SECRETS OF THE PENTHOUSE
SECRETS OF THE PENTHOUSE
Explore backstage inside Vancouver’s most infamous venue with club owner Danny Filippone and friends as your guides, armed with stories of vice squad busts, mobsters, bootlegging, Rat Pack parties, fire and murder. With a jazz band up on stage and spaghetti and meatballs served the way Mama Filippone made ‘em, this is a night you’ll remember forever!
Winner of City of Vancouver Heritage Medal of Honour
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You’ll discover…
Tales of rat pack parties
Where mobsters hid their cash
How the Filippones fought the law
Live jazz from the Russell Sholberg Trio
Where the booze was hidden from the cops
Unforgettable stories from best-selling writer Aaron Chapman
The inside scoop from retired police detective Grant MacDonald
Private spaces and rooms inside the club, closed to the public for decades
Meet Ben “The Sign Guy” Jackson, the man behind Canada’s most famous marquee!
Italian buffet dinner served up with Mama Filippone’s original spaghetti and meatballs recipe from the old country. Veggie option also available!
And more!
SEP 3
JUN 11
MAY 28 [SOLD OUT]
6:30PM – 9:30PM
$70 PER PERSON
BOOK YOUR TOUR
*IMPORTANT*
This event is incredibly popular and consistently sells out. To get your preferred date and avoid missing out, we highly recommend you book as soon as possible.
Prices do not include fees and taxes. Contact us for private tours.
MEET OUR SECRETS OF THE PENTHOUSE GUIDES
THE SECRETS OF THE PENTHOUSE REVIEWS
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
When you buy a ticket for this special event, two percent of the ticket cost goes to support Vancouver Based Variety – The Children’s Charity. Variety steps in were health care ends, to provide direct help to children in BC.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the bar open?
Thankfully, the Penthouse isn’t under prohibition laws anymore! The bar is open and you can purchase drinks from the bartenders.
Can I park nearby?
There’s paid parking right next to the Penthouse at Impark Lot #83, at Nelson & Seymour.
When is dinner served?
Dinner is served at the end of the event, around 8:45 p.m. Do plan accordingly if you need to grab a snack beforehand
What do I need to bring?
We advise dressing for the weather as we have a brief outdoor section. Comfy footwear is recommended, since there are some stairs you’ll take to explore the Penthouse’s secret rooms. And you’ll want to bring your smartphone along to capture memories.
Is it suitable for children?
The venue requires all attendees to be at least 19 years of age.
Can I take transit to the event?
The venue is centrally located in Downtown Vancouver at Nelson and Seymour Streets. The closest skytrain stations are Granville Station, Vancouver City Centre, or Yaletown-Roundhouse station. From any of those stations it’s less than a 10 minute walk to the venue. Alternatively, you could take any bus route that follows Granville downtown, and exit at Nelson St.
Hot tip: Use Translink’s online trip planner for more options.
What is the cancellation policy?
Sales are final for Secrets of the Penthouse. We’re unable to offer refunds or data exchanges.
How much walking is involved?
Be prepared to be on your feet for about half the tour, or around 45 minutes. There is seating available for the other half of the tour.
I have dietary restrictions. Can you accommodate me?
We serve up a scrumptious Spaghetti and Meatball buffet with salad, just like Mama Filppone used to make! A vegetarian option is also available. Unfortunately we’re not able to accommodate further dietary needs at this time. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
How often does this event run and when is the next date?
We run this event every month from September to June. Our schedules aren’t pre-set and depend on the availability of the club and our amazing guides.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Be the first to hear about future dates by subscribing to our e-newsletter. You’ll get first-hand information, including dates, and even early access to tickets (plus Vancouver history tidbits and more).
Can I buy my tickets cheaper on another site?
We guarantee our website has the lowest prices for our experiences. Beware reseller sites that display their prices in $USD to appear cheaper than they really are.
Can I stay at the Penthouse after the event?
Absolutely! You’re welcome to stay after the event.
What are the Terms and Conditions?
All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
We do not permit guests on the tour who are, or appear to be, intoxicated. Guests who are intoxicated or disorderly will be asked to leave the tour and no refund will be issued.
You and your party knowingly and freely assume all the risks with participating in this experience. We are not responsible for illness or injury of guests during a tour. By participating in this experience you release and hold harmless Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours with respect to any injury, disability, death, or loss or damage to person or property whether cause by the negligence of Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours or otherwise.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately this event is not wheelchair accessible due to stairwell access to some of the areas.
Are there dancers on stage?
Celebrated local artists the Russell Sholberg Jazz Trio provide the musical entertainment before and after the tour. There are no dancers on stage during the event, but depending on the night the club might open for normal business after the event ends around 9:30 p.m.
Is there a bathroom break?
Guests are welcome to use the bathrooms onsite at any time.
A TASTE OF THE TOUR
Serving up entertainment since 1947
In its 74 years the Penthouse has survived blue-nosed liquor laws, police-raids, fires, robberies, and even Covid 19. It has been a favourite watering hole of celebrity glitterati like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald. The only place in Vancouver’s history where a judge, a crime boss and a dancing girl could rub shoulders without an eyebrow being raised. Remarkably, the Penthouse is still in business today. Still owned and managed by the Filippone family, just like in 1947.
City of Vancouver Award Winner!
We’re proud to announce our Secrets of the Penthouse special event was the recipient of a Medal of Honour at the 2019 City of Vancouver Heritage Awards for “demonstrating an outstanding contribution to heritage conservation, advocacy, education and awareness, or community revitalization.”
Thank you to all our supporters — it’s with your help that we’ve been able to stage Secrets of the Penthouse over 50 times and share so much remarkable Vancouver history and heritage with so many!
