When it comes to fine dining in Winnipeg, 529 Wellington is synonymous with fine dining and unforgettable experiences. Building on that legacy, 529 Uptown brings a fresh, modern twist to the heart of downtown. Located in the sparkling lobby of 201 Portage, 529 Uptown blends classic elegance with contemporary design, making it a destination for both food lovers and the Exchange District community.
Doug Stephen, President and CEO of Wow Hospitality and long-time restaurateur, is behind many favourite local restaurants in Winnipeg. Exchange District gems like Peasant Cookery and the former Old Spaghetti Factory on Albert are helmed by Doug, with 529 Uptown being the latest Exchange District venture. He was approached by the owners of 201 Portage when they were dreaming up what the future of the building would look like. Doug and a few business partners decided to open a sister restaurant to 529 Wellington that brings the same high-quality dining experience with a more contemporary vibe.
“We want the downtown to be vibrant, we want the downtown to be full of activity, and the more that we can do to be a part of that with Uptown, the better we’re going to be,” shares Doug Stephen, President and CEO of Wow Hospitality.
529 Uptown is sleek and modern, mixing in elements of mid-century modern. The design, done by Jennifer Stockard, is harmonious with the bright lobby at 201 Portage. You’ll see elements of gold, walnut, and white marble throughout the restaurant, though the standout feature at 529 Uptown is really its location. “The goal was to open a restaurant in the lobby of a major office complex downtown, at the corner of Portage and Main, to try to drive the community here and be part of the revitalization of downtown Winnipeg,” shares Doug on their reasons for opening in the Exchange.
Doug recalls fond memories of the Exchange District throughout the decades. He spent a lot of time in the neighbourhood as a waiter at the Old Spaghetti Factory in 1972 and remembers even then recognizing the potential in the Exchange. Later, Doug became one of the first chairmen of the Exchange District BIZ, so his love for the area runs deep. “I’ve always been a fan of the Exchange,” shares Doug, who says that getting people living in the city centre is the best way to help it grow. Doug and his team hope that by opening 529 Uptown, they’ll be part of the movement. “We want the downtown to be vibrant, we want the downtown to be full of activity, and the more that we can do to be a part of that with Uptown, the better we’re going to be.” The team at 529 looks forward to the upcoming opening of Portage and Main next summer, and the increase in pedestrian traffic it will bring.
The menu at 529 is undoubtedly one way to drive people to the restaurant. It features iconic classics from the 529 brand, along with dishes with a Japanese twist, thanks to Chef Östen, formerly of Wabi Sabi. Their most popular dish is the Wagyu Pastrami, which offers an incredible balance of rich flavours. Protein lovers will be thrilled to see a wide selection of offerings, like their famous steaks and fresh seafood. Classic favourites include the Steakhouse Burger, a fan favourite at 529 Wellington, and the towering onion rings that customers know and love. And, of course, Happy Hour is in full swing from 2-5pm, featuring specials on cocktails and a rotating menu of snacks and dishes to keep things fresh. Adding a new Chef is another way they plan to keep things fresh, and the newly joined Chef Jackie Hildebrand brings years of expertise from Hy’s Steakhouse. Expect to see innovative items like noodle bowls or rice bowls in the near future.
Alongside the upscale, sit-down 529 Uptown, Doug and his partners also opened 529 Coffee and 529 Burger. 529 Coffee replaces the location of a former Starbucks, giving the downtown crowd the option for local caffeine. Soon, the coffee bar will transform into an Aperol Spritz and Prosecco bar in the evenings to serve the after work crowd. Downstairs is 529 Burger, offering the lunch crowd an opportunity to get a delicious burger in a grab-n-go setting. For those who prefer a more extended lunch, the team is working on refining the 529 Uptown lunch menu to include lower price-point items that’ll have you in and out within an hour.
Though 529 Uptown just opened its doors in mid-March, they already have exciting plans for the future. One upcoming addition is a shuttle service connecting 529 Uptown and their other restaurant, Peasant Cookery, to the theatre district, making it easy for diners to enjoy a night out before or after catching a show. They’re working on updating their patio space and introducing valet parking, ensuring that every aspect of your dining experience is as seamless as possible. They’ve also just launched catering, offering lunch options to neighbouring office buildings and businesses downtown.
Whether you’re stopping in for a quick coffee, enjoying a business lunch, or looking for a pre-game meal before the next Jets game, 529 Uptown offers something for everyone. With its unique mix of classic 529 elements and new modern touches, it’s the perfect spot to experience the best of what the Exchange District has to offer.
Make your reservation today and come see what all the buzz is about. You can find 529 Uptown at 201 Portage Avenue—just steps away from Portage and Main.
Or check them out online:
Website: https://529uptownwpg.com/
Instagram: @529.uptown