Edmonton Bar and Restaurant Guide by Vue Weekly

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restaurant Guide

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Strip mall treasures

Don’t be fooled by the lackluster exteriors of these hidden gems.....14

Embarrassment of riches

African ........................................... 2 Burgers & Dogs ............................. 2 Cafes/Coffee Shops...................... 3 Carribean ....................................... 6 Chinese .......................................... 6 Contemporary/Fusion .................. 8 Delis ............................................. 11 Desserts ...................................... 11 Diners .......................................... 12 East Indian .................................. 16 Fine Dining .................................. 18 French .......................................... 20 Greek ........................................... 22 Italian ........................................... 24 Japanese ..................................... 25 Korean ........................................ 28 Latin American ........................... 29 Lebanese/Turkish ....................... 32 Small Plates ................................ 33 Southern & Barbecue ................. 34 Steak & Seafood ......................... 36 Thai .............................................. 36 Ukrainian ..................................... 37 Vegan ........................................... 37 Vegetarian ................................... 37 Vietnamese ................................. 38

nightlife

Edmonton’s plethora of Vietnamese food offerings translates into mouth watering options............................40

Brew Pub .................................... 42 Cocktail Bar/Gastropub ............. 43 Country Bar ................................. 44 Dance Clubs/DJ .......................... 46 LGBTQ Bars ................................. 46 Live Music ................................... 46 Lounge ......................................... 48 Pub ............................................... 50 Sports Bar ................................... 52 Wine Bar ...................................... 52

Publisher Editor Listings Writer Account Manager Creative & Design

Postvue Publishing #200, 11230 119 St. • Edmonton, AB. • T5G 2X3 Ph: 780.426.1996 Bar

restaurant Guide

Joanne Layh Angela Brunschot Alix Kemp James Jarvis Steven Teeuwsen Jessica Hong

aurant t s s Re

- African ··Abyssinia Restaurant

This “hidden gem” of McCauley serves traditional Ethiopian fare, with most dishes coming to the table on layers of injera bread, which is used as both plate and utensil. Forks and knives are available by request. Try the yebeg tibs (chopped lamb stew with vegetables and hot sauce) or stop in for one of their vegan buffet nights. 10810-95 St., 780.756.8902, $$

··African Safari

This Somali restaurant with generous portions is tucked into a tiny office building next to a laundromat. They serve a wide variety of meat, ranging from chicken and steak to the more exotic camel. Try the traditional Somalian breakfast if you’re looking for an alternative to eggs benedict. 10610-105 St., 780.423.6614, africansafarirestaurant.com, $$

··Olympia Cafe

Tucked into a converted house with very little singage, Olympia Cafe is easy to miss buts feel like home while you’re there. Offers home-madestyle Ethiopian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. 15608-103 Ave., 780.893.9694, $$

Burgers & Dogs ··Delux Burger Bar

··Blue Nile

A tiny Ethiopian restaurant with just eight tables and simple decor, Blue Nile offers a wide variety of meat and vegetarian combos served on injera bread. Don’t miss trying the Ethiopian beer with your meal if you’re looking for the whole experience. 11019-107 Ave., 780.428.5139, bluenileedmonton.ca, $$

··Langano Skies

Possibly Edmonton’s most well-known Ethiopian restaurant, Langano Skies offers a more traditional “fine dining” experience as well as take-out options. The gomen waat (spinach) is a must-try. Plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. 9920-82 Ave., 780.432.3334, langanoskies.com, $$$

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Delux’s three locations offer burgers in a modern atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of preassembled burgers, or you can build your own custom burger. Salads and poutine are also available, plus handcrafted milkshakes. 9682-142 St., 14111-23 Ave., 150 Bellerose Dr., deluxburgerbar.com, $$

Restaurant Guide

··It’ Dog

This Korean-inspired hot dog joint offers a variety of exotic dogs and poutine flavours, including the Kimchi Dog, California Dog (with crab meat, cucumber and nori) and Bulgogi Poutine. The Korean fried chicken is just the right amount of crispy and spicy. Enjoy the constant loop of K-Pop on the TV screens with your meal. 8621-109 St., 780.438.4083, itdog.ca, $$

··Jack’s Burger Shack

This retro burger joint serves up a variety of standard and creative burgers as well as poutine and milkshakes. Try the “All Shook Up” burger, topped with bacon and peanut butter, and a vanilla malt shake. #130 15 Perron St., St. Albert, 780.458.0055, jacksburgershack.ca, $$

··Soda Jerks Burgers & Bottles

This Edmonton-based franchise is the perfect place to fill weird cravings. Try your build-yourown burger with a glazed donut bun, or top it with gummy worms and chocolate-covered bacon. There’s also plenty of more traditional options, but where’s the fun in that? More than 40 varieties of bottled pop and you can add shots of liquor to your pop or milkshake. 17520-100 Ave., plus other locations, 780.953.6703, sodajerks.net, $$

Cafes/ Coffee Shops ··Artisan Resto-Café

This Whyte Ave. café offers a variety of breakfast options and sandwiches under $10 in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Don’t miss having a slice of freshly baked strawberry rhubarb pie. 10732-82 Ave., 780.413.8045, artisanrestocafe.com, $

··Block 1912 Café

Block 1912 has long been famed for its selection of desserts and gelato, but the popular café also has great coffee, sandwiches and wine. The recent renovation really brings out charm of this historic spot. 10361-82 Ave., 780.433.6575, block1912.com, $$

··Burrow Grab & Go Café

One of local restauranteur Nate Box’s line of cafés, Burrow might just be the smallest coffee shop in Edmonton. Tucked into a tiny stall in Central LRT station, Burrow offers commuters fresh coffee and cheap breakfasts to go. Central LRT Station, 780.425.9991, burrowcafe.ca, $

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··Café Leva

Just off campus, Leva is a bright Italian-style café that goes from morning to evening, offering fresh pastries, frittatas and crispy thin-crust pizza. Try the affogato—gelato with a shot of espresso poured over top—for dessert. 11053-86 Ave., 780.479.5382, cafeleva.com, $$$

··Cafe Linnea

This charming and quaint restaurant serves traditional French and Scandinavian breakfast and lunch fare as well as a classic high tea service on Sundays. Try the complete galette – a savory crêpe with ham, egg and gruyère. Café Linnea is a no-tipping establishment. 10932-119 St., 780.758.1160, cafelinnea.ca, $$$

··Coffee Bureau

This small, modern coffee shop offers smooth, balanced coffee and espresso-based drinks, as well as an assortment of baked goods. Don’t expect a seat, though, as there’s only about six of them. 10505 Jasper Ave., 780.445.4899, coffeebureau.ca, $

··Credo

One of 104th Street’s most popular stops, Credo has expanded into a second location on 124th. The in-season single origin coffee is worth trying, as are many of the house-made muffins and cookies baked fresh throughout the day. You can also pick up some chocolate truffles from Jacek. 10134-101 St. and 10350-124 St., credocoffee.ca, $

··Culina Café at the Muttart

The Culina Café at the Muttart offers an upgrade from your typical museum cafeteria fare and is worth a trip on its own. Lots of locate goods and produce, including the baguettes, coffee, tea and salad microgreens. Be sure to treat yourself to a root beer bourbon float. 9626-96A St., 780.466.1181, culinafamily.com, $$

··Da Capo Caffe

This cozy Italian espresso bar on Whyte Avenue serves up a variety of tasty espresso beverages as well as house-made gelato. Try the café affogato: a scoop of gelato topped with hot espresso. 8135-102 St., 587.521.2276, dacapocaffe.com, $

··District Café & Bakery

Another café by Nate Box, this cozy spot boasts a full bar, craft cocktails and a short tapas menu in the evenings. If you’re there earlier in the day, try one of their breakfast sandwiches with onion jam and gruyère. 10011-109 St., 780.705.7788, districtcafe.ca, $$

··Elm Café

At just 200 square feet, Elm Café is one of Nate Box’s several diminutive cafés. This extremely cozy spot offers limited seating but an ever-changing menu of tasty sandwiches and great coffee. It’s especially well-known for its catering service. 10140-117 St., 780.756.3356, elmcafe.ca, $$

Restaurant Guide

··Friends and Neighbours Café

This unpretentious Whyte Ave. café is the perfect spot for eggs benedict after a night out, and offers a variety of uncomplicated and tasty classics like club sandwiches alongside some Vietnamese and vegetarian options. 10834-82 Ave., $$

··Gracious Goods Café

This quaint neighbourhood stop offers all day breakfast, tea and sandwiches to its Belgravia patrons at extremely reasonable prices. Try the yogurt parfait with house-made granola and the chilled London fog. Plenty of vegetarian options, too. 7601-115 St.. 780.758.8686, graciousgoodscafe.com, $$

··Iconoclast Coffee

This minimalist café boasts a lot of exposed brick and concrete, along with a 360-degree coffee bar. Coffee is roasted fresh on site, and the shop offers a variety of single-origin coffees and blends. 11807-105 Ave., iconoclastcoffee.com, $

··Little Brick Café & General Store

This café, general store, and event space occupies a historic house in the heart of Riverdale. Little Brick offers breakfast and lunch alongside bath products, socks and books. Try the daily pasta option. 10004-90 St., 780.705.1230, littlebrick.ca, $$

··Lock Stock Coffee

Created by Red Star owner Sal Di Maio, Lock Stock occupies the space directly next to the pub. This cozy and intimate space offers a very short and simple menu of coffee as well as rotating sweets and sandwiches. The cappuccino gets rave reviews, and there’s fresh orange juice for those looking for a break from caffeine. 10534 Jasper Ave., 780.428.0825, lockstockcoffee.com, $

··Mill Creek Café

It might be tough to get a table at this popular brunch spot on weekends, but if you’re there early enough, you can grab a loaf of freshly baked bread to take home. The sandwiches are especially good, and be sure to give the stuffed French toast a try for brunch. 9562-82 Ave., 780.439.5535, millcreekcafe.ca, $$

··New York Bagel Café

This breakfast café is known for its variety of eggs benedict, some with smoked geese meat or chanterelle mushrooms, as well as (probably fairly obviously) its bagels. The stucco front isn’t much to look at, but interior is cozy and the patio is beautiful in the summer. 8430 Gateway Blvd., 780.432.2003, $$$

··Remedy

variety of Indian inspired dishes as well as siphon coffee, chai lattes, and espresso drinks. For an inexpensive snack, grab an order of samosas and chai tea. There are also plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. 10404-82 Ave. and other locations, remedycafe.ca, $$

··Rick & Alice’s Grill

This family-owned neighbourhood joint serves all-day breakfast and diner-style burgers and sandwiches. The eggs benedict has scratch-made hollandaise sauce, but all the comfort food options are good choices. 7106-109 St., 780-413-9606, $$

··Rogue Wave Coffee Co.

This coffee shop offers coffee roasted on site alongside baked goods from Knosh Catering. Plenty to love for those who are fans of single-origin coffee, with beans from specific small farms in Colombia, Costa Rica and Ecuador. 10571A 114 St., 780.245.3774, roguewavecoffee.ca, $

··Sugarbowl Bar & Café

Part cozy café and part brew pub, the Sugarbowl has been serving Edmontonians since 1943. There are more than 160 craft beers and 15 rotating taps and a menu of comfort-food options. The breakfast cinnamon buns are practically famous, but there’s plenty else that’s good—the lamb burger is an especially popular choice. 10922-88 Ave., 780.433.8369, thesurgarbowl.org, $$

··The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse

More than just a cozy coffeeshop, The Carrot is a community centre for Alberta Avenue, serving up coffee, sandwiches and cakes alongside open mic nights, board games and a variety of other community events. 9351-118 Ave., 780.471.1580, thecarrot.ca, $

··Transcend

This Edmonton coffee shop has been offering up ethically sourced and locally roasted coffee since 2006. The clover-brewed coffee is complex and made by award-winning baristas who are familiar with the complex equipment. 9869-62 Ave. and other locations, 780.430.9198, transcendcoffee.ca, $

··Upper Crust Café

A popular spot for Saturday brunch, Upper Crust Café also offers a full dinner and lunch service. Their daily quiche option is always worth trying, but the real stars here are the desserts, with a fantastic selection of freshly baked pies and cakes. 10909-86 Ave., 780.758.5599, cafeuppercrust.ca, $$

This locally-owned chain of bright cafés offers a

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Restaurant Guide

··Wired Cup

diner gets an individual pot, ant the temperature that can be individually adjusted. Plenty of broths to choose from, as well as ingredients for the pots. 10602-97 St., 587.521.1888, $$

··Woodrack Café

This relaxed Chinese joint is set up as two restaurants in one, although they share the same menus and serving staff. They offer all the typical casual Chinese place favourites, including grispy ginger beef, both for dine-in and takeout. There’s also hot pot and dim sum options for those dining in. 10011-106 Ave., 780.421.8297, allhappyfamilyrestaurant.ca, $$

This cozy café serves up coffee, sandwiches and baked goods alongside a variety of crafts made by local artisans and other neat gifts. 9418-91 St., 780.462.6628, $

··All Happy Family Restaurant

This relatively new café has a rustic charm, decorate with antlers and driftwood. Much of the menu is locally sourced sandwiches, with both meat and vegetarian options, but their most popular feature are the whoopie pies that come in an enormous variety of flavours. 7603-109 St., 780.757.0380, thewoodrackcafe.com, $$

··Zocalo

This quirky Little Italy café is part garden shop, with plenty of flowers, bright tableware and household goods for sale alongside their coffee, scones and sandwiches. The greenhouse-like atmosphere is a welcome respite from Edmonton’s winter, and worth a stop if you’re visiting the nearby Italian Centre Shop. 10826-95 St., 780.428.0754, zocalo.ca, $

- CaribBean ··A Yah Mi Deh

This family-run caribbean restaurant is bright and cheerful. With big portions and reasonable prices, it’s worth stopping in for the beef patties and jerk chicken. 4435-118 Ave., 780.479.1900, $$

··Baha Cabana

This bright and modern Caribbean/Chinese restaurant serves a variety of West Indian and Carribean classics alongside chow mein noodles. All of the menu items are also halal. The jerk chicken is obviously a classic, but give the baha beef a shot if you’re looking for something different. 13716 Castle Downs Rd., 587.473.8029, bahacabana.ca, $$

··Café Caribe

Decorated to resemble a beach-side shake, Café Caribe specializes in rum, roti and traditional Trinidadian cuisine. Enjoy the relaxing, family atmosphere and try the chicken roti and Stag beer from Trinidad and Tobago’s Carib Brewery. 10115-100A St., 587.520.7111, cafecaribe.ca, $$

- Chinese ··97 Hot Pot

This hot pot restaurant is great for crowds, although because of that it tends to be busy. Each

