Let’s face it, dads — Father’s Day hasn’t quite reached the same status as Mother’s Day. A 2023 National Retail Federation report found Americans spend over $13 billion more on Mom, splurging on jewellery, spa treatments, clothes — pretty much everything except electronics.
And if you’re a single dad like me, chances are you’re not waking up to flowers and breakfast in bed. This year, my wonderful ex-wife made a reservation at one of my favourite spots — but not every co-parenting relationship is so smooth, and even the best-laid plans can fall apart when you’re flying solo.
If you’ve got your kids this weekend, count yourself among the lucky ones. You get the joy, the chaos, the full spotlight of their affection — and that’s worth celebrating. The only question is where.
Here are a few great places that hit the sweet spot: quality food and craft beer for you, kid-friendly vibes and distractions for them. Broken down by your dad style — and your kids’ stage.
With locations in Westmount, Highlands and Leduc, Fox Burger nails the balance of quality and kid-friendliness. The smash burgers are top-tier (my go-to is the Swiss Mushroom with truffle mayo and griddled onions), and the kids’ menu offers crowd-pleasers like cheeseburgers, all-beef hot dogs, and creamy mac and cheese. The owners have little ones of their own, so they’ve thought of everything: high chairs, change tables (in the men’s room at its Westmount and Leduc locations) and friendly, accommodating staff. At the Highlands location inside Gibbard Block, you can even roll your stroller into the lobby. foxburger.ca
The award-winning Irrational Brewing Company is a low-stress gem for stroller-pushing dads. With ample indoor and outdoor space, you can roll in a snoozing baby or park the stroller without side-eye. There are change tables, spill-proof kids’ cups and pizzas — classic cheese and pepperoni — that, I am told, “totally slap.” And if your kids don’t enjoy them, well, you may need to reflect on your parenting. Preferably, over the Chair Porter — a standout pint with chocolate and cinnamon notes. (You can also take a four-pack home, should you need more reflecting.)
irrationalbrewing.ca
Wilfred’s is a bright, laid-back bistro serving one of the best brunches in town — my kids love the lemon curd pancakes, and I love the $10 brunch cocktails. There’s a “Kiddo’s Menu,” good coffee, and charming service, all in a space that’s cozy without being stuffy. Bonus: It shares a wall with Made by Marcus, so you can follow brunch with a Happy Camper sundae topped in torched marshmallow.
wilfreds.co
Rosso hits the sweet spot for a refined but low-key Father’s Day out. Their Neapolitan pizzas are wood-fired perfection — even picky kids can’t resist a margherita — and their antipasti (like burrata with fig jam) elevate it to a proper occasion. Kids get booster seats, you get a crisp Pinot Grigio or a bold Nebbiolo, and everyone gets gelato at the end. High tables subtly discourage roaming.
rossopizzeria.ca
Most breweries aren’t exactly built for kids — but Odd Company’s Ritchie taproom is the exception. It’s the only one of their two locations that allows minors, and it’s built for relaxed family outings: a sprawling patio, spillover space for restless legs and water bowls for the dog (welcome at both spots). Their New Haven–style pizzas come in one giant size — perfect for sharing — and pair beautifully with a Mandarina Sour or Toasted Lager. No kids’ menu, but they won’t miss it.
oddcompanybrewing.com
Indoor playgrounds are all the rage, but the food is usually so ketchup-forward it’s practically violence against grown-ups — and good luck finding one that’s licensed. Skip the chaos and head to Rig Hand Distillery in Leduc, where a real playground sits steps from the patio. You can sip a Caesar flight (they’re known for their award-winning vodka and gin), keep an eye on the action and enjoy a proper brunch of chicken and waffles. The kids’ menu has legit options, and zero-proof cocktails like the Barbie Mojito and Shirley Temple make them feel just as spoiled. Just maybe keep it to one drink — and take a bottle of Rig Hand Double Double Coffee Cream home for later.
righanddistillery.com
Some dads want brunch. Others want to beat their kids at Street Fighter II while sipping a local beer. If you’re the latter, head to Arkadium Retro Arcade in Sherwood Park — a retro arcade with more than 80 classics like Mortal Kombat II, Donkey Kong and Pulp Fiction pinball. There’s a snack bar with nachos and hot dogs, and an assortment of beverages to wash them down. Children under 6 are welcome but can’t play the games, so plan accordingly — and book ahead, especially on weekends.
arkadiumretroarcade.com
