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Broken City Social Club
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Lounges, Music Venues [Edit]
613 11 Ave SWCalgary, AB T2R 0E1
(403) 262-9976
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
35 reviews for Broken City Social Club
Review Highlights
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"...even mentioned the best rooftop patio in the city yet." In 5 reviews -
"...longest running pro-am comedy show, "Comedy Monday Night." In 2 reviews -
"Broken city is a great venue to hang out at." In 4 reviews
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35 reviews in English
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Review from Kent V.
5/25/2012 2 Check-ins Here
My favorite patio in the city, and its a rooftop so that's a bonus.
They play music I like, its an awesome venue for live shows, and it isn't top 40.
In the warmer months, the rooftop has a separate DJ. So you can lounge around upstairs if you aren't in the mood to fight the crowds inside.
This and the District are some of my favorite after-work meet up places. Both conveniently stumbling distance from each other. -
Review from Mia T.
2/15/2012
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Broken City. It has live shows, and dj's that play all types of music. They hold different art events and have a stand up comedy night. BC has it all.
I'd compare it to the infamous Ship and Anchor. Generally full of "hipsters", but anyone who doesnt fit into that category will still feel welcomed.
They are so great for supporting local artists. Went to a friend's show last week and the place was packed, but not in a claustrophbic way. The way the venue is shaped lends to a more cozy feeling when busy.
Get there before 11 pm, because I find this place goes from empty to packed in a blink of an eye.
The rooftop patio is a nice place to have lunch on a summer day. At night, I love hanging out with friends having a drink or two.
Everyone should make a visit to Broken. -
Review from Sarah Louise F.
Calgary, AB
2/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
You know, I never really thought I'd like Broken City. I would always avoid it, even when pretty solid shows were going on there. It just seemed to me kind of like hipster central, and not really the kind of place I wanted to hang out.
However, when Tiffany suggested we go at 6 pm on a week day, I decided it would be a good time to test the waters. When we turned up, it was pretty well dead. Dead to the point where, we had to go up to the bar and ask for our beers and menus after 10 minutes, because all of the servers were hanging out in a corner. Forgivable though, as soon as I had a Velvet Fog in me.
I, like Tiffany, was bummed out about the vegan poutine being taken off the menu during their relaunch, but that didn't stop me from enjoying a vegan burger and chickpea fries! This was kind of rad- standard pub food, but a step up-ish. Although, after all of the interrogations of whether the chickpea fries were vegan, I was slightly bummed when the server left two creepy little pots of aoili for us... AND NEVER TOOK THEM AWAY!!!
Broken City is cute inside, and I think that I will definitely consider visiting for a show or something in the future. Maybe even for brunch! Although, you probably won't catch me here socializing with the masses on any given night if there is nothing special going on. I'd rather be a tortured artist at home. -
Review from Tiffany N.
Calgary, AB
Updated - 2/15/2012 1 photo
Broken City recently updated their menu again, and while I'm sad that the vegan poutine is off the menu for good (especially since I never seemed to be able to try it! :'(), they DO have a delicious Vegan Burger now! No dry, microwaved to the point of sad, hockey puck. And their chickpea fries are tasty goodness.
And thanks to the staff for finding my phone, and putting it safely behind the bar until I walked back tonight. xoxoxoxoListed in: F, F, D, HK, Delightful WPF, Calgary 1Ups
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/19/2011
I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet. I like it best on a non-weekend night, preferably… Read more »
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Review from Cal S.
Calgary, AB
12/23/2011
I've seen a quite few shows here and eaten here a few times too.
Going to small venues like this turned me off of seeing big shows.
My friends introduced me to this place, and I've since brought many other friends.
If you look up to the cast of Jersey Shore or you have no plaid in your wardrobe, you're most likely not going to fit in here. It's more of an indie alternative bar.
Go -
Review from Nicole M.
Calgary, AB
Despite hating the whole concept of being a regular, since the day this joint opened, I have been showing up regularly.
Now firstly, I don't go for the late night dance & DJ things, nor do I see many bands anymore, I just can't do the late nights any more.
