Summer in Vancouver just got a lot brighter—and a whole lot tastier. Chupito, the Michelin-recognized cocktail bar known for its vibrant energy and exceptional Mexican hospitality, is officially throwing it back to its roots. Starting this weekend, the establishment is reviving its most beloved staple: the iconic yellow shipping container.
Once the literal and figurative centerpiece of Chupito’s hidden Gastown patio, the striking container has been relocated and reimagined. It is now welcoming patrons into a lush, vibrant backyard setting tucked neatly behind the restaurant’s new home in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood.
Low-Waste Cocktails and Highball Weather
To celebrate the container’s grand return, co-owners Tara Davies and Erick Vazquez have curated a fresh, highball-forward drink menu designed specifically for long, sun-drenched summer afternoons.
Emphasizing sustainability, the new beverage lineup features low-waste ingredients and innovative flavor pairings. Highlights include:
Piña y Coco: A refreshing carbonated rum blend mixed with Palo Cortado sherry, pineapple, coconut, lime, and ginger.
Manzanilla: A crisp blend of carbonated Dolin Blanc, Manzanilla sherry, and a house-made mango pit cordial.
In true Mexican fashion, hospitality starts the moment you walk through the gate. Every single guest is greeted with a complimentary “chupito” (shot) in the form of rotating alcoholic and non-alcoholic popsicles—the ultimate way to beat the summer heat. A curated selection of low-intervention wines and cold beers are also on hand.
Coastal Eats and Weekend Grilling
On the food side, Executive Chef Maria Ponce is turning up the flavor with a seafood-forward menu inspired heavily by Mexico’s coastal regions.
The backyard oasis features a dedicated raw bar serving up an array of fresh tostadas, including Tostada de Atún (tuna), Tostada de Pulpo (octopus), and Tostada de Aguachile. For those looking to share, the Plato de Mariscos offers freshly shucked oysters paired with a sharp salsa marisquera alongside other seasonal catches. If you prefer your food hot off the fire, the kitchen is also cranking out grilled classics like Pollo Asado and Pescado a la Talla.
The Weekend Highlight: Carne Asada
To truly capture the spirit of a traditional Mexican backyard gathering, Chef Ponce will be hosting a live Carne Asada every single weekend.
“Some of our fondest memories revolve around gathering around a grill with friends and family, and nothing captures that feeling better than a weekend carne asada in the backyard,” co-owner Tara Davies shared.
Catch the Summer Vibes
Bringing the yellow shipping container to Mount Pleasant isn’t just a design choice; it marks a major milestone for the team. “It has been part of our story from the very beginning and represents so much of who we are,” noted Davies and Vazquez. “Bringing it back feels like the perfect way to celebrate our fifth anniversary.”
If you want to experience Vancouver’s ultimate backyard party, you’ll want to get there early. Just like the original Gastown location, seating at the new patio is strictly first-come, first-served, and completely weather-dependent.
Harnaik Singh Rathor is the Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of StudioX News Canada, Canada's multilingual digital news network serving diaspora communities across 44 languages. With a background in media production, public relations, and multicultural communications, he founded StudioX Film and TV Corporation to bridge the gap between mainstream Canadian media and the country's diverse immigrant communities. He is a member of the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ), RTDNA Canada, CPRS Vancouver, Unifor, NEPMCC, and the Canada Freelance Union. Based in Surrey, British Columbia. | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harnaiksinghrathor/ | Muck Rack: https://muckrack.com/harnaiksinghrathor | Email: editor@studioxnews.ca
