(This story is sponsored by Water St. Cafe.)

The Water St. Cafe (300 Water Street, Gastown) has been a long-time favourite among Vancouver locals, but when owners, Eli Brennan and Alan Tse, took over the iconic restaurant in the fall of 2017, they saw the potential to take it to new heights.

Located in the Edward Hotel, which was built in 1906, and opposite the world-famous Gastown Steam Clock, the Water St. Cafe is steeped in history. But the owners haven’t let that stop them from bringing the Vancouver landmark into the 21^st century.

“It’s been a fun journey,” Brennan says. “We have honoured the history of the restaurant and the Gastown location, but reinvigorated it with a touch of our personality. We introduced brunch, we launched happy hour seven days a week, and our menu is made up of fresh, local ingredients.”

Chef Tse and his culinary team aim to showcase the finest that B.C. has to offer, with a commitment to quality, value, and warm Vancouver hospitality. In addition to an overhaul of the menu, the restaurant has undergone a renovation and expansion, complete with a new music venue.

“A full dining experience is about three elements—it’s about the food and detailed service, it’s about the people we share the meal with, and the atmosphere we enjoy it in,” Brennan says. “Having live music is part of creating that experience.”

The new space, called The 2nd Floor at the Water St. Cafe, will host local jazz, blues, soul, and indie musicians every week as part of a continuing program. But for those looking for the opportunity to enjoy some stellar entertainment during the long and dreary month of October, the restaurant is putting on 31 Days of Music, as part of the venue’s launch.

Every evening, guests can see the newly upgraded space and watch artists from B.C. and beyond perform all genres of music. Visit the website for the full schedule and be sure to make a reservation in advance for a seat close to the action. All attendees are asked to pay a $5 contribution, which will go toward supporting local talent and will be given to the performers after their set.

For Brennan, one of the most important parts of Water St. Cafe’s ethos is promoting and enriching the community.

“We serve B.C. wine, B.C. beer, and B.C. spirits,” he says. “Now we get to support local musicians, as well as local charities. It’s all about community. This is one way we can strive to make a great community and restaurant.”

The month of music will close on October 31 with the Great Gatsby–themed Halloween Gala. In a party befitting its majestic location, guests will be able to step into the glitz, glamour, and mystery of the past at the Roaring ’20s-style soiree. There will be a live Clue game presented by Slixer Events & Entertainment, complimentary canapés, a free welcome beverage, food stations, and live music by Marlie Collins.

Partygoers are encouraged to dress up in their finest flapper costumes and hats, since there will be a prize for best costume. Tickets for the exclusive event are $25 and can be purchased now via the website, with partial proceeds supporting Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver.

The Water St. Cafe may now be in its 31st year of operation, but with its recent renovations, it has taken a step into the future—without forgetting its past.

“The building was built in 1906 and we’ve brought thoughtful touches of that era and history into the space,” Brennan says. “Hopefully people feel that when they come into the restaurant.”

Join the Water St. Cafe at its newly renovated venue The 2nd Floor for 31 Days of Music taking place from 7 to 10 p.m. every evening for the month of October. For more information, to see the full music schedule, or to make a reservation, visit the website. Don’t forget to follow Water St. Cafe on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Enter below for your chance to win a chef’s experience five-course dinner with wine pairings for four (valued at $400).