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Vin Room
Categories: Restaurants Tapas Bars Nightlife Bars Wine Bars Tapas Bars, Wine Bars [Edit]
2310 4th St SWCalgary, AB T2S 1X2
(403) 457-5522
- Hours:
Mon, Sun 4 pm - 10 pm
Tue-Wed 11:30 am - 11 pm
Thu 11:30 am - 12 am
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 1 am
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Wed, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy, Trendy, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
25 reviews for Vin Room
Review Highlights
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"The apple/pear crumble, almond cake and banana bread..." In 2 reviews -
"...enjoyed the Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding (with bourbon..." In 3 reviews -
"The Israeli couscous is amazing." In 4 reviews
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25 reviews in English
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Review from Diane F.
3/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
We extended our double date last night to this venue and I am so glad that we did. We decided to go for wine and dessert and it was so worth it!
We sat upstairs and the setting was trendy and romantic yet comfortable. I fell in love with the place immediately and loved a green retro looking high back sofa. Perfect for two! However, we were 4, so we sat at a comfortable double couched table.
Our server was fantastic! Great for giving recommendations, but had a sense of humour as well... even going as far as teasing my hubby for copying me and getting a blush as well. I chose the JaJa De Jau rose which I really enjoyed.
Hubby and I decided to share two desserts. The first being the creme brulee and pistachio shortbread cookies and the second was a delicious dark chocolate espresso delight! Both were so good and I cannot really say I had a favorite between the two.
The service was prompt and our waters never got close to being empty until we were done. Two hours flew by so quickly and again our time there was fantastic! I will definitely be a repeat offender! -
Review from Ferlyn C.
Calgary, AB
5/20/2012
The concept is perfect, the location good, the menu worthy so why then staff it with persons who really want to be somewhere else?
In fairness, I love wine flights. The ability to taste 2oz of almost everything on the menu is awesome. This is an attractor (made it up, so sue me) so I'll be back, been a half dozen times already so I know I will. But sure wish the staff would get more pleasant.
I really liked the pates and cheeses, but pass on the "house made" cheese they just don't cut it.
Footnote: coolest menu covers ever. Cork bound, very nice.Comment from Phoebe F. of Vin Room 5/25/2012
Ferlyn Thank you for the feedback. We always value guest… More » -
Review from Wendy P.
I had THE BEST time at Vin Room yesterday. It was sooooo good, in fact, that I just had to upgrade my review from a 5 start to, well.. a 5 star. Have you read any reviews that wished they could give a biz 0 stars? The same feeling works in the opposite direction. I wish there were unlimited amounts of stars to shower on the delightfulness that is Vin Room.
It was the first time I had been upstairs at Vin Room and we spent our Friday afternoon ordering tapas from the menu and sipping on custom flights of wine that our server, Christian, put together for us. Once again, those egg plant chips had a love affair with my mouth, and the first of the white wines danced around my tastebuds as I swished the light, sweet liquid around my palate.
Other tapas we tried included the couscous with quinoa. The quinoa added texture and substance to the dish. I'm not so sure about the presentation on this one, it came out in this silver bowl, and it was made into a square in the middle. I felt a little bit like I was eating out of a dog food dish. Let me make very clear, however, that it tasted nothing like dog food. It was light and delicious and I gladly ate every last morsel from that dish... which in fact came in handy for ensuring nothing was leftover. So, while it looked a little weird, it was indeed very practical.
We also chowed down on the Cornish game hen. One leg/thigh piece battered and brought up for us to share. Maybe battered isn't quite the right word, it wasn't like a deep-fried piece of chicken, but rather came lightly dusted with spices and with a crispy skin on the outside.
And lastly, we finished off with a cheese board, goat cheese, blue cheese and brie. And I cannot forget my final glass of port. I think I spent 20 minutes sniffing it before I was ever ready to take a sip. It smelled of Sun-Maid raisins the minute you open the little box.
