So you’re coming to Kingston for the Grand Slam of Curling (GSOC) Players' Cup, December 15–20? Why not make the most of your stay with great food, drinks, and festive activities!
Below you’ll find our go-to spots for food and drinks, plus a lineup of seasonal events, from skating in Springer Market Square to live music and festive activities. Most are within walking distance of Slush Puppie Place, so you can grab a bite, enjoy a drink, and explore everything Kingston has to offer between draws.
We’ve split our GSOC itinerary into two parts:
Part 1: Eat & drink
Part 2: Things to do
Eat & drink
Please note many of these spots serve both great food and great drinks, but to keep things simple, we’ve sorted them into food and drinks.
Food
Kingston is packed with delicious places to eat, and many are just a short walk from Slush Puppie Place. With all sorts of cuisine to offer, there’s something for everyone.
Harper’s – 93 Princess St.
Delicious gourmet burgers, hand-cut fries and boozy milkshakes in a lively downtown spot.
Black Dog – 69 Brock St.
A cozy tavern style resturant, blending French brasserie traditions with warmth, creating a welcoming space where locals and visitors alike can come together.
Atomica – 71 Brock St.
A bustling favourite serving wood-fired pizzas and Italian-inspired plates with a thoughtfully curated wine list.
Chez Piggy Restaurant & Bar – 68 Princess St.
A family-run local favourite full of history and atmosphere, serving travel-inspired dishes made with fresh, locally sourced produce.
HEIST Restaurant + Wine Club – 168 Wellington St Ste 101.
An intimate, wine-forward dining room where inventive plates meet a serious cellar.
Le Jardin – 345 King St E.
A lush, plant-filled dining room with a private wine cellar, signature cocktails and dishes cooked over a custom 9-foot wood-fire grill.
Tango Nuevo – 331 King St E.
Unique, delicious cuisine paired with carefully selected Canadian and Prince Edward County wines, rooted in a love of great food and the local community.
Baja Craft Kitchen – 253 Ontario St.
Crafted cocktails and sustainably sourced, share-style dishes offering a relaxed atmosphere and lively flavours.
Aquaterra – 1 Johnson St.
Lakeside dining at the Delta Waterfront, with desilous food and sweeping views of the water.
Drinks
Raise a glass and take in Kingston’s local bar and pub scene. Each spot offers something different, so you’re sure to find a new favourite.
The Merchant Tap House – 6 Princess St.
A lively waterfront pub set in a historic limestone building, pouring craft beer alongside hearty pub food.
Daft Brewing - 768 Princess St
Craft beer, live music, great food and a vibrant atmosphere, all just 5 minutes down Princess Street at Daft Brewing.
The Toucan – 76 Princess St.
A beloved Irish-style pub with live music, a laid-back courtyard patio and plenty of local character.
The Buckle – 226 Princess St.
A fun, welcoming downtown bar with great drinks, live music and a great vibe for a night out.
The Brass – 403 Princess St.
A bussling pub serving cold pints, comfort food and a great atmosphere.
The Kingston Brewing Company – 34 Clarence St.
One of Ontario's original brewpubs, serving house-brewed ales and pub classics with a popular patio.
The Iron Duke on Wellington – 207 Wellington St.
A classic Kingston pub with a rich history and a solid tap list.
Red House – 369 King St E.
A warm, rustic gastropub pairing craft beer and cocktails with elevated comfort food.
Musiikki Cafe & Whiskey Bar – 73 Brock St.
Live music every night across three stages, including a beautiful back courtyard, paired with a huge fine whiskey selection and local craft beer.
Things to do
Kingston comes alive with festive spirit in December, so make sure to plan some time to enjoy the events happening around town.
Holiday fun around town
- See the Christmas tree in Springer Market Square – Springer Market, 1 Market St.
- Go Skating in the Square – Springer Market, 1 Market St.
- Shop for holiday gifts Downtown – check out our Local Gift Guide for the best spots to find something for everyone on your list.
- Ride the Christmas Light Trolley Tour – Visitor Information Centre, 248 Ontario St.
- Take a beautiful solstice walk at Little Cataraqui Creek. It’s about a 15 minute drive from downtown but well worth the short drive – Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area, 1641 Perth Rd.