I mainly catch an after work beer with my husband and my friends. Both my husband & I cut our teeth on punk rock bars, dive bars, and british pubs, so we don't want anything fancy for our so-called "neighborhood pub". We are not sports bar type of people, so our neighbourhood pub has to be a little different.
This place has what we want. Although the bathrooms border on scary, and there is definitely grit to the joint, it only adds character. The patio rocks, it has good music, it is hip, it has a very dynamic crowd of artists and scenesters and it is on my way home from work.
Of late though, it has been under new ownership/management and I hate to say, it isn't quite the same.
The staff isn't quite as hip, the music isn't as cutting edge, nor does there seem to be as large of crowds on weekdays after work, but it still is better than any of the other pubs in the area (including the Ship). -
Review from Arc P.
8/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Restaurant three in my attempt to visit as many patios in the city before the summer ends found me at BCSC catching up with fellow yelpers. I had the Chicken Penne. As far as service goes I would have to say excellent. The waitress went beyond and above, even contributing her experiences with yoga as this was the topic of conversation.
The food was ok. I kind of felt like my penne was slightly under-cooked. But I didn't mention it to the waitress, so kind of grinned and bared it. Like the fact that they serve WildRose raspberry here. The tables on the patio near the edge were picnic tables who's tops were crooked. It made me kind of nervous because I got the sense it might be easier to knock over a drink by accident. However, that is the concept they are going for I guess.
Nothing wrong with BCSC, perhaps next time I visit may make me a fan of this place. It's an ok joint. -
Review from Dan D.
7/18/2011
It's hard to write a review for Broken City right now, because as of the moment this review is being written, Broken City is going through some seemingly major changes.
It has been one of my favourite (if not favourite) live music venues in the city. I have seen many shows here and eaten many a burger.
Speaking of burgers, in the past this was my number 1 burger stop in the city. Easily the best in the Calgary city limits. I say "in the past" because on my last visit, the burger was COMPLETELY different. This must be part of the "changes" BC is going through, but of all, this is the saddest one. Broken City would easily be a 5 star stop for the burger alone, but now ... it was just mediocre at best.
As I'm writing this review, I feel like my perspective is such a downer!
I have high hopes for the changes that Broken City is going through, but I am getting nostalgic about the good that "was." -
Review from Clara A.
5/25/2011 ROTD 5/6/2012
I have been here a number of times now, but usually I come more so for the live music rather than the grub and drinks. The drinks I can't really comment on, but the few times I have had food (usually nachos, and one time lemon pepper chicken strips), it has been excellent. The service is also exceptional considering the usual crowds and noise level must make the servers jobs a pain. Drinks are also cleared away frequently keeping the place clean.
Only complaint: It can be quite cramped at times. There are nights when it's impossible to find a table, and if you're standing with the crowd in front of the stage I hope you don't have a personal bubble because it gets cramped. -
Review from Gabe A.
What can be said about Broken City that hasn't been said by the 24 reviews below? A place near and dear to my heart, it is unpretentious (or, if you are a lead-eyed cynic, utterly drenched in cynical aspirations otherwise), a dyed-in-the-wool dive bar with ramshackle seating, a stage meant to hold a drum kit and little else, and a menu that can fit on a coaster.
What they do well is live music, and food. I have seen several mid-sized bands here, and have played myself a dozen times: it is always a great time, with impeccable sound for such a tiny venue. The beer selection is perfectly pitched - the sludge with the gold - and the food is hearty: the burgers are roughly the size of my good friend Andy's head, the serving of fries nearly bottomless, and the nachos are as plentiful as the tight jeans. Simply one of my favorite places in Calgary, either to play or hang out at.Listed in: Outlaws of Ravenhurst Live
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Review from Dustin H.
Updated - 7/11/2011 16 Check-ins Here
I really hate to have to amend my review of Broken City, but this place has sadly taken a negative turn as of late, and I no longer feel comfortable using lines like "I have nothing bad to say about this place".