At the end of our visit, we were the only two left sitting upstairs. Christian took care of us every step of the way. He even stayed well beyond his shift (he ended at 4) instead of simply passing us on to someone else. At one point in the afternoon, Tara had something caught in her eye. While she was in the washroom taking care of it, Christian inquired after her, "I hope she's alright," he said with genuine concern. He even offered to fetch the Vin Room's eye wash kit if she was unsuccessful in her efforts to remove whatever was bothering her eye. Talk about your table-side manner.
Suffice it to say, I'm in love with this spot. From food to drink to service, it's a real treat every time I visit.Listed in: Five Star Calgary Reviews, Good for Groups, Great date spots, A more intimate setting, Favourite spots
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/9/2011
Oh Vin Room, how have I lived all of this time without having tasted your eggplant chips? Those… Read more »
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Review from Silvi M.
Calgary, AB
4/15/2012
LOVED IT! Staff was wonderful, always checking in. They know their wine list and pairings! We picked food and they picked the wines for us. Food was great, wine was even better! Will come back again!
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Review from Shawn D.
Calgary, AB
5/5/2012
Vin Room is a funky little place with a great vibe and interesting decor. We went for the tapas and had a good experience. Service was just okay, seemed a little distracted and didn't seem to think we were interested in a pre-dinner cocktail -- wrong assumption. Which, by the way, was a treat. The wine inspired cocktails while expensive are worth a try. We had a number of tapas dished. The meat and cheese board selections are over priced but good. Of the various tapas items, their "special" lobster nachos was just okay, overcooked lobster on soggy nachos. The meatballs, falafel and scallops were all very good and I recommend them. We liked the char as well and the bread pudding for dessert was a good as it gets. One thing, TAKE THE CHICHARONES OFF THE MENU. They are an embarrassment to the restaurant and I would have given Vin Room a 4 star rating if it wasn't for them. They are Safeway Pork Rinds -- do NOT -- repeat do NOT order them. Save your money and buy 10 bags of them at Safeway if you want to experience them for the same price.
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Review from Tara M.
6/15/2011 ROTD 10/18/2011
Vin Room is a jewel in Mission.
This intimate restaurant has a France-meets-1940s-Americana style that's both appealing and relaxing.
The restaurant is a converted WWII house next to the Second Cup and across from the Joyce on 4th, and I guarantee if you don't look for the red and black sign, you'll probably miss it.
The menu is tapas and (as the name suggests) wine, wine and more wine! I have yet to meet a wine menu like it in Calgary. Absolutely everything on the wine list is available in a variety of glass sizes as well as bottles. This is possible care of the extra cool Italian-invented wine dispenser system at the front bar.
Besides the stellar wine selection, the food here is something to write home about. The tapas menu is not fat; but is far from skinny; and features must-try's like the eggplant chips (which you will read here, are a popular item), a wild mushroom Israeli couscous, a beet and quinoa salad with mint yogurt, a lobster taco, grilled bison and a nice selection of charcuterie and cheese plates. You should try all those, seriously.
I have always had a notable experience at Vin Room, and as I gracefully transition from Club Rat to Lounge Lizard, the Vin Room is an excellent spot to relax - hang out - drink great wine and eat great food all night long with someone you love (or even just like, or your mom, or your friend).
T.Listed in: Small but Mighty, Local Lust
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Review from Elle C.
12/27/2010 ROTD 1/4/2011
Finally have the time to review this very SEXY, SLEEK and SEDUCTIVE joint. Very posh, intimiate venue with equally impressive wait staff.
Every server is well equipped to suggest a good wine, even if you don't know what you want. Seating spaces are fitted, layout definately makes you engage your company a little more than intimately (so bring a hot date).
Menu allows you to try many different types of wines without committing to a bottle (if you have commitment problems and just want some fun) in 2oz 4oz or 6oz, so it's a great place to find "that one special wine for you."
