Driving for Dinner: 641 Grill & Motel in Craven
Nestled in the beautiful Qu’Appelle Valley, the village of Craven is well-known as the home of the annual Country Thunder summer music festival, but it’s also the home of one of the province’s best food gems: 641 Grill & Motel.
Photo supplied by 641 Grill & Motel
Named after the 641 grid road that used to run in front of the restaurant – prior to the building of Highway 20 – 641 Grill & Motel is a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike, with many customers driving up from Regina for a meal or drink. Originally opened in 2015, 641 Grill & Motel is now owned and operated by Bikramjit (Bill) and Parminder (Pam) Singh, who bought the business in 2021. With over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, the couple opted to keep many favourite menu items the same, with the addition of a few new dishes.
Photo supplied by 641 Grill & Motel
“We’ve kept it the same but added a few East Indian items, like butter chicken, chana masala and samosa chaat,” Bill said. “They’re very popular. People love the butter chicken.”
Photo supplied by 641 Grill & Motel
With a menu chock-full of comfort food classics, you’re sure to find a favourite. Starters and snacks like wings, spinach dip and poutine – including butter chicken poutine and fried chicken poutine – are perfect for sharing. Then there are plenty of flatbreads, pizzas and main courses to enjoy as your meal. The burgers are also popular favourites – the Craven Burger is a signature item, loaded with bacon, onion rings and all the classic burger fixings, while the Korean Crunch Burger features crispy fried chicken and Kimchi slaw, served on a brioche bun.
Photo supplied by 641 Grill & Motel
From Wednesday to Sunday, there are daily specials – including steak night on Fridays. There are also several gluten-free options, as well as a menu specifically for kids. Plus, if you visit on Sundays, you can indulge in brunch, featuring pancakes and a classic eggs and bacon breakfast.
Photo supplied by 641 Grill & Motel
In addition to delicious food, the restaurant itself is a wonderful space. The attached motel is the perfect spot to spend the night, and its patio is an ideal place to enjoy a warm summer day. Of course, there’s also the interior of the restaurant, which is warm and eclectic, with funky decor covering the walls, including antiques and old license plates.
Photo supplied by 641 Grill & Motel
“We’ve owned a lot of restaurants, but this is different, and people love it,” Bill said. “Just the atmosphere – they walk in, and it feels like home, ya know? It’s very nice.”
Make it a day trip or a weekend
Turn a meal at 641 Grill & Motel into a day trip or a weekend and explore what the Craven area has to offer.
Where to stay
Stay where you dine! The motel is attached to the restaurant, meaning your stay is just steps away. Depending on when you’re visiting, the Craven World Campground is also right in town and offers both full-service and tenting sites during warmer months. Regina is also just 35 minutes away from Craven, so if you want to stay in the city, check out Regina’s many hotels.
What to see/do
A perfect fall activity, the Happy Hollow Corn Maze is open seasonally and just a 12-minute drive from Craven. In addition to its annual corn maze, there are plenty of activities for families and kids, like a pumpkin patch, jumping pillow, cow train rides and more. While you’re in the area, visit Over the Hill Orchards and Winery, which is an award-winning winery, complete with gorgeous views of the Qu’Appelle Valley. Many of its wines and products are made with Saskatchewan ingredients, like the Prairie Cherry wine and Prairie Apple wine. You can also take in a number of different events, like Supper in the Orchard, private wine tastings, tours in the orchard and more (offered seasonally). Craven is also just an eight-minute drive from the nearby town of Lumsden, which is home to local eateries, shops and more.
Photo credit to Greg Huszar
Photo supplied by Happy Hollow Corn Maze
Bonus points
With the Qu’Appelle Valley as a stunning backdrop, you’ll want to make sure you check out the Wascana Trails, which are a 24-minute drive from Craven. Also known as the Wascana Valley Natural Area Recreation Site, the area features 15-km worth of trails to explore for hiking, biking and running. Don’t forget the best part – the breathtaking views of the area serve as the ideal photo op!
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641 Grill & Motel is located at 2 Fraser Avenue in Craven, SK. For more information and hours, visit their Facebook. 641 Grill & Motel and one of its recipes are also featured in Naomi Hansen’s book, Only in Saskatchewan: Recipes & Stories from the Province’s Best-loved Eateries. Visit www.naomihansen.ca for more information.
Author: Naomi Hansen
