Where to Dine in YEG During CFR & PBR World Cup
Edmonton, Alberta – If you’re coming to the city for the 44th Canadian Finals Rodeo or for the inaugural Professional Bull Riders Global Cup, you’re going to be in and around the heart of downtown Edmonton.
Instead of going to Boston Pizza, The Keg or Ruth’s Chris, I have compiled a list of some delicious restaurants you should check out, Lipstick and Cowboy Boots approved of course. All of which are within 10km of Northlands Coliseum and even closer from Rogers Place.
If you don’t feel like driving the dually downtown, I don’t blame you. Call an Uber. Download the app, it is SO easy to use and is cheaper than a cab. Plus you can watch on your phone how close they are to you! The LRT also runs downtown and is an option.
I have made this really handy for you. If you click the name of the resturant it will take you to Google Maps, but if you read through, you’ll find each restaurants website at the bottom of each write up!
You’re welcome!
Bodega Tapas & Wine Bar, 10220 103 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 4A1
5km from Northlands Coliseum
This is my favourite place in Edmonton. Opens at 4:30pm. Its small, but has a large group table in the middle. What are Tapas? They are shareable dishes. So the majority of whats on the menu, you order to share with the table. There are a few bowls for one, but get in on the sharing action! If you have me on Snapchat, you’ve probably looked at every dish on the menu. (Sorry for pretending to be a food critic hipster, taking photos of my food)
Favourite dishes on the menu include but are not limited to: Bacon Wrapped Dates, Patatas Bravas, Crimini Mushrooms, Angus Skirt Steak, Garlic Prawns, Piri Piri Calamari, and the beef and lamb Empandillas. To finish it off, I LOVE the House Passionfruit Cheesecake or the Crema Catalina.
At first the dishes will start coming out and you won’t think its enough to eat, so you keep ordering more dishes, and then once its time to consider dessert, you’re wishing you wore your thanksgiving stretchy pants. Just unbutton your Wranglers and get the dessert!
Fave drink here – red or white sangria. Both are delicious.
Parking lot is across from La Boheme, you won’t get towed, or street parking.
Website with menu – www.bodegahighlands.ca
El Cortez Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar, 8230 Gateway Blvd, Edmonton, AB T6E 4B2
8km from Northlands Coliseum
El Cortez makes you feel like you’re not in the North Pole, instead you made a run for the border and you’re in the heart of Mexico. They have weird but interesting video snippets playing on the wall, occasionally have a DJ come in, and ALWAYS have great tacos!
Favourite dish on their menu is the VALENTINA’S FRIED CAULIFLOWER with Aji Aioli Dip.
Fave taco there is the Cinnamon Braised Pork,
Fave drink here – Sangria.
Parking lot across the street.
Website with menu – http://www.elcortezcantina.com
Tres Carnales Taqueria, 10119 100A St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0R5
5km drive from Northlands Coliseum or you can take the train.
This restaurant was my first Taco love. It is small and usually has a line but they are fast and the food is worth the wait. Great option for those of you headed to the ladies fashion show at the Westin. Its within stumbling distance.
Favourite dish to start is the Papas Fritas, which is fried chunks of Russett potatoes topped with a guajillo chile chimmichurri, queso fresco and cilantro.
Fave taco is the El Pastor (Pork)
Fave drink here – you guessed it, the Sangria.
Parking – minimal street parking, but there is a parkade around the corner. I will cross my fingers CFR44 & the PBR Global Cup aren’t coming with a blizzard and forty below temps!
Website with menu – http://trescarnales.com
Meat, 8216 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4E58km from Northlands Coliseum
If all you want is a rack of ribs, fried chicken or smoked chicken, may I suggest Meat. They do have a few sandwiches as well. Sides are ordered separately. Its all delicious! You’ll leave with a full belly and the meat sweats.
Favourite drink here – Kentucky Mule (Bourbon)
Parking – find a lot and walk down Whyte, or test your luck and see if there is street parking.
Website with menu – http://meatfordinner.com
Sicilian Pasta Kitchen, 11239 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5K 0L5
6km from Northlands Coliseum (There is also a south side location if you’re staying on the south side of the city.)
If you want pasta, may I suggest not stopping at Olive Garden and checking out the Sicilian Pasta Kitchen instead? Seriously, you’ll thank me later.
My favourite dish was a lobster stuffed ravioli which I am not seeing on the menu, BUT, you could order anything on the menu and feel like you’re in Italy for the evening. Their in-house prepared tiramisu has been hailed as Edmonton’s best.
Website with menu – www.sicilianpastakitchendowntown.com
Blue Plate Diner, 10145 104 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 1A7
5.5km from Northlands Coliseum
GREAT BREAKFAST HERE I am told.
Dinner, Lunch, Brunch, Breakfast, and a kids menu, the Blue Plate Diner has you covered. Again, I have never personally been here before, but have always heard great reviews of the place.
Parking – there are pay-parking lots close by.
Website with menu – www.blueplatediner.ca
Rose & Crown Pub, 10235 101 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 3G1
4.5km from Northlands Coliseum
Pub food, close to Northlands, with a dinner, lunch and kids menu, along with daily specials. Hidden gem I think!
Website with Menu – www.roseandcrownedmonton.com
Local Jasper, 11228 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5K 2V2
6.5km from Northlands Coliseum
This is a bit of a chain restaurant, similar to Joeys or Earls but its a safe bet if you’re scared of everything else I have recommended so far. Kids are welcome here. Board games, shuffle board etc available to play while you wait.
Favourite dish here would be the Fried Chicken Sandwich.
Fave drink – Kung Fu Punch. Tastes like juice, packs a punch..
Parking – I believe there is a parking lot here, or street parking.
Website with menu – www.localjasperave.com
Sherlock Holmes Pub, 10012 101A Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0P5
5km from Northlands Coliseum
Pub food, around the corner from the Westin, so ladies who are headed to the fashion show, looking for a drink and quick bite to eat before the rodeo, this is a great option (as is Tres Carnales, its just a little longer walk.)
Daily specials, and brunch available for those who don’t wake up early enough for breakfast..
Website with menu – www.thesherlockspubs.com
Northern Chicken, 10704 124 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 0H1
7km from Northlands Coliseum
I have not been to Northern Chicken but have been recommended to go here. Judging by the photos on their website, I need to check it out ASAP.
Closed on Wednesdays
Website with menu –www.northchickenyeg.com
Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse, 9929 109 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 1H6
10km from Northlands Coliseum or take the train
I have never actually ate here, but know many people who have and they all rant and rave about it. If you go to Pampa, let me know what you think!
Website with menu – http://pampasteakhouse.com/edmonton/
Rge Rd, 10643 123 Street Northwest, Edmonton, AB T5N 1P2
7km from Northlands Coliseum
Though I have not been here myself, I am still adding it on the list because this restaurant has been named #1 in Avenue Magazine for best steak and best overall restaurant in Edmonton.
Website with menu – www.rgerd.ca
Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival at the Shaw Conference Centre
5km from Northlands Coliseum
If you’re looking for something else to do while in the city, check out the Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival November 10th and 11th. Purchase tickets and pick which wines you’d like to try out, and some of the best desserts and appys.
Event tickets do not include food tickets. Must be purchased separately.
Website – https://www.rockymountainwine.com/event/edmonton/event-details/
Eat Clean St. Albert
If you’re looking for a healthy alternative through out the week, I will HIGHLY recommend Eat Clean St.Albert. Dan and Stacey will meal prep for you and all you have to do is order. You can either pick up at their location or you can choose the delivery option. Check out their Facebook page or their website for all options!
http://eatcleangrill.com