Banff Bites: Top Food & Drink Spots in the Park
Banff National Park is just a total dream, right? I mean it’s so much more than postcard views, that’s for sure. It’s a place where towering mountains meet up with unbelievably turquoise lakes. Though, I tell you, with all that adventuring, a person is bound to work up an appetite! What’s interesting is the food scene there has become surprisingly dynamic, I mean you wouldn’t necessarily expect it, right? So, let’s take a peek into some truly great spots that really add some zing to the whole Banff experience.
1. The Bison Restaurant + Lounge
Alright, so The Bison Restaurant + Lounge is where you’ll find those modern Canadian dishes that really shine, and what is pretty neat is they use regional ingredients, local produce, the whole deal. The restaurant makes pretty much everything from scratch, that too, it’s almost a showcase of the Alberta area. The vibe is totally cozy, think rustic-chic kind of feel that, for instance, just enhances the whole dining affair. This place is just spot on, very inviting after a day of sightseeing.
I’d really suggest starting with the charcuterie board that very cleverly shows off Alberta’s finest cheeses and cured meats. For the main event, you pretty much can’t go wrong with their braised bison short ribs. I mean those short ribs? Seriously melt-in-your-mouth tender and served up with a generous helping of creamy polenta. The cocktails? Oh, don’t even get me started. Very innovative drinks created using local spirits and botanicals that is just right if you fancy a taste of something uniquely Canadian. Plus, that, is just their wine list which showcases mainly Canadian wines (nice touch), complements the menu so well. Oh and that view, what is nice too it’s panoramic views of the mountains. Truly fantastic.
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2. Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar
Now, if you love some lively scenes and a good craft cocktail, then, as a matter of fact, Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar ticks those boxes beautifully. What Park Distillery do, they distill their own spirits right on-site, giving the place that kind of mountain distillery come restaurant vibe. This one time, when I popped in, I saw the distillers at work. It’s very impressive!
So, the food? Basically, you’ll find campfire-inspired meals, roasted meats, vegetables prepared with, that’s right, plenty of flair. I often opt for their rotisserie chicken. What I like, is juicy and perfectly seasoned, plus those sides are also very comforting after you been out in the brisk mountain air. To be honest the cocktails are what really steal the show, that being said. They are all crafted using their in-house spirits, naturally. Don’t forget the “Glacier Margarita”, this really is a crowd favorite, super refreshing. In the meantime, that space has big communal tables, exposed brick, an altogether, kind of buzzing atmosphere. In fact it is just perfect for a group of friends that very closely get together. Anyway it feels like, you’re kicking back after a long day on the trails, celebrating with very hearty food and top-notch drinks.
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3. Tooloulou’s
Alright, if it is comfort food that you really are after, and also something really kinda zesty, you should give Tooloulou’s a go! It features what’s more interesting Cajun and Creole style cuisine. That menu has gumbo, jambalaya, that kind of deal, which isn’t what I’d call regular mountain fare but in that case it sure is popular! Basically, just get in early or brace yourself for a small queue since Tooloulou’s is also something of a local favourite.
I actually often kick things off with beignets that, in other words, are fried dough that is powdered with sugar, they do scream southern comfort. I typically opt for the jambalaya, it brings together sausage, chicken, rice and those signature Cajun spices to deliver a punchy, very flavourful meal. And also, I’m partial to the shrimp po’boy because it is stuffed with crispy shrimp, piled high on that, soft bread. Oh yeah and don’t leave without sampling their super-rich bread pudding for pudding. All the ingredients combine to make something which warms up you perfectly before a visit in Banff.
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4. Block Kitchen + Bar
Next, we’re at Block Kitchen + Bar, now this one’s kinda neat! Small plates and cocktails reign supreme here. The location itself has more of an industrial vibe that, in the meantime, has got cozy corners. It is good in my view if you wanted to meet up with, you know, several of your mates but also as an alternative if you sought cosiness with just one, special other person. What Block does well is it allows the diner to try quite a few bits without you getting loads of something.
Their menu which offers bao buns, ceviche or else gyoza which seems pretty broad which, frankly, might make your choices tricky! Even though I often wind up with the bao buns and also the ceviche when I’m feeling fruity. Very inventive flavour combos with very well mixed drinks, a treat and very well worth visiting. With sharing boards being the rage that is just about here for everyone to partake with. This gives us variety and tastes while we dine. Very good.
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5. Eddie Burger Bar
Alright, for a very laid-back and casual grub? Check out Eddie Burger Bar. This here is where all things burgers happen. In Banff they can satisfy just about anything from people wanting tasty beef patties right through to vegan alternatives so, Eddie Burger Bar is usually worth bearing in mind. This place gets really crowded that’s for certain so it can be wise if one bears in mind potentially the best timing to pop in for those much reduced queue length scenarios. This may matter should families with those shorter attention spans be in the posse! Good for kids and oldies as the venue might say.
Here you go with some top recommendations on this, great stop! The burgers can include pretty adventurous choices using different combinations of ingredients and very original additions which may bring about a completely novel flavour. Shakes which are kinda decadent for pud seem popular too! What is more to know is a casual relaxed kind of ambiance can mean pretty quick food can usually appear when you need food after perhaps some long hours trekking nearby! What it feels is very popular! In fact, I love it when things work out fine.
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