How about Basil's

Lucifers. Played there a ton.

Some nice memories!

Peter's place was beside Cosmos, Restaurant La Swiss

Cosmos was legendary on it's own! First late license (2am)

How can you have this list without the Sidetrack!

The Grinder (124th St)wasn't down town but was great.

ROCK CITY!!!! dingy dusty and dank, but a great spot....at least when I was underage in 1987...

boccalinos

Boiler Lounge, Switchboard, Select Cafe, Ambassador Hotel bar [name?], Executive Hotel bar [name?]. Very fond memories of all these while working for the Planning and Development department mid-late 80's !

What was the name of the disco on the top of the hotel that now stands as the Holiday Inn Express on the corner of 104st and 100ave in Edmonton?

Wow, I can't believe that the Gas Pump is still around! I worked at the Grinder in its glory years when Gretzky and the boys were hanging out there. I was the manager when Cracker Jacks opened! We watched the last episode of Mash at a huge party at Side Tracks! Don't forget Southern Comfort and the Sports page, two big Oilers hangouts! I lived in Edmonton from 79 to 83 and had a blast, left when OPEC fell through.

Hi Graham,

For what it's worth, I should let your readers remember that Cosmos Greek Village was the meeting place of pretty much everyone (including most hospitality industry people from the rest of the restaurants and clubs for last call) for many years. It was established by the late John Aggellou and carried on under Alexis Kostis until about 1986, the same guy who actually built Jester's on the Boardwalk in 1983. One little known fact was that Cosmos was actually mentioned by the Michelin Guide as the place to eat, the only Edmonton restaurant to make the cut. Aggelou passed on and Kostis quit the business in 1987, the other people involved could not keep the places going. Side track and Cosmos were the magnets for late nights in the center of town, it seemed that no matter where you partied until about midnight, you hat to rush to Cosmos, Jester's or the Sidetrack to carry on... Those were the days... With the cat and mouse game with ALCB inspectors trying to apply liquor laws that were put together before decades before and having nothing to do with the changing social norms.

Edmonton had many places but those two establishments were the place to eat and party until the wee hours of the morning. At Cosmos, we used to dance and brake plates until 6 am sometimes as for Jester's if you wanted to see the "beautiful people" or take a glimpse of the Dynasty Oilers you had to go there. The 1st Stanley cup private party right after the memorable game, with the Oilers, their families and some media was held at Jester's actually... As was the Winnipeg Grey Cup win those days.

Many great places in Edmonton of course. I just happened to recall those two or three so vividly because I knew the people involved with them. A lot of the people that worked in those places are still in business as owners and operators of many great Edmonton eateries!

Anthonys......Saturday Night Fever (Kingsway)....

Just a few that are missing: Denny Andrew's, Barry T's, Goose Loonies and Dancing Shoes.

Bleachers....

Sha Na Na's

Boccalino's is where they got their pasta after the game. Some of them brought their gal friends to Cafe Select. There was also the basement of Yianni's on Whyte Ave for some late night.

The boiling point chicago times the greenhouse goose loonies Denny Andrews American Casablanca's kreig's after hours club Trapper John's electric banana. Best of the Best: flashbacks and the boiling point metropol (West Berlin)

The Bronx!

Ali cats, doubles at Edmonton inn,been there, cucci cucci, point after let's remember these in early 80s.

There was also the Point After - where many of the Esks and Chuck Chandler used to party.

I remember being in a Tragically Hip video filmed at Dancin' Shoes in 1988. But for the life of me, can't remember the song... anyone out there know?
I was also the shooter bartender at Dennys Andrews, early '80's..... fun times there for sure.
Bartended at Tin Lizzies on Whyte...Sunday nights were crazy busy with bar staff from all over the city partying it up with live rock bands!!
Many great memories!!

I worked at (then AGT) IN THE EARLY 80S. Often frequented the Switchboard during the week, lunch qnd happy hour. One of my faves was the stacked ham sandwich...tried to recreate it but something is missing...ham, Kraft (?) Cheese, raisin bread and mayo..what needs to be added?..mustard, relish? Anyone remember?

Please, anyone know how the Switchboard made their stacked ham sandwich? I've tried, it just ain't the same. Used to frequent the place in early 80s...worked at then AGT!

The club on top of the Shearton Caravan was called The Penthouse. How about the Sportspage on Kingsway Avenue. And Oliver a very posh eating place on 117street and Jasper ave. Wayne Gretzky loved the dry ribs there. Recently went to s reunion of Olivers, crammed with the regulars and old staff. Edmonton was hopping in those days. Pagliacis, one of the Waldens group in the boardwalk. Where all the hipsters were.

Those were the days. What was the club on st albert trail north of 137ave.

Crackerjack, Esmeralda, club Malibu, ...some many to choose from.

Those were the days. What was the club on st albert trail north of 137ave.

Crackerjack, Esmeralda, club Malibu, ...some many to choose from.

"Steppin' Out" in 1984. Right on the Southside corner of 109 Street and 104 Avenue. Where the "Rat Hole" used to be.
An incredible club which went nowhere because of the constant disagreements of its owners.

The Embers - a classy late hours night club
Tita's - another mid-scale late hours night club
Chez Pierre - a lower class late hours night club
The Penthouse - on top of the then Saxony? a wonderful club house
The Beachcomer - wonderful Polynesian restaurant with a little bridge, water and stars in the sky
The Purple Lantern - best Chinese food - all had a separate tented table. I

The Embers, Tita's and the Penthouse all served wonderful food and had live entertainment. In those days, Chez Pierre's was a BYOB and they charged an arm and a leg for ice and mix.
The Beachcomer and Purple Lantern were wonderful restaurants.

@jasperguy I think you are referring to 'Johnny C's' Roadhouse....

Most of these were eighties clubs. Anyone remember Billy Warwick's Warwick's Fine Foods on 109 Street? This was the first resto/club in AB with licensedlive entertainment. I need to know the opening and closing dates- (year would work fine). A photo of the street inc. Warwick's would be a prize. Thanks. Historic Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

Sid's, AKA The Hot Box

Tami, Tragically Hip played the song Trickle Down. Anyone remember The Limelight?

Anthony's, Arthurs, Jesters, Leggs, Cucci's, Crackerjack, The Canadian Club, Victors, Monroes, Franklins On the River, Steakboard, Overboard, Switchboard, Lucifers, Scandals, The Penthouse, The Warehouse, Flashback,

What about thé lighthouse that was near Chez Pierre downtown? Does anyone remember.

What about thé lighthouse that was near Chez Pierre downtown? Does anyone remember.

@randsmom I worked at the Limelight and was about to add it to the list. Lol

@randsmom I worked at the Limelight and was about to add it to the list. Lol

What was the nightcluboff capilano and argyll that had "Larry and Darrelland Darrell " night on Thursdays ??? Early 90's

What was the nightcluboff capilano and argyll that had "Larry and Darrelland Darrell " night on Thursdays ??? Early 90's

What was the nightclub off Capilano and Argyll that had "Larry and Darrell and Darrell " night on Thursdays ??? Early 90's

Hey does anyone know what happened to the Inn on Whyte? Played there back in the late 70's.

Fast Eddy's? Inn on Whyte is the Varscona Hotel now.

Yes I think it was Fast Eddy's.
Thanks for the info.

Just got back and the city has really changed alot.

Tin Lizzies upstairs/downstairs combo for the win

Once the huge old taverns in hotels become kind of passe and liquor laws loosened up, there was so much choice! I recall hanging out at the Gas Pump (on Jasper Ave, back in the day); the Grinder on 124 St; the Ambassador; the Executive; the Klondiker's Gold Room; the Hovel on Jasper and 109 St; Lucifer's occasionally. Lots of memories!

Hi - I worked at The Steak Loft and Old Baily in 70s 80s

The Carvery was one of the nicest restaurants.

I worked at The Centre Club when it first opened in 1981. It was a high end business and racquet club. Also worked at The Northwoods Inn. The Wintergarden Room welcomed Oscar Peterson, which was quite a coup. And not to forget Johnny Bourgogne, the piano man, in the basement bar, The George and Dragon in the old Renworth Inn on 5th.

I worked at The Centre Club when it first opened in 1981. It was a high end business and racquet club. Also worked at The Northwoods Inn. The Wintergarden Room welcomed Oscar Peterson, which was quite a coup. And not to forget Johnny Bourgogne, the piano man, in the basement bar, The George and Dragon in the old Renworth Inn on 5th.

