6 Best Bars in Winnipeg That Set the Bar High for Drinks and Atmosphere
The last time I went out for drinks in Winnipeg, I told myself, just one cocktail tonight. Well, one drink turned into, hey, let’s try their signature Old-Fashioned. Then, ooooh, they have a Smoked Negroni?
And before I knew it, I was three drinks in, debating with a bartender about the correct way to garnish a Caesar like I was some kind of mixology professor.
Long story short, I woke up the next morning with a text from my friend saying, “Dude, you spent 10 minutes trying to convince the DJ to play ‘Careless Whisper’ at a place that doesn’t even have a dance floor.”
So yeah, I’ve been around, and I know a good bar when I see one.
If you’re looking for the best spots in Winnipeg to grab a drink, soak in some great vibes, and (hopefully) not end up lobbying for ‘80s sax solos, these bars are the gold standard for a great night out!
1. King’s Head Pub
– Media credit: kingsheadwpg
Location: 120 King St
Website: http://www.kingshead.ca/
Phone number: +12049577710
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Saturday: 11 am – 2 am
- Sunday: 12 pm – 2 am
Must-order drink: Dr. Pepper Cocktail
King’s Head Pub has come a long way from its early days as a small 40-seat hangout with just 6 beers on tap, but over the years, it’s grown into a full-blown institution in the Exchange District.
They’ve got room for 340 people inside, and when the patio’s open, that number jumps to 390. Oh, and their draft brew selection? One of the biggest in the city!
But it’s never just about the pint—the energy here is what people come back for. There’s always a buzz, especially on nights with live music.
As for the food, it’s got some personality! Of course, you’ll find the usual pub grub, but they mix it up with things like chicken roti and scotch eggs—both solid choices if you’re hungry.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, pair it with their Dr. Pepper cocktail—a mix of Amaretto, cherry vodka, and coke—and you’ve got yourself a night!
Pro Tip:
They do daily specials on food and drinks, so don’t just stick to the menu—ask the staff what’s on offer. You might just score a great deal!
2. Shannon’s Irish Pub and Eatery
– Media credit: shannonsirishpub
Location: Shannon’s Irish Pub and Eatery Inc, 175 Carlton St
Website: http://www.shannonsirishpub.ca/
Phone number: +12049432302
Hours of operation:
- Monday 1 pm – 2 am
- Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday: 4 pm – 2 am
- Wednesday: 4 pm – 12 am
- Friday: 11:30 am – 2 am
- Sunday: Closed
Must-order drink: Shannon’s Whiskey Sour
Tucked away downtown, Shannon’s Irish Pub and Eatery has that cozy, old-school pub vibe where you can kick back with friends, catch some amazing local talent, and maybe even test your luck at free trivia or music bingo.
Karaoke nights are always a riot, whether you’re actually good or just confident after a pint or two. And if you’ve got a hidden gift—or think you do—open mic night is your time to shine.
The food is all hearty, home-style goodness that hits the spot, and with 21 beers on tap—including local craft options—plus V.Q.A. wines, fine scotch, and Irish whisky, you’re covered no matter what you’re in the mood for.
If you’re stuck on what to order, go for Shannon’s Whiskey Sour. It’s a smooth, well-balanced mix of Jameson, simple syrup, lemon juice, and egg white—seriously one of the best in town!
Pro Tip:
Happy Hour at Shannon’s is more of a happy evening—it runs from 4 to 9 pm daily, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy great deals.
3. Wee Johnny’s Irish Pub
– Media credit: johnnygswpg
Location: 177 McDermot Ave
Website: https://johnnygs.ca/
Phone number: +12049426656
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Friday: 11 am – 1 am
- Saturday and Sunday: 4 pm – 12:30 am
Must-order drink: Cosmopolitan
Wee Johnny’s Pub has been around since 1987, and if you’re wondering about the name, it comes from the founder, Johnny Giannakis—who, by the way, still owns the place.
Locals love this pub for its comfy, lived-in feel that makes you want to stay awhile, and there’s always something going on here—live music, trivia nights, and a round of bar games.
It’s also a great late-night hangout, where you can settle in for a drink and have a conversation without yelling over a blaring sound system.
And the menu? Surprisingly diverse, with a good mix of vegetarian options alongside all your pub favorites. Plus, it’s an LGBTQ+-friendly space, so everyone feels at home!
