Are you looking to discover the best bars in Edmonton?
Then we have you covered!
On this page, you’ll find the official shortlist of all the bars in Edmonton. (More in-depth further below). And, each with why it’s best to go.
Feel free to check out each bar’s official profile to find out more and to find out which is best for you.
We’ve also created separate shortlists for each genre you might like to visit on your time out.
So check out these articles as well:
- The Best Cocktail Bars in Edmonton
- The Best Cool Bars in Edmonton
- The Best Most Fun Bars in Edmonton
- And finally: Our Complete Guide to Edmonton’s Nightlife
Furthermore, you can get on the guest list or book a table with bottle service on some of the more exclusive bars. We are happy to help you out with either.
11. Black Dog Freehouse
Black Dog Freehouse is an energetic, unfussy tavern featuring bar bites, drink specials & DJs, plus a rooftop patio. Since 1992, the Black Dog Freehouse has provided a one-of-a-kind atmosphere in Old Strathcona and the City of Edmonton. It’s where young and old, in suits and shorts, can unwind and enjoy themselves without the stigmas associated with most bars. The Black Dog features the Rooftop Patio and Lounge on the second level and The Underdog. This lower-level room offers a variety of entertainment, including DJs, comedy, and art shows, and is available for private bookings. The Black Dog Freehouse is a down-to-earth pub that is especially popular during summer when drinkers can enjoy its rooftop patio. With various drink specials, this place attracts a diverse crowd drawn by its traditional ‘dive bar’ reputation.
Various DJ events, movie screenings in their cozy basement area, and ‘Hair of the Dog’ live music Saturdays are also available. They serve reasonably priced drinks and have Edmonton’s only 2nd-level, garden-setting, full-service patio overlooking Whyte Avenue. A lower-level room is also available for private functions and social gatherings. Weekly specials include discounts on highballs, Big Rock Pints, Sleeman Honey Brown or AGD, and other beverages. This venue is one of the best Edmonton bars because of its fun atmosphere and low-priced alcohol. The highlights of Black Dog Freehouse include Weekly Specials, Private areas for parties available, Wide selection of drinks. Let us find out why customers enjoy this bar. The Black Dog is my favorite place in Edmonton for a pint of beer.
It is open weekly from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. and attracts the most diverse crowd possible. The bartenders are all pleasant, honest, and excellent conversationalists. As a bonus, a pint of beer is almost always $4; on Sundays, Big Rock pints are only $3.75, which is the same price I paid as an undergrad! It comes highly recommended. The best bar in town is the Black Dog. Excellent service, reasonable prices, and stunning views. It attracts diverse people, but the atmosphere is welcoming and enjoyable. This is the bar to go to if you want to order a drink from a bartender and not have to deal with servers or food. So, Black Dog Freehouse is one of the best bars Edmonton has to offer you. If you are in the city, we recommend that you visit this bar at least once.
10. Woodwork
Woodwork is a cozy, New Canadian kitchen with a hip vibe serving seasonal, wood-fired mains & barrel-aged spirits. The Woodwork kitchen is centered around their custom Grillworks wood-fired grill. At the same time, their bar features one of Alberta’s most comprehensive spirits collections, award-winning cocktails, and a curated list of their favorite wines to pair with grilled cuisine. Woodwork, an Edmonton institution since 2013, is housed in the historic McLeod Building at 100 Street and Rice Howard Way. Woodwork is a relaxing joint that serves premium drinks. They provide the experience of sitting in a rustic setting while sipping good alcohol. To match the laid-back vibe, they emphasize wood-fired cooking and barrel-aged spirits. Reservations are accepted for those who wish to hold private celebrations.
