Is this Kelowna spot the best rooftop in North America?

What does Kelowna’s Craft Beer Market have in common with other locations like Miami Beach, New York, and Anaheim?

They’re all in the running for North America’s Best Rooftop Restaurant 2023 run by the online World Culinary Awards.

“Us here at Craft in Kelowna are extremely honoured and very excited to be considered for such a prestigious award in North America,“ manager Riley Kidd told Kelowna10.

The venue on Bernard Avenue was built on the site of the former movie theatre and original wood from that structure was included in the look when it was completed in 2018. They’ve also kept the iconic Paramount neon sign and one wall now features modern art works.

The venue’s open-air feel offers patrons extensive views of the lake, mountains and the downtown. But, of course, the beer is also a big draw.

“We feature a wonderful tap line with a bunch of local craft beers and exciting little micro breweries. We pour the same 114 taps upstairs as we do downstairs,” Kidd explained, pointing to the steel pipes overhead that carry those favourite liquids to the bar area.

The World Culinary Awards, which are in their fourth year, are a sister event of World Travel Awards, which was launched in 1994 to celebrate excellence in travel and tourism.

Craft Beer Market is one of nine nominees in the category which include luxury rooftop venues in major cities across the U.S, and two other Canadian entries: 2022 winner, Sky Bistro at Banff, and the Broadway Hotel in Toronto.

For Kidd, it says much about Kelowna as a happening, tourist city that their business has been acknowledged in this way.

“We get so many people coming through Kelowna from all over the world, not just locals, and this has become one of those fun spots for them. Our team is extremely proud to provide a great hospitality experience,” he said.

Online voting ends June 30 and can be found here.