If you’re up for a drink, I’d say try the Cosmopolitan. Vodka, triple sec, and cranberry juice—shaken until icy cold and served in a chilled martini glass with a lemon twist. It’s smooth, classic, and way too easy to sip!
Pro Tip:
If there’s a live gig or trivia night, show up early. This place fills up quickly, and you’ll want a decent seat before things get going.
4. The Grove Pub & Restaurant
– Media credit: thegrovepub
Location: 164 Stafford St
Website: http://www.the-grove.ca/
Phone number: +12044153262
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Wednesday: 11 am – 1 am
- Thursday and Friday: 11 am – 2 am
- Saturday: 9 am – 2 am
- Sunday: 10 am – 1 am
Must-order drink: Kombucha Porchclimber
This place is a neighborhood favorite and for good reason. It has that classic English pub feel but with a menu that mixes British and Canadian flavors in the best way possible.
Take the butter chicken poutine, for example. Sounds like a wild combo, right? But believe me, it works! Then, there are the lamb sarnies, which are downright addictive (well, for me), and of course, the Harvard Burger—an absolute must-try!
Now, as per craft beer, you’re in good hands. The Grove has an incredible lineup of local and international picks. But if you want something different, I often order their Kombucha Porchclimber.
It’s a refreshing, boozy blend of Smirnoff vodka, limoncello, peach schnapps, lemon juice, simple syrup, and mango-lemonade kombucha—basically, summer in a glass!
Pro Tip:
The Grove is super popular, especially on weekends. If you don’t want to risk waiting, making a reservation is a smart move.
5. The Toad in the Hole
– Media credit: thetoadpubwinnipeg
Location: 155 Osborne St
Website: http://thetoadpubwinnipeg.com/
Phone number: +12042847201
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 3 pm – 2 am
- Friday to Sunday: 12 pm – 2 am
Must-order drink: Waldorf
The Toad in the Hole has been a go-to spot since 1990, and if you ask any locals, they’ll tell you it’s a Winnipeg pub scene legend.
It’s got that homey, come-as-you-are aura that makes you want to settle in for the night—whether you’re here to sample their impressive beer selection or tackle one of the largest whiskey collections in the city (seriously, over 160 varieties!).
But what really makes The Toad stand out—at least in my book—is the gig show.
Head downstairs to The Cavern, and you’ll catch everything from up-and-coming local bands to touring acts you’ll be bragging about seeing before they blew up. You never really know who’s going to hit the stage, which is half the fun, right?
For drinks, the Waldorf is a fan favorite—a mix of Forty Creek Canadian whiskey, brown sugar simple syrup, black walnut bitters, and an orange slice. It’s smooth, a little sweet, and full of depth.
Pro Tip:
Swing by between 3 pm and 7 pm for some solid happy hour deals on draft beer, bottled brew, and rail drinks. It’s the best way to enjoy your night without spending a fortune!
6. 1928 Eatery & Pub
– Media credit: 1928eateryandpub
Location: 1719 Portage Ave
Website: https://www.1928eateryandpub.com/
Phone number: +12048882341
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Wednesday: 11:30 am – 10 pm
- Thursday: 11:30 am – 12 am
- Friday and Saturday: 11:30 am – 1 am
- Sunday: Closed
Must-order drink: Oggi Espresso
The 1928 Eatery & Pub is actually Winnipeg’s only piano bar, and if you haven’t been here on a Friday or Saturday night, the dueling pianos turn the whole place into a full-on party.
Don’t just sit back and listen—throw in a song request, sing along (badly or brilliantly, no one cares), or just soak up the energy. It’s all part of the experience!
Food-wise, they have a solid mix of pub fave and fusion dishes. Burgers, chicken fingers, quesadillas—you name it. Portions are generous, and unlike a lot of bar food, the quality is top-notch.
A drink to try is their Oggi Espresso—a smooth and bold espresso martini made with vodka, coffee liqueur (think Kahlúa), freshly brewed espresso, and just the right amount of sweetness.
Basically, the ideal way to stay energized while you belt out your favorite tunes!
Pro Tip:
If you’re heading there on a weekend, book a table ahead of time, especially for the dueling piano nights. It fills up fast, and you don’t want to be left scrambling for a seat.