The Scotch ethos is strong in this one. The Bothy’s staff aspire to make whisky as palatable and appreciated as the wines of France. They’re impressively knowledgeable and ready to explain the difference between Speyside — sweet and complex — and Islay whisky — peaty and full-flavoured. To taste the nuances, order a flight and pair each of the three with international cheeses and a charcuterie plate, or cut through a savoury meat pie with a firm Highlands Scotch. (5482 Calgary Tr., 780-761-1761) —Omar Mouallem
With a well-constructed beer list that ranges from German wheat dunkels to Belgian bottles infused with fruit flavours, Red Star appeals to true brew-heads. And the small menu, designed by Daniel Costa before his Corso 32 days, goes beyond ordinary pub grub by offering quality over quantity. The roasted tomatoes in the crostini are sweet to the point of being dessert-like. (10534 Jasper Ave., 780-428-0825) —Steven Sandor
At Canada’s smallest wine bar, 15 coveted seats let you interact closely with sommelier Dianna Funnell and like-minded strangers (summer sees six seats added to the patio). With 60-some international bottles, starting at $28, and 35 glasses starting at $5 each, Bibo gives wine connoisseurs lots to talk about. And, when they’re touching elbows, how can they not? (9914 89 Ave., 780-437-5588) —Omar Mouallem
Visitor
Way to stay relevant, Avenue!
Submitted 1 year 9 weeks ago
Way to stay relevant, Avenue! Red Star is a running joke in the alberta beer community. I guess nobody told Avenue and Red Star yet. Next you can write about how Boston Pizza has the best Italian in Edmonton.
Visitor
Wunderbeers
Submitted 1 year 9 weeks ago
Wunderbar's beer selection and dedication to local and craft beer is unrivaled in the city. Bartenders have a sophisticated mastery of the huge selection, and are always willing to suggest options.
In my experience, Red Star has a basic selection and a fairly uneducated (in terms of selection and recommendation) staff.
Visitor
Beers
Submitted 1 year 10 weeks ago
I second that. I love the atmophere of Red Star, and it is a great place to go, but its beer selection is not worthy of this title.
They have VERY few draft lines that are taken up by beers that arent necessarily everywhere, but are definitely not craft beers. This title should go to an establishment that has taken on and supports the craft beer culture with a wide variety of craft, unusual, and even local beers ON TAP.
I would rather go there for wine.
Visitor
Beers
Submitted 1 year 10 weeks ago
Red Star has the worst beer selection of anyone who is trying. Next Act Pub, Pourhouse, Wunderbar and Sugarbowl all have it beat.
Post new comment