Where Luxury Meets Levity

At Bar Trove, indulgence isn’t just on the menu—it’s the atmosphere. Co-owners Lauren Kyle-McDavid and Brittany Schulz, along with chef Eric Hanson, have crafted a dining experience where European flair, small-plate sophistication, and a sense of play converge, creating a space that feels both exclusive and effortless. “The idea was European, small plate, and seafood-focused,” Hanson says. “Those three words set the tone for everything we’ve done here.”

From caviar-topped chicken nuggets to wagyu steak and magnums of Champagne, Bar Trove is redefining what it means to luxuriously dine in Edmonton. “We sell so much caviar—it’s wild,” Hanson remarks. “I’ve been keeping every caviar tin since we opened. If you stacked them, it would be taller than me.” The indulgence doesn’t end there—tables ordering multiple rounds of wagyu, Champagne corks popping across the room, and bar snacks elevated to art form are all part of the nightly rhythm.

Luxury here isn’t just about price—it’s about precision. Hanson describes the opening months as a time of refinement. “It was good for the team to cook something 500 times. You really learn the nuances, and it sets the tone for how high we want the bar to be.” With a refreshed menu set to launch this month, he’s ready to push the menu into more ambitious territory.

Still, the restaurant’s most surprising hallmark may be its inclusivity. “Basically everything is gluten-free,” Hanson says. “I usually don’t broadcast that—it scares people who think it might not taste as good—but it’s fun when someone says they’re gluten-free and I get to tell them, actually, you can have everything.” His decade-long pursuit of a perfect gluten-free chicken batter, inspired by chefs across Alberta, has resulted in what might be the city’s most decadent “nugget” topped with caviar, of course.

Behind the scenes, Hanson credits owners Kyle-McDavid and Schulz for their hands-on dedication and discerning taste. “Lauren’s a force. She’ll roll up her sleeves, hold up shelves, climb the ladder to touch up paint. Her eye for detail made such a difference.” Together, they’ve built a space that radiates opulence and energy, attracting everyone from Oilers’ players—Lauren’s husband, Connor McDavid, is reportedly a fan of the nuggets—to downtown diners seeking a night out that feels electric. “Bar Trove has got that Sex and the City vibe,” Hanson says. “It’s a lot of young women dressed up very nicely. It’s fun to see people want that again. For a while, it disappeared, but now everyone wants to go out, dress up, and celebrate.”

With its glittering bar, unique wine list, and a kitchen buzzing with creative energy, Bar Trove has quickly become a beacon in what can hopefully become a downtown revival. It’s where elegance feels effortless, and every detail—whether it’s the pop of a Champagne cork or the gleam of caviar on a spoon—feels designed for celebration. Hanson sees it as more than a restaurant; it’s a return to joy. “People want to go out again, dress up, and have fun,” he reiterates. “That’s what Bar Trove is all about—bringing that spark back.”