DAY TRIPPER Long known for its agricultural college, Guelph also has a developing dining and drinking scene.
What's the vibe? Guelph has a longstanding reputation as a college town on the sleepy side of exciting. But curious minds should note that there’s a lot sprouting up between the tree-lined streets and old stone buildings. Guelph is blossoming thanks to a growing community of entrepreneurs who are shaping the new look of the Royal City with farm-totable eating options and independently owned microbreweries.
NEW-DLE SPOTS
Snack bars and regionally themed international eating spots are popping up all over town. Here's where you should go to get acquainted with the hot stuff, especially if you're in the mood for noodles and sauce.
1 Crafty Ramen; 17 Macdonell St. Loud and buzzy Brooklyn vibes fuel the spirit of this tiny shop that specializes in modern Japanese hot noodle soups. Score seats at the bar and explore all the interpretations of ramen. Start with the chicken broth Seoul Food. craftyramen.com
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Just over an hour away, Guelph’s Renaissance Revival aesthetics are easy to access by car from Toronto. If you'd prefer to let someone else do the driving, both GO and Greyhound have routes from downtown Toronto. gotransit.com, greyhound.ca f
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LATE NIGHTS
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3 Baker St Station; 76 Baker St. This is the hotspot to continue your cruise through local brews, accompanied by upmarket pub fare. Food stretches from Korean lettuce wraps to classic fish ’n’ chips. Drink from one of the city's best beer lists. @bakerststation
4 Atmosphere Café + Etc; 24 Carden St. Thin-crust pizzas and craft cocktails are calling you to this bistro bar. For atmosphere, it’s hip but sophisticated with a bow of local focus to tie it all together. That includes a Feast On certification as a Taste of Ontario restaurant. @atmoscafeetc
Photography: Guelph by Benedek
Getting there
2 Sugo on Surrey; 117 Surrey St. E. Check out Sugo for Italian comfort classics without pretense, at reasonable prices. Historic digs and a menu that runs from arancini to eggplant parmigiana to a carne pizza complete the familiar picture. sugoguelph.com
It's easy to think Guelph’s nightlife is only about wings and pitchers of draught beer at undergrad pubs, but trust us, there’s more to it. Here are two spots worth checking out long after the sun has set.
Don't miss Before craft beer became a standard, some of our best local brew giants started in Guelph. So you should start a tour through the likes of Wellington Brewery, Royal City Brewing and finish off at Brothers Brewing Company. Brothers is situated in the heart of Guelph's downtown, where you want to be at sunset, among a walkable network of snack bars and more brews.
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