The opportunity to get social and bond with your team after a game over a drink and food is one of the best components of being on a Perpetual Motion team, apart from being active and working up a sweat. Guelph is home to a number of classic and historic restaurants and pubs, each with its own unique narrative and experience. There are so many possibilities that it may be tough to select, but we wanted to share some of our favourites for a good time after a great game!
- The Western 1881 Steakhouse and Burger Bar – 72 MacDonnell St
The Western is the spot for you if you enjoy country fashion. With long wood tables, booths, and exposed brick walls, its warm and welcoming atmosphere truly offers a unique experience. Your servers may provide you with some country-style specials of the night while wearing cowboy boots and hats to further enhance the atmosphere. Western offers amazing burgers, fries, salads, and steak in addition to being the perfect place to have a few drinks with friends. Once more, if you’re seeking a rural setting, this is the ideal Guelph pub for you.
- Royal Electric Pub – 52 MacDonnell St
Royal Electric Pub is a hip open-concept pub and restaurant with a very cool ambiance and an immersive nightlife. Quite often they will have live music performances and DJ’s in the later hours. This place has an extensive pint list with many local brewers. There is an option for everyone here as they serve brunch, lunch, and dinner menus and have a friendly, youthful staff. Some of their classics are the Buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, fish tacos, and the amazing peppercorn steak fries. To finish it off, they even have a “bottle shop” menu with 22 pages of one-of-a-kind, distinctive, and uncommon pints to try out.
- McCabe’s – 9 Wyndham St
It doesn’t get much more traditional than a visit to McCabe’s, which is situated right on what is thought of as a prominent intersection of downtown. This is a great place to people-watch and see what’s going on right downtown. This spacious, two-story Irish pub is a terrific spot to get a draft on tap and some simple pub fare like Irish nachos and burgers. They have some awesome promotions like Thursday’s “pound a pint” which includes a pound of wings and a domestic pint for a great deal. The venue contains a small stage where you will often find local artists performing live music to accompany your dinner. McCabes open its huge garage doors in the summer so you may breathe in the warm air from within and it opens up to a fantastic patio. This is the place to start and end a great night.
- Le Reina – 10 Wyndham St
La Reina, which serves traditional Mexican fare, has some of the best tacos, quesadillas and burritos you will find in town. Top-quality food and fresh ingredients are exactly what you will find eating here. If you want to party, they also offer a rather large margarita menu. In terms of audience, food, and decor, the restaurant gives off a young professional vibe. If you are seeking quality food this spot always has amazing reviews so give it a try!
- Royal City Brewing Co – 199 Victoria Rd S
With it’s gorgeous interior and industrial-style decor Royal City Brewing feels like luxury eating with friendly prices. The Beer Hall is designed for socializing, an open and welcoming environment with long hall tables, a tap list containing its own unique and approachable brews, as well as cider, wine, and non-alcohol options, and a full food menu from our kitchen this is a great option for a post-game meal and beverage. Royal City Brewing will give you the full experience and won’t disappoint!
- Bad Luck Bar – 59 Macdonell St
Bad Luck has something unique and special to offer! It’s a premier Arcade Bar full of fun games to play and good times to be had. Bad Luck offers a snack-like menu that encourages group sharing with signature and traditional cocktails, of course, arcade games. Some offered are Skee-Ball, Basketball, Buck Hunter, Crusin’ USA, Golden Tee, Ping Pong, Foosball, International Shootout, and Rambo Shooter. For those with a competitive spirit and are looking to play games while enjoying some grub then this is the place in town for you.
- Bobby O’Briens Irish Pub – 90 Macdonell St
Bobby’s a great spot for sports lovers and those looking to watch a hockey game or basketball, whatever it might be. A word of warning, this place fills up before Guelph Storm games because of their wing deal so prepare for that! Like many places downtown, the food here is considered pub grub: chicken wings, burgers, fries, and a variety of classic fried items. Drinks and ciders are a combination of national and local brands but nothing is more fitting than pub grub after a game. And if your games happen to be Wednesday, stop by Bobby’s for Trivia night and wings!
