Restaurant Spotlight: Bistro 1882

Have you tried Bistro 1882 yet? This Okotoks restaurant is a favourite among locals for its casual atmosphere, excellent cuisine and unique location. It’s located inside the original Sheep Creek Post Office of Okotoks and now serves lunch and dinner. The original Sheep Creek Post Office was built in 1882 located east of town near McMillan’s stopping place.

It was later moved in 1887 to the present day location at the original MacLeod Trail across from the train station. It served as the post office until around 1942 but it was sitting empty for years until the renovation took place to make it into a restaurant. Here is a look at what you can enjoy at Bistro 1882 of Okotoks.

About Bistro 1882

The restaurant went from a post office building to a renovated eatery in the early 80s. They still have many of the original features like the unusual angle of the building and how it’s not square to the street. You’ll also get to see the pressed copper/nickel composite siding that was designed to look like stone. Check out the remarkable details on the cornice moulding and the corners.

Visiting Bistro 1882

One unique thing about this restaurant is that it’s tiny. It’s an intimate but casual experience seating only 20 people at a time. It’s designed with a European influence with only one seating per table policy in the evenings. They don’t want anyone to ever wait or be rushed so that you can eat in a relaxing, enjoyable way that it’s intended.

They are open Tuesday through Thursday from 11am-4pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am until the last seating at 7:30pm and closed on Sundays and Mondays. They are located at 52 North Railway Street in Okotoks just 10 minutes south of Calgary.

Stop into Bistro 1882 for homemade menu items in a historical setting. You’ll love the salmon filet, the beef bourguingnon, the duck Margret and the braised lamb shank along with a glass of wine, a fabulous dessert all in a relaxing atmosphere.