Proof Cocktails & Lounge Will Open in Downtown Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver is about to get a new, modern cocktail lounge: Proof Cocktails & Lounge. They’ll be opening in the space that was previously home to The Sedgwick, which closed on May 8. Here’s what to expect.

Who Is Behind Proof Cocktails & Lounge

There are three owners of Proof: Nick Rasmussen, and Carla and Andrew Myers. Nick, who you may have known from his work at the Waterfront Taphouse in Vancouver, will serve as the General Manager, overseeing the daily operations and supporting the guest experience. He has a lot of experience in the hospitality side of things, as well as managing the operations side of the business.

Carla and Andrew bring to the project their entrepreneurial experience and familiarity with the business side of things. Prior to Proof, they built and operated a number of successful companies. “We’re serial entrepreneurs,” remarked Carla. “We have started and operated businesses across several industries. Most notably, we built and ran a behavioral health company serving Oregon and Washington, as well as a medium-sized childcare business.”

Both companies were successfully sold in 2023 and 2024 as they moved on to pursue other interests. But Carla continues to volunteer in public policy and advocacy work at the Washington state level, particularly around access to autism and behavioral health services.

Additionally, they provide consulting to small businesses and personally invest in real estate.

But Proof is their main focus right now. “Together, our goal is to create a destination centered on exceptional hospitality, great drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors,” wrote Carla.

Proof Cocktails & Lounge: What’s in a Name?

I asked Carla why they named the business “Proof.” I figured it had to do with the term, “proof,” which is a measure of the amount of alcohol present. Carla explains: “The name ‘Proof’ has a few meanings for us. Of course, it connects directly to alcohol and whiskey proof, but we also liked the idea of ‘proof’ as evidence of quality and something that speaks for itself.

She added, “Just as importantly, we wanted a name that was simple, memorable, and easy for people to find and remember online.”

What To Expect at Proof Cocktails & Lounge

“Proof is being designed as a modern, welcoming cocktail lounge that emphasizes hospitality above everything else,” wrote Carla. Those who were familiar with The Sedgwick will find the space has been completely reimagined, too.

There are two main sections at Proof: the cocktail lounge and the dining room. They want to offer a warm and comfortable feel for the cocktail lounge, which will be 21+. Here, you can stop in for a drink after work or spend a little more time getting to know their cocktail menu and spirits library. They would like this area to be lively but not a club atmosphere with “boots and cats.” They see it as place where people can have a conversation—about what they’re drinking, about their lives—without feeling like their eardrums are going to melt.

In the dining room, they want to provide a place where you’d like to spend time on a date, hang with your friends and/or family, celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or just have a nice meal just because. “We want Proof to feel like a place that’s worth gathering around, with something for everyone,” wrote Carla.

Drinks and Food

They are developing a number of cocktails that take the seasons and access to locally sourced ingredients in mind. They want to stay as local as possible with ingredients. You’ll find signature cocktails unique to Proof, and their acuity with making classic cocktails is also something you can rely on.

They also plan to develop a non-alcoholic cocktail program, so those enjoying the dry side of drinking won’t feel left out. I recently was at an event that did not offer any kind of zero-proof cocktails (plain sparkling water was the height of NA drinking that night), and it was strange. And yes, I heard complaints.

NA cocktails are pretty much an expected part of the drinks menu in this day and age, especially in our little corner of the PNW. “We’re putting just as much care into our non-alcoholic program, creating spirit-free cocktails that are every bit as intentional and enjoyable as our alcoholic offerings,” wrote Carla.

Whiskey and Wine

Carla wrote that Proof has an extensive collection of over 2,000 bottles of whiskey and spirits—including some rare and highly-collectible selections from their special single-barrel picks.

They will offer wines—white, red, rosé, sparkling—from around the world. This will be a thoughtfully curated group of varietals that they are really excited to share with guests.

The Food

As far as what to eat at Proof, they are taking the approach of putting together food that complements the cocktail program, “rather than compete with it.” This reminds me of the attitude by Pleasure Mountain (RIP), where the owner was very much attuned to how the food complemented the drinks.

From Carla: “Guests can expect a menu designed around quality ingredients, shareable plates, and flavors that pair naturally with both cocktails and wine.” Look for well-made American dishes like salads, an 8oz Wagyu beef burger, and steak, as well as oysters, scallops, short ribs, risotto, and more. They also have a kid’s menu.

I’m updating this on September 28, 2026 and they have their menus up on their website. There are four menus: food & bites, beer & wine, Proof cocktails, and whiskey & spirits. You can access them on the Proof website.

They had hoped to open somewhere from mid-August to early September, but Thursday, October 1 is when they plan to open their doors, with a ribbon-cutting event at 4pm. And when they do open, you can expect great service, food, and drink, and a devotion to high-quality, warm hospitality. Can’t wait to check it out!

Proof Cocktails & Lounge [projected opening late August 2026]
801 Washington Street, Vancouver
Proof Cocktails & Lounge website | Instagram | Facebook

Updated September 28, 2026.