In The Hood

We might be bias, but we truly think we live in the best part of Edmonton. Situated in King Edward Park, a lesser known (aka quieter) neighbourhood, surrounded by some of the coolest communities and best hot spots. Within a short walking distance to Ritchie + Bonnie Doon, you could easily spend your entire trip on foot.

Ritchie

In the last ten years Ritchie has gone from just a few little destinations to one of the most bustling hoods in Edmonton.

The ol’ Stampadoodle now Ritchie Market has brought a total revitalization of the area. One corner packed full of everything you could possibly need or want. Ritchie Market was built as a neighbourhood focused, collaborative space for local Edmonton businesses and it definitely has done its job bringing the community and creating a synchronous space for connection. Transcend Coffee, one of the first local roasters in YEG welcomes you into the space to fuel you on caffeine. ACME Meat Market, formerly across the street, is an absolute local gem and has been serving the best cuts of meat since 1921. ACME sources out the finest selection of local, naturally raised products and their grass-fed rib eye is our absolute favourite for summer bbq’s in the backyard courtyard. Little Duchess (the Duchess Bake Shop’s little sister) is your go-to for all things dessert. Between French classics and Alberta favourites, your sweet tooth will be satisfied.

Ritchie Market is also home to Beira, Blind Enthusiasm Brewing, and Beira Market. Beira was named in the top 100 restaurants in Canada for their unique dishes using local, organic seasonal ingredients. Whether you head there in the evening to enjoy their small plates shared with friends or hit them up for their weekend brunch (Dare we say, this is the BEST brunch in YEG) you are guaranteed to have an incredible culinary experience. While at Beira you can enjoy a flight of the Blind Enthusiasm brews or if you prefer the ideas of grab and go, Beira Market has a fridge full of beer, a beautiful natural wine selection, and some delicious chocolates, meats, cheeses, and accoutrements.

When you leave Beira, you will likely see a line up across the street weaving its way around the corner. The milk shakes may bring all the boys to the yard, but Kind Ice Cream brings families, couples, solo treat lovers, and pups to que up for some of the best tried and true and rotational ice cream flavours. At this incredible women, queer and Indigenous-owned business, they believe that differences should be celebrated and are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. We couldn’t love them or their scoops more.

Heading west you will find Donut Party for some over the top artisanal donut flavours, Food in the Nud making allergy friendly foods that are healthy and delicious and another local fave, Farrow, serving up THE finest sandwiches.

Then we have some of our absolute personal faves. Yes, we’ve saved the best for last.

Heading from central Ritchie to the corner of 96 street and Whyte Avenue, you have our favourite home and goods shops, coffee shop, and spots for eating and drinking.

Maven and Grace is the off-shoot of Mill Creek Framing. They have gorgeous textiles, homewares, antiques, gift options from local artisans, and the most gorgeous florals and perfect cards. A must stop to browse…but be warned, you won’t leave empty handed.

Our friends at Take Care Cafe have made the most of their tiny space. Serving up Coffee in the front, the best cuts in the back, and their outdoor courtyard in the very back is the cutest for reading a book and staying awhile. You will likely find a dog to pet and lots of ultra cool, ultra amazing people to surround yourself with. In the summer months, the courtyard pops up with a “speak easy” called Come Find Me… we hope you find it and enjoy their produce forward menu, amazing vibes, and perfectly curated selection of wines and more.

For your take home bevs, pop into the family owned and operated wine, spirit, and beer shop across the street, Color de Vino. The Roos family understands that buying wine, beer or spirits is all about the experience. They are always excited to help you find that perfect wine for the perfect meal, that one-of-a-kind craft beer or the spirits that make your cocktails a hit. They stock their shelves with the best and most unique selection, including organic wines, orange wines and much more; many of them from small-scale, sustainable, quality-conscious growers and winemakers.

Prefer to be served? Darling is the spot for everyday brunch, evening small plates, and an incredible selection of rotating natural wines. New to the natty wine scene? Darling will introduce you to these fun, experimental new-age wines in a non pretentious, beautiful setting. We love the laid back, but well curated space…and their patio in the summer months…swoon.

West Ritchie

West Ritchie, edging between 99st and the old Canadian RailwayYard has become bustling with brewery’s, distilleries, coffee, shops and more.

To get your stay started, pop into local coffee roaster ACE. We love this open space, stunning rafters, and especially their beans. Traditional Italian style coffee served properly and amidst plants, natural light, and what we think is THE perfect room.

Next door, you will find Clo’s General co. DO NOT miss this spot if you love leather. If you don’t love leather, well you will. At Clo’s owner Kyle creates custom handmade quality goods that are built to withstand the test of time. From duffles, to backpacks, belts and more, trust us when we say, you will want everything.

We recommend grabbing a city scooter or bike (and a helmet) and touring each of the brewery’s. Now named Happy Beer Street you can hit 8 and counting breweries all without leaving the hood. If you are still standing by the end of your bike and spike tour and want to go further down the rabbit hole you can check out Strathcona Spirits Distillery for tastings or if you’re lucky, the brand new Shiddy’s Distilling will open their doors for your stay.

If you want a little more than just eating and drinking all day, no prob, Grindstone Theatre has got you for your extra entertainment needs. In 2018, Grindstone opened the Grindstone Comedy Theatre and Bistro, an intimate 78 seat theatre and licensed restaurant which is home to independently produced shows in the areas of improv, stand up, sketch comedy, talk shows, magic, burlesque, musical theatre and more. Check out their calendar for updates on what’s happening during your stay at Grindstone.

Bonnie Doon French Quarter

The Bonnie Doon French Quarter is home to the largest French Speaking population in Edmonton. If you are not brushed up on your French, that’s ok, neither are we. Stretching east to the Bonnie Doon Mall and west along Edmonton’s popular Whyte Avenue, across the MillCreek Bridge to 97st the French Quarter is its own little story book community nestled right in the center of it all. Home to the Faculty St. John campus and neighbourhood schools, you can always find people out and about.

Co-owned by yours truly, a must go-to spot to unwind is Foxglove Wellness. Whether you're sore from travelling, have an old injury that needs some love, or just want to relax, the team of massage therapists, acupuncturists, and physiotherapists can take care of you. Founded on the ethos “love everybody” this inclusive clinic welcomes everyone to be nurtured.

Post treatment, the Colombian Coffee will welcome you to re-energize on their perfectly roasted beans. Grab a coffee to go and float home through the paths of the Mill Creek ravine or stay awhile and watch the floods of Bonnie Dooners making their way in for their daily hit. Hint Hint: This is where we source your grounds found on the shelves at Getaway YEG.

For some eats and drinks, Bonnie Doon has Duggan’s Pub an Irish pub with all the classics, Cafe Bicyclette for some French cuisine, or the Bul Go Gi House for their famous Korean BBQ.