- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
The Black Dog Freehouse
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Nightlife Bars Dive Bars Pubs, Music Venues, Dive Bars
10425 82 AvenueEdmonton, AB T6E 2A1
(780) 439-1082
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 2 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
18 reviews for The Black Dog Freehouse
18 reviews in English
-
Review from Aditya R.
9/6/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Black Dog has a lot of good things about it. The music is decent here for a pub, a tad on the louder side I guess - but I'm used to that as a standard feature nowadays. A decent selection of drinks with regular beers on tap and a few international brands in bottle.
I particularly like that they have Glenfiddich 12 year old and Hendricks Gin at affordable prices. They sell at about $5.25 an ounce, which is good for high end spirits like them. The crowd is varied, from the young, college going punk rockers, to the mid-30s crowd of "earners" (if you will).
I like the ambience in general, for a bar like feel, and also like that they have 3 storeys of space which is awesome. Their main floor is a little cramped up, but they have an upstairs floor which includes a patio and a regular room with a lot more seating; the downstairs floor is a little smaller, but still pretty good.Listed in: Whyte Ave, City Living
-
Review from Yo U.
2/11/2012
Some cute chicks hang out here and there is a decent selection of cheap pints at the downstairs bar. What's not to like?
-
Review from Don B.
5/18/2011
This is where the party is at. Even on a Monday night. At 1145pm. Where the special is pints for $3.75 and shots at a matching price. For of a dime-note you can get yourself a shot of Jameson and a brew. And everyone between the ages of 18 and early-20-something knows it.
I wandered in to this pub-cum-dive-bar looking for a quick nightcap of what was hopefully a local brew, and I encountered the party. You know that song that just goes "shots, shots, shotsshotsshots!" over and over? Yeah, I think that song is stupid too. But sitting at the bar drinking my local pint of some honey-brown ale I felt like I was in a pubbed out version of the official video for that song. Wasted drunk kids yelling over music that was recorded well before they were born were screaming out to each other from across the bar: "SHOTS!"
From sauced locals to random transient passers-by (like a pair of girls who, when asked why they had come to Edmonton from Toronto replied "You know that coca-based liquor Agwa? Yeah, that stuff is crazy.") the crowd in here is, well, what you'd expect, I guess. Lots of drunkenness, lots of yelling, lots of party.
Burt surprisingly, the bartenders here are friendly. Maybe it's my American sensibilities, but I'm used to bartenders in situations like this being surly, or simply indifferent. But I found the guy behind the bar, amidst the chaos, making eye contact, giving me great service, and offering sage advice ("If you need another beer, just YELL!")
This is not usually the kind of environment I'd usually seek out for a quiet beer, but I do have to say I was greatly entertained by the debacle unfolding around me. If I wanted to tie one on and get rowdy, I might roll in here, and if that's your goal, I can say that you'll find plenty of like-minded friends in here on a Monday night.Listed in: Alberta On My Mind, Tripping Through Edmonton!
-
Review from Brittany K.
Edmonton, AB
5/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Black Dog is a cool spot on Whyte. It's maybe a little bit hipster for my tastes, but it's got plenty of different beers on tap and for not a bad price, either.
It wasn't too busy on the Tuesday evening that I popped in here for after-work drinks. Mostly our crew, a few other random tables of students and the like, and also a dog. Running around the place. Cute and well-behaved, but odd.
No waiter service that night, just paying up at the bar, which is a bit of a pain but nothing major.
Can't wait to come back for patio season! -
Review from Adam R.
8/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been coming to the Black Dog for the last decade, and although they've changed management, the spirit of the place has stayed relatively the same.
Boasting three different rooms, the main floor, the Under Dog downstairs and the Woof Top upstairs, the Dog has a spot that will cater to the darkened pub-goer, the patio-dweller, and the seedy-under-belly-lover. I come here on Thursdays, when Big Rock pints are usually on special - because I love Big Rock, and the special's been in place for ages.
The Dog is also one of the few places that stocks Havana Club rum, and doesn't charge a mint for it.
With darts on the main floor, a big TV downstairs and frequent live bands and DJs to keep patrons entertained, the Dog is still one of the best pubs on Whyte Avenue.
Go. Now. Especially if it's Thursday -
Review from Volya B.
Edmonton, AB
3/2/2011
It's just a pub. Why be so snobby about working there?
Yawn -
Review from Jenna T.
Edmonton, AB
6/18/2011
One of the best pubs I've been to.
I went to the black dog with my fellow Fine Arts classmates and was astonished by the welcoming vibes. This place is usually packed on weekends, but still manages to uphold it's reputation as a cozy, laid back, and inexpensive bar. Downstairs is a band and dancing area with a large bar. Upstairs is an even better scene--a small bar by the stairs infront of a room edged with large booths. Had an awesome time here. Would highly recommend. -
Review from Adam D.
9/1/2011
By far the best summer bar to hit up on the Ave. I enjoy the patrons there as it seems every body getr along...there arent any jersey shore types here lol. Its a real mellow atmosphere and the alchol is cheap. The music is real hip and modern. They have there 3 different floors which tends to cater to 3 different styles. I really enjoy this bar I hate going to clubs and this is the perfect hangout. Enjoy a sol and watch the crowd. REAL REAL GOOD TIMES.
-
Review from shawnna p.
Edmonton, AB
5/15/2011
Well... the Mr. and I went out bar hopping last night and started with the Wooftop patio at the Black Dog. At 6:30 pm it was sunny with nary a cloud in the sky. It was windy, but the enclosure was adequate protection. We bought our beers downstairs and carried them up the narrow staircase with questionable railings. (code?) The patio was starting to fill up, but we got to sit on wooden bench and enjoy a very enthusiasric crowd. Something happens to us Edmontonians after being cooped up for such a long Winter.
