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Milk Tiger Lounge
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Restaurants Gluten-Free Lounges, Gluten-Free
1410 4th St SWCalgary, AB T2R 0Y1
(403) 261-5009
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 5 pm - 2 am
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Music:
- DJ
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
15 reviews for Milk Tiger Lounge
15 reviews in English
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Review from Kent V.
2/5/2012 ROTD 5/13/2012
Reminds me of a NYC bar. Cramped, narrow, and small. But it makes it hard to get a table because it gets busy easily. It gives it character, haha.
When you do find a table, it makes for a great lounge. The drinks seem expensive, but they are usually doubles. And all the cocktails are pretty original. Mostly tasty, and a few misses. The menus are made of old Hardy Boys hardcovers. Unfortunately, too many people tried to steal them, so they switched to normal boring menus.
Because its hipster central, the music is always good. -
Review from Wendy P.
Milk Tiger, you rock my cocktail world. And you rocked my best friend's gluten-free world too. She was so very excited to be able to eat an actual grilled cheese sandwich again! And not only that, it was a fancy grill cheese sandwich with pesto and gouda cheese and everything.
I filled myself up with the cider pulled pork tacos. Three little taco shells filled with yummy pulled pork, a side of nicely diced of veggies for me to sprinkle on at my leisure, and a delicious potato salad were just the right size of meal for my Friday night. The potato salad was especially awesome-baby potatoes coated in a balsamic vinaigrette with feta cheese. *Drool*
Milk Tiger's also got an impressive cocktail list. I might have to make my own passport to try them all. Last night I sipped on a Suffering Bastard to start. When I asked for something made with whisky and that was particularly boozy, MTL made me a Vieux Carre. Boozy it was, just what I ordered. Ooooo, did that ever hit the spot.
We also enjoyed the cardboard deer head mounted on the wall. Nice touch! The rest of the interior is dimly lit, with a couple of tables that work well for groups of 3-8 and also a couple of corner spots that seemed to make for some very cozy dates ;).
I also feel like the bathrooms cannot go without a mention. They're at the back of the restaurant, and there are four doors in a row. Two men's doors and two women's doors. There's a full wall between the middle men's and women's stalls, but only a partial wall between the two women's stalls. The sinks are shared and out in the open. Don't forget to wash your hands. Every one else in the bar will see you if you don't! (And can I just saw EEWWWW!!! if that's the case?)
MTL deserves 5 stars in my books. The service, the choices, everything was wonderful. So why only 4? It's another spot that doesn't seem to take debit, even though they accept credit. There's a cash machine back by the washrooms instead. That point on its own downgrades even the best of places by a star point. *le sigh* -
Review from Tara M.
I happen to have been at Milk Tiger twice within two weeks, like I'm some kind of regular or something... wait, why aren't I a regular or something?
Milk Tiger is a little lounge that if you didn't know it was there, would probably miss. There's little to no signage save for a small, white, stylized tiger over an inset door beside a closed in balcony. Make sure you look hard when you're headed there or you'll be liable to miss a great little spot with a wonderful cheese tray!
I have become addicted to the French 125 which is 5 ounces of wonderful mixed with champagne. (They do however, need to work on their pims.)
Although Milk Tiger has made it's name on it's classic and unique cocktail list, I have to say the TSN turning point for me is the food. Pleasantly, the menu is gluten-free without being snobby about it; it's just a good menu that pays attention to taste and variety. The cheese platter is excellent, the tacos very good and the salads quite nice. I would have liked a bit more spice on my nuts, but let's be fair, who doesn't like spicier nuts?
The staff are super friendly and know their menu well, making the experience at Milk Tiger one that keeps me coming back; apparently weekly.
T. -
Review from Tiffany N.
Calgary, AB
11/30/2011
30/30
Okay. How much do I love the gutted Hardy Boy books as menus? I never went here when it was A Bar Named Sue, but the contemporary, if not overtly hipster-ish changes - i.e., the aforementioned menus, sleek design, bartender with ironic facial hair, Splashdown on the stereo and the name itself, all they're missing is a bear trap - yeah the changes aren't so bad, they just look like they were made based on Tumblr suggestions.
It was around 6pm and quiet when I was there both times. None of the clientele that the lounge seems to want to attract - just yet. Mushroom and Red Pepper Bruschetta came out pretty quickly and was delicious. Another time I was here, my friend ordered the Taquitos and said they were good. Came out pretty quickly too. I appreciate the fact that the menu is Gluten Free; I can come here with the two people I know that suffer from Celiac's. Don't come here if you're starving though, the portions are pretty small. Which is great if all you want is something to soak up the cocktails you're swigging, but not so great if you've got dinner pangs.
