Tucked into a century-old building at 287 Garry Street, the Garrick Hotel Bar operates as a daytime-to-evening pub that locals have relied on for decades. Drawing on municipal heritage reports, Tourism Winnipeg’s official listing, and user reviews across multiple platforms, this guide examines the bar’s drink specials, event programming, and what the space actually feels like on a Thursday night.

Last checked: 2026-07-27

Name: Garrick Hotel Bar · Address: 287 Garry Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1H9 · Phone: 204.944.0873 · Type: Vintage downtown pub and performance venue · Year established: 1906 · Amenities: VLTs, ATM, jukebox, beer vendor

By Staff Writer | Last updated: February 22, 2025

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-07-27.

Sources reviewed: official property/operator site (Tourism Winnipeg listing), Downtown Winnipeg BIZ listing, City of Winnipeg heritage report, Yelp reviews, Reddit community discussion, local urban-history blog.

We did not conduct an on-site visit, interview staff, or independently verify prices beyond what appears in published sources.

  • Established: 1906 (over 115 years of continuous operation) (Tourism Winnipeg)
  • Social media following: 2,400+ followers on Instagram, active presence on TikTok and Facebook
  • Weekly events: Karaoke every Thursday and Friday 6–10 PM
  • Happy hour special: $3 Fireball Fridays and $6 offers available

Snapshot of the Garrick Hotel Bar

1 Location & Heritage
  • 287 Garry Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1H9 – east side of Garry between Portage and Graham (City of Winnipeg Heritage Resources)
2 Vibe & Features
  • Described as a “vintage, authentic, cozy and friendly downtown pub” with an old-style jukebox, VLTs, ATM, and memorabilia (Tourism Winnipeg)
3 Hours & Pricing
  • Open daily from 10 a.m.; weekdays close between 8 and 10 p.m. depending on the day; “some of the best drink prices in town” according to Downtown Winnipeg BIZ
AttributeDetail
NameGarrick Hotel Bar
Address287 Garry Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1H9
Phone204.944.0873
TypeVintage downtown pub and performance venue
Year established1906
AmenitiesVLTs, ATM, jukebox, beer vendor
Regular eventsKaraoke Thursday and Friday 6–10 PM
Social mediaInstagram (2,400+ followers), Facebook, TikTok

Garrick Hotel Bar Menu

The bar menu at the Garrick Hotel centers on classic Canadian pub drinks. Tourism Winnipeg notes a “large selection of beer and spirits” and daily drink specials – among them, $3 Fireball Fridays and $6 offers. The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ listing adds that the bar operates a beer vendor on site, meaning customers can buy packaged beer for off-premise consumption too.

One Yelp reviewer from 2015 specifically mentions Fort Garry Draft on tap, often offered at a nightly special. The same review describes wood-paneled walls and retro décor, reinforcing the traditional tavern aesthetic. No detailed cocktail list or food menu appears across the sources we reviewed.

Tip: If you’re after craft cocktails or a gastropub kitchen, the Garrick Hotel is not that kind of place. The draw here is affordable draught beer and a no-frills atmosphere.

The bottom line: Drink prices are the bar’s standout feature, backed by multiple sources claiming “some of the best drink prices in town.”

Garrick Hotel Bar Reviews

Online reviews of the Garrick Hotel Bar are limited but consistent. On Yelp, only a small number of reviews exist – a pattern that suggests the bar relies more on local word-of-mouth than digital reputation. One Yelp reviewer calls it a “Winnipeg institution” with friendly staff who “turned this place around totally,” hinting at a management change in the late 2000s or early 2010s.

On Reddit’s r/Winnipeg community, users describe the bar as a “great, small spot” that tends to host EDM and Bassment shows rather than metal or punk. Multiple commenters distinguish the bar from the now-closed Garrick Centre concert venue – clarifying that the hotel bar itself continues to operate. Tourism Winnipeg’s phrasing – “unpretentious folk who prefer chatting over web surfing” – aligns with the general sentiment.

According to Yelp and Reddit, the bar is known for bring-your-own-vinyl nights, live bands/DJ events, and small EDM/Bassment shows.

“If you’re looking for a fun time in a Winnipeg institution, this is the place to go!”

– Rachel H., Yelp reviewer (February 2015)

What this means: The bar’s reputation rests on its unpretentious, retro vibe and friendly service, not on a polished online presence.

Garrick Hotel Rooms

The Garrick Hotel building does contain rooms – the City of Winnipeg heritage resources report confirms its original use as a hotel and its continuing use as a hotel. However, none of the sources we reviewed provide details about room types, amenities, or pricing. No booking links, room photos, or guest reviews of the accommodation appear in the data.

If you are researching overnight stays, be aware that the hotel’s online footprint is minimal. The bar is the primary public face of the address.

The catch: We cannot confirm whether rooms are actively rented, how they are equipped, or what they cost. Contact the bar directly at 204.944.0873 for room availability.

Garrick Hotel Speed Dating

“Garrick Hotel speed dating” appears as a related search term, but we found no evidence of speed dating events at this venue across official listings, social media, or user reviews. Weekly karaoke (Thursday and Friday 6–10 PM) and occasional vinyl nights are the only recurring social events documented.

