19th Hole Hot Spots in Kamloops

Golf quiz: You’ve just had an amazing twilight round of golf with a few pals at the breathtaking Tobiano golf course. The spacious patio overlooking the lake is bustling with happy golfers. Cold beer and hot-off-the-grill aprés eats are being served. You’re hungry. You have two options. You can a) eat a stale granola bar that’s been stashed in your golf bag for a year, go back to your hotel, read a chapter of your latest Hardy Boys book, and go to bed. Or you can b) hit the patio, tip back an ice-cold pint, have some laughs, chow down on a delicious craft burger, and watch the sun paint the peaks in rust-red light. Easiest golf quiz ever, right?

Unquestionably, when I’m out for a round of golf with a few friends, enjoying some apres food and drink is standard. It comes with the territory. Especially if that territory is in and around Kamloops.

With dozens of great watering holes – including, of course, the sun-soaked patios and 19th holes right at the course! – savouring the golf day, milking it for all it’s worth, is a no-brainer. While the stunning patios at the courses are tough to beat (namely Tobiano and Bighorn), changing up the scenery and capping off the day at a popular aprés spot in town is never a bad idea.

Here are a few of my favourites in Kamloops:

1. The Noble Pig Brewhouse – Their slogan – “The marriage between beautiful food and craft beer” – hits the nail on the head. And, no question, the cure for your double bogey blues can definitely be found here. I’d highly recommend a pint of their Big Bad Wolf IPA. It packs a punch. Pair it with Cajun Crispy Pickles and Southwest Dry Ribs.

2. Browns Socialhouse – I get angry and confused when I go to Browns. I like everything. I want everything. But I can’t have everything. Truth be told, I’ve actually never NOT had an awesome experience at Browns. The vibe is cool and contemporary, fresh and fun. A perfect 19th hole. If you’re a burger lover, the Butcher’s Block (capped with a delicious onion ring and peppercorn bacon) is a thing of beauty.

3. Match Eatery + Public House – Transferring your on-course fun and frivolity to the pub can be tricky. A dead and dingy dive bar just won’t do. When you and the posse want to keep the motor running at high RPMs – and you’re peckish for incredibly tasty pub fare – I’d highly recommend a stop at Match Eatery + Public House. The atmosphere is awesome and the food is fabulous. You’d be wise to feast on the Food Truck Tacos.

Obviously, there are dozens of great places in Kamloops where you can tally up the scores, toast the champion, and keep the good times going. (Some of my “honourable mentions” include Cordo Resto + Bar, Duffy’s Pub, Romeo’s Kitchen + Spirit, Mittz Kitchen, and On the Rocks Pub.) Of course, regardless of where you go – or stay! – after your round, you can be happy. You’re in Kamloops. With friends. Golfing. And your stale granola bar will live to see another day.

Andrew Penner is a freelance writer and photographer based in Calgary. You can follow him on Instagram @andrewpennerphotography.