As Rapid Fire Theatre’s Improvaganza arrives—bringing some of the world’s best improvisers to Edmonton yet again—you might find yourself filling time on either side of a show. Good news: the neighborhood has got you covered. Here are some of our favorite spots to check out, or revisit, while you’re in Old Strathcona.
Pals Sandwiches | 10335 83 Ave NW
palsyeg.com | @pals_yeg
Hearty sandwiches and a lovely little patio. What’s not to like? And if you’re looking for something fancier, its sister restaurant Pip, connected through the same entrance, offers a more upscale experience.
The Black Dog Freehouse | 10425 82 Ave NW
blackdog.ca | @blackdogonwhyte
The chances of seeing someone from Rapid Fire being here on any given night are not insignificant. Especially during ‘Ganza. But also just generally speaking. Hanging out on the wooftop is a peak summer Edmonton experience.
Go-thruvintage | 10518 82 Ave NW
gothruvintage.com | @gothruvintage
Wildrose Vintage | 10462 82 Ave NW (Upstairs)
wildrosevintage.ca |@wildrose.vintage
You did, you beautiful risk taker: you wore a white shirt out to dinner, and spilled a not-insignificant amount of ketchup on it. Fortunately there are a couple of great vintage stores around to offer quick, fashionable change-ups. Just try to mind your spills going forward.
Sugared & Spiced Bakery | 10334 83 Ave (Alleyway)
sugaredandspiced.ca | @sugaredandspiced
This cozy bakery in the alley behind the Varscona Theatre can satisfy any and all of your sugar cravings. The lemon square is to die for.
Steel Wheels Pizzeria | 10307 85 Ave
@steelwheelspizzeria
Steel Wheels is open late, which is perfect for a post-show snack spot. And it’s a well known fact that an improviser’s evening constitutional is two slices of bulgogi pizza. I know that an “evening constitutional” technically means “a walk for your health”, but this is a walk for your MOUTH.
The Buckingham | 10439 – 82 Ave NW (Upstairs)
thebuckingham.ca | @thebuckonwhyte
A belovedly gritty walk-up pub, the Buckingham offers all-vegan deliciousness and an upstairs patio, letting you cast your gaze over the ave while you snack away.
The Wee Book Inn | 10310 82 Ave NW
weebookinn.com | @weebookinn
Don’t pet the cat! But do browse the books. And then show the cat what you’re buying, so you can interpret its stare as approval of your fine taste in second-hand literature.
