We went here for the crab boil and I think for 30 bucks pretty good bang for your buck. We also ordered a couple of appies. The calamari and the roasted broccoli. Atmosphere was a typical pub ambiance. Really not remarkable. I liked though that the music wasn't blaring and I could have a conversation. Server was friendly and helpful. Food was quick to come out. We both loved the calamari. They were thick pieces that were well seasoned. Definately need to order this again. Broccoli was perhaps a bit underdone, but flavour was good. When the crab came out it looked a little skimpy in terms of potatoes and the other shellfish. However with the appies we were filled up well. Crab was tasty and well boiled. Potatoes were okay and the few mussels and clanms on the bottom. I would come back here for that still. All in all a good meal. read more

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Very quick service and great drinks specials. I really enjoyed the crowd and live music. Also they had a lot of things available like gaming machines and a large dance floor. They have a lot of events, daily specials and live bands there. I always see a lot of people enjoying themselves. I'd highly recommend I also heard they have a great seafood boil too read more

I was here for dinner recently. The salad was excellent. I had steak added which was just ok. I should have asked for the chicken. My buddy had wings. No complaints. The beers on tap are cheap. I drank bottomless club soda. Everything served with many smiles and jokes. Fun atmosphere. DJ was pretty good. I didn't stick around for the band. Maybe next time. I don't want to say it's a "meat market", but it kinda is. As a married woman though, I did not feel uncomfortable. It was all fun. read more

I have been visiting OTR for years now, specially the Thursday Latin Nights! I have also done their Paint Nights, Games and live concerts. The management and staff are lovely! The venue is big and roomie to hang out or dance in the dancefloor. I have been wanting to do their Crab Boil and finally had a change to. For $35 you get whole crab, accompanied by some potatoes, and corn. There was five of us so we shared two appetizers because some of us were still a bit hungry. I had a nice cold beer with the meal. It was perfect! the butter on side was everything. We got super cute bibs and all these neat tools that I never used lol. We got down to business and enjoyed the experience. It was also a game day so it was super busy. The food took a bit but it was understandable. I am going back for more Crab Boil for sure !! also looking forward to some salsa dancing soon :) see you soon OTR !! read more

On The Rocks - Crab nights - Pubs Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

This is getting another four stars for taco Tuesday. I'll not go anywhere else. Also their lunch sandwich, hmmm what is it called...one sec...short rib dip. Unmmm, #getit read more

Avoid Thursdays unless you want to listen to earsplitting salsa music AND pay a cover charge for the torture. We had no idea it was salsa lessons when we entered and paid $5 but soon were blasted by the instructor screaming instructions into a microphone and unnecessarily loud music. Kudos to those who want to learn a dance and I guess we should have checked out the events before being assaulted by the noise. read more

As a married woman, I hadn't gone to a meat market bar in a REALLY long time. But things have changed, and I'm getting out and socializing and having a few drinks and enjoying myself. I was really reticent to come here. I'd heard about its reputation, and was super nervous. Bestie came with me for wingwoman, just in case. We sat at the bar, and thank GOODNESS we had the most amazing, friendly, and super sociable bartender, Garvey, and he made me feel right at home. The music was '80s throwback, but that's OK. The demographic was around my age group, some a little younger, some a little older, but perfect for what I needed to get me back out there. I'll avoid it on game days, but I was even brave enough to come back a week or so later in the afternoon for a beer by myself, and didn't feel stressed or creeped out on either occasion. It will become one of my regular bars. read more