I know this wasn't downtown but what was the bar/dance club on Kingsway>

Where was Rock City? I frequented that club in the 80's but downtown has changed so much I can't pinpoint the location. Anyone?

Ummm... You "frequented" "Rock City", but you can't remember where it was???? Must have spent a LOT of two for one Tuesdays there! There's this real neat new thing called "Google", which you can look up anything on it.

Anyone remember the name of the "teen" dance club in millwoods around 1986?

The Kingsway was simply called "The Kingsway" or maybe you mean "Runway 29?"
And the only "teen" club in Mill Woods I know of was "The Windmill".
There were others like "Christopher's", but they were more for an older audience.

Rock City for the booze and great music... I remember one night' 33 AC/DC songs in a row lol. Cheers in the Beverly Crest was a great live venue. Partied with many local acts there as well as some bands from across Canada, Age of Electric ( Todd now plays bass for Slash),Syre (crazy parties afterwards with these guys).
The CI West and the CI South...Edmonton used to be such a great rock n' roll town.

The teen club was on 75 street,just north of Whitemud,where Lumberjacks is now. “Club something”.i am looking for the name of a club from around 1985-86,on 99street just north of Jasper.

Hey Graham,
The memories are endless...I worked at Cosmos next to the SideTrack and then at Jesters. In 84 the post party raged on as the riot was on for Jasper Ave. The whole team came down and as they arrived we handed each player a bottle of Dom. Mess was the last to leave, at 10:30 am... Lets do a book!
Cheers
Sandy

How about the Point After way out in southeast Edmonton.

There was a place on 112 Street called Jonathan's - was a restaurant and then I think it turned into a dance place.

Sandy, that was a night to remember. I was the night manager at CJ,s. Good Times. Universiade, then the Grey Cup and then the boys brought Stanley to Edmonton. Heady Times, lots of stall action too.Poor Grant. Early mornings in the cooler at flash, late night dining at Fireside, Daryl and his 66. Memories only has no one was packing cell phones or cameras even. Good thing too...

Kingsway was called NIGHTFEVER!!!

Kingsway was called NIGHTFEVER!!! Anyone remember the tiki tiki?..

The Edmonton Inn, mayfield inn huge venues fantastic

another club at the Westin. You lined up outside the building, the name escapes me but great acts.

I miss those days.I left Edmonton in mid 80s. I used to go to the Grinder a lot, Moni, the bartender! does any one remember him? People's Pub, Lees restaurant on Whyte Ave. Side Track, Limelight(we use to call it slimelight). How about the Library Lounge (U of A),Goose Loonies, Purple Onion, Esmeralda, Cook County Saloon, Chez Pierre?
I forgot the name of the indoor place where we used to roller skate. Oh, yeah! I remember Night Fever.

Thanks for the walk down memory lane Graham!

@randsmom I remember Limelight, had a VERY drunken 19th birthday there. We used to affectionately call it Slimelight. Had so much fun at the various clubs and pubs in Edmonton late 80s early 90s. Miss those days. Was a great city back then but has sadly lost a lot of character and uniqueness in recent years (thanks to greedy developers) but still a good place.

lived in Edmonton 1979-85. I remember most of these. Used to frequent a bar in the bottom of the Greenbrier, csnt remember the name. not downtown but saw k.d. lang at the Riviera on the southside. Danced with her one night at sidetracks! Great times there.

Anyone know staff from Lucifers late 70’s?

Anyone remember the wintergarden showroom? Think it was in a hotel on 105 or 106 street north of Jasper Ave

What was the name of the club in the basement of Scotia Place, downtown?

The club in Scotia place was originally Monroes I believe.

Yes I remember the wintergarden at the Northwoods Inn. I worked at the front desk.

I worked at Lucifers when it was the venue for the Second City Comedy Revue. Also worked at Prime Time and the Wintergarden at the Northwoods Inn on 105th (formerly the Executive.

I can't believe no one mentioned Mamma Theresa's on 109st & 102av. Had many a great meal there with owner Giovanni singing Italian tunes for us while we dined. Also used to enjoy Avanti, right beside Walden's, if memory serves.

okok

Mo, I believe you worked with Jan and Katz who also worked at The Point After. I haven’t seem a mention about David’s on Argyle.

Someone asked about the club in the Ambassador Hotel, I believe that was the Sunset Club. Also anyone remember the Metro? Believe it was out the Capilano way, in a hotel that got torn down. I was there the last night it was open and was thoroughly drunk, ending up in the roof over the bar entrance at one point....Rock City, Rock Central, The Club, Flashback (worked there) and other downtown places were my main haunts....

Does anyone have a picture of the Old Bailey Lounge in Edmonton, or better yet, the band called "Jury" that played there for 11 years? We are doing a film for the National Music Centre on the iconic guitar player Mo Marshall and would like to have a photo of his band playing at the Old Bailey. Even a picture of the inside or outside of the Old Bailey would be great to include in the film. Thanks.

Let's not forget the live entertainment if the CI South and the North end Londonderry. Many good times here!

Lived in Edmonton from 81-89 and was Manager of Lucifers, Prime Time (old Executive) and the Speed Of Sound in the hotel north of the CI South. Seen so many great live acts in Lucifers and PT and even greater memories of the people that I met. Graham, you and I had many conversations about live music and where we thought it was going and the state of the lack of local live venues. At Prime Time I got to meet Jim Grey of Darkroom, Slash and the Bleeding Hearts, the Models..so many but I will never forget some shows at Lucifers (behind the Westin where all the big bands would stay)...Cheap Trick, Ozzie Osbourne and many others graced the stage in that dingy basement. Along with Second City Comedy Revue that, on occasion, would have the entire TV cast come down, John Candy, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hare, Rick Moranis to mess with the people on stage..what memories

My Edmonton(1975-2005) The"Coffee-Cup","Pegasis" "Mother Tuckers", "Shakeys Pizza"(on the west end.)The nightclubs on top of the two Convention Inns!"Lucifer's"(With it's energetic bouncers!)The "Red Barn" and "Devil's Lake Corral" both north of town.

I remember all the houses that were restaurants - La Casa Ticino, 9th Street Cafe, Vi's. My fiancee's father owned Titas and then La Veranda. Remember Victors, all the neat bistros that changed between Bistro Praha and Mongolian Food Experience - not to forget those two places! All the original fun casual Earl's restaurants (still my favourite format).

So just looking at the posts here, someone ask the name of the club that held Larry, Daryll and Daryll night... That club was Malones.. I was the DJ and did the first LD&D night, was fun, got to give away the Larry, Daryl and Daryl mobile (car) every week...

No mention of the Gaspump downtown (I DJ'd There)
No mention of the Greenhouse at Londonderry Mall and its legendary beach nights and ladies nights (I DJ'd There)

The Wild West, Club John's, The Purple Onion

Edmonton night life, was awesome back then, good times..good friends..wicked after parties

Cazbah on Jasper attempted topless servers,not allowed in the religious Edmonton.

I worked nights at The Steakboard &Boiler Lounge from 87-93 in the kitchen usually until 2am and hosted many parties that went till 6 . Got to meet and cook for many bands that made it big . The Hip,54-40,Bobby Cameron just to name a few . Great times .

So what was the name of the downtown bar in an old hotel, where I saw
Stevie Ray Vaughn (jam with who if you remember), John Lee Hooker, Colin James and The Lincolns.

@Thody

Haha,.. is this, ‘DJ Dave?’ Vs. Doorman Dave ... Lots of stories if it is..

Rock City (by Frank Lee) and Ourplace (the Canadian bar) belong on this list also!

GRAHAM......what was the best concert in edmonton ....EVER......REMEMBER BOB MARLEY 1979 IN THE KINSMEN FIELDHOUSE?.......I WAS THE PROMOTER.......

Malones was mentioned but how about next door-Rusty's...haha

Does anyone remember the nightclub that was in the basement of the hotel on 105street and 101 Avenue? I think it was called the Executive or maybe that was the name of the hotel itself at that time. 1979/80

Yes I think your right Kimmie, it was called the executive hotel, thats where I saw Stevie Ray Vaughn (jam with who if you remember), John Lee Hooker, Colin James and The Lincolns. Not sure if the bar had a separate name.

Does anyone please remember ‘The Hovel’ on 109 street & Jasper (SW corner) I had amazing Times there ... Wide-eyed & under aged W0W !

