Where to eat, drink and shop in Saskatoon’s Riversdale neighbourhood

Tucked just north of South Saskatchewan River’s banks and only a stone’s throw from the downtown core is the little neighbourhood that’s helping to redefine Saskatoon. It’s been named everything from “Canada’s Next Great Neighbourhood” to the “Hippest Neighbourhood in Saskatchewan.”

While normally we’d be cautious to use such superlatives, there’s no doubt about it — Riversdale is buzzing. New business and restaurants are choosing 20th Street to open their doors, while local mainstays are enjoying the resurgence of business in the area.

If you’ve got a weekend to kill in Saskatoon, here’s where to fill your belly, quench your thirst and empty your wallet.

“Bohemian” might not be a word you’d immediately associate with Saskatoon, but it’s the perfect one to describe Drift Café & Vista Lounge. Even though it’s miles from the ocean, surfer vibes abound in this multi-level restaurant. The Rooftop Patio makes this a must-visit for sunset cocktails — but it’s the sidewalk seats that will have you lining up early for brunch. If you’re feeling the coastal-inspired menu, afterwards head over to neighbouring Escape Sports for a post-brunch stand-up paddleboarding session. driftcafe.ca

Cohen’s Beer Republic With 22 draught and 50 bottled beers, as well as plenty of whisky on-offer, this pub was a welcome addition to the neighbourhood when it opened its doors in late 2018. Local and Canadian beers are front and centre, but there’s also wine, cocktails and a full food menu to order from. (Bonus points to anyone who can manage to do a full scroll of Cohen’s Instagram feed without developing a mad hankering for a burger.) cohensyxe.com

Darkside Donuts Remember when cupcake shops were a thing? We suspected it was a trend that wouldn’t survive. Donuts, though? They’re too versatile to ever go out of style. (We hope.) Darkside Donuts, another Riversdale newbie, supports this argument. Its donuts — made using local ingredients and named after city landmarks — change monthly, along with Sunday Funday specials. You can expect creations like Tahini Honey Orange Blossom donuts (which come topped with locally grown edible flowers), or Over the Hill, a combo of sour cherry compote and rhubarb. darksidedonuts.com

Manager Shawn Moen and head brewer Garrett Pederson take their provincial pride to another level at this nanobrewery. Made using Saskatchewan-grown barley, 9 Mile Legacy brews can only be purchased in Saskatoon, which Moen says is a deliberate decision. The best place to sample them, of course, is right at the Riversdale taproom. While there, check out the “Wall of Awesome.” This pay-it-forward system allows people to buy beer “tickets” for others. 9milelegacy.com

Thrive Juice Bar If you’re looking for refreshing, healthy and local, your go-to is Thrive Juice Bar. Known for its bowls, raw snacks and cold-press juices, its smoothies are equally as delicious. Order “The Local”: A pleasing combo of haskap, saskatoon and seabuckthorn berries. thrivejuiceco.com

For those who want to wear their Saskatchewan pride on their sleeve, but aren’t interested in rocking a t-shirt that looks (and fits) like it came out of a beer box, there’s Hardpressed. This is next-level tourist swag. Think: Super-soft singlets and tees with slogans like “Living Skies Never Die” and “We See Forever”; tiger lily-emblazoned socks; and “Welcome to Prairiedise” posters. It’ll make you wish there was a shop like this in every province. hardpressed.ca

Last Shoes Shoemaker Adam Finn has made shoes for the Swedish royal family and shown his shoes in New York Fashion Week. But you don’t have to be royalty to order bespoke footwear; through the made-to-measure option, Finn will hand-make a pair of custom shoes just for you. There are also men’s and women’s ready-made shoes available, with options for customization. Our favourite? This season’s Chrysanthemum women’s mules, made with chrome tanned leather and featuring a floral image designed by Calgary tattoo artist Craig Fenrick. lastshoes.ca

Source: Canada.com

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