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Saskatoon Brewery Tour: First Anniversary

9 Mile Saskatoon Brewery Tour

Celebrating one year since the first Do Sask Saskatoon Brewery Tour! November 12, 2017 was the first private group tour, where a large private party of 27 people took the trolley to explore Saskatoon’s best sips ‘n suds.

Look back in time at the first Saskatoon Brewery Tour in 2017.

Saskatoon Brewery Tour private trolley group

See also

CELEBRATING ONE YEAR OF SASKATOON BREWERY TOURS

First Anniversary of Saskatoon Brewery Tours

Since then, I’ve taken 218 attendees to 42 local brewery and distillery stops to sample 2,600 glasses of local craft beer & spirits (give or take a few). Whether it’s from the breweries or the people on tour, I learn something new every time.

BEST TASTING SAMPLES

Anonymous feedback gathered from attendees is used to improve the tour experience.  On average, the Saskatoon Brewery Tour has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.

Shout out to the hundreds of attendees who provided feedback while joining in the tasting and touring fun. Here’s the good stuff, according to attendees*: 

Paddock Wood Brewing Heartstopper Hot Chocolate Stout
9 Mile Legacy Golden Ticket Belgian Blonde
Black Fox Distillery Oaked Gin
High Key Brewing Pomegranate Pale Ale
21st Street Brewery Guava India Session Ale
Prairie Sun Brewery Prairie Lily German-Style Lager

*Data reflects feedback collected during tours where attendees were asked to provide their favourite tasting sample of the three tour stops. 

THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING LOCAL BUSINESSES

Do Sask proudly supports and promotes local, Saskatchewan-owned and operated companies. The stops on tour are unique, each with their own spin on flavours.

A huge thanks to the local brewers for letting us go behind the scenes, and the bus drivers for taking us across the city in style.

High Key Brewing Co..
21st Street Brewery
Prairie Sun Brewery
9 Mile Legacy Brewing Company
Paddock Wood Brewing Co.
Black Fox Farm & Distillery
Crossmount Cider Company
Steps Lounge Bourbon House
Living Skies Limousine
RTR Racing
Hertz Northern Bus

This is only the beginning for Saskatoon Brewery Tours. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2019. 

Book your private Saskatoon Brewery Tour today! 
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10 Best Hidden and Rooftop Patios in Saskatoon

The Saskatoon summer heat brings everyone into the sun for drinks with friends. The city has one of the largest rates of restaurants per capita in Canada, so rooftop patios are one way to stand out above the rest. Get a new perspective of the city, or choose a lesser-known gem for some downtime. This post focuses on the local patios that are hidden away, or up a flight of stairs.

See also

You’ll find a selection of hidden and rooftop patios throughout Saskatoon. Known as decks to most locals, these rooftop patios are available throughout the warm months of May through September. Most of these spots are very casual and affordable, so leave the “extra” to instagram and just relax.

10 Best Hidden & Rooftop Patios in Saskatoon

Yard & Flagon Pub

Why not stop for a Bellini on this beautiful day! ☀️

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Known as one the best rooftop patios in Saskatoon, the Yard is an Irish Pub that serves up traditional fare and draft beer. The patio is multi-level, so watch your step after you’ve been sipping on day drinks.

Address: 718 Broadway Avenue
Phone:  (306) 653-8883

Winston’s English Pub

Go all the way to the back right of the bar, then go a little further. Once you pass the washrooms, you’ll make a beeline to the patio doors. Enjoy one of over 76 craft beer on tap with your all day brekki – completely hidden from the public.

Address: 243 21st St E
Phone:  (306) 374-7468

The Hose & Hydrant Pub

It’s a BEAUTIFUL day for some patio drinks! See you on the deck ?☀️

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A new-er edition to the historic fire hall building, the patio is a large and welcoming space for your group. Sip a caesar by the fire pit and load up on signature “fire starter” appies like anojitos.

Address: 612 11th St E
Phone:  (306) 477-3473

Vista Lounge

Fans of small plates rejoice! This west-coast inspired lounge is the perfect spot to watch the sunset while you share dinner with friends. Choose the side patio for a quick cocktail, or step up to the rooftop for a whimsical view with a balloon.

