Just came here for charity event. First of all, as soon as I entered the venue, noticed funny smell. Something like bleach...chemical smell. It was only around entrance but it made me sick a little. There was no dance at the event but I'm sure it would be nice club. The velvet seat made me feel a part of Twin Peaks somehow. read more

The Biltmore Cabaret - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

My wife was followed into the FM bathroom. She was I for comfortable, I spoke up. We got booted.

Whoops. I haven't updated for this spot since I saw a zillion shows here! I will say, it's dirty and dove bar-y (which I like) the sound and sight lines aren't great for shows but I like it's small venue vibes. It's a good little spot for bar shows! I love how they have self serve water available, and they do free refills for sprite and limes for d d's. read more

If live music and dancing is your thing, then you need to come to The Biltmore at least once. I've caught a few shows here over the years and I've never once had a bad time. Lines were quick to move, cover is cheaper than most other bars that are downtown, the bartenders are really nice and if you tip them well, they take care of you! The venue itself is laid out quite nicely. The whole place is underground, so it does get warm very quickly, especially when packed. But the bar is off to the back and then the stage/dance floor is on the other side of the room. The dance floor is quite small, but I'm okay with that. On concert nights, the place fills up quickly. There are quite a few VIP booths off to the side, some stand-up mingling tables scattered around the bar, and a photo booth. I love me a good photo booth. On most of the nights I've come here, the energy and vibe on the dance floor is ah-mazing. Everyones dancing and singing along to the music and having a fun time. Good vibes all around. Be nice to the staff, people. Industry folks deal with a lot of shit, and the least you can do is be nice to them. read more

REWIEW FOR A VISIT ON A SUNDAY AT KITTY NIGHT After paying the admission of 9 $ we went into this tiny cabaret and we're looking forward to the show. As this was my first burlesque show I was not sure what to expect but it was great. A good mixture of burlesque dancing, cabaret and comedy for over 2 hours. Respect guys. The dancers were good and made a he'll of a show and the announcer was good fun too. GREAT EVENING GUYS THANK YOU read more

The Biltmore Cabaret - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I'm a big fan of live music and a bigger fan of small intimate, possibly even danky, places to watch live music; and the Biltmore offers both. Since the demise of Richard's on Richards, thanks to yet another horrible condo development downtown, the Biltmore has stepped up to the plate to be one of the best live music venues in town. That being said, the only reason I didn't give them 5 stars was because the room is small and the stage is only a foot off the floor, which means if you're there for a sold out show the sight lines aren't the greatest if you're under 6 feet and not in the front two rows. But I guess that also adds to the intimacy and there is nothing the Biltmore can really do to solve that problem, so I probably shouldn't complain too much. The decor is great, the beer is cheap and the staff is without attitude, what more could you ask for? And yes, as others have mentioned the Biltmore is a hipster "hive" but it's located off of Main street, so what else would you expect? That's like going to Yaletown and being surprised by somebody carrying their tiny dog in a purse, or heading up to Commercial Drive and being shocked to see someone wearing a sarong. If there's a band you want to see live and you find out they're playing the Biltmore don't pass up the opportunity to go. Who knows, the next time you might get to see that same band again might only be at GM Place and then you're going to regret the night you missed them at the Biltmore. read more

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Although hard to find (we were worried we'd be attending the show in an empty HoJo lounge) the cabaret is fantastic! Just go around the back of the hotel to find the right place. The room is super sexy. Dimly lit booths line the walls, perfect for making out in between bands... if you were into that kind of thing. The bartenders were awesome... even though they couldn't make me a lemon drop, the improvised replacement was great. The sound was fantastic, too. read more

