Edmonton speakeasies with ambiance, charm and cocktails
The days of the speakeasy bar being a necessity may be gone but the feeling of those establishments still lives on. Visit any one of these Edmonton bars or lounges and take in the cozy space, the well-crafted cocktails and the overall ambiance and nod to the days of the speakeasy. [Image credit: iStock.com/VectaPhoto]
Nightjar Pub
Nightjar is a true Edmonton speakeasy. Guests must knock on the door and then relay the password, which changes on a weekly basis, to be let in and then descend into a cozy craft cocktail bar. Come by on a Tuesday to grab a drink and take in the sounds of the live jazz bands that play weekly.
The Common
9910 109 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 1H5The Common is a cozy, eclectic Edmonton favourite known for well-crafted cocktails and good eating. The vintage inspired ambiance is juxtaposed by the weekend DJ spinning modern tunes and, trust me, the contrast is a good one. Try the Cucumber Fizz for a fresh cocktail that won’t disappoint.
Accent Lounge
8223 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4E7Accent Lounge is an eclectic space perfect for gathering with friends for good food and drinks without the fuss. The ambiance is casual and friendly and the food is always good. Known for their steak tartare, they offer it at half-price every Wednesday. Now all you need to decide is what’s more important, half-price steak tartare on Wednesdays, or their half-price wine on Thursday?
Brittany's Lounge
10225 97 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0L5Brittany’s Lounge is a casual bar with a focus on live acts. From live jazz performances every Tuesday to tango and musical theatre nights, you can catch all kinds of performance art at Brittany’s. They also have a unique ‘YEG Scramble,’ which is an open mic type concept for all types of performers from visual and auditory to movement or oratory. If you love to take in unique live art or are an artist looking for a venue to hone your craft, Brittany’s Lounge is for you.
The Bower
10538 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 1Z7For locals in Edmonton who know what’s up, The Bower is the place to be on the weekend. To avoid the preppy feel of a nightclub but still get the great music, head to The Bower. This dark and cavernous bar is decorated with wooden paneling, coffered ceilings, ornate vintage seating and marble tables and accents. The result is the perfect mix of vintage and cool. Known for their bumping hip hop nights where the dance floor is packed, you get the best of both worlds at The Bower.
Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
10065 100th Street, EDMONTON, AB T5J 0N6If authenticity is what you’re going for, look no further than the Confederation Lounge in the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Since opening in 1915, the Confederation Lounge has been serving up cocktails in its refined casual setting with the most breathtaking views. Get cozy in one of the comfortable chairs or cuddle up near the fireplace and enjoy a glass of wine, Scotch or even a cappuccino and take in the ambiance of one of Edmonton’s best historical spots.
The Alberta Hotel Bar & Kitchen
9802 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0C5Pull up a seat at a bar that’s been in that very location since 1903. The Alberta Hotel Bar and Kitchen, formerly Tavern 1903, offers up delicious food and drinks with a touch of history. The bar has been expertly restored as an ode to the original hotel and now specializes as a cheese bar with typical restaurant fare and cocktails, as well.
Woodwork Restaurant
10132 100 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0N8This trendy restaurant never disappoints when you’re looking for a great spot to have drinks and share food with friends. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere and sip on an artisanal cocktail while sharing a few delicious bar snacks and share plates. Make sure to save room for dessert, as the sticky toffee pudding is delicious!
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