Address: 339 Ave A S
Phone:  (306) 653-2256

O’Shea’s Irish Pub

Get classic Irish pub fare at one of the most popular rooftops in the city. O’Shea’s steps up to summer with a heating and misting contraption to keep you comfy no matter the weather.

Address: 222 2 Ave S
Phone:  (306) 384-7444

Crazy Cactus

The downtown patio is home of the gringo! That may not mean much to outsiders, but the notorious cocktail is made with Churchill Blonde craft beer, tequila, triple sec and lime. Saskatoon’s younger crowd LOVES the stuff.

Address: 269 3 Ave S
Phone:  (306) 975-1266

Specklebelly’s Pub & Eatery

You won’t hear much about this low-profile patio in Sutherland, but it’s worth a try. This pub has insanely good feature drinks every night. In my opinion, the best day to go is Saturday – there aren’t huge line ups and you can get a decent date for cheap.

Address: 900 Central Ave
Phone:  (306) 249-0900

Dino’s Bar & Grill

Another Sutherland staple patio, Dino’s is a student bar that serves up Italian cuisine from the Venice House Traditional Grill kitchen downstairs. Get delicious food for a fraction of the cost with the daily special menu.

Address: 906 Central Ave
Phone:  (306) 373-6666

Una Pizza + Wine

This patio is located in an alcove next to the Broadway Theatre. You won’t necessarily feel off-the-beaten-path as Una is one of the most popular places to dine in Saskatoon. However it took me about 3 tries to figure out exactly where the patio was – so they’ve got that going for them!

Address: 707 Broadway Ave
Phone:  (306) 978-0116

Louis’ Pub 

?? PATIO IS OPEN ??#yxeeats #yxepatio #saskbeers COME HANG OUT WITH US

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Every U of S student knows that Louis’ is a great place to wind down after a long day of studying. But did you know that their rooftop patio is open to everyone sans tuition payments? Combine student-friendly prices with a bird’s eye view of the gorgeous campus and you’ve got yourself a winner.

Address: 93 Campus Drive
Phone:  (306) 966-7000

DO YOU PLAN ON GOING TO ONE OF THESE rooftop patios IN SASKATOON? For more fun things to do in Saskatoon, Subscribe to the Do Sask Newsletter!

Become a contributor!

Contact Do Sask, or reach out on Facebook if you would like everyone to know your favourite summer activity.

Featured image: Una Pizza + Wine
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Saskatoon Pub Trivia Schedule 2019

Do you know everything there is to know about everything? Saskatoon pub trivia is happening in spots around the city throughout the week. This post gives an idea of where to go if you’ve got a whole lot of facts swirling around in your brain and no one to shout them at.

See also

Saskatoon pub trivia is better played as part of a well-rounded small team. Since you’re likely an expert on a few niche topics, feel free to coordinate with other experts to come out on top. Find them in the Do Sask closed Facebook group if you’re new to town, or your friends aren’t always game for a round. There are fun giveaways and food and drink specials waiting for the winning teams.

Active Saskatoon Pub Trivia Locations 2018 (updated for 2019)

Where: The Hose & Hydrant Pub 
When: Monday at 8:00 PM (updated March 4, 2019)

Where: Earls
When: Tuesday at 8:30 PM (updated March 4, 2019)

Where: Hudsons Canada’s Pub
When: rotating Tuesdays at 7:30 PM

Where: Fionn MacCool’s
When: Wednesday at 8:00 PM

Where: The Woods Ale House
When: Wednesday at 8:00 PM (closed for renovations as of February, 2019)

Where: Thirsty Scholar
When: Ongoing, Tournaments on Thursday at 7:00 PM (updated March 4, 2019)

Where: Mana Bar
When: Thursday at 7:00 PM (not currently running as of March 4, 2019)

Where: Revolve Cafe 
When: every other Friday at 7:00 PM (added March 5, 2019)

Where: Dino’s Grill
When: every other Sunday at 7:30 PM (added March 4, 2019)

Where: Amigo’s
When: roughly 1x month, check event page for details

Where’s your favourite spot for Saskatoon pub trivia? Join the Do Sask Facebook group to have your say!
Do you organize Saskatoon pub trivia? Send in your schedule to be included on this free listing.
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Gay Bars and Nightclubs in Saskatchewan

Gay Bars and Nightclubs in Saskatchewan: Divas

Saskatchewan isn’t necessarily known as the world’s most progressive place. With our biggest exports being grain and potash, the common stereotype is that we’re akin to America’s deep south – conservative, closed-minded farmers. And it doesn’t help that a once-frustrated hometown star, Joni Mitchell, labelled the entire community of Saskatoon as bigoted.