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··Beijing Beijing

This bright and classy dim sum restaurants offers an extensive menu of choices, including rice rolls, baked BBQ buns and crispy pot stickers. Their dinner menu includes most of the classics, including some combination dinners for individuals or groups of up to eight. 3803 Calgary Trail, 780.430.7720, beijingbeijing.ca, $$

··Blue Orchid Chinese Restaurant

In addition to the traditional Canadian-style Chinese menu, Blue Orchid also offers a variety of traditional dishes for those interested in sampling a more authentic style of Chinese cuisine. 11235 Jasper Ave., 780.761.1235, blueorchidedmonton.com, $$

··Blue Willow Restaurant

Blue Willow has been operating in Edmonton for more than 50 years, and remains a family-owned and operated business. It was even the subject of an exhibit at the Royal Alberta Museum. Alongside its classic decor – red table clothes and cherry blossoms everywhere – this Edmonton institution offers classic Canadian-style Chinese food as well as traditional Schezuan dishes. 11107-103 Ave., 780.428.0584, bluewillowrestaurant.com, $$

··Buddy Wonton Seafood Restaurant

This Old Strathcona Chinese restaurant had a recent remodel, but still offers the same classic dishes with a focus on seafood. The seafood chow mein is a popular choice here, as is the crispy ginger chicken. 10415-80 Ave., 780.435.8881, buddywonton.ca, $$

··Café de Tropika

One of Edmonton’s only Hong Kong-style restaurants, this popular eatery has a modern, minimalist aesthetic and a varied menu. Try the curry beef brisket and roasted duck, along with the Hong Kong-style steamed rice noodle rolls. 3040 Calgary Trail, 780.440.1328, $$

Restaurant Guide

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··Chili Hot Pot Chinese Restaurant

Edmonton’s hot pot craze has given rise to a plethora of Hot Pot restaurants, including Chili Hot Pot. This restaurant offers individual hot pots for diners. The “mashes” here are popular, a kind of paste that can be formed into balls and cooked in the soup. Try some of the house-made beverages as well. 7219-104 St., 780.989.0831, $$$

··Golden Rice Bowl Restaurant

A popular south-side dim sum and Szechuan restaurant that offers gluten- and dairy-free options. 5365 Gateway Blvd., 780.435.3388, goldenricebowl.ca, $$

··Mandarin Restaurant

A recent renovation has given this Chinese restaurant near campus a modern, upscale look. Mandarin offers typical Western-style fare, including ginger beef, wonton soup and chow mein as well as meal deals for parties of two or more. 11040-82 Ave., 780.433.8494, mandarinedmontonab.com, $$

··Noodle Feast

This Northern Chinese restaurant specializes in noodles of all kinds: sliced noodles, rolling noodles, and traditional Chinese hand-pulled noodles served in soup or covered in oil and veggies. The thick hand-pulled noodles are especially popular here, but don’t miss out on having dumplings or a Chinese pork burger on the side. 3440-99 St., 780.439.8088, $$

··Pearl River Restaurant

Pearl River serves Cantonese and Szhechuaninspired Canadian-style Chinese food, including such classics as pineapple chicken balls and Szechuan beef. This fairly casual, low-key Chinese restaurant also offers some glutenfree options. 4728-99 St., 780.435.2015, pearlriverrestaurant.com, $$

··Sam Wok Restaurant

This south-side Chinese restaurant is known for its low prices and late hours, as it’s open until midnight every day of the week, and many of the entrées are $10 or less. The combination plates offer a full meal with sides for $12. 10417-67 Ave., 780.433.6077, samwokedmonton.com, $$

··Spice Kitchen

Offering a dim sum menu rather than the traditional cart experience as well as take-out and dine-in service for dinner. The peach shrimp and hot & sour soup are both especially popular here. 10346 University Ave., 780.433.3800, $$

··Tao Garden Restaurant

This simple and inexpensive noodle shop is inspired by the street cart noodles of Hong Kong,

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offering customizable bowls of noodle soup with a variety of broths, noodles and add-ins. 9642-107 Ave., 780.705.9688, taogarden.ca, $

··The Lingnan

The Lingnan is one of Edmonton’s oldest Chinese restaurants, and is still heavily steeped in decadent 1980’s oriental decor. It’s a charming blast from the past offering all the traditional Westernstyle Chinese dishes, as well as its own famous hot and dry spicy chicken. 10582-104 St., 780.426.3975, thelingnan.com, $$$

··Urban China

This popular dim sum spot has a modern diner feel while serving up barbecue pork buns and dumplings on the traditional dim sum carts. It’s especially busy between the 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. dim sum rush, but Urban China also does dim sum service in the evenings for dinner. 10604-101 St., 780.758.1888, urbanchina.ca, $$

··Urban Shabu

Urban China’s sister restaurant, the nearby Urban Shabu is one of Edmonton’s many all-you-can-eat hot pot restaurants, offering individual hot pots for diners and a large selection of meats and sauces. #168 9700-105 Ave., 780.425.8888, $$$

··Wheat Garden Noodle and Dumpling Bazaar

A Northern Chinese-style restaurant specializing in— you guessed it—noodles and dumplings, as well as a few other snacks. Wheat Garden was the first Chinese restaurant in the city to offer a full halal menu. 10703-103 St., 780.757.8166, wheatgardenyeg.ca, $$

Contemporary/

Fusion ··12 Acres

Occupying a large, Victorian-style house, 12 Acres offers up locally sourced cuisine in a casual and contemporary dining room. The menu changes frequently due to the availability of ingredients, but they also offer some tasty recurring staples, including buttermilk fried chicken and flourless chocolate torte. 8 Mission Ave., St. Albert, 780.569.1779, 12acres.ca, $$$

··Canteen

The “little sister” of Edmonton’s famous Red Ox Inn, Canteen offers a more casual atmosphere than its fine dining counterpart with a somewhat industrial look. The brunch chicken and waffles are a popular choice, but there’s plenty of good stuff for dinner, too. Try the scallop and pork belly or lamb T-bone. 10522-124 St., 780.485.6125, canteenyeg.ca, $$$$

Restaurant Guide

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· Coral de Cuba

This fusion restaurant serves traditional Cuban fare alongside Vietnamese pho and vermicelli bowls. There’s live Latin music on Saturday nights, as well as a variety of other events depending on the season. The Cuban sandwich— not commonly found anywhere else in the city— is extremely popular. 4990-92 Ave., 780.468.2888, coraldecuba.com, $$

· Earls

This popular Canadian casual-dining chain got its start in Edmonton, and now operates close to 70 restaurants across the country and in the US. Stop in at their original “Tin Palace” location for a burger, steak, or one of their modern, internationally-inspired entrées. 11830 Jasper Ave. and other locations, 780.488.6582, earls.ca, $$

· Lazia Asian Kitchen

This “global fusion” restaurant draws inspiration from Korea, Japan, China, Thailand and Vietnam. With its sleek, modern dining room and variety of dishes, there’s something to please most palates. 16049-97 St., 780.457.8833, lazia.ca, $$$

· Maki Maki

This modern Japanese and Vietnamese fusion restaurant serves up classics from both countries, including pho, bento boxes and sushi. Try the pho tai or the caterpillar rolls. 8109-101 St., 780.438.8298, makiedmonton.com, $$

· Oodle Noodle

· Farm to Fork Eatery

This ultra-casual quick-serve noodle restaurant offers a variety of Asian-inspired noodles from across the continent. The noodle boxes are the most popular choice, including the spicy “hot noodle box” with schezuan sauce or the Bangkok pad thai classic. Don’t forget the spring rolls or green onion cakes. 10803-82 Ave. and other locations, 780.988.7808, oodlenoodle.ca, $

· La Poutine

This upscale all-you-can eat buffet serves cuisine from across the world, serving everything from roast beef and perogies to sushi and potstickers. Prices vary from $23 for weekday lunches to $50 for weekend dinners. 3975 Calgary Trail, 780.428.8877, platesbuffet.com, $$$$

This creative Sherwood Park eatery focuses on farm-fresh cuisine using local ingredients. The atmosphere is very traditional, banquet-hall style, but the food is fresh and creative. Try the wild boar belly mac and cheese or the strawberry chilirubbed pork chop. 2755 Broadmoor Blvd., Sherwood Park, 780.400.8999., farmtoforkeatery.com, $$$$

This casual spot offers a variety of classic and contemporary poutines, including vegan and gluten-free options. Try some of the twists on the classic, including the perogy poutine topped with smoked sausage and sour cream,

or the vegetarian taj mahal poutine with chickpea curry. 8720-109 St., 780.757.7222, la-poutine.com, $

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· Plates International Buffet

La Poutine //Steven Teeuwsen

restaurant Guide

· Prairie Noodle Shop

Combining Japanese ramen with traditional Alberta prairie ingredients, Prairie Noodle Shop occupies a warm and airy space on 124 Street. Try the vegetarian smoked gouda miso, which uses cheese from local producer Sylvan Star. 10350-124 St., prairienoodleshop.ca, $$

· Seorak Teppan and Bar

A modern and upscale Korean/Japanese fusion restaurant that prepares most of its dishes on the teppan, a large iron griddle that’s particularly population in Japan. Try the teppan fried noodles and the Seorak fried chicken. 10828-82 Ave., 780.705.0958, seorak.ca, $$

· The Manor Bistro

This casual bistro occupies a lovely two-storey house near the Saskatchewan River. The menu draws on a variety of European sources, with German schnitzel and spaetzle served alongside French dishes like escargot and beef bourguignon. 10109-125 St., 780.482.7577, themanorbistro.com, $$$

· Volcano

This bright Asian restaurant offers a variety of Japanese and Vietnamese dishes, as well as a few American-style breakfast options such as burritos and milkshakes. The Vietnamese offerings—particularly the pho—are especially well-loved here. 4226 Gateway Blvd., 780.756.2218, volcanoedmonton.com, $$

· Workshop Eatery

Edmonton’s Workshop Eatery is focused on local, fresh. and seasonal cuisine. Almost everything, including the ketchup, is made in-house. The menu changes daily, but is posted online if you’d like a sneak peak of what’s available. 2003-91 St. SW, 780.705.2205, theworkshopeatery.com, $$$$

A fast-casual sandwich chain born in Edmonton, offering a variety of hot or cold sandwiches as well as soups and salads. Try the California club, a classic chicken club sandwich topped with fresh guacamole. 10377-78 Ave. and other locations, 587.520.5099, pressdsandwiches.ca, $

· Sandwich & Sons

This deli-style sandwich shop offers a variety of traditional sandwiches, usually with a modern twist—the grilled cheese boasts an artichoke spread, for instance, while the BLT comes with bacon-flavoured mayo. You can also pick up a jar of sauerkraut, mustard or pickles while you’re there. 10184-104 St. and 13199-156 St., 780.453.1465, sandwichandsons.com, $$

· Spinelli’s Bar Italia

Part of the Italian Centre Shop’s three locations, Spinelli’s offers a variety of deli-style sandwiches, Italian pizzas as well as tasty croissants, danishes and other treats. Plus, you can stop in at the grocery to pick up your cheese, olives, and deli meat to take home with you. 10878 95 St., 780.424.4869, and other locations, italiancentre.com, $

· The Local Omnivore

A food truck turned brick-and-mortar deli, the Local Omnivore specializes in smoked and cured meats made in-house. Try the Bird Bird sandwich, with smoked turkey and candied beets. 10933-120 St., 780.660.1051, thelocalomnivore.com, $$

- desserts · Duchess Bake Shop

- delis · D’amore’s Mercato

A small Italian market and bistro, D’amore’s Mercato houses a great deli and sandwich shop, with a menu including homemade soups, traditional oven-fired pizzas, and salads. 4612-99 St., 780.988.5638, damoresmercato.ca, $

· Farrow

This tiny sandwich shop adjoining Three Boars offers a different menu of sandwiches each day as well as cold-brewed coffee. There’s next to zero seating and the coffee tends to sell out, but the sandwiches are worth braving the line for, especially on days when it’s nice enough to sit outside. 8422-109 St., 780.757.4160, farrowsandwiches.ca, $

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· Press’d

Possibly Edmonton’s most famous bakery, Duchess offers a plethora of traditional French patisserie delights, including macarons, croissants, éclairs and much more. There’s also quiche and tartines, but really, why bother when you could have a lemon tart instead? You can also visit provisions next door to pick up supplies and try your hand at making your own pastries. 10718-124 St., 780.488.4999, duchessbakeshop.com, $

· Flirt Cupcakes

This local cupcake shop offers more than a dozen flavours, available in either the classic or “mini” size. You can also order cakes for special occasions, include birthdays and genderreveal parties. 10158-82 Ave., 780.757.4899, flirtcupcakes.com, $

restaurant Guide

··Passion de France

there’s also a small menu of Canadian-Chinese options including sweet and sour spareribs and chop suey. 107120 Jasper Ave., 780.423.3954, commodorerestaurant.com, $

··The Art of Cake

This local chain, with four locations in Edmonton’s strip malls and industrial areas, specializes in soup, sandwiches and—most popularly—a wide assortment of pies. The sandwiches are fine, but don’t miss having a slice of flapper pie. 9114-51 Ave. and other locations, 780.436.9235, fifendekel.ca, $

This French-inspired bakery may be less wellknown, but it offers a variety of delightful pastries in an elegant setting. The red fruit tart, topped with raspberries, is almost too pretty to eat. 11812-86 St., 780.257.2092, passiondefrance.ca, $

··Fife N Dekel

This cake and pastry shopped is easy to miss, tucked in the basement of Edmonton’s City Centre Mall, but serves a variety of delicious cupcakes and cookies. This bright little shop also does custom wedding cakes and confections for a a variety of events. #21 10025-102A Ave, 780.485.5517, theartofcake.ca, $

··Vienna Bakery

You might not expect a Viennese bakery in the Argyll industrial area, but there it is, offering freshly baked bread, streusel cake and a host of other delectable goodies. Be sure to grab one of the mini black forest cakes as well as some of their soft pretzels, which tend to sell out. 10207-63 Ave., 780.489.4142, viennabakery.ca, $

··Whimsical Custom Cake Studio

This creative Garneau cake shop specializes in custom orders for weddings and other events, but also sells cake pops, cake bombs (like a giant cake pop without the stick) and cupcakes. You can also try a bag of their “pork” corn, caramel popcorn topped with peanuts and candied bacon bits, or their bacon caramels. 8716-109 St., 780.988.2253, whimsicalcakestudio.ca, $

- Diners ··Astros Restaurant

Astros is ostensibly a Greek restaurant, but it’s more of a family-style diner with a few mediterranean inspired items. The veal cutlets and lasagne are both popular choices here. 10038-167 St., 780.484.6707, $$

