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This place is impressive. Great for a fancy dinner or date night or even a first date I would say. The atmosphere is upscale casual and not too loud with good music too! We were staying at the hotel across the street from here so we decided to pop in for dinner. We didn't have reservations but we were still able to get seated right away. It wasn't too busy but there were people there. The server was friendly and helpful in telling us about the menu. Although when I checked in on the Yelp app, a pop up showed up to show this to the server and get a free surprise! Well he didn't know anything about it at all and almost tried to leave it at that but I asked if he could check with someone about it so he checked with the chef and they told him yes it's an actual thing. We ordered the aged steak and wow was it ever delicious!!! For the side we got the beets and French fries that are cooked in beef fat. They were crispy and so flavourful absolutely amazing fries. The beets were good too and the seeds added that nice crunchy element to the dish. The steak was to die for and you didn't need to add anything to it at all it was delicious. The wine really elevated the food and we really enjoyed this meal. For the Yelp check in surprise we got a taster of the avocado hummus. It was so yummy as well! Highly recommend that dish. And we also ordered some oysters which came with a chimichurri that added great acidity and flavor to the oysters. This place definitely met our expectations for dinner and then some. We were very happy with this place and I would definitely return. I highly recommend you come here and try the steak. It's a bit different flavour with the Argentinian flavours but it is different in the best way!! So delicious.

Wow - I really thought this place was going to be better. Let me start however by saying that our server outside on the front patio area was excellent. She was extremely patient and attentive - something of a dying art form these days ;) So...I may have just order two of the completely wrong items to try - their version of a margarita pizza and this mystery sweet and sour soup. The soup was really greasy and flat tasting and the pie was just horrible. It almost seemed more like this pseudo red sauce with cream that had hints of Chef-boy-r-de...sad to say. Just horrible. That said, the empanadas looked and tasted a ton better...so...maybe I should have just stuck with something meat-based...hence their name. I'd give them another shot especially since the location and ambiance had it all going on...I'd just avoid their pizzas like the plague.

Charbar was good but pricyyyyyy for what it is. I didn't get too many pics as the table was too big and not easy to move stuff around. We did family/sharing style. . I loved the calamari salad, clams that came with the pizza, cauliflower and asparagus. . The scallops were awful, the oysters were average at best, and the seafood tower was wayyyy overpriced at 90$. I can think of 4 better places for oysters off the top of my head. . Service was good, but also geared at up-selling and maximizing how much guests spend. . I recommend for a date night or bougey businesss meal. Would not go regularly or id break the bank. . -The charred cabbage - delish but 18$ is average/steep - nice presentation -grilled asparagus - yummy. Would get again 14$ -fried cauliflower - tasty and not a bad price 11$ -The ceviche - tasty but not wow - un seafood tower for 90$ - needed tostadas or something to eat it on. Not that impressed - empanadas - no bueno. Tasted like the equivalent of a cheap Jamaican patty. Would not get again. -all three desserts - none stood out

It was Victoria Day, so we decided to be tourists in our hometown! We headed downtown and entered the Simmons building where Charbar was located. Our server was pleasant and efficient, despite being run off his feet (it was a pretty full house for the lunch hour). We ordered the Argentine style empanadas and calamari salad (artisan lettuce, chilies, salsa criolla, charred citrus aioli) for our appetizers. The lightly breaded calamari strips had that satisfying crunch on the outside and tenderness on the inside. The aioli and salsa criolla complemented the calamari and lettuce perfectly. The empanadas(with slow cooked Alberta shredded beef, bell peppers, boiled egg), although charred a bit too much for my taste, were delicious and flavourful. For our mains, I ordered the pan fried trout with salsa criolla and saffron butter risotto. Hubby ordered the woodfire grilled 9-spice half chicken with stewed cannelloni beans, gremolata, and herb salad, while our son had the grass-fed butcher steak and grilled asparagus with brown butter hollandaise. My trout was perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. The chicken was amazing -- it was smoky, wonderfully spiced with crispy skin and moist, juicy meat. Although the butcher steak was grilled nicely and melted in your mouth, the portion size could have been bigger (especially for a hangry young adult). We all enjoyed the torta rogel, which was an Argentine layer cake of chocolatey goodness, sweet dulce de leche with toasted meringue. Overall, we found everything a bit pricey for what we received in terms of portion sizes; the only entree that was worth the price of $38 was the 9-spice half chicken, which could easily feed two people.

I tried the 9-spice wood fire grilled half chicken, and not only was it delicious, the portion size could easily feed two people (so I had to take part of my entree home). For dessert I tried the torta rogel, a rich layered wafer cake served with a toasted meringue, and it was superb. Our server was attentive without being overbearing. A great experience overall.

Definitely love the chic vibe of the place. The food are very well presented. However, the quality and taste is not consistently pleasing from dish to dish. The sourdough bread was grilled and served with drizzle of olive oil. It was fresh and authentic but a little bit greasy. Tuna salad was my favourite dish among the three. Never thought tomato can be a good match with cooked tuna. The garlic milk aioli perfectly enabled tuna to be integrated with diced tomato. Caper was the highlight. Had the highest expectation for the beef short ribs. However, it was a bit disappointing that part of the short ribs were burned and tasted bitter. The goat cheese made the dish taste weird. Overall, it's a good place to grab a drink and have some light appetizers. But it's a bit adventurous to pick out all tasty dishes from the menu.