Never heard of this place until free tickets were given out at the Alberta craft beer festival for their Date Game night. I invited a few girls out for the evening to check it out. They have their Date Game night one Sunday evening a month at 8 p.m. The ticket said to call to reserve a table but the guy said there was no need. When we arrived, the hostess asked if we had a reservation. We arrived around 7:30 and good thing there were still a few good tables available. We weren't quite sure what to expect as we were not going to really find a date. The hostess asked if we wanted to volunteer to participate and it was just for fun and it didn't matter if you are married or not. Most of the customers around the bar area looked like regulars and the majority of the crowd watching looked older. The stage area was set up nicely with a band playing. They had curtains so the bachelor couldn't see the bachelorettes. A series of questions were asked so the bachelor could decide who to pick as his date. There were three rounds for the evening and each couple wins a certificate for a crab boil dinner and a movie. Each winner gets one certificate unless they really are going on a date. The host, Mark was entertaining. The drink prices were reasonable however, they don't have a drink menu. Seems like most people order beer or highballs. They have a flatbread with two toppings for $5, I had the pepperoni and mushroom but couldn't really see or taste the pepperoni and the mushrooms weren't cooked but it was okay, enough for one person as a snack. Looks like they have other deals during the week like $2 hotdogs on Mondays, $2 tacos on Tuesday, and 40 cent wings on Wednesday. There's also happy hour until 6 p.m. This is a good place for entertainment, it wasn't crazy loud. They have dancing and salsa on Thursdays. The menu looks good so I would like to go back to try the crab boil and maybe watch the Dating Game again. read more

On The Rocks - Pubs Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

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The staff are super friendly, which is why I think a lot of people go here. It seems to be the same people all the time. It's like a very central watering hole. You can count on the age demographic to be 30+ which is great. Nothing worse than going to a bar and finding out you're the oldest person there. They have a lot of space to sit and eat, and during the weekends/Salsa night it turns into a dance floor. They got the VLTs as well if you're interested in playing for a bit. They usually have pretty good deals for food as well. I've only eaten here a few times. I've been here to watch the game a few times as well. I like their "Bingo Tunes" on Monday. People do tend to get really sloppy drunk here. I don't know if it is the first place I would go to alone or just with girlfriends. There are a lot of creepy older men who have no shame in hitting on you. They get away with it because they're regulars too. I think they may have a false sense of confidence like they won't get kicked out so they can leer and behave how they want. :S read more

Live music ~ Dance floor ~ Diverse age demographic! DRINK & FOOD specials all week! They have crazy Hot Dog & Taco nights Ie: Mac & Cheese Taco .... Lots of fun and ridiculously cheap! Say $2 cheap. Google their specials or follow them on the gram. Challenge their bartenders, you might be surprised but they make a mean drink here if you have the cahoonahs to test their skills. We ordered some fancy drinks requesting top tier spirits. Corey, Jay & Nathan are amazing !! If you like to tip go big & your bar tender will literally ring a HUGE GONG! Come as you are ~ There can be a door charge, typically well worth the live entertainment you'll receive. Newbies: Parking is limited, paid parking in the back. Pizza joint next door. Have a pre drink at Earls Tin Palace or Bar Clementine (dressier) across the street & walking distance from OTR. read more

On The Rocks - OTR Edmonton, AB - Pubs Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

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We are from out of the city. We were in the bar on Friday night for the fund raiser with Morning Wood. We bid, we won and lost. We drank and danced. Every time we come to Edmonton we go there as we love the atmosphere and the age group. On Saturday night We brought 6 people with us our daughter and son in law as part of the group. I am a quiet, no messing around with other people. My wife and I go outside for a vape and we are not allowed back in because I was "smoking" inside. I was not. My feelings were hurt as nothing like that happened. Maybe Tom didn't like my Oilers jersey. My wife was going to be allowed back in. So we left earlier than expected. Our daughter said several small skirmishes occurred but no one got tossed. Not sure if I'll ever darken their door again. read more

I've eaten here a few times mainly due to coupons I had where the food was free or half off. Obviously it's not the kind of restaurant that most people would go to dine at so the food is nothing special but they try. My experience has been good overall though. The waitresses are kind and the food is decent. They also have really good deals throughout the week if you look. There's some items that I wouldn't pay full price for but on special it's good enough. The portions are quite big. It's not a bad option if you want to go out and eat. Bonus: they have their own free parking lot so you don't have to stress about parking downtown. read more

