Blue Chair Café

3.5 star rating
11 reviews Rating Details
Hours:

Wed-Sun 10 am - 10 pm

Good for Kids:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street, Private Lot
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Price Range:
$$$
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Wi-Fi:
Free
Music:
Live
Best Nights:
Fri, Sun
Happy Hour:
Yes
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Dogs Allowed:
No
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11 reviews in English

  • Review from Jo-Ann S.

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    12/30/2011

    This place is out of the way (although close to my neighbourhood) and located in a not-so-awesome looking strip mall.  The only reason I checked it out was because of Yelp.  

    Pros: Funky, unpretentious atmosphere, friendly attentive staff, good food, veg and ciliac friendly options and live music.  

    I've only eaten there once and had the hummus appetizer.  It was good and I'd like to try other things.  My husband's seafood dish was kind of hiding the seafood and was more like a bruschetta although we both liked the flavor.  We did not stay for the music but noted that there was a cover charge if you wanted to.  You do not have to pay it if you eat there earlier, before the entertainment.

    Can't wait to go back and try more items off the interesting menu!

  • Review from Antonella C.

    Edmonton, AB

    2.0 star rating
    5/10/2012

    I am giving the Blue Chair a 2 because for the food, however for the vibe and music, it definitely deserves a 4--no, I can't cut it down the middle because I am writing about the food, not the other stuff.  

    To put it honestly, it is a great place for wine/beers (not sure about the drinks), the local Alberta music and folks that come in from other parts of Canada, however, the food -- though I noticed a couple of bookshelves of cookbooks--well, based on our culinary experience....the appetizers with drinks are best and the most enjoyable.

    For the meal, I ordered the "Table d'Hote" which included the Gumbo and the dish, the "Accidental Tourist".  The gumbo was good, a nice little bowl to have on a chilly night (this was back in January 20, 2012--sorry folks, it's been a BUSY winter with work and renovations).  The "Accidental Tourist" (and yes, the name does conjure up a few images)....not so interesting, at all.  It was a chicken enchilada with black beans and rice....done.  Nothing to write home about, nor go into detail about.  On the other hand, my companion's Ceviche appetizer was quite good and very fresh tasting and his Vegetarian Pad Thai was good....not as good as the Ceviche, but better than my "Accidental Tourist" for SURE.  For dessert, we ordered the "Chocolate Pate" which was very nice....thank goodness.

    One thing that I must note is that their website has changed since I last checked and their menu is MUCH more interesting....for this reason, we'll go back to upgrade (I hope) the rating I am giving it based on my January outing there :-]

    As well, you need to know that if you go and there is music, you must buy a ticket for the music part of the evening when you reserve a table....if not, you HAVE TO LEAVE before the music starts...something we found out when we called for reservations.  So, depending on the time you want to go and have dinner, you'll be told this.

  • Review from Sara M.

    Vancouver, BC

    2.0 star rating
    1/25/2012 1 photo

    After not being able to get into this place in the evening, we thought we would hit it up for some brunch.  I feel I need to have a night time live music party pants evening here to really settle on an opinion buuuuut I am going with two stars for now.

    Based on all of these reviews, I really thought we would get along.... but alas, meh.  

    I was PUMPED about the Tofus Rancheros, but meh.  The tofu was mushy and flavourless, the beans and mixed veg were nothing special... the overall flavour was just meh.  My dining companions ordered the blueberry pancakes were not blown away by them.  SYNOPSIS: MEH.

    Our server was friendly enough and she kept the coffee and soy milk coming, so that was nice.

  • Review from Michael J.

    Edmonton, AB

    5.0 star rating
    5/23/2011 1 Check-in Here ROTD 7/31/2011

    Blue Chair Cafe... The live music brunches on weekends are my favorite... I feel like this review should be in the form of a song...

    "I love your bacon, I love your bands.
    I love the life music and always clap my hands.
    Your bennies are delicious, location surreptitious,
    I have yet to find a food that isn't delicious each time.

    I've been here with a lover, I even brought my mother.
    If only I could wake him up I'd even take my brother.
    Your bacon is to die for, I always order an extra side for
    That maple smoked savory taste that is delivered every time.

    The unpretentious feeling, the art, the charm, the ceiling,
    Blue Chair you leave your critics reeling,
    as once they savor, your different flavors
    (that bacon needs a waiver from your kind waiter)
    I'm certain that they'll find Blue Chair is a tasty place to dine.

  • Review from Michael C.

    • 2 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    12/11/2011

    Went here with my girlfriend a few weeks ago.  Food was good, as everything was made from scratch.  Presentation of the food could have been a little bit better, plus the portions were quite large.  Atmosphere was nice, the live musician was entertaining.  I'd go back!

  • Review from Brittany K.

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    2/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    Big shout out to all of the yelpers who wrote reviews about this place already. I was meeting with some old friends for breakfast and they wanted a new place to go to that wasn't IHOP. This place sounded pretty awesome based on those reviews and we definitely didn't leave disappointed.

    It's a little bit out of the way - we thought we were going the wrong way because we had to drive through so much residential before we got there - but it's a cool little surprise in the Richie neighbourhood.

    Our waitress was really nice, the food was amazing, and the live music was an added bonus. Quick service (relatively - it was super busy in there as it was Sunday morning) and my banana bread french toast was a fruitful eating experience. My table mates all loved their dishes too.