An all around great experience dining here tonight, it's not often that everyone agrees that almost everything ordered was a hit. Starting with the dry aged 32 oz porterhouse that we had sliced to share, the kosher salt and the side sauces (green chimichurri & hot sauce butter) allowed everyone to enjoy at their own taste. My fave side was the fried cauliflower, it had a tasty char flavor that mixed well with the toasted almonds. Our next protein was the wood fired 9-spice half chicken that came with a huge portion of cannellini beans - this was an excellent dish as the chicken was large and you could taste it's quality. The roasted long carrots and asparagus were cooked also to perfection. I know we ordered the calamari salad but unfortunately I realized we never received it and were too distracted to follow up on it. The desserts were fair- the Gorgonzola cheesecake is barely shareable because it was quite tiny, it was more like two small biscuits than an actual slice of cake. The torta rogel came with crack chocolate sauce but I'd say the layer cake was an oddly soft texture that was still enjoyable, especially paired with the toasted meringue. It was packed but we could still hear each other because of the open tall ceilings to the floor above. Awesome exposed brick and wood interior in a historical building and fun staff. Thanks, next time I'll also be sure to check in because I see we missed out on a free taster dish as a Yelp check in promotion.

Once again I have to thank my fellow yelpers for steering me the right way. It was my first time in Calgary and I was looking for a nice dinner spot. The picture and descriptions look really good so I decided to check out Charbar and ended up having the nicest time :) I loved the vibe and the decor. Great service too! Good selection of wines, really good beef cooked to perfection and lots of veggie options as well.

Star of this restaurant and our dining experience is definitely the 60-day dry aged 32oz porterhouse steak. Perfectly cooked and seasoned, this steak was to die for. The aging process adds an enjoyable funk to flavor and tenderizes the meat. If I wasn't sharing, I may have finished the entire steak. There is no need to pay extra for sauce to accompany the steak. At $98, this steak is on the pricier side. We also ordered a bunch of sides like seasonal veggies, Brussels sprouts salad, and avocado toast. The latter was good, but the others were definitely forgettable. If I am back in town on a business trip and craving a nice aged piece of steak, Charbar will come to mind.

I would have liked to try Alberta Beef, and finally, I went Charbar, one of the most famous restaurants for their Alberta Beef, when I visited my sister's family living in Calgary !! I went there with her family, 3 adults and 2 kids, for lunch at noon on Monday. There were only a few groups of consumers. Dry-aged beef is Charbar's signature, but it isn't on lunch menu, so we tried to ask a clerk if we could get it or not. Surprisingly, he accepted our request with his smile!! We appreciate his accepting our sudden request. We ordered the 72 days dry-aged Alberta beef, "charred napa cabbage salad", and fries, and we got "Bruschetta", 1 free gift from chef, by Yelp's check-in!! The beef was $96/32oz. It may seem to be a little expensive but is worth eating!! salad was $16, and fries was $8. We were all full and satisfied. I strongly recommend to go there. Please try their dry-aged Alberta beef. # I thought that "Bruschetta" was a free gift, but I realized that it wasn't free of charge....... :(
Spectacular evening! We were a table of 5 and got a pile of different things- the bagna cauda, veggie "ceviche," empanadas, octopus, oysters, beet salad, chorizo pizza, clam pizza, and for dessert the milk chocolate flan, panqueques, and the apple cake. There was nothing that wasn't delicious. We also got a slew of cocktails, sodas, beers. The whole meal lasted three hours and we were very well taken care of. Damage for 5 very satisfied people was about $300, not at all unreasonable for a very, very outstanding dinner. One more thing- Charbar advertises itself as "Argentinian," but the flavours are MUCH bigger than you'll actually find in Argentina. Argentinian parillas have magnificent meat, like no place in North America, but they do not like spicy anything and it's all great quality but terribly repetitive and bland. Charbar is much better than almost any resto we visited in Argentina- we like loud, spicy flavours and Charbar has flavour far exceeding what we had in two separate one-month sojourns in Argentina. read more
7 years ago
I brought my friends from Edmonton, we had pistachio nuts and avocado spread with grilled sour dough toasts, and burgers with fries... They loved it!!! They will spread the word to their friends and family to come here together soon! Chef Jessica is amazing! read more
8 years ago
The food was pretty average considering the price. I got their feature steak which was pretty bland and over cooked. We were being served by two servers and one was in training so you'd think we'd get lots of attention but sadly not. Also, fun fact... they don't provide steak knives! So weird. I won't be going back. Too many other great options in Calgary to repeat this mediocre experience. read more
10 years ago
Great service as always. We were here for big taste Calgary brunch. My parents had their sandwich special which was a pork patty topped with a fried egg and pickles on a fresh baked bun. Being picky eaters they both enjoyed it. I had baked baguette topped with avocado and two eggs. It was good too. I thought a little pricey but the quality was good so it helped to offset the cost reasoning a bit. read more
5 years ago
The staff here are rude, obnoxious, unprofessional young fools. I was treated so poorly by their hostess and wait staff I walked out without eating. The management should take note to hire staff with some minimal degree of social skill and manner! NOT rough slobs who were there when i visited. I won't return! read more
9 years ago
