2021 Restaurant Openings

Love that 17th ave has got a new country bar! I don't even like country music but I feel like this is a great idea. When Ranchman's closed it left a hole in our heart. Calgary needs country bars, it's our heritage!  

The Concorde group has added yet another restaurant to their empire of restaurants. (Think Bridgette Bar, LuLu, Major Tom Bar, etc.).  Just to mix it up, Lonely Mouth is Japanese-inspired food.  The location is on 17th where Ox Bar and Tapas previous was. Check out their extensive sake menu!

From the makers of Bro'kin Yolk comes Bros To Go! Everybody loves breakfast sandwiches so why not focus on the best stuff? There are 7 sandwiches to choose from ($10-$14) and they don't include a side. So it's a little pricy in my mind, but I'll still give it a try! They're located in Northland Plaza.

This is a really neat collaboration by World Bier Haus and Broken Yolk.  Opened Nov 24, they're serving up breakfast bowls, sandwiches and Nutella pancakes! Don't forget the mimosa.

I love sushi and who doesn't like sushi in a different format? These "pocket sushi" are like a big pile of sushi in a pocket (made of what I don't know?). They also serve rolls, noodles and poke bowls. Just opened in Kensington!

From the makers of Lately and Chakalaka, comes Honey!  A carnival themed dessert bar with club vibes. The drinks are over-the-top and very instagrammable. And the food is made for those with a sweet tooth.

Modern has expanded their group to a new location! This south location opened Oct 2.

10606 Southport Road SW (used to be a Moxies.)  I believe the menu is the same or very similar to the other Modern Steaks, which means it's excellent.

I could be wrong on this, but I believe Marda Loop has had a Belmont Diner for a long time, and they just recently opened an additional location in Aspen Glen Landing. I've never been, but they serve classic breakfasts, milkshakes and pancake art for the kids!

Porch has finally opened! After teasing us for months, Porch took over a hot spot on the middle of 17th ave (previously Royale).  The food is somewhat Mediterranean, somewhat Western. The prices aren't cheap but it's not a high end restaurant either. But the best part of Porch are the swings! If you are lucky you can nab a super cute swing seat right by the bar.

The opening of D.O.P definitely confused me. I assumed Von Der Fels was just doing a rebrand, because it's the same space and same Instagram account. My understanding is that two of the chefs went to Ranchman's and 1 stayed behind to create D.O.P and gave it a completely different menu. (I'm not 100% sure on this tho)

This kitchen both serves food to eat in and has premade meals to take to go. The idea is that they do your healthy meal planning for you.  I had a pizza (cauliflower crust ) and their walnut smoothie and both were excellent. 

I have yet to visit this Italian restaurant that just opened on 4th Street in Mission. No pizza on their menu but you'll find upscale pastas, and a ribeye or salmon option for a main.

No website and almost no posts on instagam, I don't know how people find out about this place. I read a few food bloggers' reviews though and apparently it's very good and very busy, so maybe they don't need to advertise?

Local (yes the same Local from Stephen Ave) has added another Calgary location. What was previously the Barley Mill is now Local Eau Claire. I went and I thought it was good, but nothing exciting. Best part is the patio.

Mexican street food now available in Kensington. Haven't tried it but the birria tacos look to die for.

This is the coolest market around with vendors such as Actually Pretty Good, Alforno, Raw by Robyn, Moose & Poncho, and Saffron Street. 

Finally! At the beginning of 2021 Noble Pie announced it was leaving '88 Brewing to find their own space.  It made sense as I think it greatly exceeded their own expectations regarding how well it would do. Now you can order from Noble Pie pizza (takeout only, no delivery) from a back alley downtown. Def has speakeasy vibes.

The Halal Guys is an American fast food chain that are moving to several locations in Western Canada.  One of those locations is 17th Ave.  They serve sandwiches and platters with beef, chicken, or falafel.  Apparently they are very popular in the U.S. it'll be exciting to see how they do in Canada. 

Bowness just welcomed a new burger and taco hot spot! I haven't been but it seems to be casual tasty eats.

Previously known as BFF cookies these stuffed cookies are all the rage.  For the last couple years you could only order cookies online but now they have a storefront in Kensington. They close early (5pm or 6pm depending on day) so make sure you plan ahead!

