Where to celebrate (and eat) during Edmonton Pride Festival
Edmonton’s annual Pride Festival takes over Old Strathcona from June 3 to 12, 2016. Over the past 36 years, the festival has grown from a small event to a city-wide fête that attracts people of every sexual orientation. When it comes time to chow down during Pride, give a little extra love and attention to these queer-friendly restaurants, which have all received kudos from the LGBTQ community for their warm, welcoming vibes.
Remedy Cafe
10455 82 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T6E 3R7Located on the corner of Whyte Avenue and 104 Street, this popular cafe is right in the thick of things for this year's Pride Festival celebrations. They've prepared by going full-on rainbow - on their chalk signs and on some staff member's hairdos! The friendly, welcoming cafe is the perfect place to pick up some caffeine or delicious Indian food when taking a break from Pride events.
Padmanadi Vegetarian Restaurant
10740 101 St NW, Edmonton AB T5H 2S3This vegetarian restaurant serves a blend of Indonesian, Thai, Indian and Chinese cuisine. There’s also a celiac-friendly menu and a vegan brunch menu. The spicy eggplant dish is one of the most popular items on the menu, but there are so many fantastic soups, veggie dishes and “meat” entrees that it can be hard to choose just a few items. It’s an excellent spot to try vegetarian Kung Pao “chicken” or ginger “beef” if you’re curious about trying faux meat.
Blue Plate Diner
Main-12323 Stony Plain Rd NW, Edmonton AB T5N 3Y5This downtown diner features a variety of dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. They serve many vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes, in addition to burgers, sandwiches, pasta, salmon and steak. There is a special kids’ menu, as well as an extensive dessert menu. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal and a drink after a day of hanging out downtown. They also serve up a fantastic brunch.
Manor Casual Bistro
10109 125 Street NW, Edmonton AB T5N 1S7With a beautiful patio, a charming dining room and another dining area upstairs, there is never a lack of seating at Manor Casual Bistro. The menu, which changes seasonally, is full of classic entrees, such as steak, and more eclectic dishes, such as the sweetbreads po’boy, schnitzel or the nasi goreng. They make their own charcuterie in-house, as well as a daily soup.
Cafe Mosaics
10844 82 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T6E 2B3A vegetarian and vegan restaurant with a killer burger menu — impossible, you say? At Café Mosaics it’s not only possible, it’s a delicious reality. The burger list here is legendary, with bean, taro, veggie and organic tofu patties, all available with loads of toppings. If you’re in the mood for appetizers, they serve everything from green onion cakes to vegan wings. They also have vegan pho, tons of salad options, burritos, wraps, pastas, pizzas and more. The food is amazing, the atmosphere is very chill and the location is prime — what more could you ask for?
Dadeo
10548A 82 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T6E 2A4This Cajun diner is a Whyte Avenue institution known for having not only a great location but also fantastic food. The sweet potato fries are legendary, as are the blackened catfish po’boys. The diner is on the small side, so get there early or be prepared to wait for a table. If you can’t picture southern food and hospitality mixing with a ‘50s style diner, then you simply must visit it in person to see what it’s like (hint: it’s awesome).
Urban Diner
12427 102 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T5N 0M2The atmosphere is casual, and the food is delicious. It’s diner food, so everything is hearty and full of calories but it’s so good, you won’t care. There are some semi-healthy options, such as salmon and chicken burgers, and quinoa chickpea salad (a delicious, healthy side dish). But, you’re at a diner, so indulge in one of their milkshakes and some mac and cheese. If it’s nice out, sit on their gorgeous patio, or settle into a comfy booth in the main room.
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