Edmonton Oilers superstar and assistant captain Leon Draisaitl was at Rogers Place meeting fans one-on-one on Sunday for a Tylenol fan event, and he spilled on his favourite things to do in Edmonton.
“It’s always a fun time, always a great opportunity to give something back a little bit. The fans, a lot of times, are the reason why we play this game and why we enjoy it so much,” he said.
The forward is currently in his 11th season with the team, so it’s safe to say that he knows his way around the city by now. Daily Hive caught up with him to get the DL on his favourite spots in Edmonton, from where he eats to how he spends his days off.
Favourite restaurant
When it comes to his top restaurant pick, Draisaitl chose Bar Bricco.
The Italian wine bar is known for its small plates, handmade pastas and exclusive wine list. It’s part of chef Daniel Costa’s group of restaurants that includes Olia, Va!, Rita and Mimi Bar.
Bar Bricco is especially loved for its fluffy focaccia and cozy, intimate vibe.
Italian clearly scores with the Oilers — in 2023, Connor McDavid told us on the Junos red carpet, “Allegro is really good, Vivo, Uccellino is really good as well.”
Favourite coffee spot
It’s no secret that Draisaitl is a fan of Happy and Olive; he’s been spotted repping merch from the Crestwood spot more than once.
The restaurant is a collaboration between the people behind past beloved restaurants Red Ox Inn, Canteen and The Wired Cup. It’s well-loved for its brunch, and if you’re after a good cup of coffee, this is apparently the place.
Favourite dog park
Draisaitl and his wife, Celeste, are pet parents to an adorable cockapoo named Bowie, so naturally, dog parks are in rotation.
His favourite dog park is the Buena Vista Dog Park, located near the Edmonton Valley Zoo. It’s a beautiful and expansive park along the river in south Edmonton that has plenty of trails and trees for your pooch to explore. It’s also an excellent place for a swim in the summertime.
Favourite place to go golfing
For his favourite spot to golf, he went with the Royal Mayfair Golf Club as his pick.
Set along an idyllic location in the River Valley, the course has been around for more than a century and has hosted some big names, including Arnold Palmer and King Edward VIII.
Favourite thing to do on his day off
If you were hoping to hear that he spends his days off wandering through farmers’ markets or checking out a DJ set at Double Dragon, you will be disappointed, as this man likes to keep things low-key.
“Take a nap, hang out at home, hang out with my dog,” he told us. How relatable!
So there you have it. Next time you’re looking for something to do in Edmonton, consider this Draisaitl’s unofficial guide to YEG.
