six dishes costing under $10. Caesar salad and yam fries are part of the happy hour offerings.
Social captures the spirit of Commercial Drive perfectly: Creative, relaxed and full of energy, with a rooftop that feels like East Vancouver’s sunset living room.
Pricing & Dining Details
Social falls into the $$ price range with appetisers ranging from $10 to $29 and mains from $22 to $39. Cocktails cost around $13 to $17. Social’s pricing fairly reflects the quality of ingredients and the experience of dining on Commercial Drive’s only rooftop patio.
Guests can make reservations online through Social’s website. The rooftop isn’t reservable in advance and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, which is why there’s often a line-up outside on a sunny day.
Parking outside the restaurant can be challenging. Paid meter parking is available on both sides of Commercial Drive, though it is often difficult to find a spot right outside. There is some free street parking beyond the main drag of “the Drive,” but expect to walk a few blocks.
Service & Atmosphere
The restaurant’s tagline, “Eat. Drink. Social,” sums up the experience. It’s a restaurant and rooftop that feels made for connection. Social offers attentive, casual service. Servers are friendly with a relaxed openness that suits the neighbourhood’s style.
The atmosphere is at its best from Thursday sunset through Sunday evenings. Golden hour on clear warm days is especially vibey, as the space transforms from daytime chill to energetic nighttime grooves, sometimes featuring DJs. Visit Social’s website for up-to-date events.
Social proves that Vancouver’s best dining scenes aren’t limited to downtown.
Who Is Social Restaurant For?
The restaurant works best for friends catching up and date nights. It is ideal for those who appreciate creative drinks, playful presentation, and aesthetically pleasing surroundings with a trendy, sociable crowd.
The communal menu, with shareable plates, works well for groups. That said, Social isn’t just for food. The venue works solely for drinks, too. Upstairs features a Tulum-style, semi-circular bar with seating. Downstairs, there’s a longer bar. Dropping in for after-work drinks wouldn’t go amiss, especially if you’re local.
Why Social Earns Its Place on VBR
Social earns its spot on Vancouver’s Best Restaurants as the only rooftop destination on Commercial Drive. Though the rooftop isn’t the typical high-rise style you’d expect when rooftop is mentioned, Social’s rooftop is on the second floor. Its draw isn’t views – it’s the atmosphere. It’s a happening spot, often with a line out the door, offering a unique experience that combines the neighbourhood’s charm with elevated drinks.
What sets Social apart is its collective energy, particularly at sunset, when the rooftop is bathed in golden light, and a hip crowd fills it with chatter and laughs. The restaurant represents the creative evolution of East Vancouver, offering more approachable pricing than Downtown Vancouver rooftop restaurants.
Similar Options in Vancouver
Those who appreciate Social’s aesthetic and type of crowd are likely to enjoy nearby spots like Havana and, a bit further away, Bodega on Main Street. La Mezcaleria is another sceney spot that specialises in mezcal and tequila drinks, complemented by Mexican cuisine.
Address & Hours
Social
1812 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Monday to Thursday: 12:00 pm – 1:00 am
Friday: 12:00 pm – 2:00 am
Saturday: 10:00 am – 2:00 am
Sunday: 10:00 am – 1:00 am
Editorial Disclosure: Details are accurate at the time of writing. Features may form part of paid or hosted editorial partnerships and reflect Charlotte Ahern’s independently-curated selection, based on her editorial standards and personal taste.
Charlotte Ahern
Charlotte covers Vancouver’s dining scene, focusing on vibe, design, service, and the dishes people book tables for. Her work is highly selective, centred around elevated spaces where the experience goes beyond the plate.
