One Day in Winnipeg: Dave Wasyliw of Doc Walker

Dave Wasyliw of Doc Walker shares his favourite food and drink spots in Winnipeg

After returning from a brief hiatus in 2021 with an upbeat and twangy new tune, Manitoba-based band Doc Walker followed up in 2022 by going back to the beginning. Roughly two decades after it was first released, the duo’s newest track is a remixed version of one of their first hits, “Rocket Girl”. 

The Juno Award-winning band recently wrapped its latest tour, which saw them traverse the West Coast from Dawson Creek B.C. back to their home province of Manitoba. Despite the band’s international acclaim, once the tour concluded Doc Walker’s Dave Wasyliw wasted no time giving back to his local music scene by serving as a judge at Dauphin’s Countryfest Competition Series. 

Since we know Wasyliw has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Winnipeg, we decided to ask the multifaceted musician to share a few of his favourite food and drink spots in his hometown.

Breakfast

I always say I’m not much of a breakfast person, but I think I’m just not a morning person! But I would gladly wake up at any hour for a Falafel Place breakfast! They are open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, and have a lot of traditional breakfast choices which my dad appreciates, and just as many non-traditional options, such as the falafel breakfast (my favorite), and schnitzel and eggs (my other go-to).

Lunch

Daanook. This Syrian place is relatively new (opened two years ago), and is run by some of our newest Canadians. It has Winnipeg’s best shawarma, hands down (and I know my shawarma!), and possibly the best cup of coffee in the world! Not exaggerating in the least. Must try!

Dinner and Drinks

King’s Head Pub. This English-style pub is dangerously close to my office in the Exchange District. Everyone is on a first-name basis. They serve traditional pub meals done right. The curries are particularly great. The vindaloo will knock your socks off, and the butter chicken poutine is worth every calorie!

They have fantastic live music on weekends, and boast one of best draught beer selections in Winnipeg, including many local brews. It is our traditional spot for drinks before a Jets game.

Watch: Doc Walker - Rocket Girl - Official Video