I have always had inconsistent meals here which has been frustrating because the venue is great, the location is fun and a lot of friends choose this spot. I have had amazing oysters, as well as the most off oysters I have ever tasted. I have had delightful empanadas, and I have had them come completely burned. Same thing happened with the pistachio avocado toast, flatbread and steak. The charred Napa cabbage salad seems to be consistent ... so I would recommend that it is delish. Some of my colleges who are really into wine think the list is terrible. When I have events here I usually bring my own bottles in for this reason. I found that the event space upstairs has become dirty. I either planned or attended events months apart and some of the same smudges were still on the glass upstairs. I helped out a friend who planned an event there who brought her own Windex and magic erasers to clean up. That is nuts for the price point. I am sure if you came for a wedding your dress would be black from all the black drag marks on the once pristine wooden flooring. read more
4 years ago
If I could give no stars I would. This place is overpriced and the food is salty, salty, salty. The steak was overcooked and the wait staff is frenzied. The waiter never came back to our table after the initial placing of food in front of us. Don't go there! read more
9 years ago
Well I'd love to give this restaurant a great review because the atmosphere was lovely, and the drinks that my dear friend and I had while we reconnected after 20 years were more than decent! The waiter asked if we'd like still or sparking water ... She said still, I said sparkling. I had a beer: $6. She had a gin & tonic: $7. The bottle of San Pellegrino that was left at our table (that one can get at London Drugs for $0.97: $9!! NINE FRICKING DOLLARS?!? I won't be returning there anytime soon ... If ever!! read more
4 years ago
Very, very average. That combined with a high price point basically it drove my rating.
8 years ago
This was recommended by a friend and it doesn't disappoint. The ambiance is modern and casual. It's pretty pricey but the quality of food makes up for it. We went there Saturday night for dinner and it's pretty busy, so calling for reservation is recommended. The restaurant is very rustic but it it was an old factory. They were trying to keep the original decor, I guess. There were 3 other establishments that are located in the same building. A bakery, a coffee shop, and a casual pub- if I'm not mistaken. Charbar was the busiest. Their menu is simple- I mean not a lot of choices which prob add to the good quality of food that they have. We ordered their 30oz steak and roasted veggies. The steak was pretty pricey but superb! The 2 kinds of sauces we ordered excellently goes with the steak. Pairing it with red wine completed it! It was enough for the 4 of us. The salad was a good balance as well. We'll definitely come back here again. I'll reserve it for special occasion though 'cause its pricey as I said. The downside of this place though is, the location of the washroom. It's pretty creepy down there and this might be irrelevant but 1 friend of mine saw a ghost down there. It was an old man smoking pipe and he's the one in the picture on their menu! Creepy! I won't be using their bathroom alone that's for sure! read more
9 years ago
Met friends here for an early supper. They sat us at a table that was SO cold. Air conditioning was pouring out at our feet and cold air was coming down on us from above. It was a beautiful summer day outside, so this was not great as we were all dressed for warm weather and froze our butts off. When we asked about it, the waitress offered us blankets to keep warm, which seemed odd and I didn't want to try and eat with a blanket on my lap so I declined. There were lots of other tables available when we arrived, so I'm not sure why they didn't just move us (?) The atmosphere is OK. It seemed a bit dark coming in from outside and I wish we'd been given the option to enjoy our meal outside where it was warmer. I imagine in cooler months it might feel cozier. 4 of the 6 guests wanted pizza, but they only had enough dough to make 2 (this was at 5:30 pm), so 2 people were disappointed from the get go. They could have shared, but they decided to order other mains instead. The pizzas looked good, they didn't seem to be anything out of the ordinary. Our other friends had bread, salad and roasted chicken, which looked pretty amazing. They said the chicken was delicious, but the bread was just ok. My husband and I shared a steak. I was expecting great things, but honestly it seemed under-seasoned, a little overcooked, and you had to pay extra for any sides, even though the meal was $$$. We chose to have the fries, and they were the best part of the meal for me. We buy grass-fed steak when we cook it at home, and I think my husband and Bon Ton Meats makes a better meal. We thought we might have dessert, but at $10 a serving - and nothing that seemed that "special" we passed and got ice-creams at the food truck vendor on the street outside after our meal. I've heard lots of people say they think this resto is overpriced and doesn't deliver value, and I'd have to agree. The location is fantastic, and super convenient for me after work, so that's disappointing, but I would not recommend it. Food *** Ambience *** Service *** Summary - A disappointment considering what it could be, definitely not living up to its full potential. read more
8 years ago
I experienced the roof top patio for the first time today! What can I say? It is a beautiful, relaxing, sunny nook just offside to Calgary busy downtown. I enjoyed my time up there and the staff was very friendly. I sat at the bar and had some good laugh with the bartender. I came downstairs to enjoy some brunch has the menu on the roof top patio is pretty limited and I was not in the mood for a burger and such. I hear however that the burger is to die for. I guess I'll have to try it at some point. All in all it was a great experience it's just a shame they don't have any breakfast items on the roof top patio. Couple eggs bacon and toast would have satisfied my craving for breakfast. read more
4 years ago
Charbar is our go to Calgary restaurant. The service has been consistently off the charts. the food is great and unique. amazing!!! Plus, Mark our server was impressive! read more
8 years ago