One of my secret spots (not so secret now) is here, on the patio. This place features an absolutely fabulous second floor patio that overlooks 4th street, so you can watch the drunkies across the way, or enjoy the cars and people through your wine glass. The trees are lit up with lights and on brisk nights the patio is heated with heat lamps. Absolute perfect place to curl up to your newly found love. *hugs wine glass*
On busy nights, wait can be a bit long so make resos. -
Review from Mark K.
Calgary, AB
1/3/2011
Excellent selection of wine and this establishment neutralizes a huge pet peeve of mine; staff that genuinely knows good wine based on described taste and pallet. They don't push the priciest or labels, but what works with your taste or food selection. This is service I'm willing to pay for.
Another great feature is the fact they have found wines from smaller boutique wineries and nearly all the staff is educated in each one. I highly recommend the venue for business meetings or somewhere you wish to have conversation. I could actually hear the whole table and it caters to a more professional crowd; which is something I prefer. -
Review from Philippe G.
Calgary, AB
We had a variety of dishes, from the Charcuterie, then onto the Chorizo, Mussels and Tartare. All well crafted, tasty and a delight to eat.
Our server kept the Chardonnay flowing and we even caught a moment of Fibi's time to reflect on the fireplaces and the need for a good bottle of wine on a cold night.
Overall a wonderful experience and I would recommend it to anyone.
Quick Tip* -
Save them the OT charge and reserve over the phone, OpenTable is nice convenience, but a person is much more of a delight. -
Review from Kali R.
Calgary, AB
12/27/2010
The wine choices and the wait service were fantastic, but I think the Vin Room is for a very specific crowd, for specific situations.
I went there for the first time recently for some after-work chill time with the girls and felt of place in business casual clothing. The staff were great and helped us find some nice wines when we got seated. I wanted something light to eat but the fried garbanzo beans I ordered were way too salty. It was the only vegetarian option on the menu, so my friend decided not to order anything. I also wish they did debit payment at the tables. Paying to leave took a really long time from the one till. I left hungry and a little annoyed that I went all the way there from across town for a mediocre experience.
I think I would go back if I had a client who was a true blue wine connoisseur and it was post-meal, but it's not my kind of place to frequent. -
Review from Sergey S.
1/17/2011
Vin Room is one of those not so usual places which may be either loved tenderly, or avoided carefully. And I am sort of on the "avoid" side as a final verdict, but feel like making certain points to recognize the definitive qualities of this place.
- I loved their little "patio" on the roof, it was always fun to sit there, with all those cozy pillows and huge glasses on the shaky tables.
- I loved their menu, offering that comfortable approach to browse and select "something red... heavy... lots of flavor... oh here - like seven options to choose from! Ok, let me try this one..."
For the "deltas":
- I did not like the food. Even though Vin Room is not a place to eat, still, it would definitely help to provide something nice for the stomach, not only for the liver and kidneys.
- I did not like the service, which was always slow and sort of absentminded when you were asking them precise questions about the wine you are looking for. A bit snobbish at times, too - or so I felt. Maybe should have used the office attire instead of casual, I don't know.
And for the price... Ah... Ok, wallet-scratching, though not a big deal - but I just finally gave up. Not even me - my wife decided that she'd rather no, and I concurred. -
Review from Chris S.
Calgary, AB
3/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went here for dessert once with Port, and another time for appetizers with wine pairings. The food is amazing and the wine list impressive. There are over 70 bottles available by the glass.
This makes the perfect place for a romantic night. One day it is my dream to come there with a bunch of friends and like $150 each and try wines all night long. -
Review from Sarah B.
1/14/2011
Drinking wine and creepin' people on 4th St as they go by...does it get any better?
I have two favorite spots at Vin Room. In the winter, it's perched in front of the window watching everyone walk by. In the summer, it's perched on the patio overlooking everyone walking by. Yes, creeping on strangers is more socially acceptable if you have a glass of wine or a cocktail in your hand. You should try it sometime.
