I'm already a fan of Vacancy Hall even though the day I went only had two businesses open…read more Leprechaun FX was open and their store is right at the back of the hall and specializes in boutique guitar pedals. I had in fact heard of them just because my husband is a massive music nerd and loves all the gear that comes along with guitars. Next to them is Saraswati Designs with a beautifully laid out space displaying so much jewellery! Such variety, I was in there for ages! And, they have a sale table with some great deals! The hall itself is found underneath the Mercer building. Enter the Rostizado entrance but head downstairs to a cool quirky communal studio space. They make a point of hosting upcoming designers and local entrepreneurs. I want to go back and enjoy all the stalls they have set up in there, especially the one who makes those 'Still In Edmonton'Shirts. This place is definitely worth checking out if you find yourself downtown, or looking for an unusual gift, or just wanna know about some cool happenings in our great city!

Vacancy hall is in the basement of the Mercer building. When you go down the stairs there is a…read morerestaurant on your left (used to be a coffee shop) and a retail store on your right (door is usually closed which prevents customers from entering IMO). Once you go past these two businesses there is a small foyer where the bathrooms can be accessed then double doors going into Vacancy Hall. Within the Hall there are walls and garage door style doors for 6-7 separate businesses. They're all on the side which creates a central space for events. Since it's a basement the ceilings feel a little low but it's actually quite practical. Exposed tubes, pipes, and ducts give it some ambiance as does the painted mural on the far back wall. The communal event space can be used to throw parties, concerts, charity events, etc. Most of your equipment will need to be brought in though. They have a few tables, lighting, and garbage cans you can use which is thoughtful. Any audio equipment, seating, and decorations would need to be brought it. The legal capacity is 195 people but the 2 bathrooms available are single use locking doors which wouldn't work for a group that size. I don't know each of the stores that have rented spaces in the Hall but each location probably deserves it's own Yelp profile so I guess that's a job for another day!

Wow this was so disappointing, The Hall itself was fine, but received complaints that the bar staff…read morewere drinking shots when they thought no one was watching, I guess when someone else is paying. Staff in the bar horrible!

Nice hall, incompetent bar staff, disorganized very poorly set up and drinking alcohol while…read moreserving, suspect they weren't paying for their drinks. Not to be trusted!

Some of the best memories when I lived in Edmonton were spent playing squash with Brian Wolfman.read more

I came here last week for the first time to attend my husband's 25th high school reunion…read more There was ample parking - always good for a large group! Especially when many people will struggle with just walking upright by the end ;-) The space we had the reunion in was open with vaulted ceilings with a large balcony. The washrooms were also clean the entire night - bonus! The staff (food/liquor) were friendly and easy to find. We had both chef stations (sautéed giant shrimp on bruschetta were my fave) and hor d'oeuvres throughout the evening. We ordered a bottle of champagne to share with our table and the bartender came over to serve it to us and offered to keep it on ice at his station. Without even asking, he would reappear silently to refill our glasses. I wish I had asked his name because he was phenomenal! My only complaint was the lack of seating and volume of the dj/band but I'm guessing those were both choices by the reunion committee. I'm definitely looking forward to the next time I have an event here or any reason to come back and check 'em out.

This is the second time I popped into this cafe, both times I was greeted immediately and with a…read morefriendly smile. This location is adjacent to Grant MacEwan university and next door to Marvel college. What brought me in the second time was the sign that said half price coffee, and when it's -30 out all warm drinks are a must. This place is a hidden gem!! The first time I grabbed a quick lunch here of an Italian sandwich and the second this delicious creamy vanilla latte!! The bathroom is clean and perfect even for reading a book or cramming for a test. Best of all is the atmosphere of this cafe. Surrounded my motorcycles, this location is two floors...a great first date spot for students or caffeine lovers alike! I was so comfortable I almost left without paying haha!!! The barista provided my airy head with a smile and just asked me how I liked my latte as I was heading out. A+ service!!!

The food and drinks are expensive, but they have a great selection…read more You don't actually have to be a member to get in. Mediocre buffet items. Patio is nice. Trees for shade. Special bar b q events happen periodically during the Spring/Summer. Also wine tastings. It's not fancy, but upstairs they have a nice venue for weddings etc. That is where you'll have the best river valley view as well. Private parking lot. After 4:30 I never pay. You're suppose to, but I've never been caught.

We had our wedding reception at the University Club 40 years ago. This past weekend I had a…read moresurprise retirement party there for my husband. It was as remarkable as our wedding. From the planning team to the servers, everyone went out of their way to assist me. You cannot beat the view. I was running out of time both setting up and taking down the party, and staff seemed to appear from nowhere to help out. The food was delightful and served hot and on time. Jim, the upstairs manger, should receive a gold medal for his service. Nothing is too small or too big for him to tackle. Lovely, sweet wait staff. Thank you for making this a night my husband and guests will never forget.

Ritchie Mill is off the beaten track and it's a nice change from the hustle and bustle of Whyte…read moreAve. It's a bit of a well kept secret too. This pub/restaurant usually has pretty good specials so you will usually get a pretty good value no matter what. It's also a very comfortable place to eat or have a drink. The atmosphere is really nice and relaxed. The staff are great. I've never had an unfriendly server or bad service at Ritchie Mill. The food here is decent. It's nothing to write home about, but it's not too shabby. Ritchie Mill is unique so it's a cool place. If you're looking for a chilled out place to hang with friends - check it out. If you're looking for a nice dinner, I'd go elsewhere.

This is a superb mix of commercial enterprises, under one (warm & dry) roof! Fabulous coffee…read more(Transcend), delicious meat cuts (Meat) and excellent food with drinks (Biera)......in an upscale building just conveniently away from the hustle and bustle!!

What an incredible idea. An interactive are gallery, each room designed by different local artists…read morewith two secret rooms to find and treat (yeah actual candy hidden in this place too). So many talking points, great photo ops and cool backgrounds. This was a great way to spend an hour or so looking at the detail in each space. Finding those secret rooms was exciting and so fun to open up the doors, drawers and control the music, sit in, climb on and hang out. I think it's only here till the end of October so check it out before it goes. Can't wait to see what these creative masterminds come up with next year!

I work as a designer and it's hard to believe that this was my first year attending Vignettes. I…read morewas absolutely blown away by the creativity and the amount of work that went into each room. My friends and I ended up spending a couple hours going through all the rooms. I was surprised that it took us this long but there was just so much to see and take in. We each had our own favorite rooms and we had a hard time leaving. Some rooms we went into more than once and each time we experienced more. This is a great way to spend an afternoon and see so much amazing talent that our city has to offer!

The home of Alberta's first premier is lovingly preserved on the U of A campus. It is a short walk…read moreback more than a century into the genteel life of upper class of the day. Nice little tea shop with a charming sun-room, where one can enjoy a high tea service. But this is also a great event venue. I have used it for a reception and dinner, and have attended two small weddings there. It would be top of my list for any small event I might organize, the only caveat being it is only available after regular hours.

Rutherford house was amazing! I was sad to make a trip to Edmonton to find it closed. Apparently in…read morethe next couple of years a cafe will open up.