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The Next Act
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 1 am
Fri-Sat 11 am - 2 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
33 reviews for The Next Act
Review Highlights
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"My favourite dish is the pulled pork nachos ($18." In 5 reviews -
"...the Drama Queen) just off Whyte Ave, then pop on into local..." In 4 reviews -
"Definitely worth your visit pre- and post- theatre trips." In 5 reviews
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33 reviews in English
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Review from Idris F.
Edmonton, AB
Updated - 5/15/2012 1 photo
Ya know, back in the days of the old ownership, I made this my local. It was close to home, the people were great and the food was almost awesome.
When things changed hands, I was curious and gave it a couple goes, then gave it a couple more, then a couple more... If not for the fact we moved to the deep south, we'd still be making this our beloved brew station.
They made some changes to the menu to accomodate folks with different food practices... WOOT WOOT!
I highly recommend coming on a weeknight. It gets pretty busy on the weekends, and I deserve a chair, dammit! :)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/30/2011
I used to go there back before the "renos" (aka paint job and lighting fixtures and laminate… Read more »
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Review from Emily S.
Edmonton, AB
4/26/2012
I love going to the Next Act, whether its the middle of the day for food and a drink, first stop off on a night out, or somewhere to head to for a drink after a meal.
The drinks are good, the food is great, good service, good atmosphere. Price is good too! What more could you want!?! -
Review from Derek F.
4/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
I come here almost every month for the cask event which is now so popular that coming an hour early doesn't even guarantee you a seat. Just last fall, you could come right at the start of the event and still find empty tables. This must be great news for The Next Act and for beer lovers. More casks, please.
For Edmonton, their beer menu is decent although unexciting. I wouldn't come here to discover something new, but would stop by for a pint or two if I were in the area and thirsty. They are trying, but it seems that they rotate their bottle menu, not their taps. I think they have one guest tap which rotates, the rest stay the same. When I come to a pub, I want to try new things on tap...I can buy my own bottles.
I have made a point to come here for their food. As pub food goes, it's great. Not the best meal you've ever had, but worth every bit what you're paying for it. I've had a few of their burgers, the mac and cheese, and the Cajun chicken sandwich and all were good. I didn't particularly like the house soup (spicy roasted vegetable and white bean) as it was too salty. Also, don't be afraid to replace your fries with a side salad...I've found the side salad's here to be fresh and inventive.
Service is usually good, just not on cask nights. Maybe they need to bring in more servers on those nights, because 2-3 aren't enough when you have 70 people arrive all within an hour, have drinks, and then want a cask pint right at 6:00 as well. -
Review from Matthew L.
Edmonton, AB
Updated - 3/7/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I should add a few other tidbits:
*The beer selection is always improving and rotating. If you don't like what's on tap or in the fridge one week, come back next week.
*Sarah loves the veggie burger
*Fries are hand cut, home made and delicious.
*The side salad is also inventive and delicious.
*Service is always very friendly
*The beef burger, like most burgers in Canada, is still pretty dry and flat, but the Next Act does a great enough job with its toppings, to make you forget about the juice-less burger.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/13/2012
The Next Act buzzes with energy - or at least it does on the first Tuesday night of every month -… Read more »
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Review from Kent M.
3/15/2012
I've enjoyed the Next Act since my University days. It's in a great location, and has always felt warm, comfortable and welcoming, especially on wintery days when you need a drink to warm you up after a stroll down Whyte!
The food here has always been decent: not amazing, not awful, but somewhere in between. I really like their grilled cheese sandwich which is stuffed with different kinds of cheese, bacon and apples.
The service has been very good here, with a few infrequent exceptions. A good selection of beers on tap.
If you're looking for a cozy place to get some some respite from Whyte Ave, this is the place to go! -
Review from Jessica D.
