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 what previously was The Sedgwick space, which closed a couple of months ago 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 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 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.

“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.

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 NA cocktail program, so those enjoying the dry side of mixed drinks won’t feel left out. I recently was at an event that did not offer any kind of zero-proof cocktails, and it was strange. And yes, I heard complaints. NA cocktails are pretty much an expected side of the drinks menu. “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, burgers, and steak.

Their opening date is projected to be somewhere from mid-August to early September. I’ll update this when I get a clearer idea of a specific date. 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
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