My boyfriend sat next to Roger Mooking (Host of Man Fire Food on the Cooking Channel and Food Network) on a flight from Calgary to Toronto who had visited Charbar and highly recommended it to him. We went once and ordered the 32 oz dry aged porterhouse; oh my goodness was it life changing. We have now celebrated all our milestones both personally and professionally at Charbar ordering the porterhouse and on occasion, some other goodies. We always get our porterhouse 'Chicago style' (super charred) and cooked medium-medium rare. It's served with Maldon salt and we order a side of chimichuri (so good!). The avocado and sourdough appetizer is delicious. My boyfriend did/does not like avocados but will only eat it at Charbar (thank you Charbar, I appreciate it!). It's also fantastic that you can bring your own bottle (subject to a $25 corking fee) and so we often do so. Service has always been great and waiters are attentive and friendly. Any out of town guests are always brought to Charbar by us now and they all agree that it is a wonderful gem of a steakhouse in Calgary. Worth every penny. read more
6 years ago
Brunch was amazing. The burger was the best I have ever had and the eggs benny was delish! Sat on the patio which was fantastic for people watching and soaking up rays, but no shade - I would suggest umbrellas. Service was good - did forget to bring us water twice but food made up for it. Definitely going to try out dinner menu. read more
9 years ago
Well . . . over a year later, we had an opportunity to go back with a large group of friends and give the place another try. We were sceptical at first, but when the food starting arriving, I had to recant my previous review of the Charbar. One of the great things about enjoying a meal with a bunch of friends, is that everybody gets to try more of the offerings, and this meal was a perfect example. From the beef fat fries to the pistachio and avocado bruschetta that began the evening everything was delicious. The service was very good, and the servers were attentive, not overly so. The meat dishes were perfectly cooked, vegtable dishes we light and tasty and even the sourdough bread was terriffic. One of the best restaurant meals of this type that we had eaten in a long time. Hats off to the management and staff for pulling this off. We had been avoiding the place since the last meal we ate here, but now we are looking forward to going back and trying some of the other creations. Cheers read more
6 years ago
Two of my friends and I booked a reservation for dinner (on the patio). Beautiful day, space on the patio. We showed up on time, they quickly ushered us to a corner table near the kitchen and told us our reservation didn't indicate patio and there wasn't patio space to accommodate "our number of people". We left. read more
9 years ago
The food here was Meh, nothing spectacular. Very plain. I ordered a side of bacon with my dish, which I found out at the time of billing was SEVEN dollars! Holy Smokes. The real kicker was that the service was REALLY poor. We went for brunch with a bunch of girlfriends and we didn't get any coffee for over 20 minutes and no refills. She didn't even stick around long enough to get everyone's drink orders before marching off. Then when we were paying, she took payment from the table beside us and ignored all of our credit cards sitting there for an additional 15 minutes. The signage is poor trying to find the place from the street. I had no idea it was in the Simmons building until I was actually right in front of the door. You are better off doing Earls brunch for Brunch and that is an average way to go. read more
7 years ago
Could be great but it's not. I am sure there are varied experiences but ours was not great. Atmosphere is fantastic, menu options are interesting. Staff are friendly but execution from the kitchen was subpar. We ordered new York strip medium and shrimp. We were sitting at the kitchen bar so you essentially watch them cook. They forgot to put on 5 shrimp so cooked 4 then the other chef noticed the error and threw on the 5th shrimp. It was only on the grill for a minute then off with cooked ones into the salamander. My husband's steak came out medium rare. The girl on the expo line was repeatedly pushing on his steak to get a sense of how done it was. I mean buy a meat thermometer and stop fingering our food. Again, flavors were good, but they need a little grill training. read more
4 years ago
Terrible service. No refill of coffee unless you ask 3 times. Food served with no cutlery. Charshuka with shredded carrots? A cheap filler instead of authentic ingredients. Great location and that's it. read more
8 years ago
The food is amazing and the meat was done to perfection. Make sure to try one of their cocktails as well
Love Charbar! My husband and I have been here 3 times now and each time is great! The service is really good and the menu items are delicious. They cater to me being a vegetarian and are good with modifying a few ingredients. My husband absolutely loves the Carbonada dish. Great flavours and great variety! Can't wait to return read more
9 years ago
I can't really rate the food because I went here for a rehearsal dinner and we only had bite size appetizers. Although, I must say they were extremely delicious (even the devilled egg and normally I avoid eggs). We then had tiny tacos, crispy zucchini and sliders which were also to die for. The building was amazing and the space we had on the 2nd floor was decorated beautifully. The service was very professional and got through the crowd efficiently. I would really like to return to this place one day to try out some of the amazing looking things on the menu and enjoy the top deck view. read more
Heads up! This is going to be one of those reviews where I try tell you about everything because it would be a shame to miss anything. If I can even come close to making it seem like I'm going way overboard on the detail - good. But I assure you I won't even come close to the amount of care and detail that they have poured into this restaurant. +How to go to Charbar: As I see it, there's two ways to have the best Charbar experience that anyone could have. I think it's important to commit to one or the other and not try to mix the two so you don't cheat yourself out of something special. 