Edmonton, AB
1/19/2012
I gotta say, these are probably the best burgs that I have had while dining out yet! I had the apple and brie burger.. I loved how everything went together so amazingly. The juicyness of the burger, the bun was the correct size.. so many people don't realize how important this is !! The fries had a great crisp to soft potatoy goodness ratio as well.. yummy !! Can't wait to go back and try them all! Must try these famous pulled pork nachos !
Our waitress was great too !! Even though it was incredibly busy on a Saturday night I don't think I ever was waiting for her to come to the table..
My only complaint is that they don't take reservations ! Even on weekdays ! -
Review from Jamie T.
11/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I used to frequent the Next Act in the late 90's, when I worked and played on Whyte Ave. It was a favorite spot for lunch, or for just grabbing a drink with friends.
Hasn't changed much, from my perspective. I understand that the ownership has changed hands, but it's still the friendly, comfortable little spot that I remember.
Unfortunately, I can't give an accurate review of the food - my understanding is the item I ordered (the Cameo burger/the Notebook) is a limited time option. It was damned tasty, though.:)Listed in: Watering holes
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Review from Phil W.
The Next Act has become my go-to spot for pulled pork, burgers, and of course people watching.
The burgers ($12-$13) are top notch, with great stuff like blue cheese, stewed chillies. The fries are ok, but I would suggest getting the house salad as a side. It is truly a fantastic salad.
My favourite dish is the pulled pork nachos ($18). Take a couple friends and try to finish them... I dare you.
The Act has a great vibe and a nice mix of people; nobody would feel out of place here. And the staff is great too. -
Review from Alouise D.
Edmonton, AB
2/19/2012
I stopped at The Next Act after watching a show at the Varscona. It was pretty late when I got there, and I was told the kitchen was about to close. So I ordered an Alley Kat and sat at a table to do some writing. There was a casual, but nice atmosphere. Old movies being played on the tv. Friendly service. It seems like a great place to take a few friends, have some drinks and have a good conversation. I didn't stay too long, but I can say I liked The Next Act, and I'll come back again.
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Review from Robyn W.
Updated - 12/24/2011 ROTD 5/24/2012
In the last 8 months since first setting foot in The Next Act Pub, this has easily become my favourite go-to place in the city.
Need a good beer in a welcoming environment? Go the Act.
Need a tasty meal before you hit a show? Go to the Act.
Have a friend coming from out of town and you want to give them a good taste of Edmonton? Go to the Act!
The Next Act Pb is the kind of place that I can bring my cool, trendy niece, my artsy friend or my conservative father and they would all love the place.
Its the perfect place for just about every occasion.
The food is good. Very good. And they change it up seasonally - keeping the faves in regular rotation and switching some out for new tastes. Personally, I love the burgers and the nachos, but brunch on the weekends is also a great reason to get out of bed.
They also change up the drink menu seasonally, while constantly bringing in new brews to try. I'm not the biggest beer fan, but all summer long I couldn't get enough of the Alley Kat Brewberry that the Act kept on tap, and now I am hooked on their Tempt ciders (#8 is my new passion) that I haven't seen anywhere else.
But, in addition to my pulled pork nacho and cider addiction, the reason I keep going back is the people. The serving staff are the best around - friendly and attentive - and the owners are just all-around great people.
On the third Sunday of every month they host a 'family dinner" - a set menu of a Sunday family dinner classic (which changes every month), including dessert - to a full room of hungry patrons looking for a little taste of home without the clean up (or awkward family interactions).
This is a business that I feel good about supporting, and will continue to do so.
Often several times per week.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/2/2011
With how many times I have walked by the Next Act Pub, I can't believe that I have never been in… Read more »
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Review from Mark L.
7/25/2011
I'd heard good things about the beer selection here, but I ended up being a bit disappointed. Perhaps my hopes were too high. Anyhow, there is a good selection of both bottle and draft beer, but it's a very safe selection. If you're looking for more eccentric beers or lesser known imports, then you'll have to go someplace else. That said, anyplace that has Blanche de Chambly on tap for only $6 ($5 with the dollar off happy hour discount) is okay in my books.