Used to be a club in the early 80's in the basement of the Grand Hotel I think it was (now called Crash Hotel), just south of what used to be the Greyhound bus depot. It was called Applause. It was at that time considered a "black nightclub" as in..most of the patrons were black and they played a lot of phenomenal black music...soul music, reggae, Teddy Pendergrass, Mtume, SOS Band, so much great stuff. Loved this place and once it shut down, nothing close to it ever existed. Big shame.

what was the name of the cow themed place just west of the tin palace on Jasper? Can't recall for the life of me...

Remember Southside Rocks!!?? On Calgary Trail, now a car dealership.
Club Malibu was cheesy. Cheap drinks at The Saxony.
Fantasy Night Club in West Edmonton Mall (Didn’t Goose Loonies start in WEM before going to Argyll?)
Blues on Whyte and Cook County are still strong.
String Fellows was down from The Limelight.
The Crest always had great bands....Guy Jones, Kenny Shields.
Dancing Shoes and Esmeralda’s.
Whyte Ave was pretty quiet....

Whyte was quiet? Peoples Pub had great bands and then across the street was Tin Lizzies

A correction: Scandals was in the basement of the Sheraton Caravan Hotel (years before it became the HoJo), and in the early 80's it was strictly New Wave, not "disco", although it played disco in the late 70's. They had the telephones in each booth, and you could call the other booths with them. Totally useless, since the music was too loud to talk over. L-O-V-E-D(!) that place, as I was totally into that music. I used to get British music magazines from Mike's Newsstand to learn about the latest bands, then go to Scandals that weekend and hear them.

Since we're sticking to downtown, I'll limit my recollections to that. Damn near every restaurant had a bar with a dance floor, in those days. No one has mentioned The Warehouse restaurant, or Franklin's On The River (smallest dance floor I can remember...I think the DJ booth had just as much space).

Trying to remember the name of the upscale restaurant that was on the second floor of the office tower on Jasper Ave, between 104th and 105th Streets (where the Baker Clinic is). They had a great little dance floor, and decent DJs.

I don't know if Teddy's counts as downtown, but another restaurant with a dance floor in its bar.

Also, wasn't there a bar or club in the Mayfair Hotel back then?

I know Trapper John's was mentioned, but just wanted to say I had some great times there with all my young Woodward's Westmount part-time coworkers (most of us, students). Good times!

If you want to talk about bars/clubs outside of downtown (and I see some others already have...), just let me know. I went to every damn one of them, from Denny Andrews in the West, to Franklin's in Sherwood Park, and from St. Albert in the North (can't remember the name of the hotel dance bar) , to the penthouse bar at the Convention Inn South.

The restaurant in Standard Life place was Victor's. G

There are some not mentioned, such as: Misty and Diors, on 106st off jasper ave, it’s now a parking lot, across from the Boston pizza, formally a car dealership. Around the corner was night club Leggs, on 105 St.

Pompeii’s, (had several name changes), they had a restaurant side and a club side. Across the street was the after hours club Sugars.

And then there was Applause, in the basement an old hotel, a block over from the old greyhound bus depot, downtown.

Hi, All. Wow, only one mention of The Point After off Whyte Ave heading towards Sherwood Park.
I believe it was the only "disco" nightclub with live bands when it opened in late 1974. The Speakeasy club, a cocktail lounge and a swish dining room. Owned by two ex-Eskimos, Peter Travis and Roy Shatzko.
I loved their steaks and prime rib end cuts. Those were the days a yummy steak sannie on garlic toast w/baked potato and salad was $4.95 (mebbe $5.95)
I waitressed in the club off and on for years. Great bands, including BB King.
Lucifer's was their first competitor I think.
We got all the Eskimos & visiting teams, and the Oilers, too. Gretz just stood barside chatting to the owners, while Kevin Lowe, Cementhead et al partied. They were gentlemen as I recall. Cementhead played a mean round of Botticelli at after-parties as I remember.

Hey M R, I think I worked with you at the Point After...I was not a waitress but was working the coat check room for the BB King show in the Speakeasy that night.
Peter was short staffed in the dining room and TOLD me to go in there and take BB King and his bands dinner orders. I had never taken a drink or food order before in my life and was shaking so bad. Thankfully the drink order was fairly simple but....when I got back to their table if it hadn’t been for one of the members of his band, let’s just say the show may not have begun on time if at all. I had just finished laying the first drink from my tray down when all of the sudden I noticed this one band members expression of terror while staring at my tray. I looked down just as the whole tray of drinks was tilting towards, yes you guessed it. Mr. BB King himself. I caught it just in time. I have to say, they were all so gracious after the laughing died down. I still kept my job and enjoyed many more concerts including Fats Domino, but was never asked to serve in the dining room again. I remember all of the staff also liked fo hang out at David’s. Speaking of the Cementhead he also played a great game of law darts at Lenny’s Hilton in Millwoods.

Hi, O2BYoungAgain. That memory of serving BB and band is a keeper. Did you work the front or Speakeasy coat check? I did both at times when I was studying. Lots of fur coats in those days. A fav staffer was Forklift (Ron Forwick of the Eskies). Hear he went on to manage the Fireman's club or something and then passed away. He was too nice to be a manager. Hope you are doing well now. I left Edmonton to study in China and never went back. Now in lala looney Vancouver suburb.

I worked both at Buffy’s and the Speakeasy MR. I thought way back when, Katz had mentioned that you were learning Japanese and then went onto teaching English in Japan. I have to laugh at the memories I did have about working the Speakeasy about how Tsang beer and I did not get along. It was such an acquired taste back then, don’t you agree? Yes Ron was a special manger, who will always be remembered by those who worked and played at The Point After. We will always be thankful for how Kepley, and many of the Eskimo’s and a significant amount of the Edmonton Oiler’s showed us during the early eighties about sports in our city. I never knew much about sports until working there. I still don’t, but did appreciate why Edmonton became “The City of Champions”.....That was then and I don’t think there will ever be such a vibrant nightclub scene as there was in the eighties here in Edmonton or anywhere else for that matter. My wish to you MR and everyone else reading these wonderful, engaging comments is to keep safe during these scary and uncharted times.

I worked the Red Room at the CI South for years during the day. Crazy!
Remember Club Soda ?

Hey, O2B, I forgot about Buffy, our bearded sommelier extraordinaire at the Point. I always loved his tasting cup necklace. I remember drinking at his lunge. Good man.
Kep was a sweet guy, too. So many good folks at the PA.
Yes, I graduated & went to study in commie China, then to Japan. I did teach for one year (my penance for 100 lifetimes) at a Catholic girls' high school. Then on to a newspaper, PR firm and a US company, where I worked world over for several years. Came home and went broke. Uppity folks here do not like women who made it overseas. Meh, I'm content.
Yes, stay safe in this craziness caused by the Wuhan Virus. Call it what it is. Nice opportunity for the govt to seize more power & make us subjects, not citizens.
Do you ever see Katz? Last I saw her, she had a baby girl.

O2BYoungAgain - I totally remember David's on Argyll! They had the best Caesar salads in the world! And we always saw the Dynasty Oilers there! Do you know if Semenko was a part owner? I always heard that but don't know if it was true or not. Man I miss those days! Lori

Missed seeing Stevie Ray Vaughn etc. at Executive hotel basement but will never forget seeing Jack Green and band there.From England,thought these guys were bound for superstardom ....but didn't turn out that way....such is life....I've got two of his albums: Reverse Logic and Mystique. Another note, Sheraton Caravan Hotel Started as Scandals in the basement and hosting the crazy kickoff to Motley Crue's first tour. Then later a name change to a disco called "Yesterday's". Don't remember those phones though. Anyway...from Scandals to Yesterday's.....How Prophetic..!

I am surprised that no one has mentioned Jackie’s nightclub. It was owned by the same group that owned Hawkeye’s, Red Diamond House and the Greenhouse. My ex-husband Rick Hall was the manager at Jackie’s, then the Greenhouse. The Oilers use to frequent Jackie’s in those days. Grant Fuhr was introduced to his former wife Koreen there by Rick. My memory fails me but I think that Jackie’s became the Limelight. Originally it was a Mexican restaurant before it became one of the top nightclubs of the 80’s. Some many great memories of Anthony’s, Basil’s( great nightclub in the bottom floor of Eaton’s Center?), The Mansion, Jester’s etc. Edmonton was a great party town back then, we use to get dressed to the nine’s and dance, drink and party until the wee hours. Great time to be young!!