Nothing beats Thursday's at On the Rocks if you like to dance Salsa (and Bachata, there seems to be a lot of Bachata lately lol). This is the place to go to dance on Thursday. At 8:30am they have a Salsa Dance lesson that usually goes for about 1hour, and leads into the regular dancing. As a girl, I have learned that it is best to not wait for someone to dance, but rather it is the norm to go ask someone to dance. The best dancers always have a line, so if you go in quick, you will be able to dance with anyone. I have not heard of anyone being rejected a dance and if you are new, everyone seems pretty patient with a learner. It is certainly a test of courage, but it is so worth it for the fun of dancing. Practice makes perfect, and Thursdays at OTR is the best way to get in the practice dancing Salsa. read more

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The drinks were great the service was awesome. But food not so much I have cooked at a lot of places and I didn't think you could mess up Nachos. I was wrong the chips were burnt and either over seasoned or under seasoned or none, there was next to no cheese I am guessing there was a cheese shortage, supposedly there were Jalapeños On it which again could not find. It came out on a cutting board which I didn't understand. I do recommend drinks . I don't recommend the nachos. read more

If you are looking for the 30+ crowd, they are in here. I like On The Rocks for a night out with the girls. There has been a live band on every time I've gone and they are always excellent. That dance floor is full of people and the DJ, who fills in between the band's sets, keeps them all moving too. It's a fun, unpretentious night out, with varied clientele. I always leave having chatted to so many different people and a few too many drinks. There is a cover charge at the door when there is a band playing and it's cash only. They have a couple of cash machines in there so don't stress if you never carry cash (like me). Coat check is $3. The bar itself is cash only unless you wanna start a tab and you can pay with credit at the end of your night. read more

On The Rocks is one of the last pubs in downtown Edmonton with great happy hour specials. I'm focusing this review on Taco Tuesday (5pm - late). $1 for your choice of chicken or beef hard or soft tacos with meat, cheese, lettuce & tomato. If you're hankering for a side of salsa, sour cream, guacamole or hot sauce those are $1 as well, but they're healthy servings, good for a few tacos each. The tacos are actually really tasty, much better quality than what one would expect for the price. If you show up for happy hour (3 - 7pm) then you can also enjoy $4 draft and highballs and $5 glasses of wine. A cheap night out with satisfying eats. *Small aside* In terms of the every day menu, I can only speak to the unhealthy options *hangs head in shame*, but I've always had a yummy food experience. My favourites are their loaded lattice fries & deep fried pickles. Mmmm. In my experience, the service leaves some to be desired, which brings the review from a 4* to a 3* read more

On The Rocks - Taco Tuesday! - Pubs Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

I have been to OTR many times. I usually come for their Thursdays salsa lessons. I ordered their chicken club house sandwich with house salad. The food was very tasty and I was pleased with the portions, seasoning and presentation. The service was average so don't expect to have fantastic welcoming. Specially the hostess and bouncers are not friendly whatsoever. Wouldn't you think as first point of contact, the managers would ensure that they hire people who want to work? read more

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I've gone to OTR mostly for the Latin/Salsa nights on Thursdays. They have a salsa lessons at 8pm by Salsaddiction. They have live music on Fridays. The day I went they had a band called Mourning Wood. This is a rock cover band. It was a good combination of live and DJ music so you could keep dancing. Dance floor is big and there are also lots of tables available. They do take reservations and they'll waive the entrance fee for your group. I haven't tried any of their food, I would go there mostly for dancing and drinks. read more

On The Rocks - Build your own flat bread $5 - Pubs Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

I have been going to OTR since it opened. The staff is always super friendly and the food never disappoints. I go for lunch at least once per week, always great lunch specials, it's definitely not your typical bar fare, it's like a good restaurant that turns into a live music venue on the weekends. Weekends at OTR are always a blast, great bands hit the stage and a DJ to entertain you between sets. The crowd is a bit older than your average nightclub which is nice, keeps things a little friendlier read more

This is a great downtown pub that offers good food and good service. My boyfriend and I have gone time and time again for wings here and they serve up some of the best, but their wing specials are not the greatest. You can find a better deal elsewhere if you're looking to save money. The coolest thing about this place is that they have salsa lessons. I was eating here once when a lesson broke out and I am a little disappointed in myself for not joining in. The location is prime - right downtown. I know they serve lunch here as well, but I have only gone in the evening. I will definitely go back! Maybe for salsa lessons this time!! read more

