The Best Late Night Bars in Edmonton Perfect for Post-Work De-Stressing
There are days when I’m so swamped at work that the only thing keeping me going is heading to a bar at the end of the day. Thankfully, Edmonton has some bars that are open until late at night.
Ah, the joy of bittersweet wine running down my throat or chomping down a hearty meal while a talented musician plays mellow jazz music that soothes my soul. Or what about dancing like there’s no tomorrow? All these scenarios sound so compelling to me!
If you’d like to hang out in a late-night bar in Edmonton, here are the ones I highly recommend you check out.
Y Afterhours
From: yafterhours
Address: 10028 102 St NW
Operating Hours: Saturday and Sunday—1 am to 7 am
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If you’re the type who thinks that dancing is the best way to get rid of stress, then you’ll love Y Afterhours. This is a prominent nightclub in the city, and it’s open all through the wee hours of the night and until the sun rises!
This nightclub has three stories, each one having its own dance area. Each dance area also plays distinct music sets, so if you don’t like the music playing in one area, you can simply check the others out.
I personally like the dance area playing techno music because it’s so vibrant. I don’t think I’m much of a dancer, but that doesn’t matter when I’m on this dance floor. All of a sudden, I’m busting out moves that I never knew I could do!
Pro Tip: If you want to rest for a while, there’s a small room on the top floor where you can sit and even play some games.
The Buckingham
From: thebuckonwhyte
Address: 10439 Whyte Ave NW
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—3 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +17807611002
Website
The Buckingham may not seem as grand as its namesake in London, but it’s definitely still a must-visit. This hip bar is a favourite hangout spot because it offers delicious vegan street food, vibrant live music, and a relaxing outdoor patio.
The Chkn Stabwich is my favourite thing to order here; the chicken is perfectly crispy, and the sauce adds a nice tangy and spicy punch to every bite.
For drinks, I can’t resist a Painkiller cocktail. The rum is strong, and it’s complemented by fruity and earthy flavours.
Pro Tip: Every Sunday, they have an all-day happy hour. You’ll get special discounts on drinks, plus they’ll host guest DJs.
The Black Dog Freehouse
From: blackdogonwhyte
Address: 10425 Whyte Ave NW
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—2 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +17804391082
Website
The Black Dog Freehouse has that wonderful combination of old-school charm and the bustling energy of modernity. There’s also a rooftop patio here (cleverly called Wooftop Patio), and it’s a lush garden setting that overlooks the street. It’s very cozy, perfect when you just want peace.
The drinks menu is impressive; there are several options—from craft beers and cocktails to wines. I like to stick to a cocktail, and my go-to order is the Classic Caesar. It’s vodka and a bunch of spices, so it’s strong enough to make my blood fizz.
Pro Tip: They often host fun events here. Check their events page for more information.
The Next Act Pub
From: nextactpub
Address: 8224 104 Street NW
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11 am to 12 am
- Friday—11 am to 1 am
- Saturday—10 am to 1 am
- Sunday—10 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +17804339345
Website
The Next Act Pub is actually a brunch spot for me first, but since it closes pretty late at night, it also serves as my hangout spot after work. It’s so easy to relax here, and the food is very hearty.
The steak sandwich is my ultimate recommendation. The steak is tender and savoury, and it tastes so well with the earthy flavours of the mushrooms! Add a dollop of chimichurri, and now you’ve got tangy notes in the mix.
For drinks, they have beer available on tap. I quite like the Jam Rock by Establishment Brewing. It tastes a bit sweet and tart, most likely from the blackberries.
Pro Tip: The Next Act Pub has several sister restaurants right next door. These are Meat, Pip, Pals, and Marlo. Check them out when you can.
The Bower
From: theboweryeg
Address: 10538 Jasper Ave
Operating Hours: Friday and Saturday—8 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +17804234256
Website
The Bower is oozing with dark and moody vibes, thanks to its warm lights and practically all-wooden furniture. In a way, it feels like a cabin in the woods, just with DJs and a spacious floor dedicated to dancing.
I really like the cocktail selection here. I recommend the Jalapeno Margarita, which packs quite a punch in terms of alcoholic intensity and spiciness.