··Blue Plate Diner

This hip downtown diner provides elevated takes on classic comfort foods alongside quirky decor. The mac’n’cheese is a classic choice here, but there’s plenty else to try, like the real Shepherd’s Pie with ground lamb. 10145-104 St., 780.429.0740, blueplatediner.ca, $$

··Commodore Restaurant

The Commodore has been serving cheap diner-style eats since 1942, with plenty of breakfast, lunch and dinner choices coming in well under $10. Most of the options are classic diner fare—fried steaks, clubhouse sandwiches—but

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··Hap’s Hungry House

This west-end diner is a local favourite, serving an enormous variety of diner classics with large portions. If you’re starving, you can’t go wrong with one of the hunger busters, which include eggs, meat, home fries, pancakes, and toast for less than $15. 16060 Stony Plain Rd., 780.483.2288, hapshungryhouse.blogspot.com, $

··Hathaway’s Diner

This quaint north-side diner may be out of the way for many, but the pies alone are worth the trip. Plenty of classic breakfast and lunch dishes, including omelettes, breakfast skillets and burgers, but the feature here is the rotating pie menu, with tons of home-made choices. 13225-132 St., 780.488.5989, hathawaysdiner.com, $$

··High Level Diner

Just south of the High Level Bridge, this diner has been a popular spot for decades. Filled with tons of local, original art, the High Level Diner is a cozy spot that serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. Be sure to check out the weekly “events,” including Fish & Chips Mondays, Turkey Tuesdays, Ukrainian Thursdays, Short Ribs Saturdays and Prime Rib Sundays. 10912-88 Ave., 780.433.0993, highleveldiner.com, $$

··Jay Bee’s Diner

This retro-style diner offers home-style cooking in a bright, open space. Large portions with all the classic diner options: eggs benedict, pancakes, eggs, burgers and sandwiches. 3633-118 Ave., 780.477.5885, jaybeesdiner.com, $$

··Rockin’ Robyn’s Diner

This funky, 1950s-themed diner has all the classics: red vinyl seats, chrome-edged tables, black and white linoleum, the old jukebox. The menu offers all your traditional diner fare, including burgers, fries, and coke in glass bottles. 16604-109 Ave., 780.756.5656, rockinrobyns.com, $$

Restaurant Guide

Strip mall treasures

Castle Bake //Chris Gee

DON’T BE FOOLED BY THE LACKLUSTER EXTERIORS OF THESE HIDDEN GEMS

frequently touted reason that Edmonton's downtown is home to four of the best restaurants in Canada (according to a national panel of judges, and adjudicated by KPMG in Canada) is that, for the longest time, chain restaurants stayed away from the core, which left room for enterprising, adventurous restaurateurs and chefs to stage their ideas about what makes a great dining experience. Edmonton's many, many superannuated strip malls reprise this phenomenon in microcosm, where vacancies left by traditional businesses make way for individualistic restaurant concepts delivered to an appreciative local audience. A sterling example is Glass Monkey Gastro Pub (5842–111 St.), which sprung up a few years back in the former home of—and seemingly in homage to—pioneering strip mall gem Jack's Grill, in gloriously appointed Lendrum Centre. The humble exterior belies a surprisingly chic-looking interior and, perhaps more surprisingly, a nice enclosed

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patio that shields you from a view of the parking lot and the LRT line. Pizza, pasta, and large plates are available, but I'd take friends and share from their primo assortment of snacks, boards and small plates (including Jack's Grill beef carpaccio), and their primo beverage menu. Lendrum Centre is coincidentally home to one of Edmonton's finest purveyors of sushi, Wasabi. Even as a takeout counter in the long-gone Strathcona Chinatown Mall, Wasabi dealt in the most luscious nigiri, the savouriest maki and the tastiest side dishes, so you can imagine how a tasteful bricks-and-mortar establishment upped their game. Over in Strathearn, home to top-tier strip mall gems Red Ox Inn and the Wired Cup, you'll find an even less scenic strip mall that houses the very comely Juniper Bistro (9514–87 St.) alongside the Alberta Council for Ukrainian Arts, St. John of God Books & Supplies,

restaurant Guide

and Geodetic Engineering. The gourmet café is surprisingly bright and spacious, its offerings artfully chalked onto wall-spanning blackboards, its wooden furniture sturdy and comfortable. A gated playpen at the rear asserts the joint's family-friendly bona fides. Creative fresh baking—some gluten-free—is laid out for your delectation, alongside a list of fancy coffee or tea-based potables, but there's also a terse, meaningful menu of meals, snacks and sharing plates like seared ahi tuna, carmelized brussel sprouts and spicy meatballs on polenta. A personable owner-operator patrols the tables ensuring your satisfaction. Not all strip malls gems speak the same language, culinarily. Mill Woods, for instance, is overflowing with strip mall gems in many dialects. I will never stop singing the praises of Castle Bake (16845–109 St.), perhaps the most tucked-away of the gems chronicled here, situated as it is the northerly residential sub-sector of Castle Downs known as Baturyn where it shares a parking lot with a daycare. Castle Bake makes honest, authentic, affordable Lebanese food that has never failed to make the drive worth it, and there was a time when I was going weekly for a Lebanese breakfast of ful (simmered fava beans), fatti (toasted pita and chickpeas bound in garlicky yogurt) and labneh delux (grilled flatbread wrapped around creamy cheese, olives, tomatoes, fresh mint, and zataar). It's undergone a lot of renovations over the past five years, expanding and shedding its donair-shop ambiance, but it remains casual and welcoming, a great place for a family meal. Its annual iftar buffet during Ramadan should be experienced by everyone at least once.

For unique strip mall dining experiences you'd be lucky to stumble upon Baha Cabana (13716 Castle Downs Rd.), also in the northeast, or Kerala in Pleasantview. Baha Cabana offers a halal variant of Chinese food that actually comes to town by way of the Caribbean. Clean, colourful and friendly, it's probably the only place in town where you can get both shrimp chow mein and curried goat. Also, halal. Kerala (11010–51 Ave.), on the other hand, is one in a growing number of south Indian restaurants that deal in masala dossa and vada, idli and sambar. The Kerala thali ($11) entitles one to sample seven smaller items in one satisfying meal. Or you could just have the dossa, a big crisp rice-flour crepe filled according to your whims—I usually have spiced veggies— served with a bowl of hearty lentil soup, cilantro chutney and coconut chutney. Their fresh juices are also worth a try. With its downtown address in a heritage house, it's easy to forget that Viphalay also started out in a strip mall, where it still plies its trade weaving a Siamese spell to make you forget you're actually on a grotty corner near Little Italy. Their original location (10724– 95 St.) does a little with a lot décor-wise, using soft fabrics and discreet Thai ornamentation to screen out the streetscape, but the food also does a nice job transporting you, whether its their fierce green papaya salad, scrumptious red wine shrimp or astonishing red curry with salmon. SCOTT LINGLEY DISH@VUEWEEKLY.COM

Castle Bake //Chris Gee

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restaurant Guide

· Route 99 Diner

This tiny 1950s-style diner offers a cheap all-day breakfast alongside other classic choices. A great choice for early-birds, as it opens every day at 7 a.m., except Sundays (when it opens at 8 a.m.). Don’t miss the milkshakes, which come in the traditional stainless steel tins. 8820-99 St., 780.432.0968, $

· Urban Diner

Urban Diner prides itself on its local menu and fresh ingredients, and offers most of the traditional choices you’d expect from a retro-style diner. Try the Dutch poffertjes, miniature pancakes with chocolate and maple syrup for dipping, or the apple pie French toast. 12427-102 Ave., 780.488.7274 and 8715 109 St., 780.437.7275, urbandiner.com, $$

· Vi’s For Pies

This intimate diner offers elevated diner fare with a rotating menu. The spanakopita is usually available and is extremely popular, but the highlight here (as the name probably implies) are the pies and desserts. The key lime pie is a particular favourite. 13508 Stony Plain Rd., 780.454.4300, $$

- east indian · Daawat

This Whyte Ave. Indian restaurant is warm and intimate, with rich red and purple decor. Lunch and dinner buffets are available seven days a week

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from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., with a la carte service available anytime. 10015-82 Ave., 780.469.3517, daawat.ca, $$

· Guru

Guru promises an East Indian fine-dining experience, and is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants—Indian or otherwise—in the city. The butter chicken is the most obvious choice here, but try the Cauliflower 65 or the Rajasthani lamb curry. 17021-100 Ave., 780.484.4300, gururestaurant.com, $$$$

· Haweli

A popular lunch spot downtown, this large Indian restaurant offers both buffet and menu service. Diners can choose their preferred spice level for dishes ordered a la carte. 10220-103 St., 780.421.8100, hawelicanada.com, $$$

· Indian Fusion

The Indian Fusion Curry House offers both Indian and Fijian cuisine, plus an assortment of wild game curries including elk striploin curry, crocodile tikka masala, and rabbit curry masala. No buffet here, just quality food made to order. 10322-111 St., 780.885.5095, indianfusionrestaurant.ca, $$$

· Kerala

A bright and modern South Indian restaurant serving up curries and dosa in a casual atmosphere. Try the kothu paratha with chicken pepper and dosa or the chicken biryani. 11010-51 Ave., 780.437.7718, $$

Deependra Singh, executive chef at Guru. //JProcktor

restaurant Guide

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··Khazana

The highlight of Khazana is the glass-enclosed kitchen, allowing diners to watch the chefs prepare the naan bread. A large space made more intimate through its warm decor, Khazana offers both menu and buffet service. 10177-107 St., 780.702.0330, khazanarestaurant.ca, $$$

··Little India

This Indo-Chinese restaurant offers “traditional” Indian cuisine (butter chicken, as well as a variety of more authentic curries), as well as some fusion dishes such as paneer with Szechuan or soya sauce. 9250-34 Ave., 780.437.1118, littleindiacuisine.ca, $$

··Meat Junction

This Indian-takeout spot specializes in—as you might have guessed— meat, and offers more than 20 varieties of marinated meats, as well as raw goat and lamb to cook yourself. The seekh kebabs are extremely popular, as is the rara chicken. 4271-23 Ave., $$

··Moksha Indian Cuisine

This elegant Indian restaurant offers both menu and buffet options. The buffet does offer some spicy options for those who like a little more heat. 9266-34 Ave., 780.468.9500, moksharestaurant.ca, $$

··Naan-O-Licious

This casual Indian fusion restaurant on Whyte Avenue offers a blend of Indian and Canadian cuisine, such as “Panaanis” (naan sandwiches grilled on a panini press) and curry poutine, as well as some more “traditional” Indian entrées. The mango butter chicken is a popular choice. 10331-82 Ave., 780.705.5570, naan-o-licious.com, $$

··Narayanni’s

This Indian buffet offers a healthy, lighter interpretation of traditional Indian cuisine, without MSG, preservatives, artificial colouring or dairy. A good choice for diners with food restrictions, since Narayanni’s offers a variety of vegan and gluten-free options. The Vegan buffet every Tuesday is only $15. 10131-81 Ave., 780.756.7112, narayannis.com, $$$

··Nosh Café

This casual Indian café specializes in vegan and gluten-free cuisine, but also offers some choices for meat-eaters. Get your curry as a traditional entrée with rice, or served in wrap form. The butter chicken is extremely popular here, as is the aloo cauliflower. 10234-124 St., 780.488.7656, noshcafeedmonton.com, $$

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··Select Restaurant

Once a French café, Select’s new ownership has turned to an Indian-inspired menu, offering a variety of classic dishes, including tandoori chicken, beef vindaloo and paneer makhani. The Frenchbistro aesthetic remains, along with a few Western-style dishes, including steaks and burgers. 10018-106 St., 780.428.1629, selectrestaurant.ca, $$$

··Spice Grill

This tiny hole-in-the-wall Indian restaurant offers bare-bones decor but a full menu of all your favourite Indian dishes, including butter chicken, mutton curry and chana masala. All the entrées come with a side of rice and naan, making this a substantially cheaper choice than many. 8205-108 St., 780.757.3903, spicegrilledmonton.com, $$

··The Great Indian Factory

Known as “TGIF” for short, the Great Indian Factory specializes in kababs, offering 19 different varieties of meat on a stick hailing from all over India. There’s also your “traditional” Indian buffet. 10149 Saskatchewan Dr., 780.433.3804, thegreatindianfactory.com, $$$

- Fine Dining ··Alberta Hotel + Kitchen

Located in the old Alberta Hotel, this upscale bar and restaurant offers craft cocktails and upmarket cuisine in a historic location. The menu changers frequently, but the highlight here is the Monday night dinner menu, which features three courses for just $28. 9802 Jasper Ave., 780.760.0062, albertahotelbarkitchen.com, $$$$

··Bistro Praha

Bistro Praha opened in 1977, and the elegant café has been providing fine Czech cuisine to the likes of Kirk Douglas and Joni Mitchell ever since. Try the steak a la tartare or the roasted goose with bread dumplings and sauerkraut. 10117-101 St., 780.424.4218, bistropraha.com, $$$$

··Characters Fine Dining

This high-end restaurant boasts a large, bright dining room. The menu is seasonal, although some classics (such as the tableside s’mores for dessert) are a constant fixture. Try the seven course chef’s tasting menu for $95, or for $175 including wine. 10257-105 St., 780.421.4100, characters.ca, $$$$$

Restaurant Guide

· Continental Treat Fine Bistro

This Whyte Avenue restaurant offers old world charm with Eastern European dishes, including schnitzel and Hungarian goulash. The steak tartare is extremely popular, as is the borscht. 10560-82 Ave., 780.433.7432, ctfinebistro.com, $$$$$

· Ernest’s at NAIT

Staffed by culinary arts and hospitality management students, NAIT’s in-house restaurant is the training ground for the city’s up-and-coming chefs, and provides a fine dining experience on a (slightly) more restrained budget. 11762-106 St., 780.471.8676, nait.ca, $$$$

· Hardware Grill

Hardware Grill celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2016, and continues to provide fine dining in the historic Goodridge Block on Jasper Avenue. The porcini-crusted sea bass is a popular dish here, and the warm prairie gingerbread with rhurbarb-saskatoon compote is an excellent finish to any meal. 9698 Jasper Ave., 780.423.0969, hardwaregrill.com, $$$$$

· Harvest Room

The Fairmont Hotel MacDonald’s premier restaurant boasts one of the city’s finest views, overlooking the North Saskatchewan River Valley. The menu offers classic dishes such as beef tenderloin or rack

Larry Stewart, owner of the Hardware Grill. //JProcktor

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of lamb made with local and seasonal ingredients. 10065-100 St., 780.424.5181, fairmont.com, $$$$$

