Pour on, craft beer lovers of Edmonton!
The craft beer revolution continues, and Edmonton is the perfect place for the craft connoisseur. Not only do these picks feature a near-endless choice when it comes to craft beer choice, but many serve up top-notch food to boot. Here are our picks for Edmonton's best spots to enjoy craft beer. [Image credit: iStock.com/bhofack2]
Three Boars Eatery
8424 109 St NW, Edmonton AB T6G 1E2A pint-sized eatery perfect for a micro-brewed beer. The Three Boars has an aura of authentic craftsmanship that’s reflected in the drink menu, which changes often, but never shifts in quality. Some of my favourite finds are the Dernière Volonté, a Belgian Strong from Dieu du Ciel, and the Brooklyn Brown, a roasted yet smooth and coffee-like ale that pairs perfect with this restaurant’s cozy interior.
Craft Beermarket
10013 101A Ave NW, Edmonton AB T5J 0C3Taps on taps lining the bar, sky-high ceilings marked with steel draft lines ending at a view onto the keg room: The space itself could convert any impartial drinker into a beer enthusiast. Serving more than 100 draft beers, you’d think Craft would be overwhelming. But, with such a well-organized menu, you’re sure to find your flavour somewhere along the spectrum between white and black Ales, wheat ales and extra special bitters, lagers and stouts, hybrids (like Parallel 49 Brewing’s Jerkface 9000) and fruit beers (including my favourite, Fernie Brewing Co’s What the Huck) – and that doesn’t even cover everything!
Sugar Bowl Coffee & Juice Bar
10922 88 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T6G 0Z1When it comes to craft beers, The Sugarbowl seems to lean towards labels and breweries that focus on quality and taste but are still accessible and recognizable to social beer drinkers. The supply and variety – 160 craft beers with 15 rotating taps – are endless, especially for a smaller, non-commercial restaurant. It features an extensive IPA list and 4 Saisons, which I don’t come across too often. Come by and try one of their newer taps; two of my favourite draft beers are the Hitachino Nest IPA and Brewery Achouffe’s La Chouffe!
Accent Lounge
8223 104 St NW, Edmonton AB T6E 4E7Chic and intimate, Accent is the epitome of good taste and affordable fine dining. In many ways, it mirrors the kind of care that goes into a good craft beer. Try one of their rotating import taps or opt for something Czech Pilsner Urquell or something from local brewery Alley Kat (like Aprikat or Full Moon), a couple staples of the establishment. If you come on Monday, you can enjoy a draft beer with beef schnitzel for just $21.
Beer Revolution
11736 104 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T5K 2T7Who doesn’t like pizza with beer? This joint knows how to marry two great things in their finest, fanciest forms. Beer Revolution’s menu isn’t quite as extensive as Craft Beer’s and the Sugarbowl’s, but it still offers beers from a wide variety of breweries, including several Canadian ones, like Wild Rose, Central City, Whistler and Alley Kat, just to name a few. A surprising amount of flavoured beers also fill this menu, if you’re craving something fun like peach, raspberry, chestnut, tangerine or lemon!
Blue Plate Diner
Main-12323 Stony Plain Rd NW, Edmonton AB T5N 3Y5Blue Plate always makes for a warm, eclectic dining experience with its organic-and-artistic-meets-vintage style. In the summer, it’s a great place to pair a beer with a meal. Other than the rotating taps, you’ll find some good old faithfuls here – easy-drinking, refreshing brews for those with a mellower pallet, like the Muskoka Cream Ale or the Mill Street Belgian Wit Ale.
Redstar
10534 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton AB T5J 1Z7As one of the only places on this list that resembles a dance bar, Red Star Pub is the kind of place where you can get down and boogey with a beer sure to keep you classy. My favourite find is a Chimay Triple, the perfect balance of hoppiness and sweetness, the kind of brew that’s so flavourful it can stand on its own or pair well with a snack.
Namaste India Restaurant & Cafe
10354 82 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T6E 1Z8You can’t really go array with craft beer in a place called the Pourhouse. Its menu is large enough to be experimental while still remaining accessible. I especially like their selection of The Dark Stuff, including Dieu du Ciel’s Aphrodisiaque (a sweet vanilla stout), Delerium Noctornum (a Belgian ale, strong enough to just keep you from tipping over the edge) and Russell Brewing Company’s Wee Angry Scotch Ale.