1. The All In - Make a special evening of it and plan to spend your whole time here. It took quite a long time for each dish to make its way to our table, but as we weren't in a hurry, it was very easy to roll with it and enjoy our time here. Fall in love with, and learn everything you can about the food, the staff, the building and the Charbar concept. By now, you've probably learned that it's in the Simmons Mattress heritage building in the East Village - that it's a one of a kind shared space between other local business icons Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters and Sidewalk Citizen Bakery. You'll probably also have learned how this symbiotic building sharing lets Charbar serve up bread and coffee directly from the source. But this is just the tip of the ice berg! If the building interests you, make sure you ask for a tour. They've got a wealth of stories all the way from the history of the space, to the challenges involved in cleaning out a century old mattress feather chute, to installing a brand new elevator in a building with hundred year old wood floors. If the food interests you (and it will,) make sure to learn about Chef Jessica's time spent in Argentina and how it has influenced the Charbar menu. Learn about the traditional Argentinian fire ovens and seem them in action. The coolest part? None of this is insider info I'm passing your way. Chef Jessica is actively bouncing from table to table, introducing dishes and telling you about her downright artistic visions. We felt like total rockstars and at the same time were trying our best not to fanboy/girl right out at having such a rockstar chef come to our table. Also hopping from table to table making everyone feel welcome, was one of Charbar's owners, Connie - She's so lovely! As "The Yelp Guy," I had met Connie before, so in an attempt to keep my review as honest as possible, I tried to sneak past her, but it didn't work. When she spotted me, I made her promise that our table wouldn't receive any special treatment and I honestly don't think we did... But what I hadn't counted on is that it is very clearly everyone at Charbar's goal to make every single person's experience the most special. Did we receive special treatment? Oh heck yeah - but not above and beyond what any of the other tables could have expected, only above and beyond what anyone could expect from other restaurants. Connie's passion for everything that goes on within Charbar's walls is completely contagious. There's a story behind everything at Charbar, much of which is still ongoing. (As a result they've kept lots of space open on their "inspiration wall" to continue the story as it evolves, but that's enough from me, go learn from her.) Charbar is the collective result of many many years experience and loving dedication to the restaurant world and she's happy to share it with you and wants you to have the best time at her restaurant in a way that is completely honest and authentic. What's also really incredible is how this enthusiasm seems to get past along to all the Charbar staff (at least the ones I talked to). Our server (David) really seemed to love being involved with such a great restaurant and some excellent suggestions. After dinner, maybe, maybe if you're up to it, you'll be able to talk yourself and your dinner guests into a fat saunter down the river walk, but hopefully you'll be so full of tasty goodness that you won't know what to do with yourself. Uncomfortable yes, but you'll know you'll have done it right. 2. The Drinkin', Light Bitin', Raw Bar Experience I haven't done this yet, but you can bet that I will. The cocktails we had during our dinner experience were excellent and I'd love to hit up an after work session here for a few of these and to dive into their raw bar. By now, you may have heard about their incredible rood top patio, overlooking the bow river. It's pretty easy to say this would be an excellent spot to grab a few drinks in the sunshine, or even in the evening as the river path is lit so colourfully, and enjoy some light bites. You should note that they have a different menu for the patio. Instead of running food upstairs, they have another open concept kitchen complete with a smaller version of the Argentinian grill. This would make for some high quality foodie compliments to your patio session, but for the full dinner experience, sit inside. Rev limit read more
9 years ago
I would not recommend this place at all. Menu was not good. There was a 96 dollar steak that didn't even come with a side next to some pathetic pizza options. We decided on only appies. We had some cooked cheese which was some burnt disgusting mess and a cheviche which was some tiny pieces of seafood swimming in oil and lemon, gross!! I would never go back !!! read more
You will find culinary influences of Argentina when you visit Charbar, and if you get the chance take a peek at the Argentine wood-fired grill, one of the inspirations behind their identity. I have been here a handful of times already, and I'm slowly working my way through the menu. There is nothing I've tried and don't like. In fact I have favourites and tend to order them each time along with other dishes. Love smaller bites and being able to have several dishes in front of you at once. Every time I come I learn a little bit more about the restaurant and inspiration behind it. Charbar, along with 2 others (Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters and Sidewalk Citizen Bakery) are located in the historical Simmons building. When you are inside it feels like the walls and old wood posts have so much to say, I wish they could share their stories. We were able to sit on the patio one night for my husbands birthday back in August before heading downstairs for dinner. Gorgeous views on the patio and a perfect date experience. Another time I've both lunched and dined with girl friends. Dinner meetings are lovely here as well and always accommodating. I even attended a recent wine event upstairs there complete with cheese bites. Through my adventures the service has always been spot on. And the food incredibly flavourful. I love the variety of chimichurri sauces they have (I've tried 3: red/green/white) and as I mentioned I am working my way through the menu. One of my favourites is the Fugazza (pizza). Charbar has everything I look for in a great restaurant. Good service, incredible food, friendly staff, a lovely setting and ambiance, even the location is easy to get to. Resos recommended. read more
11 years ago
Utterly fantastic! When I arrived I was instantly in awe of the space. Or should I say 'spaces'. The 3 level building has been masterfully renovated with out losing the historical charm. I won't even try to describe it. Just go see for yourself. And if you can, you must check out what is no doubt the best rooftop patio in the city! The service was excellent. Knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. As for the meal... We shared several dishes. I knew the steak would not disappoint. I love Charcut and I just had to have a steak! I did not expect to enjoy a vegetarian Civiche or beats but they were outstanding. The menu has such variety I found myself planning what I would order on my next visit. My only regret was not leaving room for desert . read more