The Vin Room does have an extensive wine list, but they also have some interesting (read: unusual) cocktails worth trying, if you are adventurous. I went in there last night and our waiter recommended a Japanese whiskey. It was stellar. I can't wait to get my hands on a bottle.
I've always felt that the food was a bit odd. they do some cheese, charcuterie and tapas dishes, so you'd think there would be something for everyone - but it seems to be quite narrow in focus. I notice there isn't very much for high maintenance eaters - either gluten free or vegetarian. I wouldn't go there hungry, but if you're looking for a small bite, have at 'er.
Note: The Vin Room is a wine bar, so not having huge quantities of food doesn't really affect my opinion of the place, I'm still a fan. I like how helpful and friendly the staff is and the dark/cozy vibe in winter (as well as the sunny, amazing patio in summer). -
Review from Erin S.
1/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Vin Room was the venue of choice for a recent get together with friends. It was a fabulous place to be able to catch up, while leisurely enjoying a meal and a few drinks.
The ambiance is trendy, yet comfortable. There is a nice romantic undertone to it teamed with enough energy so it is not awkwardly so, making it a great place to go on those first few dates you rather fancy.
Food was fantastic! Being tapas, portions are smaller and ideal for sharing. We had a group of four and it was nice to be able to easily nibble at a bunch of dishes, instead of sticking to our own. Each dish was presented in a eye pleasing fashion & flavors danced on my tongue. Had no desire to rush through any of the meal. Lobster nachos were better than I expected, with generous chunks of meat on the dish. The bone marrow was a special treat & a must try if you are adventurous. The dessert had me wanting to lick my plate afterwards (not a usual desire of mine.) I took a chance and ordered the chocolate banana bread pudding, even though I am not normally a bread pudding kind of gal. The bourbon sauce is still stuck in my mind. Sign of a truly wonderful dessert. I am looking forward to going back so that I can try the lamb kabobs & eggplant chips.
Wine is definitely a highlight here! You can order anything from tastes to full bottles. Allows for ample opportunity to try something you would not normally have, without feeling like you are making a commitment.
Service was laid back, but not lacking. There was no pressure to hurry things along and any questions were happily (& thoughtfully) answered. Suggestions were available if needed.
DEFINITELY MAKE A RESERVATION!
Pros:
- Amazing food
- Large wine selection (check out the cool setup behind the bar!)
- Friendly service
- Hip atmosphere
Cons:
- Breezy when seated near the door
- A little squishy in terms of space
- Women's bathroom was a little dirty -
Review from Danelle W.
Calgary, AB
1/29/2011
I've been to the Vin Room twice, and it's been an excellent experience both times. While I'm not a wine lover (yet, I'm trying, but I'd prefer a cocktail given the choice), they are always very patient and help me select something I'll enjoy. The wine list is extensive (as you'd hope) and I like how they have it separated by "taste" for those of us not familiar with different wines. They also have an impressive machine the spans the entire bar to keep open bottles fresh.
The food (tapas) is excellent. As a non-red meat eater it can be a little harder to find items for consumption, but they do have quite a few that fit into my lifestyle. We had lobster nachos (about what you'd think), polenta hush puppies (the red pepper sauce was awesome) and the grilled cheese (would have been nice for the pear flavour to stand out a little). The tartar and bone marrow were ordered by my tablemates and both received rave reviews.
Desserts were to die for. The apple/pear crumble, almond cake and banana bread pudding were all excellent. There's also a good selection of dessert wines, ports and liquers.
Overall, a great experience. Servers came around often to check on us & we had a good evening.Listed in: Downtown places
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Review from Roz M.
