Clementine
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
Honi Honi Tiki Lounge
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