· La Ronde Restaurant

Chateau Lacomb’s rotating restaurant offers a panoramic view of Edmonton as well as high-end steak and seafood dishes, including the $100 signature Chauteaubriand, which serves two and is carved tableside. 10111 Bellamy Hill Rd., 780.420.8366, chateaulacombe.com, $$$$$

· Madison’s Grill

This elegant fine dining restaurant is located within the city’s historic Union Bank Inn, offering updated versions of classic dishes, such as the apple wood smoked striploin with porchini butter and pork tenderloin caul rolled with pork shoulder rilette. Madison’s Grill is especially well-known for its fivecourse Christmas Day and New Years’ Eve dinners, 10053 Jasper Ave., 780.401.2222, unionbankinn.com, $$$$$

· Packrat Louie Kitchen & Bar

Perhaps Edmonton’s most family-friendly finedining establishment, Packrat Louie offers your traditional fine-dining fare (beef tenderloin, pork tenderloin, lamb rack, etc.) as well as some creatively topped pizzas and craft paper tablecloths with crayons for drawing. The lemon pizza is recommended. 10335 83 Ave., 780.433.0123, packratlouie.com, $$$$

restaurant Guide

··Red Ox Inn

One of Edmonton’s premier fine-dining establishments, the Red Ox Inn offers a simple menu with exquisite and elaborate presentations. The dishes offered change seasonally, and reservations are required, as it’s a small but busy place. 9420-91 St., 780.465.5727, theredoxinn.com, $$$$$

··Rge Rd

Chef Blair Lebsack was one of the early adopters of the local food movement, and this rustic but modern restaurant has been bringing diners local produce and meals using the whole animal since it opened. The food changes constantly based on what’s in season, but if you’re adventurous, try something from the “questionable bits” menu, which features off-cuts and offal. 10643-123 St., 780.447.4577, rgerd.ca, $$$$

··Solstice Seasonal Cuisine

As the name might imply, this modern restaurant’s menu changes with the seasons, using local and in-season ingredients. The food is beautifully prepared and served in a warm, modern dining room. 10723-124 St., 780.488.4567, solsticefood.com, $$$$

··Wildflower Grill

While Wildflower’s lunch menu is a little more traditional, for dinner this sleek, modern restaurant gets a little more avant garde, with foamtopped scallops and artfully arranged entrées. A popular spot for special occasions or dates with someone you’d like to impress. 10009-107 St., 780.990.1938, wildfloweredmonton.com, $$$$

··XIX Nineteen

With two locations—one in Terwillegar and the other in St. Albert—XIX Nineteen offers highend dining in a casual atmosphere. The dining room menu in internationally inspired, with hoisin-glazed short ribs, chimichurri lamb and scallop caci e pepe. The lounge offers elevated pub fare (try the Irving farm pork belly bun) and craft cocktails. 5940 Mullen Way, 780.395.1119, dinenineteen.com, $$$$$

··Zinc Restaurant

Part of the Art Gallery of Alberta, Zinc offers a modern dining experience meant to complement the museum’s art collection. Chef David Omar’s elevated classic menu offers seasonal dishes made with local ingredients and beautiful presentations. 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq., 780.392.2501, zincrestaurant.ca, $$$$$

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- French ··Almanac

Located on Whyte Avenue, this intimate spot offers a blend of French cuisine and pub classics, drawing heavily on the traditions of down-to-earth “peasant” dishes. Try the beef daube stew or mushroom ragu for a warm pick-me-up on a cold day. 10341-82 Ave., 780.760.4567, almanaconwhyte.com, $$$

··Café Bicyclette

This café-style eatery is part of Edmonton’s Cité Francophone, and offers fully bilingual service alongside French-style tartines and crèpes. Try the croque madame, a traditional French grilled cheese sandwich served with ham, gouda and topped with béchamel and a fried egg. 8627-91 St., 587.524.8090, $$$

··Gini’s Restaurant

Gini’s offers French fine dining in a casual atmosphere—try counting the number of Iffle Towers you can spot on the walls while you’re there. A fine place to give escargot a try, or order the three- or five-course prix fixe menu. 10706-142 St., 780.451.1169, ginisrestaurant.ca, $$$$

··La Boheme

Occupying a historic 1912 building, La Boheme offers a romantic atmosphere—plus elegant rooms upstairs, since the place is technically a bed and breakfast. The lounge and dining room have separate menus – give both the charcuterie platter and lamb stew a shot. 6427-112 Ave., 780.474.5693, laboheme.ca, $$$$$

··Normand’s Restaurant

Normand’s has been a staple of the French dining scene in Edmonton since 1989, and it’s a cozy spot where owner Normand Campbell gives every guest his personal attention. The monthly special menus are a highlight here—in October and November each year, Normand’s serves an extended menu of wild game, including crocodile, wild boar, kangaroo and ostrich. 11639 Jasper Ave., 780.482.2600, normands.com, $$$$$

··Normand’s Bistro

Located in Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre, Normand’s Bistro offers slightly more casual fare than its sister restaurant. Try the rustic poutine— served with a basil aioli sauce—as an appetizer. 10177-99 St., 780.425.1008, normandsbistro.com, $$$$

Restaurant Guide

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· The Creperie

· Mythos Greek Taverna

· The Marc

· Oil Lamp

This intimate old-world French restaurant is hidden in a basement across the street from the City Centre Mall and specializes in—predictably— crèpes, as well as country-style French cuisine. 10220-103 St., 780.420.6656, thecreperie.com, $$$$

This modern French bistro provides unpretentious French cuisine, as well as personalized attention from owners Patrick and Doris Saurette. Everything here is good, but the entrocote frites—a ribeye steak with foie gras butter and fries—is especially wonderful, as are the dessert beignets. 9940-106 St., 780.429.2828, themarc.ca, $$$$

This rustic taverna has a quaint but modern atmosphere and offers extremely reasonably priced lunches— calamari, chicken souvlaki or keftedes are all less than $15. For dinner, the chicken musaka—a greek casserole with potato and eggplant—is a good choice. 10247-97 St., 780.429.0808, $$

· Sparta Greek Grill

- Greek · Koutouki Taverna

This small restaurant is a local favourite for its Mediterranean decor and excellent food. Don’t miss the saganaki – a delicious fried cheese – or the roast lamb kleftiko. 5524 Calgary Trail, 780.758.6161, mythosgreektaverna.ca, $$$$

This inexpensive Greek restaurant specializes in takeout options, including souvlaki platters, wraps and donairs. The Spartan burger—greek meatballs wrapped in a pita—is a popular item here. 12208-137 Ave., 780.457.7200, spartagreekgrill.ca, $

This family-run Greek restaurant has an extensive menu of mezethes (appetizers), as well classic greek entrées. The meze option is a wonderful choice, allowing your table to sample a dozen different dishes, including spanakopita, keftedes and roast lamb. 10719-124 St., 780.452.5383, koutouki.ca, $$$$

· Urban Greek

A fast-casual restaurant in City Centre Mall, Urban Greek is a step up from the popular Opa! chain, offering quick service and fresh ingredients. The leg of lamb special, available on Thursdays and Fridays only, is worth a try. #136 10025-102A Ave., 780.965.9965, theurbangreek.ca, $

Koutouki Taverna owner Kimon Kemeridis and manager Georgia Kemeridis. //JProcktor

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restaurant Guide

AUGUST 5, 6, 7 2017

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July 21 - 23, 2017 | Edmonton, AB

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··Yianni’s Taverna

Yianni’s has called Whyte Avenue home for years, and continues serving up classic Greek cuisine in a bright, rustic dining room. Check out the Morrocan themed Kasbar downstairs on Friday and Saturday nights. 10444-82 Ave., 780.433.6768, yiannistaverna.ca, $$$$

- Italian ··Allegro Italian Kitchen

This contemporary Italian restaurant has expanded to another location near Edmonton’s Little Italy district. Both restaurants offer upscale Italian cuisine with a variety of choices. Try the calamari in tomato sauce and the chicken ziti. 10011-109 St. and other locations, 780.424.6644, allegroitaliankitchen.ca, $$$$

··Battista’s Calzone Company

Owner Battista Vecchio offers authentic Italianstyle calzones made from scratch, with both classic and modern flavours. Try the classico (Italian cold cuts and peppers) or chicken pesto calzones, and don’t miss the tasty dessert option, stuffed with bananas and nutella. 11745-84 St., 780.758.1808, battistacalzone.com, $

··Bistecca Italian Steakhouse

Part of the Sorrentino’s family of restaurants, Bistecca is classic Canadian steakhouse with an Italian twist. Try the cioppino, seafood served in a tomato and fennel broth that’s served over pasta. 2345-111 St., 780.439.7335, bisteccasteakhouse.com, $$$

··Café Amore Bistro

This intimate and romantic Italian restaurant specializes in seafood and pasta. The paninis, served until 4 p.m. daily, are an affordable lunch option, but the signature dish here is the amore pescatore, a combination of crab, pawns, mussels, shrimp and clams served in garlic white wine or tomato sauce over pasta. 10807-106 Ave., 780.477.7896, cafeamorebistro.ca, $$$$

··Cibo Bistro

This small, modern restaurant offers an affordable lunch menu—with options between $7 and $13—and a more upscale dinner menu. Try the risotto balls here, a local favourite, or the octopus if you’re looking for something more adventurous. 11244-104 Ave., 780.757.2426, cibobistro.com, $$$$

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··Corso 32

Reservations are required at this tiny, intimate restaurant—the first of local celebrity chef Daniel Costa’s family of Italian eateries. It’s well worth the wait to eat here though. Whatever you do, don’t miss the chocolate torta with salty hazelnuts for dessert. 10345 Jasper Ave., 780.421.4622, corso32.com, $$$$$

··Il Pasticcio Trattoria

This classic Italian restaurant has a festive atmosphere and specializes in home-style pasta. The fettuccine di mare is a popular dish, as is chicken breast al limone. 11520-100 Ave., 780.488.9543, ilpasticcio.ca, $$$

··Love Pizza

This ultra-modern fast-casual pizza restaurant offers a variety of creative pizzas, including the Ode to Ukraine (garlic, potatoes, bacon, onions, cheddar, creme fraiche and green onions) and the City Market (pesto pulled chicken, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, red onion and goat cheese). 10196-109 St, 587.520.9734, lovepizza.ca, $$

··Parlour Italian Kitchen

Part of the Century Hospitality Group family of restaurants, Parlour is a casual Italian eatery that specializes in pizza and pasta. Try the cauliflower fritto for an appetizer, or the prosciutto pizza. 10334-108 St., 780.990.0404, centuryhospitality.com/parlour, $$$

··Pasta Pantry & Trattoria

This Italian-style cafeteria serves fresh pasta and classic Italian entrées for dine-in or take-out. Try the ever-popular chicken parmigiana and pick up some tortellini or gnocchi to take home. 101 Granada Blvd., Sherwood Park, 780.467.3777, pastapantry.ca, $$

··Pazzo Pazzo Italian Restaurant

Pazzo Pazzo is a casual Italian spot that offers huge portions. The pasta carbonara is very popular here. 10016-103 Ave., 780.425.7711, pazzopazzo.ca, $$$

··Ragazzi Bistro Italiano

This family-owned Italian spot specializes in pizza. Don’t miss the soprano bread, a popular appetizer of twisted bread topped with olive oil, garlic, anchovies and spices. 8110-82 Ave., 780.414.0500, ragazzibistro.ca, $$

··Rosso Pizzeria

Located in Garneau, Rosso specializes in woodfired pizza made with local and organic ingredients, but the gelato here is the start of the show. 8738-109 St., 780.433.5382, pizzeriarosso109.com, $$

Restaurant Guide

Café Amore owner Cristo Crudo. //JProcktor

· Sicilian Pasta Kitchen

A modern but casual restaurant inspired by Italian trattorias, “SPK” is focused on the cuisine of southern Italy. While the pasta is the feature here, the pizzas are also very good. Try the spghettini pomidoro or the gnocchi. 11239 Jasper Ave., 780.488.3838, sicilianpastakitchendowntown.com, $$$

· Sorrentino’s

This popular locally-owned chain of Italian restaurants is known for its elegant atmosphere and upscale cuisine. 10162-100 St. and other locations, 780.424.7500, sorrentinos.com, $$$$

· Uccellino

porchetta, grilled pineapples and camembert. #110 10220-103 St., 780.705.1885, urbanopizzaco.com, $$

· Vivo Ristorante

This traditional Italian restaurant features an open kitchen with seating available at the “Chef’s counter,” a bar that faced into the open-concept kitchen. The focus here is on family-style dining meant to be shared. Don’t miss the risotto. 18352 Lessard Rd., 780.756.7710, vivoristorante.ca, $$$

- Japanese -

This modern Italian restaurant is part of Daniel Costa’s small family of restaurants, and features a classic stand-up bar. The menu changes frequently but remains focused on classic, simple dishes and Italian wine. 10349 Jasper Ave., 780.426.0346, uccellino.ca, $$$$

· Dorinku

· Urbano Pizza Co.

