The Wheelhouse Restaurant in Whitehorse (Now Closed)

The Wheelhouse Restaurant was located at 170-2237 Second Avenue in Whitehorse’s Waterfront Station, right by the Yukon River. This beloved establishment has permanently closed, but it left a lasting mark on Whitehorse’s dining scene. During its operation, it was known as one of the finest dining spots in the territory.

Iconic Yukon Location: Food with a Taste of Casino Culture

The Wheelhouse wasn’t just about great food – it brought Yukon’s rich history to life, much like Yukon-themed online casinos capture the spirit of the territory for players around the world. Just as the restaurant featured steamboat artifacts and river views, some online casinos recreate these details in their Yukon-inspired games, allowing players to feel the thrill of exploration and discovery. This connection to Yukon’s culture and landscape has made online casinos a popular pastime in the area, providing a unique way for locals and visitors to enjoy a slice of Yukon from anywhere.

In the next section, we review The Wheelhouse’s menu, a mix of local flavours that brought the tastes of Yukon to each dish.

Space at The Wheelhouse

The restaurant was a beautiful spot that perfectly blended Yukon’s history with modern comfort:

• Large windows overlooking the Yukon River
• High 12-foot ceilings that made the space feel open and airy
• Decorated with real steamboat artifacts and historical photos
• Outdoor garden deck that fit 40 people (weather permitting)
• Indoor seating for 80, split between regular tables, booths, and a bar
• Featured an elevated area called “The Wharf” with some of the best views

Their Famous Menu

Starters ($11-18)

The Wheelhouse restaurant menu was famous for:

• Arctic Char Chowder ($13) – a local favourite
• Pan Seared Scallops ($17) with smoked tomato relish and pork cracklings
• Tequila Lime Prawns ($18) in citrus butter
• Warm Goat Cheese Salad ($15) with roasted beets and walnuts

Main Dishes ($27-39)

The kitchen was celebrated for its work with local ingredients:

• Bison Shepherd’s Pie ($29) with spiced cranberry sauce
• Grilled Arctic Char ($34) served with bruschetta and quinoa
• Rack of Lamb ($37) crusted with mint walnut pesto
• Braised Short Ribs ($35) with birch syrup glaze
• Seafood Linguine ($37) loaded with char, scallops, prawns, mussels, and clams

Desserts & After-Dinner Drinks

• Coffee Crème Brûlée ($10) made with local roasted coffee
• Bourbon Chocolate Tort ($12)
• Lemon Meringue Cheesecake ($12)
• Specialty coffees ($12) like B52, Spanish Coffee, or Blueberry Tea

Wine Program

During the operation, they offered:

• Full wine list with 51 different bottles
• Wine flights: Three 2-oz pours of different wines
• Bottle sales for take-home between 4-9 PM
• Expert wine pairings with dinner

Regular Events at The Wheelhouse

The restaurant was known for live jazz every Wednesday from 6:00-9:00 PM featuring local musicians. Regular performers included:

• Anne Turner on bass
• Nicholas Mah on guitar
• Duncan Sinclair on saxophone
• Grant Simpson on piano

Establishment Features

During its time, The Wheelhouse was known for:

• “Yukon Casual” dress code – clean and neat, but not formal
• Excellent accommodation of dietary restrictions
• Wheelchair accessibility (except for the elevated Wharf section)
• USD acceptance at competitive rates
• Free parking at both ends of the building
• All major cards and debit accepted

Private Events

The venue was popular for:

• Corporate events
• Birthday dinners
• Anniversary celebrations
• Family gatherings
• Large group bookings (up to 70 people)

The Wheelhouse gave guests a true taste of Yukon through both its menu and atmosphere. It was a favourite choice for both special occasions and regular dinners out, especially for those looking for local flavours and a great view. Though now closed, it remains a benchmark for fine dining in Whitehorse and a reminder of how restaurants can celebrate local culture and history.

Note: This review preserves the memory of The Wheelhouse Restaurant, which has permanently closed. The menu prices and details reflect their final operating period.