This is a place I would have no problem coming back to, but it's not exactly a place I would deliberately seek out. The service is good, the food is good, and the cocktails are good... but too much surrounding competition and not enough to entice me to come back.Listed in: 30 Days Hath Movember
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Review from Glen H.
Calgary, AB
3/16/2012
Great beer selection, always changing.
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Review from Peter A.
Ottawa, ON
8/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Dark, loud, too many of them young kids, and the drinks are expensive. Also, they don't really make a real Long Island Iced Tea, at least when I asked the bartender. Maybe I'm just funny-lookin'.
Anyway, pretty stannnndard lounge. None of them duelin' pianos or anything. Too much cutesy too. From the Hardy Boys menus (I loved the Hardy Boys when I was a lad) to the weird washroom set-up. I went once for a couple drinks and never went back. -
Review from Mike M.
1/24/2011 ROTD 11/19/2011
It's Quaint, Quiet and conversational. The drinks, at first glance appear to be expensive but they are all doubles, and premium ones at that. Despite my lack of dentures, a hearing aid or a chrysler Concorde...I do enjoy a fine scotch from time to time. I had my finest here and have been back a few times when im in the area. I think that it's a perfect lil joint for a birthday party or small work gathering, a date, a barmitzvah or a briss. The staff were friendly, the MUSIC WAS SUPERB, location is walkable.
It can be a wee bit non-descript due to lack of signage, which is also very esthetically pleasing
chiggy check it -
Review from Philippe G.
Calgary, AB
Classic Cocktails, simple finger foods, and knowledgeable staff (on the music, history, bar, spirituality, and a few other) fronts.
Are you after a cocktail, the way it was designed? Or maybe a variation of something you love? Ask for Nathan or Rich. Do it...
For those of you who claim that things get a bit cramped? 3 words...Bar Named Sue.. But I do recommend to get in early to grab a low cozy seat or you may find yourself at the bar (which is not a bad option).
You could spend an hour in Milk Tiger just trying to ensure that you see every nuance in the art and the menu's, or sit for hours and vibe to a great variation in the music.
I take a deep breath and feel calm at the Milk Tiger, great place for a date, a sneaky cocktail, some small bites and a good story or two.Listed in: Calgary's Best Cocktails
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Review from Alyssa A.
Calgary, AB
3/20/2011
My boyfriend and I are fans of REAL Long Island Iced Teas, so we thought we'd check out what Avenue Magazine tagged as Calgary's "Best Cocktail" over at Milk Tiger Lounge. The atmosphere was really mellow, dim lighting, and there was good tune-age. After confirming with the friendly bartender if their Long Islands were the real deal, we sat in the corner and awaited our drinks.
The Hardy Boy book cover menus were rad, and I just LOVED how they had the little paper pocket inside the "book" which held a card with their drink and soup feature. Resembled that of an old school library book you'd sign out from elementary, except the contents were much more riveting (Gimlet, Harvey Wallbanger, Old Fashioned, etc).
I could have done without the obnoxiously ear piercing laughter from the girls beside us, and the prices were a little steep, but it's definitely a great stop for a fancy cocktail night out on pay day.
The DJ was really good, my boyfriend pointed out a Kurt Vile remix, which is always impressive.
As for the Long Islands, we enjoyed them but found a lot of sugar settled at the bottom, which made our last sip a little unpleasant. -
Review from Christi M.
Calgary, AB
10/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
In the past I've only ever been to Milk Tiger for cocktails - and it's been great. To go tonight and learn that they have an ENTIRELY gluten-free menu was a dream come true. The food was delish and the staff was super knowledgeable. For sure, it's my new go-to place!
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Review from Jollean C.
Vancouver, BC
9/15/2009
When you're on the prowl for something a little different from Calgary's lounge scene...something a little less typical, a little more sophisticated, something that still feels intimate and comfortable, fresh....check out the Milk Tiger Lounge.
You may miss it when you look for it. It's a concrete wall with graffiti tag art beckoning you to come look within. But if you knew the old Bar Named Sue location, you'll know where to look.
