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The Living Room Restaurant
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 2 pm
Mon-Sun 5 pm - 12 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Thu
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
15 reviews for The Living Room Restaurant
15 reviews in English
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Review from Kate M.
Calgary, AB
11/29/2010
We went to The Living Room for a joint birthday dinner last week. My sister has been a fan for years, so our expectations were high...
Cliff and his staff delivered a delectable experience - topping any I've had in Calgary thus far (6 years)
The temperature, the ambiance, the volume, the smell, the service, the menu, and the prices were absolutely spot on. The staff were aware that we were in celebration mode - so Cliff (the owner) greeted us with a warm welcome, and his signature cocktail - The Shaft. I'm not certain what's in these delicious cold shots, but I could have smashed 4 of them. About 3 oz (Espresso & Kahlua for sure, not sure about the rest) poured over ice, you are meant to drink the whole "shot" through a straw in one go. Delicious.
The wine list is extensive, so we chose a region & a price range - the server took care of the selection. Again, delicious. (I can't remember what we had :)
They update the main courses seasonally, and have a small features menu which changes monthly. The rest of the menu is contemporary, with a little something for everyone. They use local produce and ocean wise seafood.
We started with Oysters & Champagne, and a large bowl of assorted olives. The Chef makes a gorgeous Cucumber & Sauvignon Blanc Mignonette in-house. Divine!
I had the Aged Cheddar & Black Truffle Fondue, with Steak, JUMBO Prawns, and Asparagus. My guests had the Seasonal Halibut, the Bison Short Ribs, and the NY Strip. I wish I'd paid more attention to what my guests were eating so I could provide feedback here - plates were empty in no time!
Cliff and our server were very attentive, and it was lovely to chat with him about his pride & joy. Our conversations were followed by Ice Wine & Whiskey, then the creamiest lavender creme caramel, and a rich chocolate mousse. After visiting a lavender farm earlier this year, I was delighted with the flavour combination of lavender & honey - this dessert is that combo, with a delicious texture. Not too heavy, we have to save room for Ketel One Martini's!
There is a variety of seating options, 2's, 4's and a cozy circular booth for 8. The seats at the wood were full of beautiful people, and there was a Christmas function happening in the private dining area downstairs. Whatever your occasion, The Living Room is probably perfect for it.
It's not often I go out for 4 course meals like this - I'll remember this experience forever. I can't wait to go back in the summer months, and enjoy the patio. In fact I can't wait to go back. Period.
KLM -
Review from Samuel S.
Calgary, AB
9/25/2011
Back in the so-so 90s, my brother and I used to kill a lot of time (we were slackers, after all) at a place called the Living Room. It was a coffee bar on Broadway Ave in Saskatoon, which is about the hippest part of town. It had a good vibe, and wingback chairs much like you'd find in an actual living room. The service there was very good, as was the coffee. The staff and patrons were predominantly good-looking hipsters (as one would expect in the hipster district).
The Living Room in Calgary, which bears similarities in name and some hipness factor to my old Saskatoon haunt is not a new business, but I'd been meaning to check it out for some time, partly due to personal nostalgia (see above), and also because I'd met one of its cooks at a party. So I lined up a date with the ladyfriend (which is what I call the wife when we go out).
The room is dimly lit and not too small, with a cool bar. After we were seated at our high-side table for two, I chilled out with my usual pre-meal smash of bourbon on the rocks (Maker's Mark -- pretty heady stuff, somewhat overrated, but still very drinkable); followed promptly by the second barrel.
The waiter worked fast, and didn't hover. He understood the judicious use of eye-contact. He was very good.
I had oysters to start (I always get oysters if they're available), which were cool to the touch and well presented. My fabulous date had a beet green salad which looked great and got the green thumbs up (she's a gardener). She wasn't drinking, so I only ordered a glass (instead of a bottle) of what turned out to be terrible zinfandel; after complaining to the waiter, he brought me a much more flavourful cab sauv. He was very good.
For the main, we split the bison flank for two (on the "interactive" menu), with julienned spuds and vegetables. This was an extra meaty dish, which I'm totally into. The waiter agreed. He was very good.
Dessert was great, too, a refreshing lemon sorbet, which is all you really need, though there are a host of higher-calorie confections on the menu if you dig that. (I do, of course, but skipped it that night.)
