It’s not so much of an alcohol induced epiphany that occurred to me the other day, but rather a post that Bevin made earlier in the term about coffee shops that got me thinking along the same lines. She raised a point that going to local coffee houses is a good place to bunker down and write; a home away from home for those who simply cannot write at home (for numerous reasons). I thought I’d take that a step further and use that as motivation for exploration.
Brewhouses and the likes, much the same as coffee shops, have peculiar environments about them, certain types of crowds and decoration, among other characteristics that appeal to our senses differently. I’ve found that this experience is something unique to every region of the city. I’m not the thirstiest traveler that ever was, but I do enjoy the frosty brew to cap off an academically stressful week, and I think most University students have been there so I might garner some familiarity from my readers.
The one thing that probably stands out the most to me is the people you’ll find at each place you go to, because the people you see most likely did not end up there by fate but rather a wilful choice. Why did they make that choice? Why here? In my mind, it not only helps shape a vague definition of that person’s individual character, but also as an Edmontonian. If you go to Boston Pizza’s lounge on a Saturday night, you’ll find youth and seniors alike, but not coincidentally, around 5PM when Hockey Night in Canada starts, which makes a subtle statement about everyone there and what type of lifestyle they enjoy. If you go to RATT on a Friday afternoon, and it’s crowded with people from the University in a similar demographic and friends like you have, it’s a statement about them and how you can relate, being there at the same time and place. If you visit a local bar around the corner from where you live, you might see familiar faces and people just trying to wind down and discuss the happenings of life, perhaps the same reason why you’re there. Point in case, this exists simultaneously everywhere in the city, in every city, not just Edmonton, although I chose this topic because I believe it speaks volumes, literally, about the type of people you’ll see and meet in Edmonton.
Personally speaking, my favourite is probably “The Bend” here on the south side in Riverbend. It’s great because it’s small, never too crowded, it’s local, there’s just enough televisions to make any hockey enthusiast satisfied, and ultimately the price is right. Plus it’s close to my house: bonus. You get to meet to some pretty cool people at times too, and hear their take on these places and the city in general.
I’d be curious to know what some of your local favourites are, and why it appeals to you. I might have to check it out sometime.
Cheers,
Patrick
Patrick
Mmmm beer. You didn't mention the Sugarbowl! It has sooo many beers. So many. And they're all great. Okay, I haven't had them all; I'm not an alcoholic. But it's so cute and quaint and right on/off campus. They have cool art and it's just generally a fun time. Also, lamb burger. Best burger I've ever had. Ever. I hope you're not vegetarian. Of course it's similar to RATT in terms of university-types, but it attracts a slightly different crowd. Instead of drunk frat boys it gets the more zany, artistic crowd, and I've seen a fair amount of older people there as well.
ReplyDeleteThat’s such an insightful way of looking at the way that we inhabit local spaces. I really think that you can tell a lot about a person from where they chose to drink, because as you said it is clearly a conscious choice that leads you there. Whyte Ave. is a perfect place to see how different watering holes bring together distinct groups of people and can really accentuate the age gaps (if you’re anything like me you know that if you were to go to Lucky 13 for instance you’d be one of the oldest people there which is really saying something seeing as I’m only 21).
ReplyDeletePersonally I love to hang out with friends at O’Byrnes (and it doesn’t hurt that it’s about a ten minute cab ride back to my house from there) or Pub 1905 to play a few rounds of pool. Generally any pub where the music isn’t terrible, you can share some food and catch up with friends is a good place to be in my books. And if there happens to be hockey on it’s a definite plus.