Hi there, did any of you go to the Grinder regularly? I've trying to find some old drinking buds with whom I used to drink and play darts. If I can remember, Monday was chicken wings day. The bartender 'Moni' was super friendly. One of the guys from

2020 and still adding places!

For the punks there was Sam’s on Jasper Ave and 115-ish street, near where the Motoraunt used to always park. It wasn’t a punk bar, it just had cheap booze and a lax attitude towards carding minors.

And who could forget “The Ambo” (Ambassador) in the basement of what is now the Day’s Inn, just south of Jasper on 106th Street. A venue for which fragments of a Death Sentence gig poster can still be found on lampposts and other vertical surfaces around downtown, I don’t know what kind of glue they used to put those up but I hope a few of them stay up for many more years.

ohhh the good ol'80s. Several of my friends used to dance all night, club soda, jesters, crackerjacks, boiler room. club malibu, gas hump(lol) so many more that I cant even recall. however, those were the best days of my life! I'm sure by reading alot of these comments I knew you from back in the day!

My parents held their wedding reception at CLUB ROOSEVELT in downtown Edmonton in 1948 with the BLUE ROOM for supper dining and CHATTERBOX for a coffee shop. Also the SILK HAT across the street from the Hudson's Bay was a very popular downtown diner ( now re named The Hat, I believe) Also, the WAFFLE SHOP next to the original YWCA downtown was a great cafe after swimming lessons at the Y!

Does anyone remember Friars on Church Street (95 St)? It was a dinner/dance place with live music in the mid-to-late '70s. It was a converted chruch, with a lit-up dance floor, and lots of rock and roll from the '50s. The Rockin Rebels played there often.

Did my school friend, Penny Strickland ( maiden name) used to own Hawkeye's Restaurant? I think her family started by owning or managing a Boston Pizza close to 118 Ave.

The Cellar downstairs at Northtown Mall 137 Ave and 97 St. Wasn't always really busy but seen lots of great local bands in that place.

Christopher’s in Millwoods. Met tons of Oilers there in the '80s. My uncles owned it and I worked as a waiter there for years. All the 80’s Oilers would end up there after the party circuit. They’d leave David’s in Argyll and head to Christopher’s. We smuggled Semenko out the back door one night.

Yes Sid's The Hot Box! Mediterranean and vegeterian (including tofu) cooked by Sid himself! Awesome memories just off 116th street

I remember Christopher's. I also met the Oilers when they won their 1st Stanley Cup in 1984, but it was at Yiannis on Whyte Ave. They brought the cup with them. I loved meeting friends at the Grinder on 124 st. I also had a good time at Darling's, Night Fever, Slime Light!, Crackerjacks, People's Pub and CI South. I do remember Friars.

As far as I know The Red Diamond Group owned Hawkeye’s, at least in the 70’s & 80’s for sure. They were a group of Asian business men.

Had at lot of dancing fun at Franklins in the West end and Southside Purple Onion! Also good memories from 9th Street Cafe and RATT! But Edmonton had so many amazing clubs, pubs and bars back in the day. I really miss how it used to be.

You're right Lucy! Edmonton had great cafes and restaurants back then. I grew up in Strathcona but also lived in downtown. I went to the Sawmill on Calgary Tr. in the 80s-great ribs and seafood. Does anyone remember the Chinese restaurant Lee's on Whyte Ave? I Left Edmonton in mid 80s and my last visit was in 2001. I'm sure it's changed a lot since then. I really miss the good old buds

Ahhh the 80's in downtown Edmonton, such great memories. Really surprised that nobody has yet to mention my favourite nightclub, the second floor of Teddy's Deli on Jasper Ave. & 114 St. It was really chill, a great place to have a Reuben and a beer, then go dance the night away. Hicks, how about the restaurant upstairs at Jasper Ave. & 101 St. that you used to love called Ma Maison? It was owned by my best friend's parents. I worked for Hans Kuhnel at Bones, Walden's and Avanti back in the day and also part-time at Mamma Teresa in the Highland Centre on 109 St. with the famous singing owner Giovanni. I lived in The Hargate on 114 St., didn't everybody at one time or another? I miss late night takeout of great donairs and pizza at Roadrunner Pizza right beside the gas station at Jasper Ave. & 116 St. and, of course, the legendary Rose Bowl Pizza. My favourite restaurant with their excellent fresh pasta, lasagna, wood-burning oven pizza, and brewpub, was Boccalino's Bistro owned By Peter and Lynn Johner on Jasper Ave. and 105 St. For a quick lunch in Edmonton Centre, you couldn't beat Woodward's food floor for a Ukranian plate and Pasta Presto owned by Peter Gertsch- who was the first Chef at Walden's before Ernst Dorfler.

Well, there were so many places to mention, plus too old to remember, eh!

Hey Bogie!
Your submission talks alot about the area around 116th street so I am wondering if you remember the Wee Supermarket owned by a Tai Chi Master - Mak Ying Po. I am writing an article about him but getting a photo of the Supermarket is proving elusive. Any comments? Also, I fondly remember Teddy's Cafe in the 70's for a great coffee, chips and a hangout!

Hey Bogie! Your submission talks alot about the area around 116th street so I am wondering if you remember the Wee Supermarket owned by a Tai Chi Master - Mak Ying Po. I am writing an article about him but getting a photo of the Supermarket is proving elusive. Any comments? Also, I fondly remember Teddy's Cafe in the 70's for a great coffee, chips and a hangout!

@tami
I was also in the Tragically Hip video at Dancing Shoes! The song was Last American Exit. If you look up the video, you can see our extraordinary dance floor scene! Don't blink. There are lots of Random Edmonton shots thrown into the video as well!

I returned to Edmonton about 10 years ago after being away for 30 years. I've been wracking my brain trying to remember the name of the restaurant on 116 Street & about 103 Avenue in an older home back in the 80's. The place was especially known for the best quiche around and was as popular as places like Walden's and Left Bank. The house is still there and most recently was Bistro India (now closed). Here's to someone remembering! Cheers...Roxann

I remember that bistro on 116 st and 102 Ave - I lived two blocks south in the 80s. So many restaurants came and went there. Its heyday was the '80s but I can't remember the name of the bistro then. Yeah, it lasted for years, where everything after seemed to only last months. It still "shows" the Bistro India, but that has been closed for at least four years.

Hello does anybody remember the band curfew and later called Blade Runner! They played at Lucifers CI South and originally at the Saxony would love to hear back from you steviem@live.ca

Maddy: I remember the Wee Supermarket for sure! But I don't have any photos of it or the Oliver area from back in the day. It makes me sad sometimes, but we were all busy making those great memories not taking pictures.

Does anyone remember what night club was at the Edmonton Inn and Convention Centre in the early 90s next to Ezzies (Esmeralda’s)? It’s driving me insane and I can’t find it anywhere! Thanks!! Lori

There was a small venue in the Mayfield Inn probably about 10+ years ago that had old music and a local Edmonton DJ. I can't remember the name of the venue or the DJ that used to spin the tunes.

The place in the Mayfield Inn was called "Legends" I believe..but we nicknamed it "Wrinkles" LOL. They moved across the street into the old FRANKLIN'S Jungle Lounge, but have since shut.
YEG needs another spot like that.

It was the Gallery and Barry Boyd was the DJ.

Anyone remember the Purple Onion for folk? Corona, Executive and Kingsway were haunts I enjoyed.

Does anyone remember the name of the high-end restaurant north of the river with tons of plants. One level large-ish but quiet and intimate? Great chocolate cheesecake!

Fondly remember many of the aforementioned hot spots in Edmonton, especially The Old Bailey. No one has mentioned Southern Comfort on 108th Street and 102 Avenue. I also fantasize about one of the first pizzas I had at Salvatore's, near The Steakloft. Maybe it became the Steakloft. That is going back to the '60s. No, I am not 90 years old!

I remember Old Bailey's as the high-class lounge where the waitresses made 200 bucks or more in tips a day just for the lunch trade. That was the 1970s! Of course, Canada Revenue finally caught on and swarmed the place after one lunch shift to bust the waitresses for tax evasion. Did it to me, too, when they got the credit card screening machines to check tip amounts on transactions in the early 1980s. Revenue Canada refused to acknowledge that I used my tips to also tip my busboys & bartenders so they would serve me well. The feds averaged my tip "earnings" from credit card receipts. How many of us were stiffed by cash payers and had to pay for any D&Ds?