So the food was good and service very good (see above). Thumbs up to the busboy, too. On the downside, they charge a dollar for tap water, but it's cold and they bring it in a cool bottle. And really, you should drink more water anyway, you'll feel better the next day, you slacker. -
Review from Carol K.
The Living Room has been around for as long as I've been gracing the sidewalks of 17th ave. A week ago, my friend and I decided to try out their patio since the Ship and Anchor was too busy.
I was meaning to try the Living Room for years, but there was always something else that seemed a little more appealing. I should have given it a chance a long time ago, because I had a fantastic experience here.
Our hostess was prompt and offered us a seat by the fireplace. The patio was luxurious. It is enclosed quite well so that the people from the streets aren't walking into your dinner.
We only ordered wine and shared a charcuterie board. Keep in mind, this review doesn't accurately refelct the whole menu since we only ordered one thing. But I will tell you about the charcuterie board. It was FANTASTIC. Well worth the $32. You know when you go to a restaurant and order cheese, and they give you a wedge about the size of your thumb? Not at the Living Room. The cheese portions were quite generous, there was a grand selection of cured meats, sausages, fish, pickled artichoke and cashews. Our server acknowledged the fact that there were so few crackers and offered to give us some complimentary bread. Everything was delicious. The two of us couldn't even finish a whole board and we were both on empty stomachs.
The Living Room knows what good service means. Our waters were filled constantly. Our server came to check up on us at appropriate times. He wasn't annoying, didn't linger too long, was confident and knew exactly how to make our experience a pleasant one.
I'll definitely want to come back again and try more of their menu. -
Review from Shirlee N.
Calgary, AB
1/28/2012
I speak highly of the Living Room restaurant to all my friends. The Beef Tartare is probably one of my most favorite dishes in Calgary. I order a side of tobasco sauce to add to the dish to make it slightly spicy for my spicy craving. Their cheese fondue is delicious! The price may be a little pricey but definitely worth it. I am bringing my boyfriend there for his birthday and I cant wait until he tries the food I've been raving about!!
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Review from Carrie P.
On a rainy night in May, 2011, 6 divas dressed in red, headed to the Living Room for an Unofficial Yelp Event. http://www.yelp.ca/eve...
Prior to going to the Living Room for the first time, I did a little verbal research among my co-workers. I was asking people who have gone to the Living Room, what they recommended on the menu. When I was explaining that I was on a diet, they told me that the reality was, that I needed to consider the cheese fondue, and to throw my diet out the window for one night. The analogy I was given, was that you do not go to Red Lobster and order a chicken burger, right?
So, I had it... and, it was not under sold. The cheese fondue was heavenly. Between the six of us ladies, we ordered a number of different dipping options, and everything was delightful.
I also ordered the watermelon Caprise Salad which was a total knockout! it looked like a watermelon inukshuk of sorts, that came with mozzarela, balsamic and fresh basil. it was absolutely heavenly! I was mentioning to my friends that I would absolutely come back on a hot summer day to have that salad again!
Thank you to the ladies in red for a fantastic evening, and thanks to the Living Room for being the host with the most! -
Review from Wendy P.
I have three words for you. Watermelon Caprese Salad. And two more. Cheese Fondue. Then one more. OMG.
I had only ever been to The Living Room before for cocktails and wine. This time, it was the latter, but also food. It was not a cheap evening, but my-oh-my, was it ever a tease for my taste buds and an exercise for my waistline.
Let me start with the Watermelon Caprese Salad. It's three pieces of watermelon cut lengthwise, two on the bottom and one on top, covered with what I assume was mozzarella (as is common in a Caprese salad) and drizzled in olive oil and little "flavour bombs" of balsamic vinegar. Flavour bomb you ask? Why yes. Little brown beads made from balsamic vinegar, a thickener and some other kitchen magic to turn them into tiny edible beads. I'll be back for that salad alone.
Onto the cheese fondue. What happens when you put 6 women at a table with spears, food and melted cheese? A bubbling pot and table full of food that quickly disappears. Pieces of bread, grilled pink lady apples (my favourite!), chunks of sausage, asparagus, broccolini, mini-ravioli, it was a fine feast. With some cheese still bubbling and toiling away, we couldn't help but have a second round of asparagus and apples. Hey, at least we went for more fruits and veggies.
