Nightclubs
Element
500 block main street. one of the oldest in town, the element changed it's name from tiffany's years ago. sometimes has special events such as live shows, ladies night, and foam parties. fridays feature 75 cent highballs but the low prices can attract riff-raff. two bars plus table service. lots of chrome and leather.
There are only three in town and they are all pretty much the same. Loud top-40 music and the occasional live show. Covers are reasonable: $2-$7, more if there is a special event. Smoking is prohibited in all bars, but the three nightclubs have separate smoking rooms. The clubs start to get busy between 11PM and midnight in the summer. You may want to show up early to avoid the queue. If one is empty, try another, as all three are within walking distance of each other, and business generally depends on the nightly drink special. This doesn't apply as much in the summer when all three are generally packed. At 2:30AM hundreds of drunken revelers pour out into the streets, causing a large police presence to keep the peace. Do not taunt the police unless you want to spend a night in the drunk tank! Hint: you don't.
Blue Mule
218 martin. the blue mule used to be a country bar, but they changed the format to get more business several years ago. you may still hear a few country songs throughout the night however. the mule seems to be the most popular these days. wednesday nights feature $2 highballs, the locals buy triples in a mini-jug to avoid long bar lineups. three bars plus table service. this is one of the best clubs in town. it is famous for its smiles and music of all styles. the service is great and the bar is clean. anyone from 19-99 will feel very welcome there. usually a $2 dollar cover charge at the door. the best security team in town mixed with the hottest and fastest servers and bartenders all to the beat of the d.j. makes for the perfect place to go and have a night to memember.
Night Moves
333 main street. this nightclub seems to be more popular with the 19-23 crowd. two bars plus table service. night moves has the largest dance floor of the three. if you want to play pool you must endure the smoking room.
for the best music venue in Canada visit the Dream Cafe on nights when musicians are playing
Pubs and lounges
Barking Parrot
Bar and lounge in the penticton lakeside resort 21 lakeshore. featuring one of the largest lakeside patios in the okanagan and stunning views up okanagan lake, this is the only watering hole right on the lake in penticton. good selection of wine/beer/spirits, and also has a decent pub menu. try a bellini, a frozen drink to chase away the oppressive heat. quite busy in the summer from 2:00 in the afternoon till midnight, when people start heading for the nightclubs. plays top 40 music with the occasional live show.
Voodoos
67 e. nanaimo, +1 250 770-8867. about the only place in penticton that caters to a more alternative crowd. food and drink specials, live music, and a weekly open-mic jam night. $4.50 pints/highballs.
Martini's
260 martin, +1 250 490-0304. upscale with good selection of martinis go figure!, and imported beer. $5.25-$6.50 pint/highballs, $7 martinis. live music starting at 9pm every friday and saturday night.
Barley Mill Brewpub
2460 skaha lake road, +1 250 493-8000, (http://www.barleymillpub.com/). try a sampler: three types of beer brewed on premises, as well as a fourth seasonal brew. english style decor, pub menu. $5 pints/highballs.
Anthony's Pub and Lounge
3502 skaha lake road, +1 250 492-5710. this two story pub features a very nice rooftop patio. $5 pints/highballs.
Decoy's
300 block martin. not much on decor or atmosphere, but has the cheapest and biggest 20oz pints in town. great for refreshing yourself on the way to the beach. cheap food too. $3.50 pints cash only.
Black Pearl Oyster Bar & Martini Lounge
Upstairs 1000 lakeshore, +1 250 493-5001. martinis, beer, wine, port, oysters and appetizers of course, and the world famous boat drink. some of the best views in penticton. $5 pints/bottles, $6 wine, $7 martinis.
Kettle Valley Station Pub
1070 eckhardt, +1 250 493-3388. good food and good drink in this friendly railway themed pub. $5 pints/highballs.
Copper Mug
Penticton plaza, 1301 main street. local haunt of penticton's working class. incredibly cheap food and drink specials change daily. $4 pints/bottles/highballs.
Legal drinking age in British Columbia is 19. The government store Penticton Plaza, 1301 Main Street sells beer, wine and spirits until 9:00pm. Cold beer and wine stores 6 in town are open until 11:00pm, with modest selection of spirits. Nightclubs serve until 2:00am, but won't kick you out until 3:00am.