On The Rocks - Pubs Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

When the locals are BEGGING to take you to this place, there MUST be something interesting going on.....right!? Well....it's a hop, skip and jump away from Earls...in a little strip mall. I really had no idea what to expect, other than the group of Edmontonians (that's a word, right?) we were with were totally stoked on going there. With an early 6am flight to look forward to and a the sun setting at 11pm we all figured an all-nighter was in order. Step into On The Rocks...and I was instantly transported to my hometown...smack on the US/Mexico border. It was Latin night! Although, I'm sure most folks were Central American, not Mexican...the vibe was equal to what you would find in any Latin American spot- it was lively and there was a lot of dancing! This made for great people watching for our group. We ordered some brews and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere. outside of the fun latin tunes, I'm not sure this bar had much more to offer. While it was fun to enjoy the music, there were moments when I thought a fight could break out at any moment. This wouldn't be my top choice for a bar. But, it was a "must visit" according to locals...and it was fun in the moment. read more

I came for lunch and was left pleasantly surprised. I heard the food was good and from my experience, I would agree. It was pretty quiet when I arrived at 12:30 and we had our choice of seats. Most people that arrived after us, also sat in the booths. The menu is pub food; hamburgers, sandwiches, and hot dogs. I decided on the bbq pulled chicken wrap and sweet potato fries for $12. The wrap was huge with lots of chicken, and veggies. The fries were delicious and they were not the usual thin cut kind but thick cut and served with aioli. Not sure I would enjoy the weekend crowds but I would like to come back for lunch and try something else from the menu. read more

I don't know what they are trying to achieve with their recent rebranding - but it's terrible. OTR is still absolutely a dive bar (as many reviews have pointed out and it really always has been). But with this whole "kitchen + drink" rebranding they've started doing in the last couple of months, all they've done is change their logo and jack up all their prices (they came out with a second new menu in as many months with entrees now priced at $20+ - at a dive bar! I'm sorry, but that's what I would pay at Corso32, not OTR). The odd crowd and rude servers are still there. Now it's just an expensive dive bar. They've also changed their promotions, but haven't communicated it with their customers or even changed their billing. Despite being a somewhat regular customer who always orders the same (on sale) drink, I wasn't informed when that drink was no longer on special. Then when I get the bill it says "cider for $4 - $6.20" (meaning that they're actually charging me $6.20). No apologies from the server for not relaying the info or a fix on the bill or anything. Just rudeness and a "this change was made a month ago" - as if I should have intrinsically known. I'll go back a couple more times and use up some gift cards I have, but this place has finally lost my regular patronage. I'll be finding somewhere new. Edit: They still list "Big Rock Draught" on their website as $4.50 (so it went up 50 cents), which is false advertising if they're not including the cider. read more

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the "bouncer" at this place is not friendly and really hurt my friend's feelings on her birthday. he makes this place a 2/5 stars. horrible bouncer read more

I haven't been to On the Rocks for years, simply because I no longer work in the area. I do have good memories of the place. I would go there occasionally with co-workers to drink off the day. Unlike most bars, they have a decent selection of coolers--not just Smirnoff Ice. I don't remember the food being this good. This is not ordinary bar food. I would have LOVED to try the Chatuertie Board (Sorry, I have no idea how to spell it) but hubby wasn't interested, and I didn't want to eat one by myself, but what a cool idea! Hubby had the bacon cheeseburger with a side of spaghetti squash. Another cool idea. Never seen spaghetti squash offered as a side dish before, and it was tasty too. I think it was roasted. I had the ahi tuna and avocado sandwich with a side of kale caeser salad. So good...the sandwich has a subtle spicy kick and the salad was nice and crisp with large pieces of bacon. We're pretty pleased. Service could have been a tad faster, but no biggie. She was friendly and our requests were met. The entertainment was a DJ, but we didn't stay for that. Nice to know that I can get good eats here. Oh! And they have a crab special on the last Friday of every month. read more

On The Rocks - Tuna avocado sandwich with kale caeser. - Pubs Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