You might have seen some footage of their dark and white chocolate fountains on instagram. It looks SO good. I haven't tried it yet but as a chocolate lover I'm dying to! They serve fresh fruits, chocolate desserts, and have indoor shisha.

Sugar Marmalade just opened in Calgary but I believe they have locations across Canada and the world. Described as a fusion Hong Kong Style dessert house they serve creamy Asian desserts, rice rolls, dessert toast, and pancakes. 

Part of the Hayden Block and Comery Block family, we now have South Block! A bit of a boring name but it does the job. Located in Mission where Wurst used to be, South Block is providing us with delicious BBQ and in-house made brews.  Highly recommend the burnt ends and the peach bourbon beer.

You're familiar with the many restaurants that make up the Concorde Group (Bridgette Bar, National, Lulu Bar to name a few).  Their latest addition is "Major Tom" which is located downtown Calgary 40 floors up!  They have amazing views of office towers and it gives me  "Mad Men" type feels. I loved the food and drinks we had there. It was on the pricy side but nothing too outrageous.  I suspect this restaurant is designed with a corporate crowd in mind.

Taking over the space on 17th ave that used to be Nellie's Cosmic Cafe, Saucy Burger serves up burgers that are available both in the morning (hangover burger!) and late night (takeout window open until 3am!)  I tried their regular burger and chicken burger, both were okay, not bad, but not at all exciting.

Terrible name for a bar, but at least it's descriptive.  This massive tent structure downtown is kinda like a stampede tent but also it seems to have a lot of plants in it. Also Brett Wilson is involved because he's all over their instagram account. Ceili's downtown is also somehow involved.  The building finished in Fall of 2020 and FINALLY opened in July 2021. Haven't been yet, but it's on the list!

Fonda Fora is the newest addition to the Thank You Hospitality Group (A1 Cantina, A1 Bodega, Native Tongues, etc).  Located in the new Westley Hotel, Fonda Fora serves upscale Mexican food and drinks.  They are also open for breakfast!  Highly recommend the guacamole.

Hilariously, I thought this was a speakeasy attached to Via Cibo, but it's not, its actually just on the southside of the same building. Sooooo not that hidden. :D  Sensei serves up high end cocktails and very tasty Asian-inspired food.  Loved everything we tried!  Will be back.

The Westin Hotel has opened up a restaurant that pays honor to an iconic bar of the past.  "The Owl's Nest" was an iconic fine dining establishment in the 1960's. We tried the Bison Burger and Brisket Burger and both were OUTSTANDING.  Also loved the cocktails, will be remaking the aperol & mezcal one at home. 

I haven't been, but this is a new dive bar in Mission that pride itself on cheap drinks and eats!  Apparently they have fun games too. I expect they are trying to attract a younger crowd (18-25).

This new pizza and wine joint in Bridgeland looks pretty okay.  I don't know much about it, but I do know I need more pizza and wine in my life.  Have you been? It's on my list! 

Trying Momo house this week! Will update when I know more! :D

What happens when you take 3 of Calgary's heaviest hitters and put them in one location?! You get General Block in Bridgeland. This unique building features Una Pizza, Village Ice Cream and Phil and Sebastian coffee.  As I predicted, it's already ridiculously successful with line ups around the block for ice cream and high demand for Una reservations. 

You are probably familiar with the restaurants in the Starbelly group, which include The Beltliner, Pink Door Pizza, and Starbelly.  They've added a new restaurant to their line up in McKenzie Towne. Calavera Cantina serves tacos, burritos, tostadas, small plates and churros.   They also have a good selection of cocktails and margaritas.

Honestly SO good.  This was one of my top faves for 2021. I really enjoyed the unique mix of extremely flavourful food. Everything was outstanding! I wish it was closer to me so I could get it regularly.

Love the fun vibes at this Asian Street Food bar that recently opened on 17th ave. They are open late and serve lots of unique tasty cocktails, soju and bubble tea..

Chakalaka took over the space previously occupied by 1410 on 17th Ave.  Not only did Chakalaka redecorate they also completely gutted the basement and turned it into a "selfie room." So creative!  In terms of food, you can expect tapa style items, hot plate with exotic meats, and an extensive globally inspired cocktail menu.