First, the good. The atmosphere is still awesome, the menu prices are still quite reasonable, and the location is still great. I still very much appreciate the cool, edgy, indy rock-ish decor, and most of the staff are still very efficient.
However, since new management took over a couple months ago, going to Broken City almost feels like visiting a dead loved one. I loved this place because - back unde the old management, you could get VERY generous portions of really great pub food for incredibly modest prices (especially when you timed your visit with your choice of daily specials). Sadly, now you get meager to sometimes disappointing portions of "okay" food, for pretty decent but not really surprising prices, and the specials are completely gone.
Also, there's been a change in the staff - not just in what faces you see when you walk in the door, but in their quality of service. I'm a regular there on Mondays for the comedy shows, but I very seldom drink and often only end up ordering a water. I used to try to offset this by making sure I ordered food, and the staff (who I knew all by name, and practically seemed like an extension of our comedic family) understood this and always treated me with a big smile.
The new crew? Not so much. I utter the word "water" and I'm met with a facial expression like I personally just ruined their entire day, and even when I do offset it with a food order I'm treated with the bare minimum of professionalism, and I'd be lucky to have my table seen to twice in a 3-4 hour period. Also, they are now guilty of one of my biggest pet peeves about bars these days....
WHEN I CAN SEE THE DEBIT MACHINE WITH MY OWN EYES, DON'T TELL ME YOU DON'T HAVE DEBIT. I have friends who are servers and I know from talking to them that bars do this because most people tip better in cash, to round it up to the nearest bill, but this is incredibly frustrating. If you legitimately don't have the equipment, fine... but basically lying to your customers to get a better tip is not only poor customer service, but incredibly unethical, and has lead me to feel less inclined to spend any money here at all.
I would absolutely recommend coming down to Broken City on Mondays for western Canada's longest running pro-am comedy show, "Comedy Monday Night"... but on any other night, I'd say you have plenty of options that are just as good within a few blocks.Listed in: Best Stand Up Comedy Locations…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/2/2011
First of all I want to say that I have nothing bad to say about Broken City. I love this place. The… Read more »
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Review from Angelo T.
3/2/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I have to admit that the first time I visited Broken City, it was during my hardcore asian, Mexx wearing, spiky haired days. I just turned 18 and didn't think much of this place, my naive outlook prevented me from really enjoying the down to earth open feel of this pub.
Over the years I found myself in Broken City catching local and national performances. Recently it's where the Outlaws of Ravenhurst can be found blasting off wizardry and staking their fame. It's where all indie-level touring artists come to stop. A decade ago you could have caught Leslie Feist at Broken City sweetly crooning "Mushaboom" when now you have to blow $60 bucks just to pack it in the Saddledome where you can barely make out anything!
Out of their food menu, I've only tried the Nachos. It's delicious, packed with all the goodies Nachos should come with in order to be called Nachos, unlike the plate of RIP-OFF most pubs serve these days. Their beer prices aren't bad either, one can easily get carried away at Broken City! -
Review from Kenny M.
2/28/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Broken City is one of the great live music venues in Calgary. I have seen some truly great shows here and I always love to come watch a sweet band play in the more intimate setting that Broken City offers.
The staff here are always very nice and helpful. The food?? well I am pleased to say that all my food experiences here have been excellent!
The broken city burger always satisfies me and dare I say, may just be one of the best burgers in calgary ! (IMHO)
I have quite a few fond memories at broken city. One of my favorite memories is when me and my good pal Angelo came here to watch a band by the name of the "bicycles " It was a monday night and the place was not at all packed. We ordered some nachos and watched a great performance! It was very memorable! Awesome band with a nice plate of nachos and some brew! Does life get any better?? Just so great to see the band in a relaxed,intimate and unpretentious setting.It just fit perfectly!
Broken city is a great venue to hang out at! Great for lunch as well.Just a nice tight,simple menu! One of the more lively and dynamic music joints in the city! Gotta love it! Check it out!!!Listed in: The best local watering…
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Review from Reginald T.