11 years ago
Stopped in for brunch with my girlfriends after doing a 5k Colourful Charity run. Charbar Hostesses were more then happy to seat us. It was our lucky day we got seated at a table on the main floor patio facing the river! Prime people watching spot! Warm breeze, sunny day! Our waiter Roger was great! Friendly, personable and attentive. Knew the menu well and when he didn't have the answer he found out! So yeah the soft serve ice cream is made in house! With hungry tummies after our event filled morning we ordered the hamburger which I've been advised may be one of the best Calgary has to offer! Out comes a burger with two patties , yep 8 oz of pure unadulterated protein! A grilled homemade bun, avocado , bacon...oh just an incredible burger when you are having a 'man sized appetite kinda day'. Not to mention the fries, crispy, salty goodness, cooked in beef fat. Dessert, how can you pass up a Sundae? In house ice cream, dipped chocolate, caramel and almonds with a cone stuck on top! Share this bowl as its HUGE! Charcut team has done it again. The atmosphere is vibrant and exciting. There's a positive vibe with the bakery and coffee shop. I'm just waiting to get on the rooftop patio. When I do, I'll post again :) Don't walk to Charbar RUN! PS check out their cocktails, so inventive and refreshing! read more
If you love meat..... We had drinks on the rooftop patio and then went downstairs for dinner. It was our first time here so we order the sample meat platter. It was terrific. As a side we ordered fries and a broccoli salad which was insanely good. I don't know what the Orange coloured dressing was in the broccoli but it was excellent. During dinner, the manager came by to ask how things were and to make sure all was good. Perhaps they are reading reviews and are actively working to fix them. The service we got was good, and the staff were friendly and knowledgable. I will certainly go back. read more
5 years ago
If there was an option for no stars I'd select it! My experience was so bad I was left speechless! Upon arriving I was hopeful for a great meal with what looked like a cool spot for Calgary! Drinks arrived sat on my own at the bar, bartender helped with the order all seemed in order and going well. App's arrived fairly quickly, octopus, it was okay but hey I'm in Calgary! Well after that everything fell off the rails an hour passed before I had to ask what was happening with the main, that's when the servers attitude set in as if I had insulted her asking where my main was. That was basically the last I heard from her. Of course they offered me a 10% discount for my troubles, $4.60! Let's just say it's a guaranteed one and done resto play! read more
11 years ago
Don't open if you can't provide a decent experience. Food was actually good. First round of drinks came after appetizers. We couldn't order pints because there was a party the night before and nothing was cleaned yet. 2 of us had to go straight to he bar for a beer because server forgot orders. No attempt from management to help. 1.5 hours for our meal. This place will be good, as will the east village, in 10 years. read more
9 years ago
This review applies specifically to the rooftop patio. This is a place you go for after dinner drinks as the scenery from the river is ideal. Great atmosphere on late summer nights. The menu is over priced for quality, quantity and limited menu options. $19 for very thin crust pizza that resembled a pita pizza I could make at home. Appetizers cost $13-15 for what I consider small portions for items like chips and guacamole. When I enjoy an afternoon on a patio with friends we typically have a group of 4 or more, each appetizer is set to mildly satisfy two not particularly hungry diners. read more
4 years ago
I made a reservation for myself and my son for 9:15 on a Saturday night and we showed up 15 minutes late as the play went long. The place was half empty but we were briskly turned away. Who closes their kitchen at 9:30 on a Saturday! Scratch that one off the list. read more
Charbar was our gracious sponsor at the last Yelp event I attended and provided a great selection of the fresh seafood, steak and other delights that are served on a daily basis. It is exciting to see East Village finally coming alive as claiming a status of a place to go to where you can enjoy nature along the river and dine at some of the finest eateries in Calgary. It is projected that when all the projects are done, East Village will have a population of over 11,000 residents. Calgary is known as Cowtown and the beef at charbar was some of the best beef I've had in a long time. charbar has a special refrigerator just behind the reception desk as you enter where they age cuts of beef. The temperature and humidity are strictly monitored and controlled and each cut of beef carefully displays the date it entered the fridge. The beef served was cooked in a custom made wood-fire parrilla and served with 3 types of chimichurri: almond, herb and red. Parrillas are an essential part of Argentinian barbeques. I liked the herb chimichurri the best, a good blend of flavours that just went well with the quality of beef that was served. The seafood was a selection of fresh oysters, giant prawns and snow crab legs, as fresh as the best seafood that I've tasted and I've tasted fresh from the fishing boats in Nova Scotia to a waiting pot of boiling sea water. To start the evening off we were offered a taste of their tableside ceviche mixto. Fresh tuna, shrimp and spices, you can't go wrong selecting this as your starter. Based on what I tasted I'm definitely going back. Prices are fair for the quality of food served. The Simmons Building is historic (103 years old) and they have preserved much of the original building. See if you can get someone to give you a tour. There's a boardroom you can rent out that still has one of the original feather chute which was used to drop the feathers to fill the mattresses that were made in the building. There are a couple of original safes that are now used as a pantry or storage areas for the restaurants inside. I was also told that the odd black square in the floor marked where firefighters would have to race into the burning building to hook up to a water supply in order to fight the fire. Even on a Monday night charbar was a happening place not counting the Yelp invitees. There is a rooftop area that has its own kitchen and thus serves up a different menu from the main restaurant. Looking for a special place for that special event? I suggest you give charbar a call and check it out. The views from the rooftop are great and from what I tasted of the fare, the food will be good great too. read more
