Arcana Food & Spirits
238 Abbott St
Vancouver, BC

During the Fan Expo Vancouver weekend, I returned to Arcana Food and Spirits in Gastown, and they certainly did not disappoint! On the eve before Valentine’s Day, the calm before the storm was certainly there! From the neon glow of a pet parlour in disguise outside to the noir-styled interior, the visit had the Twilight Zone intro play in the back of my mind. 

I was amused that I sat at the same spot as last year, when I first visited. But this time, I had my friend along; Susan and I have gone on paranormal investigations together, and she really wanted to check this place out after I gushed about it last year. And we had a fantastic time admiring the occult decor in closer detail and interacting with Zotar. Although I did not see anyone getting a fortune, I was mildly tempted, but didn’t want to test my fate.

I got a wonderful surprise gift from the staff at the end (see the picture at the end of this article), since I was inquiring about this operation’s history and their current relationship with the people who started this speakeasy up, and they have won me over for life. While my previous food review still stands, I have conducted some fresh research regarding the merchandise they currently offer. 

Although reports from their opening year suggested patrons could purchase various items to take home, that is no longer the case. The Ontario-based operation had two stops in Vancouver proper, but sadly they shut down because of the pandemic and Broadway SkyTrain expansion plans in 2020 and 2022, respectively. Most of the leftover stock from Storm Crow’s former Vancouver operations is gone, and today, you can only purchase Arcana’s own branded products, such as custom tarot cards, branded flasks, mugs, and pins. They range in price from $12 on up. This shift makes sense, as the operation needs its own distinct branding to stand out. 

Anyone seeking a Lich King or Cthulhu tiki mug will now have to visit the Toronto-based Storm Crow Manor; while members of that team helped launch Arcana, it is clear this Gastown operation stands on its own. As noted by Vancouver Is Awesome, the transition began in earnest when the former Hart and Revel Room space became available.

I also need to correct a mistake from my previous report regarding their drinks, which also clarifies an error found in the 2023 Daily Hive review. Contrary to those prior reports, the “Death” cocktail actually has a fixed ingredient list. It is a fruity rye whisky drink with a Polynesian-inspired profile and hints of pineapple that glows with every stir thanks to a waterproof tea light placed inside the glass. Cocktails start around $18.

The “Wheel of Fortune” is actually the drink where patrons roll a die to determine the contents. While I cannot yet confirm if the dice are keepsakes, they appear to be standard gaming products rather than custom-made items. However, patrons receive a keepsake card to take home, and I am already planning on framing mine.

For the main course, the steak and frites ($28) was excellent. It was served medium-rare and pre-cut, which, while slightly unusual, made for a better presentation. It was juicy and had the right peppercorn flavour. I opted for a fresh salad with blue cheese dressing instead of the frites. It was tasty, and it almost felt like the chef read my mind, as I hadn’t even specified the dressing. While the meal was divine, the portion size left me wanting more to feel truly full, though fortunately, dessert helped fill the gaps. I could’ve gone for another main. My friend had sliders ($19) and said they were filling and just as delicious.

The online dessert menu did not match what was actually offered in the restaurant, which is a minor detail for those who like to plan. Between the amazing cocktail list and the desire to collect more cards, I will definitely be back by summer, if not sooner. I have to thank Fan Expo Vancouver for introducing this operation when they rented out the space for an event, and as for whether I’ll meet other spirits, the vibe is there to say there’s probably some that aren’t contained in bottles too!

While not everyone was here for the atmosphere, those who live in this culture (I donned a Norse-themed bomber jacket), I naturally fit in! And I left with this jaw-dropping gift from management! I’m still picking my jaw up from the ground.