Shopping & Entertainment
Uptown is home to numerous shops, restaurants and seasonal events that look to celebrate the diverse culture that makes up Kitchener-Waterloo.
Year-round events are hosted in Waterloo Town Square, including the annual Busker Carnival, a winter festival and even pop-up events like human-sized scrabble. The Shops At Town Square is a collection of shops to visit, including a Shoppers Drug Mart, a hobby shop and a grocery store.
Within Uptown, there are many family-friendly activities; The Princess Twin Cinemas is a Waterloo heritage that has been open for business for 35 years. The set of theatres play cult classics and critically acclaimed films. If you’re looking for a quiet place to study or read, you can find The Waterloo Public Library. It is located on the corner of Dupont St. W and Albert Street, offering computer access, books and family-friendly events.
If you’re looking for Waterloo’s nightlife, you can find several nightclubs, bars and pubs to enjoy within the Uptown Waterloo Neighbourhood! Jane Bond is an intimate bar that offers live music and events aimed at a more alternative crowd with an outdoor patio, and mixed cocktails are a hidden gem in Uptown.
White Rabbit PublicHouse has a more social atmosphere offering handcrafted food and cocktails. A wide selection of spirits, wines and beers. On Sundays, there is a DJ so if you prefer a quieter alternative to the club but still want to dance White Rabbit is the perfect option
For beer aficionados, Abe Erb is Waterloo’s brewery and pub for those looking to some great locally distilled beers, their tap list shows an up to date list of what beers they are currently serving. The Duke of Wellington Public House is a unique venue in Waterloo. It is a British pub offering authentic food and a wide choice of drinks. The Duke of Wellington is also home to live show events.
Chainsaw Bar is a lively karaoke bar and restaurant that is famous around the Waterloo region. With a wide selection of spirits, delicious comfort food and nightly events, Chainsaw will make sure your weekends are never dull!
Beertown Public House and Pub On King offer a bar and lounge atmosphere for those looking to celebrate, enjoy a pint of beer and socialize. Pub on King has $6 dinner specials every night of the week, a dance night on Saturday and live music events.These make living Uptown great as these locations are within walking distance of Uptown Square.
Finally, Becky’s Apartment and Starlight Lounge is the place to before those looking for a night out dancing. Becky’s Apartment has a lounge atmosphere as it originated as a vape and hookah lounge and incorporates a classic club feel that can cater to those looking to relax and those looking to dance. Starlight Lounge has a retro theme to it and offers a fantastic assortment of musical events. Starlight hosts a throwback Friday that offers classic RnB and rap front he 90’s if you want to get down to classic hits.
Restaurants & Food Services
Uptown Waterloo is fortunate to have several types of restaurants all within a short walking distance. From 5-star restaurants to sports bars, Uptown Waterloo will have something for everyone to enjoy.
Copper Branch specializes in vegan comfort food that is quick and delicious. Seven Shores & Red House are two restaurants that offer an intimate, quiet atmosphere, beautifully designed and food that is unique to each restaurant. Seven Shores also holds local artist events periodically, for more information, visit their activities page for full details. Nick & Nat’s Uptown 21 offers innovative farm-to-table cuisine and holds special theme nights
as well.
Uptown is home to many ethnic-inspired fusion restaurants that allow customers to explore dishes from around the world and celebrate the diverse population within the Waterloo Region! Owl of Minerva, Crystal Palace Restaurant and Taco Farm, which is gluten-free, are excellent choices for residents looking to experiment with different culinary pallets.
Family-friendly restaurants Cora’s Breakfast and Lunch, The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro, Craft Chippery and The Captain’s Boil are great examples of the diverse selection available within the Uptown core. Vincenzo’s, Settlement Coffee Roasters and Bauer Bakery & Cafe are beautiful spots to socialize, enjoy coffee and relax.
Abe Erb Brewing Company and The Lion Brewery Restaurant act as both a restaurant and brewing companies that specialize in delicious craft beers. Beertown Public House Waterloo and The Duke of Wellington British Pub offer live music, sports and a great pub atmosphere for any occasion.
Finally, the Uptown core is home to an assortment of luxurious lounges and restaurants that are region-renowned and will make any occasion a spectacular event. The Bauer Kitchen Restaurant, Proof Kitchen + Lounge, Solé Restaurant and Wine Bar offers lounge atmospheres and high-quality cuisine. Watami Sushi and Jinzakaya are newly opened sushi restaurants that specialize in all you can eat sushi experiences.
A full list of restaurants can be found on Uptown Waterloo’s BIA website.
Health Care
The Uptown core is located adjacent to Kitchener-Waterloo’s Grand River Hospital and the surrounding Medical District. Just a short trip away is Westmount Place Walk-In Clinic and the Rapid Access Addiction Clinic (RAAC) that take walk-in patients. This means there are lots of options to choose from when looking for healthcare assistance.