As for food, I had the hummus. It was hummus.
The server was friendly; she brought things to the table in a timely fashion.
I'll probably go back. -
Review from Chris V.
2/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Wow, I've been here a half dozen times and always have a magnificent meal, super service, and a terrific time!... (and a salad that doesn't make you sad that you chose it instead of the fries... :-)
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Review from Brittany K.
Edmonton, AB
6/13/2011 4 Check-ins Here
If you're looking for some awesome and creative pub food (like pulled pork nachos!) or adorably-named burgers (the Drama Queen) just off Whyte Ave, then pop on into local theatre-goer fav The Next Act Pub.
I swung by for Saturday afternoon drinks and appies on the patio with a couple of friends. We all sipped on blueberry lemonades (I don't even really like blueberry-flavoured anything, but this was good) and my friends finished off their sammies and fries with pizzazz.
The sun was shining, the food was hot, the drinks were cold, and our waitress was very friendly. Plus, the patio is a bit quieter than a lot of other nearby bars because it's a block away from Whyte Avenue. My only complaint is that the benches on the patio tables were a little small. Odd and nitpicky, I know.
Also, rumour has it that one Mr. Nathan Fillion likes to hang here when he's in town... -
Review from Yo U.
4/1/2012
Clean premises and cute chicks working the bar won't mask the fact that the burger here isn't as good as some make it out to be. The food here is alright, but it isn't quite the culinary tour de force that others might have you believe.
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Review from Dave C.
6/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
We decided to go to Next Act on a Friday night because we wanted to go to Whyte to a bar that had a decent selection of beers - more than just the usual Molson/Rickards/Keiths or other mass market American beers.
There are a few other bars in the area that fit the bill - The Pourhouse (went their the week before) Wunderbar (there was a show so it would be loud) and Sugarbowl (probably would have had to wait a while for a table) but we heard the Next Act had a decent beer menu. They don't have as many beers as some of the other places I listed, but they do have a fair number. We tried a Mill Street lemon tea wheat beer, which was kind of a wheat beer with an iced tea flavour. I quite enjoyed it. I also had an Erdinger, which I drank a lot of in Germany and always enjoy.
We didn't have any food, so I can't comment on that. We've eaten there in the past but that was prior to their renovations and menu update, so it's not really applicable.
We started the night with four of us but two joined us later and unfortunately the booths are really small, so it was a very tight squeeze to get us all in there. All the booths are the same size but there are tables too. Unfortunately none were available for us, but we made do.
Service was pretty good too. Our server checked on us often, but not too often and recommended some beers as well. -
Review from Sarah J.
Edmonton, AB
6/14/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Top things i like about the next act:
1. They have expanded their beer selection and now carry cool tasty beers and siders.
2. They have added Gluten free items to their menu.
3. They service is great!
4. The staff/owners get to know their regulars.
5. Great place for late night chats or Sunday morning brunch. -
Review from Aditya R.
The Next Act has been re-invented! I believe, just about a year back it was purchased by a group of passionate beer drinkers that have made it a point to come up with an improved list of beer on the tap and bottled, along with a nice collection of pub fare, which is actually tasty.
The ambience is still old school and has a nice charm to it. A lot of green. They've got a lot of green on the outside which gives it a bit of Patty's day feel to it. A contrast would be Pourhouse that has a more upscalish feel to its ambience and food menu.
I like the lazy feel of this bar. It's a little bit of a mature feel. I've gone on a few occasions, with my pocketbook to actually do work .. it doesn't help after the first beer! But the very casual atmosphere with spacious seating there, makes for a good comfortable place to read and write stuff.
Not particularly great for beer connoisseurs but certainly does justice to its name, location and feel. Great find!Listed in: Whyte Ave, Beyge places, Whiskey, a go go?
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Review from Scott C B.