- The Stampede Ranch – 226 Woodlawn Road West
A genuine Canadian rural restaurant, pub, and nightclub with a full menu, fresh drinks, and live music The Ranch has been serving locals and students for years. The country-styled specialization gives a fun and diverse wonderful experience to any looking to visit. From sandwiches, burgers, and wraps to house salads and pickle spears this place has all the pub classics to enjoy either indoors or on to heated patio even in the cooler months. The Stampede Ranch can host any size gathering for a variety of events thanks to its capacity of over 700 so it’s definitely the place to be after your game.
- Shakespeare Arms – 35 Harvard Rd
With it’s decor and design, Shakespeare Arms gives you the impression that you’re in the countryside of a small European village. Since the pub is near the University, you’ll see a fun mix of young university life and many of the older locals. All the traditional English pub fare, including fish and chips, wings, mashed potatoes, and mushroom pie, is available at this establishment. Looking to sit inside and watch sports? They have plenty of TVs inside but they have lots of table seating as well as a lovely patio for the summer. To add to the European style you will find the classic pints of Guinness, Caffreys, and Heineken.
Check out their specials and promotions at Shakespeare Arms.
- The Golf House – 650 Woodlawn Rd W Unit 11 & 12 B
If you are looking to end the night with more fun play The Golf House is the spot to go. With 5 state of the art golf stimulators each accompanied by group tables with full access to a stocked bar and food menu. This restaurant has everything, from premium appetizers like sriracha fries and pickle spears to their award-winning jumbo wings. Even if you are the non-golfer of the group this place still provides top-notch service and amazing food and beverage menu!
- Boston Pizza – 35 Woodlawn Road West
Boston Pizza is a restaurant that serves a duo purpose, whether it’s for family-friendly casual eating or watching the big game with the separate sports bar there is a spot for you. The restaurant is excellent for families, parties of all ages, and teams. Boston Pizza also features an outside terrace where customers can relax and enjoy the sun if it’s something you want. Whether you’re looking for an excuse not to cook, a location to watch the game with friends, or spending time with family, Boston Pizza has you covered.
- Kelsey’s Original Roadhouse – 124 Woodlawn Road West
Dine at Kelsey’s to experience one of Canada’s Classic Roadhouse restaurants. At Kelsey’s, there are always various delicious food options for everyone’s taste, refreshing beverages, and good company. At lunch, supper, or late nights, it never fails to serve. Hand-held appetizers, roadhouse favorites, and amazing desserts are always available at reasonable pricing. Not to mention the fantastic beverages to pair with whichever you choose! So, if you want amazing meals and a good time, go to Kelsey’s!
- Shoeless Joes – 5 Clair Road West
Shoeless Joe’s Sports Grill is all about having fun with family and friends while watching sports. They’re here to serve you whether you’re celebrating your favorite team’s success, your win with teammates, or your child’s great win! Shoeless Joe’s is thrilled to be renowned as the spot to watch the game, eat excellent cuisine, drink amazing beverages, and have a good time!
Check out their extensive menu here!
- Wind Wings – 320 Eastview Rd
Wild Wings is primarily known for its famous Buffalo-style chicken wings, which come in a variety of sauces, 101 to be exact, as well as a variety of other dishes such as chicken tenders and legs. Aside from pints and other beverages, the chain’s menu includes appetizers, burgers, tacos, salads, and desserts for a night out after your game.
- Montantas BQQ and Bar- 201 Stone Rd. West
Montana’s BBQ and Bar is a Canadian restaurant chain known for smoked pork ribs, steaks, and burgers. Their Roadhouse staples, along with their country-style decor, creates a delightful atmosphere for any team or family. The 4 cheese spinach dip, smoked brisket potato skins, and southern fried chicken sandwich are some of Montana’s fan favorites. If you are looking for great food, great drinks and a great experience check out Montana’s.