8 Best Mac and Cheese Spots in Winnipeg I Turn to When I Need a Comfort Fix
You know that moment when nothing else will do but a bowl of perfectly gooey, cheesy goodness? I thought I’d whip some mac and cheese myself, confident I could recreate that melty, comforting magic at home.
After an embarrassing attempt that ended in a sad, soupy mess, I set off on a quest to find the best ones in the city. Let me tell you: they did not disappoint!
Below, I’ve rounded up the best mac and cheese spots in Winnipeg that deliver flavor, creativity, and pure comfort.
1. Kevin’s Bistro
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Website: https://www.kevinsbistro.ca/
Location: 141 Bannatyne Ave
Operating hours:
Mon-Thu and Sun, 5 PM to 10 PM
Sat, 5 PM to 11 PM
Phone: +12042215028
Must-have: Caprese Mac and Cheese
Kevin’s Bistro is the perfect place to satisfy your mac and cheese cravings because of the variety they offer. Aside from the original comfort dish, they have a Canadian-inspired option with flavors like maple syrup and bacon.
My favorite is the Caprese with a marinara-based sauce, provolone, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes. But if you’re looking for a heartier meal, I recommend Kevin’s Opus as it has bacon, chicken, and smoked gouda.
What I like about getting mac and cheese from here is the add-ons. From tiger shrimp and salmon to chorizo, you can add more protein to the dish to make it a heftier meal.
Pro Tip:
Save room for dessert! They make really good beignets.
2. Junction 59 Roadhouse
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Website: http://www.junction59roadhouse.com/
Location: 1615 Regent Ave W # 200
Operating hours:
Sun, 11 AM to 10 PM
Mon-Thu, 11 AM to 11 PM
Fri-Sat, 11 AM to 12 AM
Phone: +12046543345
Must-have: Roadhouse Mac and Cheese
Junction 59 serves classic pub fare, Mexican-inspired dishes, and other Southern delicacies. Although it’s known for its Molcajete Bowl and fried chicken, they have pretty good mac and cheese too.
They call it Roadhouse mac and cheese. A drizzle of sweet and tangy BBQ sauce gives it a smoky flavor, perfectly complementing the five-cheese mac.
Then, for added crunch, they top the dish with crispy onions. Overall, it’s a great balance of textures and flavors, which I keep coming back to.
Pro Tip:
Visit during happy hours, from 2 pm to 5 pm and 9 pm until closing, for affordable drinks and plates.
3. Leopold’s Tavern
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Website: http://www.leopoldstavern.com/
Location: 414 Academy Rd
Operating hours: Daily 11 AM to 2 AM
Phone: +18555225367
Must-have: Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese
Another restaurant that serves fun, creative mac and cheese dishes is Leopold’s Tavern. Whether you’re craving it for lunch or a midnight snack, you can get a plate of this creamy, comforting meal here.
Their OG mac and cheese is made of aged cheddar and white cheddar cheese curds, giving it a creamy texture and rich flavor. Just for an added charge of $5, you can add other flavors, such as Buffalo Ranch Chicken, Garlic Parmesan, and Crispy Dill Pickle.
Although their fried mac and cheese bites are a hit among kids, they’re also a guilty pleasure for grown-ups.
Pro Tip:
You can add more protein to your mac and cheese. For $5, you can add bacon, chicken, or pulled pork.
4. Bellissimo Restaurant & Lounge
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Website: https://www.bellissimo-restaurant.com/
Location: 877 Waverley St
Operating hours:
Tue-Fri, 11:30 AM to 2 PM and 4:30 PM to 10 PM
Sun, 4:30 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +12044890588
Must-have: Lobster Mac and Cheese
Bellissimo is an authentic Italian restaurant serving a variety of homemade pasta, pizza, and more. It offers an upscale, relaxed dining experience, ideal for romantic dinners and special celebrations.
Though they don’t offer a huge range of mac and cheese options, they’ve mastered the one version they do serve—and trust me, it’s all you’ll need.
They bring the Italian flair to this comfort classic, blending a luxurious four-cheese béchamel with chunks of fresh lobster and spicy chorizo. To finish, they sprinkle panko and broil it until golden brown, which adds a satisfying crunch to each creamy bite.