Restaurant in Jasper Ave. Great when it's not packed. Love the bar in the center and that they play live music sometimes and karaoke. the review is based on lack of service by Chantelle and the nachos for not being fresh or even layered and after the 7th nacho all the cheese is gone so leaves you with nothing but chips. Also the fried chicken and fries were cold. I was hungry so eat it all. wish I could have saved my money! read more

On The Rocks - cold food. beautiful picture. :/ - Pubs Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

I've been to OTR few times already but today I went to check a Latin Rock Band called "Malandanzas" I had a really good time. There are few good options on the menu but I tried the deal of the day that is "Build your own flatbread for $5!" I ordered an herb and cram cheese flatbread with feta, bacon and tomato and I have to say it was quite good. You can park in front of the bar but you have to get there early enough or to have good luck as the same as any other place in downtown, parking can be difficult. The server was really friendly and helpful, always checking on us. The dancing floor is big enough and they also have a stage for live music. I heard that OTR offers salsa classes on Thursdays so I think next time I visit them it be on a salsa night! read more

On The Rocks - Feta, bacon and fresh tomatoes flatbread - Pubs Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

It's a downtown watering hole for locals that has a modern feel and good food and seems they have events most days. Food generally good with good burgers and salads and brisket. But sometimes the grilled vegetables taste like natural gas. Older crowd during the day and younger at night. Exceedingly popular. TV screens. Rock shows. Drag queens. Karaoke. They have it all. Staff are very pleasant. Good spot to hang out during off hours. Or to people watch. They have cheap wings daily but cannot remember the hours. Parking lot is always full so be prepared to walk. Has booths, tables or bar seating. Washroom is tiny. read more

I waited 20 minutes at the bar to order 2 waters. I had $5 in my hand. I guess that wasn't enough money, so I didn't give any tip.

My wife and I had lunch at On The Rocks recently and both had the Jambalaya which was described as spicy by the cordial, efficient, but not overly friendly waitress. We found the dish subtly spiced (we like ours with considerably more heat), so would be perfect with those with a more delicate palate. 4 nicely sized and not overcooked shrimp were present as well as small cubes of chicken and pieces of sausage. The pea shoots on the dish were a delight as they provided a nice, fresh palate cleansing contrast to the Jambalaya. Though the portion seemed modest, we left quite satisfied, and the waitress gave us each a small bag of freshly baked chocolate and toffee cookies to take with us. read more

We have been to OTR a few times and always had a great time. The food is good and music is fun to dance to. Staff is welcoming and friendly. Oilers game night is especially fun when the organize games and activities. Wish we lived downtown so we can be come over here every week. read more

Lets get one thing straight: OTR is totally a Dive Bar. And as far as dive bars go in the city, this is the very best! In my humble opinion at least... With theme nights that change daily, from Salsa/Latin dancing, crazy Karaoke, to Hair Metal cover bands, there is a lot going on here. What never changes; this is where you go to get fall-down drunk and love it! It's always packed, always a great time. The line at the bar is always a wait - but find one of the MANY phenomenal bartenders at the beginning of the night, tip them $20 and you should be good. Now go have some fun Edmonton!! read more

Reading the reviews down below, I would have to say, it's important to separate the difference between On the Rocks the restaurant and On the Rocks the night club. I went for the dancing. Music is Top 40 with what you would expect from that. Love it or hate it that's up to you. I personally like to dance to all types of music. The crowd is older, there are more cougars here than at the Valley Zoo. Saying that wherever there are cougars there are cougar hunters. I don't know where these guys hang out during the day, but there are lot of guys that think dancing is either grinding or salsa. I'm sure you've seen them salsa'ing with a lady in giant heels to House of Pains "Jump Around" Not a big deal, but amusing to my eye. The security there was unobtrusive and did their jobs without a fuss. Not a huge line up but there is a $5 cover charge (which after going to pubs for so long...is odd) Bartenders were quick and polite, with drinks being a fair price. Worth going to, and if you're older and want to find a dance spot this would be where I'd recommend. Pros Great Dance floor Older crowd No fights Lots of parking around the area even though it's downtown Cons It's Downtown Cover Charge read more

