The Top 10 Bars in Edmonton, Alberta

Mercer Tavern
Mercer Tavern | © Kurt Bauschardt/Flickr
Harriet Myers

Not always thought of as a nightlife hot spot, Edmonton is home to a number of great bars, covering everything from quick after-work drinks to the rowdiest of nights out.

The Black Dog

1. The Black Dog Freehouse

Bar, Pub, Pub Grub

A down-to-earth pub, The Black Dog Freehouse is especially popular during the summer months, when drinkers can take advantage of its rooftop patio. With a variety of drinks specials, this place is popular with a wide-ranging crowd, attracted by its traditional ‘dive bar’ reputation. Also on offer are a range of DJ events, movie screenings in their cosy basement area and ‘Hair of the Dog’ live music Saturdays.

2. Woodwork

Woodwork

Alongside their tasty food menu, Woodwork also serves up some great drinks as the evening goes on. As the name hints, the owners here have a particular penchant for barrel-aged spirits, leading to an impressive offering of gins and whiskies. The cocktail menu is ever-changing but always inventive, so don’t hesitate to ask the servers for their personal recommendations.

Woodwork, 10132 100 Street N.W., Edmonton, AB, Canada, +1 780 757 4100

3. The Pint

Bar, Pub

The Pint

A busy pub with two locations in Edmonton, The Pint is a go-to for sports fans looking to catch the big game. Thanks to its compact outdoor patio, it’s also a great spot to grab a drink or hit the dancefloor for a mixture of top 40 hits and ’90s classics. Make sure to keep an eye out for their signature caesers, served in a glass boot!

The Pint Public House & Sports Bar, 8032 104 Street, Edmonton, AB, Canada, +1 780 758 7400
The Pint Public House & Sports Bar, 10125 109 Street N.W., Edmonton, AB, Canada, +1 780 497 7468

Blues on Whyte Pub (far left) at the Commercial Hotel, next door to the Princess Theatre © Kurt Bauschardt/Flickr

4. Blues on Whyte Pub

Pub, Pub Grub

Tucked away in the Commercial Hotel, Blues on Whyte is one of Edmonton’s major venues for live blues, jazz and soul music. As a result, it’s often bustling at weekends, full of music lovers and those looking to relax with a drink. A different act plays here every night, so it’s worth checking out their website for more up to date listings.

5. Craft Beer Market

Bar, Restaurant, American, Pub Grub

With a collection of over 1000 microbrews, Craft Beer Market officially carries the largest selection of draft beer in the whole of Canada! The Edmonton location is a popular casual restaurant and bar, where you can easily grab a bite to eat or after-work drink. Beer lovers are obviously well-catered for, but they also have a decent number of ciders too.

6. The Common

The Common

One of Edmonton’s more upmarket bars is The Common, a gastro-lounge that specializes in delicious cocktails. Open for both lunch and dinner, this is also a great late night spot, where crowds descend on the place for drinks and dancing thanks to its great reputation for music. The atmosphere is lively and fun, guaranteeing a good time.

The Common, 9910 109 Street N.W., Edmonton, AB, Canada, +1 780 452 7333

Pint of Guinness © Morabito92/WikiCommons

7. The Druid

Bar, Pub, Restaurant, Irish

For a classic Irish Pub experience, the Druid is your best bet. A spacious interior makes this a very versatile space and it consequently hosts a variety of bingo and comedy events during the week. Drinks specials are impressively good value and there’s also a decent range of standard bar snacks to munch on.

8. Knoxville’s

Bar, Nightclub, Pub Grub

Mercer Tavern
© Kurt Bauschardt/Flickr
Fans of a rowdy night of country music will love Knoxville’s. If you’re looking for a more mature crowd then this might be one to avoid, but otherwise you’re pretty much guaranteed a fun night at this place. Grab a drink at the bar and dance the night away to classic hits.

9. Mercer Tavern

Bar, Pub Grub, American

Set in historic part of the city’s Warehouse District, Mercer Tavern is a rustic bar known for attracting a slightly more professional clientèle than some other downtown haunts. With the new Rogers Arena just across the street, this place is now attracting more and more attention thanks to its convenient location for grabbing a post-game pint. Despite this, service tends to be quick and staff are great at accommodating to larger groups.

10. Central Social Hall

Gastropub, Pub Grub

Describing itself as a ‘premium gastropub’ the Central is also a great option for anything from after-work drinks to a big night out. The food here is super tasty and staff are attentive, creating a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Their extended social house is popular draw for its drinks specials on highballs, draft beer and wine.

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