Meet the Warehouse District: Regina’s Walkable Hub of Food, History, and Local Makers

Meet the Warehouse District: Regina’s Walkable Hub of Food, History, and Local Makers

Just minutes from downtown, Regina’s Warehouse District is one of the city’s most distinctive neighbourhoods. Historic brick warehouses now house craft breweries, barbecue joints, independent retailers, and creative businesses, blending the area’s industrial roots with a strong local spirit. Whether you’re stopping in for a meal, browsing local shops, or spending an afternoon wandering the streets, the Warehouse District offers a glimpse into the people and places helping shape Regina today.

We spoke with three individuals from the Warehouse District about its history, their businesses, and why they think it’s worth a visit.

Meet Grant Frew – Bar & Marketing Manager at Bushwakker Brewpub

Bushwakker Brewpub  is one of the signature stops in Regina’s Warehouse District, drawing visitors who want a taste of the city’s craft beer scene in a historic setting. For Bushwakker Brewpub, that pairing of place and tradition is what makes it stand out.

“The history is just so rich here. I think that’s another reason Bushwakker does so well in the Warehouse District—we’re all about tradition,” says Grant Frew, Bar and Marketing Manager at Bushwakker Brewpub. 

Set inside one of the District’s original brick buildings, Bushwakker offers craft beer, hearty food, and a steady lineup of live events—making it a natural stop for visitors exploring the neighbourhood’s food and drink scene.

Visitors can look for house favourites like the Dungarvon Irish Red Ale, Sodbuster Brown Ale, or the seasonal Blackberry Mead.

For anyone planning a walk through the Warehouse District, it’s a key place to pause, settle in, and take in the character of the area.

Meet Mike Arnold – Owner of Smokin’ Outlaws BBQ

A few steps away, Smokin’ Outlaws BBQ brings a different kind of tradition to the Warehouse District—one rooted in fire, smoke, and competition-level craft.

Mike Arnold is no stranger to barbecue, competing in KCBS Master Series BBQ competitions as well as major events around the world, bringing that experience back into what’s served here in Regina.

Arnold describes the approach as intentionally old-school, connecting directly to historic cooking methods.

“We are cooking with 100 per cent wood here, which is how they did barbecue 150 years ago,” says Mike Arnold, Owner of Smokin’ Outlaws BBQ.

Inside one of the District’s heritage buildings, the space matches the method—built on technique, patience, and a commitment to doing things the traditional way.

That approach has earned serious recognition on the world stage, including 1st place ribs at the American Royal World Championship, along with the title of International Grand Champion at the American Royal World Championships and multiple other competitive wins.

For visitors, the menu leans into that same award-winning craft, with champion rib trays a standout choice, or larger group options like The Pit Feast—featuring pork ribs, brisket, pulled pork, turkey slices, sausage links, and three sides designed for sharing.

It’s a standout stop for bold flavours and a distinctly local take on barbecue, and a strong addition to any walk through the neighbourhood’s food scene.

Meet Tyler Polowy – Co-owner of Rooted Living Designs

For Tyler Polowy, the Warehouse District is more than a backdrop—it’s a source of inspiration.

Rooted Living Designs blends plants, décor, and vintage materials in a space that reflects the character of the neighbourhood itself.

“I always loved the wood and the brick and just the whole vibe of the Warehouse District—the energy, the people,” says Tyler Polowy, Co-owner of Rooted Living Designs.

Inside the shop, visitors will find a curated mix of tropical house plants, home décor, oils and soaps, gemstones, and locally crafted jewellery, along with reclaimed architectural details and vintage pieces that mirror the district just outside its doors.

It’s a go-to stop for visitors looking to see the creative side of the neighbourhood, where history and modern design sit comfortably side by side.

How to Spend an Afternoon (and Evening) in the Warehouse District

The Warehouse District is built for wandering—everything sits close together, making it easy to move from a slow morning bite to a full night out without ever leaving a few walkable blocks behind.

Coffee + something sweet
Ease into the day with coffee and a sourdough donut from The Everyday Kitchen—a simple starting point before the day picks up pace.

Browse antiques + local finds
Head into the neighbourhood’s antique and vintage scene with stops at the Antique Mall and Buckthorne General Store, where you’ll find a mix of curated pieces, hidden gems, and character-filled browsing.

Craft beer + a bite
When it’s time to refuel, the District delivers plenty of options within a short walk. Settle in at one of its breweries—Rebellion Brewing Co., Copperhead Brewing Co., District Brewing Company, or Bushwakker Brewpub—for local beer and casual eats in spaces that reflect the District’s industrial character.

Games + nightlife
Keep the momentum going with a few games at The Break before wrapping up the night at Railyard Saloon, where the District shifts into its livelier after-hours energy.

Explore More Stops in the Warehouse District

This is just a snapshot of what’s possible in the Warehouse District—there’s always more to discover just around the corner. From hidden gems and new openings to long-standing local favourites, the neighbourhood continues to grow while staying rooted in its history and maker-driven spirit.

For a full list of places to eat, drink, shop, and explore, check out more stops in the Warehouse District and start planning your next visit.