Calgary, AB
I can't speak on the entertainment or social aspects as I've only been a few times and usually never when there's anything on stage (although they do have live jazz every Saturday, and it sounded great the one time I managed to catch it), but I *can* speak on the food and the burgers here are excellent!
They have many types in different styles, and is one of the few places I've managed to find where you can get your burger with eggs as a topping (something I love about Red Robin in Vancouver).
It seems a very simple menu though, although they do offer brunch on the weekends. Very reasonably priced as well.
So as a food place, it's great. In my opinion, it competes with The Ship & Anchor in terms of quality for price. Recommended. -
Review from Chelsea K.
Calgary, AB
12/31/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've been coming to Broken City since I was legal drinking age... and a few times before then.
I've seen a lot of great shows here, not to mention bingo nights and dancing. The staff are unpretentious, the drinks are reasonable priced, and the crowd is varied. This was my regular Saturday night hangout for a long time.
But, seriously: if you're going to serve a "Vegan burger" on the menu, please do not burn it into a rock-hard, crumby, beany, hockey puck. Vegans already have a hard enough time convincing the rest of us that they're not grass-grazing freaks, and Broken City is just making their case more difficult. Just a regular veggie burger like the Ship or Kensington Pub would be appreciated instead of whatever organic charcoal crumble I was served.
Not to mention: the last time I came here for a meal, we left after 35 minutes when the waitress forgot to return for our order after dropping off the menus.
My conclusion: come for the bands, but go elsewhere for dinner, especially if you're a vegetarian and not into the taste of char. -
Review from Wendy P.
3/13/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Why am I fan of Broken City? Mostly for its quirkiness. Over the years I've been here for open mic nights, concerts, and more recently, the most random show I've yet seen... Talk Show Thursdays.
The setup of Broken City isn't always ideal, if you end up with a booth in the back, and you're sitting facing opposite the stage, it's awkward to turn around to see what's going on. Make sure you've got a magic bag all ready at home if this happens.
At any rate, it's a fun time, the prices are reasonable, and the staff are spot on. I don't recall cover ever being anything atrocious either. Next visit: punk rock bingo. -
Review from Tara M.
4/20/2011
I am not going talk about the bar itself in this review; instead I am going to review Tuesday Wingo Nights at Broken City.
If I were to pick a single word from the entirety of the English language to describe this night it would be "tubular".
Wingo night is Wednesday wing night (pretty yawn) mixed with crazy punk music BINGO!
I must say, when I think of Bingo, I think of those old smoky Bingo halls full of ancient ladies scratching numbers out on a dust old piece of paper surrounded by troll dolls and broken dreams...but Wingo night at Broken City is anything but that! (well, maybe minus the broken dreams, but I can't speak for the other guests).
You pay $5 to participate, and if you didn't bring one they will give you a Bingo dabber to use, and instead of playing for money, you play for silly prizes! (I won a hard plastic lion head puppet which is pretty excellent actually).
Prizes range widely. Expect a mix of explicit porno clocks, dolls with stitches painted on them, oil paintings of Welsh Corgis, vintage GI Joes and Barbie Dolls, comic books, old movies and everything in between all available by winning a game called by an exocentric Bingo caller who will paddle you if you try and trick him.
I highly recommend Wingo night at Broken City! Its fun and super loud and you'll get a chance to win some pretty neat prizes. Oh, and the wings aren't half bad either for $4/pound.
See you Tuesday!
T. -
Review from Cory R.
Calgary, AB
11/3/2011
Jam packed with scenester type losers. Rude bar staff and cliques of douches who look at you like you're invading their territory or something.
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Review from Jag S.
Calgary, AB
12/30/2010
Fiiiine...my review might be a little jaded since I wasn't drunk when we went here one saturday night about weeks ago.
I liked this little place, the tacky lights, and the grunginess. It works for it. The DJ was doin pretty well -- not enough funk, old school or hip hop thats for sure, and at times it didn't flow very well -- but this easily could have been resolved with a little more booze in me.