Pro Tip:
Book a table in advance, especially if you’re dining with a large group. You can make reservations through their website.
5. Brazen Hall Kitchen and Brewery
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Website: http://www.brazenhall.ca/
Location: 800 Pembina Hwy
Operating hours:
Sun-Tue, 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Wed-Sat, 11:30 AM to 12 AM
Phone: +12044537980
Must-have: Bacon Mac and Cheese
Known for its in-house brews and lively vibe, Brazen Hall is a great hangout spot, especially for late-night drinks. Their menu spans burgers, tacos, and other comfort foods that complement their booze.
Here, they only serve one type of mac and cheese with crispy, salty Manitoba bacon. It adds a smoky flavor to the dish, creating a delicious contrast to the richness of the cream and cheese.
Just for $5, you can have the mac sprinkled with Bacon Crumble or Smoked Brisket Crumble for extra oomph!
Pro Tip:
You’ll also find the bacon mac and cheese on the kid’s menu. With kid-friendly portions, the little ones can satisfy their cravings and finish the meal—hopefully without any leftovers.
6. One Great City Brewing Company
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Website: http://ogcbrewingco.com/
Location: 1596 Ness Ave
Operating hours:
Sun-Thu, 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Fri-Sat, 11:30 AM to 12 AM
Phone: +12047792337
Must-have: Signature Mac and Cheese
One Great City Brewing Co. is a fun gastropub known for its creative pub fare and house-made brews. While I do come here mostly for their booze, I do indulge in a bowl of mac and cheese once in a while.
Made with a rich smoked gouda and cheddar sauce, their mac and cheese is rich and creamy. Cured pork belly brings a salty, savory bite that perfectly balances the cheese’s richness.
What makes it a standout is the drizzle of chili oil, which adds a subtle heat that most people should be able to tolerate. Pair it with one of their house-made brews, and you’ve got an unforgettable meal.
Pro Tip:
Drop by during happy hours, from 3 PM to 6 PM, to get $1 off every pint of your choice.
7. Bonfire Bistro
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Website: https://bonfirebistro.ca/
Location: 1433 Corydon Ave
Operating hours:
Mon-Wed, 5 PM to 9 PM
Thu, 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 5 PM to 9:30 PM
Fri, 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Phone: +12044874440
Must-have: Woodfired Mac and Cheese
Bonfire Bistro is a cozy, tucked-away spot that locals can’t get enough of, and it’s easy to see why. Known for its signature woodfired pizzas and crave-worthy pasta, this unassuming bistro brings a casual yet gourmet touch to comfort food.
Their woodfired mac and cheese is a step above the ordinary. Stuffed with savory chorizo, spinach, red onions, and tomatoes, this dish is hearty enough to be a full meal on its own.
The paprika béchamel sauce adds a unique twist, bringing a subtle warmth that cuts through the richness of the cheese and chorizo. It’s the kind of dish that’s both comforting and exciting, with flavors that keep you coming back.
Pro Tip:
They offer gluten-free and vegan penne noodles. At your request, they can adjust their dishes to meet your dietary needs for an extra cost of $3.
8. The Grove Pub and Restaurant
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Website: http://www.the-grove.ca/
Location: 164 Stafford St
Operating hours:
Sun, 10 AM to 1 AM
Mon-Wed, 11 AM to 1 AM
Thu-Fri, 11 AM to 2 AM
Sat, 9 AM to 2 AM
Phone: +12044153262
Must-have: Habanero Mac and Cheese
The Grove is a local favorite. Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you can always count on them to whip up your favorite comfort meals. That includes mac and cheese!
They elevate this classic dish with their signature Habanero Asiago cheese sauce—a bold and creamy blend with just the right kick. This sauce, rich and slightly spicy, coats every bite with that cheesy, savory goodness we all crave.
To make it even better, they add a garlic and herb crumble on top. Then, they bake it until the top is golden and bubbling.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to pair it with one of their craft beers or a specialty cocktail—the perfect match to round out a seriously satisfying meal.