The Biltmore Cabaret - people sitting at a bar - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Trust a dive-look outside paired with red wallpaper (circa 1975) and possibly a broken AC to have an awesome assortment of beer on tap and in the bottle! Straining my eyes I tried to read the bottle labels, but alas - I didn't recognize any of them--a sign of good things! Choosing draft I was pleasantly surprised that the beer tasted like beer: not chlorine or line sludge. The low hanging chandeliers added some shabby class that reminded me of my grandparents rec room in the 1980s. Just watch out, I was almost ducking under them! But, probably the most fantastic part of the Biltmore, is their lineup of musical performances. With so many incredible acts crooning on stage, it's hard to go to performances elsewhere without making the comparison. Gotta give kudos for whoever is responsible for booking the likes of Sondre Lerche and the old school Degrassi Junior High characters--now DJs out of Toronto and spinning up 80s prom parties here. read more

The Biltmore Cabaret - Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver, BC - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

The Biltmore Cabaret is COMPLETELY -UNDER-rated! I think that maybe since it's in a weird area (Kingsway / Prince Edward, compared to DT), it wouldn't be my first thought to assume this place to be popular. My sister and friend came here for "We Love Drake Night," which was a completely spontaneous decision. We bought tickets in advance, purely just because we thought it would be funny. Doors were supposed to open at 10 but we actually didn't end up making it inside until well passed 11. Not sure why people do this... I mean, that's 1 hour and a half wasted, while people could have been inside, buying drinks, essentially handing $$ back to the venue. but sure okay, whatever. As soon as we got inside I was surprised by the "character" that the venue had. It was much nicer than the events I've been to that were held at either Celebs or the Vogue. Although the Commodore is still my favorite in terms of music venues, I really like the set up and layout of the Biltmore as well! The music was awesome. Only a few non-drake songs were sprinkled throughout the night, but for the most part, ALLLL DRAKE ALL NIGHT! Which is exactly what we came for! It was hilarious because everyone knew all the words, so the energy in the crowd was great. I think there's a Justin Bieber event coming up.... I may or may not want to admit that I want to go to that! LOL =p read more

This is a quaint spot for live events. I think it's a hit or miss, depending on what you expect. If you are into live music, and you want to have a more intimate feel of the show, this is a nice venue to attend. Just to note though, the venue is underground and it gets quite hot during the summer. There are chairs on the sides but everyone almost always stands during the shows. It's a simple, small venue but it gets the job done. The sound system is nice; and the drinks are equally good as well. The only downside is it is outside downtown, and hence someone needs to be a designated driver if you are going to hang here and are using a car. read more

Pleasantly surprised by this venue. I was there to see a band and had planned to leave as soon as the show was over but it was no request Friday and the music started and...SO MUCH FUN! My two girlfriends and I danced until the place closed. The bartenders were so incredibly nice, engaging and just on their game. The ceilings are low but I kind of like that feeling. I know others have a less than positive review because of that but it's quaint. I don't go to clubs much at all and the Biltmore's location in Mount Pleasant had me a bit worried but I needn't have worried at all. We walked right up to the venue, showed our ID and were ushered in by a nice gentleman standing outside, showed our tickets at their box office and were waved in. I can't wait to go back! read more

The Biltmore is one of my least favourite concert venues in Vancouver, yet it seems to catch a lot of the bands that I love. It's claustrophobic and has a basement feel with very low ceilings and poor lighting. The stage is very low. I feel bad for shorter people. It's hot. Speakers are hung in awkward positions in the corners and either block your view, or blast right into your ears. The pillars and seating arrangement creates many line of sight blockages. The sides of the stage are often blocked with curtains. The sound quality is terrible. For this capacity, the Rickshaw, Venue, Fox, Imperial and many others are much better for seeing a live act. read more

If you're going to advertise a throw back to the 80's and 90's maybe actually play that music instead of Fetty Wap. Great venue, but play the music you advertise. Some of us come a long way for a bit of old Skool. read more