    The bacon here, I'm not sure what to say about it. There's something special about this bacon. It's somehow better than normal bacon, which I didn't think was possible. The perfect crispiness, and loaded with flavour. YUM.

    High points for this place! Will definitely be back for the bacon and beyond.

  • Review from Paula K.

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    1/16/2011 ROTD 3/2/2011

    It doesn't look like much from the outside, but inside the Blue Chair Cafe is a world of food and music. I went for brunch, and found some rather unique options on the menu, including Pad Thai (apparently the place's signature dish), a bison burger, various formations of Eggs Benedict, and other breakfast-type choices like blueberry pancakes and banana French toast.

    I ordered rancheros done vegan style (grilled tofu instead of meat, and no cheese or sour cream). What I got was a mountain of black beans, tofu, salsa, pico de gallo, and lettuce piled high on warm corn tortillas. I ate it like salad, with a knife and fork, as trying to formulate my own wraps would have been too messy a prospect. I can say that the meal was satisfying and delicious, and also appropriate for celiac diets.

    My brunch mate had the frittata with cheese, vegetables, and bacon. It was served with baguette and fresh fruit. The frittata, which has basically an open-faced omelette, was large and cheesy and full of fillings. In fact, he was a bit put off at the variety of vegetables that lay within (not being a fan of eggplant or zucchini), but less critical frittata fans will savour it.

    I ordered a side of Blue Plate's famous roasted potatoes. Basic and delicious, they were baby potatoes in their skin. I wish they were served with more of the brunch items!

    Because of its out of the way location, it was much less busy than other establishments serving weekend brunch. It is not huge on the interior, but not tiny either, and features local artwork on the wall and a stage that is often occupied by musicians from a variety of genres.

    I have my eye on the blueberry pancakes and the vegetarian Pad Thai (but not at the same time), so plans for a return visit are in the works.

  • Review from Shawn A.

    • 7 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    1/16/2011

    Went there for brunch today, and I was very impressed.  The atmosphere was nice and casual and the food was fantastic.  I had the California Benny and I must say it was the best benedict I have ever had.  The hollandaise was a perfect balance of sweet and savory with a nice aftertaste of anise.  the bacon was good and crispy and was really well smoked.

    The music was loud enough to enjoy but not so loud as to impede conversation.  The wait staff was friendly and engaging as well.  

    The prices were a bit steep, at approximately 17 per person, but it was well worth it, and not too hard of a hit.

  • Review from Tess R.

    Edmonton, AB

    2.0 star rating
    2/13/2011

    Uh oh....

    This has been one of the places that I consistently recommend for an evening out with food, vino, music and friends. Last night makes me sad.

    The music was lighthearted and fun, with some solid jazz players. The vino was outstanding (their selection is VERY reliable). The friends were fun as always.

    The place was crowded, sold out night likely with the valentine's weekend peeps. Not enough staff to cover the floor well and it showed.  I really liked our server, but but the time we were offered a second bottle for the table we were long tired of waiting.  Similar wait time for dessert menu and then dessert order and then the dessert.

    The biggest problem was my order. After discussing vegetarian options, I went with the pad thai recommendation. The first bite of shrimp was a surprise (perhaps a stray?) the piece of chicken in the next made it clear the dish in front of me  was not what I ordered. I consider myself a flexitarian - I eat meat, but usually prefer vegetarian meals. Service was so slow I ate around the meat and enjoyed the peanuty sauce, but this is a major faux pas for a vegetarian and vegan friendly spot. My hubby thought the goat curry was not as good as it has been in the past and the vegetarian lasagna also ordered at our table didn't get finished.

    The pavlova had the consistency of a sponge toffee (brittle and crispy) - pavlova is supposed to have a crispy shell and soft and marshmallowy on the inside.  The fruit was on the side (usually in the centre or on top in a bed of cream) and was served with rinds on the melon & pineapple without a knife.  The whipped cream clearly came from a can, skimpy lines with nozzle marks  - at least they could have tried to disguise it!

    I sincerely hope this was just an off night, the owners are fantastic supporters of original music and have great taste in wine. Including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options shows a dedication to keeping customers happy. If only the execution met the expectations.

  • Review from Jack G.

    • 21 friends
    • 836 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    3.0 star rating
    12/18/2009

    This is a very unique restaurant that has a variety of meal options that seem to be from all over the world. They have great live music playing and such a variety of it as well. The whole atmosphere of the place is very cultural and they reach out to everyone.

    The prices are a bit high but compared to some other places it isn't too bad. This is one of those places that I felt was more about the experience. it is really good to check out with a group of people and especially if you like trying new things.

  • Review from Jennifer P.

    • 78 friends
    • 718 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    4.0 star rating
    10/20/2008 1 photo

    The blue chair is one of Edmonton's truly unique restaurants, namely because it's run by unique people who put their passion where their business sense was. The Blue Chair is a great restaurant and a fabulous venue for live music. They serve dishes from around the world, gathered from their extensive travels. The music played here can be anything from folk and blues, to Latin and strings. Cover charges vary and are reduced with dinner. It's a great evening out with a group or partner. I've had the curried goat, which was amazing, and they also have great starters like edamame, salad wraps and ceviche. Prices are a bit higher, but worth it for the atmosphere, and they're still less than if you went to a fine dining restaurant downtown. Linger and digest your meal over live music and make it a whole evening.

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