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Blue Dog Cafe
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
7 reviews for Blue Dog Cafe
7 reviews in English
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Review from Emma G.
1/17/2011
Me and Kaeleigh stumbled upon this place by accident (we got booted from somewhere else because she didn't bring ID, haha), and I am so glad that we did.
It was a super cold day so we were pretty happy to find somewhere that was open. Blue Dog Cafe is quite small - we counted nine tables and three bar stools. We were the only people in the restaurant, which I LOVED. We chose the table in the corner, and I was so happy to be inside where it was cozy and warm. Everything looked nicely set up and very clean.
Our server was fantastic - very friendly and pretty much epitomized what a good server should be.
I ordered the gumbo, which I'd never had before. It came with jalapeno corn bread, which was phenomenal. I love cornbread and jalapenos, so having them together made my tummy very happy. The gumbo was fantastic - it was hot and spicy and warm and the perfect food for a cold, windy day.
The entire drive back into Calgary, I was thinking about my leftover gumbo. As soon as I got home, I ate the rest of it. And since then, I have not stopped thinking about the next time I can get out to Cochrane for some more delicious food.
Absolutely recommend this place to everyone who enjoys food, which is presumably everyone on Yelp. I promise you that you won't regret it! -
Review from Dustin H.
11/29/2011
Ah, Blue Dog... the memories we built together.
After living in Cochrane for the majority of my life, there really isn't much I miss about it. I was a city kid at heart, stranded in a sleepy little corner of nowhere that for the majority of that time, was even considered too small for plague-like chains like McDonalds and Starbucks, let alone ground-breaking exciting possibilities like a movie theater - so this town is practically built on little mom & pop stores and restaurants and the Blue Dog practically epitomizes this style, by being built in what was once a house.
Ask any current or former Cochrane-ite where the best food is in town and about half will say Blue Dog. The other half may not even be aware it exists because it's not by any means easy to spot unless you're actually looking... but I'm fairly certain if most came in and gave it a try, they'd change their mind VERY quickly.
I can't speak to the service, or even necessarily the decor as it's been YEARS since I've been there, though I continue to hear good things. What I can say is that I had two friends in Cochrane who just LOVED to cook, and I knew they both had DREAMS of working at the Blue Dog. That's how good it is!
I honestly can't remember ever having a bad dish or a negative experience in this place, though it can get a little pricey and isn't a huge place in any sense of the word (so don't expect to throw any huge parties here or anything). That being said, definitely worth checking out if you're in town!
7/30Listed in: The "I know I'm late, but I'm…
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Review from Brent E.
Calgary, AB
3/17/2012
Live music on Friday and Saturday. Usually one or two musicians. Always good music, but can be a bit loud since it is such a small restaurant.
Food is always good. Excellent Cajun food, but they also offer steak, chicken, and salmon dishes.
Very small and cozy with excellent service and decent prices -
Review from Richard B.
Victoria, BC
11/12/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I arrived early in the evening, they have live music later. Atmosphere is very cozy and comfortable. I found the server very helpful and informative. I ordered the crab cakes and Jambalaya. Crab cakes were excellent. Being a West Coaster I found the delicious with good flavour of Crab. The Jambalaya was very good as well. Started off with very subtle spice level which grew more intence but never over powering. The subtle smokiness of the bacon added a great taste. Great atmosphere and great food, definite repeat but next time later to enjoy the live music.
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Review from Spencer B.
Calgary, AB
8/24/2010
While I'd never live in Cochrane (Bedroom Communities are just another kind of suburb) the Blue Dog Cafe is where I'd happily eat lunch or dinner if I happened to be there.
The Blue Dog specializes in Cajun cuisine, something that is often too easy to ruin by numbing the intense flavours of the food.
When we queried about the menu the server's response was do we like spicy or not spicy? I took this as a good sign.
Starting with crab cakes which came with an awesome caper, dill and onion dip on the side and a hearty beef and vegetable (carrots, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions and zucchini) soup with fresh cornbread on the side.
The mains were jambalaya (served on rice, the other option being penne) and a jerk chicken with a house salad with jalapeno dressing.
Both were decent portions with plenty of their requisite ingredients, chicken, sausage and shrimp in the jambalaya and the jerk chicken was topped off with rum butter.
The spicing was there, more so in flavour then in burning your mouth, and added to the meal. Even the jalapeno dressing on the salad had some zing.
The Blue Dog isn't afraid of flavour and doesn't dumb down their food for less adventurous diners, something I commend them on and, judging by the full patio, so do others.
The selection of Wild Rose beers on tap was also a nice compliment to the meal.
There's also live entertainment in the Blue Dog but judging by the size of the stage (the size of my bathroom) I wouldn't expect more than a dude with a guitar. Still, it's a converted bungalow and they're doing what they can with the space.
While not a place for bland palates, The Blue Dog is a great place for those who like it with a little bit of kick. -
Review from Kaeleigh E.
Calgary, AB
1/4/2011
Reflecting on my experience at the Blue Dog Café, I am trying to think of anything that was negative. And for the life of me I cannot do it! Firstly the actual Café looks like it used to be a house. There are only about 9 tables inside and 2 barstools (there is a patio but not in use when it's January and well below zero). It is SO cute and cozy as soon as I walked in I felt warmed, and welcomed, and comfortable. Looking over the menu there looked like MANY delicious choices but I went with the pulled pork sandwich. It was the best I've ever had. Bold statement, yes. The pork was perfectly tender, and plentiful on the sandwich. There were delicious fried onions, lettuce, tomato and a sweet and smoky bbq sauce. All on a delicious baguette. It was served with their famous Louisiana potatoes, which where spicy and pan friend and just over all wonderful (and I'm not even a huge fan of potatoes). The service was absolutely top notch. Our waiter was beyond fantastic. Everything a server should be. This guy should give seminars on excellent customer service! Our food also came very quickly, which was nice because we were starving!!
I can't even wait for the next time I find myself in Cochrane. I am so happy I stumbled upon this little gem. I may find myself travelling outside of Calgary and into Cochrane just for lunch at the BDC. It's seriously that good. So what are you waiting for? Stop reading! Get in your car! Go!! -
Review from Don B.
1/20/2011
Thanks to Emma, Spencer and Kaeleigh's reviews I took a friend that loves Cajun Food here for lunch. Having lived in Arkansas and having several Cajun friends I was a bit apprehensive about going to the Blue Dog. Those of you that enjoy Cajun cooking know that it takes some serious cooking preparation and time to give you the real flavors of each dish without overpowering the diner. We had the jambalaya and the meatball sandwich lunch special. I wanted to try the gumbo, but turkey sausage was listed as an ingredient instead of andouille, so as a traditionalist I passed on it. Yes. I know that andouille sausage is almost impossible to get here in Alberta, so I will try the gumbo on my next visit to the Blue Dog. after seeing how good the chef is. I have to say that the meatball's flavor made the sandwich special one special lunchtime treat. I have to tell you that the jambalaya was not as good as what I have eaten in New Orleans, of course I know the the shrimp in New Orleans were caught that morning. So, since I am in Alberta, I can say that coming in a close second is still quite an achievement. I can tell you all that the Blue Dog chef definitely knows how to cook Cajun dishes. Finally the waiter offers first class service. He also knows what is in every dish he serves, so feel free to ask him if you are not sure about the dish you are considering to order.
