Inside The Rec Room: A floor-by-floor guide to Granville Street’s huge new flagship

The Rec Room’s sprawling new location on Granville Street in downtown Vancouver has been over five years in the making.

This three-level, 45,000-square-foot destination is more than just a state-of-the-art entertainment hub. It offers three distinct dining options for patrons, making it one of the most exciting additions to the area in recent years.

“Granville Street holds a legacy of its own, historically known for fun and entertainment in downtown Vancouver, so we’re excited to become part of this iconic street,” said Ellis Jacob, president and CEO of Cineplex.

“As leaders in entertainment, we’re adding the element of play to the community, paired with live entertainment and delicious food and beverages. We look forward to welcoming guests and ushering in a new era on this renowned entertainment strip.”

The team behind The Rec Room, a part of Cineplex, is no stranger to 855 Granville Street. In addition to being the previous address for the historic Palms Hotel and Coronet Theatre buildings, the location once housed another theatre, the Cineplex Odeon Granville 7, until it closed in 2005.

There are nods to the site’s legacy, which is now a newly constructed development, especially around the main level.

You’ll see several iconic Granville Street landmarks represented and some notable memorabilia, like a poster of a Vancouver Sun page from the day the Cineplex Odeon Granville 7 opened back in 1987, along with movie posters from the flicks that were on offer during its launch.

Set to open its doors later this week, we got a sneak peek inside the country-wide concept’s new Western Canadian flagship location, and let’s just say… we got our steps in. 

Here’s a floor-by-floor breakdown of what to expect from The Rec Room Granville and everything you need to know about its launch.

Top Level: Endless entertainment

We’ll start at the top, as that’s where you’ll want to head for a roaring good time among the 75+ amusement games, augmented reality darts, pool tables, air hockey, and axe throwing facility.

Fans of The Rec Room’s Brentwood location will see a ton of familiar favourites when it comes to amusement games, but we’re also told some new and exciting additions to the Granville outpost are ready for anyone looking to get into some friendly competition.

There are plenty of virtual reality options in the gaming department as well, and when you need a boost after kicking zombie and/or monster butt, there’s The Shed, the first of three dining spots at The Rec Room.

The Shed is an easy breezy place to grab casual and shareable bites. Think Buffalo chicken poutine, Korean corn dogs, hot mini donuts, and funnel cakes. There are also tons of drinks, boozy and non-alcoholic, up for order here.

In addition to the games and The Shed, the top floor of The Rec Room is where you’ll find some private party rooms. The Trophy Case, where you can trade in your digital credits in exchange for prizes, is also on this floor.

Prizes range from handy trinkets to YETI tumblers and coolers, to higher ticket items such as Michael Kors purses and even PlayStation 5 consoles.

Main Level: Dine, drink & watch

The ground floor of The Rec Room is where you’ll enter off Granville Street. The expansive main, full-service restaurant is on this level. It offers seats for 75 at the bar and an additional 160 people in the dining area.

Highlights in this space include an open kitchen and TVs for live sports and events, along with a stage for live entertainment such as bands, DJs, comedy shows, and trivia nights.

In terms of decor, a handful of spectacular chandeliers line the bar area while the design centrepiece, a stone replica of the Art Deco Dancer seen on the exterior of the building, hangs central to the space. It’s said the original dancer was modelled after a performer at the Coronet Theatre who happened to be the original architect’s wife.

Once again, if you’re a regular at The Rec Room Brentwood, you’ll be pleased to know the same food and beverage program is offered at this spot.

There’s something for everyone up for order here. We sampled a plant-based sesame noodle salad, 24-hour marinated jumbo chicken wings, and a prosciutto and pear pizza during our visit.

We also checked out the Lumberjack Burger with hand-cut fries and some boozy beverages like the Strawberry Rose Collins and Bourbon Amaretto Sour.

If you’re after something larger format in the adult beverage division, The Rec Room has you covered. We had the delightfully tropical (and photo-worthy) Blue Crush Cocktail Tower, but there are several options you can choose from when it comes to this offering.

The Espresso Martini has certainly been the cocktail of the summer thanks to Sabrina Carpenter, and for some of us, it’s a sip that’s always in rotation. Well here’s a pro tip: The Rec Room’s got it on tap here. If you need a pick-me-up and you’re in the area… you know where to go.

Lower Level: Vacation mode = on

A unique concept within Vancouver’s location of The Rec Room is The Palms. Named in homage to the location’s historic The Palms Hotel, this level brings instant vacation vibes.

A sweet and spacious nine-hole mini golf course unravels before your eyes as you turn the corner and pass by the picture-perfect “The Palms” neon sign and the custom Granville golf cart. 

Grab your golf-loving buds and play a round and then hit the coastal-inspired bar — tropical sips are on the loser!

Frozen beverages like Pina Coladas, Strawberry Daiquiris, and the Swim-Up Bar all pair beautifully with The Palms-exclusive grub. Bites up for grabs on this level include Chorizo Tacos, Pineapple Popcorn Chicken, Ahi Tuna Nachos, and Pina Colada Glazed Mini Donuts.

The space is vibrant and energetic, thanks to a beautiful backdrop by the local artist duo, The WKNDRs. Sit back and relax in cabana-style seating or keep an eye on the competition at one of the many high-tops, seating options are plentiful down here.

When is The Rec Room Granville opening?

Downtown Vancouver’s newest destination for games, eats, sips, and live entertainment will officially open its doors on December 12, 2024.

This will be The Rec Room’s 12th location in Canada and its second in BC.

The Rec Room Granville’s launch has generated nearly 250 jobs and is expected to provide a significant boost to foot traffic in the area. Will you be checking out this new spot once it opens?

The Rec Room Granville

Address: 855 Granville Street, Vancouver

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