It can be difficult to find your niche when opening a bar on Whyte Avenue because there are so many nightlife choices for bar-goers. The Buckingham has done it by being inclusive, eclectic and a little bit silly. “On a street like Whyte, you’re in such close proximity to other bars. There is a bit of a cannibalistic atmosphere,” says Ben Sir, one of the bar’s owners. “People are focused on what everyone else is doing but, for us, we just put our head down and do what we do. I just want to focus on making sure when people come here they’re having fun and they see we don’t take ourselves particularly seriously.”
That lack of pretension has been the key to their success. When coming up with an identity for The Buckingham, known as The Buck to the regulars, the owners used their own personality as the business model. “As far as I’m concerned, we’re just a bunch of jackasses that somebody thought it wise to let run a bar and we found out we had a knack for it,” says Ben. “The biggest thing is we’re nice. I don’t care what you’re into, but if you’re a nice person, we want to get to know you and we want you to have fun here.”
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The Buckingham on Whyte is an eclectic Edmonton night spot, showcasing some of Edmonton's best live music and hosting a variety of fun and unique events, like an Archer (yes, the cartoon) Trivia Night. With an English pub vibe and a strictly vegan menu that transforms your favourite pub fare into fabulous vegan dishes, The Buckingham is definitely one of Edmonton's premier vegan destinations. Although they don't open until 3:00 p.m., go to The Buckingham to satisfy your brunch craving by devouring their infamous vegan chicken and waffles.
View this Smart ListWhen the disco ball isn’t flashing on a Saturday night, this watering hole is a nice laid-back pub to stop into for a drink. The Buck has a familiar neighbourhood feel that goes perfect with a $4 pint of PBR or Yellowhead, its two Happy Hour specials. Don’t worry if you can’t come until a little later; the magic hour run between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. here.
View this Smart ListIf you’re looking for a faster meal in a laid back environment, The Buck delivers, but not without a surprising punch of flavour. Pick from their four vegan burgers, just one of the many options on this diverse, all-vegan menu. My favourite is the Barbeque Bacon cheeseburger. It’s a perfect combination of light citrus flavours provided by the beet burger balanced with a hit of barbecue sauce and classic (vegan) cheddar, along with all the groceries you’d expect from a kitchen providing an upscale pub experience.
View this Smart List