Does no one remember La Habana on 104th downtown? Maybe it was a little past the 80's, but awesome latin dance club. Crackerjacks was also a fave, Franklins, Vi's, Munroe's, Gaspump, Sidetrack, Limelight, Metro, Flashbacks, Rose and Crown... so many great nights. Kids today will never know.

The Sidetrack was open in the early ‘80s. I saw k d lang there for the first time in around ‘83. Also saw Billy Cowsill and remember him differentiating between “fat Elvis” and “skinny Elvis.” He only played the latter. He was also a fan of “dead guy music.”

The Green House in Londonderry Mall, Club Rendezvous, Denny Andrews American bar, Cucci's, Esmeralda's, The Gas Pump, Sorrentos in Castle Downs...Great times

The Hip's Last American Exit was filmed at Dancing Shoes. I was there. Epic

Where exactly was bleachers. I went there with my brother when I visited but do not remember where it was as he was always driving.

What happened to the Penalty Box? It used to be in the hotel across the road from Northlands Coliseum? Had quite a few in there after concerts. Yes, left Eggmonton in '83.

The teen nightclub someone asked about earlier was called Club Trend at first but I remember it changed its name after not too long

Remember hanging out at Rock City and Limelight/Geri's Place, between '88-'92 Great times!!

I worked at The Embers in the early '80s. It was a strip bar and a nightclub with full meals. It was a place where hookers would come for their customers. I was a bus boy... it was a great 👍 place to work at that time of my life. Now still remember some ( few )of the staff there.....one of them was Billy King.

I remember the Purple Onion. I was living in Strathcona at that time, so it was in the hood. I also used to go to People's Pub on Whyte Ave, especially on Mondays, where a jug of beer cost 5 bucks. Once in a while, we drove to the CI South and got hammered there. However, I have to admit that the best places for young dudes were in the downtown area- Cracker Jack, Cafe Praha, the Rose & Crown, The Grinder on 124th St, and many more. Stay safe guys, Steve

Anyone remember the American Bar? A jackass bartender named Ryan?

I remember the early 80s well....worked at the Embers' Steak House...as a busboy and was also a strip bar. ( peeler joint)...remembered the boss(owner) Val Linzer. Tips where great too, $100 a night. The Toy Box disco was another great place to be, a dance club disco,danced the night away. I also worked at Lucifer's, another great entertainment club as a bus boy and a server. They had great bands. The place was very vibrant with lots of energy all night long. Miss these great early years of my life.

Hell yeah I remember the American Bar. Went there a few times but don't remember any of the bartenders.

Just read the whole thread and what a blast from the past. Between Barry T's, Goose Loonies, Dancing Shoes, Franklins on 111th and Denny Andrews we could go somewhere 7 nights a week. Kids these days have no idea what their parents were up to back then and probably wouldn't believe it. Plus the cherry on top, five Stanley Cups. What a time in history and Etown was the place to be.

Places like the Beef Eater Restaurant, 4 Aces restaurant

Hope somebody out there can help. It was the best live performance I've ever seen and I am not that much of a blues fan, otherwise I would remember who played that night. It would have been anywhere from 1986 to 1988, the last performance before the club closed down. It was in the 97 St area..very basic inside and in a basement..at least no windows to the outside. There were only about eight or nine of us in the audience. The band just kept playing..set after set until around 4 a.m. or later. They would take a break, we'd think they must finally be finished, but back on the stage they went. I don't recall clapping..anything..just mesmerized (No, none of us were on anything other than a couple of drinks) We were all in awe. Some fools actually left before they finished. They were just on fire the whole night. Perhaps because there was almost no audience to please..I don't know..but every song, every set dead on. The group leader? was an amazing harmonica player. There was a younger white guy (well younger then) who was channeling Jimi Hendrix..and a guest of the group. Couldn't have been Howlin' Wolf as he was already long deceased. I think they were from the Chicago Blues scene. I left Canada for most of three decades...lost contact with the other two guys I went with, not like they'd remember either. Does anybody know who the group was?

Lucifers was a nightclub located downstairs across Jasper Ave. from the Hotel Macdonald back in the early 1980s. Three of us were wrongly jammed up in there one night by a bunch of bouncers.They took short foot-long bats to us and broke some bones. Later at the Royal Alex after x-rays and casts, the police showed up there to charge us with disturbing the peace...We of course counter-charged. The head bouncer at Lucifer's back then was a big bald guy nicknamed "Mr. Clean". We three showed up in court a month or so later along with "Mr. Clean" and sat there all morning waiting to get called up to deal with the charges in front of the judge. At noon when court broke for lunch, we went up to talk with the prosecutor  To make a long story short, somebody forgot to put our names on his list and Mr. Clean was dumb enough to walk out of the courthouse with us...A short time later a small container of Mercaptan was tossed down the stairs of the nightclub. It closed the joint for about a week! Lucifers went out of business a year or two after that. It had a dark side. 

The executive club? Back Alley John?

How about Flanagans in the holiday inn!

I remember working as a DJ at pinky’s show palace at Kingsway mall around 1991. I was also the DJ at “the club” downtown around 1993 it’s now called Shades.

I was a regular at the Lime Lite, with its three-for-one happy hour. Also a regular at the Purple Onion on the southside. so many great memories of my young adult years in Edmonton.

Hi there, anyone remember the Red Rooster downtown? A shabby place, I know. There was another place we used to go to a lot, downtown as well. I would love to know the name again, a place where all kinds of people came, alternative, lgtb. I remember a pool table with a punk guy always playing pool. He had a black mohawk. I lived in Edmonton in the late '80s. Anyone remember the name of the bar?

Memory Lane is quite a busy street! No question a downtown where everyone went. Fun thread! My F&B life began in the ‘Chuk’. So many times and folks I happily cherish. Where I poured/served? ... Mother Tucker’s (Greg J gm), Shadows (Hans gm), La Suisse (Johner chef), Darlings (Bonita mgr), Beans&Barley (Thompson family), Boccalino (L Johner). Legends if you ask me! So many places and people in the bizz those days. I was a youngster and of course thought I was pretty damn slick. Oh my! A toast to days gone by and pals just gone. Cheers! Btw ... Jiggers .... Strawberry Cafe ... and on and on :). My first love, the pool hall in the basement of Tracy Starrs. Loved those southside hotel taprooms ... the Strath , the Commercial , the Park , the Riv. Very bad places to get into a scrap!!

Does anyone remember the name of the Barn Dinner and Dance with the Emeralds back in the 70s/80s? Is it still in operation?

dinner and dance at the redbarn...out of town

I've already commented once and it's pending. This is additional info. It's now called the Lily Lake resort. There are pics of the old barn at that time in 70's. https://www.facebook.com/TheLilyLakeResort/photos/509840676258882

Can anyone tell me the old address of Trapper Johns?

What was the name of the bar on the university campus underneath the current earls bar (112 street & 87avenue) had a dance floor? Dark and dingy

Flannigans was at the Holiday Inn

Colleen - I LOVED that place!! Spent many evenings there after Education Students Association socials from 85 thru 87 - not to mention $1.49 lunch pizzas with $.99 drafts!! Great value for students. And it was called Our Place if I'm not mistaken!

Colleen, I think it was called “The Library “

Does anyone remember the name of the sports bar on Calgary Trail? There's a Chinese Hotpot place there now. I think Bob Stauffer used to work there. I loved Amnesias in St Albert, and the Basement on 9th was a fun dive.

Man the memories I was just talking about many of these places yesterday, Ezzies, the Locker Room, Santanas, squires, the Roost, bocas, gas pump, Rum jungle, Cowboys, the Morgue (all the Malibu’s) soooo many but I can’t for the life of me remember the one in the basement of scotia place.. everyone would get dressed up in suits and go….

Colleen - The bar was called Our Place below Earls (112 street & 87avenue) . There was another one downtown too at the same time. Gear Jammers on Friday afternoon was something. 5 on 5 (five strippers at 5pm) was a nice way to start the weekend.

In 1982, I assisted some memorable jam sessions and concerts of Edmonton's Jazz City Festival, at locations including Cucci's, as well as Darling's at the Four Seasons hotel, the Sheraton Penthouse, and also the Shoctor Theatre -- the latter perhaps too large to qualify as a club, but some really exciting jazz events had been happening there.