Edmonton, AB
5/26/2011 14 Check-ins Here
The Next Act is the "actor pub" in the heart of Old Strathcona's theatre district. It's a frequent go-to for theatre folk after rehearsals and shows, and you can usually see some familiar faces in the crowd.
Since the renovation and the change in ownership, the food has definitely gotten better. The pulled pork nachos (and sandwich) are definitely on my go-to food list.
The Next Act also does Sunday brunches and once a month will do a sit-down, old-fashioned family dinner.
You should also consider heading down on a Thursday evening because you have a significantly increased chance of spotting me.Listed in: The Regular Haunts
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Review from Shannon G.
Edmonton, AB
5/2/2012
the Next Act offers a great menu with a good selection of beer for a reasonable price. Their burgers are among the best in the city, if you're adventurous, the feature burger is generally a unique combination(my personal favourite being the peanut butter and bacon) and their menu offers a new perspective on traditional pub fare. The grilled cheese is the best- get it with the apple and bacon, awesome. I like the poutine and love the fact that everything can be made for people with gluten sensitivities and there are vegetarian options. The on tap beer selection is fantastic and reasonably priced (5-8bucks), Big Rock, Ally Kat, Steamwhistle, Guinness and the bottled selection is extensive. The service is exceptional and lately the only problem has been finding a seat. They usually have old movies playing on the television with no sound and some obscure music playing, no top 40, very unobtrusive so you're actually able to have a conversation. The decor is simple, clean with a lot of local art for sale on the walls-all in all the perfect combination of great beer, atmosphere and food.
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Review from Bee R.
Edmonton, AB
12/20/2011
Full disclosure - I want to love this place, and I'm going to go back with an open mind and try it again and hopefully up my score.
I hadn't gone to this place in like, 5 years, in which time they'd changed owners (?) and renovated somewhat and definitely changed the menu,
When I was there 5 years ago, it was a 5 star for sure. Me and my buddy both had pints and burgers, which were respectively frosty and outstanding. He apparently went there all the time, and LOVED the place. I vowed to return often but for whatever reason, forgot about it.
Fast forward to about a month ago, and I kept hearing from some friends that they'd upped their game a bit and were doing some cool local beer tastings, changed the menu, did some renos etc - I was psyched to go back.
A friend and I went on a random weekday at about 1pm, and there were maybe 3 tables there. We were greeted and served super fast - had cold frosty beers and ordered. She had a fish and chips which was AWESOME. I had crab cakes and Korean short ribs. The crab cakes were passable, but instantly forgettable. They were only partially saved by a slaw which I think had fennel seed and I seasoned myself with a lemon wedge and a healthy seasoning of salt and pepper. The Korean short ribs were a massive let down. The sauce was delicious - unctuous and thick - but the cut of meat itself was horrible, really tough and not at all indicative of a short rib's signature fattiness and tenderness. I ate the crab cakes but sent back the short ribs - and to be honest I can't remember what I ordered instead, it was instantly forgettable.
The problem is, all my friends keep telling me how great this place is. I think I just ordered badly or caught them on an off day. My friends' fish was STELLAR. I know this place is great, I've just yet to experience it myself. I'll be back for sure. That pint (or 2) was frosty and delicious. -
Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
5/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
I give the Next Act a meh at best.
Our service was really slow, not for the server not trying, it was packed in there at brunch time on a Saturday and they only had one person working for the first 35 min we were there.
I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with a salad. While the salad was amazing, a really fresh poppyseed and lemon dressing the pulled pork sandwich left a lot to be desired. It was quite dry and the crisp onions that were promised took over the flavour. All in all not a hit.
Next Act served its purpose, a relatively okay priced place to have lunch before the market. Not sure I'd go back. -
Review from Adam R.
4/8/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Purchased in late 2010 by new owners and promptly renovated (though only slightly), the Next Act is a Whyte Avenue pub that's full of character.
Frequently a pre- and post-theatre hang-out spot, the Act is often full, or close to. They have a multitude of beers on tap -- some seasonal, some mainstays -- and a short but outstanding menu that includes their Halibut Burger, easily the best item on there.