· Furusato Japanese Restaurant

This local pizza shop offers ultra-fast wood-fired pizza in a modern, industrial-style restaurant. The pizzas are all personal-sized and ready in two minutes or less, and come with a variety of creative topping. Try their interpretation of a Hawaiian pizza, the pork and pineapple, which features

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Dorinku is one of the city’s growing contingent of izakayas, based on a traditional Japanese barconcept that’s focused more on food than drinks. Dorinku’s menu is largely inspired by Japanese street food. Try the chicken peperone udon. 10205-82 Ave., 780.988.9760, dorinku.ca, $$$

This cozy sushi spot might not look like much from the outside, but is one of the city’s most popular Japanese restaurants. Try the dynamite rolls and butterfly rolls. 10012-82 Ave., 780.439.1335, furusatojapaneserestaurant.com, $$

restaurant Guide

· I Love Sushi

This tiny downtown sushi restaurant is popular for its sushi boats, perfect for feeding a couple or a crowd. The spicy tuna maki here is especially good. 10106-105 St., 780.428.0606, $$

· Ikki Izakaya

This Japanese bistro-pub focuses on small plates and sake in an elegant, modern setting. Try the Japanese poutine and the okonomi dog. 11931 Jasper Ave., 780.454.4230, ikki.ca, $$$

· Izakaya Tomo

Edmonton’s first izakaya, Izakaya Tomo boasts rustic decor and a great menu of food, sake and beer. Get the tonpei yaki and the carbonara udon. 3739-99 St., 780.440.9152, izakayatomo.net, $$$

· Japanese Village

This Japanese steakhouse has been part of downtown’s culinary scene since the 1970s, offering a uniquely interactive dining experience where the chef cooks your meal at the table. 10238-104 St., 780.422.6083, and other locations, jvedmonton.ca, $$$$

· Japonais Bistro

This modern, Japanese fine-dining restaurant is

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known for its upscale take on traditional Japanese cuisine. If you’re in the mood for something special, try the omakase, a multi-course of dishes selected by the chef. 11806 Jasper Ave., 780.760.1616, japonaisbistro.ca, $$$$

· Kazoku Ramen

Ramen has been exploding in popularity in Edmonton recently, and this west-end restaurant specializes in traditional ramen flavours served in a casual atmosphere. Try the chicken karaage for an appetizer before choosing your ramen. 16518-100 Ave., 780.483.0448, kazokuramen.ca, $$

· Ninja Club

This relaxed, casual restaurant specializes in ramen and sushi and a few other small snacks. 10324-82 Ave., 780.705.8008, ninjaclub.ca, $$

· Nudoru

This modern noodle and tapas restaurant allows you to create your own ramen bowl, selecting the broth and ingredients that suit your fancy. The spicy miso broth is a great base for the soup, and don’t miss some of the appetizers—the dumplings are particularly good. 10532-82 Ave., 780.757.6836, $$

Dorinku //Steven Teeuwsen

restaurant Guide

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··Sushi Wasabi

While Sushi Wasabi may look a little warm, this tiny family-operated restaurant offers authentic Japanese cuisine. Try the flying fish and the aburi sushi. 5714-111 St., 780.433.0533, $$

··Tokyo Noodle Shop and Sushi Bar

Tokyo Noodle is a popular sushi joint on Whyte Avenue, offering large portions at reasonably prices. Try the dragon rolls. 10736-82 Ave., 780.430.0838, tokyonoodleshop.com, $$$

··Wakayama Shabu Sushi and Grill

This sushi restaurant offers the traditional Japanese decor, complete with enclosed dining areas and low tables. Try the Mexican maki rolls, which include spicy salmon, tuna and salsa. 10518-101 St., 780.428.1235, wakayamasushi.ca, $$$

··Gaya Korean Restaurant

Just off the University of Alberta campus, Gaya is popular with students for its cheap and plentiful food—the most expensive item on the menu is only $13. The bim bi bap or bulgogi are both popular choices here. 11147-87 Ave., 780.439.4978, $

··It’ All

This Korean restaurant offers menu service or an all-you-can-eat buffet. Try the Korean glass noodles and the seafood pancake. 10023-107 Ave., 780.705.9953, $$$

··Korean Village

··Washoku Bistro

Specializing in Korean barbecue, Korean Village offers an all-you-can-eat buffet—select your raw meats from the buffet and then grill them at your table. Many items from the a la carte menu can be made vegetarian. 7729-85 St., 780.466.5666, koreanvillagebbq.com, $$$

··Zen Sushi & Grill

The new Chinatown location of Lee House has a cozy ambiance, now outfitted with barbecue stations at each table. Try the Korean stews or the fried chicken balls, a popular favourite. 10704-97 St., 780.438.0790, $$

Washoku Bistro offers Japanese cuisine with a Korean twist in a casual, modern dining room. This place is particularly popular for its lunch bento boxes. Try the bulgogi bento and the tiger’s eye maki rolls. 10702-124 St., 780.705.2055, washokubistro.com, $$$

··Lee House Korean BBQ

Come hungry to this all-you-can eat sushi bar, since you’ll be charged extra for what you don’t eat. 7618-104 St., 780.757.8816, zensushinorthwest.com, $$$$

- Korean ··B-Bim-Baab Restaurant & Lounge

This family-run Korean restaurant is tucked away in an industrial area, but is worth trying for the seafood, green onion pancake, and charp chae (glass noodles). 9543-42 Ave., 780.433.1239, $$

··Bul Go Gi House

This small Korean restaurant looks a little run down from the outside, but it’s worth stopping in for the large portions of bulgogi and low prices. 8813-92 St., 780.466.2330, $$

··Coco Deep Fried Chicken

For many people, KFC now refers to Korean Fried Chicken, not Kentucky. Coco serves nothing except fried chicken, along with a few side items— chicken and waffles, anyone? Order the half and half back, with both the classic and sweet and spicy chicken. 3350 Parsons Rd., 780.990.4304, $$

··Daore

This small Korean eatery feels cozy and intimate, and offers a variety of authentic dishes. Try the Hae-Jang-Gook (pork bone soup). 9332-34 Ave., 780.433.0526, $$

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··Mama Lee’s Kitchen

Mama Lee’s specializes in home-style Korean food. There are a few small tables here, but most people opt for takeout. The bento-box style lunch with beef or pork bulgogi is a good choice. 10633-51 Ave., 780.498.1222, mamaleeskitchen.com, $$

··NongBu Korean Eatery

This warm and modern Korean restaurant specializes in street food and small plates for sharing. The KimBap —Korean-style maki rolls—are a great choice for an appetizer or main, and the JjimDak Bap, chicken with glass noodles and spicy sauce, is also excellent. 8115-104 St., 780.989.0997, $$

··Rae Mi Hyang

This small, strip-mall Korean restaurant on the southside offers a few Chinese-inspired dishes as well. Try the Jjam Bbong, a Korean stew full of crab, mussels, and shrimp. 10625-51 Ave., 780.705.3966, $$

··Seoul Fried Chicken

One of Edmonton’s most popular Korean fried chicken restaurants, SFC offers a variety of fla-

Restaurant Guide

Soy & Pepper //Steven Teeuwsen

vours. Be prepared to take your order to go, however, as the small restaurant can get quite crowded. Try the garlic soy and barbecue fried chicken, and don’t miss the corn fritters or macaroni and cheese pesto salad. 7904-104 St., 780.761.3616, sfcseoulfriedchicken.com, $$

Latin american · Acajutla Restaurant

· Soy & Pepper

This inexpensive restaurant offers both Mexican and authentic Salvadorean cuisine in an bright, cheerful space. The pupusas here are extremely popular. 11302-107 Ave., 780.426.1308, acajutlarestaurant.ca, $$

· Tofu House

This restaurant and cantina is a perfect spot for dinner and dancing, and serves a variety of Latin American cuisine from Brazil, Peru, and Mexico. 13062-50 St., 780.479.7400, azucar-picante.ca, $$$

A modern Korean restaurant on Jasper Avenue, Soy & Pepper offers upscale decor alongside a short and curated menu of Korean favourites. 11212 Jasper Ave., 780.426.0557, soyandpepper.ca, $$

· Azucar Picante

Located in an old Swiss Chalet restaurant, Tofu House has kept most of the old decor but changed the menu. It serves much more than tofu—try the Korean fried chicken and the kimchi beef tofu stew. 5070-97 St., 780.989.0804, $$

· Won Jung Gak

Won Jung Gak offers a blend of Korean and Chinese cuisine in a simple, comfortable setting. Try the spicy pork bone soup and the jajangmyeon (black bean noodles). 9655-62 Ave., 780.988.7709, wonjunggak.ca, $$

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· Calle Mexico

Calle Mexico operates a food truck as well a brickand-mortar restaurant north of downtown, offering authentic street-style tacos, tortas, and tostadas. Try the barbacoa beef tacos or the steak tortas. 11127-107 Ave., 780.705.0901, callemexicofoodtruck.com, $$

restaurant Guide

··El Cortez Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar

This popular Mexican spot offers craft cocktails and Latin fusion cuisine. Stop by on Tuesdays for their half-price tacos, or try the weekend brunch. The fish tacos and chilaquiles are particularly good. 8230 Gateway Blvd., 780.760.0200, elcortezcantina.com, $$

··El Rancho Spanish Restaurant

El Ranco serves a range of Spanish, Mexican, and Latin American dishes in a casual setting. The pupusas here are a popular choice. 11810-87 St., 780.471.4930, $$

··Huma Mexican Comfort

This relatively new Mexican restaurant has quickly become a local favourite for its large menu of home-style Mexican comfort foods. 9880-63 Ave., 780.433.9229, humamexicanrestaurant.ca, $$

··Julio’s Barrio

This casual Mexican restaurant has been a fixture of Whyte Avenue thanks to its summer boardwalk patio, plentiful margaritas and popular bulldogs (margaritas with a bottle of beer tipped into the drink). Order the flautas, fajitas and Mexican fried ice cream. 10450-82 Ave., 780.431.0774, juliosbarrio.com, $$

··Latino’s Restaurant

This bright, cheerful restaurant offers Mexican and Latin American cuisine and a variety of gluten-free options. The guacamole here is a favourite for many. 10708-98 St., 780.705.1895, latinosrestaurant.ca, $$

··My Empanadas

This unique take-away restaurant specializes in— you guessed it—empanadas. The Argentinianstyle empanadas are available cooked and ready to eat, or frozen to take home and cook yourself. 10631-51 Ave., 780.756.1345, myempanadas.ca, $

··Rostizado

The sister restaurant of the ever-popular taco joint, Tres Carnales, Rostizado offers Mexican style roasted meat in a modern, industrial dining room. The rotisserie platters with chicken, pork or beef are the highlight here. #102 10359-104 St., 780.761.0911, rostizado.com, $$$

··The Three Amigos

This casual Mexican restaurant’s two locations serve up a variety of home-style dishes and fantastic margaritas. Try the tacos dorados or the drunken chicken enchiladas. 10247 Jasper Ave., 780.705.5951, the3amigosedmonton.com, $$

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··Tres Carnales

Possibly Edmonton’s most popular taco restaurant, this fast-casual spot offers a variety of delicious tacos, quesadillas and tortas. The daily special here is always a good option. 10119-100A St., 780.429.0911, trescarnales.com, $$

Lebanese/ Turkish ··Co Co Di

This small Lebanese restaurant on Jasper Avenue has been described as “hidden gem” thanks to its unassuming frontage. Try the chicken shawarma or the vegetarian platter. 11454 Jasper Ave., 780.425.1717, cocodi.ca, $$$

··La Shish Taouk

This simple, strip-mall Lebanese restaurant offers pita wraps, kebabs and shawarma. Get the combo platter to try a little of everything. 10106-118 St., $$

··Lava Restaurant & Lounge

Lava is most popular for its hookah service, but also serves some classic Mediterranean dishes, including chicken shawarma, skewers and falafel. 16741-100 St., 780.756.3297, $$

··Layalina Mediterranean Cuisine

This intimate Mediterranean restaurant serves a large variety of Lebanese dishes alongside flavoured shisha. 11850-145 Ave., 780.757.7826, layalinaedmonton.com, $$

··Parkallen Restaurant

A Lebanese fine-dining restaurant in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Parkallen, this restaurant also serves pizza. Try the spicy catch of the day or the spring rack of lamb. 7018-109 St., 587.520.6401, parkallen.com, $$$$

··Sahara Palace

This fine-dining restaurant is popular for its modern decor and extensive menu of Lebanese favourites. Diners can choose to dine in a smoke-free section or order shisha with their meal. Try the tabouli and fattoush. #110 10807 Castle Downs Rd., 780.371.1113, saharaedmonton.com, $$$$

··Simit House

This small cafeteria-style Turkish restaurant specializes in simit, a type of circular bread that’s common in Middle East. Try the gözleme. 10540-82 Ave., 587.469.2461, simithouse.ca, $$

Restaurant Guide

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··Sofra Authentic Turkish Cuisine

··Bar Bricco

This popular Turkish restaurant has expanded into a downstairs “wine cellar” that serves small plates and half-priced bottles of wine downstairs. If you’re dining in the restaurant upstairs, try the sultan’s platter, which features a little bit of everything from the menu. 10345-106 St., 780.423.3044, $$$

The third entry in Daniel Costa’s contingent of restaurants, Bar Bricco is a wine and Italian charcuterie bar. Try the salumi or fromaggi tasting plate—or both. 10347 Jasper Ave., 780.424.5588, barbricco.com, $$$

··Turquaz Kebab House

This extension of Sabor restaurant also has a second location in the Highlands, serving classic Spanish tapas, wine and cocktails. Don’t miss the paella. 10220-103 St. and 6509-112 Ave., 780.757.0137, bodega.sabor.ca, $$$

- Small Plates -

This Mediterranean tapas restaurant serves a variety of classic tapas in a rustic setting. Try the patatas bravas and sambuca shrimp. 11011 Jasper Ave., 780.705.1101, tapavino.ca, $$$

··Bodega Tapas

This Turkish and Lebanese grill specializes in grilled meats and – predictably – kebabs. Try the kebab platter with chicken, kafta and lamb. 14016 127 St., 780.476.4511, turquazkebabhouse.com, $$

··Ampersand 27

This Whyte Avenue restaurant serves a changing array of small plates and craft cocktails, as well as wine by the bottle, glass, or ounce. Build your own charcuterie platter, try the buttered eggplant or seafood Thai green curry. 10612-82 Ave., 780.757.2727, ampersand27.com, $$$$

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··Tapa Vino

··Three Boars Eatery

This tiny restaurant specializes in small plates and cocktails in an intimate, modern setting. The menu features a variety of fusion dishes. Try the bahn mi, Scotch egg, or PB&J chicken wings. 8424-109 St., 780.757.2600, threeboars.ca, $$$

Restaurant Guide

Have Mercy Table & Bar //Steven Teeuwsen

· Tzin Wine and Tapas

This elegant, eclectic wine bar serves a Spanish-inspired menu of tapas and fine wine. It’s truly tiny, so make sure you make a reservation in advance. Try the mushroom tarta and lamb meatballs. 10115-104 St., 780.428.8945, tzin.ca, $$$

· Woodwork

This restaurant is always warm and cozy thanks to the woodfired oven, and frequently smells like a campfire—in the best way. There’s a highlycurated menu of small plates to share, as well as a few larger dishes. The seasonal cocktail menu here is also recommended. 10132-100 St., 780.757.4100, woodworkyeg.com, $$$

southern & Barbecue · DaDeO New Orleans Diner & Bar

A 1950s-style diner focused on po’boys and other southern cuisine, be warned that you must be over 18 and have ID to dine here. The sweet potato fries here are among the best in the city. 10548A-82 Ave., 780.433.0930, dadeo.ca, $$

· Fired Up BBQ

This southern barbecue spot specializes in takeout, but does offer some in-house dining space.

