From grab-and-go eateries to proper sit-down restaurants the interiors of establishments in Calgary have a vibe all their own. Here are six different restaurant “personalities” you can find around town.
CASUAL AND QUIRKY
This is the kind of place that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It likes to have fun which is reflected in its mish-mash interior design.
Identifiable traits: Arcade games framed record albums bright colours that don’t necessarily match.
Pro: From sweatpants to a three-piece suit nothing will really seem out of place here outfit-wise in contrast to the interior.
Con: Typically great for late-night eats but there’s always a touch of regret in the morning.
(Examples: Tubby Dog Boogies Burgers Blackfoot Truckstop Diner)
THE JUGGERNAUT
A big place of epic proportions. There is a lot going on inside the juggernaut and its workers will be buzzing around the room like bees with trays full of drinks and food.
Identifiable traits: Big space and sometimes multiple levels lots of beer on tap long lineups and/or wait times on the weekends.
Pro: If you’re really popular and have a lot of friends or don’t have many friends but want to make some the communal tables and long bars at these kinds of places are perfect for groups and mingling.
Con: Any time there’s hundreds of people in one room things are bound to get a little noisy so not the best locale for any type of serious conversation.
(Examples: National Craft Wurst)
MODERN AND ARTSY
The interior here purposely begs for some attention from you which seems fair because after all there wouldn’t be a meal for you here without a room to eat it in — and it is real pretty.
Identifiable traits: Animal-shaped accent pieces (but not taxidermy) black or white walls or a combination of both rotating art installations.
Pro: If the table conversation is running dry it’s always easy to look around the room to find something unique to talk about.
Con: If the food’s not as dynamic-looking as the room it can come off as a little boring.
(Examples: Market Yellow Door Bistro Gravity Café)
REFINED AND REGAL
If you’re not channelling your inner style icon this room will remind you that you better polish those shoes and do that hair for the next time you stop by. The dinner looks good and you should too.
Identifiable traits: One-of-a-kind lighting fixtures metal studding on bar stools or chairs definitive definition between bar and dining areas.
Pro: There aren’t a lot of restaurants in this city that offer that upscale “big city” sort of feel so it’s a good place to feel like a baller or to impress a date.
Con: Rooms this nice usually come at a price. So even without ordering food having a few drinks here could easily cost you around $50.
(Examples: The Nash Hy’s Steakhouse Catch)
RUSTIC
An eatery like this wants you to feel right at home in cabin-like surroundings. Get comfy enjoy some good food and stay awhile.
Identifiable traits: Antlers fireplace(s) refinished wood tables or floors.
Pro: When it’s cold outside it’s the perfect kind of place to enjoy dinner and to feel warm and cozy.
Con: During the weeks with peak daylight hours the room loses some of its cabin-like charm while the sun is still shining in.
(Examples: The Lake House Bow Valley Ranche River Café)
DARK AND MOODY
This is the kind of place where you can easily stay for hours and not realize that the sun set long long ago.
Identifiable traits: Strong cocktails low lighting deep colours.
Pro: It’s a great place for a date because of the subdued lighting (which we all look better in really) and although it may be buzzing in the restaurant not seeing passersby through a window or hearing cars honk is a nice break from the outside world.
Con: If you spend most of your day in a cubicle or office without windows the last thing you probably want to do is sit somewhere you can’t get a glimpse of the outdoors.
(Examples: Workshop Raw Bar By Duncan Ly Model Milk)
