This '70s-inspired Edmonton bar just landed on Canada’s 50 Best list
If you haven’t descended the stairs to Next of Kin and let your eyes adjust from a bright Edmonton afternoon to its dark, sleek, retro basement, consider this your sign to book a table.
The moody, 1970s-inspired bar in Wîhkwêntôwin was recently named 46th on Canada’s 50 Best Bars for 2026, a list curated by Canada’s 100 Best, which highlights standout spots across the country.
It’s not the first accolade the Brewery District haunt has received this year. Next of Kin was recently recognized on the global stage, earning a spot as one of the best new international cocktail bars at the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation 2026 Spirited Awards. Closer to home, Edify magazine named it one of Edmonton’s best new restaurants.
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Opened in February 2025, the bar is the brainchild of Ben Staley (you may know him from Yarrow and Alder Room), who returned to the culinary world after a brief hiatus. Staley’s goal was to establish a neighbourhood bar that skipped the pretension of some cocktail spots and leaned into high-fidelity audio, vintage matchbooks, and a comfortable space.
The room has cool vibes and an easy warmth to it, with muted lighting and mid-century and postmodern furniture.
Drinks are creative; some of our favourites include the Kin martini and the Verde, but it’s hard to go wrong here.
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The Cherry3 mixes cherry-tomato gin with tart cherry, cascara, rouge vermouth, and amaro. Another favourite, the Café au Lait, features añejo tequila with tonka bean, chicory-root coffee, and toasted milk.
The kitchen offers plenty of snacks and bites that complement the drinks well, like chicken wings stuffed with mushrooms and black truffle, and Kombu celery, which manages to make the usually overlooked vegetable quite addictive.
The Kin Burger is another standout, made with dry-aged chuck, roasted beef-fat emulsion, white cheddar, and onion.
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Beyond cocktails, the drink list stays tight, including one each of sparkling, white, rosé, orange, and red wine, alongside a selection of beer and non-alcoholic options.
Other Alberta spots to earn a spot on Canada’s 50 Best included Missy’s This That, Shelter, Business & Pleasure, Proof, Paper Lantern, and Rain Dog Bar, all in Calgary.
You can find the full list online.
Next of Kin
Address: 10425 121st St. NW
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