If you’ve driven past 655 Empress Street lately, you’ve likely noticed the transformation. State & Main Kitchen + Bar has officially opened its second Winnipeg location, bringing its signature “elevated comfort” vibe to the bustling Polo Park retail hub.

State & Main Opens Second Location in Winnipeg

State & Main has built a reputation on a simple but effective premise: providing a vibrant, downtown-style atmosphere without the downtown commute. Following the success of their first Winnipeg location on Regent Avenue, this new spot offers a polished yet casual environment perfect for a post-shopping cocktail or a late-night bite.

Menu Highlights:

  • Standout Shareables: From their famous Bang Bang Shrimp and Ahi Tuna Sushi Press to the crowd-favorite Pretzel Bites with beer cheese dip.
  • Elevated Mains: AAA Steaks, Honey Glazed Cajun Chicken, and unique bowls like the Spicy Tuna Poke.
  • The Vibe: Known for their “Double Happy Hour” (2 PM – 5 PM and 9 PM to close), it’s a spot where the craft cocktails—like the Spicy Honey Margarita—are just as important as the food.

A Look Back: The History of 655 Empress Street

The building at 655 Empress Street is no stranger to hungry Winnipeggers. It occupies a prime piece of real estate near CF Polo Park, but it has also been a “revolving door” for some beloved local and national concepts over the decades.

  1. Preservation Hall (2020–2024)
    Most recently, the address was home to Preservation Hall Eatery & Wine Bar. Opened during the height of the pandemic by renowned local Chef Tristan Foucault (of Peasant Cookery fame), it was a farm-to-table, French-inspired gem. Despite its critical acclaim and incredible food, the “black hole” of pandemic-era challenges proved too much to overcome, and it sadly closed its doors in August 2024.
  2. Barley Brothers (2013–2019)
    Before the French bistro vibes moved in, the location was a craft beer mecca. Barley Brothers was one of Winnipeg’s first major dedicated craft beer pubs, boasting over 150 taps. It was a go-to spot for beer enthusiasts before the brewery boom really took over the city, but it eventually shuttered as the market shifted.
  3. Kelsey’s Original Grill & Bar (pre-2013)
    Going back even further, many Winnipeggers remember this location as a Kelsey’s. For years, it served as a staple for families and shoppers looking for standard North American fare: wings, burgers, and spinach dip.

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