They’re a good pick for one of the best Edmonton bars because they have incredible offerings and are an excellent place to let loose. Woodwork is a one-of-a-kind restaurant in the heart of downtown Edmonton, Alberta. Their logo’s combination of wood-fired cooking and barrel-aged spirits conveys a sense of what they’re all about. Cocktails are their specialty, and the selection of spirits is vast. The Woodwork was named one of Canada’s best new restaurants by Air Canada’s EnRoute magazine just a few months after it opened. They won the Vue Magazine Readers’ Choice Golden Fork Award for “Best Cocktails in Edmonton” in 2015 and the Golden Fork Award for “Best Bartending in Edmonton” in 2016. They were recently named one of “Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants” by Opentable.
The highlights of Woodwork Bar include a large selection of alcohol, reservations, and gift cards. Let us investigate what makes them so popular with customers. A dinner at Woodwork is warm and vibrant. The tables are small and close together, but it creates a cozy atmosphere if you’re out with a significant other. The menu is small and may offer few options for vegetarians and vegans. However, the food they do serve is delicious and well worth a visit. The food is delicious—basically, Michelin-starred cuisine. The servers are excellent, or at least ours were. A substantial selection of drinks and beverages is available. The restaurant has a comfortable, cozy, and modern feel while traditional or old. Excellent value. I’m glad to come here and eat with my partner and a friend—a fantastic addition to Edmonton’s restaurants and a cut above the rest. I recommend making a reservation (weekend) for busy days and times.
9. Clementine
Clementine is an intimate, elegant bar for elevated cocktails, wine & small bites in a stylish setting. Clementine is a sophisticated cocktail bar with a wide range of excellent drink options. The interiors are also intriguing, inspired by early twentieth-century French Art Nouveau. Their barchow and snacks include charcuterie, deviled eggs, smoked salmon, and a variety of other one-bite dishes. This is the place to go with friends if you want to go somewhere a little more high-end and elegant. They’re one of the best Edmonton bars because of their incredible wine selection and excellent customer service. The main highlights at Clementine are a great selection of wines, a great ambiance, and wide menu offers. Let us investigate why customers enjoy this location. The cocktails are always delicious.
The Amazon is my favorite; I crave it regularly because it is so delicious! I love the try before you die promotion and think it’s a great way to get started in cocktails. When I want to treat someone to a great drink, I always bring them here. It’s a little pricey for me to come in regularly, but I’m happy to spend my money here for a special occasion or treat. This past week, a friend and I went to Clementine for the first time in the evening. We sat between two tables that were quite close. It wasn’t easy to hear with the din of the restaurant and our rowdy table neighbors. When the opportunity arose, the server was gracious enough to move us to a table near the window. We had only just received the menus when our server came around to ask for our drink order.
After that, it took him another ten minutes to return and take our order. It took a while for the drinks to arrive after we ordered them, but that was to be expected, given their complexity. “Caballa,” my cocktail, was elegantly served in a whisky glass with a blackened orange. It was delectably smoky. My friend’s drink, which had a more tropical flavor, was served in a fun parrot mug. Our beef shin was served first. It was accompanied by the freshest peas, pickled carrots, and buttery mushrooms – a delectable flavor combination. With its clover honey and swiss chard, the sourdough rye pancake with ham was sinfully saucy. It was elevated comfort food. I’d return to try the rye sourdough tartine, which has been on the menu since the restaurant’s inception.
8. The Common
The Common is an excellent, contemporary gastro-lounge offering elevated local comfort food, cocktails, DJs & dancing. Set in a lounge-style space with a vintage meets modern décor, our goal is to build a community in Edmonton based on discovering new food, music, and culture. The place to meet for lunch, dinner, corporate functions, after-work drinks, or late nights out. Please keep in mind that the Common is an 18+ only; no minors are allowed. The Common is excited to announce its new partnership with Chef Lindsay Porter. Lindsay Porter, the Executive Chef, was born and raised in St Albert and has always been passionate about the culinary world. Her love of the culinary arts shines through in her redesigned menu at The Common. The Common is one of those places where you can unwind with a pint after work.
