Everyone in and around the Arcola area has either heard of Buddy’s Pub or have devoured a delicious meal from this place.
Buddy’s Pub is located on Main Street in Arcola. It is a provincial site and one of three opera houses that remain in Saskatchewan. It has also been called the High House, as it can be seen long before you arrive.
This massive three-story brick building was once the Arcola town hall, the firehall and also council chambers.
Upon entering the front doors, you will see the large cast iron bell adorning the foyer, right beside the original wooden stairs that will bring you to the second floor.
The staircase that takes you to the second level has seen many feet travel up them to see the massive layout of the bar. Do not forget to look up, look way up and you will see the vaulted tin ceiling and the upper level.
One of the longest wooden bars in western Canada is also on this level, and it takes up the one wall, with the old cash register placed in the center. It has remained in this location as the old register is extremely heavy.
There is elaborate woodwork throughout the structure, including the original staircases and floors. When standing on the third level mezzanine, the view is spectacular, as the whole second level can be observed and the impressive woodwork that accompanies the bar.
The roof needed repair 11 years ago, but this time it was done with tin, and not the original cedar shakes.
Be it a wedding, Christmas event or a work gathering, the mezzanine has hosted a great deal of them, along with parties galore on the second floor.
In September of 2007, the pub would receive new owners. Ronnie Aschenbrenner and her partner Gary Kerr came from Tumbler Ridge, B.C. and loved the place. Aschenbrenner said, “they loved how it made them feel at home,” so they bought it. The landscape was quite the change from B.C., but they loved the flat and the openness of the prairies.
“Over the years it has seen many impressive bands that have entertained us and some unusual events from all over,” said Aschenbrenner.
This place offers a full menu, including the famous Buddy’s burger and the homemade beer burger. They offer AAA steaks and racks of ribs. It is also fully licensed for a cold brew on a sizzling summer night. You could also challenge a friend to a friendly game of pool, or just sit back and relax.
The pub is so large that over the years it has offered space for lease to other local businesses, but at present those spaces are empty.
With the cozy atmosphere, it became a place for locals to gather for a social, or just a family dinner. It was the go-to place in Arcola. The pair have loved the pub and have diligently worked at the pub for the past 15 years.
Recently an incredibly special occasion took place at the pub. On June 14, Kerr and Aschenbrenner got married after being together for 40 years. Family came from afar to help the couple celebrate, along with close friends. It was a time for joy and laughter.
Like so many things in life, times change and so the pub is being offered for sale. Due to major health issues their focus has needed to change. Although it is not listed through a realtor, it is listed privately. Contacting the pub will get you more information if you are interested.
At the same time, it remains open for business as usual. Business is beginning to pick up once again with the pandemic over and regular hours can now be maintained.
So, if you are out for a leisurely drive and have never see this outstanding place, and would like to see a piece of Saskatchewan history, drive on over to Arcola and take in the fabulous tour of Buddy’s Pub. It truly is a must-see place.