My boyfriend and I were visiting Vancouver BC last month and a friend invited us to go see Esthero at the Biltmore Cabaret Lounge. We didn't have tickets so we showed up around 7pm to see if we could purchase them at the box office and that wasn't an option...but we got an even better deal by talking with the doorman and he let us in early and we were able to get a large booth for our party. This meant that we had our seats scoped out already and a person would come around to each table before the show and ask if you needed a ticket. Brilliant..we were golden! The place has a very smooth jazz like feel to it with its dark lighting and red velvet wallpaper. Good sized dance floor and lounge sofas that line the walls. There are two bars to get drinks and they also have waitresses that come around and take your order. We were told that they were going to start selling food soon, but at the time we went the kitchen wasn't in full operation yet. So, we decided to order a pizza and have it delivered to the club. It was great...we probably could have sold pieces of pizza to the crowd and made some major money too! Esthero came on and gave the crowd a great show. The acoustics are great and since its a small venue, there really isn't a bad seat in the house. Next time we are in Vancouver I will be looking up the schedule of events and come back and get my groove on at the Biltmore Cabaret Lounge. read more

The Biltmore Cabaret - Esthero at the Biltmore Cabaret Lounge - October 2008 - Music Venues Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Finally something on our side of the bridge! I was worried that this place would be really rad, but nobody would venture to it, since its not in the West End. Luckily for me, every time I have been to the Biltmore it has been pretty packed, because let's face it, nobody wants to hang out in an empty club. We may complain about lines to get in, pushy people and waiting forever to get a drink, but we will still go back. The Biltmore has been the perfect amount of busy, I have never had to wait to get in, I have never had to deal with rude pushy people, but I have had to wait in a long drink line - so maybe having a few waitresses on would be an improvement? I have been to the Biltmore to see live bands play, and also for Sunday Nights - Kitty Nights Burlesque, which I like to call Titty Nights, cuz that's what we're all there to see right? BOOBS! But seriously, this is no regular amateur burlesque show, this features ladies who have refined their dance techniques and costumes to be fucking sexy as hell yet sprinkled with a bit of crass humour as well. The night is hosted by the Purrfessor, who is as charming as he is hilarious, and the beautiful Burgandy Brixx who has brought us this show all the way from New York City! (New York City?!) I do wish that the stage was a little higher, so when it gets crowded and you show up late (whooops!) that you could see what is going on a bit better. I am glad to have a venue close enough for me to do the Jager stagger home on warm Summer days. read more

Everything within a context, nothing can be outside. Hence: 5 stars, Biltmore. Vancouver is town in need. A town in desperate and dire need of a bars with a vibe. Any vibe -- just a vibe, fergadsakes! Gimme cowboys, gimme dive bars, gimme gutter-trash, gimme real hipsters, gimme anything that has a pulse and hasn't succumbed to the top-down homogenization forced upon us by the ghettoization and absurd laws of this otherwise lovely city. / end rant So we've got the Biltmore, a perfectly open venue that has enough diversity going on during any given week to allow a for a motley crew of fun folks to turn here when a requisite decent time is in order. It's one thing for a venue to offer great shows, but to attract people who actually want to stand up and talk to strangers who are also enjoying the exact same show? That's a real feat in Vancouver. Biltmore has it going on. Cheap drinks, positive atmosphere, fun people, rad staff -- one of the best Vancouver has to offer. I like it here. A lot, like. read more

MEEEEOOOOW! Sunday nights at the Biltmore are Kitty Nights, and last night's fun and entertainment left us purring for more! At first I was little reluctant; I mean, the HOward JOhnson Hotel? Really? It's all a-happenin' here? It seems so...road trip Americana? But yes, ye of little faith... when night falls and the lights on the awning backlight the scratched out 'Biltmore Hotel' signage you know there's promise.... And when you enter the hotel lobby, and before you Even Say a Thing, some dude points at you and says, "entry to the Biltmore is around back", you just KNOW you're getting closer.... And when you open those big double doors and find yourself looking down into a dimly lit room of deep red velvet with a nice big bar to your right you POSITIVELY KNOW you're in the right place. $5 on Sundays gets you 3hours of New York style burlesque and comedy with the smashingly sexy Burgundy Brixx and friends, The Professor and DJ Teddy Smooth. A fun, fab, fantastic feline evening with friends. FYI - $3 coat check and $5 drafts read more