They have seasonal offerings and order their alcohol in small batches (they also have local and imported beers). They also make herbal, vintage, and modern cocktails, spirits, and wines. They hope to create an eclectic space with a relaxing atmosphere where people can enjoy both traditional and novel drinks. Their well-kept establishment, delicious offerings, and excellent customer service have earned them a spot on this list of the best Edmonton bars. The main highlights at The Common are a relaxing atmosphere, a wide selection of menu items, and small batch of alcohol. Let us take a look at what patrons are saying about their service. This is an excellent spot for after-work drinks, fine dining, and weekend retro music. The kitchen serves inventive takes on bar food classics like burgers and nachos and vegan and gluten-free options.
The basement also has an event space that can be rented. The staff is always pleasant. Excellent location, food selection (including many vegan options), and service! I like that the space can accommodate large groups (think: stagettes, office parties, etc.). I came here for a Christmas party with about ten people; we had a large booth, and our server, Marcel, was fantastic! The Common also accepts reservations on weekends, which I discovered that many other restaurants in the city do not. We were also expecting one bill with an automatic gratuity added (which would have been fine), but our server surprised us by splitting our bills. As a former server, I was impressed and pleased! So, The Common is one of the best bars in Edmonton.
7. The Bothy Wine & Whisky Bar
The Bothy Wine & Whisky Bar is a lounge featuring many whiskies & other drinks along with charcuterie, cheese plates & Scottish fare. The Bothy Wine and Whisky Bar comes next on our list of the best Edmonton bars. They can create a Wine or Whisky tasting paired with various types of meat and cheeses on request. Ideal for large groups! Tastings begin at $45 per person. These Wee huts would be found in remote mountainous areas of the Scottish Highlands and would always be left open to provide weary travelers with shelter, food, and a wee dram. Their version of The Bothy aims to accomplish the same thing! They have over 200 different single malts (and counting), over 16 wines by the glass, and a new menu of eats (haggis, anyone? ). They hope to bring some Scottish hospitality to Edmonton.
Get a bottle of wine for half the price. Join them every Thursday for a bottle of selected red or white wines. You owe it to yourself! They offer our Cajun Spice or Blue Cheese Sriracha mussels every Wednesday for only $12/lb. Enjoy a Bothy Favorite! Along with Scottish cuisine, their restaurant serves charcuterie boards and cheese platters. They have over 200 single malts (and counting) and 16 wines by the glass. They offer good food, great drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere that exemplifies Scottish hospitality in the area, with weekly specials on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Their desserts and meals are also delicious, tickling the palate and bringing comfort to those looking for something new while filling and comforting hungry bellies. Drink premium beers, ales, lagers, or wine to wash it all down.
The main highlights of The Bothy Wine & Whisky Bar are High-quality alcohol, Accepting reservations, and Good rates. Let us take a look at what patrons are saying about their service. I had the steak sandwich with carrot and ginger soup, undoubtedly the best steak sandwich I had ever had. Chris’s service and the meal were both Michelin-starred! This is one of Edmonton’s best-kept culinary secrets! This fantastic local restaurant comes highly recommended! I am a huge wine fan. I love the atmosphere that goes with a great wine place, and when it’s combined with exceptional service and quality bottles and glasses, that’s when you get to Bothy. This is the stop for a date night. Go out and have some fantastic appetizers and incredible wine, surrounded by a warm and cozy atmosphere.
6. Evolution Wonderlounge
Evolution Wonderlounge is a buzzing gay bar with regular drag shows and events, cocktails, bottle service, DJs, and dancing. Evolution is Edmonton’s only club that serves the LGBTQIA+ community all year. Drag and burlesque performances are standard. EVO is exceptionally proud to be involved in the community. Since 2013, over $250,000 has been donated to organizations and causes such as the Red Cross, Cancer Research, HIV Edmonton, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and others. The main highlights at Evolution Wonderlounge are celebrating Pride daily, serving LGBTQIA+ members, Drag and Burlesque. Evolution, Edmonton’s only club that serves the LGBTQ+ community all year, has won Best Dance Club (Vue Weekly, 2014-2017), Community Choice NightClub (Metro, 2017), Best LGBT Bar (Vue Weekly, 2015-2017), and Best Club Night (Vue Weekly, 2015-2017). (Vue Weekly, 2016-2017).
