Awesome Edmonton spots for after-work drinks
Sometimes, the only thing getting you through a long day at your desk is the promise of after-work drinks with co-workers or friends. These Edmonton establishments serve up great cocktails and craft beers in a fun atmosphere, without the threat of a karaoke sing-a-long.
The Next Act Pub & Grill
8224 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4E6This friendly neighbourhood pub serves up a good mix of imported, domestic and local beers, including several very popular Alley Kat varieties, such as bottles of Aprikat and pints of Main Squeeze (ooh, grapefruit!). But, in case your after-work drinks crowd is co-ed, they do break down their cocktails by Girly Drinks and Man Drinks. I’ll take a girly boozy lemonade over an Old Fashioned any day, but there is no shame in ordering from either list.
The Bothy Wine & Whiskey Bar
5482 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 4J8Save this one for when you have had a bad day at work and need to throw back some serious Scotch solo – on Wednesdays, they have several of their whiskies on special for only $5. And, it is pretty dark here, so no one will you see you sulking (or crying) into your glass of Glenfiddich 30 year. The wine list is also pretty great, if you are looking to sip a glass of vino with a group.
Earls Kitchen + Bar
100-150 King St W, Toronto, ON M5H 4B6The original Earls location underwent a renovation in 2012, turning it into a sleek, elegant hangout that feels entirely après-work appropriate. The drink list ranges from sweet (the Bellinis are killer) to savoury, like the Cabin Fever – a mix of Crown Royal and port with an acorn garnish. The lounge has enough televisions that you can catch a game after work while enjoying awesome bevvies with pals. But it doesn’t feel like a sports bar – rather, it’s a multi-purpose lounge with flair.
Remedy Cafe
8631 109 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1E8If your co-workers or friends can never decide between post-work coffee or after-work cocktails, Remedy Café offers the perfect solution: It is a licensed chai bar, a.k.a. the best idea ever. The Garneau location is always jammed from 4 p.m. onwards to about midnight, with folks winding down after a long day, catching up with friends and throwing back their preferred poison, whether it be a London Fog, a spiked Chai latte or a beer.
Cactus Club Cafe
11150 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5K 2V2If you’re one of the lucky folks in the office building right above Cactus Club Café’s downtown location, then you already know that the restaurant and lounge are both always packed after work – for good reason. The drinks menu is stellar – the Bellinis are sweet but not too much, the spiked frapp is a boozy frozen cappuccino that will get you out of that afternoon slump. The atmosphere is fun and there are plenty of great appetizers on the menu, like the yummy tuna tataki.
Beer Revolution
11736 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2T7This loud, happy spot is full of energy and good vibes. There is an extensive, rotating beer list (displayed on the walls for easy reading) and a fun cocktail list. Plus, the grub is great. The fries with truffle aioli will make your heart sing, and the burgers are a sizeable challenge. Overall, it's a great place to unwind with a drink in one hand and a snack in the other.
The Common
9910 109 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 1H5In summer, the rectangular patio is full of people unwinding after a long day of work. Year-round, inside is full of people having interesting convos. The bartenders make your bevvies with fresh ingredients and lots of love – particularly their Watermelon Mojitos and Lavender Rocks – a fragrant mixture of gin, lavender syrup, sparkling water and lemon. It’s a perfectly chill spot to have a few drinks and appies (half price bottles of wine on Wednesdays!) but if you want to stay beyond Happy Hour, the dance floor awaits.
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