Soak up the sun while supporting local businesses
The best thing to do during a hot, prairie summer is to not move too much. And stay hydrated. You should probably eat something, too. Winter is never far away, and you wouldn't want it to catch you in a weakened state, right?
Considering all of this, what you need is a patio. It has everything you need to beat the heat and make the most of these precious, warm, sunny months. Happily, Edmonton has no shortage of great places to spend those months. Also happily, many of them feature the work (that is, delicious dishes and generous hospitality) of NAIT grads.
So put on some sunscreen, pull up a chair and take a breath of fresh air, then a bite, then a sip and relax. Here's a list of places to do it.
(If you're a NAIT grad we've missed, please let us know.)
1ST RND
11248 - 104 Ave.
780-428-7177
Reviews
Executive chef Paul Gareau (Cook '09)
General manager Franco Camminatore (Hospitality Management '05)
Build your own burgers (and other pub classics), choose from a dizzying array of beers and settle in with the sports you want to watch (just ask!). Bring the kids, who can enjoy a menu of their own.
Analog Brewing
8620 - 53 Ave.
780-919-2802
Reviews
Co-owner Bryan Launier (Marketing '09)
The self-billed "geekiest brewery" in Alberta pairs old-school videogame aesthetics with a new-school approach to craft beer. Drop in for a glass or flight, choosing from a selection of seasonal and year-round brews, some of which have earned regional and national awards.
The Art of Cake
11811 - 105 Ave.
780-441-1339
Reviews
Co-owner and baker Gloria Bednarz (Cooking '86)
The Art of Cake specializes in art you can eat. Made-to-order cakes and treats (including cookies, cupcakes and more) vary from classic and elegant to modern and fun. If you're after a custom cake be sure to book well ahead. Stay and enjoy a slice outside with coffee if the sun is shining.
Baijiu
10363 - 104 St.
780-421-7060
Reviews
Chef Ellen Mitchell (Cooking '15)
Located in the heart of the arena district, Baijiu serves contemporary Asian-inspired dishes including a variety of bao, or steamed filled buns, spiced duck, chow mein and more, alongside a lengthy list of original cocktails.
Biera
9570 - 76 Ave., Suite 101
587-525-8589
Reviews
Head chef Davina Moraiko (Culinary Arts '05)
Jr. sous chef Paige Aldred (Culinary Arts '18)
Biera is a neighbourhood restaurant that pairs plates for sharing with beer from its sister breweries. Instead of burgers or wings, you'll find dishes such as beef tartare, steelhead trout carapaccio, a cheese bar and much more. (Don't miss the spent grain sourdough.)
Birdog
10181 - 104 St.
780-540-4868
Reviews
Executive chef Tony Le (Culinary Arts '03)
This modern, casual, cozy downtown Edmonton eatery is getting attention for its pizzas, and surprising guests with innovative offerings such as kimchi wings, potato skins with caviar, and grilled cheese with truffle.
Browns Socialhouse
Albany: 12820 - 167 Ave.
780-540-2820
Reviews
West Henday: 10-1010 Webber Green Dr.
780-756-3151
Reviews
Windermere: 5210 Windermere Blvd.
780-756-6990
Reviews
Tamarack: 2511 - 17 St.
587-520-4665
Reviews
Manning: 15331 - 37 St.
780-761-1533
Reviews
St. Albert: 205 - 840 St. Albert Tr.
780-347-9940
Reviews
Brown's Crafthouse: 10141 - 124 St.
Reviews
Culinary operations lead Eric Amyotte (Cook '09)
Browns Socialhouse features comfort classics like wings, burgers and fish and chips but the broad menu will appeal to palates seeking surprises. 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.
Campio Brewing Co.
10257 - 105 St.
587-635-1952
Reviews
Head brewer Brett Geislinger (Radio and Television – Radio '08)
Check out one of downtown Edmonton's most expansive patios while enjoying an array of snacks, salads, deep-dish pizzas, sandiwches and more. The beer is made in house, including everything from a stalwart lager to a juicy pale ale to a refreshing sour.
Central Social Hall
10909 Jasper Ave.
780-705-1900
Reviews
10014 - 12 Ave. SW
780-244-1818
#280, 525 St. Albert Tr.
