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Sam's
Categories: Restaurants Tapas Bars Restaurants Delis Tapas Bars, Delis [Edit]
1167 Kensington Crescent NWCalgary, AB T2N 1X7
(403) 270-3880
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
6 reviews for Sam's
6 reviews in English
-
Review from Genre S.
Calgary, AB
12/2/2011
The space is operational. That declaration says a great deal. Not many 'deli's' are able to be declared operational. The Family that runs/owns the place are first and foremost intelligent, and as such have shaped their business to reflect a niche within the community. Sam's is many things -- a sports bar (well done renovation!), a pool hall, a place designed to cater to a variety of desires and demand (IE that a large, casual group may require), a Sunday brunch location (excellent one, given the cost), a one-on-one meeting place... they really understand community. Although the design of the place may appear 'chain-business', that is far from the actual case. Rather, the appearance of Sam's indicates the dynamic range of what type of 'business demands' the owners are prepared to respond to. Instead of pulling the 'niche' marketing interior design, Sam's has evolved (as any community business will) to accommodate multiple business scenarios. To sound a touch academic, Sam's is a fine illustration of why R Buckminster Fuller stated that humans expressed their best potential because, as a species, they were the ultimate (metazoic) generalists (see: Critical Path)
This business will not specify its abilities -- it doesn't need to. They are sincere with what they will do. Their brunch is more than fine. Top-attention paid by whosoever is working. Their beer selection is an expression of what the community drinks -- ditto their range of spirits and wines. Many food items indicate what locals demand, and some menu items indicate what the family has pride in. For example, their Borscht is in the running for the best borscht you can order in Calgary. It is specific to the culture and geography, yet I would put it up against any other borscht in town (outside of making it from scratch).
The people involved in the business deserve full stars. So much patience, sincerity and local accommodation. I cannot describe in a short review how these people really are the foundations and the capstone of their business. If you want to experience what Hillhurst-Sunnside is like, check out Sam's quite a few times. No visit will be like the other, yet you will notice a 'sameness' (community) running through each event. Trust me. Good times. Good neighbourhood. -
Review from Angelo T.
I find myself having to visit Sam's in Kensington for meetings for volunteer orgs. I've never had the chance to try their menus but people in my table don't seem to have any complaints.
Their beers selection and price is average. I've ordered a few pints here and have little to no complaints.
Average pretty much describes the place. It has a sports bar feel but they do have an open mic night on occasion. They do have a nice outside patio where you can watch some interesting people walk by, or stupid people drive against the one way street, impatiently stalking passerby in hopes of landing a parking spot. Park farther and walk FOOS!! -
Review from Moez T.
Calgary, AB
Sam's Bar & Grill is an oft overlooked pub-style restaurant in Kensington. Located next to Molly Malone's, it has developed somewhat of a reputation for being a dive. Recent attempts to change this include new staff and a newly renovated decor.
Enjoy the formal introduction? Truth is, Sam's was my local watering hole for just over 3 years after first moving to Calgary. The location is huge, which is great for big groups and on busy nights. Unfortunately it's also the downfall, as 30 people in a location this big tends to look sparse. The food is reasonably priced and consistently good.
I mentioned the renovation in my introduction. The reno was massive, both structurally and aesthetically, so if you haven't visited it since the reno I would strongly recommend taking another look. The decor is much nicer - classier - and there have been some improvements in the type of customer frequenting the bar.
One more great advantage of Sam's is the lack of violence. Having spent several (SEVERAL) nights in Kensington across multiple bars, things can get out of hand very quickly. Sam's is fortunate in that they don't have doormen, and ultimately don't need it. All said, Sam's is a great place to share some drinks and foods with a few friends, or many.
Note: Delivery is provided via Waiters En Route (http://www.waitersenro...). -
Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
6/1/2010
I'm headed to Phoenix this weekend so I'm spending this week getting together with as many peeps as possible before I jet.
Last night I met up with a couple of friends at Sam's. I had never been and although apparently it used to be quite the dive, they've done a good job of modernizing it. It's got a contemporary feel to it now (with black and silver being the primary colours of decor) and the staff is super friendly.
Plus, I was perusing their menu and their Sunday Brunch (Sundays from 10am-2pm - all you can eat for $14.99) has quite the assortment!
And speaking of assortment, their regular menu also has quite the variety. Everything from your standard bar snacks such as poutine, potato skins and calamari, to restaurant grub such as hummus, piadinas and lasagna. Plus for those of you who don't have to watch your waist line (I curse you), definitely try their deep fried cheesecake. It looked amazing (that's right - for me it's a 'look but don't touch' kinda thang).
Overall, a great pub to have in town.
If you weren't a fan because of their old-skool digs, then definitely give them another shot. Everyone deserves a second chance, don't they?!?!?! -
Review from Philippe G.
Calgary, AB
10/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
Average. Burger was suggested and it hit the spot, nothing too special:)
Service was quick and clean, game of pool never hurts. -
Review from Cornelius V.
Calgary, AB
11/17/2009 3 Check-ins Here
This place was kind of charming when it was a dive-ish bar that had cheap bottles and a colourful and very diverse crowd.
Then they renovated.
It looks like any dull uninspired sports bar. Usual pub food. Flat screen tvs along the wall. Rectangular bar in the center. Pool tables to one side. Dance floor on the other. Patio out front between the establishment, a sidewalk, and angled parking. But no need to fear, the same diverse crowd is still here.
Oh, and $6.50 stellas. Meh.
Barkeeps are interesting and fun but nothing really special.