The owners are friends with experience on the scene. They're savvy and they want you to enjoy your evening, hipster New York indie style. The decor doesn't get in your face; it's woodsy, sheik, monochromatic and has masculine art & fixtures that women will raise an eyebrow at. You'll wish for more colour but you'll fit right in if you love wearing neutrals. Wallflowers beware: don't wear red! And some of you will wish you wore that fedora you don't know what to do with as you croon over everything from indie to lounge to jazz. The sounds are revitalizing in their old-school approach. You'll definitely purr.
They work hard behind the bar to bring you drinks that challenge your usual experiences with a little bite. Expand your repertoire with classics like Tom Collins or a Pimm's Cup, tickle your fancy with a Champagne Cocktail or stick to the small but particularly chosen beer menu. Offering food up til 11 pm, this is quality for a trendy tongue with cheese, meat & crostini platters, perfect with wine. Or be a lil French and try the a la carte selections of Petites Bouchees (little mouthfuls) like bocconcini wrapped with prosciutto or spaghetti & meatball on a stick.
You won't be disappointed with Milk Tiger if you're looking to join up with a friend or two (best kept to smaller numbers as space is very limited) for good conversation and sophisticated but unpretentious tastings. I even got asked out on a date while patronizing. Yes, dreams can come true.
Oh, and don't be shocked when you find the bathroom is somewhat co-ed. We can all be friends at Milk Tiger. Meowwww. -
Review from Sarah B.
4/21/2010
Did you know that Milk Tiger is almost completely gluten-free? You can get a good looking sandwich there (haven't tried, obviously), but if you can't eat wheat, you'll want to check this place out. They don't market themselves as gluten-free, as I doubt anyone could taste the difference.
The waffles are good, hold up to the ice cream, but don't feel like bricks. The meatballs with rice pasta are meaty, with a nice slightly spicy tomato sauce. They've come up with interesting ideas, like little "tarts" on rice crackers, that I've started doing at home. Finally, the gluten free brownie is a chocolate bite of goodness.
I would recommend the food to everyone, because it was so good, but if you have to eat gluten-free, I would recommend GOING RIGHT NOW. Bonus: their kitchen is open past Calgary's standard "only 'til 8pm" so you can eat great, late (sorry for the lame rhyming).
Drinks: they aren't cheap, but they are quality. There are some great cocktails on the list, so think proper-lounge as opposed to let's-get-effing-wasted (I can see why this wouldn't be appropriate for a hen party). I say worth it, as not too many places have a good French75 in town.Listed in: Friday Calgary Cocktails
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Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
12/12/2009 1 photo
One of my friends had her bachelorette party at Milk Tiger a few weeks back. Even though the party was a huge success and everyone had a pretty good time, I just don't think Milk Tiger was my favourite place to hang out.
I found the place to be too cramped for my liking. Every time I wanted to go outside or to the other side, I had to ask half a dozen people to move out of the way. There were bodies everywhere, crowding everything.
I found the drinks to be quite expensive too. I mean, I had to spend a bit on some shots and whatnot (for the bride-to-be) and it seemed to rack up quite a bill. Even the beer was a bit pricey. It was just a bit too expensive for me.
I do really like the exterior of the place. I had a hard time finding it at first because the exterior signage is spray painted on. I just thought it was pretty cool.
So I had tons of fun at Milk Tiger, but mostly because it was a special occasion. On any other occasion, I wouldn't suggest Milk Tiger as a great venue. -
Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
6/17/2010
I'm a soul music lover, so imagine my delight when I walked in to soulful music being played at Milk Tiger Lounge. I was in heaven instantaneously.
The space may be a little humble with small tables, however the bar is long and the cocktail menu is most impressive. The best part for me personally is their incredible selection of gluten-free food! I had NO idea that they even served gluten-free options and when I saw that almost everything on their menu IS gluten-free, I was sold for life!
The bartenders and staff are exceptional and make great conversation.
It's official - I am a fan of Milk Tiger Lounge. Old soul, delicious food and great conversation. What else can you ask for?!??! -
Review from Patrick P.
Calgary, AB
7/4/2010
Awesome Lounge.
The folks who run it are solid, and pay attention to detail. They also really know their liquor and wines, so don't be afraid to ask for a recommendation.
The cocktails can be expensive, but are always fantastic and they have some excellent and hard-to-find beers on the menu.
It may be crowded, but I find this more of a great small lounge in San Francisco type of crowded than an annoying these people suck crowded. You're sure to bump into interesting people.
Great place to start or end an evening.
