The Bower

Come to the Bower for a night of dancing. Mostly for the RNB nights — With The Gold Blooded Dejays :) — advertised via FB. Other nights they play hip hop and House. Feel is relaxing and friendly. It used to be a previous hang out for long time patrons I knew back in school days :). Always has the same feel — even now– you are always bumping into someone you know. Walk in and feel– almost like your in a 1940s living room. Menu has small tapas to it, but they have some good speciality cocktails. There’s sometimes a line up and there is cover. Atm available inside by coat heck. The only thing — be prepared for little to no air conditioning — dance till you are so hot but u can always cool down with a drink :).

I enjoy coming here and getting my dance on! I haven’t been in awhile so it was a treat to be here again. I usually come on Saturday nights when they play house music. Lots of good soulful beats that keep me moving through the night. I have also been on Friday nights which is usually their hip hop night and it has also been very good.
The place itself was renovated and re-​branded a few years back into a very trendy club with 1920’s Parisian décor. It definitely gives it a new sophisticated look and vibe. I think it was a smart move.
The drink menu isn’t large but the cocktails that they serve are delicious. They also have a small snack section on their menu but I have yet to try anything on it.
All in all, it is a great place to come and get your groove on.

Love this place. Whether just going for a casual drink or for a night out it never disappoints. The jalapeño margarita is to die for. It’s not the cheapest place to go, but you pay for what you get. And half priced drinks before 10! It is pretty dead at 10, but I don’t mind. Starts to get busy around 11:30 from my experience.

Regularly go here for hip hop nights on Fridays. The DJs spin great music, and the atmosphere is pretty cool (dark, candlelit, lots of seating). Solid pick for a night out downtown. Plus, the servers and staff are friendly.

Wow. Absolutely brutal that they missed the 2015 New Years countdown and didn’t bother making amends by doing anything about it (ie. a mock countdown for example). That is the whole point of New Year’s Eve. I won’t go here again. Super disappointing for anyone who chose to go there NYE and so very lame. Booooo

Went here on a Friday night to catch their hip hop DJs mix it up. I believe this is a theme every second Friday. Loved the atmosphere! It was dark, candle-​lit and felt like I was at some wealthy individual’s house.
The DJ was awesome! I am a fan of hip hop and was pleased to hear stuff being played that I never though would ever be played in a club in Edmonton. For example, Kendrick Lemar! Great tunes were played all night, all hip hop, old school, new school, double tempo, bump and grind, you name it!
There seem to be a disproportionate amount of (…hmmm what’s the word… douchebags? … no that’s not nice … go more politically correct) colorful and excitable gentlemen the night we attended. But then again what club/​bar doesn’t have it’s share.
Had a great time and would definitely go back again!

I have to say, Bower you impressed me! Sometimes it is hard to come up with a novel concept without being kitschy or tacky. Or, a place is just too odd that it’s cool to go once, but then once was good enough. But I think the Bower is just the right amount of different. It’s kind of a mash up of your Great Aunt’s sitting room and your childhood neighbours rumpus room (you know what I’m talking about Alberta!) It’s dark, cavernous, candlelit environment lends to a romantic feel (after your eye’s adjust) and the old couches, chairs, settees and chaise lounges beckon to be sunk into and engage in an pseudo asinine** conversation over well crafted cocktails.
The menu is small, very small. But like I always say; a short and sweet menu that is well crafted beats a page turner any day! There are 3 sandwiches, 2 are grilled cheese one meat free, both sound fab. The other an open-​faced salmon sandwich. Then there are 2 small plates: Rosemary pecans and olives. Then there are 5 well balanced with one another, cocktails, 2 whites, 5 reds and finally 4 excellent champagnes. Short and sweet.
My visit was not of an overly social nature, I was in, had one glass of wine and was out. So I will definitely re-​review after a solid night spent there. And, I look forward to that adventure! — Come on, with me, a night out is always an adventure! Hope to see you there Unilocal YEG!
**Listen hipsters, nothing you say at 1am after 5 cocktails is intellectual or astounding, and that is A-​ok. Embrace it!

I understand the owners of The Bower had a coming of age moment; it seems they decided to open a bar that reflected their newly discovered maturity while holding on to youthful self-​deceit.
The Bower opened late 2012, but it feels to me Edmonton is still trying it on for size (also trying to locate it since there is no signage – follow the slight scent of pretentiousness). Last night there was an eclectic crowd, with post-​hipsters well represented, many wearing ties, bow ties, or dresses (and oddly, slightly more men than woman, likely just a chance occurrence). Average age: 25 – 33.
The atmosphere feels like a French salon minus the enlightenment, intellectualism, culture, and revolutions. Wood and brick walls, decorated with romanticism portrait art. Victorian sofas and chairs. And marble topped tables (from Leva?).
The Bower is smack in the middle of being a lounge and club. Seating is limited but comfortable. The music is loud, but not too loud. The DJ was playing danceable music, but not dance music (I really liked it). And yes, there is a dance floor and it was being used: I recall a man in a bow tie leading the charge.
Drink prices and cover will keep the clientele older. We paid $ 7 cover even arriving before 10:30. Drinks although not cheap are quality: what the bartender is willing to make, he makes well. The Bees Knees cocktail is really nice (2oz, $ 10). The Jalapeño Margarita (2oz, $ 11) was surprisingly spicy and one of the tastiest cocktails I’ve ever had. The Old Fashioned (2oz, $ 10) was just as you would expect (I suggest asking for half sweet though). But my friend’s request for a Mint julep could not be accommodated (no mint).
If wine is your style, you’re in luck with a few decent ones by the glass or bottle.
Our server was fantastic. I think she was waiting solo and did an excellent job. Despite being very busy she was very attentive, funny, friendly, and brass tax. She is clearly experienced and deserves every dollar she makes.
Overall, The Bower is a unique lounge/​club trying to cater to us mature children who want to pretend we have (a) little class.