Saskatonians saw many new eating establishments appear in 2017. With all of these options, it’s hard to pick a place to try out first. Here are the Sheaf’s picks for the next time you want to grab a bite out.

Breakfast or brunch: Hometown Diner

Whether you’re looking for a simple breakfast or a delicious brunch with friends, Hometown Diner on 20th Street West will not disappoint. Opened by Kara Bykowy last summer, Hometown Diner has the perfect atmosphere for eating the most important meal of the day — with big south-facing windows that let the sunshine in on the restaurant’s simple but modern decor.

Hometown Diner offers a variety of tasty options, including breakfast sandwiches, eggs Benedict and homemade doughnuts. Their coffee is absolutely rich and delicious — a necessary ingredient in the best breakfast. They also have plenty of gluten-free meal options. We highly recommend making this your next breakfast or brunch spot!

Fast food: Taco Bell

After Taco Bell opened on Eighth Street East this summer, it’s hard to understand how anyone could willingly eat other fast food in Saskatoon. Taco Bell is a great go-to on a busy day, as their food is quickly made, consistent and easy on the wallet.

On top of some great vegetarian options, Taco Bell also has some unique and interesting choices. The must-try items include the Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Tacos Supreme and the 7-Layer Burrito — both of which have vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Their menu has decent variety, whether you’re a high roller or you only have a couple of dollars to spend. Compared to other fast-food places in the city, Taco Bell is relatively cheap, and you get what seems like a lot more food for your money.

Dinner: Sticks and Stones

Sticks and Stones is the latest dining establishment by the Grassroots Restaurant Group, which is also responsible for Ayden Kitchen and Bar and Little Grouse on the Prairie. Like Ayden and Little Grouse, Sticks and Stones is a trendy joint with a cool open-concept kitchen and bar. Though intimate, as the seating is quite close together, the music can be loud — something you might want to consider if you are planning to chat with your friends.

Nevertheless, Sticks and Stones offers a great experience, complete with cordial service. Some of their standout items include their melt-inyour- mouth Pork Belly steamed buns and their slightly spicy L.A. Kalbi short ribs. However, the restaurant’s claim to fame is their wide array of ramen. Each item is expertly flavoured and nicely presented, leaving you wanting more.

Their selection of Japanese whiskey and beer is impressive as well. The overall pricing is a little on the high side, but it’s an excellent place for a night out and the menu is guaranteed to keep you coming back.

Dessert: Fable Ice Cream

Fable Ice Cream is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Opened in June 2017 by wife-husband duo Lauren and Jordan Ethridge, this small-batch ice cream shop uses local ingredients to make their tasty treats. They also make their waffle cones from scratch — and you can taste the difference.

Simply put, their ice cream is absolutely delicious. Flavours worth noting include spruce tip, blackberries and cream, salted caramel and Madagascar vanilla. Some flavours even include ingredients from Venn Coffee Roasters and the 9 Mile Legacy Brewery. Watch out Homestead, Fable Ice Cream may just be the hottest — or coldest — ice cream spot in town.

These are just a few of the many new eateries that have opened up in Saskatoon in the last year. Other establishments worth noting include Picaro, Popeyes and the 9 Mile Legacy Taproom. Cheers to your next bite out!

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Gurleen Lehal

Photos: Zac Walters