In 1975 I was a waiter at The Embers club and used to make Caesar Salad(won an award for my Caesar salad when I was a waiter at Hyatt Regency in Vancouver) and flambe deserts table side. Wore a Tuxedo and ruffled shirt while serving there and also met my ex wife there after shift - enjoyed watching the comedians and strippers during my shift - place had a live clientele to say the least. Great memories of that place.

Therapy Afterhours, Y Afterhours, Twilight, Climax, G-Spot, The Roost. Just a few huge clubs that rarely get mentioned.

I remember spending EVERY weekend at Tumbleweeds in the west end. Talk about awesome memories! It was called The Europa prior to that.

Someone asked what was beside Ezzies in the 90s. I remember a place called the Locker Room. Someone else asked what was a block away from Earl's Tin Palace with the cow themes. It was the original Cactus Club.

I think the sports bar between Calgary Trail and Gateway Boulevard was Mo's Sportsbar- they even had off-track betting there for a while.

Zorbas in basement 112 St. 85 Ave by University. I remember a huge drink in a goblet called a helmet remover. Great music and dancing.

Zorba’s was in the late 60’s and was downstairs from Earl’s upstairs and the Library lounge in the 80’s. Yes Zorba’s was a cool place in the University area during its time but we are talking about the 1980s. I doubt there are too many people left who remember how inviting it was for dancing during that time of change in culture around the country, and I suppose the world. Good on you for bringing back a long forgotten memory. Thank you for that.

I’ve been racking my brain, but finally it came to me… in the basement of Scotia Place was Chase Nightclub!!!!

G spot was on jasper ave and i always hung out there as a kid in my late teens.

Wow, what a jog down memory lane. The late 70s and early 80s were loads of fun when most bars and restaurants featured a dance floor. I DJ'd at Darlings, the Mansion and Basile's plus a few more forgettable places lol. Partied at Jesters the night the Oilers won their first cup and got to sip champagne from both the Campbell conference and Stanley Cup!!! Those were the days in the city of champions :)

Anyone remember the Fantasy One nightclub on the first basement level in the old Terrace Inn on the South Side on Calgary Trail just north of the Whitemud next to the Convention Inn south? I used to work as a busboy, then waiter, bartender, and finally security at the hotel in the mid 80's. There was also the Lion's head Pub on the main floor next to what used to be a massage parlor. Lots of brawls back in the day and spillover from the CI south clubs next door. I think it's a Radisson Hotel now...I left Edmonton in 2007, but still visit family...not the same city...miss all of the great spots mentioned, like Monroes, the "T House" (Barry Ts), Ezzies, the Goose, etc.

The fancy place you were asking about was called the Creperie. I worked at BLINKERS across the street from Jonathans on 112 ave north of Jasper Ave nd our restaurant was called the Brass Lantern..good times. No one mentioned the Fox and Hound on 109th Ave just north of Jasper down and dirty there for ..main floor of a condo complex

What about BarryT’s 👏🏼

Lasiblu..that place at the Point After was called Chuckies where Chuck Chandler used to party..

Remember every single place listed. The restaurant in the old house in 116 street and 103 ave. was called Zhivagos. Walked home from boardwalk many nights totally wasted with no fear and made it home safely every time. Soooo innocent :)

Does anybody remember Delphi Pizza on Jasper Ave? I think the guy who owned it was Costas. We often went there after bar hopping in the downtown area. Tin Palace was the last place I visited before leaving the City of champs

@Luxgirl I know R Hall was married more than once. Did you work with him? If so which place? I worked with one of his ex-wives

In the 90s there was a restaurant and nightclub on Victoria Trail that I can’t remember. It was on the east side of the Trail and lots of fun.

wow, so so so many memories. know all the places, worked at several of them, and with many many of the people mentioned. cheers all.

Yeg Johnny and Berr. Thank you both!!! My brother and I have been wracking our brains for years trying to remember the name Our Place. Went there often, the last time after writing our finals (B. Comm 1985). Went to many of the above clubs in the 1980's. Favorite was Scandals. Wish I could turn that era into one long Groundhog Day. Cheers all.

I remember the Fantasy One! I used to go there on weekends when I was 14!! I guess I looked old enough ;)

I hope some people are still looking at this website as I have a request. Does anybody have any photos of the interior of the Old Bailey Lounge on Jasper Avenue from the early 1970s? In April 1973, I asked a very pretty 19-year-old girl out on a date to the OB. Well, things clicked between us and three years later we were wed at the Macdonald Hotel across the street from the Old Bailey. Next April is the 50th anniversary of the wonderful first date. We would be grateful if anybody has photos of the Old Bailey from that time. Many thanks! Larry

Hey, Larry, ask the Canada Revenue Service for a photo inside the Old Bailey in the early 1970s. As I remember, that's when they always raided the lounge and demanded all the waitresses hand over their cash tips because they made so much and never reported it. Hehehe. Congrats on your 50th anniversary, you lucky old sod!

Thanks MR for the tip, but the less I have to do with Canada Revenue Agency, the better is my life. And I am a young sod, sir.

Joking, Larry M! I was a Miss back then, now a Mme. I wish we had taken more photos back in the day. I doubt I would recognize Big E now, especially the people.

I remember Prime Time nightclub just off Jasper Ave and 105 street. In the basement of a hotel and Darkroom played there often! The best restaurant ever in Edmonton was Mother Tuckers. So many great clubs and restaurants back then! Flashbacks and Goose Loonies and The Bronx were my other faves.

I remember back in the 80’s on Thursday we would go dancing at Scandals, on Friday we would go dancing at the Boiling Point and on Saturday we would go dancing at Flashbacks. What an incredible time it was it was, we danced and danced and danced, what great memories!

Wow! Reading these memories are fantastic. I remember working as the DJ at Rock City, The Limelight, and then opened up South Side Rock for the first year. Many memories. Bill the DJ at Rock City was the guy who played 33 AC/DC songs in a row. He lovvvved his AC/DC. He was a truly great dude, I hope he had and has a good life. I worked at the Metro for a couple of years until they closed, then I was off to Calgary, working on Electric Avenue for many years. Ahh the memories.

Wowsers! I don't know how I came across this, but what a lot of great memories. I grew up in Edmonton and remember the Ambassador, Lucifers, Dinwoodies, the Commercial, Tracy Starrs, Purple Onion and many the others mentioned above. The Grim Reapers MC had a bunch of beer rooms that always changed location and you buy two cold brews for a buck. One place I remember but not previously mentioned was the Howling Wolf nightclub. It was short lived but had some great acts. One time I went there for a KD Lang and the Reclines album release party. I actually got a dance with KD. She was in her punk cowgirl getup and at the time I thought she was a bad dancer because she stepped on my feet so much with her high-heel cowboy boots, but I was probably slightly inebriated and trying to pick her up.

Do you recall the Air Harbour Restaurant? It was in the Municipal Airport downtown, with big windows that faced the airfield!

SteveR, Where was the Howling Wolf?

Alley Katz (downtown-ish), Runway 29, Shark Club. I pretty much lived at the Greenhouse (Londonderry Mall), though. Ugh.

@ClubGirl What years were you going to the Greenhouse?

Arthur's 1982 with Cliff Peck, Richard Willett, Kelly & Steve, Diane, Trish. Great times working there and still in touch with some. Worked Oliver's on Jasper in the lounge 1983 with Jerry Dezman bartender & Keith Newberry; Oilers would come in. We would toss them a few bottles and the keys to lock up. Holt Renfrew Cafe at Holts with Drew, Neil, Mac cast of characters...Boccolino's best pasta and handsome Chef Peter J. I worked at a little European restaurant on Jasper, run by a very smooth European man always playing Julio Eglesias. After hours at Sidetrack Cafe, Cafe Select, Bistro Praha with Franticek. Best times and people ever, Edmonton has such a great music vibe too. Miss it a lot. Loved The Red Ox Inn and Bernie Peck! Teddy's for best chicken wings, Sawmill buffet was fab too but not downtown just good hang over spot. The Loft restaurant was out in Ma-Me-O Beach but now I'm off the grid!

Just read through all these comments….brings back lots of memories…I was a bartender at Oliver’s in '70s and '80s. After work we went to late-night places, Tita’s,Embers,Penthouse changed to Point After, Friars, Cosmos and Grand Central Station (didn’t see that mentioned). Lots of good music there- Long John Baldry, Ronnie Hawkins and his band, John Hammond……the good days of Grand Marnier by the bucket.