Gay Bars & Nightclubs in Saskatchewan

That’s why it’s impressive that we have a few dedicated spaces for the LGBTQ community. While there is no “gay district”, we’ve got gay-friendly locales that you can spread out to across the province.

Since Pride Month is in full swing, I thought I’d take some time to raise awareness for the gay nightclubs and bars in Saskatchewan that you can take advantage of all year. Because homosexuality should be accepted as a norm in society and we’ve still got a long way to go.

Enjoy a cocktail and meet up with other like-minded peeps. Between Regina and Saskatoon, there are three major nightclubs that serve gay clientele:

Diva’s Nightclub in Saskatoon

Gay Bars and Nightclubs in Saskatchewan: Divas
Photo via Diva’s

Opening nearly 40 years ago, Diva’s is a historic establishment that boasts itself as “Saskatoon’s Premier Gay Bar”. Come in through the back alley on an average weekend for laser lights, live DJs, and dancing. Save the date for special events like regular Ru Paul’s Drag Race viewing parties, drag queen contests, and eye-popping live entertainment.

PiNK Lounge & Nightclub in Saskatoon

With a multi-level interior design that changes almost as quickly as a chameleon, PiNK’s operators like to keep patrons on their toes. The last time I went, they had a giant raised pole in the middle of the dance floor – who knows what they’ll have next month! Plenty of inclusive events happen here regularly.

Q Nightclub & Lounge in Regina

As one of the last community-owned gay bars in Canada, Q is a hub for Regina’s LGBTQ crowd. Feel connected and welcomed at weekly open mics, drag queen bingo, karaoke, trivia, and more! Q also hosts special events complete with go-go dancers.

Local Gay-Friendly Bars

The following Saskatoon* spots work with the LGBTQ community to create a gay-friendly space and regular themed events:

Village Guitar & Amp in Riversdale Saskatoon

Guitar shop by day, inspiring event space by night. This one-of-a-kind venue is not a regular bar, but hosts many live music shows, weddings, fundraisers, and more throughout the year.

Capitol Music Club in Downtown Saskatoon

Capitol is a downtown spot with a full-menu and massive interior space for dancing, live music, and comedy nights. For something different, go during the afternoon to enjoy the hanging indoor plants and skylight.

They have signs placed all around the bar explaining what to avoid talking about while inside, including politics and religion.

Amigos Cantina near Broadway in Saskatoon

One of Saskatoon’s biggest community-centred hubs, Amigos Cantina is a place where you’ll enjoy a wide variety of Mexican cuisine and pub classics. They host live musicians, improv comedy, karaoke, and themed dances – sometimes on the same night. Enjoy a cold cocktail on their patio after a long day.

Louis’ Pub at the University of Saskatchewan Campus

Louis’ is a casual student hang-out that partners with the USSU Pride Centre to host LGBTQ events. Along with pub fare, you can find many different reasons to check out Louis’ for live shows and sporting events.

Drift Sidewalk Cafe & Vista Lounge in Riversdale Saskatoon

Whether you’re dropping in for a late brunch, or want spectacular twilight view of the riverbank, the whimsical Drift Sidewalk Cafe & Vista Lounge has some incredible options for you. Both their space and menu is dynamic, with seasonal eats, local craft beer, and cocktails that hit the spot.

Finn’s Irish Pub

Located on the corner of Spadina and 25th Street, Finn’s Irish Pub is a nice place to stop in for a cold brew while walking along the riverbank with your honey. They offer regular free live music, paint nites, and special holiday events. Check out their large patio in the summer time.

*At publishing, I couldn’t easily track down gay-friendly nightclubs or bars in other Saskatchewan cities. If you want to be included on this listing, please send a message to info@dosask.com.

Join the Do Sask Facebook group and sign up to the weekly newsletter to find gay-friendly events and more in Saskatoon.
Featured image: Diva’s Facebook Page
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Order Ceasars that eat like an epic meal at this Martensville spot

Mealzer at the Caesar Mill

If your drink of choice is the Canadian-invented Caesar, you’ll love this new local spot dedicated to the spicy cocktail.