They don’t have hearty meals here, but they do offer a few bar snacks. I quite like the ham and cheese grilled cheese. It’s a simple, salty and savoury treat, but satisfying all the same.
Pro Tip: If you’re coming with a group, I recommend booking your spot ahead of time. You can do so by calling the bar or sending an email to [email protected].
High Note Bar and Grill
From: highnotebarandgrill
Address: 12315 118 Ave NW
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +15874607121
Website
High Note Bar and Grill lives up to its name: coming here will definitely get your energy bar up. Sometimes, I get so caught up playing games, dancing to live music, or singing my heart out here that I forget it’s already late and that I should be going to bed.
When I’m not doing anything fun, I like to chow down on a tasty meal. The fish and chips is an absolute favourite of mine. I love how the haddock is massive (at 8.5 oz!) and crispy, and the tartar sauce gives it an oomph of tanginess. The fries are thick and well-salted, too.
Pro Tips:
- This place has daily specials (dishes that are available for a discounted price). Be sure to try them when you can!
- They sometimes have fun events here. Check their calendar to see if there’s something you’d like to attend.
MIMI
From: mimibar_yeg
Address: 12018 Jasper Ave, Citizen on Jasper Apartments
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday—6 pm to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—6 pm to 1 am
Contact Number: +17802444476
Website
MIMI is intimate and moody with live jazz music that adds chill and casual vibes to the place.
Here, I love ordering a glass of wine paired with beef tartare. The beef is fresh and rich, and the parmigiano and capers add salty, bright, and briny notes to every bite. Roasted bread with beef tartare is an elite combination, so I recommend getting that as well.
Pro Tip: Give a friend or a family member a gift card from this bar.
The Common
From: thecommonyeg
Address: 9910 109 St NW
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday—4 pm to 10 pm
- Wednesday and Thursday—4 pm to 11 pm
- Friday—4 pm to 2 am
- Saturday—5 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +17804527333
Website
The Common boasts a comforting lounge space that combines vintage and modern decor. It’s the kind of bar that makes you want to relax for hours on end, but if you’re in the mood to have some fun, you can also dance with strangers on the dance floor.
I’m obsessed with the chicken and waffles here. The chicken is super crispy and savoury, while the waffles are soft with some crispy edges. The waffles are served with lemon curd and maple syrup, so they taste tangy and sweet—a perfect contrast to the chicken.
As for drinks, you can’t go wrong with their cocktails. The Miso Sour cocktail is my current favourite—tangy and sweet, with a hint of umami richness from the miso.
Pro Tips:
- This bar hosts a Streetcar Cask Party every week, which is an event that lets you party with great food and drinks inside a streetcar. You’ll also be touring around the city!
- You can host a private party or even a wedding here.
On the Rocks
From: ontherocksyeg
Address: 11740 Jasper Ave, Oliver Place
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +17804824767
Website
For people who enjoy live music and love to discover new musical acts to support, On the Rocks is a must-visit! This place also has dance classes if you want to improve your moves, and karaoke nights if you feel the urge to belt out like Celine Dion.
When I’m not dancing or singing, I’m eating one of their meals. I recommend the buffalo chicken fettuccine, which is creamy, spicy, and smoky. For my drinks, I usually keep it simple and order a locally crafted beer (I recommend Molson Canadian).
Pro Tips:
- You can book a party here.
- Did you know that they also have a crab boil here? It’s worth a try, and if you’re interested, you need to fill out this form to reserve your spot.
Dolly’s Cocktail Bar
From: dollyscocktails
Address: 9902 109 St NW
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday—5 pm to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—5 pm to 1 am
- Sunday—2 pm to 9 pm
As someone who is a girly girl, I love Dolly’s Cocktail Bar. The pinks and reds in the decorations never fail to bring a smile to my face, and the cocktails and food make me forget about all my troubles.
Dolly’s Dreamhouse is my favourite drink to order; the blackberry flavour is strong, and it pairs well with the tanginess of the lime juice and the slight spiciness of the ginger liqueur.
If you’re hungry, you should get the aptly named Girl Dinner, which is jam-packed with amazing finger foods, namely truffle tater tots and chicken tenders.
