PJ L’Heureaux has always loved two things: great beer and great food. It was the combination of a trip to Portland – the craft beer capital of the US – and his passion for fresh local food that helped PJ to understand where the restaurant industry had come from and the direction that it was headed. Fresh local food and craft beer!
Inspired to offer great service and a unique experience, PJ approached friends Rob Swiderski and John Liwag with his idea for CRAFTBeer Market: a place where people could enjoy great fresh food and craft beers from all over the world all under one roof.
Together they came up with the concept, opening in Calgary in 2011, followed by Vancouver and Edmonton in late 2013. And ever since, the trio and their team have been providing great service in a fun, welcoming atmosphere while they proudly serve handcrafted meals made in house with the freshest local ingredients alongside Canada’s largest selection of draught beers from around the world (140 taps!).
“We like to create a culture where we are always growing, developing and learning,” says Alina Gogoescu, CRAFT’s sales and marketing manager. To continue evolving the CRAFT Beer Market experience, each year the management team visits different cities to experience their craft beer scenes. Two of the restaurant’s owners have even become certified beer judges, which has led to CRAFT Beer Market being the only place in Canada where you can enjoy Stiegl Radler Zitrone from Austria on tap.
There are zero bottles of beer on the wall at this craft brewery in Olympic Village, but that’s because you’ll find all 140 drafts available on tap. With so much selection, your best bet is to order Dad a tasting flight and sample a variety of different ales and lagers from local brewers or international brands. Bring you old man here to enjoy ale-inspired dinner dishes like beer can chicken and dark beer-braised beef brisket.
Craft Beer Market is located in a wonderfully cavernous space, complete with exposed wooden beams and piping that shows you just where your beer is coming from. There's everything from India pale ales and pub cream ales to wheat ales and white beers. Keep the kids occupied with a chipotle cheddar burger or a house-made ice cream sandwich. Don't forget to grab a bite for yourself!
Located in Olympic Village, Craft Beer Market celebrates draught beer in a big way. The 500-seat restaurant boasts the largest on-tap menu in Canada with 140 beers to choose from, including 50 B.C.-made brands. Craft also hosts cask-tapping nights, dinners with local brewmasters, and special collaboration beers with local breweries.