Check them out for yourself – you won’t be sorry
Whether you’re returning to Guelph or just starting your new adventure, it helps to know the city’s impressive pub scene. With a dedication to thinking, cooking, and drinking locally that is so characteristic of downtown Guelph, the pubs on this list offer something a little different than the readymade flair of so many franchised pubs. These watering holes are varied and inviting, ranging from cozy gastropubs to indie rock havens. Pick a spot from this list and check it out (responsibly, of course)!
Van Gogh’s Ear
Also the home of the Salsateria next door, Van Gogh’s Ear boasts three floors for live music, dancing, drag shows, etc. Metal, Indie, Reggae and Folk bands flock from in and out of town every weekend, and it is also the home of GAIN Music Festival – a night of diverse entertainment presented by Guelph’s most prescient concert organizers, hosted in March.
eBar/Green Room
Another hotspot for local and regional entertainment, the eBar lies above the Ox Cafe and the Bookshelf bookstore on Quebec Street. A large number of GAIN Music concerts are held here. With an inviting, hip decor (who can’t love giant dominoes on the ceiling?), the eBar is a solid place to catch an offering from Guelph’s local music scene. It’s also right next door to the Bookshelf Cinema, so you can wash down that brutally depressing European art film you just saw with a tall, cold beer.
Woolwich Arrow Pub
Perhaps the priciest spot on this list, the Woolwich boasts one of the most impressive craft brew menus in the city. It fills up quickly on the weekends, making it a great spot to get some shareables and a few primer pints for your evening. Live entertainment is scarce because of the small restaurant floor, but enjoying a pint in its gently decorated room is entertaining enough.
Baker Street Station
A mere stone’s throw from the Wooly, it’s never easy to decide between the two. However, with its innovative menu offerings catered to adventurous gastro-fiends, weekend brunch specials and an ever-growing beer selection, Baker Street Station is ideal for the discerning foodie and craft beer junkie. Your student wallet might not thank you, but who doesn’t need a break from noodles once in a while?
Albion Hotel
Another one of Guelph’s coziest gastro pubs, the Albion Hotel fuses classic pub fare with an intriguing food and beer menu. It also has a second floor which becomes the scene for 90s Night, Gay Night, and Funk Nights every weekend. The two patios offer a great scene of downtown, located across the street from the gorgeous Our Lady Immaculate church.
Jimmy Jazz
Located right next to Vinyl, the Jimmy Jazz is a staple of downtown Guelph’s diverse music and entertainment scene. What it lacks in beer and food offerings it makes up for with no cover. With a heated patio, pool table, dive-chic decor, weekly trivia, and live music every weekend, the Jimmy Jazz is any hip downtowner’s home-away-from-home.