One Day in Edmonton: Mat Cardinal of The Prairie States

Some suggestions for great eats and drinks in Edmonton

As household names in the Alberta music scene, the Edmonton-based band The Prairie States have long been celebrated for their energetic live shows and catchy country tunes.

The band has garnered a range of awards over the past six years including CMAB Awards for Rising Star (2018), Horizon Group Of The Year (2019), Group Of The Year (2023), and more, as well as a 2022 CCMA Award nomination for Songwriters of The Year. With a deal inked with Willing Records (under Universal Music) and a recent tour with Jess Moskaluke under their belt, this new year is looking like it might be the best yet for The Prairie States.

On top of it all, the band has just released their brand-new album Trouble Is. The 10-track is a mixture of the band's single releases from the past two years and new material that reinforces the idea that 2024 is the year of The Prairie States.

Recently, we had a chance to chat with the band's lead singer Mat Cardinal about his favourite spots for eats and drinks in his home base of Edmonton. From a great craft brewery to the an awesome steak sandwich, his picks, much like his band's tunes, do not disappoint!

Breakfast

The Colombian Coffee Bar & Roastery has great coffee. The owners and workers are wonderful, and they have an amazing bagel breakfast sandwich.

There’s a couple locations around the city too!

Lunch

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by The Next Act (@nextactpub)

The Next Act has a delicious steak sandwich, a killer donair and the fries are fabulous—big fry guy here. I took my sister there in the summer and now all she talks about is going back for another steak sandwich.

It's got a great vibe ;too, and I like that they always have a random movie playing on the TV.

Dinner

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by PIP (@pip_yeg)

I took my honey to Pip for a date recently, and it was very romantic. I had the short rib and I would easily go back for another date night.

Drinks

I'm not much of a drinker but my buddies own Sea Change Brewing Co., so you should definitely go there for a pint or two! They are the best!

Watch: The Prairie States - Trouble Is (Official Music Video)