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Try the pulled pork or brisket sandwich. 6224-99 St., 780.438.8218, firedupbbq.ca, $$

· Have Mercy Table & Bar

The sister restaurant to El Cortez, which is located just downstairs, Have Mercy has the feel of a Texas bar for hipster bikers. Try the fried chicken and donuts. 8232 Gateway Blvd., havemercy.ca, $$

· Louisiana Purchase

Serving up classic Creole and Cajun fare since 1989, Louisiana Purchase is one of the city’s oldest southern-style restaurants. The jambalaya is the classic dish to have here. 10320-111 St., 780.420.6779, louisianapurchase.ca, $$$

· MEAT

Meat’s speciality is classic, slow-cooked southern barbecue served family style, but they also offer some individual sandwiches and a single vegetarian option. Order your meats by the pound or half-pound, but don’t miss the fried chicken or pecan pie. 8216-104 Ave., 587.520.6338, meatfordinner.com, $$

· Sloppy Hoggs Roed Hus

This relaxed, casual restaurant specializes in barbecued meat and enormous portions served with a side of humour. If you’re starving, try the “ridiculous” burgers, including the Roed Hus Road Kill (with brisket, bacon, pork butt and smoked chicken). 9563-118 Ave., 780.477.2408, sloppyhoggsbbq.com, $$$

restaurant Guide

i h s u S t s e Bour years in a row! F

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Try our second location VOLCANO

VOLCANO 4226 Gateway Blvd 780.756.2218

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··Smokehouse BBQ

This Chinatown restaurant serves cuisine from both Thailand and Laos in bistro-style setting. Try the red curry and tom yum ga tee soup. 10569-97 St., 780.423.4207, $$

Steak &

A cozy, simply-decorated Thai restaurant in Oliver. Try the larb kai chicken salad and phat phrik nua (spicy beef with kaffir lime leaves). 10049-113 St., 780.482.2277, buathairestaurant.com, $$$

··Bua Thai

Seafood

··Million Thai

··Black Pearl Seafood Bar

This nautical-themed eatery carries seafood from Canada’s East and West coasts, including oysters, crab, yellow fin tuna and more. The menu is a mix of different cuisines, including Japanese, mediterranean and more. 10132-104 St., 780.705.7887, blackpearlseafood.ca, $$$$$

··Lux Steakhouse + Bar

Century Hospitality Group’s flagship steakhouse offers a refined environment and traditional steakhouse menu. 10150-101 St., 780.424.0400, centuryhospitality.com/lux, $$$$

··Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse

Pampa is locally famous for its all-you-can-eat charcoal-grilled meats, with at least ten different varieties of beef, pork, chicken, and lamb carved tableside. 9929-109 St., 780.756.7030, pampasteakhouse.com, $$$$$

··Sabor Restaurant

This Spanish/Portugese restaurant specializes in seafood, with a menu boasting lobster, octopus, squid as well as more than five varieties of fish. The paella is a favourite dish here. 10220-103 St., 780.757.1114, sabor.ca, $$$$

··Von’s Steakhouse & Oyster Bar

An upscale steak and seafood restaurant, Von’s is locally known for its buck-a-shuck oyster nights and refined menu. Try the crab shack oysters and steak oscar. 10309-81 Ave., 780.439.0041, vonssteakhouse.com, $$$$$

- Thai ··Ban Thai

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This simple but popular Thai restaurant in Beverly offers classic thai dishes at reasonable prices. The coconut shrimp here are something special. 4209-118 Ave., 780.477.1617, $$

··Numchok Wilai Restaurant

This small, elegant Thai restaurant is a perfect choice for lunch, thanks to the special that includes lemongrass soup, a spring roll, rice, and an entrée for less than $15. The red curry beef and hot basil chicken are both excellent choices. 10623-124 St., 780.488.7897, numchokwilai.ca, $$

··Sukhothai

This elegant restaurant offers authentic Thai cuisine in a fine-dining atmosphere. Try the crispy calimari with mango sauce and the samui seafood combo. 11525-104 Ave., 780.426.4020, sukho-thai.com, $$$

··Syphay Restaurant

Syphay’s two locations—both family-owned— serve Thai and Lao cuisine in a casual, welcoming setting. Their pad thai is considered some of the best in the city. 9441 Jasper Ave. and 6010 104 St., syphay.com, $$

··Thai Basil

Despite its strip mall exterior, Thai Basil offers a bright and modern interior alongside its classic Thai cuisine. Try the cashew chicken and pad woon sen. 17759 98A-Ave, 587.521.8424, thaibasiledmonton.com, $$

··Thai Orchid Restaurant

Tucked between two motels, the Thai Orchid may look a little dated, but is popular for its authentic cuisine. Try the Thai samosas, tom yung goong (hot and sour soup) and the signature coconut rice. 4005 Gateway Blvd., 780.438.3344, edmontonthaiorchid.ca, $$

··Thai Valley Grill

This small restaurant is one of the longest operating Thai restaurants in Edmonton, a serves a variety of classic dishes, including stir fries, seafood and curries. Try the panang curry and pad thai. 15726-100 Ave., 780.444.9345, baanthaiedm.com, $$$

··Boualouang

This classic southern smokehouse serves all your favourite barbecued meats, including ribs, catfish, pulled pork, brisket and more. Don’t miss the hush puppies, mac ‘n’ cheese and corn bread. 10810-124 St., 587.521.6328, smokehousebbq.ca, $$$

This strip mall Thai restaurant offers classic Thai cuisine in a cozy, almost rustic atmosphere. The Thai curries are a favourite here. #149 4211-106 St., 780.413.9556, thaivalleygrill.com, $$$

Restaurant Guide

··The King & I Thai Cuisine

This restaurant has been a Whyte Avenue staple since the 90s, and continues to be a popular destination for Thai. Try the tamarind ginger beef and the poppy shrimp. 8208-107 St., 780.433.2222, thekingandi.ca, $$$

··Tropika Malaysian Cuisine

Tropika’s two locations serve a combination of Thai, Malaysian and Singaporean cuisine with tropical flair. Start your meal off with their house speciality satay, and don’t miss the cheap and plentiful tropical cocktails. 6004-104 St. and 14921 Stony Plain Rd., tropikagroup.com, $$$

··Viphalay

This family-owned Thai and Lao restaurant’s two locations offer classy, warm decor alongside classic southeast Asian cuisine. Try the red curry, basil stir-fry and coconut rice. 10523-99 Ave. and 10724-95 St., viphalay.com, $$$

- Ukrainian ··Baba Finks Canteen

This tiny restaurant is part of the entrance to Central LRT Station on Jasper Avenue and 100a Street, where it serves up perogies and sandwiches streetside. Try the perogies (obviously) and the Montreal smoked meat sandwich. 10050 Jasper Ave., 780.420.0376, babafinks.com, $

··Shumka Ukrainian Restaurant

Shumka started as a food court outlet in Londonderry Mall back in 1975, and has been serving classic Ukrainian cuisine every since. Its two current locations are extremely casual, with food served primarily on paper plates. Try the nalysnyky and the meatballs. 16520-95 St. and 109 Kingsway Garden Mall, shumkafoods.ca, $

··Uncle Ed’s Ukrainian Restaurant

One of the two restaurants owned by Stawnichy’s Meat Processing, a Mundare-based sausage company, Uncle Ed’s offers casual Ukrainian fare, including perogies, cabbage rolls and more. You can also stop in at the attached deli shop to pick up some kubasa to take home. 4824-118 Ave., 780.471.1010, stawnichys.com, $

··Wendy’s Gourmet Perogies

This unassuming restaurant is located in an industrial park and isn’t much to look at, but offers a variety of perogies at low prices. Try the jalapeño and cheddar or “tex mex” perogies for something new, or the classic cottage cheese. 4532 99 St., 780.432.3893, $

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- Vegan ··Noorish Conscious Eatery

This eclectic restaurant-slash-yoga studio offers a variety of vegan and raw foods as well as “elixirs”—teas, juices and smoothies—intended to boost your immune system or calm your mind. Try the bodhi burger or rainbow root poutine with miso gravy and cashew “cheese.” 8440-109 St., 780.756.6880, noorish.ca, $$

··Padmanadi

This trendy, modern vegan restaurant offers a blend of Indonesian, Chinese, Thai and Indian cuisine and could confuse a newcomer with its extensive menu of “vegetarian meat dishes” including ginger beef, sweet and sour chicken and sweet and sour chicken. Despite looking and tasting a lot like the real thing, all of Padmanadi’s meat and fish are actually vegan substitutes. 10740-101 St., 780.428.8899, padmanadi.com, $$

··Veggie Garden Restaurant

This inexpensive vegetarian restaurants offers Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. Try the hot and salty tofu, tom yum vermicelli soup and cilantro cakes. 10582-100 St., 780.757.9060, $

- Vegetarian ··Café Mosaics

“Café Mo” offers a variety of organic vegetarian and vegan foods alongside rock music in an eclectic, warm and trendy atmosphere. Try the Happy Cow or the vegan pho. 10844-82 Ave., 780.433.9702, cafemosaics.com, $$

··Loma House Vegetarian Restaurant

This bright and modern restaurant offers Asianinspired vegan and vegetarian fare, including vegan dim sum and more. Try the Kung Pao “chicken” and fried wontons. 9142-23 Ave., 780.466.8391, lomahousevegexpress.com, $$

··The Clever Rabbit

This cute, down-to-earth café offers vegan and vegetarian comfort food and diner classics, including donairs, burgers and sandwiches. The vegan desserts here are considered legendary. 10722-124 St., 780.455.4500, thecleverrabit.com, $$

Restaurant Guide

- Vietnamese ··Co Do Hue

This popular Vietnamese restaurant specializes in pho, but there are also a few rice dishes, salad rolls and other noodle soups. Try the bun bo hue (spicy beef noodle soup) or the spicy lemongrass shrimp with steamed rice. 12819-140 Ave., 780.475.2660, $$

··Pho Hoan Pasteur

··Doan’s Restaurant

This popular Vietnamese restaurant’s two locations are often busy, but regulars say it’s well worth the wait. The pho is a popular choice here, but the bun bo hue is also a good choice. 11443 Kingsway Ave., 780-761-1989 and 9621-167 Ave., $

··Golden Bird

Vietnamese food and pizza might not seem like a natural fit, but this spot is a local favourite in Central McDougall, serving a variety of traditional Vietnamese cuisine as well as pizza and burgers. The spicy beef pho is a popular choice, and the pizzas are also well-loved. 10531-107 Ave., 780.422.6262, $

A cozy Vietnamese restaurant with two locations in Edmonton, Doan’s serves a variety of dishes, including vermicelli bowls, stir fried noodles and soups. One of their most popular dishes is the curry chicken soup. 7909-104 St. and 10130-107 St., doans.ca, $$

A popular Vietnamese restaurant in Edmonton’s Chinatown, Golden Bird serves pho, vermicelli bowls and other classic fare with large portions. Try the rainbow vermicelli bowl and popular spring rolls. 10542-97 St., 780.420.1612, $$

··Hoang Long Casual Fare

This bright and modern restaurant offers Vietnamese cuisine in a fast-casual, cafeteria format. Try the grilled quail and the mango salad. 10037-109 St., hoanglongcasualfare.ca, $

··Hoang Long Fresh Market

The sister restaurant to Hoang Long Casual Fare, Fresh Market draws its inspiration from Vietnamese street food while retaining the same sleek, modern dining room. Try the mixed rolls platter or salad trio. 10057 Jasper Ave., hoanglongfreshmarket.ca, $

··Lemongrass Cafe

This simple, cozy Vietnamese restaurant is a neighbourhood favourite thanks to its large portions and reasonable prices. Order the #32 for a great deal, or try their specialty lemongrass chicken. 10417-51 Ave., 780.413.0088, $$

··Nhon Hoa Sandwich Bar

This simple, casual take-out spot offers Vietnamese subs with a variety of toppings, as well as a few vermicelli and rice bowls. Try the vietnamese sausage and shredded pork sub or the satay chicken sub. 10154-82 Ave., 780.757.9988, nhonhoaedmonton.com, $

··Pagolac Restaurant

Tucked away in an industrial park strip mall, Pagolac is easy to miss. The atmosphere is very cozy and a little 70s thanks to the wood panelling. The classic choice here is the Bo 7 Mon, a sevencourse meal of beef meant to be shared. 9642-54 Ave. and 10566-97 St., 780.433.8899, pagolacrestaurant.com, $$

··Pho Delight

The sister restaurant to Friends and Neighbours Cafe, right next door, Pho Delight has the same cafe ambiance while offering up a menu of pho and other Vietnamese dishes. Build your own bowl of pho or choose from one their options— the spicy pho thai is a good choice. 10838-82 Ave., 780.702.1673, $$

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··Pho Huong & Mama Pizza

··Pho Tau Bay

This pho spot is so popular that it spawned an unofficial website, istaubayopen.ca, dedicated to letting aficionados keep track of the restaurant’s unpredictable hours and vacation schedule. The restaurant doesn’t serve anything except pho, but their checklist-style menu makes it easy to choose which variety appeals to you. Try the dac biet special combo, unless you’re not keen on tripe—in which case, opt for tai nam gan. 10660-98 St., 780.421.0807, $

··Phobulous

This modern Vietnamese eatery serves all the classics with a side of humour—most of the phos have both “Americanized” and traditional Vietnamese names, such as Pho Real and Pho Shizzle. The pork noodle soups (hu tieu) are an excellent choice, as are the vermicelli bowls. 8701-109 St., 780.988.2696, phobulousedmonton.com, $$

··Thanh-Thanh

This family-owned restaurant has been serving up Vietnamese fare for 30 years and has built up a local following. Their beef satay soup is a popular dish. 10718-101 St., 780.426.5068, thanhthanh.ca, $$

··V Sandwiches

A bahn mi shop right on Whyte Avenue, V Sandwiches’s decor is simple but they offer great sandwiches at reasonable prices. Try the barbecue pork sub and Vietnamese coffee. 10460-82 Ave., 780.756.9888, $

Restaurant Guide

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Embarrassment of riches

EDMONTON'S PLETHORA OF VIETNAMESE FOOD OFFERINGS TRANSLATES INTO MOUTH WATERING OPTIONS

here is simply no way to do justice to Edmonton's Vietnamese dining scene, if a buckshot spray of one-off family-run restaurants, burgeoning local dynasties and franchise efforts across our map can be called a scene. It is indeed an embarrassment of riches, and it would take you months of daily dining to catalogue them all, at which point there would probably be some new ones waiting to be tested. I spent a month eating my way around Vietnam several years ago, but I fell in love with Vietnamese food long before that in our very own Chinatown. My first

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meal at Pagolac (10566-97 St. or 9642-54 Ave.)—the grand eminence of Vietnamese food to my mind— was a revelation in a bowl of vermicelli. A singleserving meal for under ten bucks replete with juicy, splendidly seasoned grilled meats, garlic, and pungent fish sauce, crunchy veggies and stiff dose of peppery, licoricey, minty fresh herbs the likes of which I'd never encountered, and spring rolls all tangled in rice noodles? I'd been waiting my whole life for this. They also serve the best kim chi in town. To this day their iconic red laughing cow signage is a veritable Pavlov's bell to my salivary glands.