On The Rocks isn't generally a place I would find myself heading to on a weekend evening, but last year at work I won a cookie bake off contest. The prize was a gift card for On The Rocks, so I decided to make a night of it with a bunch of co-workers. We arrived around 6 pm on a Friday, and the place was pretty much dead. It didn't start picking up until 9:30 or so, and because I left on the early side (11 pm), I didn't get to experience the crowding that other reviewers have commented on. The food I ordered was great, much better than the standard bar fare I was expecting. I had the chicken tenders (real chicken, no pressed meat, good seasoning), and our table shared the nachos. I liked the fries that came with my chicken tenders, as well as the wild cherry aioli for dipping, it definitely made the meal for me. Our waitress was amazing. We were moving tables and spilled a full beer by accident, and she took it off our bill - same with another beer that a friend ordered when he told her he didn't like it (he drank it anyway). She also handled all our bills separately in our big group, and brought our orders promptly. When our server switched over later in the night, we also felt well taken care of. We were never short on water or drinks if we wanted them. Both servers we had were definitely trained well and professional. As someone in their late twenties, I didn't feel out of place on the dance floor at On the Rocks. The live rock music was good, and I think it brings out people who aren't just 18 and looking to go club hopping for the night. The atmosphere might have changed later in the night, but while we were there it was a good time. read more

I have the rather dubious reputation of being a regular at this bar. I work across the street and so the convenience factor coupled with $4 beer and highballs any day of the work week keep me coming back. That coupled with the friendly staff make it an excellent place to unwind after a long day at work. There is more than enough room to give you a relatively quite place to have a conversation during the day and watching the transition from a pub frequented by elderly gentlemen, to a bar where people from all walks of life come after work to a club in the late evening and on weekends is always fun to watch. The food is what you'd expect its a pub... you get pub food. Moreover, this is the ideal place to take a large group of friends and still be able to hang out together. read more

Been for Tuesday Tacos ($1 but you also have to buy a drink) which are great for the cost and also for Salsa Thursdays. Had fun both times - the place is quiet and good for conversations on Tuedays, and absolutely packed for salsa on Thursday - exactly what I wanted in each occasion! The service is good, the place is clean and accessible. It's a unpretentious bar with booths & high stools around wood tables - a sports bar without a need to blare its music or its passion for sports (although the TVs are usually playing some game or another). Some nights there is a cover charge; Salsa on Thursday will set you back a $5 cover charge, which I'm guessing is to help pay for the instructors they bring in each week to teach the beginner lesson. read more

Do you like karaoke? Come check this place out. Putting your karaoke-ers on a stage in front of the whole bar is a new level of karaoke than I was used to. I didn't get any food and only really took advantage of the drink special for the night. The service I received was pretty average. I don't really feel like rushing back here anytime soon. Check out the specials of the week, other than those go somewhere else. read more

The menu is superb and diverse, from smoked Mac & Cheese to pulled pork trio sandwich.

If you're looking for live music, this is your place! While I've never been to On the Rocks on a week night, I've frequented this place on the weekend. There is a small cover charge which is totally worth the entertainment! Usually a cover band covering everything from the 80's-present. I've yet to be disappointed! Drinks are priced like any downtown establishment and they do have a food menu offering typical pub fare. I've never been here early enough to try the food. And I'm not sure when food service ends. The night crowd is better than your typical Whyte Ave. barely old enough to drink teeny bopper! Slightly more mature with the odd younger girl to keep it interesting for those older guys! I would suggest getting there before 11pm if you want to avoid the lineup that can sometimes form. All in all a fun place! read more

My second time here in 3 years, but this time I came with a gigantic group of people. There was plenty of room for our crowd, though the evening's organizer made a reservation for us. Our server was fantastic, but I think the Name That Song hostess forgot about us. No big. We were cutting open glow sticks and smearing the goo on our faces, so it was probably a calculated decision to leave us alone. The Suicide wings would be more accurately described as Papercut, but they tasted pretty decent apart from the depressing absence of heat. A couple of friends left us with their bill, but at $3.50 a pint for the Big Rock suite--Wednesday night's special--I couldn't complain. read more