Whether you’ve had a scorching day on lush fairways or a few sweaty laps on the brown pow (aka: dirt singletrack), a ‘cold one’ is the perfect way to cap a day in the mountains. Just as there are many adventures to be had in Kimberley, there is also a wide selection of bars and restaurants for your post-activity libations. Best of all, they are all located in close proximity, making it easy to enjoy a few unique locations.
The top bars in our wee town are no secret but as a local who frequents them all, I’ve created this guide to help you choose the perfect option for you and your crew. Without further ado, here are Kimberley’s best après establishments - in my humble opinion.
Bohemian Spirits If cocktails are your thing (or you’re interested in the waterfront scenery), you’ll want to grab a table at the Boho Lounge. Their cocktail lounge, tasting room, and riverside patio are open Wednesday to Saturday from noon-10 pm. Their handcrafted cocktails are crafted with locally-made spirits and pair nicely with their charcuterie boards. A takeaway bottle of Bohemian Spirits also makes the perfect gift or souvenir. Tod’s Go-To: you can’t beat a cold Moscow Mule from the bar whilst listening to the babble of Mark Creek! Cocktail specials change frequently - just head on in.
Watch out because Kimberley is now a two-brewery town! Grist & Mash focuses on combining organic ingredients with new school brewing practices and hops varietals. They serve a rotating selection of seasonal taps with local food pairings in their tasting room and patio. Head over for a drink and slice of pizza or grab off sales from the fridge. G&M has a long history of creative brewing with origins from Eugene, Oregon! You can’t go wrong with Ty and Nat’s brewing heritage coming from the craft brew epicentre.
Tod’s Go-To: The Ocho West Coast IPA rolls in at a palatable 6.2% ABV and is chock full of juicy deliciousness. Growler fills and the innovative Crowler to go (2 pints in every can!)
If you’re looking for a place where “the folks are warm and the beer is cold”, look no further than Over Time Beer Works. Bearing the distinction of being Kimberley’s first brewery, Over Time brews their beer on-site, adjacent to their tasting room and patio. Whether you go for the classics on tap or try an innovative beer from their pilot program, don’t forget to grab a beer stick sausage made by a local rancher/butcher who upcycles the brewery’s spent grains. OverTime also sells beer to go, fills growlers, and slings sweet merch (in case you want to pass off as a local). Tod’s Go-To: I’m personally a big fan of OT’s Present IPA but when fall rolls into winter, you can’t beat their Vanilla Porter.
Facebook - Instagram - Beer - Address & Hours
Beer and barbecue abounds in this Kimberley Platzl establishment that revives the laid-back, neighbourly, dirtbaggery vibes of a backyard shed party. The Shed has recently evolved into a BBQ joint with a smoker out back, local beers on tap, and seasonal patio seating. Their menu includes family-style dinners, vegetarian options, and convenient takeout. Guests are encouraged to come as they are—even with muddy boots, wet shorts, or chalky hands.
Tod’s Go-To: Quell that appetite with a trifecta of meats! The Farm Went Up In Smoke has Brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, creamy slaw, roasted onions, Texas, and Carolina BBQ Sauce.
Facebook - Instagram - Menu - Address & Hours
Located in the heart of the Platzl, this bicycle-inspired restaurant serves up comfort fusion food and classic dishes with a twist. Not to mention, local craft beer, seasonal cocktails, an extensive whisky collection, and the longest list of BC VQA wines by the glass in the Kootenays. And don’t forget to get “mucked up” — with an order of their infamous mucky fries, that is.
Tod’s Go-To: what can I say - I’ve been a Pasta Carbonara kinda guy since P’nT opened a decade ago this summer! So creamy, so bacon-y. So good.
Facebook - Instagram - Menu - Address & Hours
Authentic Neapolitan flavour in the Kootenay mountains. Stonefire Pizzeria combines a wood-fire Stefano Ferrara masonry oven, traditional techniques, imported Caputo Tipo 00 flour, and VPN certified plum tomatoes from Italy with fresh local ingredients, delivering a crowd-pleasing menu. Enjoy live music on the patio or garden, dine-in, or order food and alcohol to go.
Tod’s Go-To: The Pineapple Express. There is no other pizza for me. In fact, I would marry it if I wasn’t already hitched. And, 100% mandatory to enjoy with creamy Stonefire sauce - don’t forget to ask for this addition. You won’t regret it.
The Sully, named after the Sullivan mine that operated in Kimberley for 100 years, has been serving Kimberley locals since 1925. It knows a thing or two about homemade comfort foods, cold beer, and good times. It’s a great place to get together, catch a game, play pool, and unwind after a long day. For drinks to go, stop at the Sully Liquor Store - drive-thru service available.
Tod’s Go-To: The Sully has the best Sunday breakfast in town. I’m a conventional sort of Eggs Benedict kind of guy. If your life allows a sit-down brekkie with a caesar to boot.. do it.
Facebook - Instagram - Menu - Address & Hours
For Ski Bums
If winter adventures have drawn you to Kimberley, enjoy apres-ski festivities at Stemwinder Bar & Grill, known for its outdoor patio and live music, or Buckhorn & Main Mountain Eatery. Both are located at the base of Kimberley Alpine Resort, making it the best place to gather with fellow skiers and boarders after a long day of wintery turns abound.
For Golfers
For tasty food and drinks mere steps from the last hole, try the establishment at each of our local golf courses:
The Bear’s Den | Shadow Mountain
The Bootleg Grill | Bootleg Gap
Cranbrook Clubhouse Restaurant | Cranbrook Golf Club The Raven’s Roost | Purcell Golf Course (formerly the Kimberley Golf Club)
Trickle Creek Clubhouse Restaurant | Trickle Creek Golf Resort
The 19th Hole Bar & Grill | St. Eugene Golf Resort
Wildstone Clubhouse | Wildstone Golf Course
Comments