When you order a “mealzer” from The Caesar Mill in Martensville, you’ll get a glass loaded to the brim with flavour. Take a look at what’s been catching my attention:


You can bet they’ll whip up all the usual pub-grub staples every day of the week, but what’s caught my eye is the variety of enormous mason jar concoctions hitting the menu every Monday.


The mountainous mealzer is only $15 on Mondays which is a smoking hot deal if you ask me (it comes with a side of your choice). Make a date of it and hit the highway to the bedroom community of Martensville this week!

The Caesar Mill Mealzer

Address: 1-323 Centennial Dr.
Phone: (306) 249-1581

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Pretzel Necklace Contest: Announcing the Winner of Do Sask’s ‘$120 Top of the Hops Giveaway’

I want to send a shout out to all the new VIPs who participated in Do Sask’s pretzel necklace booth at Top of the Hops 2018. You helped make my first time at TOTHYXE a success!

And a special congratulations to Marya Bilkhu, the winner of the $120 How to Taste #1 Grand Prize! She was randomly drawn from over 80 entrants to win tickets for her and 3 friends to How to Taste #1 event with Churchill Brewing Co. on June 9 at Finn’s Irish Pub.

Click here to see your pretzel necklace on display.

Congratulations, Marya!

 

DETAILS ABOUT HOW TO TASTE #1

How to Taste #1: Churchill Brewing Company

Sip your way to becoming a local craft beer cicerone.

Local brewers will guide you along a tasting journey. You’ll learn their story, their process, and how to taste what makes their beer and liquor unique, while Finn’s Irish Pub supplies tapas.

Each ticket includes food pairings with 3 of the 5 flights of beer. Food pairings have been specially developed to complement each beer. Featuring chicken wings, yorkshire pudding, and mussels.

Tickets only $27 +GST. Seating is limited.

Register here: https://howtotaste1.eventbrite.ca

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Best Craft Beer Saskatoon: Fill Up Your Growlers This Weekend with These Microbrews

Where to fill up the best craft beer in Saskatoon

In celebration of Top of the Hops, happening this weekend at Prairieland Park, this post gives you the cream of the crop in the province’s craft brewing scene. Fill up your glass with something local! And don’t forget to visit me at the Do Sask booth to build your own pretzel necklace – good craft beer needs good craft snacks.

It’s technically spring, but the weather has been so hot it’s feeling like summer. Just as soon as the patios start bustling and the BBQs begin sizzling, people look for new ways to quench their thirst. One popular way to do that is to fill up a growler from a local microbrewer with the best craft beer in Saskatoon. 

As the craft beer scene in Saskatchewan continues to grow, with each year it adds a new crop of beer lovers to the province. For example, there’s an active “Beer lovers of Saskatchewan” group on Facebook where people discuss the best (and worst) of our local brews.

Recently, a member asked where he should go to fill up his growlers for the weekend. Here’s a look at the recommendations for best craft beer in Saskatoon, as listed by active group members. I’ve also added in top-ranking brews from Saskatoon Brewery Tour attendees’ feedback.

Did I miss a good one? Get in touch with me at info@dosask.com.

BEST CRAFT BEER SASKATOON

Most mentions goes to High Key Brewing Co. London Fog Porter, White Off the Hop White IPA, Jolly Roger Ale & Pomegranate Pale Ale

“I’m really loving High Key right now, especially their London fog porter.”

“Nope, the london fog is terrible. No one should drink it so there is more for me.”

21st Street Brewery Hoodless IPA & Sweet Lea Kettle Sour

9 Mile Brewing Co. No. 229 Pale Ale

Nokomis Craft Ales Brown

Black Bridge Brewery Double IPA

Paddock Wood Heartstopper Hot Chocolate Stout

Prairie Sun Brewery Prairie Lily Lager

Pile o’ Bones Brewing Co. Simcoe Smash “Get that in your face hole ASAP”

Fill up your growlers this weekend, or come for a taste test on the next Saskatoon Brewery Tour. Sign up to become a VIP and receive weekly updates on craft beer tours in the city.

