Alberta Nightlife

The Yardhouse's chicken dishes have been around the world and back. Chicken enchiladas, Cajun chicken strips, a chicken-souvlaki sandwich, and a vindaloo chicken wrap all speak to the kitchen's penchant for international recipes and punched-up pub cuisine. This global appreciation hasn't uprooted barroom tradition, however—classic chicken wings often steal the menu spotlight, especially on Wednesday, when they are prepared in batches of 100 per order.

Apart from worldliness, The Yardhouse stresses on-site prep, showcasing house-cut poutine fries and housemade falafel and marinara sauce. Despite elaborate recipes for pistachio-crusted salmon and maple mayo for yam fries, the dining-room atmosphere is a far cry from the stifled silence and mandatory caviar chugging of gourmet halls. Chatter overlaps with sports broadcasts, the tinkling of cocktail glasses, and the sound of draft beers being poured into pint-sized servings—or, for especially thirsty patrons, the bar's signature yard-long flasks. Bottled craft beers round out the drink list with ciders, ales, lagers, and stouts.

At Molly Malone's Irish Pub, rounded stone archways and etched windows evoke the ambiance of an authentic Irish pub. Weathered wooden tables and electric-candlestick chandeliers add to the feeling, enclosing diners in a cozy space where Guinness flows like apple juice at daycare. In addition to Ireland's flagship brew, the pub imports Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale and Harp Lager. Several of the pub's 40 or more brews even make it into meals: Guinness goes into the cheese that smothers corned beef and cabbage, and Alexander Keith's IPA adds flavour to the batter that coats fish filets. When the weather is fair, the pub opens up a sunny outdoor patio where visitors can enjoy upbeat music and signature cocktails.

A bank of wide-screen TVs casts light across the antlers of Bruce, the moose head, mounted on a wood-panelled wall by the bar. Nearby guests sip draft beers or wine by the glass, eating prawn pizzas with roasted garlic, or digging into three-cheese mac ‘n’ cheese with italian sausage. Guests can venture out onto the outdoor patio in summer, or take in live shows indoors while sipping mint juleps.

Since its Toronto location opened in 1976, Yuk Yuk's has been a collective launching pad for such comedy heavyweights as Jim Carrey, Rick Moranis, and Russell Peters. All of Yuk Yuk's laugh-establishments invite seasoned jokesters and up-and-coming comedians to their stages every weekend for up to three days of high hilarity and three nights of cozy lodging atop their cocktail tables. Many Yuk Yuk's locations offer drinks, dinner, or bar fare during the show, but those interested in dining should contact their club of choice to find out about reservations.

Miniature yorkshire puddings filled with Guinness-braised boneless short ribs or chicken simmered in curry sauce. A seasoned boxty filled with steak and button mushrooms. Fionn MacCool's chefs craft these Irish pub staples alongside meatloaf sandwiches and housemade delicacies in a family-friendly environment. The bar stocks more than 10 Irish whiskeys, domestic and imported beers. The pub entertains guests with live music every Thursday night and an outdoor patio for summer meals.