780-569-5044
Reviews
Chef Jesse Woodland (Cook '15)
Drop in for casual yet classy atmosphere and enjoy creative snacks such as spicy maple Brussel sprouts and Alberta-style sushi rolls, fresh bowls or sandwich, including intriguing takes on chicken. There's a fun kids' menu for little ones and a great drinks menu for bigger ones.
Chartier
5012 - 50 St., Beaumont
780-737-3633
Reviews
Co-owner Sylvia Cheverie (Marketing '09)
Head chef and co-owner Tamara Solon (Cooking '15)
Chartier's French-Canadian inspired offerings cover brunch, lunch and dinner. Go with a classic such as PEI mussels, a classic with a twist like the bison donair, or a classic in the making: the Beaumont smoked meat sandwich.
Chocorrant
10328 - 124 St.
780-908-2253
Reviews
Pastry chef and co-owner Kai Wong (Culinary Arts '07)
Enjoy some of Edmonton’s best, freshly baked croissants on the patio of Chocorrant on 124 Street. These treats come in a variety of unique flavours not found anywhere else (strawberry cheesecake, crème brûlée and matcha, to name a few). Or grab some light lunch, including soup and croissant sandwiches.
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 pub food defined by creativity and quality. Share the likes of charcuterie or wings, or have a beef brisket burger or Korean BBQ chicken sandwich all to yourself.
Familia Brewing
26 Village Dr, Westerose, AB
beer@familiabrewing.com
Reviews
Co-owner Mark Gluwchynski (Plumber '13)
Located at the Village at Pigeon Lake, Familia Brewing is a friendly place to stop for a pint, be it a simple and refreshing Latin American lager or a more complex and flavourful pale ale. Don't miss the rotating small-batch selection available only in the taproom.
Farrow
8422 - 109 St.
780-757-4160
Reviews
9855 - 76 Ave.
780-757-0132
Reviews
10240 - 124 St.
780-249-0085
Reviews
10542 Jasper Ave.
780-761-6800
Reviews
Head pastry chef Amy Mancor (Baking '08)
Farrow opened its first location on 109 Street in 2014, specializing in quality coffee, sandwiches and baking. Watch for the menu to change frequently. Donuts, brownies, muffins and more are made daily in house.
Fox Burger
6423 - 112 Ave.
780-250-0369
Reviews
Co-owner and head chef Sean O'Connor (Culinary Arts '06)
Sous chef Ryan O'Connor (Culinary Arts '11)
Modern and refined drive-in fare may be one way to describe these burger offerings: classics updated with the likes of bacon and peppers, blue cheese and tomato, and more, as well as a hearty and reliable "American" cheeseburger. Kids' menu and veggie options available, surprising sides, too (e.g., Animal Fries?).
The Greenhouse Restaurants
12130 River Valley Rd.
780-496-4710
8630 Rowland Rd.
780-496-4710
2909 - 113 Ave.
780-496-4710
Reviews
Owner and executive chef Paul Shufelt (Cook '01)
Enjoy majestic views of Edmonton’s river valley on the patios of the Greenhouse Restaurants. This is not your stadard golf course restaurant. Like all Shufelt properties, expect to find high quality, provide handcrafted meals using the finest of ingredients and genuine hospitality. Clubs optional.
The Growlery Beer Co.
40 Airport Rd.
587-497-7714
Reviews
Owners Kevin Danard (Landscape Architectural Technology ’97) and Jeff Pollock (Business Administration - Finance ’95)
The product of a midlife career switch, the Growlery is now a relative veteran of Edmonton's ever-expanding Alberta craft beer scene, with small-batch beers made fresh onsite for enjoyment in the taproom with snacks or for takeout.
Hansen Distillery
17412 - 111 Ave. NW
780-341-0682
Reviews
Co-owner and distiller Kris Sustrik (Welder '01)
Kris Sustrik is carrying on the family tradition of making moonshine by elevating the craft to produce high-quality spirits. Besides being the maker of Alberta's first craft wisky and a plant-based cream liqueur, Hansen is a great spot for flavoured gins, vodkas and, yes, good old moonshine.