Calgary, AB
3/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
A very cool place to wine and dine. Especially nice for a romantic dessert outing! I got the Apple Pear Crumble (Brandy soaked raisins, walnuts, vanilla rooibos gelato) paired with a glass o fN/V Dutschke The Tokay Muscadelle (Australia). My boyfriend enjoyed the Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding (with bourbon caramel sauce, crème anglaise) paired with 1965 Caves Messias Colheita Tawny (Portugal) -- that port was older than both of us!
This place has a warm and trendy environment that's great for a night out with the girls or an intimate night out with a loved one.
You should check it out! -
Review from Tara R.
Calgary, AB
11/16/2011 Seated via OpenTable
We visited the Vin Room on Saturday night. The atmosphere is terrific, great lighting and decor. We were all psyched for a great date night and it was underwhelming.
We felt the menu was too big and when we asked our waitress for some recommended pairings, she pointed out the single flight and bite on the menu and said that was it. We had hoped that she could actually give us some great options. It may have been that they were just out of everything.
There were several cheese and meat choices that were no longer available. We had the lamb meatballs and they were excellent, the egg plant chips were good and that was the description we had for all the 5 other items we had with the exception of the sweet potato dip which lacked flavour and was left practically untouched.
We did like the descriptions of the wines and were very happy with the beer, 3 wines and the prosecco that we chose and the coffe was excellent too.
We chose this restaurant based on the other reviews we found on Yelp and we seemed to have a very different experience than most other people on the site. We wonder if it was just inexperienced staff or a bad night in the kitchen.. We will likely go back when the rooftop patio is open, but all in all it just didn't wow us. -
Review from Kristin K.
1/7/2010
My friend and I spent New Years Eve 2009 here and had a wonderful experience. The food is excellent. We were seated next to the kitchen which was kind of awkward, but it was crowded so we weren't going to make a big deal about it. We were originally seated near the door, but since it was like -27C outside we wanted to be seated as far away from the door as possible.
Here is what we ordered:
Charcuterie - Elk salami (which was amazing) and Prosciutto Di Parma
Cheese - Brie de Meaux and white cheddar
Truffled honey - which went well with everything above and was also incredible just eating it with a spoon
Croquettes - yum
Venison meatballs - double yum
Duck - first time I tried it, tastes like chicken :)
Drinks - "This Dance Isn't for Everyone, Only the Sexy People" - awesome!
A couple of glasses of one of the Syrah wines, also good
The food and drinks were fantastic. However, I was shocked when I saw how expensive the drinks were here and at other places in Alberta. $14-$18 for a 2oz martini? I remember the first time I went to New York when I turned 21 and ordered $11 martini's and thought that was crazy. If you plan on drinking here and don't live in Canada like me and aren't used to the prices, be prepared to shell out a lot of extra cash. -
Review from Warren C.
Saskatoon, SK
8/12/2011
Wow,what a night! We went to this place which was near our B&B.Read the reviews on Yelp and wanted to experience a tapas style bar.We were not disappointed.The tapas were great......well most of them.I would have to say I was not a fan of the lobster tacos.However,the lamb kebobs and the Israeli couscous were out of this world!So was the Oka cheese.We also savoured many different wines with our food.We were lucky as everything we ordered was quite good.To pick a fav wine is close to impossible but here I go......the Maxwell Four Roads Shiraz-Grenache-Voignier blend.Having said this,the next time I go I would have to say I will have another fav wine so don't hold me to this.Service was very helpful and efficient.Our server was a great guy by the name of Tirele(hope I spelled that right).Very knowledgeable and friendly.We also met the owner who was personable and welcoming.
I would definitely go back and would also recomend this place to friends.Pricey for sure but we had a great time so it was money well spent for us. -
Review from dinah g.
Calgary, AB
Updated - 1/1/2010 9 photos
Hippy New Years everyone!! Welcome to 2010!
The hotspot of choice for this yelper to bring in the new years was The VIN Room in the Mission Area.
There was an awkward reservation/table misunderstanding at the beginning but that was very easily cleared up, and we found ourselves upstairs at a swagger table for two by the window. Very elegantly dressed and extremely cozy.
