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Bars and Breweries in Kamloops

Kamloops has developed a genuine craft beer and cocktail culture over the past decade, and it’s worth exploring whether you’re a local or travelling through the Thompson region. The scene here isn’t pretentious—it’s practical, unpretentious, and rooted in people who actually care about what they’re pouring. I’ve spent enough time at our bars and breweries to know what makes them tick, and I’m happy to share what I’ve discovered.

The Craft Brewery Movement in Kamloops

Our brewery scene punches above its weight for a city our size. There are three standout operations that define what Kamloops is doing in craft beer right now.

Bright Eye Brewing on the North Shore has become the neighbourhood’s social anchor. With a 4.7/5 rating across 619 reviews, it’s consistently where you’ll find people who actually live nearby—not just tourists passing through. They’ve built their reputation on solid, approachable beers rather than chasing trends. The taproom itself has real character, with enough space to actually have conversations without shouting.

Red Collar Brewing & Distilling Co. in City Centre represents a different ambition. They’re doing both beer and spirits, which is no small undertaking. Their 4.7/5 rating across 345 reviews tells you they’ve found their audience, even if they’re newer and smaller than some alternatives. The distilling component sets them apart—you don’t often find a craft brewery with their own still in most Canadian cities.

Iron Road Brewing down in Southgate operates more quietly, but don’t mistake that for lack of quality. Their 4.6/5 rating across 423 reviews comes from people who know what they’re looking for. It’s the kind of place where regulars know each other, and you’ll understand why once you visit.

Where to Find Quality Cocktails and Craft Drinks

The bar scene in Kamloops extends well beyond craft beer. Several establishments have built serious cocktail programs, though you won’t find the fussy, overdecorated approach that characterises some urban bars.

Maurya’s Rest in City Centre operates at 4.7/5 across 1,241 reviews, which is the kind of consistency that comes from doing the fundamentals right. It functions as both bar and banquet space, so the vibe can shift depending on what’s happening, but their core offering—good drinks and solid service—remains constant. The location in City Centre means it’s accessible and visible, which is part of why it’s drawn such a large review base.

Earls Kitchen + Bar in Lower Sahali maintains a 4.5/5 rating across 1,776 reviews. It’s a larger operation—the kind of place where you can reliably get a well-made drink and decent late night dining without complications. Not every bar can handle that volume consistently, but Earls has the infrastructure and training to pull it off.

Sports Bars and Social Gathering Spots

Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill in City Centre holds a 4.7/5 rating across 1,093 reviews. If you’re looking for where to watch games—whether that’s hockey during season or major sporting events—Shark Club is the obvious choice. They’ve invested in the infrastructure (screens, sound, kitchen capacity) to handle crowds properly, which means you can actually watch what you came to watch without the typical sports bar chaos.

Moxies Kamloops Restaurant in City Centre has built something substantial with 2,379 reviews and a 4.6/5 rating. That volume tells you they’ve managed to appeal across different occasions—whether you’re there for drinks with friends, a dinner date, or catching a game. Managing that kind of consistency across that many interactions is genuinely difficult.

The Neighbourhood Factor

One thing I’ve noticed about Kamloops is that our bars and breweries tend to anchor their neighbourhoods rather than compete aggressively across the city. North Shore has Bright Eye Brewing and Red Beard Cafe (4.6/5, 1,209 reviews)—both establishments that have become part of the actual neighbourhood rather than just commercial spaces. City Centre has density and variety, which is what you’d expect from the downtown core.

This geographic spread is actually good news for residents and visitors alike. You don’t need to travel across town for a decent drink. Check the map for what’s near where you’re staying or working, and chances are there’s something worthwhile within a reasonable distance.

Getting Around Safely

Kamloops isn’t a large city, but if you’re planning nightlife that involves alcohol, the standard precautions apply. City Centre is compact and walkable if you’re staying downtown, but if you’re elsewhere in the city, plan your transportation beforehand. Designated driving or taxi services aren’t luxuries here—they’re practical necessities. Winter conditions can also affect walkability, particularly from November through March, so factor that into your plans.

Most of our better bars and breweries are used to serving people responsibly and consistently. The staff at places with high ratings and high volume tend to have good judgment about when to stop serving and when to call a cab for someone. That’s not accidental—it comes from places that take their licence and their community seriously.

What to Do Right Now

Pick a neighbourhood that suits your location in the city. If you’re downtown, you have multiple options within walking distance. If you’re elsewhere, start with the brewery or bar nearest you—the ratings suggest our establishments maintain quality across locations. Visit during hours that match your schedule; many of our better spots function differently at lunch, evening, and late night.

Check the map for exact locations and hours before you go. Kamloops’ bar and brewery scene is genuine because it serves actual residents first—that means hours can shift seasonally or based on local events. A quick check saves frustration.

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