constance_chlore
Active Member
I think these are essentially different kinds of restaurants. There are people who would consider Olia or Nero overpriced and pretentious and will never, ever set foot there.
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- Thread starter Daveography
- Start date
Slitch
New Member
I’m interested in hearing everyone’s insights on downtown’s food/restaurant industry. More specifically, where a new restaurant or bar would be most strategically located within the downtown core.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the viability of a new restaurant downtown, but I’m curious what those who live or work in the area think. I feel like our downtown is somewhat unique in that there seem to be pockets of pretty active business and vibrancy, surrounded by what can feel like a lot of desolation. I’ve quickly mapped my very broad and probably ill-informed assessment of the area, not even including some other emerging pockets, like west of 111th on Jasper, where a few interesting restaurants/bars seem to be opening up (Daniel Costa’s places, Kommune, F’n Za, etc.).
Of course a bunch of different factors will change your answer, but very generally, where exactly would YOU put your bar/restaurant and why?
It’s no hidden gem but I think somewhere on Jasper, between 101st and 109th Street, still offers some decent value. For purportedly being our Main Street, rent is not as high as you might expect. I think it’s generally lower than in the Ice District area or 104th Street. It feels like the sweet spot that serves a bunch of those different pockets (Gov workers from the south, corporate workers all around, and a little residual ice district). A few major residential projects and public parks seem to be slowly developing around the area as well, which may serve to improve evening traffic.
But I’m curious if anyone’s got a sleeper spot. Maybe an undervalued corner in an emerging area. Am I underestimating The Quarter’s? Lol
I’ve been thinking a lot about the viability of a new restaurant downtown, but I’m curious what those who live or work in the area think. I feel like our downtown is somewhat unique in that there seem to be pockets of pretty active business and vibrancy, surrounded by what can feel like a lot of desolation. I’ve quickly mapped my very broad and probably ill-informed assessment of the area, not even including some other emerging pockets, like west of 111th on Jasper, where a few interesting restaurants/bars seem to be opening up (Daniel Costa’s places, Kommune, F’n Za, etc.).
Of course a bunch of different factors will change your answer, but very generally, where exactly would YOU put your bar/restaurant and why?
It’s no hidden gem but I think somewhere on Jasper, between 101st and 109th Street, still offers some decent value. For purportedly being our Main Street, rent is not as high as you might expect. I think it’s generally lower than in the Ice District area or 104th Street. It feels like the sweet spot that serves a bunch of those different pockets (Gov workers from the south, corporate workers all around, and a little residual ice district). A few major residential projects and public parks seem to be slowly developing around the area as well, which may serve to improve evening traffic.
But I’m curious if anyone’s got a sleeper spot. Maybe an undervalued corner in an emerging area. Am I underestimating The Quarter’s? Lol
Gronk!
Senior Member
One so-called "sleeper spot" is 103 St between Jasper Ave and ICE District. There are some cool restos such as Sabor and XO Bistro, but there are also some vacancies in the Revillon building (e.g. The Creperie) and a noticeable vacancy in the podium of 103 St Tower.
The "kind of a dead zone" in the NW may be resurrected once the Valley Line LRT is completed, but you should never discount the presence of students and staff from Norquest and MacEwan.
The "kind of a dead zone" in the NW may be resurrected once the Valley Line LRT is completed, but you should never discount the presence of students and staff from Norquest and MacEwan.
Gronk!
Senior Member
Another sleeper spot is the Augustana building at 99 Ave/107 St
IanO
Superstar
*Testing 1-2-3*
Anyone go yet?
Anyone go yet?
thommyjo
Senior Member
Did I hear $18.50 for a combo correctly? Not sure that’s competitive.
IanO
Superstar
Sandwich, water, chips, mint.
itom987
Active Member
I never understood the hype when hick-fill-a opened up in WEM, there were long line ups for weeks. When the lines went away I gave it a try and found the food underwhelming. It's just another KFC clone.
ADob
Active Member
Both the ones you mention I will enthusiastically second (if only so I can have more places to eat at close to home).
Oilguy
Active Member
Not really a sleeper spot but the space in Enbridge tower still badly needs a tenant.
IanO
Superstar
^Not worried about that space given its location, exposure and density around it.
northlands
Senior Member
I’m sure this was mentioned before but Villa Bistro changed over to Verve sometime over the winter.
Feel like this is another cursed restaurant spot, it’s changed at least 3-4 times in the last decade
Feel like this is another cursed restaurant spot, it’s changed at least 3-4 times in the last decade
MacLac
Senior Member
Or piss poor ownership? Wife went there for a company lunch….for 10….reso well in advance….and they they struggled mightily with the one 10 top…..
Barnaby
Senior Member
I was not impressed with my only visit to Verve.
policyenthusiast
Senior Member
Likewise. It's just another mostly-oil sandwich.
Still, if they are willing to occupy a DT commercial space I would cheer them on.