The club has hosted guests such as Chi Chi La Rue, Leslie Jordan, Lady Bunny, Alyssa Edwards, Bianca Del Rio, Amanda Lepore, Cazwell, Rocco Steele, Brent Corrigan, Brent Everett, and others. EVO is pleased to be involved in the community. Since its inception in 2013, over $300,000 has been donated to organizations and causes such as the Red Cross, Canadian Mental Health Association, cancer research, HIV Edmonton, GSAs, and others. In addition to fantastic dance floors on Friday and Saturday nights, EVO frequently hosts trivia nights, karaoke, comedy and poetry nights, and other events. For information regarding upcoming shows, visit the official website’s events calendar. Do you want to elevate your evening from a 2 to a 10? Don’t look any further.
This venue is a dance club and entertainment lounge in the heart of Edmonton that caters to the LGBT and allied communities. Here you’ll find unrivaled drag and burlesque entertainment, DJs spinning upbeat lyrical-retro & top 40 hits, and fundraisers benefiting local charities. They have you covered if you want to see a fantastic show, meet one of their frequent celebrity guests, or have a night out with great dancing and even better company. All year, strange. You can get yourself a drink while watching the drag queens, kings, and other guest performers entertain you. There is a large selection of drinks and three bars from which to order. The money raised at events is donated to various charitable causes, allowing you to party while giving back to society. The DJ plays all of the latest hits and other dance music to get you in the mood.
5. Kelly’s Pub
Kelly’s Pub is a lively hangout with exposed brick walls offering clever pub grub, sports on TV & happy hour deals. Kelly, an aspiring flight attendant, founded Kelly’s Pub in 2002. This Pub is a great place to catch up with friends, conduct business, and watch sports. You can pair your drinks with their delectable meals, which your tastebuds will undoubtedly appreciate. Your sports addiction is also aided by their TVs, which are on all day. The main highlights at Kelly’s Pub are a Ride to the Eskimos game on their cheese wagon, a Delicious meal, Wide variety of beverages. Kelly’s Pub began in 2002 with the stereotypical cliche of a girl with a dream. Kelly’s dream of becoming a flight attendant did not come true, so she decided to show off her skills by opening a pub! Today, that “dream” lives on Downtown’s bustling 104th Street in a brand new location.
Friends can meet at Kelly’s Pub, business deals can be made, and sports are always on. Kelly’s is the place to be if you want to enjoy a great pint, a glass of wine, cocktail, specialty coffee, or tantalize your taste buds with a delicious meal! All day long, all sports on all TVs! For those unfamiliar with Kelly’s “Cheese Wagon,” it is a yellow bus that transports devoted Eskimos fans to every game! It is indeed one of the best deals in town! Whether you come to Kelly’s to watch sports on TV, ride the Cheese Wagon, or compete in our epic Annual Golf Tourney, you will have a great time, but we don’t think you should blame us for any hangovers that result from having so much fun! Let’s look at what customers think and appreciate about Kelly’s Pub.
We had just moved from Fort Saskatchewan to Downtown Edmonton, about a two-minute walk from Kelly’s, and on Thursday, October 15, we had unpacked enough and went to the Pub for dinner. We found a table and were immediately greeted by Kim, who brought us menus and took our drink order. Immediately we felt very comfortable in the atmosphere around us, laughing, conversations going on, people dropping in on the way home, and some staying for dinner. Our food order arrived and there were very generous portions. My fish and chips were more than I could eat, and my wife enjoyed her wings being delicious. We met Peter, who made an effort to engage us in a conversation we enjoyed.