Pho Hoan Pasteur //Chris Gee

restaurant Guide

Pho Hoan Pasteur //Chris Gee

Not only did Edmonton make me love Vietnamese food, it spoiled me. I'm still at a loss to explain how, but I would put our Vietnamese restaurants up against the best of their ilk in the rest of the country. Needless to say, I've tasted a lot of sub-par pho and bun all across this great land of ours.

monton favourite, Pho Hoan Pasteur (11443 Kingsway Ave.), which not only serves wonderful, rich, aromatic, bargain-priced pho—I always get mine with steak and brisket, the bacon of beef—but actually got me to love bubble tea with their shrewd incorporation of fresh fruit and lychee into the beverage.

Some of my other time-tested Chinatown go-tos include the Golden Bird (10542-97 St.), just a few doors down from Pagolac and similar in style and value for money, and Tau Bay (10662-98 St.), that venerable vendor of pho, and only pho. If you've not sure what Vietnamese beef noodle soup is supposed to taste like, Tau Bay will set you straight in a hurry, and they're so old-school they only accept cash.

Of course, one cannot live by pho and bun alone. Sometimes one requires banh mi, the snack item that evinces the French influence on Vietnamese food—white bread. Satay-ed proteins are a popular filling to go with the pickled carrots, cucumbers and cilantro sprigs that usually top a Vietnamese sub, but I’m prone to ordering the weird array of pink cold cuts and paté that make up the so-called “assorted.” Of course Chinatown boasts the most authentic banh mi in both composition and price, and I usually take my money straight to Van Loc (10648-98 St.) or the original Nhon Hoa (9718106 Ave.), cheap and cheerful operations where a sandwich goes for four or five bucks, comes hot and crisp out of a toaster oven and ever so briefly lifts you out of yourself. Nhon Hoa also has a Whyte Avenue location, which should obviate your need to patronize other, lesser Vietnamese sub places in the vicinity.

Along 97 Street I'm also partial to Xu Hue (10548-97 St.). While it doesn't boast the pedigree of its storied neighbours, you'll find a similar unfussy, broken-in ambiance that assures you the emphasis is on the food rather than interior decor. In addition to pho and vermicelli, Xu Hue also does a decent banh xeo, an eggy, crispy rice-flour pancake stuffed with shredded veggies and sprouts, herbs and savoury proteins of your choosing, as well as bot chien, fried cubes of rice cake cooked with eggs and green onions. Perhaps you noticed that lots of Vietnamese restaurants have Hue in their name, or at least will sell you some. Hue was once the capital city of Vietnam and is final resting place of many an emperor. They also have an bun bo Hue, a spicy noodle soup with lots of lemongrass, thick noodles and both beef and pork. Look no further than Co Do Hue (12819-140 Ave.) for a place to sample bun bo Hue in northwest Edmonton. It's one of those sizable, bustling Vietnamese dining rooms that proves the city has taken the cuisine to its heart. The vibe reminds me of my other northwest EdBar

While many banh mi vendors offer a tofu option for their subs, I’d be remiss not to mention the entirely vegan Veggie Garden (10582-100 St.) where mock-meats have been substituted into a variety of Vietnamese dishes. So if you eat cruelty-free but can shake the craving for a bowl of “beef” noodle soup or five-colour vermicelli, Veggie Garden’s got you covered. SCOTT LINGLEY DISH@VUEWEEKLY.COM

restaurant Guide

Nightlife

- Brew Pub ··Beer Revolution

Featuring 50 rotating taps and hundreds of bottled beers, Beer Revolution is a popular spot for anyone wanting to try something new. Also offers some elevated pub grub, including pizzas, sausages, and sandwiches. 11736-104 Ave., 780.430.4677, beerrevolution.ca, $$

··Beercade

This new spot offers craft beers and arcade games, as well as a menu of burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches. Stop in for a pint and a few hours of Pac-man. 10544-82 Ave., 587.598.4236, beercade.ca, $$

··Brewsters

An Alberta-based brewing company operating a chain of restaurants, Brewsters serves up burgers, pizza, and–of course–their lineup of classic and seasonal brews. Try the mac and meatloaf, or opt for a classic maple bacon bison burger. 11620-104 Ave. and other locations, 780.482.4677, brewsters.ca, $$

··BRU Coffee + Beer House

This modern spot focuses on both kinds of brews: coffee and beer. Offers a unique selection of bottled beers alongside a cafe-style menu. 11965 Jasper Ave., 780.906.3377, brucoffeeandbeerhouse.com, $$

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··Malt and Mortar

This upscale craft beer spot offers a short list of rotating taps alongside elevated pub fare. Try the baked Brie, sangria salad or “faux” pho. 10416-82 Ave., 587.454.6093, maltandmortar.com, $$

··MKT Fresh Food and Beer Market

Part of the Century Hospitality Group of restaurants, MKT offers an extensive list of draught beers and bottles as well as a menu of modern pub classics including burgers, fried chicken and more. 8101 Gateway Blvd., 780.439.2337, centuryhospitality.com/mkt, $$

··Situation Brewing

Edmonton’s newest micro-brewery offers a short list of very nice craft-beers all made on-site. The food menu has an assortment internationally inspired upscale pub food, including Thai mussels, chicken drumsticks and house-made perogies. 10308-81 Ave., 780.705.1377, situationbeer.com, $$

··Underground Tap & Grill

The Underground Tap & Grill is quite literally underground, located in a basement on Jasper Avenue. Features an assortment of rotating taps and bottles, as well as traditional pub fare. 10004 Jasper Ave., 780.425.1880, undergroundtapandgrill.com, $$

Restaurant Guide

· Yellowhead Brewery

The “Tasting Room” at Yellowhead Brewery offers six taps of Yellowhead’s brews as well as a variety of sandwiches. A sandwich, side, and pint of beer is just $15. 10229-105 St., 780.423.3333, yellowheadbrewery.com, $$

Cocktail Bar/

Gastropub This upscale, art-nouveau inspired French cocktail bar and restaurant has just over 30 seats. Try the Provence cocktail or order some absinthe, served with the classic sugar cube and chilled water. The menu is largely French-inspired small plates. Try the cheese butter. 11957 Jasper Ave., barclementine.ca, $$$$

The upscale cocktail lounge at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald serves a variety of classic and modern cocktails as well as upscale comfort food. 10065-100 St., 780.424.5181, fairmont.com, $$$$

Clementine //Steven Teeuwsen

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Located on the second floor of the historical Dominion Hotel on Whyte Avenue, the Dominion Lounge offers a variety of upscale classic and modern cocktails in a refined space. 10324-82 Ave., dominionlounge.ca, $$

· Glass Monkey Gastropub

Offering both small and large plates, the Glass Monkey is a relaxed gastropub serving casual fare alongside a substantial selection of bottled beers and fine wines. 5842-111 St., 780.760.2228, theglassmonkey.ca, $$$

· Hart’s Table & Bar

· Clementine

· Confederation Lounge

· Dominion Lounge

Part of the Century Hospitality family of bars and restaurants, Hart’s aims to be a comfortable and classy neighbourhood establishment serving up comforting food and drinks. Try the millionaire’s meatloaf or barbecue rib picnic. 14229-23 Ave., 780.488.4278, centuryhospitality.com/harts, $$$

· Mercer Tavern

Located in the historic Mercer Warehouse, just across the street from Roger’s Place, Mercer Tavern offers craft cocktails, beer, and upscale casual cuisine. Try the fried chicken. 10363-104 St., 587.521.1911, mercertavern.com, $$

restaurant Guide

· Nightjar

An old-style speakeasy tucked away in a basement just off Whyte Avenue, Nightjar does a little bit of everything: live jazz, board game nights, dancing, and good food. 8130 Gateway Blvd., 780.757.0484, nightjaryeg.ca, $$$

· North 53

Possibly Edmonton’s most well-known upscale cocktail bar, North 53 offers modern and creative cocktails and cuisine. Their drink menu is excellent, but don’t miss the chance to “spin the wheel” and let your bartender select a drink for you. The battered popcorn chicken is a must. 10240-124 St., 587.524.5353, north53.com, $$$

· Provincial Pub

This modern rustic pub focuses just as much on its menu—full of local, farm-fresh and seasonal ingredients —as it does on its beers and cocktails. #160 4211-106 St., 780.760.1937, provincialpub.ca, $$$

· Red Star

This cozy pub features a variety of beers on tap as well as a short menu of Italian-inspired small plates. A lovely place for a pint and a quick bite to

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eat—the crostinis here are particularly good. 10534 Jasper Ave., 780.428.0825, redstarpub.ca, $$

- Country Bar · Cook County Saloon

This popular country bar features specials for women on Fridays and Saturdays. Regular live music, DJs and a large dance floor. Cover is typically $10. 8010 Gateway Blvd., 780.432.2265, cookcountysaloon.com, $$

· Knoxville’s Tavern

The successor to Edmonton’s famous Oil City Roadhouse, Knoxville’s is a country/party bar that features DJs, multiple dance floors, pool tables, and a mechanical bull. 10736 Jasper Ave., 587.988.5669, knoxvilles.ca, $$

· Ranch Roadhouse

This western nightclub features plenty of country tunes as well as pop music and regular themed events. Offers a large dance floor and mechanical bull. 6107-104 St., 780.438.2582, theranchroadhouse.com, $$

Nightjar //Steven Teeuwsen

restaurant Guide

DAILY SPECIALS 25¢

FREE POOL!

25¢

$ 4 BUD &

BUD LIGHT PINTS

50% OFF BOTTLES OF WINE & PIZZAS

25¢ WINGS KARAOKE

1 / 2 OFF NACHOS $4.75 CAESERS

KARAOKE & 1 / 2 PRICE NACHOS

$4.75 CAESARS

20%

Food MENU

Dance Clubs/ DJ

- LGBTQ Bars ··Evolution Wonderlounge

··Billiard Club

Part pool hall, part dance hall, this Whyte Avenue spot features many pool tables as well as latenight dancing and a menu of classic pub grub. 10505-82 Ave., 780.432.0335, thebilliardclub.com, $$

This LGBTQ+ dance club features DJs as well as a variety of drag and burlesque performances and other special events. 10220-103 St NW, 780.424.0077, yourgaybar.com, $$

··Mama’s Gin Joint

··Funky Buddha

Edmonton’s newest gay bar is the successor to Buddy’s/Woody’s, one of the city’s longest-lived. The 1920s-themed speakeasy is inclusive of the whole LGBTQ+ spectrum and offers a variety of special events. 11723 Jasper Ave., 780.705.0998, $$

··The Gas Pump

- Live Music -

This popular dance club features nightly events, including Wednesday night salsa dancing and Karaoke on Sundays. 10341-82 Ave., 780.433.9676, $$

This well-known dive bar and nightclub is located in the base of residential condo building in the downtown area. The “Saturday Jams” featuring local bands at 3 p.m. are a popular feature. 10166-114 St., 780.488.4841, thegaspump.ca, $$

··Krush Ultralounge

With a mix of rustic and modern decor, this top40s club is aimed at a more mature clientele, billing itself as “Edmonton’s premier 30+ dance club.” 16648-109 Ave., 780.444.7473, krushultralounge.ca, $$$

··Privé Ultralounge

This “luxury” nightclub features multiple bars, a large dance floor and plenty of spots to sit and watch the crowd. 10304-111 St., 780.394.2342, priveultralounge.ca, $$$

··Society

This small, modern dance club features hip hop, R&B, and dancehall tunes—and is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 11607 Jasper Ave., 780.399.1110, societyedmonton.ca, $$$

··Studio 107 Dance Club

This modern, top 40s dance club is located above the Corona LRT station, and features a large dance floor with cool lighting and a variety of popular tunes. 10740 Jasper Ave., 780.934.2582, studio107danceclub.com, $$

··Aviary

This 100-person venue hosts live music, poetry, art, and just about everything else under the sun. A relaxed, community-based space, the Aviary is home to many local bands and small acts from across the country. 9314-111 Ave, aviary.com, 780.233.3635, $

··Blue Chair Cafe

Come for dinner, stay for the show. The Blue Chair Cafe is full restaurant that serves brunch, lunch, and dinner while also hosting musical acts nearly every night. Don’t miss the Sunday brunches with live jazz. 9624-76 Ave., 780.989.2861, bluechair.ca, $$$

··Blues on Whyte & Commercial Hotel

This self-described “real-deal blues bar” on Whyte Avenue is part of the historic Commercial Hotel, and hosts many local blues and jazz acts as well as artists from across the country. The highlight for many is the Saturday Afternoon Blues Jam which features a variety of artists doing 20 minutes sets. 10329-82 Ave, 780.439.3981, bluesonwhyte.com, $$

··Brixx Bar & Grill

Located in the basement beneath the Starlite Room, Brixx boasts a full kitchen alongside musical acts most nights of the week. 10030-102 St, 780.428.1099, brixxbarandgrill.ca, $$

··Y Afterhours

When everything else closes down but you’re not ready to go home,Y Afterhours is there – open from 1 am to 8 a.m. on weekends. No alcohol here, but still a place to dance the night (or morning) away. 10028-102 St, $

··The Buckingham

“The Buck” is an alternative nightclub and

live music venue, featuring touring and local independent and alt-rock bands. Vegan pub food is provided by local food truck Sailin’ On.

10439-82 Ave., 780.761.1002, thebuckonwhyte.com, $$

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Restaurant Guide

Live Music 7 nights a week!

Friday Drink Specials $3.50 L.I.T. $3.40 Paralyzers $3.75 shots of Fireball

Saturday Drink Specials $4.50 16oz pints of Lucky $3.75 shots of Jagger

10329 82 Ave • Open ‘till 2 AM Every Night • bluesonwhyte.com

··Cafe Blackbird

··Shakers Roadhouse

This café and wine bar presents many local independent musical acts from a variety of genres, including singer-songwriters, jazz, blues, country, pop and more, as well as the occasional touring musician. Most shows have a $10 or less cover charge.

A large rock and blues bar is located in Edmonton’s Yellowhead Inn, with live music most nights and free parking. Try the steak sandwich or $8 pizza on Tuesdays.

··Chrvch of John

This small, membership-based concert hall hosts musical performances by a variety of popular bands and other musical performers on tour.

