The Beachcomber was a Canadian chain of elaborate Polynesian restaurants in the same vein as other popular chains like Kon-Tiki, Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic's. Other restaurants in the chain were located in Calgary
The Beachcomber was located in the Carlton Motor Hotel in Winnipeg; the motel opened in 1961, and the Beachcomber was open during the '60s. The restaurant had a "star lit sky" ceiling, and had thatched huts, and an open "steak pit" area where patrons could see chefs at work. An alcove dining area had float, tapa and beachcomber lamps.
The Carlton Motor Hotel is now the Carlton Inn, and the non-Polynesian restaurant on site is called Paragon.
My love at tiki began right here at the Beachcomber. I was only four years old but the restaurant with the stars in the ceiling left quite the impression. My second and only other visit was in the early 90s like not long before it closed. It was sad to see such a unique restaurant close and truth be told, I still miss it.
Born in 1970, I had no idea what Tiki heaven lurked right under all our noses in downtown Winnipeg. Once I found the 'Comber, I and my twentysomething compadres instantly took it for granted.
Of COURSE there's a classic Tiki lounge in the Carlton! Doesn't EVERY city have one? Yeah, we'll spend some leisurely nights here, hanging out... someday... Well, I did have the pleasure of dining there at least twice with my mom and sister, as I recall... since it wasn't closed 'till the 90's. Food was just great... never got too far into the tree-bedecked drinks, but we sure did see them being carried across the room... it was a DOWN HOME SLICE of ISLAND PARADISE which delivered a damn fine evening of pineapple-garnished fare for all comers. It was both lush and laid-back. Where can you find that nowadays? It should also be noted that the FULL Beachcomber experience was committed to film (alongside several other Wpg. landmarks no longer with us) in the 1990 film "True Confections" -- last seen on VHS tape in Adi's Video -- and -- where else? -- Somewhere, I would HOPE? -- It's about a 2-minute scene in a larger plot, but from one who did experience the place, I can attest to its accuracy. Thank you all.
My love at tiki began right here at the Beachcomber. I was only four years old but the restaurant with the stars in the ceiling left quite the impression. My second and only other visit was in the early 90s like not long before it closed. It was sad to see such a unique restaurant close and truth be told, I still miss it.
Born in 1970, I had no idea what Tiki heaven lurked right under all our noses in downtown Winnipeg. Once I found the 'Comber, I and my twentysomething compadres instantly took it for granted.
Of COURSE there's a classic Tiki lounge in the Carlton! Doesn't EVERY city have one? Yeah, we'll spend some leisurely nights here, hanging out... someday... Well, I did have the pleasure of dining there at least twice with my mom and sister, as I recall... since it wasn't closed 'till the 90's. Food was just great... never got too far into the tree-bedecked drinks, but we sure did see them being carried across the room... it was a DOWN HOME SLICE of ISLAND PARADISE which delivered a damn fine evening of pineapple-garnished fare for all comers. It was both lush and laid-back. Where can you find that nowadays? It should also be noted that the FULL Beachcomber experience was committed to film (alongside several other Wpg. landmarks no longer with us) in the 1990 film "True Confections" -- last seen on VHS tape in Adi's Video -- and -- where else? -- Somewhere, I would HOPE? -- It's about a 2-minute scene in a larger plot, but from one who did experience the place, I can attest to its accuracy. Thank you all.
Of COURSE there's a classic Tiki lounge in the Carlton! Doesn't EVERY city have one? Yeah, we'll spend some leisurely nights here, hanging out... someday...
Well, I did have the pleasure of dining there at least twice with my mom and sister, as I recall... since it wasn't closed 'till the 90's. Food was just great... never got too far into the tree-bedecked drinks, but we sure did see them being carried across the room... it was a DOWN HOME SLICE of ISLAND PARADISE which delivered a damn fine evening of pineapple-garnished fare for all comers. It was both lush and laid-back. Where can you find that nowadays? It should also be noted that the FULL Beachcomber experience was committed to film (alongside several other Wpg. landmarks no longer with us) in the 1990 film "True Confections" -- last seen on VHS tape in Adi's Video -- and -- where else? -- Somewhere, I would HOPE? -- It's about a 2-minute scene in a larger plot, but from one who did experience the place, I can attest to its accuracy. Thank you all.