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The Unicorn Pub
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
24 reviews for The Unicorn Pub
Review Highlights
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"It's set up right on Stephen Avenue and it's a perfect spot..." In 6 reviews -
"...in the summer when I can snag a spot on their outdoor patio." In 3 reviews
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"...have a pint, argue politics and eat some wings after work." In 5 reviews
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Joanna C.
Calgary, AB
1/26/2012
One of my favourite pubs in Downtown Calgary. Good choice of beers on tap, although the pints are a bit pricey (nothing under $7). I like that they have Steam Whistle on tap (one of my fave beers). They have a section on the drink menu for drinks that are mostly a combination of cider and Wild Rose beers. I had the Diesel which was Big Rock Cider, Wild Rose Wraspberry, and black currant juice. It was a pretty awesome chick drink! I also ordered the sangria, which tasted pretty good, except that the "fresh seasonal fruit" turned out to be a wedge of lemon and lime.
The food menu is more interesting than just standard pub grub. I had the salmon salad with wasabi dressing. It was delicious. The salmon was juicy and cooked perfectly, and the dressing was clearly homemade. My friend had the reuben sandwich, which was good, but pretty greasy (there was grease literally dripping out from the bottom of the sandwich). While we were there, I saw a guy from the kitchen come up to the bar to get red wine for making vinaigrette from scratch. Next time I'm definitely gonna order food featuring this vinaigrette!
I like the atmosphere - very relaxed and unpretentious. -
Review from Joanna H.
3/1/2012
This is one of my favourite pubs in Calgary, it is also one of the oldest and is owned by the Canadian group The Irish Rovers.... hence the Unicorn (one of their songs). I actually just had lunch here about an hour ago and for the first time I wasn't overly excited about my burger, but every pub has it's day. I go here quite often and it's always great. I tend to sit at the bar when we go as I find that's where you always get the best service no matter what bar you go to. I love it here and will probably stop in this weekend :) The spinach dip is FANTASTIC!!!
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Review from Crystal E.
Calgary, AB
8/16/2011
Went here last night with some friends for a bite to eat and I wasn't overly impressed. It's a basic basement pub, with a wide range of clientele. Menu looks pretty good with quite of number of options, from the usual pub foods to a couple of comfort food options (perogies & sausage, mac & cheese, and cabbage rolls). I shared the calamari with a friend, which tasted fine but definitely not the best I've had. For my meal I had the turkey burger with caesar salad. The turkey burger wasn't bad and had a little spice to it, but the salad portion was pathetic - it's always funny when places give you tiny bits of food when you try to have a healthier option.
The service was medicore and almost non-existent. I'm not sure if it was because we weren't drinking, but we spent quite a bit on food so I don't know why we deserved the bad service. We hardly ever saw the waitress and when she did stop by, I had to beg to get my empty soda filled. Then, same thing when it came to paying the bill - which is a pet peeve of mine. I never understand why the waitress avoids you when you want to pay as well! I'll never dine and dash, but sometimes.. just sometimes.. that thought crosses my mind. We did see her busy bringing a puppy into the bar from the outside and showing it around to the other staff, so... she was busy obviously.
Either way, my overall experience at the Unicorn wasn't great and I don't really see myself going back there again. Hopefully you have better luck with the service than we did. -
Review from Bill B.
Calgary, AB
1/23/2012
Last Thursday, headed into the Unicorn, after a less-than-stelar experience at Dakota's. I like the Unicorn. We were greeted as soon as we got inside...taken to a table...the day's specials were shared with us...and at that point, the host left us, also having let us know who our waitress would be.
Our waitress came by, took our order, and returned with two frosty beers. We were in for a couple of drinks before heading to a fundraising event for the MS Society. Our experience at the Unicorn is what 'going out for a couple of drinks' should be...good atmosphere, good service, good people, & good conversation.
Thanks Unicorn...we'll be back! -
Review from Melissa B.
Calgary, AB
7/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have only been here once, and it was after a long day in the sun on a Sunday and we desperately needed some food in us, and all other fast food joints were closed.
We sat in their small outdoor patio they have set up. A waitress got our drink order within 5 minutes of us sitting down. However, it did take her a while do bring us the ACTUAL food menu. It took so long, that we ended up getting up and grabbing one for our self.
I had a burger and some wings there, and they were good. I cant quite remember what type of burger or wings we had gotten, but I know I ate them all up!
Seeing as i was in a small group, our waitress was able to spilt our bill no problem.
I would defiantly like to try this place out again. -
Review from Dan D.
6/1/2011
Less-than-mediocre food + less-than-enthusiastic service = a less-than-pleasant experience.
I seemed to know more about the daily specials than the server did.
We were there on a Thursday, so Wild Rose pints were $5, which isn't bad ... but that was probably the only good thing about the experience for me.
