Saskatchewan boasts one of the biggest concentrations of restaurants per capita of all Canadian provinces, especially in Regina and Saskatoon, its two major cities. One local specialty worth trying is the wild fowl accompanied by wild rice that Saskatchewan First Nations harvest themselves. Saskatoon berry pie, similar to blueberry pie, is a popular regional dessert served with fresh cream. Visitors wishing to sample the area’s brewpubs should be careful, as many serve poor-quality extract-based beers to receive the license they need for off-sales privileges. Great Western Brewery, at Saskatoon’s Old Molson Brewhouse, does produce several local beers worth sampling, however.
Bars and Pubbing in Saskatchewan
The Old Warehouse district in Regina, Saskatchewan’s capital, has the province’s largest concentration of bars and nightclubs. The Dewdney Avenue section between the streets of Broad and Albert contains no fewer than half a dozen watering holes, including the lively SOHO Nightclub (2300 Dewdney Avenue, Regina) - a cocktail bar where local DJs spin their favorite tunes on weekends and where drinks are served on an outdoor deck in summer. The Crooked Cue (2288 Dewdney Avenue, Regina), as its name suggests, is a popular pool-playing spot.
Among the most popular alternatives to Saskatoon’s stream of Irish pubs is the Sheraton Cavalier’s 6Twelve Lounge (612 Spadina Crescent, Saskatoon), where diners can share small plates and sample craft cocktails. The Mexican-themed Amigos Cantina (632 10th Street East, Saskatoon) serves up a wide variety of talented live bands alongside Saskatoon’s finest veggie burgers.
Scotch lovers should head to Moose Jaw to sample more than 40 blended and single malt scotches on tap at Bobby’s Place Olde World Tavern (63 High Street, Moose Jaw). Bobby’s Place is also the first Saskatchewan pub to serve Atlantic Canada’s two most famous lagers, Alpine and Moosehead. Another popular Moose Jaw watering hole, Silo and the Grain Exchange (1590 Main Street North, Moose Jaw), bases its theme around Saskatchewan’s most famous industry.
Dining and Cuisine in Saskatchewan
There are no fewer than 70 places to eat in downtown Regina, where restaurants range from the stately Diplomat Steak House (2032 Broad Street, Regina) to the far more vegetarian-friendly Heliotrope Whole Food Vegetarian Restaurant (2204 McIntyre Street, Regina), where vegan meals are prepared using only organic produce. Neo Japonica (2167 Hamilton Street, Regina) is one of Saskatchewan’s finest Japanese restaurants.
One of the oldest and most respected of Saskatoon’s many steakhouses is John’s Prime Rib (401 21st Street East, Saskatoon), which has served steaks, prime rib, fresh fish, and other carnivorous favorites for more than 30 years. Those craving French cuisine in the heart of the Prairies may prefer St Tropez Bistro (238 2nd Avenue, Saskatoon), which also serves several Cajun-influenced dishes and decadent desserts. Speaking of indulgences, the ice cream at the old-fashioned Homestead Ice Cream and Cappuccino (902 Victoria Avenue, Saskatoon), is well worth a try.
People travel from across Saskatchewan to feast on the 50+ chicken strip flavors and tasty home fries at Deja Vu Cafe (16 High Street East, Moose Jaw), which serves generous portions in a 1950’s diner. Yesteryear’s Ukrainian Borscht (34 River Street East, Moose Jaw) is one of the province’s top places to enjoy traditional Ukrainian cuisine.