4. Blues on Whyte Pub
Blues on Whyte Pub is a casual venue with a dance floor & pool tables, a longtime spot for beers & live blues bands. The beat in the heart of Old Strathcona! Whyte Ave’s the most beloved venue for live music every night. The Blues on Whyte Pub is another legendary Edmonton pub that should be on any list of the best nightlife in Edmonton. It is tucked away in the Commercial Hotel, a popular live jazz and blues music venue. On weekends, expect a large crowd to assemble at this location. Local musicians and well-known jazz artists come here regularly to perform live. To comfortably spend the night here, order a locally crafted beer and a delectable main course. If you want more fun, go to the pool area and play a pool game with others, or show off your dancing abilities on the dance floor.
Edmonton’s only venue with 2 x 100″ 4K HD TVs in an intimate setting for significant sporting events such as SuperBowl, Gray Cup, hockey games, and more, including featured Pay-Per-View Events. Check the official site regularly for featured viewing. Their Games area includes 10 VLTs and two pool tables with Pool Tournaments facing open windows onto Whyte Avenue. Sleep above the Blues on Whyte Bar at the Commercial Hotel on Whyte Ave in Edmonton, the home away from home for the biggest names in Blues music. Blues on Whyte is a fully stocked Blues bar on Edmonton’s Whyte Avenue. There is food and beverage service, an ATM, coin laundry, Wi-Fi in the common area, VLTs, and a liquor store.
Stop by this bar if the rain took you by surprise during the promenade around Old Strathcona. You can listen to live music in the evening. Professional service is something clients agree upon here. Prices at this place claim to be average. It is a classic blues bar you should not miss if you are in Edmonton for the day. The free Saturday afternoon blues jam begins around 3 p.m., and the dance floor quickly fills up. The ‘house band’ is incredible, with influences from New Orleans and Austin—those southern rock blues. You can drink and dance throughout the night and still have time for dinner and a good night’s sleep. Where else would you be able to do that? I’d travel to Edmonton to return to Blues on Whyte!
3. Craft Beer Market
Craft Beer Market is a sophisticated gastropub featuring 100+ microbrews & local, seasonal pub fare in a stylish, airy interior. Craft Beer Market is a premium and casual restaurant in the heart of downtown Edmonton, located in one of Edmonton’s most unique venues. The Glow Up, a recent renovation, includes a games area, cocktail camper, retail liquor concept (think cocktail and craft beer to-go), interior mural art, and more. Craft is authentic ‘Edmonton,’ with high ceilings, rustic wooden trusses, and an overall vintage feel. You should go because it has one of the best rooftop patios in town. Visit for their “New North American Classic Cuisine,” which focuses on fresh, local ingredients. Furthermore, the newly updated menu is delicious – trust us! Did we forget to mention the beer? They have over 100 different types of brews on tap.
They are a restaurant and bar serving fresh local food and over 100 beers on tap. CRAFT Beer Market is now serving dine-in customers! They look forward to seeing you whenever you’re ready to dine out again (from two meters away). If you enjoy beer, the Craft Beer Market will be your favorite Edmonton nightlife destination tonight. This urban gastropub offers over 100 different brews of beer, making it not only the largest selection of beer in Edmonton but also Canada. The spaciously decorated interiors with warmly lit corners will infuse positive energy into your veins. Enjoy the local cuisine with a glass of beer in a welcoming atmosphere with courteous service. If you visit the restaurant on either Saturday or Sunday, their brunch menu is a must-try.
Aside from that, their reasonably priced burgers and appetizers are well worth a try. The CRAFT Beer Market is a high-end casual restaurant in the heart of downtown Edmonton. All menu items are handcrafted in-house to provide the freshest food possible, focusing on using fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. CRAFT is proud to offer Canada’s largest draft beer selection and an extensive list of wines, cocktails, and spirits, with over 100 taps. Let us look at what the patrons think of Craft Beer Market. It was incredible! The food was excellent, as were the service personnel and beverages. The coconut shrimp, prime rib, and salmon were all delicious! Overall, a fantastic experience! So, Craft Beer Market is one of the best bars in Edmonton for you and your family. If you are in the city, we recommend this venue!