But you should also try the pulled pork nachos.
Terrific service, great owners, and a location that's nearly impossible to beat. You should definitely try this Whyte Avenue institution. -
Review from Paula K.
Updated - 9/26/2010 1 photo
The Next Act has new owners who re-did the entire interior. The place is a lot more spacious and bright. Same cramped washrooms, however. The menu is also new, and focuses on different kinds of signature burgers. I had the basic burger, The Act, and it was incredible - a huge patty that tasted homemade, on a toasted brioche bun which added an interesting sweetness. The fries are home cut of the string variety, and I am already eagerly looking forward to my next burger there.
Of course, The Next Act would not be The Next Act without a full line of draft and bottled beers and just about every other kind of drink. Highballs, my drink of choice, are $5 during Happy Hour.
There is also a new brunch menu on Saturdays until 3 p.m. I had a breakfast burrito (holding the cheese) and it was OK - kind of like a Southwestern omelette in a tortilla. The hashbrowns were strange though. I could swear I smelled and tasted cheese on the, yet I could not see it. As someone who does not like cheese, this concerned me. The regular menu was also available before 3 p.m. so if I am there that early again, I think I am going to go for another burger.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/3/2008 First to Review
The Next Act is a no frills, down home pub with a full bar and excellent food. I often come here… Read more »
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Review from Liv V.
Edmonton, AB
6/22/2011 2 photos
It is easy to write off pub food as a grease-fest best enjoyed with alcohol-dulled taste buds. The Next Act handily challenges this notion with some superbly creative offerings. Case in point: pulled pork nachos. It wouldn't be a pub without nachos, and here Next Act covers crisp tortilla chips with tender shreds of pork, jalapenos, black olives and generous melted cheese (real cheese, I might add, and not the plastic variety). The crab cakes are very moist, but a bit too salty. For dessert, they present a creation that falls somewhere between a brownie and a muffin. It's served warm with ice cream, and nicely balances crusty edges with moist interior. I've heard that it was invented by the chef's mom. I didn't sample any alcoholic beverages so cannot really comment on that, but I would definitely return to imbibe and indulge in Next Act's clever and delicious menu.
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Review from Linda S.
10/19/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Wow, the renos have made the place seem cleaner and safer although the new owners kept much of the furniture so the styles don't match much. But who really cares about that.
Tonight I had the Mac n' Cheese -- it was amazingly delicious.
The 25oz steins of Big Rock beer are a lot of fun, too.
Definitely worth your visit pre- and post- theatre trips! -
Review from ron e.
Edmonton, AB
6/1/2011
flavor=9 $=10 service=9 atmosphere=9 menu=8
avg=9
saw one of their burgers on a magazine and just had
to make a visit.
we sat ourselves and just made it to the happy hour.
a buck less on the pints. i am not a big drinker and i
usually go for the food but was glad that we can taste
a few of the local beers.
the atmosphere is relaxing. looks like a local place
to hang out after work. the service was quick, friendly, and
attentive. nothing excessive and just right.
had the house salad (full), crab cakes, wings, and the
directer burger. all the food came out together. very
well paced.
the salad was slightly more fruity than i thought. full of
grapes and strawberries. but the dressing and greens
was great together. the crab cakes were tasty but were
breaking apart easily. we had the wings with sea salt
and pepper. they were nice and crispy but not special.
but the burger...
oh man was it good. the slightly spicy chile, juicy tomato,
and the yummy burger. i could not get my hands off of it.
i even slightly lost track of time... it was that good. hands down
the best in edmonton so far.
3 beers and all that great food for $63. thats value. i'm
definitely going back. -
Review from shawnna p.
Edmonton, AB
5/7/2011
When I first started coming to this bar I was a little....Wha?!!!! But now I am totally comfy and just happy that you can stumble in after hours and get a pint of Full Moon on your way home. Like tonight...... "dudes, it's after last call..... I know..... but just one.........well....OK.... but just one".....................MMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm m. Thanks................