Hart's Table and Bar
14229 - 23 Ave.
780.488.4278
Reviews
Executive chef Tony Le (Culinary Arts '03)
This contemporary take on the neighbourhood pub is intended as a home away from home, the place to drop by for a drink after work. The menu is casual but intentional (like housemade chips and dips, perogies with Mundare sausage) and the wine list is long.
Highlevel Diner
10912 - 88 Ave.
780-433-0993
Reviews
Chef and co-owner Adam Stoyko (Cook ’08)
A touchstone of Edmonton's Garneau neighbourhood, the Highlevel Diner has provided an eclectic menu and a warm and lively setting overlooking the river valley for almost 40 years. It maintains its modern flair through fresh and colourful dishes, with plenty of options for omnivores and vegetarians alike. The weekend brunches are line up inducing (grab some of their famous cinnamon buns to go).
Julio’s Barrio
10450 - 82 Ave.
780-431-0774
Reviews
Kitchen manager Darren Smith (Culinary Arts '10)
An icon of Whyte Avenue, Julio’s Barrio brings "bulldogs" and Mexican cuisine to their bustling patio space. Top your dish with their signature salsa from mild to nuclear heat, cool it off with an icy margarita, and say hello to summer. Vegans and those seeking gluten-free options will enjoy a broad selection of dietary-friendly options.
The Keg Steakhouse and Bar
Multiple locations
Reviews:
Skyview
West Edmonton
South Edmonton Common
Windermere
Sherwood Park
Operations director Troyan Mason (Finance '93)
The Keg is nearly synonymous with steak, especially the well-trimmed, aged, marbled, uniquely spiced and seared-just-right variety. Prime rib, seafood, chicken and ribs round out the menu. Salads, too – which can be topped with cuts of beef, chicken and seafood.
Longroof Brewing
#104, 9916 - 72 Ave.
780-435-0158
Reviews
Co-owner and lead brewer Troy Wassill (Radio and Television Arts '96)
Longroof Brewing serves up "respectfully defiant traditional style ales & fresh experimentals” in the alley off 99 Street and 72 Avenue, an area quickly becoming a popular spot for independent breweries, restaurants and shops. Take advantage of the spacious, dog-friendly patio (and bike racks, too) while enjoying a Longroof flight. Grab growlers and howlers to go.
Meat
8216 - 104 St.
587-520-6338
Reviews
Chef and co-owner Nathan McLaughlin (Cook ’04)
The Next Act Pub got its first sibling with Meat, a smokehouse opened up right next door by McLaughlin and the ownership team. It's southside southern barbecue: brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, all featuring homemade sauces. And, of course, there's bourbon.
The Next Act
8224 - 104 St.
780-433-9345
Reviews
Chef and co-owner Nathan McLaughlin (Cook '04)
As the part-owner tasked with kitchen duties, McLaughlin has freshened up the pub grub concept by insisting everything be made in house, from the hamburger patties to the fish 'n' chips batter to imaginatively decadent desserts.
Omen Brewing
9942 - 67 Ave.
780-760-6636
Reviews
Co-owner and brewer Rhys Oswald (Electrician '06)
This family-run brewery is the only operation in Alberta to focus on dark beer. Enjoy mainstays like an assertive rye-based roggenbier, a hoppy dark IPA, a rich milk stout and more. (There are a few lighter beers for those afraid of the dark, but Omen hopes to cure you of that.) Every beer is made on site, on Edmonton's south side.
Pals
10335 - 83 Ave.
825-480-5300
Reviews
Co-owner Nathan McLaughlin (Cook ’04)
This is a refreshingly uncomplicated concept – Pals sells sandwiches. Top-quality, hand-crafted sandwiches. And lots of them are familiar, like the pastrami, the cubano, the meatball sub, the hoagie, and more. Not a lot more, but enough. Match them with chips and a cocktail or craft beer.
Pip
10403 - 83 Ave.
780-760-4747
Reviews
Chef and co-owner Nathan McLaughlin (Cook '04)
The newest sibling of The Next Act and MEAT, Pip serves up charming comfort food in a cozy 28-seat space. Catch their exquisite takes on classic brunch favourites during the day or join them for dinner – opt for one of their flawless cocktails anytime.
