MORRIS: 529 Uptown: The new must-try dining destination in downtown Winnipeg

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Winnipeg’s dining scene has a new star, paying homage to 529 Wellington’s legacy with a contemporary twist inspired by the best Japanese steakhouses in the world.

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529 Uptown, the latest restaurant from Wow Hospitality, brings fresh energy to the downtown core, located in the 201 Portage highrise at the iconic corner of Portage and Main. In addition to 529 Uptown, 529 Coffee and 529 Burger have also been opened, offering convenient breakfast and lunch options for people in the downtown area.

As part of the Wow Hospitality family — which includes 529 Wellington, Alena Italian, Bluestone Bakery & Café, Peasant Cookery, and Prairie’s Edge — 529 Uptown continues its tradition of exceptional culinary experiences and top-tier service.

Wow Hospitality is known for combining quality, creativity, and a commitment to excellence across all its restaurants. At 529 Uptown, you’ll find a modern dining experience that stays true to the timeless elegance of 529 Wellington. It’s a must-visit for Winnipeggers and deserves a top spot on your list of restaurants to try.

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As you step through the sweeping glass doors of 201 Portage, you’re greeted by 529 Coffee, open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The smell of fresh-baked pastries hits you immediately, and the cappuccino is truly worth trying!

If you’re craving a mid-day burger and fries, head down the escalator to 529 Burger on the 201 concourse level. Their menu offers everything from ground chicken and brisket burgers to breakfast, veggie, chicken, and fish burgers — all of which can be paired with the perfect golden, crispy fries. 529 Burger is open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Then we have 529 Uptown Restaurant and Wine Bar, which draws you in with a menu that blends iconic 529 Wellington classics with exciting new dishes, thanks to Chef Osten. It’s a spot that feels both sophisticated and inviting — perfect for lunch, a pre-Jets game dinner or a night out.

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One of the most popular items on the 529 Uptown menu is the Wagyu Pastrami — and let me tell you, I could have eaten five! Hands down the best sandwich ever, so tasty! Their menu also features famous steaks and fresh seafood, along with classic favourites like the Steakhouse Burger and the Onion Ring Tower, both staples from 529 Wellington that never fail to impress. Standing tall in both presentation and flavour, 529’s famous onion rings are truly the best in the world! Other standouts for me were the Beef Carpaccio and Fancy Tots — both small plates I absolutely loved.

One detail that really stood out to me was the backlit menu — yes, it lights up as you open it! This small touch adds to the inviting atmosphere, making it so easy to read the menu. I didn’t even have to pull out my readers!

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529 Uptown runs a daily happy hour Monday to Friday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. During happy hour, you can enjoy $2 off TCB draught and all cocktails, as well as $2 Prosecco by the glass. For wine lovers, all wines, including selections from the Director’s Cellar, are 50% off. Sides and small plates are also available at 25% off, making it the perfect spot to unwind after work or kick off your evening.

On Winnipeg Jets home game days, 529 Uptown extends happy hour from 5 p.m. until close, offering the same great deals on TCB draught, cocktails, wine, and small plates. It’s also an ideal spot for pre-game dinners, thanks to its proximity to Canada Life Centre. The convenience of the Winnipeg underground/skywalk system means you can stay warm while enjoying a five-minute walk from the restaurant to the arena, making it a perfect choice for Jets fans or anyone attending an event at the Canada Life Centre.

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Beyond dining, 529 Uptown offers full-service catering for the 201 tower. Whether you need catering for small meetings, lunch and coffee breaks in the conference spaces, or office receptions with passed hors d’oeuvres, 529 Uptown has you covered. Additionally, the 201 lobby is available as an event space for receptions or corporate gatherings. Contact them for off-site catering options as well. For more information or to book an event, email 529Uptown@wowhospitality.com or call 204-938-8696.

Behind it all is Doug Stephen, President and CEO of Wow Hospitality, a proudly local restaurant group. With the exciting new additions of 529 Uptown, 529 Coffee, and 529 Burger to the downtown core, Doug has once again introduced innovative dining options to Winnipeg. Known for his passion for creating unparalleled restaurant concepts, Doug continues to elevate the local dining experience. 529 Uptown sets itself apart from nearby national chains, offering Winnipeggers a uniquely homegrown experience in the Exchange District, making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors alike.

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Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee before work, stopping by for a business lunch, or settling in for a pre-game meal before the next Winnipeg Jets game, 529 Uptown offers something for everyone. Blending 529 Wellington’s signature elements with a contemporary Japanese steakhouse inspiration, it’s become a top dining destination in the city.

Make your reservation today and discover why 529 Uptown is already generating buzz. You can find them in the lobby of 201 Portage Avenue — just steps away from Portage and Main. For more information, check out their website or Instagram.

Website: 529uptownwpg.com
Instagram: @529.uptown

Explore all of Wow Hospitality’s restaurants at: wowhospitality.ca.

— Cassandra Morris, food blogger and recipe developer at CookingWithCassandra.com, spotlights Winnipeg’s vibrant dining scene, offering in-depth coverage of the city’s top restaurants. From must-visit spots like 529 Uptown, she’ll feature the best dining experiences Winnipeg has to offer.

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