7 years ago
The food was very good. The service on the other hand was very poor. The staff was not very accommodating, I had to ask for cutlery twice. The presentation of food was not impressive and it is still pricey for what you get. The need to enter a code to use the restroom is also annoying. You are not told you will need a code to use the facilities. I will not go back, there are better places in Calgary. Lori read more
4 years ago
Coming from Argentina I was dying to taste some of my country's favourites and visited Charbar. I guess that advertising it as an Argentine Restaurant is "a bit of a stretch", but food was good and got part of my cravings resolved. read more
11 years ago
Great food, service and location. Team lunch for 11 people was enjoyed by all. Can't wait to go back and try the roof top patio! read more
Love Charbar and their Argentinian pizza is just awesome so we naturally went to explore their creation in the last yyc pizza week which was what we voted as best thick crust and it was an upset that they didn't win this year imho. Service is great but we did make a reservation, I'm not sure what walking in would have been like. We got a phone call the following day to check in on our experience (which I've never seen before) and it's obvious they were genuinely concerned at making the experience good for us (and everyone). I'm not sure what happened in some of the reviews I've read, but they are working over time to work on the bugs of a new venture (even though I haven't seen them personally) A new item we tried this trip was french toast bites (part of the brunch menu) and they were so very delicious. They were also a small portion so it was a treat but didn't feel like a crazy over indulgence either. I still have yet to eat with a full dinner menu but that's on my list for the near future. read more
I've been curious for a while to try charbar, and tried this place for brunch- mostly because you can use that app to make a reservation before even getting out of your PJs. Saturday morning at 10:30 and it was relatively slow, so maybe reservations are not so needed. Good spot though, friendly service, great brunch foods (the bacon is double thick and double smoked, so you know, it's double good!) and no pressure to move along, we felt comfortable hanging out and sipping coffee after we finished eating. Generally, a nice spot! I am so curious about the giant steaks in the cooler as you walk in, I must convince some friends to come back with me for dinner :) read more
10 years ago
Had a lovely drink at the downstairs bar at Charbar. Not to be confused with the rooftop bar, Charbar is actually on the main and second floor. The vibe is really cool, dark and moody. The bartender was very nice and helped with drink selection. My comrades had some lovely Manhattans and I had a One Night Stand which was fruity and delicious. When I checked in on Yelp we were sent over a plate of tempura eggplant which were tasty. I would definitely come back for a full meal but the vibe of the whole place is great to just chill and enjoy a classic cocktail. read more
More info about Charbar
618 Confluence Way SE
Calgary, AB T2G 0G1
Canada
Directions
(403) 452-3115
Call Now
Visit Website
http://charbar.ca
Full menu
Hours
What time does Charbar open?
Charbar opens at 11:30 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Charbar opens at 10:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.
What time does Charbar close?
Charbar closes at 10:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Charbar closes at 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Mon-Thu 11:30 AM - 10:00 PMFri 11:30 AM - 11:00 PMSat 10:00 AM - 11:00 PMSun 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Food & Alcohol
Does Charbar have catering options?
Yes, Charbar does have catering options.
Does Charbar serve alcohol?
Yes, Charbar serves alcohol. Full Bar
Indoor Amenities
Does Charbar allow dogs?
Yes, Charbar allows dogs.
Does Charbar have TVs?
Yes, Charbar has TVs.
Outdoor Amenities
Does Charbar have bike parking?
Yes, Charbar has bike parking.
Does Charbar have outdoor seating?
Yes, Charbar has outdoor seating options.
Does Charbar have parking?
Yes, Charbar has parking options. Street Parking, Validated Parking
Other Amenities
Does Charbar have free WiFi?
Yes, Charbar has free WiFi.
From the Business
Specialties
*Please note that The Rooftop Bar is a separate entity with no reservations. The Rooftop Bar features a more casual snack and drink menu the that of charbar the restaurant. charbar restaurant Culinary Inspiration Fresh. Sustainable. Organic. charbar prides itself with the quality of its ingredients and also the wide-range options from the ocean, prairies and local gardens. Chef Pelland combines locally relevant and globally inspired dishes to create an eclectic and innovative menu that will appeal to most any palate. The Argentine wood-fired grill is the true inspiration behind charbar's identity, taking from the history and culture of what it represents. The culinary influence of Argentina, which is a blend of Spanish and Italian cuisine, is evident throughout the menu, with a personalized touch of tableside service to prepare a ceviche mixto. The extensive raw bar pays homage to the fresh, sustainable, west coast seafood that is readily available to a landlocked city, and mirrors the waterfront location of the Simmons Building. At charbar, vegetarian cuisine is celebrated and appreciated by Chef Pelland, as she has made it an integral part of the unique menu. Almost half of the options are vegetarian, particularly the small plates meant to share, such as the pistachio and avocado bruschetta, sourdough Fugazza with Roman broccoli, provoleta and roast peppers or baked empanadas with almond chimichurri.