Hey, I read this whole thread and nobody mentioned Flanagan's on the top floor of the Holiday Inn downtown Edmonton, just south of Jasper Avenue. It was a full blown disco, a lit-up dance floor with oscillating lights and a three foot diameter mirrored disco ball. Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Abba etc. My girlfriend (now my wife of 47+ years) went there on many a Friday or Saturday night, dressed to the nines. A far cry from the grunge clothing worn by today's youth.

My first job at 18 was at the Stage Door in the Edmonton Plaza . We had to wear a kind of bunny outfit. Black body suit with a red coat and tails. After that, most of the crew moved over to the Old Baileys and Lucifers.

This is a reply to Colleen, Posted @ 11/14/2021 4:30 AM by Colleen I think that bar on the U of A campus was called Smith and Bacchus, but I don't recall it being in the basement.

Does anyone remember KISS at the Kinsmen Field House? They were opening for Manfred Mann and Savoy Brown in 1974. The Field House was so full of smoke you could hardly see! Never got to see Savoy Brown because my friend's parents came to pick us up lol.

Does anyone remember...The Discovery Lounge. Used to hang out there w/the likes of Gary Bowman, Lars Wanagas and some of the guys from Tacoy Ryde. The Ambassador, The Boiler Lounge, Waldens, and The Sidetrack were weekly destinations. Those were the places where you could hear the likes of Jim Byrnes, Gaye Delorme, Tacoy Ryde and so many others. What about Northwoods formerly the old Executive Hotel it was a supper club type venue and presented acts like James Brown, Natalie Cole, BB King and yep...Doug and the Slugs!

Saw Orbison at the Ambassador. Not long before he passed.

I really enjoyed watching Jim Byrnes in those years, what a voice.

I worked at the Discovery Lounge in the early 70s (lots of guys from CHED radio and IBM drank there) for Hans Kuhnel and moved on to the Creperie with Hans. I just had lunch in LA with Palu who was a waiter at the Discovery, The Creperie and Jonathan's. The Creperie had a 20 year reunion in '97 and over 150 former staff showed up. Although we've all moved on, friendships remain after all these years. The late-night spot for restaurant folks then was Railtown open to 1 am? Nick Pitoulis would kick us out after last call and then leave the back door open so we could sneak back in and party to the wee hours. Long John Baldry often played there.Also worked at Blackbeard's with Buff Medak dressed as a pirate and the waitresses as wenches!

Does anyone remember the name of that all-ages pool hall on Whyte Avenue? It was on the second floor.

Might have been Scona Billiards.

My husband used to play pool there on Whyte Avenue, and he seems to think it was called The Garneau Pool hall.....but he's still thinking on it.

There was a lounge in the basement of the Royal Bank Building, Jasper Avenue and 101 Street. But I cannot remember its name.

I go waaaay back in the '60s, remembering Club Stardust, Rainbow Ballroom, etc. Those old enough (21) or with ID to get in, went to the Corona before the dances. Outer Limits, the Forum and then in the '70s it was Esmeralda's in the Edmonton Inn, the Hovel and Sidetrack. We'd drive to Mameo Beach, Seba Beach or Alberta Beach for summer dances. Someone else mentioned the Purple Lantern for best Chinese food. Before that it was the Seven Seas on Jasper and after, still going strong, The Lingnan.

I worked at the Purple Onion and my ex was a part-time DJ with Radical Rob. Why did it not make this list?

This would be in the '60s....Ly Chee Gardens downtown was the best place in town for Chinese food, along with the Good World/New World Chinese food restaurant! Waiting in line to get a table was common. Back in the day, dim sum like the Har Gow/Sui Mai were a lot smaller than the big ones they serve today and were ordered by the dozen along w/an order of the Chinese sausage or bbq pork buns...well now I'm just making myself hungry!

Johnny C's was quite the place-divided into 3 distinct rooms. To the left was a restaurant style setting made with what appeared to be a driftwood seating area-if you just wanted a meal and a drink. To the right was a room with several TVs mounted on the walls and tables if you wanted to watch a hockey or football game and not be bothered by the rowdies. Straight ahead was the main bar area. Much larger than the other two rooms, this is where you partied! I can recall 3 for 1 beer night on Tuesdays in 1987 at a buck 75! Had a unique type of bar with a wooden wall type of enclosure with all kinds of coasters, notes and graffiti type stuff posted onto it. And an open pack of Player's Lights on the counter for the customer's convenience in case they ran out-and which I stole one night in my greed! Have never really seen another set up like this bar which catered to all kinds of people and would explain why the parking lot and the gravel service road was always packed with cars-would still be a hit today!

Tumbleweeds restaurant & lounge in the West end on Stony Plain Road heading towards Spruce Grove...🥺 Oh,how I miss those days and that place!

Anybody remember any details about "Monroes in Scotia Place" mentioned above? A passed family member helped get it going and I was hoping to learn a few details/timeliness.

I have a great recording of The Bob Stroup Trio Live In Jazz City Edmonton recorded live at Shadows Lounge, Waldens Restaurant July 4th & 5th 1980. (It’s a gem.)

I've commented for years about certain venues. The 70s and 80s were my active years in Edmonton. I do miss some places, like Buffalo Bills, the Commodore, Saratoga, La Ronde, Bistro Praha, the Grinder, and many more. I left Edmonton in the mid 80s, but my heart hasn't.I'd really appreciate it if any of you could share some pics of such places.

I remember "Tumbleweeds" and "On the Other Side", and the "Boiler Lounge". Good times.

There was Scandals at the Sheraton, great on Thursdays. Then Boiling Point, I think in the basement of Scotia Place on Fridays. Flashback on Saturdays. Man we used to dance our asses off three days a week

Hey there everyone..going down memory lane remembering all the Dining room/lounge that I'd worked or frequented in the 70's and 80's. I'm having a problem remembering the one that was on Calgary trail southbound around 54 ave behind the old Fuller's.

Thank you all remenising about the good old days working or playing 1970s to 1980s. I have so many great memories... l was fortunate to work at Basil's for many years partying with the Oilers after the bar closed for the evening. On some Saturday afternoons Wayne Gretzky would come in with Joey Moss for lunch and a few beer, sitting at the end of the bar with a stack of autographed pictures to hand out to people but wouldn't chat saying he was concentrating on his time with Joey🤗 When working at Tita's with Sal Acompora and Rudy To there was a stripper who was sooo demanding always wanting chocolate milk shakes...so one day, Carmelo the waiter melted a box of exlax into a shake giving it to her before going on stage.... she never asked for a shake again 😂😂Some of my awesome memories 🥰🥰

I was actually looking to find a friend I worked with Long time ago. I know these are old comments. But I was all over these bars! Limelight 17 cute messenger gave me job selling shooters and basically partying. Thank you for that. I was working there the time the shooting of the bouncer so I Decided to check out rock city! Lots of fun. Kenny Lacusta nice guy to have drinks with. Used to play a lot of pool because always made enough to pay for my drinks if needed. Since everyone here likes to drop oilers name so when they were the dream team used to see them every game day when I worked at the Colosseum steak and pizza. They had a very strict routine. He would get up, Go practice and then to the restaurant where they ate steak and pasta. Then they went home. Napped. And went to game. Marty McSorley so cute and so shy. Kevin McLaughlin lotta fun even did the signing in a small bar and Castlefoens And then off to Barry T Nobody mentioned surprisingly unless I missed it! But yes, we had the crew every time! They even brought the cup to the restaurant a few times, passing it around for all of us To take pictures And have drinks and lots of fun. Another fan favourite we had were the Edmonton Esks.a tad wilder of group but lots of fun. Some of the girls who worked there bartended at their private home parties. And anyone from that time would definitely know of Scotty Olsen. I’m 5’9 and taller in heels so definitely short.lol but probably ended up so tough because he probably had serious napoleon complex growing up. Liked to look intimidating in the booth but actually sweet guy. Esmeralda’s was also a haunting zone for the oilers after games. Or should I say hunting grounds? And that’s coming from both sides lol I actually came here trying to hunt down old friends I worked with at The Wild West but kept scrolling thru because this brings back lots of fun memories. Btw it was the best live band country rock place on that side of town. Didn’t know much country aside from my girlfriend left me and she dog and truck songs. I was actually working at the greenhouse at Londonderry mall with us now yuk yuks I believe but it may have shut down and my boss was taking up roots and me if I would go along. Wasn’t my kind of music but live bands??! Why not. So I spent a week listening to the country channel. Was such a great place to work. Speaking of country Jonny Cash actually played there and June and the girls were there. Had a demo from his earlier times. Had a relative who worked at the recording studio and they gave the demo to him. He passed it on to my dad. Huge fan! Huge. So he headed yo the Red Barn hoping to get signature. Sharing break, approached their business manager and asked him would you mind giving Jonny the record to sign? It’s never been opened to this day. So The business manager went to the back and Came out pretty quickly and asked my dad if he’d like to go meet them. He could not get off his stool quick enough. Ends up going back to meet the man in black which to him was better than hitting the lottery. Did I mention he was a huuuge fan?? Jonny walks up to him and said. ‘I just have got to know, how in the hell did you get this’?!? So dad tells him and he was stunned. It wasn’t open. And it was the only one. He chuckled and shook his head,signed the demo and even June sign. As he shook dads hand he asked ‘are you ever going to crack it open and listen to it’? Dad just grinned. Jonny shook his hand and thanked him for the memories it brought.