4 star venue 1 star owners. Let's start with the negatives. The owners of The Biltmore are strangely negative folks. Borderline rude to deal with, especially if you're trying to book a large party. In my experience bringing 15-20 people to any venue is perceived as a good thing. That's 20 or so people who are going to spend $20-$40 at your bar who otherwise wouldn't be there. I believe this is called 'business common sense'. Or math to school children. The Biltmore owners treat you more as an inconvenience. An attitude that filters down though the rest of the staff. This would be understandable if The Biltmore were a venue that sold out night in, night out, regardless. Yet it doesn't. In fact, at times, it's damn quiet in there. So excuse me for wanting to bring paying guests. If you're so anti new clientele (see their hilarious new guest 'rules' on their website), then put us all out of our misery and become a private members club. Now the good. Great venue if you like it dark, dingy, with a walk up bar and no table service. This isn't sarcasm by the way. Vancouver lacks these types of UK style small-club venues. Of course they're known for live music too. There's also a killer hotdog guy outside for the inevitable beer munchies. Nice after dark club venue. Shame about the attitude. read more

After living in suburbia for the past 4 years you begin to relaize that you are missing out on Vancouver and must start venturing back into the city to enjoy what great night life this city has to offer. We were in the main street area and decided to check out the Biltmore for something to do and see a live band play as it had been such a long time since we had done that.. Wow, we are so glad that we did. We had such a great time, met new people and just enjoyed the great music. The atmosphere was just what we were looking for. A great low key, casual, fun experience. The sounds is perfect in this venue and the red velvet booths are exceptional. We loved the Biltmore so much that we are venturing back there again tonight Yay! read more

This place is growing on me more and more each time i go there! The first few times i went, i was too drunk by the time i arrived to notice much of anything- seriously, i didn't even notice the huge ass deer taxidermy until my third or fourth visit- but the stars eventually aligned and i have since come to appreciate it much more! As a bar, the staff are nice, the prices are average and the drink options exceed my expectations as they have quite the selection of hooch (liquor that is, though i have seen plenty of loose women there too). The wait for a drink can be killer if they don't have the bar at the back of the room open, but if that's the case it just means you should get a drink AND do a shot! The decor is also quite lovely. I'm in love with the red baroque wallpaper and chandeliers! It's sort of like Count Dracula met this hip, young broad and decides to renovate his dank crypt to make it look cool and sexy before he invites her over, but he's so out of touch that it just looks like a gothic spinster went nuts at a thrift store. (i have never seen a romantic comedy about Dracula, but if there is one i'm sure that scene is in it, complete with a montage of Dracula decorating). Sorry, where was i? Oh yes, about the Biltmore as a venue to see bands. Their sound system is great, but i find you have to be centre stage or else the sound levels are off. I've been to a few shows here where the band won't sound too great if i'm sitting on one of the stools on either side of the stage, but once you stand in the crowd it's great. Another thing is that if you're short like me, you're pretty much S.O.L. if you aren't standing near the front. The stage is only a couple feet high, which is AWESOME if you're in the first three rows, but not so great if you are stuck at the back. That being said, i saw one of the best shows of my life here last weekend (Wovenhand!) and was beyond stoked to be 5 feet away from the band seeing them live! Aaaaand one last thing: There is pinball. YES! read more

As a non hipster, I had my trepidations about trying out this infamous Vancouver venue, fearing myself not cool enough to be there. I'm probably not, but that is part of the fun. Every sort of person seems to go there and have a good time. I've never had to wait for a drink and the drinks are perfectly reasonably priced. I had my first (cliche coming) Pabst Blue Ribbon there! This is unlike any other venue I've ever been to and it lets me feel like there's still a part of an era I'm nostalgic for but didn't actually experience (out of diapers, anyway). The dance floor is fantastic and there is a myriad of live musical acts throughout the week. The decor is divey but in fun way and there are bar tables, booths and even a battered lounge section towards the back where if you're really special (or are in a group) they'll let you take it over. It's more fun to mingle though so I recommend not roping yourself in. I'd give it 5 stars if coat-check hadn't lost several of my friends' coats over the last year without showing the least remorse. Nobody's perfect, but if you have a really nice coat you are attached to, leave it at home. Ratty cardigans are in, after all. read more