 

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9 surprising ways starting patio season early is more refreshing than new socks

Crazy Cactus rooftop patio season

Patio season will soon be here! How do I know? It’s technically spring, it hasn’t snowed in 48 hours, and any moment now the temperature will rise above zero. I just know it! Get ready to release your shorts and flips flops from retirement.

Okay, maybe I’m jumping the gun. The thermometer is currently sitting at -16 as I type. 

But I’m hoping that one of our city’s restaurant or pub managers will see this post and open up for patio season within the next few weeks. If you close your eyes, some local decks channel the quaint bistro cafe vibe of Europe. Let’s give people a reason to feel like Saskatoon really is the Paris of the Prairies.

9 surprising reasons to start patio season early:

Feel outdoorsy without getting eaten alive by mosquitos and hornets.

Last summer was really bad for bugs in the city of Saskatoon. Name any kind of annoying insect – flies, wasps, mosquitos – and my sweet nectar-filled pint glass attracted them. Get out there early to avoid the insects before they’re back in full-force.

Being the first to find a new, unknown patio is like winning a free mini-getaway with all your friends.

With one caveat: getting there before the masses find out about it.
The feeling of having an entire patio to yourself is quite liberating. You have the space to enjoy with friends… until someone says something and word spreads.

Make nice with the servers to potentially get top priority come summer.

Relationships are everything in the restaurant and bar industry. So treat your favourite patio bartenders and wait staff with the respect they deserve. They may remember you when the deck is packed this summer and it’s between you and that douche snapping their fingers.
Tips for bonding with industry peeps: ask about how their day is going and listen to the answer, give them genuine compliments when deserved, tip them a minimum 15% gratuity for a job well done, and avoid stereotypical asshole behaviour.

Start working on your tan before everyone else.

Okay, negative temperatures aren’t the best for sunbathing. But who says it won’t warm up in a fortnight? Once it gets above zero, the sleeveless tees are coming out! Make sure you bring layers to wear once the sun goes down. Remember: east-facing is better for morning brunch, and west-facing is better for sunsets.

People watch those unlucky souls who have to trudge through mud and slush.

Gif from gfycat.com

Cheers to avoiding mud puddles and potholes for an hour or two!

Rooftop patios with their own bars are lit! (When I say ‘lit’ I mean usually heated.)

Image result for crazy cactus patio saskatoon
Photo via Crazy Cactus on Yelp.ca

You won’t have to move a muscle ’cause the bartender keeps drinks flowing and the heater keeps you cozy. Sit, drink, repeat!

Day drinking begins every weekend at 11 AM!

Forget waiting around all day to head to a club at 11 PM. Seize the day and get home at a decent hour. (That’s the 30-year-old, getting-in-bed-before-10-PM, waking-up-without-a-hangover voice inside me talking.)
My favourite patio season day drinks include bulldogs, margaritas, sangrias, and gringos!

Have a sunny bunch on the patio complete with mimosas and chicken n’ waffles.

My favourite brunch at Elk Ridge Lodge.

Anyone who doesn’t love chicken n’ waffles is no friend of mine.

Horseshoe, or corn-hole games don’t need green grass.

Set up some lawn games on a patio and you’ll have plenty of fun – mower/shovel not required!

Patio season should start refreshingly early, Saskatoon. There may be snow and ice on the ground, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try and convince your neighbourhood patio to open early for the season. Tell ’em it will make you feel better than putting on a new pair of socks. They won’t say no!

Saskatoon spots to inspire you this patio season:

Boffins Public House, University
Original Joe’s, 8th Street
Somewhere Else Pub & Grill, Avalon
Yard & Flagon, Broadway
The Hose & Hydrant Brew Pub, Broadway
PiNK Lounge & Nightclub, Downtown
Crazy Cactus, Downtown
O’Shea’s Irish Pub, Downtown
Cathedral Social Hall, Downtown
Una Pizza & Wine, Broadway
Las Palapas Resort Grill, Broadway
Amigos Cantina, Broadway
Finn’s Irish Pub, Downtown
Browns Socialhouse, Stonebridge
Shoeless Joe’s Sports Grill, Stonebridge
Shift Restaurant, Downtown

So, which patios are on the top of your list in saskatoon?  JOIN THE DO SASK FACEBOOK GROUP TO HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE DISCUSSION.

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