The Very Best of Winnipeg
Last week, Winnipeg’s Khanh Hoa restaurant was recognized by a UK news outlet for having one of the best sandwiches IN THE WORLD! The Vietnamese deli, located on Notre Dame Avenue, made the Guardian’s list of the World’s Best Sandwiches with their cold cut banh mi sandwich featuring a pate lined baguette with pickled carrots, cilantro, Thai chilis and assorted meats.
That got us thinking about how Winnipeg is a low-key world-class city. This week at Rumor’s Comedy Club, we’re highlighting the best that Winnipeg has to offer, from sandwiches to sandy beaches. So, get out your notes app, because we’re about to give you a pretty lengthy to-do list.
The best of Winnipeg
Winnipeggers tend to downplay our own city. Maybe we’re terminally humble. Maybe we’re suffering from an inferiority complex. Either way, there’s actually a lot of reasons to be proud of our city. Here are the best of the best in Winnipeg.
Best coffee place in Winnipeg: Thom Bargen
Forget Starbucks, Winnipeg has tons of local coffee roasters and shops that can whip up any kind of hot or cold caffeinated concoction you can dream up. Topping that list is Thom Bargen Coffee Roasters.
Not only do these coffee nerds brew an incredible cup of joe, they roast their own damned beans, too! And with three locations scattered throughout the 204 area, there’s never a need to go too long without your caffeine fix.
Honorable mention: Joe Black’s — Reminiscent of Central Perk from the sitcom Friends, you can sit in or take a coffee for a walk in Assiniboine Park located right across Portage Ave.
Best ice creamery in Winnipeg: Chaeban
You’d think Winnipeggers would prefer hot food items, but it turns out we’re pretty awesome at cold culinary creations. The Peg has many notable ice creameries, but one stands out above the rest: Chaeban Ice Cream. This Riverview area creamery recently won the award for best ice cream in Canada at the 2022 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.
There’s tons of unique flavors to choose from at Chaeban, including Peter Pumpkin, Raspberry Mojito, and Anna Bananutella. Can’t decide on just one? No problem! Chaeban offers ice cream flights including small servings of four flavors of your choice.
Honorable mention: Dug & Betty’s Ice Creamery — From the creators of InFerno’s Bistro, this ice cream hot spot has a large list of unique ice cream flavors. You can even get a beer float.
Best brunch spot in Winnipeg: Clementine
Located in Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District, Clementine offers tapas style dishes including Turkish eggs, braised bacon benedict, and Brussels style waffles. To drink, you have your choice of artisan coffees, mimosas, martinis, beers, non-alcoholic beverages, and freshly squeezed juices.
Honorable mention: Prairie’s Edge - Located in the middle of scenic Kildonan Park, Prairie’s Edge offers locally inspired dishes like housemade brisket and arctic char.
Best toy store in Winnipeg: Toad Hall
It’s almost Christmas time, and if you’re wondering where to get something for the young inquisitive mind, look no further than Toad Hall Toys. You’ll find a range of books, puppets, toys, and kits to nurture hungry young brains. And, don’t worry — just because they’re educational, doesn’t mean they’re not cool. The kids in your life will never know that they’re learning.
Honorable mention: The Lego Store — It’s a classic for a reason.
Best summer festival: Winnipeg Fringe Festival
Winnipeg’s annual theater festival, the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, is the second largest in Canada (behind Edmonton), and the third largest in the world — the Edinburgh Fringe Festival comes in at number one. The Fringe Fest lasts 10 days in July, and brings in theatrical talent from Winnipeg, Canada, and around the world.
Honorable mention: Winnipeg Folk Festival — This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Winnipeg Folk Festival, which has seen world-class acts such as Bruce Cockburn, Great Big Sea, and Sheryl Crow.
Best beach in Winnipeg: Grand Beach
Winnipeggers don’t have to book a trip to Mexico or Bali to relax on a world-class white sand beach — they just jump in the car and drive 80 minutes north to Grand Beach. With three kilometers of white sand beach, Grand Beach ranks among the best beaches in the world.
Honorable mention: Bird’s Hill Park Beach - Honestly, the only thing that really makes this beach special is that it’s only 40 minutes away from Winnipeg. But, it’s still a nice time when the summer sun is high.
Best winter festival: Festival du Voyageur
Every winter St. Boniface transforms into a winter wonderland with food, music, dance, and snow sculptures. Festival du Voyageur is a 10-day celebration of Franco-Manitoban and Metis culture located in the heart of Winnipeg’s historic fur trade post.
Honorable mention: None — Nobody dares compete with Festival in the middle of Winnipeg’s bitterly cold winters.
More: Best birthday ideas in Winnipeg
Best comedy club
Many Winnipeggers may not realize it, but they’re sitting on a comedy gold mine. Rumor’s Comedy Club has been included on “Best Comedy Club” lists alongside some of the best clubs in the world, like the Comedy Cellar in New York, and the Comedy Store in Los Angeles.
We bring in the absolute best touring comedians in the business, as well as the best comedians Winnipeg has to offer. We’re packed just about every night, and we’ve got a full dinner menu and drink list to satisfy any craving you may have.
Celebrating a birthday? Join the Rumor’s Comedy Club Birthday Club, and we’ll let your party in for a discount and we’ll even give you a small gift for celebrating with us.
Getting married? Why not have your wedding social at Rumor’s? We’ll take care of the food and liquor for you, and we’ll also print your tickets, so all you have to do is figure out your silent auction prizes.
For all of these reasons, comedians call Rumor’s one of their favorite comedy club in North America. Check out our up-coming comedians and book your tickets on-line or by calling 204-488-4520.
“Funny night, great show, and good food. Not so expensive option for a date. Have been there a few times, most of them, super funny shows.” - Enio V.