This pretty much sums it up:
If you can't even make a decent burger, how can you expect to survive?
I would be surprised if I somehow ended up back here someday. -
Review from Nicole M.
Calgary, AB
8/31/2011
The history of the Unicorn is surely tied to this city. Like the booms and busts, the Unicorn has had its good times and bad. I first came to the Unicorn far before I could legally drink, and I still return from time to time.
The Unicorn is like the sort of neighbourhood pub from days gone by. Nearly everything has gone on the neat little installations and themed joints catering to on clique of people and no others, where this place is a little piece of the world that once existed.
After work there may be a table of construction workers and a table of office workers, a table of students, a couple old military guys, and a slightly skeevy looking guy who you may see busking on the mall from time to time.
The nooks and crannys of the place make this variety possible, and because of this the Unicorn has always attracted a diverse crowd - from the homeless, to the executive, to the artist, and politician - everyone is welcome, and at one time or another, everyone will pass through there. -
Review from Sho G.
12/17/2011
Good service, good beer, and good food. The atmosphere is laid back and made for an entertaining night out. I would definitely come back here again.
-
Review from Donna M.
Calgary, AB
11/30/2010 ROTD 1/26/2011
Just home from the first Calgary Yelp Community event, organized by Wendy P., and hosted at the Unicorn Pub.
This was my third visit to the Unicorn - and my third good experience! The venue holds a lot of people, and can accomodate a group easily. This was a perfect pick for Wendy's inaugural community event.
The service has been great each time I was there. Never had to wait long for drinks, and the food has always arrived promptly.
One of Tuesday's specials was 3 hard-shell tacos for $5. Awesome snack as the group visited.
For sports fans, there are lots of TV's so good place to catch a hockey game.
Definitely will return. :) -
Review from Wendy P.
11/13/2010 3 Check-ins Here
The Unicorn Pub's a decent little spot. It's basement location has many nooks and crannies. Cozy booths behind the bar, tables for larger groups in the main section and more tables and booths in a second half.
I often found myself meeting friends here for an apres work bevvie or even downtown for lunch. They've got good food, my favourite beers on tap and decent service.
The best visits I've ever had to the Unicorn are in the summer when I can snag a spot on their outdoor patio. It's set up right on Stephen Avenue and it's a perfect spot to watch the world go by. There was one evening in particular where a group of us sat outdoors on an unusually warm spring evening after a Third Tuesday that remains a fond memory.
Last time I was there, the second half I mentioned above was reserved for a trivia night. I wasn't at the trivia night, but what an ideal location for setting up something like that!
All in all, the Unicorn remains one of my reliable downtown "go to" pubs. -
Review from Jenna T.
Calgary, AB
10/1/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Nice Relaxed environment with reasonable beer prices. What more can one ask for.
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Review from Mike M.
Calgary, AB
9/28/2010
I couldn't agree more with Arinn's review calling The Unicorn "a solid standby."
You can never really go wrong with the underground pub but it will never blow your socks off. I will say for a pub with no windows or any form of daylight, you never really feel like you are sitting in a basement. The dark wood, bright tvs and usually nice staff trick your mind into thinking that maybe you are actually somewhere else. I don't know how they do it, but it seems to work.
I used to visit this place a lot more when I worked downtown. It is a great place for friends to meet because everyone knows where it is and again, they know what they are getting.
Now that I don't frequent DT as much, when I do end up on Stephen Ave, I tend to forget about the Unicorn. Maybe it's because I tend to enjoy staying above ground.Listed in: Dowtown or bust!
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Review from Philippe G.
Calgary, AB
11/26/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I have always loved the Unicorn. The legend and the true pub feel brings you out of Calgary and into a pre-prohibition style "underground" pub.
The fare is average but the atmosphere and service are tip top.
I enjoy a good night of darts, or a relaxed pint after a long day on Stephen Ave.
Truly a gem in Calgary. -
Review from Daryl D.
Calgary, AB
4/12/2011
Though I have only been taken here once, I noted that it is another one with that friendly 'neighbourhood pub feel'. It kind of reminds me of that old show, Cheers.
There is a dart board, pool tables (from what I remember) and of course TVs on which to watch the games.
Note: if you are a young-looking 20-something like me, make sure to bring your i.d. The waitresses are very stern about that hehe.
This pub is also along Stephen Ave downtown, and is downstairs of the Lancaster building. Cheers! -
Review from Danger D.
Calgary, AB
10/29/2010
My first in a series of Pub reviews...
First the background. I'm downtown a lot... I like pubs... I like pints and 'pub food'... I'm presently on a mission to find a favourite. Sadly, The Unicorn isn't it. This isn't to say, however, that The Unicorn is completely without its charms.
