Your guide for killing time downtown Winnipeg

I was downtown Winnipeg a bit ago waiting for an appointment at Saint Barbershop or was it Albert Street Tattoo? Anyways – I showed up early and I had a couple hours to kill. I was thinking of heading to the Forks, but two hours wasn’t quite enough time to leave the area. Plus, I found primo parking and plugged the meter – my investment wasn’t going to waste! After grabbing a bite to eat and bouncing from store to store, it dawned on me I should probably make a guide of quick things to do while in the Exchange. So, if you’re on break, early to an appointment, or in between Fringe Festival shows I had you in mind when writing this.

1. Grab something to eat

The Exchange is no stranger to good eats. In fact, some of the best restaurants in Winnipeg reside in the heart of the city. With so many great places to chow down at, choosing where to eat can be as hard as choosing your pet’s name! Here’s a list of quick, but delicious stops for food to make waiting for that appointment a bit more bearable. Oh, I’ll even throw in some food suggestions too.

King and Bannatyne – 100 King St

This is one of the best sandwich shops in the city of Winnipeg – bar none. Ingredients are fresh, serving sizes are generous, and the food always tastes delicious. Located at the corner of King and Bannatyne (hence the name), King and Bann has served quality sandwiches since 2014.

I recommend ordering the Carolina BBQ braised beef sandwich with a side of their signature horseradish broccoli coleslaw.

Kevin’s Bistro – 141 Bannatyne Ave

“It’s divine comfort food”, is the slogan of Kevin’s Bistro, a local downtown restaurant known for their mouth-watering macaroni dishes. With an entire section of their menu dedicated to mac n’ cheese, Kevin’s Bistro is a staple for any “U” shaped, cheesy pasta lover.

Obviously, I recommend ordering mac n’ cheese, but you need to try the Canadiana specifically (it’s got bacon, maple syrup, and Old Dutch chips). Is your stomach growling yet?

Corrientes Argentine Pizzeria – 137 Bannatyne Ave

There’s never a bad day or time for pizza or empanadas – period. Corrientes is my go-to stop for empandas in Winnipeg. They serve over 14 different flavours, and offer a good variety of gluten free and vegan options too.

I’m a huge fan of both their corn and mac n’ cheese empanadas and highly recommend trying them. Shoutout to Sean who got me hooked on their food during my brief stint working downtown.

Winnipeg Free Press Cafe – 237 McDermot Ave

The Winnipeg Free Press (WFP) Cafe is a gem of a spot for breakfast or lunch. When you walk in, you’re greeted by the sounds of relaxing cafe jazz. It really sets a cozy ambiance, especially during the snowy winter months.

One of my favourite parts about this cafe are the owners. Their warm smiles and friendly greetings always make me feel at home.

As for food, The Free Press Breakfast is a WFP Cafe staple, so I recommend ordering that. The Manitoba Club is a safe second option.

2. Shop local

There are more than a couple hidden shops in the Exchange that deserve your attention. I’ve discovered two stores just from wandering downtown while waiting for appointments. Here’s a list of locally owned stores for you to jot down, so you don’t have to aimlessly wander around like me.

Clothing Bakery – 87 King St

This was one of the stores I discovered while wandering the Exchange. There’s lots of great vintage clothing finds here, and they continually update their socials with new rollouts and items that arrive in the shop. Follow them @ClothingBakery on Instagram to get the drop on hot vintage finds.

Tara Davis Studio & Boutique – 246 McDermot Ave

This shop is the embodiment of everything local. You’ll find jewelry, clothing, books for colouring, meditating, and reading, knick-knacks, and snacks all handmade by local artisans. The shop also serves as a rotating studio for art installations, making it a cool destination to revisit again and again.

The Collab Shop – 246 McDermot Ave

Sneaker heads and streetwear lovers – this one’s for you. Jordans, Dunks, Airforces, and Yeezy’s are a few of the shoes you’ll be able to find at The Collab Shop downtown Winnipeg. They also sell a decent amount of vintage clothes and locally made items by brands like Orbit Collective.

Plant Lab Botanical Design – Unit B 68 Albert St

This cute and tiny plant shop is where I bought my Calathea and Ficus – they’re both thriving by the way. The owner is very sweet and they’ll teach you what each plant needs to thrive. I became a proud plant dad in no time at all thanks to her help. Drop them a follow @PlantLabBotanicalDesigns to see their various sales and market days.

The Haberdashery – 84 Albert St

A haberdashery is a store that specializes in men’s clothing and accessories. The Haberdashery located downtown Winnipeg more specifically focuses on hats, ranging from the common toque, to a more sophisticated fedora or flat cap. If you’re looking for a truly fitted and tailored hat experience, I recommend checking out The Haberdashery! Plus, the owner plays some great vinyl during the day which he often shares on Instagram @thehaberdashery.

Into the Music – 245 McDermot Ave

Touting itself as Winnipeg’s largest record store for over 30 years, Into the Music is on the radar for most vinyl lovers in Winnipeg. The store is also a great hub to discover locally produced music, often hosting performances for bands and musicians alike.

Fun fact, during my first year of Creative Communications I interviewed “The Rules” an all-female punk band after their performance at Into the Music. The interview was published in an article I wrote for The Projector, an online news forum curated by RRC students.

3. Watch a movie

The Dave Barber Cinematheque is a smaller-sized theatre that screens local films during the afternoon and evenings. Located across the street from the Cube in the Exchange, the Cinematheque has supported local filmmakers since 1982. The theatre is filled with 85 seats and is complete with a little concession stand that pops fresh popcorn and provides other movie snacks like chocolate bars and Twizzlers.

In the past, The Cinematheque and Winnipeg Film Group have hosted events like the “All you can eat Saturday Morning Cereal Party”, a fun screening of retro cartoons accompanied with all you can cereal.

Dave Barber Cinematheque – Main Floor – 100 Arthur Street

4. Play a board game

Across the Board is a board-game cafe in the Exchange that offers thousands of options of games to play. Settle your family beef or your friend drama once and for all over a quick game of Stratego or Catan. Tables can be rented per hour, and help is provided by “Game’s Masters”. They also offer great game suggestions if you’re unsure what to choose and play.

Across the Board – Main Floor – 211 Bannatyne Ave

5. Tour an art gallery

Cre8ery displays a wide variety of art pieces from local artists of various experience levels. The gallery is constantly rotating exhibitions and pieces, making this an interesting stop whenever you’re in the Exchange.

It’s recommended to book evening appointments, but walk-ins are welcome during the day. This is also a great destination to check out for First Fridays!

Cre8ery – 2nd Floor – 125 Adelaide St

Thank you for reading

I hope this guide of five quick things to-do downtown Winnipeg comes in handy for you. What’re your quick must-stops in the Exchange? Drop them in the comments below.