The only real issue I had was the lack of service. It's not the bartenders fault - they were definitely busting their asses! However, a very poor reflection on management - how are u understaffed on a Saturday night?! Imagine all the potential revenue lost (aka me not being drunk). We waited around 10-15 mins trying to stand by the bar to order some drinks. It's so frustrating. The TWO bartenders were working reeeally hard; however, it's really upsetting as a paying customers who's been waiting to see a group of 18 year olds get shots for free from the bartender just because they're her friends?? Any other night whatever - no biggy, we've done it all the time - but on a night like this??! naww. Not only that but the bartenders taking shots with them -- and then struggles severely trying to get our order right - so uncool.
I'm willing to try this place again - but I intend on being much more drunk. The pros: cheap cover - I think $4, laid back atmosphere (aka you don't need to dress up and try to fit in with all the other pretentious places) -
Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
9/11/2009 2 photos
What can be said about Broken City Social Club? Aside from its extremely small welcoming signage and rather plain exterior, I have no qualms with the place. Keeping in mind its central downtown location and obviously trendy crowd of veterans, the place has a reputation for late nights, bumping parties and a collection of great people.
Whether you're looking to have a quiet drink in their large, private booths, or you're in the mood to hear some live music, B.C. has something for everyone. Each day of the week offers a different musical experience, so there's always an event going on that will please a crowd. I was lucky enough to stumble in on one rainy Saturday afternoon for a couple hours of live jazz music. Now, I'm no jazz connoisseur, but I do like to have a good time and I'll be damned if Broken City didn't provide that for me that one afternoon.
Jazz isn't the only live entertainment event that I have enjoyed at B.C., they also have open mic nights, punk rock bingo, live DJ's and even stand-up comedy. Friday and Saturday should speak for themselves since they are notorious for constant good times with some live music. Now, try to tell me there isn't something at B.C. that everyone would enjoy.
And I haven't even mentioned the best rooftop patio in the city yet. This bar has one of the best patios I have ever been to. It's large and spacious with plenty of picnic table-style seating for everyone. Since it is one of the more popular rooftop patios and is often full of people basking in the summer sun, they also provide plenty of standing space for those anxious to be outside enjoying a nice cold one.
But the patio, music and entertainment aren't the only reasons people flock to Broken City on a daily basis, the servers and bar staff add to the allure of the atmosphere. The employees there are always very friendly and super casual with their customers. They seem to make a point to strike up a conversation with the patrons and are never opposed to accepting a free drink as a thank-you. They provide quality service, and with a smile to boot.
All things considered, I give Broken City Social Club two fanatical thumbs up. Great friendly fun for those looking to party with the punks, groove to the grunge, or just drink some beers, which I must add are very reasonably priced. -
Review from Philippe G.
Calgary, AB
11/14/2010 2 Check-ins Here
The Menu is simple and great for lunch and a quick bite in Happy hour.
The service could be a bit quicker on the gun thought:) -
Review from Emma G.
8/27/2010
To be honest, Broken City was never on my list of to-go places simply because the music and crowd didn't appeal to me. But I had friends in town who wanted to go, so go we did.
And I had fun! The music wasn't my style, but we sat on the lovely rooftop patio so it was pretty much just background noise. And the crowd was very friendly! There was lots of mixing and mingling, which I loved, especially because the bar had lots of interesting people there.
The beers were cheap, and the servers were nice. Definitely a good place to go and sit for a beer or two in the summer - I really liked the rooftop patio!
This wouldn't be my first choice of place to hang out but if the occasion arose, I'd go back for sure. -
Review from Kaeleigh E.
Calgary, AB
8/26/2010
I enjoyed hanging out on the rooftop patio of Broken City.
Beer cost me an average amount, the bartenders were friendly, and in general all the people there were very social and friendly as well. There was a group of 4 of us and we met tons of friendly people that night despite being in a group already.
I would come back again for sure although maybe not for any of the musical acts, not really my scene that's all. -
Review from Dennis A.