Hubby and I like the prices at this bar, and the music is always pretty good.
After the fire of ought eight, The Blackdog took a while to get it's "mojo" back. I can vouch for it's return. I do have to add that I'm starting to get a bit old for the place. Those born after 1966 will probably still get carded at the door by the very nice, respectful, effective staff.
One night I parked in the neighbouring CIBC parking lot and had to leave it over night. I retrieved my car the next day without a ticket. I'm not suggesting this will always happen.Listed in: Best Happy Hour
-
Review from Caitlin R.
Edmonton, AB
3/5/2011
I really like this cute pub. The downstairs level is just like any other pub, but I always find my way to the upstairs level. Their upstairs consists of another bar and a couple of nice booths, it is very ambient... for a pub. The bartenders are really nice and I really enjoy starting my night on Whyte here!
-
Review from Nicole B.
Edmonton, AB
3/17/2010
Black Dog has quite a reputation in Edmonton. All the people who say they hate bars in Edmonton, love Black Dog.
It's understandable though. At Black Dog, you don't the usual crowd you get at other bars. You get people who are out to have fun with friends without getting so trashed that they think they look good "dancing" on speakers.
Black Dog feels like your neighbourhood pub . . . but on steroids. It's got a homey, old-fashioned feel but it's still up-to-date, modern, and fun.
The dim lighting creates a great atmosphere and the rooftop patio is even better. Yep, Black Dog has 3 levels! They have a patio on the roof and it is the best place to chill on Whyte Ave.
If you are sick of the Edmonton bar scene but still want to go out with friends, check out Black Dog! It might just change your mind! -
Review from Kaylee L.
Edmonton, AB
12/6/2010
Ahhh, the Black Dog. I always find myself ending up here, but never staying long enough. I enjoy the Upstairs and the "Wooftop" in the summer, along with the Basement. I find they play the music too loud on the main floor, but I'm glad they do at the same time, because while I may not like the volume, other people seem to enjoy it. And at least it's all good music. Also, the bartenders here are awesome, skilled, and have a friendly attitude...except for that one who stopped serving drinks to our guy friends because he didn't notice them tipping, I've never had a bad night here :)
-
Review from Lee N.
Vancouver, BC
10/20/2010
Cold beer good music and a fun crowd, when in town hit the Black Dog and enjoy yourself Whyte Ave. style. Ohh and fix your map, its got you north of the river and this ain't no northside joint ;)
-
Review from Robin S.
Edmonton, AB
10/5/2008
I don't really notice it anymore, but it used to be that every time I walked into the Black Dog I'd be hit by the smell of the quintessential English pub: old wood soaked in beer, with an underlying hint of barf. Don't worry, you get used to it.
Black Dog's main floor has kind of a homey feel, with typical pub-type photos and junk covering the walls and dim lighting that's very pleasant on both hungover Sunday afternoons and weekend nights when you're crammed into the place like sardines. They sometimes host daytime shows, and anyone can enjoy a game of darts at the back.
Upstairs is a lovely rooftop patio and another bar, sleeker, loungier, with more of an upscale feel.
And the basement, only open sometimes, is pretty bare-bones but is where I spend most of my time. Saturday nights host the city's best DJ night and pretty much the only place to be if you're into '70s punk, powerpop, '60s tunes, pub rock and reggae (and need a break from New City). It's impossible to know what to expect, as the crowd can range from empty room to impromptu wild dance party to shoulder-to-shoulder crowds erupting into huge brawls. But at least the music is always consistent! -
Review from Adam S.
7/21/2009
I've seen some excellent acts here and had lots of good times. Patio and bar are so very different; it is nice to be able to get a change of atmosphere without leaving.
-
Review from Chun M.
Kelowna, BC
11/25/2009
Why would you go anywhere else? Great music, beer, and conversation. The place is splits into 3 levels, fantastic pub.
-
Review from Jennifer P.
Edmonton, AB
10/2/2008 1 photo
This bar is known for having one of the best outdoor spaces to drink at on Whyte Ave. Known as the "wooftop patio," when you walk into the bar you ascend a very narrow stairwell on the right and it takes you up to a second-story rooftop space where you can chill at one of the tables or benches. I've been up there when the outdoor bar was open and also when there was only one waitress running up and down the stairs serving and taking orders. It's best to buy your beer downstairs and carry it up with you, rather than wait for the waitress to find you and take your order. It can get hot up here and there aren't any umbrellas, so don't forget your sunscreen and a hat. Warning: when heading back inside, wait until you've adjusted to the light change before you descend those steep stairs to go to the bathroom. I've almost taken a tumble a few times. Beer can give one wobbly knees, plus it's pretty dark inside. I've never liked it in the main bar. It feels dank and musty and it's often overcrowded. So if the weather's not nice enough to sip bevvies outdoors I wouldn't think to come here. I'd rather head down the street to Elephant & Castle or Hudson's.
-
Review from Jeanette B.
Edmonton, AB
10/1/2008
I don't really like bars, but The Black Dog is the one place I like to go. It's so laid back and dimly lit--it's just a really cool atmosphere. They do play the music way too loud sometimes, so that you are basically screaming your conversation and doing a lot of smiling and nodding, but when you're drunk, who really cares. The music they place is rather awesome--a lot of indie, alternative or electro. I've heard two of my favourite bands, Le Tigre and The Dandy Warhols being played many times. The stairs that lead to the roof are a bit scary. I always wonder how intoxicated people make it up and down those stairs without hurting themselves, but somehow they manage. The outside patio on the roof is really nice, and the room up there is rather fancy. The basement is cool too, where they often play movies. They don't serve food, but it's only a short walk down the street to get some Funky Pickle!
