Boxer Albertan Kitchen and Bar makes a bold first impression. The space stretches deep from its discreet alley entrance, unfolding into a series of moody, mismatched rooms. Art deco lines meet industrial grit. Graffiti murals with patterned wallpaper, bohemian accents with raw concrete. Somehow, it all coheres — not unlike the menu, which feels just as eclectic and self-assured.
While the kitchen has pivoted a few times — from seasonal small plates to handmade pasta, and now to wood-fired pizzas under new head chef Preston Hamilton — the bar program has remained its anchor. Boxer’s ambitious cocktail list is so expansive it comes with a QR code linking to 50-plus options. I went for the Smoked Oaxacan Old Fashioned, a moody mix of tequila and mezcal with a woodsy hit of smoke and a warm, slow-building punch behind its rose-gold glow.
Dining solo, I kept it light with two small plates. The Caprese salad — a mix of marinated watermelon, heirloom tomatoes, fennel and feta — was a refreshing start. A smoked tomato vinaigrette and pickled rind added depth, giving the dish more complexity than its sunny presentation suggested.
Then came the Crispy Cauliflower, which lived up to its name — fried just enough to develop a deep golden edge without getting greasy. It sat on a bed of romesco and was finished with golden raisin tapenade and capers that brought a nice tang to balance the smoky sweetness.
Boxer feels like the kind of place where a quick drink can easily stretch into a long, easy evening with friends — especially if you make your way to the rooftop. Its newest addition is a fully enclosed tubular dining space designed by modular pavilion architects in Spain. It’s the perfect space for cool fall nights when you aren’t quite ready to give up patio season.
Boxer Albertan Kitchen & Bar
Strathcona | 10315 83 Ave NW, Edmonton | boxeryeg.com