I have been to the Biltmore for many shows over the years, between concerts and Kitty Nights. The venue is a fun one. The staff are very nice and friendly. I've never had a rude encounter in the slightest. They always seem happy to be there, which I like. The bar hosts a decent selection of good beers and at reasonable prices for a night spot. Props to that. Mmm Farmhand Ale... The sound quality is quite good, and I like the funky interior. My only complaints are the sight lines and chairs for viewing events. Especially events like Kitty Nights where the show is all about the visual experience. You want a good view. The booths on the side restrict your sight lines, and the chairs up front are uncomfortable and so packed that if you are short like me you get a view of nothing but hair if someone is seated in front of you. Anyhow, it is a great venue and I expect I will be back many more times. And if you haven't been, go see Kitty Nights. Seriously, the best entertainment you can buy for $7. The washrooms, while dodgy looking, are usually fairly clean. read more

Hidden away off Kingsway and 12th, the Biltmore Cabaret is the dream venue that almost never happened. With cheap beer and two bars to service any given night, loungey dining area style booths set up around the venue, a generously spaced dance floor and strategically placed (and very clean ) bathrooms, a night at the biltmore seems very classy, yet not pretentious. The place operates as a venue nearly every night, and distritbutes tickets to their shows almost exclusively through the local record stores Scratch, Zulu, and RedCat. However, they are also courteous enough to keep some tickets at the door, so if you really want to go to that sold-out show, come early and they may have something for you. When at capacity, the biltmore can be a lame place to be in. There are a lot of places without any stage sightlines (even for me at six feet tall) and the place gets very very loud on weekends. The bar is almost always accessible though (due in part to the layout and dual bar situation) and the last call is relatively late in to the night. There is a smoking section tapered off at the front, or sometimes facing kingsway at their back entrance. There is an overwhelming security presence during some of the gigs here. They're mostly friendly though and are just there to stop fights etc. Be prepared to be searched when you enter though. read more

I love this bar! The Biltmore is such a fun, quirky place to be. Located below the Biltmore Hotel (I can't imagine how people are able to sleep) is underground saloon with plush booths, textured wallpaper and chandeliers-- but not the boutique-y kind. This place is a place of vintagey happy people! The bands are indie, the crowds are fun, there's rarely a lineup, yet the place is always buzzing with activity (such a great mix). The space is so fun and relaxed that it's perfect for hosting events (the VAFF fundraiser was a blast here) and of course shows. I miss Richards on Richards dearly, I'm am so thankful that we still have the Biltmore! read more

If you wear a 1 piece velour suit, do not sit in the booths! You will never be able to get out, it will be like human velcro. Ok now that I have that public service announcement out of the way I can continue with the review. To say this place is awesome is an absolute understatement. I had no idea what to expect, no clue who was playing but that was no problem at all. From the comfortable booths to the pinball and retro tetris in the corner I knew at first glance I could call this place my home. This place is my new favourite place to take in a show, it's a comfortable friendly environment with a decent selection of draft beers at a good price. The sound quality is excellent and the bands that are booked are just top notch, top this all off with a very reasonable price. So even if you don't know who is playing, come on down and you won't be disappointed. read more

PINBALL REVIEW Machines: Family Guy Let me say that I would probably give the Biltmore a 5 star grade normally, but this a Pinball review, Family Guy is a decent game, but it's the only one. Some additional games would be welcome, but the Biltmore does a lot of things good, so I guess they can't be perfect. 9/30 Yelp 30 in 30 read more

