New & Notable: August in Winnipeg
August 6
It's all about local for Lupe, who is drooling over KYU Grill at The Beer Can (photo: Jonnah Pusung @heyitslupethefiasco)
Who let the dogs out... for drinks
What can be better than a pint on a patio on a hot summer night in Winnipeg? Not much, but if you add your dog into the mix, it makes for an all-around perfect evening.
Winnipeg influencer Tasting Winnipeg recently posted a list of pet-friendly patios in the city, and we couldn’t be happier to let the cat out of the bag (pun intended).
The Beer Can
Starting with Winnipeg’s newest and coolest pop-up beer garden, The Beer Can is the talk of the town this summer. Located in the lot between the Fortune Building and the Winnipeg Hotel in downtown, it serves local craft beers, cocktails, and a small selection of wines out of a shipping container. The Beer Can is collaborating with The Times Change(d) to bring you live music (check out #timeschangedoutside for dates and artist line-up) and there is always a food truck on-site should hunger strike. The Beer Can is so pet friendly, that it has even created a hashtag - #dogsofthebeercan - to prove it.
Corrientes
Corrientes promotes itself as an Argentine Pizzeria, and you can’t go wrong with its thick crust pizza. Even more iconic than pizza in Argentina is the empanada, and Corrientes does them well. There are a variety of fillings, such as the classic Beef with olives, onions, and roasted red peppers; or try the Morroco with chickpea, carrot, red pepper, zucchini, and onions. The sandwich board outside the restaurant states that “Cats and Dogs are welcome” and patio guests have gushed on Instagram about their pets receiving a water dish upon arrival. Talk about service!
Little Brown Jug
Winnipeg beer lovers are very familiar with Little Brown Jug and for good reason. It started out doing one beer, the 1919 Belgian Pale Ale, which you can now find at almost every bar and restaurant in the city. In addition to its flagship beer, limited editions are released every season. Just in time for Winnipeg’s “dog days of summer," Little Brown Jug's latest 2020 Summer Lager is available at all Manitoba Liquor Marts and other great beer stores. Or, you can bring your pup and head directly to its brew patio in the Exchange, where you can enjoy one right where the magic happens.
The Ruby West
Winnipeg’s cutest and newest patio, The Ruby West opened in the fall of 2019 in Wolseley. This neighbourhood is known for its welcoming vibe, so it’s no surprise that the owners of The Ruby West have thought about ALL their residents. They encourage you and your pet to join you on their tiny patio, (as long as they are on a leash), but also have water bowls at their front door if you are simply strolling by.
Leopold's Tavern
This modern tavern concept started in Regina, Saskatchewan, and we are fans of supporting prairie businesses. Leopold's has three locations throughout the city and its Academy and Bridgewater locations have dog-friendly patios, with the Bridgwater one being the newest and most spacious. There are even dog collars available for purchase on its website, which tells me the owners take their dog-loving seriously.
Mona Lisa
Another Corydon staple, Mona Lisa has been serving Winnipeggers traditional Italian cuisine for more than 30 years. It clearly promotes its “Pup friendly patio” on Instagram with an adorable photo of two dogs in Hawaiian leis. The patio opens at 4 p.m. every day and you can leave your water bowls at home!
Frenchway Café
Have you seen the Instagram account for Frenchway Café? If not, I’m warning you that it may induce major breakfast and pastry cravings. Wanting to capture the magical feeling of being in a French Bakery in France, owners Larissa Webster and Chef Olivier Fortat’s opened Frenchway Café in 2008. One of their “must-try” dishes is their fruit tarts, which are made daily, but they also serve traditional macarons, a variety of fresh bread, all-day breakfast, and crepes. The newly renovated patio has just opened, which includes a gorgeous pergola so you and your pet can take a break from the heat.
Bar Italia
It’s no secret that Bar Italia has a great patio, but you probably didn’t know it is also pet friendly. Take your dog for a stroll down Corydon and stop by for a Granita and Big Dog Special, which is Bar Italia’s weekly specialty hot dog feature. #hotdiggitydog
Silver Heights Restaurant & Lounge
“Everyone knows each other here,” says co-owner J.C. Siwicki. Spoken like a classic neighborhood bar, Silver Heights Restaurant & Lounge opened its doors in 1957. Its BBQ ribs have some pretty dedicated followers, and the restaurant's grazing boards have risen in popularity as of late. Bring your family and furry friends, and check out this Winnipeg institution.
One Great City Brewing Co.
“One Great City.” That is exactly what the owners thought of Winnipeg every time they returned from a long trip abroad, and so OGC was born. Besides great food and beer, they have coined the weekly event “Puppies on the Patio,” where every Sunday this summer they welcome your puppies on their patio. Sounds positively perfect to me!
Sub Zero Ice Cream
Winnipeggers love ice cream, and they also love Winnipeg institutions. Sub Zero has been serving ice cream parfaits for more than 35 years. If you are wondering whether the options are limited to classic fudge, strawberry, and caramel parfaits, think again, as there are more than 50 options on its menu! You may have some anxiety deciding which flavor to choose, but your dog will be wagging its tail after find out Sub Zero Ice Cream offers tasty K-9 dog treats as well.
Since Tasting Winnipeg posted this list on Instagram, many followers have come forward with more pet-friendly patios, including King and Bannatyne, Chaise Corydon, Forth Bar, Kristina's on Corydon, Torque Brewing, Nicolino's restaurant, King's Head Pub, Nonsuch Brewing Co., Diana's Cucina Pizza, Cargo Bar at the Assiniboine Park and Stone Angel Brewing Co. - where you will get extra points if your pooch sports some LFC swag (because good dogs never walk alone).
Please keep the recommendations coming because I think we can all agree that patio + pint + pet = perfection.
