Rudy's Chef/owner Michael Schafer presides over the bar in his new retro-contemporary lounge and restaurant downtown in the Manitoba Hydro Building.
Winnipeg is experiencing an exciting food revolution with a plethora of new restaurants opening and on the horizon.
Arkadash, deer + almond, Bistrot by Basil, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Rudy's Eat and Drink have all opened shop in the city since January. Boon Burger Café on Bannatyne, and Famous Dave's on the city's east side will all open within weeks if all goes according to plan. Five Guys and Fries, a chain based in Virginia, hopes to eventually open seven locations in Winnipeg.
Add to that new food trucks like Little Bones Wingery and the upcoming Baon Bistro (a food truck serving Philipino-Asian eats among other dishes) and it’s clear our city is hungry for new adventures in dining.
Here's the second part of our guide to Winnipeg's newest and upcoming restaurants. For more eateries, check out part one.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries, open
Address: 1579 Regent Avenue, Crossroads Shopping Centre
Phone number: 204-661-5555
Neighbourhood: East Kildonan
Website: fiveguys.ca
Description: This US burger franchise is infiltrating Canada and just recently opened its first location in Winnipeg. An old-school burger menu features eight types of burgers, three vegetarian sandwiches and four kinds of hot dogs and fries. There are 15 different toppings to load on your burger or dog.
Famous Dave's Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que, opening July 16
Address: Unit 70, 1 Reenders Avenue
Neighbourhood: East Kildonan
Website: famousdaves.com
Description: This is a Southern-style, sticky-fingers barbecue chain that serves its slow-roasted and hickory-smoked meats on the bottom side of garbage can lids. Menu includes salads, sandwiches and desserts too. Join the Winnipeg franchise group on Facebook (famousdaveswinnipeg).
Little Bones Wingery
Address: Mobile truck
Phone number: 204-899-BONE (2663)
Neighbourhood: typically Downtown
Description: This new food truck and trailer has become an instant hit on Winnipeg streets. The 16 by 8-foot trailer is typically parked at Smith Street and Ellice Avenue during the week but also makes expeditions to festivals and events in and outside Winnipeg. They serve 26 flavours of chicken wings, including sauces and spice rubs. Deep-fried pickle spears and cheese-stuffed breaded and fried mushrooms are also on the menu. Find its daily location on Twitter @LittleBonesWing or join the Facebook group LittleBonesWingery.
Rudy's Eat and Drink, open
Address: Manitoba Hydro Place, main floor, 375 Graham Avenue
Phone Number: 204-421-9094
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Website: Rudyseatanddrink.com
Description: Star Chef Michael Schafer delivers upscale diner eats in a retro-modern room, which technically had its opening day on New Year's Eve. The menu includes classics like house-made pastrami loaded into a Rueben, deviled eggs, pastas, grilled steaks and salads. Almost everything is made in-house, including all the breads and pastas. For a full review of Rudy's, click here.
For comments, suggestions or Winnipeg dining advice, please e-mail goodeats@pegcitygrub.com. Follow us on Twitter @PegCityGrub.