Put on your poodle skirt

Rudy’s Eat & Drink offers good food and a ‘50s feel

Rudy’s Eat & Drink is definitely a place to check out when you have some time to relax with a drink. Dylan Hewlett

Rudy’s Eat & Drink
375 Graham Ave.

“Frank Sinatra would hang out here.”

That was my first thought as I walked into Rudy’s Eat & Drink, located in Manitoba Hydro Place.

I enjoyed their patio one evening last summer, but this was my first time trying their lunch menu - a reasonably priced variety of sandwiches, wraps, burgers and salads.

The lounge has a ‘50s feel with its modern minimalist execution and a cheery mix of retro pop played softly in the background. 

The waitstaff was friendly and tastefully dressed.

While I found that the service was slow at first, I left feeling well taken care of.

This is definitely somewhere to check out when you have some time to relax with a drink.

I ordered “The Money” - an open-faced steak sandwich on garlic toast - with a side of tomato dill soup.

I can’t say anything bad about the meal at all; everything was well-executed and had a nice blend of flavours.

The menu wasn’t surprising or exotic, but it features some charming desserts. I ordered the s’mores because I’m a fan of doing child-like things in grown-up places.

I ordered the s’mores because I’m a fan of doing child-like things in grown-up places

The s’mores were served with Callebaut chocolate heated over my very own mini fondue pot and the server told me that the graham crackers and marshmallows were made in-house.

The s’mores also came with a small dish of pineapple - not my first pairing instinct when I think of campfire treats, but it was definitely a tasty extra touch.

I would have liked some pro-tips on classy s’more eating though. Given their stickiness, I’m not sure if s’mores are something I would want to eat in front of someone who I was trying to gain respect or admiration from. Still, I wasn’t disappointed in the delicious and beautifully presented dish.

The s’mores set me back $6.95, while The Money was $15.95. Aptly titled, it’s the second priciest item on the menu, with most of Rudy’s lunch fare falling somewhere between $9.95 and $13.95.

Not exactly bargain basement, but not bank-breaking either.

Rudy’s was a nice place to take myself out for lunch and I would definitely return, although the atmosphere seems more ideal for a special night out.

If you have a pin up dress or Don Draper-style suit and nowhere to go, I suggest a trip to Rudy’s.

Published in Volume 67, Number 19 of The Uniter (February 7, 2013)

Related Reads