Polyrhythm Brewing
11635 - 145 St.
info@polyrhythmbrewing.com
Reviews
Co-owner and taproom manager Taylor Wacey (Electrician '19)
Polyrhythm Brewing opened in March 2023 to consistently good reviews. Tucked into a west Edmonton business park, it features a cozy, music-themed taproom and a wide selection of beers from an award-winning brewer. Wacey, as one might expect, also wired the place.
Rebel Food and Drink
9112 - 142 St. NW
780-752-7325
Reviews
Executive chef Tony Le (Culinary Arts '03)
Try the selection of decadent waffles for brunch, grab a pizza with cheese right to its edges for lunch, have brie and blueberry grilled cheese for dinner, and much more.
RGE RD
10643 - 123 St.
780-447-4577
Reviews
Chef and co-owner Blair Lebsack (Cook ’98)
RGE RD has turned its parking lot into a colourful patio perfect for sipping cocktails or digging into specialty meat cuts, sandwiches or burgers from sister restaurant The Butchery next door. During the summer, they’ll even keep your 124 Street Grand Market groceries chilled while you enjoy their patio.
Riverbank Bistro
8 Mission Ave., St. Albert
587-290-1655
Reviews
Chef and owner Daniel Ducharme (Culinary Arts '09)
Tucked into a beautiful purple manor just off the Sturgeon River, Dan Ducharme’s delightful Riverbank Bistro highlights regional ingredients and cuisine. The menu has earned many accolades, including best food, best service, and, during dine-in days, one of the top 100 most romantic restaurants for 2019.
River City Revival House
10030 - 102 St.
780-425-1852
Reviews
Executive chef Felicia Winston (Cook '17)
Home to the only music-themed menu items in the city, enjoy Wings of Leon, Nat King Coleslaw or The Creedence Cubano Revival on the patio of the River City Revival House at The Starlite Room. Chef Winston also makes a point to feature a number of local businesses in her dishes, like Meuwly’s sausage, Boocha kombucha, Sylvan Star Cheese, Sea Change Brewing and more.
Tryst Wine and Small Plates
100 - 21 Perron St., St. Albert
587-290-3433
Reviews
Owner Michelle McDonald (Culinary Arts ’16)
Head chef Zach Eaton (Culinary Arts ’16)
Sous chef Hailey Howlett (Culinary Arts '16)
Line cook Crystal Higgins (Culinary Arts '22)
Line cook Kayla Penney (Culinary Arts '21)
Dinners at Tryst are offered as plates meant to be shared, with choices that include charcuterie, housemade sourdough, vegetarian options, and meat and seafood dishes featuring, chicken, mussels and more. Brunch is available too. All of it is the food the chefs would want to eat served with the drinks they'd want to drink.
Tzin Wine and Tapas
10115 - 104 St.
780-428-8946
Reviews
Owner Kelsey Danyluk (Marketing '02)
Chef Corey McGuire (Cook '07)
Enjoy your pick of a variety of wines served by the glass and fancy dishes (prawns, potato bravas, bison meatballs, etc.) and meals (roasted Alberta lamb chops, pan-seared salt cod, etc), while hanging out in one of downtown's coolest dining districts.
Workshop Eatery
2003 - 91 St. SW
780-705-2205
Reviews
Owner and chef Paul Shufelt (Cook '01)
At Workshop Eatery, where almost everything is handmade in house. The rustic yet sophisticated menu is seasonally focused, and features, when possible, produce grown onsite at Workshop's location at the Mosaic Centre, Canada's first net-zero office building.
XIX (Nineteen)
5940 Mullen Way
780-395-1119
Reviews
#104 150 Bellerose Dr., St. Albert
780-569-1819
Reviews
Chef and proprietor Andrew Fung (Cook ’01, Baking ’98)
Chef de cuisine (St. Albert) Landen Swick (Cook '14, Culinary Arts '15)
What was once available only to members of the Blackhawk Golf Club, Andrew Fung’s former cooking gig, is now for all to enjoy. Visit Andrew Fung’s “clubhouse” (XIX, as in 19th hole) to pick up casual but classy dishes inspired equally by Asia and Alberta.
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