Here's a closer look at Edmonton's newest eateries, drinking spots, hotels, conference areas, private rooms and other spaces available for events this summer. The new and renovated Edmonton venues are available for corporate parties, weddings, fundraisers, outdoor functions, business dinners, team-building activities, conferences, meetings and more.
A note regarding COVID-19: Some of the venues listed here may not yet be available for hosting events due to COVID-19, or they may be operating at a lower capacity. As venues begin to slowly reopen across North America, we encourage event organizers to contact the venues to verify current capacity restrictions.
Evario Kitchen + Bar
Opened in June, Evario Kitchen + Bar is a new contemporary fine-dining restaurant located on the main floor of Holiday Inn Edmonton South—Evario Events. Conceived by chef Sonny Sung and his culinary team, the menu serves Italian, Asian and local Albertan cuisine made with sustainable, locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients, including premium graded Alberta and Kobe beef. The dishes are rooted in the classics while presented with a modern and local twist. As for drinks, the menu features a collection of premium spirits, international wines and craft cocktails. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant can accommodate 94 guests indoors and an additional 24 on its outdoor patio. In the same building is the 20,000-square-foot Evario Events Centre, which has a capacity of 1,200 and comes with state-of-the-art technology.
Photo: Courtesy of Evario Kitchen + Bar
MarĂa
Opened in February, MarĂa is a new restaurant downtown that serves northern Mexican cuisine. Its rustic interior is fitted with brick walls, wooden pillars, handmade chairs imported from Mexico and a mural created by a local artist at the entrance. The space also features a separate lounge and bar area, a patio and three large-screen TVs. As for food, the menu offers tacos, parrilladas, enchiladas, churros and more in a modern, fine-dining presentation. Notable items include the ahi tuna coqueta, MarĂa’s flan custard and the parrillada dishes, which are grilled or barbecued meats served on a sizzling skillet with creamy avocado sauce, flour tortillas and two stuffed peppers. The drinks list features 13 signature cocktails, as well as imported premium beer and tequila from Mexico. The restaurant can seat 265 guests and is available for buyouts.
Photo: Courtesy of MarĂa
Browns Crafthouse
Browns Crafthouse on 124th Street is the casual chain restaurant’s fifth British Columbia location and its first in Alberta. Opened in June, the venue is designed with a mix of modern and retro elements. Its walls, paneled with reclaimed wood and white tiles, are decorated with framed artwork and neon light signs, including one that says “Snitches get stitches man.” Cerulean blue chairs surround the center bar and long bar tables throughout the space. Guests can also sit at the more intimate orange-and-black booths. The 2,800-square-foot space can accommodate 102 guests and an additional 54 on the patio. While it's known for its craft beer and cocktails, Browns also offers food items such as bowls, tacos, sushi and burgers. The venue is available for buyouts and private events, and it is fitted with an 84-inch TV and a sound system.
Photo: Ula Kaniuch
The Backyard
A new outdoor venue located next to Rogers Place and the ICE District, The Backyard opened in June just in time for the summer months. The versatile 7,000-square-foot space is completely open-air and can accommodate a variety of events, including yoga classes, concerts, private events and more. It provides a lively atmosphere with colorful murals designed by local artists, as well as sculpture bike racks, picnic tables with metal flamingo inserts, and a bar and kiosk built from shipping containers. The Backyard also offers local food and drink, including craft beers, hand-crafted cocktails, cold brew coffee, kombucha, hard cider and seltzer, and cold-pressed juices. For events, the site can host up to two food trucks on-site, has a capacity of 500 and is available for buyouts.
Photo: Courtesy of The Backyard
