The second stop on the Edmonton Patio Hop is Tavern 1903.
Tavern 1903 Patio
I’ve loved Tavern 1903 for it’s food since it opened last year, but never had a chance to check out the patio until recently. It’s got some things going for it, no doubt, and should absolutely be on your list to try.
The Experience
The Tavern patio is situated directly on Jasper avenue so, predictably, the traffic noise is substantial. There are barriers surrounding the patio, but they can only do so much. The music playing on the patio helps drown out a bit of the road noise without making it too difficult to have a conversation. I found the patio rather nice later in the evening especially, as it’s at the quieter end of Jasper ave. There are a couple of trees which provide a bit of greenery, and plenty of patio heaters and umbrellas to help on those days it’s either too sunny or a touch chilly for your tastes.
There’s also a choice of seating, as the patio is split into a lounge and restaurant side. The lounge side has more casual and comfortable seats, but I found the ones on the restaurant side quite fine too. Both times we went the “bro factor” was pretty low, which I appreciate. It’s more of a lounge after all, not a raucous nightclub.
Tavern 1903 Patio
Beverages and Bites
You’ll find Tavern 1903 on numerous “Best of Edmonton” type lists for their food, so not surprisingly I’d recommend grabbing a bite to eat on this patio. One of my personal favourites to share has got to be the House made Ricotta with Grapefruit oil and crostinis. The ricotta is creamy and smooth, and has a great hit of acidity from the oil. It’s a nice light snack that goes well with beer or cocktails. There are snacks or shareables available on the lounge side, and the full menu is up for grabs on the restaurant side. Beware that you may be limited to the snack menu if you go in the mid afternoon or close to closing time though.
House made Ricotta at Tavern 1903
The drinks are also a standout at Tavern 1903. They’ve got a wide selection of tasty classic and craft cocktails ($10-$12.50), and a large selection of wine by the bottle and some by the glass. The Tavern also has a good selection of beers, with some local brews along with a mix of Canadian and Imported beers. I had a delicious watermelon mojito ($12.50), and Robyn enjoyed her Clover Club ($12.50), which has Gin, Fresh Lime Juice, Strawberry Shrub, Agave Syrup, Egg White. You could have a lot of fun working your way through that cocktail menu, I’m sure.
Watermelon Mojito at Tavern 1903
The Clover Club at Tavern 1903
The Tavern also has a happy hour daily from 4-6, and a second, late-night, happy hour that they call a “reverse” happy hour (10-11 weekdays, and 11-12 weekends). I’m not sure about the name, since the reverse of a happy hour is a full-price hour, but you’ll save a buck or 2 on cocktails and beers depending on what you order, regardless. The happy hour deals aren’t exactly earth-shattering, but it’s better than no happy hour at all.
Now if only I can get them to put that ricotta on the happy hour menu…
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