Everyone loves a good neighbourhood bar, especially if it is an off-the-beaten path establishment.
That’s why Edify is lucky to be in the same neighbourhood as Clementine, a small, walk-in-only bar with all the drinks you love (Old Fashioned) and a bunch you’ve never heard of before (Absinthe and Root Beer — together at last!). Even the far west end of Jasper Avenue probably doesn’t count as “off the beaten path,” but Clementine’s exterior is so unassuming I’ve accidentally walked by it more than once — on my way there — and we like to believe that’s intentional.
If you think we’re biased because our office is only a few blocks away…well, you’re not wrong, exactly — writers are a sedentary bunch. But we’d rave about Clementine no matter where it was. – Cory Schachtel
Clementine
Wîhkwêntôwin | 11957 Jasper Ave, Edmonton | 780.756.4570 | barclementine.ca
Despite its bamboo-lined walls, seafaring paraphernalia and luau-themed decor, Honi Honi Tiki Lounge doesn’t promise you an island escape — on Oilers game night, there’s also quite a bit of orange and blue polyester floating around.
What you will find at Honi Honi is “tiki,” all the way from the bar’s tacky-chic vibe to its red-hot rum-based cocktails (if you know anything about tiki, setting drinks on fire kind of comes with the territory). Honi Honi’s selection of over 160 rums also means that the combinations really are endless, whether you’re in the mood for a classic Mai Tai or something off-menu. Just make sure to book ahead on game nights. – Tom Ndekezi
Honi Honi Tiki Lounge
Downtown | 10262 103 St NW, Edmonton | honihonitiki.com
Whether enjoying a drink in the Barbie-pink dining room or on the paper lantern-dotted patio in the warm-weather months, Dolly’s is a fun place for a great cocktail, especially when it transforms its drink menu for themed occasions, including Love Hangover in February, the Black Lagoon pop-up for the Halloween season, and Holly Dolly Christmas for the holiday season. But don’t let the decor and fun drink names fool you: The cocktails are anything but gimmicky. Drinks here are inventive and well made. Both the regular and seasonal menus have excellent non-alcoholic cocktail options made with the same care as their alcoholic counterparts.
– Breanna Mroczek
Dolly’s Cocktail Bar
Downtown | 9902 109 St NW, Edmonton | dollyscocktails.ca
Welcome to the jungle — Spilt has zero proofs, if you’re game. Tropical plants and neon lighting make the space vibrant and retro — cool enough to be that iconic bar in a sitcom. I ask for the bartender’s favourite, and get rewarded with a savoury, pickle-based drink that packs a punch and will have you hitting the high notes. – Areeha Mahal
This article appears in the March 2025 issue of Edify
