Super cool, yet comfortable, dining
As Albertans, we face a serious question once the snow falls and temperatures drop: Do we just endure winter or do we fully embrace it?
If your answer is the latter, have we got a dining experience for you!
Ever since the onset of the pandemic, the patio has taken on unexpected importance in the hospitality industry, as customers have come to consider it a more safe and welcoming space than ever. Now, a handful of restaurants have declared that winter need not change that, and are catering to hardy patio patrons ready to test theories about beer's freezing point.
Good luck with that, given the way these NAIT-alum owned or operated establishments are turning cold into cozy with outdoor heaters, firepits and, most importantly, great food and good times.
Browns Socialhouse (patio open only during the day if it's warmer than -4 C)
2511 - 17 St.
587-520-4665
Reviews
Chef Eric Amyotte (Cook '09)
Browns Socialhouse features classics like wings, burgers and fish and chips but the broad menu will appeal to palates seeking surprises. Choose from innovations including charred pepperoni pizza, tahitian tuna salad and the Asian-inspired "#28 Dragon Bowl." House drinks including lager and wine help enhance the highly social character of the house.
Café Bicyclette
8627 - 91 St.
587-524-8090
Reviews
Executive chef Joseph Vuong (Cook '07)
Café Bicyclette brings an authentic French menu to Edmonton diners – even the text is in French! The patio is a year-round hot spot in the city's French Quarter, winter be darned.
The Common
9910 - 109 St.
780-452-7333
Reviews
Chef Lindsay Porter (Culinary Arts '06)
A fine example of the quality of Edmonton's gastro-lounge scene, the Common offers classy, high-quality comfort food, from pad Thai fries to beer battered fish and chips. Try pairing your dish with the house winter patio lager.
The Greenhouse
Victoria Golf Course
12130 River Valley Rd.
Reviews
Chef and owner Paul Shufelt (Cook ’01)
Enjoy the splendour of winter in the river valley around a fire pit with a hot chocolate, cold drink and a meal or snack from a concise menu loaded with local ingredients, variety and creativity.
Little Brick Café and General Store
10004 - 90 St.
780-705-1230
Reviews
Co-owner Jay Downton (Finance ’02)
Wrap your hands around a warm mug of tasty coffee, a latte, hot chocolate or a cold craft beer while you cozy up in the heated tent in the café’s expansive backyard. Grab a sandwich (or soup, salad and more) while you're at it.
The Next Act
8224 - 104 St.
780-433-9345
Reviews
Chef and co-owner Nathan McLaughlin (Cook ’04)
The casual vibe of this longtime Old Strathcona eatery can still be enjoyed outdoors despite the change of season. Enjoy an award-winning burger or other tasty treat by the glow of a patio fire pit.
Odd Company Brewing
#105, 12021 - 102 Ave.
587-590-9973
Reviews
Head brewer Brett Geislinger (Radio and Television – Radio '08)
Located just west of downtown, Odd Company has created a niche in Edmonton’s craft beer scene by taking an experimental approach to brewing. Rotating taps may feature anything from a hoppy sour to a white stout to "raw" ales. They now feature a small menu of food specials as well. Enjoy them at a streetside picnic table or fire pit.