Listed in: Best Happy Hour
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Review from John S.
3/22/2011
I needed a place to feed over 60 hungry students following an afternoon play at the Shadow Theatre in Old Strathcona. The Next Act booked us in and set up a giant burger bar for us to build our own meals - and it was outstanding. The staff was super friendly and the food was excellent. You know they must be doing something right when they please an giant group like ours. I've been coming to The Act for years and love the place, but today they really went above what is expected from a local eatery and it is appreciated.
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Review from Pamella H.
Edmonton, AB
5/25/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Always loved the chilled vibe here. Just two comments: burgers are great but the buns they use always get soggy :( And they need to serve water and lemon with the wings or at least a wet nap.
Listed in: Veggie Heaven
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Review from Jennifer P.
Edmonton, AB
12/2/2008 1 photo
This is the favourite Whyte Ave. area pub of local actors. You can usually see them after rehearsals and shows enjoying a few cold ones in the laid back and understated atmosphere of the Next Act. It's pretty plain inside - just an old wooden sectional bar and some green faux leather-upholstered booths, dim lighting and friendly waitresses. We sat in the corner, where there's a giant couch corner couch and table, good for group conversation or small parties.
We ordered a couple of Keiths and a half-dozen honey garlic wings, just to quell our hunger. The Next Act is famous for its burgers but we weren't in the mood, so afterwards we went across the street to Accents for some more classy appies. (At Next Act, most stuff is deep fried.) Still, it's a good stop for an after-work drink or Friday night out with the family. -
Review from Jack G.
Edmonton, AB
12/30/2009
The Next Act is an old school looking restaurant with some pretty good burgers. I am starting to realize that there are many places in this city that I have never heard of that offer good food.
While we were there I found out that Next Act is a place that many local performers come to enjoy some drinks and food. I also learned from the waitress that most people come for the burgers so I gave them a try. They were really good. The whole time I was here I felt it was a great place to come and have some beers and catch up with friend's. It has a simple pub type atmosphere going on.
Since I hadn't heard of it before it was a good change of scenery for me on Whyte Ave. -
Review from Gwynnie B.
Edmonton, AB
8/20/2009
We were walking past The Next Act on our way to a Fringe play when my friends caught me ooogling a very tasty looking burger on the patio. The play featured bacon references so the boys were craving bacon after the show.
We went back to The Next Act after the play. They boys got double bacon on their burgers. I got a bacon-free burger and my friend had a veggie burger.
The burgers were good. Not the best burger ever but the best burger I've had in a loooong time. The veggie burger was a veggie + grain patty not a mock meat tofu style burger (similar to a Money's burger), which the kind I like best, so I'll try one next time. The fries were good too! -
Review from Rocket S.
Edmonton, AB
5/3/2011
The Next Act Pub has one of the best food menus in town. Comfort food done better. I've been slowly working my way through their menu and it's been mostly good. The Mac and Cheese and Grilled Cheese sandwich are some highlights of an amazing selection of mains. The starters leave a lot to be desired with items that range from the tepid and boring (crab cakes) to the grotesque (Uno of Dip). Overall though, most of the food is pretty great and the service is always friendly.
The major drawback is that this bar advertises itself as a beer bar, yet has easily the worst beer list of any bar in town that isn't just selling to the masses. The taps do have some local flavor, with some selections by alley kat. They also include steamwhistle and Okanagan Springs Black Lager, but the rest of the list is focused on making sure that they are able to get some big brewery benefits, while sacrificing quality.
The bottle list is embarrassing. Almost all lagers and pilsners, with most of the exceptions being just bad choices. No IPAs. No Porters. Limited Ales. Just awful. I don't understand how they can have something as good as their cask night, while having a beer menu like they do.
So go there and eat their food and complain about their beer until it gets better.