The top floor stays in keeping with the decor of first floor, with black wallpapered walls with just a hint of floral design. Deep chocolate brown highlights and a punch of aquamarine blue in the glass candle holders to rightly bring all that class together.
Bursts of black accents embracing light fixtures and a modern fireplace with sleek mosaic work at the far end of the room. It was all so perfect for setting a tone for a great New Year's to come.
Tonight VIN offers a 4 course New Years Eve Dinner with a wine pairing list if you choose to step it up a notch. I wanted to ease down on the drinking this year and decided to try a couple of 2 oz glasses of red instead which were both full bodied and smoky.
The first course was served immediately upon sitting, a simple combination of capresse skewers with pita and white bean dip.
The second course were these extremely delicious cod cakes. These just melted in my mouth. With these two courses we were already full but when the lamp chops were presented in front of me, of course I found room for them. These were grilled to perfection and accompanied with a wonderful mint sauce.
All courses were served at the appropriate intervals, and Phoebe the owner checked in on us periodically which is always a nice personal touch.
And finally to bring everything together a nice smooth Crème Brule for dessert.
The New Years Eve Dinner was only $45, which was amazing considering the quality and portions of all four courses.
It was such a wonderful evening overall, and we still had enough time to dance the night away.
Again I insist in review number three, that Vin Room serves it up as one of the best spots for wine, food and ambiance.Listed in: Best Places to Eat, Stop Whining and start Wining
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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11/28/2009
Okay I have survived one of my most amazing Calgary evenings with some new old friends at VIN's.… Read more »
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Review from Aymie R.
Calgary, AB
7/24/2011
Love this place! Great for tapas and wine with friends, but also intimate enough for a date. Fabulous food and service - the servers I've had have always been knowledgeable about their wine list, and I've always left very happy. The Israeli couscous is amazing!
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Review from Ryan M.
Calgary, AB
Updated - 12/22/2009
I have since spoken with the owner of Vin who has been very gracious and understanding.
I have decided that it is silly of me to not give this place a second visit.
As a new buisness, when I had my experience, they may have been still working out all the kinks.
I appreciate the time which was taken to hear my concern.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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11/24/2009
So after posting this I had the owner contact me to ask what had happen... I sent her the details of… Read more »
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Review from Sarah T.
1/13/2011
SWANK. Not what I would say could be considered casual at all, so put your fanciest duds on and prepare to spend your dough if you want to be able to actually eat here. I'm just lucky i didn't have to pay :).
Vin Room is a tapas bar, which a good choice of offerings. Our server was very knowledgable with wine and food pairings, and I actually found a glass of wine I enjoyed (I'm not a wine drinker).
We were feeling a bit adventurous, so we tried things we had never had before, or aren't served on many menus. Like the bone marrow. It looks a little gelatinous, but tastes amazing - yes!
Equally good, were the oysters (fresh), bison tartare, grilled octopus, cheese croquettes and Israeli couscous.
Again, unless you have the money to blow, this isn't a place where you'll leave having to undo your top button. It's good for a special occasion, or something different. It's conveniently located in the Mission district, and has a great patio in summer on the roof. -
Review from Erin F.
Calgary, AB
8/8/2010
Was here for the first time on the weekend. Decor is modern chic, nicely done. Great wine list for all price ranges and tastes, love how there are different rooms in the venue, upstairs main floor and patio, all provide a different atmosphere. The servers were very friendly and knowledgeable....didnt have food, but menu looks delish!
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Review from Jon H.
Calgary, AB
1/2/2010
I thought i had moved to Hollywood when I first heard about this place. Everyone was telling me it was hard to get a reservation. We tried it for a work drinks night and the server was decent. She accomodated us only after a member of our group turned out to be a friend of the owner. Everything is overpriced and the food isn't that good. Another LA restaurant in Calgary...great.