Dartmouth, NS
7/31/2011
I would like to say to all u haters that the broken city is probably the only down to earth pub and club that you'll find in the yyc. The is food is great for pub food and for staff u should never get close cause staff come and go all the time. Now for the new management wow what can I say but those 3 guys are really great andrew and Andrew and charlie . And for u haters grow up everything goes through changes.
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Review from Katie C.
Calgary, AB
9/25/2009 1 photo
I've got mixed feelings about Broken City. One the one hand, It has had some of the best bands in the city play its hallowed halls and always has a fairly large and diverse crowd most nights of the week.
On the other, the service is touch and go - for a while I think they had problems with staff turnover which did nothing to help. And as one of Calgary's premier venues for live music, the scenesters are often out in full cliquey force.
Fortunately, more than just scenesters frequent the place, so there is often a very fun atmosphere from the different people inside. The patio on the roof is great during the summer, though it often gets a bit chilly in the fall. The patio's selection of drinks is so-so, but it is a great place to sit and chat and enjoy Calgary's downtown.
The main floor often plays host to local and visiting bands, usually of the indie variety. The shows range in price, but even when you're going to see an unknown you can rest assured it will probably be pretty good. The person who does the bookings obviously has excellent taste in music.
There is a mixture of tables and booths, which lends itself well to the atmosphere of the bar. They also have a great selection of local brews on tap. They often have fun nights on the weeks, and many of the shows on fridays and saturdays. There is almost always a line by midnight if you go on the weekend, or on a night with a show, so go early or be prepared to wait! -
Review from Zoe L.
Calgary, AB
1/24/2010
I had only ever been to the patio at Broken City, which in the summer is one of the best in the city! It is a must go to on a nice day! I had also seen some of my favorite local bands play here. My recent jaunt brought me inside and to a big table at the back.
There isn't a cover charge here until around 10:30 or so and it is only $5 after that. Usually they have indie bands playing on the weekends, this time there was just a DJ, his mixes were sick! This isn't a place that plays just top forty, there is a lot of indie, alternative music mixed with beats, it wasn't cookie cutter at all.
The server that helped us all night was so amazing, very efficient and super cute! She made my experience here that much better! Their premium hi-balls tend to go for $6.50, cheaper ones $4.50. They carry a good selection of beers, some as cheap as $4. They have food here, my friends got the nachos, which were huge! I can tell the crowd at this place has changed a bit, but it still a good mix of people. There is a certain kind of people that spill over from Amsterdam next door. The bouncer was on a bit of a power trip and wouldn't let a friend of mine in later in the night, so we decided to leave.
I was so impressed with the staff here, everyone, except the bouncer, was easy going and friendly. Broken City will definitely remain at the top of my list for great places to hang out at. -
Review from Troy H.
Calgary, AB
7/21/2011
I'd have to agree since the management change it's not the same. The portion sizes use to be great now they are small. It feels like it's empty.
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Review from Chad W.
Calgary, AB
10/6/2008
For the best of Calgary's indie rock scene, most swing by Broken City. During daylight hours, the place is not much more than a warm pub. However, when the lights go out, the smoke machines roar to life and the PA amps the sounds of local rock acts.
The Broken City also offers a rooftop patio during balmy summer months, but to get up there, one must arrive early so that they can avoid the line-ups.
The sound here is prime. Their sound guy obviously knows what's up. -
Review from Mike M.
9/28/2010
We need more venues like Broken City. The fostering of the arts scene is definitely first and foremost. I have never had a bad time, in fact I would say that I haven't had any less than a great time here. Go have a drink, listen to some indie band that you haven't heard of but will love. Take a damn chance, cant we all just get along.
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Review from Chris P.
8/11/2009
This is one of the premier locations in Calgary for the Indie rock crowd. If you're looking for a small venue to see one of your favorite up-and-comings then this is the place for you. Be prepared for a bit of a line on most weekends though.
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Review from Danny F.
