Clementine is a hip, trendy cocktail bar nestled in the Pearl Tower. It’s nestled in between Ikki Izakaya (shocked this place is still alive) and Bru Coffee + Beer House. The word is out now because they cracked Canada’s 50 Best Bars list.
The inside is small but cozy. We came on a Friday evening (around 7:30pm) and it was packed. Luckily, we didn’t have to wait too long and snagged a spot at the bar. Don’t be surprised if you end up staying a couple hours and wondering where the time went. It’s a time warp. Your bill will bring you back to reality. 😉
We were here for almost five hours but it didn’t even feel that long. There was constantly a line of people coming through but if you have the patience, you’ll be rewarded.
The menu is mostly drinks (cocktails, aperitifs, absinthe, digestifs, wines, beer and cider). There is a small food menu of aperitifs, plates and sweets. Note they have happy hour (5:00pm to 6:00pm) and are open Sunday’s for brunch.
Click here to see the full menu (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8).
Service is top notch but the kitchen is slow to bring out food. We sat at the bar and M comes here often so we had some interesting chats with the bartenders. Shout out to Evan; the man knows his drinks.
Bourdy cremant ($13.00)
M started the night out with some bubbly.
Nikolaihof ($14.00)
She then asked Evan for a white recommendation. This went perfectly with our oysters.
Cornas ($22.00)
Next up was a red recommendation. This one is from Southern France area. Went very well with the pork ribs.
Vesper ($14.00)
M hasn’t had one of these in four years. Gin, vodka and kina lillet. So smooth. Tastes like water.
Negroni ($14.00)
Last drink for M.
Shot ($7.00)
I lied. They ordered a couple shots before we left which tasted like mint and anise. One was perfect. Two unnecessary.
Hacienda ($14.00)
I tried one of their cocktails. Mezcal, lime, cinnamon, pineapple and Korean chili oil. The chili oil was an interesting element. Surprisingly, it worked nicely.
Muscadet ($10.00)
Their cheapest glass on their menu. To quote M, it was very “quaffable”. Couldn’t sum it up better.
Courgette blossom tempura, aubergine & moromi ($10.00)
To quote M again, this is one of her favourite appetizers of ALL time. It’s small (you only get four pieces) but dammmmmn, she’s right. Whatever they add inside the tempura was amazing! There’s a slight heat too that elevates it to the next level.
Effin’ oysters ($18.00 for 6)
These come with a cress vinegar mignonette. Fresh as always from Effin’ Rob.
Believe these were dill oysters. Yum.
Broek Acres berkshire pork ($28.00)
We saw people on our left and right getting pork ribs so we had to order the same. Portion size was fantastic. The ribs were cooked just right and seasoned perfectly. The brocollini had a slightly charred, smoky flavour while the pickled broccoli and charred onion vinegar added a light, refreshing contrast to the dish. Pretty cool that a cocktail bar like this serves ribs!
Stuffed aveyron pancakes ($16.00)
White cheese, Paris ham, Swiss chard, clover and tonka bean honey. This dish was very Montreal-esque. Somehow, the sweet and savoury flavours all worked harmoniously.
This is a fun spot to grab multiple drinks and to eat too! I’d come back in a heartbeat.
Clementine
http://barclementine.ca
11957 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, AB
CHERRY BOB-OMBS 