Beaver and Bear

No one can resist a bit of cosy Canadian comfort food. Enter Beaver and Bear, Palmerston North’s go-to for all things poutine, wings, smash burgers, cocktails and plenty more served up from their Campbell Street restaurant and food truck.

The whole thing began after the owners lived and travelled across Canada, falling in love with the food, the culture and the warmth of Canadian hospitality. They first started with a food truck back in 2019, keeping the offering simple with wings and poutine, before opening their own full-scale restaurant in 2021. Since then, they’ve become a local favourite for birthdays, casual dinners and big family groups to come in for a hearty, mouthwatering meal that’ll happily have you undoing a button or two.

Inside, the decor leans into the Canadian cabin aesthetic. It’s relaxed, family-friendly and especially cosy when the weather turns, or when only you’re craving something warm, cheesy and deeply satisfying. Of course, their poutine is a major drawcard (made properly with real cheese curds), giving Canadians a little taste of home and introducing Kiwi locals to one of the world’s greatest comfort dishes.

The menu has grown well beyond its original food truck roots. Swing by for smash burgers, wings and weekly specials, as well as plenty of drinks and desserts. They also serve proper Caesar cocktails with imported Clamato juice, another detail that will mean a lot to those who know.

If you’re tempted to take a little something home with you, there’s a retail fridge and corner too, stocked with imported soft drinks, North American sweets and house-made sauces to make your own delicious creations with. Throw in bottomless brunch pop-ups, catering and their annual Canada Day celebration on 1 July, and this place has become a wholesome little hub for good food and community.