Calgary, AB
Updated - 10/30/2009
Recently Broken city has become less cutting edge and more overflow from the Amsterdam Rhino and the music choices reflect this. Instead of spinning their usual heady mix of indie pop and retro the DJ's spend Saturday night mixing the standard club mix of hip hop and top 40. They are still a great pub during the day and while their live music selections seem to have stagnated a little you can, if you pay attention, still catch a good live show. I have not given up hope on Broken City yet but I think they need to pull their socks up if they want to remain a "cornerstone of the indie music scene".
Listed in: The Places I Go Out
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/30/2008 First to Review
When thinking about indie music in Calgary one of the first venues that should spring to mind is… Read more »
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Review from Luke R.
4/24/2010
I haven't been to a show here yet, but my dinning experience was rustic, nutritious, and delicious. Not glamorous or flashy. Just quality. One of the few places in the city with good, not over prices veg and vegan food.
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Review from Adam G.
Calgary, AB
3/7/2009
Perfect indie pub. Great rooftop patio in the Summer and live music on the weekends.
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Review from Cornelius V.
Calgary, AB
11/19/2009
because i have nothing nice to say about this place, i may as well entertain you.
i like music but i cannot stand being around a bunch of counter-culture 'individualists' who define themselves through group-identity. but i was told to have an open mind, so i went. there was a really good band playing, although i have no idea who they were. the pa was top notch, by far the best i've ever heard in this city.
i got knocked from behind and i bashed some really out of place girl in a cocktail dress into the stage, although she stayed on her feet. she gave me a bitchy look, said something i couldn't understand, and i patted her on the shoulder patronizingly because her face had a persistent look of entitlement. i think she was with the band. right after this, some scenester fuck started yelling at me over "respect". really, it came out as: "blahblahblahblah respect blahblahblah respect blahblah blah respect". i told him that trying to stand up for a high strung looking bombshell won't get him one. he turned out to be one of the bouncers. just like undercover cops that blend into the environment, this place uses undercover bouncers.he was about 6', decently built but well under 170. i told him that i thought bouncers were big and he didn't take that very well. he physically tried, himself--in the middle of a large crowd--to throw my 6'5'' 210 lb ass out.
i burst out laughing at his attempt to push me. he wasn't really going anywhere. i was actually laughing so hard, i lost my balance and he was beginning to propel me, so i needed an effective counter-attack. like transfer payments to a newfie premier, the direct way to a hipster's heart is a fashion accessory. i grabbed his organic fair trade wool toque placed goofily on his head and dangled it out of his reach while screaming "take me but not the fashion accessory!". i thought he would have let go and went for the hat, but he was programmed well. while still holding me, he grabbed the toque and it ripped. if you want to piss off a hipster bouncer, remind him that, although everything he does in life is about women it's obvious he doesn't get many of them, laugh at his attempts to physically coerce you, and then rip his $80 fair trade hat.
two more skinny jean wearing enforcers (it was just as funny of a sight as it sounds) showed up and the gong show continued. apparently the solution to a person contacting someone near a stage is to grab the guy and bash him into as many people on the way out. in fact, i was bashed (back first, of course) into a circle of 4 women, causing one to roll her ankle and the rest to spill their drinks. i was being forcefully pushed and walking backwards while having one arm restrained, which means my feet were still dictating the direction. so, in the spirit of a gong show, i turned my feet to the right and we missed the path to the door instead deviating on to the table of a full booth of people and their drinks. i was being pushed so hard, i literally slid across the table against the window. while they tried grabbing me off the table, one girl at the booth began punching one of the bouncers in the head. i didn't think i could laugh any harder, but i did, just before a fourth (yes, fourth) person got involved putting me into a headlock. i was laughing so hard i conceded, and all 4 of them had to carry me out, legs, arms, everything.
the sight was like 4 rugged cops trying to restrain a 200 lb tweak with fetal alcohol syndrome at the peak of his meth binge, only that it was 4 chicken littles trying to push some drunk 210lb oaf out the door. i wish youtube was there filming it.
plus 1 star for the PA, plus 1 other star for the bouncers' spirit. -
Review from Gene P.
Calgary, AB
10/26/2009
I could live in Broken City on a Thursday or Friday night. Great venue for live music, a real cornerstone of the indie music scene.
