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The Empress Ale House
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 2 pm - 2 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
4 reviews for The Empress Ale House
4 reviews in English
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Review from shawnna p.
Edmonton, AB
4/24/2011
I can't believe this place hasn't rated yet.
Maybe it's because it's my local watering hole. Maybe it's because it has a fantastic "happy hour". Maybe because it has one of the very few patios which are sorely lacking in our city. I don't know, I just love this place. Do you remember when it use to be a hole called "The Pig & Whistle"? What a dive. I was so happy when they closed it up for 6 months and reopened a funky, new, clean pub with interesting decor, and great product. They boast their own "Empress Ale" which is a delicious bargain compared to other Whyte Ave beer joints.
Most nights there is a talented D.J. and once in a while there is live entertainment with up and coming bands. The clientelle is diverse and colourful. The young hipsters, the older bar flies (like myself) and the gay crowd all come together and enjoy the music, a game of darts, and occassionaly a bit of dancing. The patio really extends the living space and invites strangers to unite on the long picnic style tables. All of a sudden, you got a party!Listed in: Best Happy Hour
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Review from Ryan G.
Edmonton, AB
5/7/2012
I was wary of The Empress for a long time, worried that it was too cool for me. After stopping in Saturday night for some drinks with friends, my fears were relieved. It has a great, laid-back atmosphere with a wide variety of clientele and a welcoming feel. The interior and exterior use of weathered wood lends a slight ski-chalet feel to the bar, and the whole place feels comfortable, local, and inviting, as if Norm could walk in at any moment. It feels like a bar one could stop in at after work to unwind a little.
The music is quiet enough to have a decent conversation, but loud enough to convince you you're have a good time. -
Review from Aditya R.
8/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Empress is a large and impressive pub. Although tucked right at the end of Whyte Ave (as we know it), it's a great sanctuary for people who want to have a drink and relax to some not-so-loud music. The patio is quite good and is slightly above ground, perched right in that comfortable height where someone short like me can people watch and stare at the sights of Whyte Ave, yet feeling like I were at the regular street height.
They have a decent list of beers on tap and a few decent bottled beers. Nothing outstanding. Though they carry some expensive liquors (I was quite surprised to see Glenlevit 18 and Hendricks gin), I'm not sure who's drinking it because the clientele seems largely simple folks. Having said that, I should go back and see if some of these expensive drinks are actually affordable! They make a mean Caesar's which is slowly becoming my favorite summer drink.
Although they don't have any food available here, they allow patrons to bring food from outside. That's totally cool! The large tables in the patio make for a great summer gathering with friends. Bring in some pizzas from Road Runner or Nhon Hoa subs and have a couple of beers! It's convenient, so you can eat exactly what you crave, while drinking exactly what you drink. -
Review from Brittany K.
Edmonton, AB
This place is cool because it's not your typical Whyte Ave bar. Further east down the street (Whyte at 99), it draws a smaller crowd - it still has that kind of unknown gem feeling to it - and a bit of an older crowd it. It's a nice change up from places like Lucky 13 and The Rack. Yeah, The Rack.
I came out for a birthday party in the summer and the patio was fantastic. It's got a cool atmosphere both outdoors and indoors. Not the fanciest place (big, long wooden benches), but perfect for a boozy evening outdoors. Plus, it's open 7 days a week!
Service wasn't bad - nothing too memorable, which isn't always a bad thing. It's got a cool decor inside as well and a great vibe to the whole place. Great place for drinks with friends year-round, but definitely worth checking out for the patio.Listed in: Patios, Whyte Ave Drinks
