LOCAL LEGENDS
5 PATIOS TO PERUSE THIS SUMMER
As tried and true Winnipeggers, we know that there’s no shortage of local restaurants and creative culinary experiences to enjoy – especially during summer. But to the uninitiated, it might come as a surprise the vast quantity and high quality of our restaurants, breweries and patios that we have at our fingertips in these fleeting months of summer! In celebration of this beloved warm weather, check out our list of places to stop by, including vibrant sit-down patios, nifty grab-and-go outdoor spots, and memorable restaurants & taprooms.
JAMES AVENUE PUMPHOUSE FOOD & DRINK
Located at the corner of James Avenue and Waterfront Drive in the Exchange District, the James Avenue Pumphouse is a piece of living history. Renovated and re-opened in 2021, the Pumphouse is a fairly new spot that has gotten a lot of attention (for all the right reasons). The dining space features floor-to-ceiling windows on one entire side of the interior, offering a view into the preserved pumps and equipment within the heritage site. Looking down into the old pumping station is an incredible experience, and it’s fun to peep all the little pieces of clutter and miscellaneous objects that were left behind. The Pumphouse also offers an exterior patio alongside the building, and their menu has a wide offering of refined foods (including a ton of plant-based and gluten sensitive options). They also have an excellent selection of craft cocktails (we’d highly recommend the “This Is How We Brew It” coffee cocktail)!
THE BEER CAN
The Beer Can is a seasonal pop-up patio that has shuffled locations over the years. Most recently, the Beer Can has made its home at 1 Granite Way. Serving up beer, wine, cider, cocktails, as well as a small range of locally sourced snacks, sides, and sandwiches, the Beer Can is an outdoor venue that prides itself on supporting small-scale farmers and local breweries.
Constructed almost entirely of wood planks and adorned with lights and hammocks dangling from trees, these beer gardens make the most of their riverside location and set a great scene for a midday getaway. Bring some friends (and your pets!), as the Beer Can’s intimate arrangements include seating options for groups of any size. The pet-friendly patio is a hub of activity, and you’ll be sure to make a bunch of furry friends (even if they didn’t arrive with you). They also host events throughout the summer, so there’s always something to check out. Make sure to take a peak at the weather before heading over, though. As an outdoor-only venue, the Beer Can closes up when it rains!
LOWLIFE BARREL HOUSE
Taking craft brewing to a whole new level in their brand new taproom is a project of our own, Lowlife Barrel House. Lowlife not only offers craft beer, but they also dabble in craft wines, piquettes, and non-alcoholic options. Lowlife’s brewing and branding is all about traditional methods (drawing inspiration from medieval times), brought into the modern day and revitalized with an original twist. They pride themselves on process and experimentation, resulting in some of the most unique brews we’ve ever had the pleasure of trying.
We recently worked with Lowlife to design their taproom and we made sure that it was reflective of the raw & exposed nature of their process, including massive wooden Foeder barrels – a method of brewing that isn’t seen as commonly these days. These Foeder barrels are also a huge part of what makes their beer so unique, as Foeder beers can take months (or even years!) to produce a single batch and create cultures that continue to evolve over their lifespan.
Lowlife is a great place to try and try again, as their menu changes often while they experiment with new blends. They also offer a changing menu of snacks and lighter fare from local restaurants, which is curated to pair with the brews that they currently have available. Their space is kid friendly, their patio is dog friendly, and they encourage patrons to stop by for a drink, even allowing outside food to be brought or ordered in. Check them out at 398 Daly Street N!
THE ROOST ON CORYDON
The Roost on Corydon is a lovely little spot, featuring craft cocktails that change seasonally. Coming from grassroots origins, The Roost opened in 2015 with the goal of creating a homey, community driven space. Nestled in a 110-year old house, their second-story dining room offers a cozy environment with rich textures such as granite and birch, as well as a particular focus on all things local. Not only are their curated small-plates made from local ingredients, but they prominently feature local art on the inside of their space. True to their name, The Roost’s dining room opens up to a large rooftop patio overlooking the Corydon Strip, gardened with edible flowers used in their food and drinks, and visited by birds almost as often as patrons. The Roost is another spot to visit often, as their unique cocktails change every season (they’ve made over 500 original cocktails to date)! The Roost also pays special attention to dietary restrictions, offering a widely inclusive menu with a ton of vegan and gluten-free options.
P.S., While you’re there, make sure to stop by their downstairs neighbour, Milksmith Inc.! Milksmith (another project of our very own!) is an artisanal ice cream shop offering a ton of tasty treats, drawing inspiration in their process from the way that craft cocktails are made. Talk about a dream-combo for these two businesses that share a building!
LITTLE BROWN JUG BREWING CO.
When we think of local Winnipeg breweries, Little Brown Jug is one of the first that comes to mind, and we’ve been lucky enough to partner with them since the very beginning!
Little Brown Jug is a success story that comes from determination and hard work. Their 1919 Belgian Pale Ale (a Winnipeg staple) started out as their only brew. With overwhelming attention to detail and a commitment to improvement, their beer was brewed over and over until it was just right (and boy, did they nail it)!
Situating themselves in a 100+ year old building in the Exchange District, Little Brown Jug has expanded their range of beers, all brewed with the same attention and dedication as their original. LBJ prides themselves on being a brewery that cares.
Not only do they actively engage with their clientele and commit to creating a community, a crucial design directive for their open-concept taproom & brewery was the preservation of what was existing. We designed their gorgeous taproom back in 2018 when it won a Commerce Design Award. Benches in the space are made from reclaimed wood, and a heat-exchange system generated by the brewhouse is used to heat the building. They also engage with the Winnipeg community whenever possible, and are constantly hosting events including themed parties, trivia nights, workshops, and more!
We worked with LBJ again in 2020 to design their corporate office. And now, we’re back at it again helping them revamp their patio! We’re so excited about the new space for you to try out! The patio is open now with an official launch coming very soon! Make sure to stop by this summer for some great drinks and even better company!