Suzanna Yu helps put the soul in downtown Edmonton.
She manages the Seoul Fried Chicken (or SFC) on 104 Street, also known as the Fourth Street Promenade. It’s a vibrant mix of heritage buildings, shops, lofts, bars and restaurants.
“I like the convenience of being downtown,” says Suzanna. “You’re so close to so many different things and there’s so many different people. At [SFC], you meet a lot of international students and working professionals. Learning what they do is really interesting.”
She also likes to venture off 104 Street—to stroll through various parks or admire downtown’s many murals. “You can find artwork in every corner,” she says.
Here are Suzanna’s favourite downtown destinations:
S(e)oul food
Seoul Fried Chicken (10145 104 Street) is Edmonton’s go-to for Korean fried chicken. Chef Jake Lee opened his first location in Old Strathcona in 2016 and expanded downtown last year.
“I recommend trying Garlic Soy or BBQ, those are the most popular flavours,” says Suzanna. “My personal favourite is the Onion Lover.”
Legendary lattes
Across the street from SFC, you’ll find Credo Coffee (10134 104 Street). It’s part of a chain of cafés owned by local coffee legend Geoff Linden. Suzanna usually orders an Iced Honey Latte. “You can’t go wrong with a nice coffee shop,” she says. “And it’s convenient.”
Dogs in Decoteau
Every so often, Suzanna brings her two French bulldogs, Luna and Bosley, to Alex Decoteau Park (10230 105 Street), which includes a fenced-in off-leash area. “Luna doesn’t always want to go for a walk, so letting her play in an enclosed area is really nice,” she says.
The park, named after the first Indigenous police officer in Canada, also features a community garden and water fountains. It’s one of the sites of Downtown Spark, a festival of art, dance parties and dog-friendly events, from May 25 to June 4.
Alley art
Lulu Lane is a colourful alley located behind the Canadian Western Bank (10303 Jasper Avenue). It features a mural of Lulu Anderson, a Black Edmontonian who was refused entry into a movie theatre in 1922.
“I like exploring downtown,” says Suzanna. “You never see the same painting, you never see the same artist’s work. I really like that about being downtown.”
Patio vibes
Baijiu (10359 104 Street), an Asian-inspired bar and restaurant, boasts delicious baos, a secret bar, and one of the best patios in downtown Edmonton. “The vibe is really nice,” says Suzanna. “Love the cocktails there.” Her favourite? Juice WRLD, a mix of grapefruit, lemon and ginger basil syrup and Grey Goose citron.
Editor’s note: the pic at the top of the post shows Suzanna Yu in front of Seoul Fried Chicken on 104 Street on Monday, May 15, 2023.