As I ate my food, I also sipped on a Screaming Viking, Grey Goose vodka with bruised cucumber. Refreshing! Why is it that cucumber seems to make every drink seem more fresh? I finished with my favourite, The Shaft. Introduced to me once upon a time by Tara M, this drink is "tall, dark and cool" made with Kahlua, espresso and skim milk. Make sure you stir it well or you'll end up with a rather strong iced espresso at the end of the glass.
As far as service goes, we couldn't have asked for a better server. Attentive and just flirty enough for a group full of gals, we were well looked after and entertained.
The inside is small and intimate, seating maybe 60 customers at one time. But what a lovely spot it is! Come summer, the patio provides an equally lovely evening sporting two outdoor fireplaces on 17th Avenue. -
Review from Whoop K.
Calgary, AB
2/24/2011
I've always wanted to check out The Living Room, so a friend and I planned to meet up there for drinks one night. Upon arriving and waiting up at the front to be seated, one of the staff asks us if we are staying for dinner and we said no, just for drinks. He then tells us that in that case he doesn't have any room for us and has the balls to suggest other places on 17th ave where we can go for drinks. WTF.
We were all dressed up and ready to drink, so we went down to Charcut, which turned out to be much more welcoming.
So, based on this insulting experience I give it one star. -
Review from Geetika C.
Chestermere, AB
8/10/2010 ROTD 11/20/2010
I've been wanting to check out this 17th Ave neighbourhood locale and finally had a chance to with a few friends. The patio had a very relaxed vibe literally, we went for drinks, but ended up staying for dinner. The atmosphere along with one of the owners created an environment where you would want to make this a part of your regular scene to catch up with friends. A few of our party sampled the "Shaft," and swore by it's "pick me up" properties after a long work week.
P.S. Loved the Calamari! -
Review from Aymie R.
Calgary, AB
7/23/2011
My favourite restaurant in Calgary, by far! A fun place to go with a group - wonderful wine list and the fondues are delicious. Always a nice spot for an intimate meal with friends and loved ones.
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Review from Noel M.
8/3/2009
My trip to Canada was made worthwhile after a visit to The Living Room. To begin, the drinks were absolutely delicious! I fell in love with a ginger and mint simple syrup made with the bartender/owner's brother's locally grown honey. Honey is supposed to be good for allergies therefore it is good for your health to have this drink! lol!
Then there was the meal itself...
My mouth was watering just from reading the menu:
"Certified Black Angus Beef Tenderloin 8 oz. cutlet, seared Quebec foie gras, black truffle jus, roast fingerling potatoes (but I substituted mashed)." Pure perfection. aaahh, these are a few of my favorite things!
As full as you may be, don't forget the extremely rich, delectable desserts! mmm, chocolate
Food fit for a queen, which tasted even better when the bill for three people (including drinks) came out to only $170 US before tip!Listed in: Dinner = Beef
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Review from spaniel l.
Calgary, AB
11/28/2009
To be precise, I would give this place 3.5 stars .
It is definitely better than a 3 but not worth a 4 on my scale.
The Fondue was okay. Duck breast was good. Ambience was good. I liked their wine list. They have a good selection of old world red wines - my friends and I still talk about that bottle from Rhone Valley till this day... -
Review from s t.
Calgary, AB
2/8/2011
Delicious food, havarti fondue is to die for.
Bison was tender and veggies very flavourable.
Service is always really good.
Only criticism is that the tables are super close together, maybe a bit too cozy.
A nice treat for a night out. -
Review from Susanne J.
Hope, BC
9/6/2009
Loved the relaxing ambiance I felt upon walking onto the patio, made even more so by the attentive servers, willing to share a story and make you feel at home and attended to.
I shared a lovely cheese fondue with my boss, had several nice glasses of red and finished with a seafood trio including snow crab legs, gravadlax (salmon) and tuna tartar. All were fresh but none particularly inspiring. I still left feeling satisfied and might try another dish if I ever have the opportunity to return. -
Review from Tariq S.
Calgary, AB
4/25/2010
This is a five star rating! You cannot go wrong. Everything about this place is top notch!
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Review from Adam G.
Calgary, AB
7/25/2009
Good food and drinks, but a little pricey for what you get.