2. The Three Vikings
Three Vikings is a family-run Scandinavian pub on 124th Street that is locally owned and operated. We serve comfort food made from scratch and sourced locally, as well as Danish and British specialties. A fantastic collection of locally brewed craft beers and spirits! Bring your children to enjoy the hygge. Skål! Three Vikings are the kind of neighborhood pub that is so good it makes me wish I lived in that neighborhood. Lucky for me and everyone else in Edmonton, it’s pretty central and easy to get to, sitting right on 124th and 107 AVE. You get that cozy, warm feeling that all the best pubs have when you go in. The staff is super friendly, the décor is AMAZING, and the atmosphere is perfect—especially if you’re there during peak hours when it’s buzzing with conversations, laughter, and people yelling SKOL!
You’ll want to get familiar with that word because you’ll be saying it every time you cheer, and if you’re a fan of local beer and some incredible Danish spirits, you’ll say it a lot. There’s a drink for everyone and plenty of new things to try for those who feel adventurous. Edmonton has some exciting places to visit at night. The Three Vikings is an unusual and one-of-a-kind pub located on 124th Street. As the name implies, the pub’s theme is based on the legendary Danish Vikings. The Danish interiors, with beautifully decorated ceilings and windows, give you the impression that you are currently in Denmark. Some of the best items on their extensive menu are the hot pretzels, poser sausage with pickled cucumber, and sweet curry sauce.
Their beer menu is fantastic, with many locally crafted options and rotating taps. Playing Danish darts will make your night even more enjoyable. They are a family-friendly neighborhood pub serving pub-style comfort food with Danish and British specialties and cold craft beer. They are open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery to Irrational Brewing and through Skip the Dishes. Canadian dishes are to be tried here. You can order tasty bacon, fish & chips, and soup. Delicious draft beer, craft beer, or wine are worth a try here. Choose between indoor and outdoor seating. The high ratings of Three Vikings would be impossible without the energetic staff. Exemplary service is something clients appreciate here. At this place, visitors enjoy the pleasant atmosphere and fancy decor.
1. Red Star Pub
Red Star Pub is a lively hangout with many beers on tap to pair with Italian plates and outdoor seating. After seeing Annoor Mosque, you can visit this bar. Red Star Pub serves delicious crostini, beef, and beef carpaccio. Many visitors order good beer. You can get some delicious coffee here. This establishment is famous for its excellent service and helpful staff. Pay reasonable prices to eat at this restaurant. The homey atmosphere and modern wood interior will undoubtedly appeal to you. I’d been to Red Star Pub a few times over the years. It was always to talk with friends over drinks as we extended our night a little longer. I’d never tried the food before. The only indication of the space’s existence is a bright red star that lights up like a beacon in the dark on the lower level of a building on 105 Street and Jasper Avenue.
The interior is designed in the style of an old Irish pub, with dim lighting and dark wood accents throughout. However, it is incredibly cozy and feels like a respite from our months of desolate winter or the ideal place to huddle on a rainy day. I’m sometimes hesitant to order sliders and crostini because the individual prices are still relatively high. However, don’t worry. At Red Star Pub, you get your money’s worth. The crostinis and burgers are both generous in size. The Pork Crostini was about the size of my palm and was heaped with braised Pembina pork, shaved fennel, and Pecorino cheese. These were succulent and flavorful, with a substantial toasted bread base.
My meal was completed with a serving of Red Star Pub’s Beef Carpaccio ($15). Spring Creek beef, thinly sliced, was carefully laid out on the plate, covering every millimeter. Arugula, Granny Smith apple salad, pepper, lemon, Parmigiano, and olive oil were then sprinkled on top. A slice of soft bread was served on the side. The beef was so tender that it almost melted in my mouth, and the combination of fresh meat with tart lemon and apple flavors was fantastic. The approximate $30 cost per person after tax and tip was reasonable, given how much food we consumed. What I love about Red Star Pub, however, is how comfortable it is despite being in a dark basement with little natural light. The service is also excellent. The staff is friendly and helpful.