9640-142 St., 780.451.8890, cafeblackbird.ca, $$

15004 Yellowhead Trail, 780.482.0202, shakersroadhouse.com, $$

··Starlite Room

This bar/restaurant/venue serves killer cocktails while presenting an assortment of musical, burlesque, comedy and other arts acts with irreverence and class. 10260-103 St., 780.884.8994, thechrvchofjohn.com, $$$

10030-102 St., 780.428.1099, starliteroom.ca, $$

··Union Hall

··DV8/Mama’s Pizza

DV8 used to have its own venue just off Whyte Avenue. After leaving that space, the former venue paired up with Mama’s Pizza, where it continues to host punk rock, heavy metal, and hip hop shows. 7317-101 Ave., $$

··Fiddler’s Roost

Not your traditional music venue, Fiddler’s Roost is a musical community where anyone is welcome to bring an instrument and join in. Stop in for talent nights, open stages and acoustic circle jams. 7308-76 Ave., 780.439.9788, fiddlersroost.ca, $

··Mercury Room

This community-driven events space promotes the local music and arts scene by hosting a variety of shows, including live music, theatre, poetry readings, pop up dinners and more. 10575-114 St., 780.425.1440, mercuryroomyeg.com, $$

This former nightclub is now primarily a live music venue, and brings in a variety of relatively well-known touring rock, indie and hiphop acts for mid-sized shows. 6240-99 St., 780.702.2582, unionhall.ca, $$$

··Yardbird Suite

The official venue of the Edmonton Jazz Society, Yardbird Suite is a community-driven venue that has been hosting local and touring jazz artists since 1957. 10203-86 Ave., 780.432.0428, yardbirdsuite.com, $$

- Lounge ··Accent Lounge

This laid-back European-style bistro and lounge serves Old and New World wines as well local and import beers. Try the steak tartar for half price on Wednesdays.

··Needle Vinyl Tavern

8223-104 St., 780.431.0179, accentlounge.com, $$$

10524 Jasper Ave, 780.756.9045, theneedle.ca, $$

This laid back community lounge serves simple, inexpensive eats and drinks. The highlight here is “Scrambled YEG,” an open genre variety stage that’s open to local artists, film-makers, poets, musicians, dancers and more.

This grown-up venue for local and touring music acts offers a full menu of classic pub fare alongside classic and modern cocktails.

··On The Rocks

This large, casual bar features live music on the weekends, as well as variety of other events, including karaoke Wednesdays and salsa lessons on Thursdays. Their kitchen serves up a variety of classic Canadian entrées and sandwiches. 11740 Jasper Ave., 780.482.4767, ontherocksedmonton.com, $$

··The Red Piano

This upscale bistro features casual fine dining alongside dueling piano performances on West Edmonton Mall’s Bourbon Street. Be aware there is a strict dress code on evenings with live entertainment.

··Brittany’s Lounge

10225-97 St., 780.497.0011, brittanyslounge.ca, $

··MZ Lounge

This sophisticated lounge at Edmonton’s Matrix hotel serves upscale pub fare, classic cocktails and craft beers. Try the mini yorkies or scallops Benedict for an afterwork bite. 10640-100 Ave., 780.429.2861, matrixedmonton.com, $$$

1638 Bourbon St. (WEM), 780.486.7722, theredpiano.ca, $$$$

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Restaurant Guide

JUPITER FORT ROAD

13572 FORT ROAD • 587-473-0087

JUPITER 97

12841-97 STREET • 780-705-1106

JUPITER WEST POINT

17547-100 AVENUE • 587-521-8005

JUPITER SHERBROOKE

11839 ST. ALBERT TRAIL • 587-521-9333

JUPITER WHYTE

10408 WHYTE AVENUE • 780-433-1967

YOU ROLL WITH US NOW ®

JUPITERGRASS.CA

··The Common

A gastro-lounge that’s good for drinks, dinner. or a late night out on the town. The Common serves craft beers, fine wine, and modern cocktails alongside elevated pub fare.Try the chicken and waffles, and stay for a show—there’s DJs and dancing or live music most weekend nights. 9910-109 St., 780.452.7333, thecommon.ca, $$$

- Pub ··Arcadia Bar

10988-124 St., 780.916.1842, arcadiayeg.com, $$

··Atlantic Trap & Gill

This traditional East Coast pub serves plenty of seafood and classic pub fare. There’s live music most weekends—expect many Great Big Sea covers with a crowd that loves to sing along. 7704 Calgary Trail South, 780.432.4611, atlantictrapandgill.com, $$

··Devaney’s Irish Pub

An Irish pub near the University of Alberta campus. Devaney’s is popular with students for its student discounts, inexpensive snacks, and meals—as well as local and import beer, burgers and classic Irish pub fare.

··Black Dog Freehouse

10425-82 Ave, 780.439.1082, blackdog.ca, $$

··Cask and Barrel

This cozy bar features a wide selection of Scotch and Irish whiskeys as well as Canadian and international beers. The internationally inspired menu features a variety of comfort foods, including paninis and rice bowls. 10041-104 St., 780.498.1224, thecaskandbarrel.ca, $$

··Central Social Hall

A large, open-concept pub that encourages guests to socialize, featuring several large communal tables. This spot is popular with the after-work crowd. Try the fish tacos. 10909 Jasper Ave., 780.705.1900, centralsocialhall.com, $$

··Daravara

This modern pub on 124th Street features industrial decor and upscale, creative pub food. Try the brisket po’boy or waffle clubhouse sandwich. 10713-124 St., 587.520.4980, $$

··Denizen Hall

The dark, retro bar features velvet paintings and plenty of arcade games for a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Live bands or DJs and

··Duggan’s Boundary Irish Pub

This rustic Bonnie Doon pub looks every bit like your quintessential Irish watering hole, and is part of the Sherlock Holmes Hospitality Group. Open mic nights on Wednesdays and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. 9013-88 Ave., 780.465.4834, duggansboundary.com, $$

··Empress Ale House

A neighbourhood pub on the far end of Whyte, Empress Ale House is a bit of a dive—but in the best way. A great place for inexpensive afternoon pints, or stop by on Sundays to catch a comedy show. 9912-82 Ave., 780.758.2754, empressalehouse.com, $

This dark, narrow pub has been a popular Whyte Avenue haunt for more than 20 years, featuring a relaxed atmosphere and the Avenue’s only rooftop patio in the summer.

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10311-103 Ave., 780.424.8215, thedenizenhall.com, $$

11113-87 Ave., devaneyspub.com, $$

This cozy community pub features trivia nights, local craft beer, and plenty of vegan dinner options. Try their locally inspired cocktails, such as the Elk Island iced tea and the double or nothing donair pizza.

dancing many nights, as well as occasional pop-up events and guest bartenders.

··Filthy McNastys

This chill bar features a 40-foot wooden bartop and relaxed, irreverent atmosphere and is popular with students thanks to its low prices. Free live shows on Saturday afternoons plus plenty of other weekly specials. 10511-82 Ave., 780.705.6626, filthymcnastysyeg.ca, $

··Hudsons Canada’s Pub

This popular Alberta-based chain offers up classic pub fare and beer in a casual atmosphere decorated with Canadian memorabilia. Try the campfire poutine or a classic maple barbecue cheddar bison burger. 10307-82 Ave. and other locations, 780.433.4526, hudsonscanadaspub.com, $$

··Kelly’s Pub

The downtown neighbourhood pub on 104th Street offers a cozy, home-like atmosphere with eclectic decor and a variety of weekly and happy hour specials. 10156-104 St., 780.451.8825, kellyspubedmonton.com, $$

··Lions Head Pub

Located in the Radisson Hotel on the south side, Lions Head is a classic British pub that serves up traditional fare including fish and chips, burgers, and sandwiches. 4440 Gateway Blvd., 780.431.5815, $$

Restaurant Guide

· McLeod Tavern

Formerly known as the Hundred Bar & Kitchen, McLeod Tavern is located in the historic McLeod Block downtown, and specializes in steak and appetizers. Try the bacon cheeseburger egg rolls or shrimp corn dogs. 10009-101A Ave., 780.425.0100, mcleodtavern.com, $$

· Newcastle Pub & Grill

This neighbourhood pub in Argyll serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner—as well as classic cocktails, shooters and beer—in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. 8170-50 St, 780.490.1999, newcastle-pub.com, $$

· Next Act Pub

The Whyte Avenue pub is particularly popular with the theatre crowd thanks to its close proximity to the Varscona and Walterdale, but is also well-loved thanks to its creative burgers and selection of beers. Try the Class Act, a traditional bacon cheeseburger topped with an over easy fried egg. 8224-104 St., 780.433.9345, nextactpub.com, $$

· O’Byrnes Irish Pub

This chill Whyte Avenue bar is Edmonton’s oldest Irish pub, and serves beer and traditional Irish fare in a relaxed, old-world atmosphere filled with old books and other paraphernalia from across the pond. 10616-82 Ave., 780.414.6766, obyrnes.com, $$

· Pub 1905

A simple, straightforward pub on Jasper Avenue, Pub 1905 serves burgers, hot dogs and beer in a casual setting. 10525 Jasper Ave., 780.761.1905, pub1905.ca, $$

1978 was the city’s first “stand-up bar,” and continues to serve customers classic draught beers, scotch, and hearty British pub-fare alongside a large collection of memorabilia. 10235-101 St., roseandcrownedmonton.com, $$

· Sherlock Holmes

A locally-owned chain of British pubs that has expanded to three locations across Edmonton. All three offer a cozy, old-world atmosphere complete with British sporting memorabilia, red phone boxes, and classic fish and chips. 10012-101A Ave., and other locations, thesherlockspubs.com, $$

· Sideliners Pub & Pantry

This cozy, community pub is popular with the locals in Westmount, and offers up live music, karaoke, pool and darts. 11018-127 St., $$

· Squires Pub

This “party pub” is located downstairs in the old Whyte Avenue post office, and features a variety of weekly specials, including $2.75 draught on Thursdays and $4.25 tequila on Fridays. 10505-82 Ave., 780.439.8594, squirespub.ca, $$

· Tavern on Whyte

A cozy Whyte Avenue pub that hosts open mic nights, trivia games and more—and boasts a large patio behind the building. Stop in for the popular XXXL Caesar, with three ounces of alcohol and 10 garnishes. 10507-82 Ave, 780.521.4404, $$

· Richard’s Pub

This northside pub boasts a classic, old-world atmosphere with large TVs and classic pub grub – burgers, wraps, sandwiches and pizza. 12150-161 Ave., 780.457.3117, richardspub.ca, $$

· Rocky Mountain Icehouse

Inspired by the classic icehouses of Texas, Jasper Avenue’s Rocky Mountain Icehouse serves classic comfort food, cocktails and beer in a rustic, mountain-lodge style pub. Try the pizza rolls and “Scooby snacks.” 10516 Jasper Ave., 780.424.3836, rockymountainicehouse.ca, $$$

· Rosario’s Pub

A pool hall and karaoke bar, Rosario’s is a fine place for a casual night out with friends. The pizza here is the most popular choice–the thin crust spicy Italian is particularly well-loved. 11715-108 Ave., 780.447.4727, $$

· Rose & Crown Pub

This traditional British pub has operated since

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Tavern On Whyte //Steven Teeuwsen

restaurant Guide

· The Hat Resto Pub

Once known as the Silk Hat, this bright, rustic pub is locally famous for its burgers, and has existed in some form since 1913. 10251 Jasper Ave., thehatonjasper.ca, $$

- Wine Bar · Bar Bricco

- sports Bar · 1STRND

Pronounced “first round,” this sports bars’ two locations feature servers dressed as referees, burgers, wings, and plenty of beer. Each location has more than 30 televisions and huge video walls, showing hockey, basketball, football and more. 11238-104 Ave. & 1672 Bourbon St. (WEM), 780.428.7177, 1strnd.ca, $$

· B Street Bar

A popular karaoke joint and sports bar that specializes in wood-fired pizza. Try the calzone or the macedonian meatballs. 11818-111 Ave., 780.414.0545, bstreetbar.com, $$

· Borderline Sports Pub

This southside sports bar features pool tables and several televisions showing sports. Simple, classic pub serving burgers and other pub grub. 3226-82 St, 780.462.1888, $$

· Brado’s Pizza

This former Boston Pizza location has found new life as a neighbourhood sports bar, showing hockey, UFC fights and more. Pizza is the classic choice here, but the “low cal” poutine (topped with tomatoes and green onions—that makes it healthy, right?) is a must-try. 15648 Stony Plain Rd., 780.483.1736, bradospizza.ca, $$

· End Zone Pub

This dive sports bar is adjacent to the football stadium, and features pool, darts, VLTs and satellite TVs showing the game. 8604-112 Ave., 780.413.7575, $$

· Schanks Sports Grill

This chain has locations in both Edmonton and Calgary offering a unique take on your traditional sports bar—watch the game, or play a round of mini-golf, virtual golf, pool or sports trivia.

This Italian wine and sputini bar is part of Daniel Costa’s trio of restaurants, and serves Italian cured meats and cheeses alongside old-world Italian wines. 10347 Jasper Ave., 780.424.5588, barbricco.com, $$$

· Bothy Win & Whisky Bar

Tucked away in a south-side strip mall, this charming wine and whisky bar is home to the city’s largest selection of whiskies, with more than 175 varieties of whisky (and whiskey) from Scotland, Canada, Japan and the United States, as well as fine wines and an elegant menu of comfort food. 5482 Calgary Trail, 780.761.1761, thebothy.ca, $$$

· Cavern

Part wine bar, part café, and part cheese shop, Cavern is a lovely and dark subterranean spot that’s perfect for a glass of wine and a charcuterie plate—and you can even pick up some cheese to go. 10169-104 St., 780.455.1336, thecavern.ca, $$

· Cured Wine Bar

Cured has three primary offerings: meat, cheese, and wine. At this rustic spot, the charcuterie boards and wine list are the main attraction, but there are also tapas and a nice selection of classic and modern cocktails. 2307 Ellwood Dr. SW, 780.756.3722, curedwinebar.com, $$$

· MRKT

A modern cafeteria serving soup and sandwiches by day, but by night this spot becomes an elegant wine bar serving picnicinspired small plates, salads, and entrées in a cozy setting. 10542 Jasper Ave., 780.757.6758, mrktcafeteria.com, $$

· The Wine Room

Resembling an Italian wine cellar and hidden away in a basement on Jasper Avenue, the Wine Room serves a variety of Old- World and New World wines, ranging in price between $40 to $3000 per bottle. Don’t miss their popular charcuterie plate. 10525 Jasper Ave., 780.756.7666, thewineroom.ca, $$$

9927-178 St., 780.444.2125, schanks.com, $$

· Wings Sports Bar & Grill

This simple bar doesn’t look like much, but is a fine place for a pint of cheap domestic draught, karaoke, VLTs or watching the game. 8541-118 Ave., 780.479.8812, wingssportsbar.ca, $$

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restaurant Guide

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Locally Sourced Produce & Baking Imported Meats & Cheeses Famously Beautiful Patio Open 9 am - 4 pm everyday except Christmas Day - 8430 Gateway Blvd -