History
Established in 2015.
charbar: the latest chef-owned restaurant in the thriving city of Calgary opens June 2015. Located in the revitalized and ever-growing community of East Village, charbar is part of a collaborative and unique concept destined to be a culinary destination, the first of its kind. Housed in the historical Simmons Building alongside the Bow River, charbar partners with Sidewalk Citizen Bakery and Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters; the like-minded, complementary and thriving local businesses share a common passion to elevate Calgary's culinary platform.
Meet the Business Owner: Jessica P.
Jessica Pelland, Executive Chef Pelland is an award winning new radical and fierce competitor in the culinary arena. She is a Chopped Canada winner and profiled as one of Western Canada's top culinarians in Western Living and Chatelaine magazines. A born-and-bred Calgarian, her culinary roots are loyal to Alberta soil with international inspiration and flavour interpretation. Known as an ambitious powerhouse, she not only hunts and fishes, in the kitchen she specializes in whole-animal butchery, curing, grilling, roasting, and working magic in her refined rustic-cooking style. In 2015, Chef Pelland began her charbar journey having eaten and cooked her way through iconic culinary destinations like New York, San Francisco and further south to Argentina. This journey of discovery defines and inspires charbar's food philosophy and identity. At the helm of charbar, Jessica continues to travel, stage and collaborate with some of the world's most influential chefs of this decade.
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
16 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
11 years ago
Update: This restaurant has a 2 star review?!?! Charbar is NOT a 2 star! That's crazy! Here is a link to all the unrecommended Yelp reviews of Charbar (mostly 5-star) http://www.yelp.ca/not_recommended_reviews/charbar-calgary I've eaten the hell out of the menu a few times. Here's a bunch of stuff I've had and loved. The burger is outstanding, and comes with crazy delicious beef fat fries. The blood sausage/ chorizo dish is bloody lovely. The ceviche has wicked flavour especially if you drink the tiger's milk. Did I mention soft serve icecream? The Simmon's building has been much anticipated and it is a super cool place to hang out along the river walk. I can even ride my bike there so I can sneak in some bonus calories. There's also a Phil & Sebastian's and Sidewalk Citizen's. So basically it's the olfactory trifecta of grilled meat, coffee and baking bread. Can't think of a better place to sniff around. read more
11 years ago
Visited Charbar tonight after excitedly hearing about it. The meal was delicious! The menu layout was a little confusing at first but our server helped us out and explained how and why the menu was designed that way. After taking the recommendation I was impressed by the presentation and taste of the meal. Service was a little bit slow and a little all over the place but I guess they are still figuring things out at the moment... after all they have only been open 2 days. The only other let down was that there is no alcohol service at the moment, we weren't allowed to even see a menu and the rooftop patio was not open to any guests, not even to have a peek. To those posting negative comments I hope you give Charbar another go in a couple of weeks, some of the kinks may be worked out so that it is a better experience. read more
8 years ago
Whenever I'm in Calgary Charbar is a must dine experience for me. I love the atmosphere and the food. The food is simply amazing. Everything is done exceptionally well. Last night I had the lentil-mushroom stew as a side dish and it's flavours blew away the asado steak I was enjoying. In the summer, the rooftop deck is an incredible location with beautiful views to enjoy a cocktail and food with friends. I'm in town for three days but it might be hard for me to go anywhere else in the east village. read more
11 years ago
I'm disappointed Yelp had filtered my previous review as I am a paying customer. I have dined at charbar numerous times and I'd like my feedback shared. Since you're filtering my entire post, all I'll say is that everything is fantastic at this new restaurant and people should give it a chance. Ask the server or the chef questions about the dishes you're ordering so you have a better understanding. read more
11 years ago
Had a great date night. Loved that there were options for meat eaters like me, and vegetarian options for my wife. She really enjoyed the vegetable ceviche, and I devoured the tripe chips and burger. Space is really cool - can't wait to bring my team here. And there are baby changing tables in the washroom downstairs, not upstairs, in case any one was wondering. read more
9 years ago
Loved the food, our group tried most of the items on the menu. Our friend from the east coast said she's had fresher fish before but that would be hard to fix here in Calgary - all in all a great meal, a little pricey but we knew that when we booked read more
11 years ago
This is a great place to go at night with friends. Especially on the roof with the amazing views. I did nit know Calgary could look like that. Great for drinks read more
9 years ago
Cancelled my reservation without an explanation an apology or a phone call. I get an email a couple hours before leaving the house.
11 years ago
I love the food and the ambiance of this restaurant. It's not the most convenient for me but I will go out of my way to get there.
11 years ago
it was pretty tasty had the Chicken sandwhich should have got the Clam pie looked so much better will go back
9 years ago
Lots of hype about this place. Great building but the burger wasn't that great. Prob wouldn't go back.
11 years ago
Excellent food and atmosphere. Friendly and attentive servers as well. Would visit again.
8 years ago
Great food great people! if you like meat this is the place to be.
11 years ago
Nice atmosphere, good service and good food.
11 years ago
over priced! poor quality of food!
11 years ago
awsome
Charbar - argentine - Updated August 2026
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