Pro Tip: This bar has its own streetcar parties, which have snacks and complimentary cocktails. Attend one when you can.
Nowhere Wine Bar
From: nowherewinebar
Address: 12315 102 Ave NW
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—4 pm to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—4 pm to 12 am
If you consider yourself an oenophile (a fancy term for “wine enthusiast”), then you need to stop by Nowhere Wine Bar. This place has an extensive selection of wines—reds, whites, rosé, and champagnes—and many of them come from abroad.
You have to get Divus Ornis by Divus Winery from Codru, Moldova. This wine is among the most expensive options here, but it’s worth it. The flavour profile is sweet and tart, reminding me of blackcurrant, plum, and raisins.
This wine tastes amazing on its own, but it’s even better with meat and cheese. So, I recommend getting a platter of them (Iberico Chorizo, mortadella, and truffle manchego are my favourites). Fortunately, this bar has a lot of options available.
Pro Tip: If you want to reserve a spot ahead of time, you can send a request to [email protected].
SODO on Jasper
From: sodoyeg
Address: 11011 Jasper Ave, Hardwood Plaza
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—3 pm to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—3 pm to 1 am
Contact Number: +17807051101
Website
SODO on Jasper combines the atmosphere of a speakeasy and a club: it’s dark and intimate, while also loud and lively.
The Aperol Tiki Twist is my favourite cocktail to get here because it tastes like a tropical vacation—very fruity and refreshing.
If you want to eat something, you should order the butter chicken bowl. The juicy chicken pieces sit above a bed of fluffy basmati rice, and everything is smothered with a decadent, buttery, and tangy tomato sauce. Yum!.
Pro Tip: If you want to book a private event with at least seven guests, you need to fill out this form.
Cask and Barrel
From: caskbarrel104
Address: 10041 104 Street NW
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—3 pm to 11 pm
- Friday—3 pm to 2 am
- Saturday—2 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +17804981224
Website
Cask and Barrel may seem unassuming from the outside, but inside, it’s a hangout spot that’s brimming with cozy vibes and delicious comfort meals. Sometimes, local bands also play live music here, which I love.
The meatloaf here is such a hearty meal; the meatloaf itself is juicy and savoury, and the mashed potatoes is creamy and rich, with strong garlicky notes. I usually pair this meal with a glass of red wine, but a pint of house lager is also a great choice.
Pro Tip: You can host a private party here. If you book a birthday party in particular, you can enjoy perks like getting a chef-made birthday cake, a complimentary appetizer platter, and a complimentary bottle of prosecco.
Duggan’s Boundary Irish Pub
From: duggansboundary
Address: 9013 88 Ave NW
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday—11 am to 12 am
- Wednesday and Thursday—11 am to 1 am
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +17804654834
Website
Experience the very best of Irish pub culture by stopping by Duggan’s, Edmonton’s very own Irish pub!
You have to try their slow-braised lamb shank, which is so tender the meat just falls apart with a fork. Douse it with the gravy for more savoury goodness, and eat a forkful of the creamy mashed potatoes. In just a few forkfuls, you’re in food heaven!
This pub has a lot of alcoholic options, including beer from Ireland. Personally, though, I go for the cocktails, especially the Old Fashioned. It’s dark and bitter, but it also has a burst of fruity tartness.
Pro Tip: If you have celiac disease, you’ll be delighted to know that this pub has a separate menu for gluten-friendly dishes.
Clementine
From: barclementine
Address: 11957 Jasper Ave, The Pearl
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—5 pm to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—5 pm to 1 am
Contact Number: +17807564570
Website
With its elegant feel and stylish setup, Clementine is the type of bar you’d go to for a romantic date. But in my experience, it also works as a post-work hangout spot because it’s open until late into the night.
My favourite cocktail here is the Selene, which almost tastes like an oolong milk tea, with bittersweet notes from the chocolate. For the food, I recommend Pan con Tomate. I love how fluffy the bread is, and the garlicky, tangy, and acidic flavours really seep into the dough.
Pro Tip: Please keep in mind that this place doesn’t accept reservations, only walk-ins.