If you want to see boobs, this is the place to go. A little seedy, a little divey but ultimately very friendly. We came here for the very first amateur burlesque night, which is now on once a month, and it was awesome! $5 for a fantastic and very professional show. You can't get anything else in this town for that kind of money. They never charged me for a diet coke refill, which is very much appreciated and the staff seem lovely. BOOBS! read more

I love The Biltmore. I love red plush interior and steamy-hot winter dance nights. I love the 'old' people that show up and feel at home and the 19 year old kids from the suburbs that don't know what to think of the place. I love the stage and how they've put a ton of work into making it a better place to have a show - I love that they don't always use red light to showcase acts anymore (so much easier to photograph). I love Talent Time and Glory Days and Kitty Nights and The Rock & Roll Pizza Party and Jr. High 90's night. I love that it's next door to my house. I love that the pretentiousness is at a minimum, that the PBR is cheap and that it's easy to get to know the staff. I love that every night is different at The Biltmore and that they have a Mars Attack pinball machine. Oh hey, and If you want a good place to watch the band, head to either side of the stage and take a seat on one of the big, black boxes right there at the front. Best seat in the house. read more

Ever been to a burlesque show? if not - this is the place to learn about the burlesque sub-culture. basically a strip club type deal without the full nudity package. It is artistic deal as well, but it's fun too of course. The stage show was a lot of fun, but it started almost an hour late and on a Sunday evening, it made it tough to stay late and enjoy the whole deal (there is an intermission). The drinks were good - strong a reasonably priced. Not an every weekend deal, but worth a trip to check it out. read more

I adore seeing shows at the Biltmore. Even just walking in is an experience, as you descend the wide stairs inside the entrance and the room opens up before you... Red wallpaper! Circle booths! Old arcade games! Chandeliers! Animal heads! They've got an extremely impressive beer list (both on tap and in bottles - have you tried Mirror Pond from Oregon? You should) plus, for the more price conscious hipster, cans of PBR for $3. Who can go wrong! I also greatly appreciate the water jugs they put out next to the bar because it can get pretty hot in there. There are several seating and stage viewing options (multiple levels, table heights, etc) with the best being, of course, the large open dance floor right in front of the stage. As someone else mentioned, if you see a band here, chances are you'll be hearing about them playing a larger venue sometime in the very near future (recent example: Frightened Rabbit - saw them at the Biltmore a couple months ago and their next Vancouver show will be at the Vogue). So it's a perfect place to see those awesome unknowns before they blow up. read more

If you see a band at the Biltmore, they've got a good shot at playing a larger (and more expensive) venue in the future. That is, if they aren't cult legends who have played big venues in the past. Whoever books shows for this place has probably found his/her calling. The Biltmore gets just about everything right. Enjoy your favorite about-to-be-signed act with whatever beer suit their music best - there are dozens to choose from. And for us gluten-free or gluten-reduced folks, they serve Big Rock Cider on tap. The bouncers/doormen are firm, but not jerks. They do their job without attitude, which is refreshing. I wouldn't suggest that this is a "classy" club, but it isn't grimy either. If your favorite band or artist is playing here, don't hesitate to go. read more

Sweet lounge type place for drinks and concerts. I like the vibe. The location is really interesting too on the edge of East Vancouver. The Biltmore has a homey feel and the sound is sweet and vibrant. I like the place. Parking is always easy around and it's a cool change of pace from the regular venues on Granville and such. read more

Right on Kingsway just past Broadway lives The Biltmore Hotel. Underneath the hotel is The Biltmore Bar, once a nasty little biker venue, it has since has cleaned up its act and renovated itself into a beautiful large musical venue. With a wide open dance floor and a huge full frontal stage, its becoming very popular for bigger name acts who can fill up the space and bring in the crowds. There is plenty of seating on either side of the floor, big classy booths with plush red cushioning illuminated by mini chandeliers. It's nice to get cozy in them but they don't really give a good view of the stage. Off the beaten path, expect good things to come for this place, as CBC has recently made it the venue where it does most its recorded shows for radio. Cover is usually pretty cheap, but all that could change. read more