For as long as I can remember there's been The Unicorn... I recon that it must be one of the longest standing pubs in Calgary (and certainly downtown...) . Waaaay back when you used to be able to smoke in restaurants The Unicorn was a very solid choice if you didn't have the coin to buy your own smokes and just wanted to live on the buzz of second hand smoke. Seriously. You could walk down those long stairs down into the bowels of the Earth, into The Unicorn, drop off a friend's car keys and come out smelling like a camp fire. It was that nasty.
I'm sure that some miss those days but I think that with the new clean(-ish) air there's a whole new set of patrons who will go for a pub lunch or pints after work without needing to consider where to drop their dry cleaning.
There are some great aspects to the Uni. They pour a decent pint, it's cozy and warm in the winter and you can find a decent eclectic crowd most afternoons and especially Thurs/Friday. Summers are also fine with a small outdoor patio space on Stephen Ave that gets afternoon sun and where you can usually find a spot.
Unfortunately, the food is HORRIBLE. If you're not just looking to find 'cold barley soup' in a glass, you might want to consider somewhere else. I suppose you could call it 'pub food' but that only undermines and demeans the whole genre.
A pint or two after work? The Uni is a fine choice especially if you don't mind talking to strangers. -
Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
11/13/2009
Can I be honest? This place gives me the heebee jeebees.
I got dragged here a couple of times by my ex-friend (I should seen that one was coming) and I always felt uncomfortable in here.
The crowd is definitely hit or miss. Sometimes it's the business crowd from downtown Calgary, but when you get dragged here on the weekend, it's everyone else and their dog. Not literally, but it may as well be literally.
The prices are super reasonable, so it attracts a bit of everyone. And the location is prime (right on Stephen Ave), so again, it attracts a bit of everyone.
Overall, aside from the two times I"ve been, you couldn't pay me to go back. It's a low class, mediocre joint and I just can't stomach stepping back in. -
Review from Chad W.
Calgary, AB
10/15/2008
The Unicorn is situated on Stephen Avenue and offers more than just a relaxed atmosphere. They take reservations and offer lunch with pints to local business types during the daylight hours. Their in-house beer, Twisted Horn, is better than most others and the price is definitely right.
They have a patio, offer sections for private functions, and have full banquet facilities.
The Unicorn is a great place for a business meeting or just a beer with buddies. -
Review from S M.
Calgary, AB
9/29/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Cold pint after work, lots of wing choices (35 cents each!) and the final game of the baseball season ... had the roasted red pepper wings (my favorite) ... highly recommended for people who like to have a pint, argue politics and eat some wings after work ..
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Review from Katie C.
Calgary, AB
10/17/2009 1 photo
I've been to the Unicorn a lot over the years. It's the best place to meet in downtown Calgary. I've always tried to figure out why, but I think it is because it is one of the only places in downtown Calgary that stays open late and caters to a diverse set of interests. They've got drink specials, decent food and virgin drinks for the teetotalers. It is a great place to people watch - it isn't a dive but it isn't very high class so you meet people from the top of the food chain to the bottom of the downtown scene. And everybody is really friendly - bankers, retail jockeys, salespeople, guys in suits and just-legal teenagers. It is a weird but pleasant gamut of people in Calgary.
I remember once being asked by two menswear salesman to judge whether the pocket-square was coming back or just old fashioned. I've watched the game with friends, and I've gone after work with co-workers.
So while I like the Unicorn, I don't love it. But I know I'll be back again and again because it's alrightness suits pretty much everybody's tastes. -
Review from Christopher W.
Calgary, AB
10/23/2008 1 photo
Heralded as Calgary's "original" pub -- whatever that means, the Unicorn is a good place to snag a beer or a bite. We had breakfast there on a calm Saturday morning and everything seemed right. A few guys with hangovers were watching the soccer game and sipping on lager and others still were on dates.
The food was average, but there is a cool atmosphere to the place. It's in a basement with a lot of wood and big tvs playing any sport you're after. I'll go back again, but I am still perplexed by the "original" pub thing.... -
Review from Elizabeth N.
Calgary, AB
11/9/2010
It's okay. Food is good but a little pricey for the quality. Just a generic pub to go to when you need a good place to eat. Used to be better. Good looking staff! My crowd is the "other" kind that shows up here and is loud and drunk, and the business crowd can be a bit stuck up.
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Review from Arinn W.
2/27/2010
A solid standby. The food is good, if a bit expensive; the crowd is pretty varied and thus not super judgemental like some hipster hangouts. Service is ok. All in all it's a good place.
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Review from Adam G.
Calgary, AB
3/7/2009
Decent pub with a great history/location.
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Review from Yo U.
9/26/2009
The Unicorn is not my favourite place, but sometimes I end up here when meeting friends. There's nothing extraordinary about the place. It's just a handy place to get together for a few after work pints of beer on a Friday.