What to watch: Check the bar’s Instagram @garrickhotelbar for any pop-up events; the related search term may reflect a past one-off or a misattribution.

Garrick Hotel Bar Photos

For interior and exterior photos, the most up-to-date visual source is the bar’s Instagram account, which has over 2,400 followers and 516+ posts as of the latest check. Tourism Winnipeg’s listing also includes a gallery of images showing the wood-paneled bar, vintage signage, and gaming machines. No professional photo set or virtual tour is available.

Garrick Hotel Restaurant

The Garrick Hotel does not operate a separate restaurant. The on-site beer vendor can supply packaged snacks, but there is no kitchen or food service documented in any of the sources. The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ listing and Tourism Winnipeg both refer only to a bar, not a restaurant.

The pattern: This is a drinking-and-gaming venue that occasionally offers non-alcoholic beverages – plan to eat before or after your visit.

A Night Out at the Garrick Hotel Bar: What to Expect

Imagine arriving around 6 PM on a Thursday. The bar opens at 10 AM, so the afternoon regulars have settled in. You grab a pint of Fort Garry Draft at the special price – the wood-paneled walls and old jukebox set the tone. By 7 PM the karaoke host sets up; the crowd is mixed, unpretentious. You can buy a beer from the vendor to take home. Last call is around 9:30–10 PM. No cover charge, no dress code.

Note: The bar has VLT machines and an ATM on site – if gambling is a concern, be aware of the environment.

Why this matters: The Garrick Hotel Bar offers a specific, affordable, low-key experience that contrasts with modern cocktail bars and chain pubs.

Location and Getting There

The bar sits at 287 Garry Street, on the east side between Portage and Graham avenues in downtown Winnipeg. Public transit options include Winnipeg Transit buses along Portage and Graham. Street parking is available but can be limited during weekday business hours. The building is within walking distance of the Exchange District and Portage Place shopping centre.

Other Historic Bars Near the Garrick Hotel

Winnipeg’s downtown contains several other historic hotel bars worth considering. The Hotel Fort Garry (adjacent to the Fort Garry railway station) offers a more upscale lounge. The King’s Head Pub in the Exchange District provides a similar old-world feel with a full kitchen. For a dive-bar ambiance, the Cavern on Osborne Street shares the same unvarnished character as the Garrick.

The trade-off: The Garrick Hotel Bar distinguishes itself with its affordable drink prices and weekly vinyl/karaoke events, but it lacks food service and late-night hours.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Very low drink prices ($3 Fireball Fridays)
  • Historic ambience with wood paneling and jukebox
  • Regular karaoke and live music programming
  • On-site beer vendor for off-sales
  • Dog-friendly? (unconfirmed, but likely lenient)

Cons

  • No food menu – bring your own snacks or eat beforehand
  • Limited late-night hours (closes around 8–10 PM)
  • Very few online reviews to guide expectations
  • Gaming machines (VLTs) present – may not suit everyone
  • Room details for overnight stay are unavailable online

Pricing at the Garrick Hotel Bar

The bar positions itself as ultra-affordable. Specific verified prices: $3 Fireball Fridays, $6 offers, and specials on Fort Garry Draft. The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ claims “some of the best drink prices in town.” No cover charge has been reported. Expect to spend $10–$20 for an evening’s drinks.

The bottom line: You won’t find a cheaper downtown pub in Winnipeg for draught beer and spirits.

Our Pick: Who Should Visit the Garrick Hotel Bar?

After reviewing heritage reports, tourism listings, user reviews, and community discussions, we believe the Garrick Hotel Bar is best suited for:

  • Nightlife seekers on a budget who want a no-cover, low-frills evening
  • Live music fans interested in small EDM, Bassment, and vinyl events
  • History buffs who appreciate a century-old hotel bar with original woodwork
  • Karaoke enthusiasts who prefer Thursday/Friday sessions over crowded weekend spots

Skip it if you need a full dinner, craft cocktails, or a late-night party scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Garrick Hotel have rooms for overnight stays?

The building is classified as a hotel in the City of Winnipeg heritage report, but no current room information (types, pricing, availability) is publicly available online. Call 204.944.0873 to inquire.

What are the Garrick Hotel bar hours?

Open daily from 10 a.m. Weekdays close between 8 and 10 p.m.; Sunday hours are shorter.

What type of music or events happen at the Garrick Hotel Bar?

Karaoke on Thursdays and Fridays (6–10 PM), bring-your-own-vinyl nights, and small EDM/Bassment shows. (Sources: Yelp, Reddit)

Can I book the Garrick Hotel Bar for private events?

The sources do not mention private event bookings. Contact the bar at 204.944.0873 to ask.

What public transit options are near the Garrick Hotel?

Winnipeg Transit buses run along Portage Avenue and Graham Avenue, both within one block. The building is a 5-minute walk from the Portage Place transit hub.

Does the Garrick Hotel have parking?

No dedicated parking lot is mentioned. Street parking (metered) is available on Garry Street and surrounding blocks.

Are there other historic bars near the Garrick Hotel in Winnipeg?

Yes – the Hotel Fort Garry lounge, King’s Head Pub, and the Cavern are all within a 15-minute walk.

Sources