I was actually looking to find a friend I worked with Long time ago. I know these are old comments. But I was all over these bars! Limelight 17 cute messenger gave me job selling shooters and basically partying. Thank you for that. I was working there the time the shooting of the bouncer so I Decided to check out rock city! Lots of fun. Kenny Lacusta nice guy to have drinks with. Used to play a lot of pool because always made enough to pay for my drinks if needed. Since everyone here likes to drop oilers name so when they were the dream team used to see them every game day when I worked at the Colosseum steak and pizza. They had a very strict routine. He would get up, Go practice and then to the restaurant where they ate steak and pasta. Then they went home. Napped. And went to game. Marty McSorley so cute and so shy. Kevin McLaughlin lotta fun even did the signing in a small bar and Castlefoens And then off to Barry T Nobody mentioned surprisingly unless I missed it! But yes, we had the crew every time! They even brought the cup to the restaurant a few times, passing it around for all of us To take pictures And have drinks and lots of fun. Another fan favourite we had were the Edmonton Esks.a tad wilder of group but lots of fun. Some of the girls who worked there bartended at their private home parties. And anyone from that time would definitely know of Scotty Olsen. I’m 5’9 and taller in heels so definitely short.lol but probably ended up so tough because he probably had serious napoleon complex growing up. Liked to look intimidating in the booth but actually sweet guy. Esmeralda’s was also a haunting zone for the oilers after games. Or should I say hunting grounds? And that’s coming from both sides lol I actually came here trying to hunt down old friends I worked with at The Wild West but kept scrolling thru because this brings back lots of fun memories. Btw it was the best live band country rock place on that side of town. Didn’t know much country aside from my girlfriend left me and she took my dog and truck songs. I was actually working at the greenhouse at Londonderry mall with us now yuk yuks I believe but it may have shut down and my boss was taking up roots and asked me if I would go along. Wasn’t my kind of music but live bands??! Why not. So I spent a week listening to the country channel. Was such a great place to work. Speaking of country Jonny Cash actually played at The Red Barn and June and the girls were there also. Pops had a demo from his earlier times. Had a relative who worked at the recording studio and they gave the demo to him. He passed it on to my dad. Huge fan! Huge. So he headed yo the Red Barn hoping to get signature. During a break,he approached their business manager and asked him would you mind giving Jonny the record to sign? It’s never been opened to this day. So The business manager went to the back and Came out pretty quickly and asked my dad if he’d like to go meet them. He could not get off his stool quick enough. Ends up going back to meet the man in black which to him was better than hitting the lottery. Did I mention he was a huuuge fan?? Jonny walks up to him and said. ‘I just have got to know, how in the hell did you get this’?!? So dad tells him and he was stunned. It wasn’t open. And it was the only one. He chuckled and shook his head,signed the demo and even June sign. As he shook dads hand he asked ‘are you ever going to crack it open and listen to it’? Dad just grinned. Jonny shook his hand and thanked him for the memories it brought.

Anyone remember Club Rondevous.. Chateau Louis.. mid 80’s.. Scandals.. the long steps down.. definitely the phones.. doing the “walk”.. great new wave..

Don’t forget Santana’s nest to Cowboys.

This post and all the replies are like the resume for my misspent youth.So many memories to process .

Does anyone remember the executive bar and which hotel it was in? Thanks

Don’t forget the long -gone Ashoka Curry House

Does anybody remember a short-lived three level club on 118th Avenue (jazz, rock & folk) calling itself Certificate X? It took its name from a line in a rock number about Lady Godiva. Can't remember the year or the group. Late 60's or very early 70's before I moved eastward. I don't think it's a figment of my fading memory files.

Fantasy One Night Club in the Terrace Inn Hotel on Calgary Trail. Anyone work there in 1984-1986. Looking to rekindle.

Fantasy One Night Club in the Terrace Inn Hotel on Calgary Trail. Anyone work there in 1984? Looking to rekindle.

Just found this thread. So many memories, I’m really enjoying reading this, also worked at a few of these places. Does anyone remember the Moroccan restaurant, I believe it was off Whyte, the entrance was in a parking lot and you went down. There were separated beautifully decorated booths and you were encouraged to recline on the pillow covered long benches and then they came around with a bowl and poured orange blossom water on your hands to clean them before your meal. Food was served family style and you ate with your hand. Wine was cheap.

Just found this thread. So many memories, I’m really enjoying reading this, also worked at a few of these places. Does anyone remember the Moroccan restaurant, I believe it was off Whyte, the entrance was in a parking lot and you went down. There were separated beautifully decorated booths and you were encouraged to recline on the pillow covered long benches and then they came around with a bowl and poured orange blossom water on your hands to clean them before your meal.

In the mid 70s in the Westin hotel there was the Stage Door, the Friar's night club and steak house in the mid 80s there was Club Soda, Sugars

There was a small pub across the street from the Edmonton Inn, that was in the basement of the Chateau Louis Hotel, called Club Rendezvous Vous. It was kind of a hidden spot, that somehow everybody has been to at some point. They had a small dance floor, pool tables, lounge section with big tv’s. It was a cozy bar that seemed to have a great core of regulars. It could get busy and rocking at times, but mainly just a cool place to hang out during the week. You could go there to play QB1 on the big screen. You could go there to dance in the weekends. You could go there to watch the Oilers play. Every once in a while you’d get some prominent people stop in. A wide range of people would somehow find this place. The odd time you could see some Edmonton Eskimo players, local politicians,Canadian boxing champs like Scotty Olsen, Danny Stonewalker or Ken Lakusta, strippers etc.. Mostly it was a relatively quiet place that was like hanging out in your rumpus room. Unfortunately it looks like it’s closed now, like many of Edmonton’s 80’s and 90’s bars/pubs/restaurants and night clubs.

There was a small pub across the street from the Edmonton Inn, that was in the basement of the Chateau Louis Hotel, called Club Rendezvous Vous. It was kind of a hidden spot, that somehow everybody has been to at some point. They had a small dance floor, pool tables, lounge section with big tv’s. It was a cozy bar that seemed to have a great core of regulars. It could get busy and rocking at times, but mainly just a cool place to hang out during the week. You could go there to play QB1 on the big screen. You could go there to dance in the weekends. You could go there to watch the Oilers play. Every once in a while you’d get some prominent people stop in. A wide range of people would somehow find this place. The odd time you could see some Edmonton Eskimo players, local politicians,Canadian boxing champs like Scotty Olsen, Danny Stonewalker or Ken Lakusta, strippers etc.. Mostly it was a relatively quiet place that was like hanging out in your rumpus room. Unfortunately it looks like it’s closed now, like many of Edmonton’s 80’s and 90’s bars/pubs/restaurants and night clubs.

Came to Edmonton in 82, first job was at Cosmos (hi SANDY from above)then Centre Club ( Gretzky told me I cook the best lamb rack he ever had).. Work at Walden’s, Steakboard/boiler lounge, Hilton Rose & Crown, Squiers on whyte ave. Went to many of the bars and clubs mention above. I remember one Halloween my sous chef and I went out in our cook uniforms to ?? Ali Katz, across the street . Was a hotel with bar in the basement, we couldn’t get in as it was full. My sous chef went back an hour later and told then he was the new sous chef from the hotel and was checking out the food.(they let him in). Had sooo many great times.