After a full day of meetings, we understand how good it can feel to sit back, kick off those heels and undo that tie, and find a perfect spot to socialize and relax. Winnipeg offers a wide range of locales that provide a comfortable seat, good music and even better drink and snack options. We’ve provided a list of just some of our favourite libation locations.
For those with adventurous tastebuds, Winnipeg’s craft cocktail scene is mixing up gorgeous and delicious options that are sure to impress. Albert Street Cocktail Company is home to some of the city’s most creative liquid alchemists, with a constantly changing menu of delights. Just down the road, Peasant Cookery’s lounge offers both traditional and contemporary drinks alongside an extensive wine list. Don’t want to have to choose a drink? Let the mixologists at Forth make a drink for you at their basement bar, or at their semi-hidden rooftop bar in the summer.
Great cocktail spaces aren’t just limited to downtown, with specialty drink enthusiasts flocking to The Roost, nestled in the trendy Corydon neighbourhood. Just a few blocks away, Sous Sol has established itself as an award-winning kitchen with top-notch food and drinks. Another new favourite is Langside Grocery, where the craft cocktails are a big part of what has all the locals talking about this up-and-coming destination locale.
Beer lovers can find craft ales and lagers scattered throughout the city. The Exchange District is home to Little Brown Jug, which serves suds brewed onsite. There are many more options further afield such as Torque Brewing, Half Pints Brewing Company, Brazen Hall, One Great City Co., and more. You can often find products from local breweries at local watering holes, or you can make the trek to each venue at your leisure. If you’re interested in a guided pub crawl, Winnipeg Tasting Tours arranges tours specific for beer lovers – hop on the bus and let them whisk you away on a tasting extravaganza!
If you’re looking for a lounge that’s equally pleasing for the eyes as the tastebuds, there are some gorgeous rooms in Winnipeg for you to explore. The Palm Room offers a classic old-world charm, alongside live jazz music most evenings. SMITH Restaurant’s décor is both avant-garde and cozy, and deer + almond’s slick artistic interior matches some of the city’s best small-plate dishes. VG Lounge slings a mean martini in a posh and low-lit room (the fresh-made chips they serve gratis are also well worth mentioning).
Most of the venues listed above offer non-alcoholic options, but there are many other spots around downtown that you can explore. Cafés like Thom Bargen and Parlour Coffee offer sunlit rooms perfect for catching up on emails or good conversation, while Amsterdam Tea Room has one of the city’s best selection of teas, as well as some very unique tea cocktails for later in the evening.
Can’t choose from all of the above? No problem, Winnipeg has you covered there too. The Common, the food and drink market at The Forks, has one of the largest and best-quality drink menus in town. The large selection of available beer and wine there are curated by one of the world’s best sommeliers, Véronique Rivest. Grab a flight and explore the diverse food offerings to pair your drinks with. Just across the hall from The Common, Fools + Horses are slinging lattés and other caffeinated delights.
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