Best gay bar in Calgary and the new owners are fantastic. Super friendly super fun. I strongly recommend this gay bar.

After the show, while I was texting my boyfriend by the back bar, a tall dark curly-haired member of staff asked me to move because they were closing an area off, so I emphatically agreed to do that, and began to move away, but then he got right in my face, less than half an inch away, and then chased me until I left the area, for some unknown reason, making me feel unsafe and unwelcome. He was so aggressive with me, and I dont know why. I paid to get in, I tipped the queens, I bought drinks, and I was treated like a loitering vagrant. Unbelievable. I won't be going back, and I'll be telling the scene back home to avoid this place. Not worth it, for the rudeness of staff, and poor quality performances. This is clearly not a safe space. Maybe I don't look "queer enough", but I'm certainly no vagrant. The drag show was just ok. I'm a drag performer visiting from the eastern united states, and I thought it would be a lot more impressive than it was. I found the queens to be sub-par at best. They were terrible dancers, the songs were tired old top 40 songs, the performances were uncreative and unnecessarily sexual and vulgar. Whatever happened to class and talent? My boyfriend (also an accomplished drag performer) and I are moving to Canada soon, and we'd been considering moving to Calgary, but if this is the scene, I think we'll have to pass. read more

I just got the vibe that I wasn't at a gay bar which was unfortunate as people were hostile toward me... perhaps they misgendered me but the energy was very negative. A dude outside asked me if I "wanted to have fun" and followed me around. Really sketchy. Not a fan. read more

New owners have it open Friday and Saturday. Atmosphere has changed, they've gotten rid of a lot of their regular entertainers, and it's giving me straight bar vibes. Not a fan. read more

this bar used to be so great a few years ago but honestly the music has been so bad lately that it's not even worth it for the overpriced drinks. It's only really worth going because it's the only gay club in Calgary but lately there has been so many straight people that get so offended when you compliment them or ask if they're gay. The worst part is that I'll still come back even though the straight men grope my gay girl friends because we have no choice read more

Went here since I'm transgender and figured id have fun- I was having fun until I was taking a selfie video of myself dancing and owner tells me I gotta leave- that people are complaining - that's a prime example of discrimination- plus his breathe wreaked of gingivitis- he was like grade D gay- I had a short dress on and I think my garter was exposing and that was a no no- don't come here if you want to have fun- I'm going to try stripper bar tonight- hopefully they aren't as uptight- I would say skip it if you're gay and try grindr- if your trAns go anywhere but here. read more

Twisted Element - This bartender was very sweet- best part of my night - Gay Bars Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

WOW! Ordered from skip from this place because me and my bf were hungry and I wasn't sure how it was going to be since it was so late but let me tell you- absolutely amazing! We ordered the steak sandwich and the chicken tenders with Caesar salads. The chicken tenders were definitely top 5 I have ever had in my life and the salad had a nice portion of real bacon and Parmesan. The steak sandwich was cooked perfectly with a huge portion of mushroom and onion on a nice soft bread. I am so impressed. Keep up the good work guys amazing food! read more

Holy gay men Batman! Okay, okay, I suppose it's fair because it is a GAY BAR, but my goodness! If you're a gay man in Calgary and you need to meet someone, Twisted is by far the only place you should go... period! Gay bar aside, this is one of the best clubs I've ever been to. The drinks are reasonable, the music is danceable, and the people are personable... many even a little too much sometimes. Being a straight girl in the gay bar seems to invite some unwelcome touching. Girls are extremely welcome in the gay bar, but aren't treated the same as in the regular bars. You will actually have more men's hands groping your body in the gay bar. Again, probably fair since they are gay! The cover to get into Twisted is practically nothing, but there is a mandatory coat check now. I don't really have any problems with coat check, except when you're a smoker in the winter and then it's not too convenient. The lines are also usually pretty long, especially later on Friday and Saturday nights. You may find yourself spending quite a bit of money at this bar, but that's because you'll be working away all the booze on the dance floor. They play a wide selection of tunes; a little something for everyone. They have the obvious top 40 hits, some other obvious gay hits, and certain songs you wouldn't really expect to hear, like rap! There's nothing too terrible to say about Twisted. It's a pretty good time any day of the week. The only real problem is the violating grabs and pinches! read more

Twisted Element - *photo credit panoramio.com - Gay Bars Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

Let the heavens behold that I actually had a pleasant time at Twisted. I usually curse under my breath in past times leaving the place because the music is so bad BUT tonight it was sensational. Some obscure but wonderful remixes and great 80s stuff. The drags were On their twisted element tonight. One gal looming over 6 feet something had this lasso number with a small triangle covering his ahemm jewels, it kept me in a quizzy all night, and how can he hide all that junk in such a small space. Doorman and coat check folks were happy, bartenders were busy and all around good energy, lots of folks this past Saturday of all shapes and sizes. Of course it doesnt compare to bars in New York, L.A, Paris etc. but it is what we have here and if you haven't been to a Gay bar, it's an eclectic buffet of fun and fashion madness and you will not be disentertained. read more

Had an amazing time here! Felt so safe, everyone was friendly. Lots of bee friends made

so.. I like this place because it's the only gay club in calgary. not because it's great or anything... but because, well, a queer space is a queer space. take whatever you can get. the thing I dont like about this place is that the drinks are really overpriced and the bathrooms are messy :( i like being able to meet queer people! i like that there's no cover most nights! but its evident that theres room for improvement read more

A group of us headed over here a few weekends ago. We were in the mood for good music, reasonable pricing, and a helluvah lot of dancing. Enter The Twisted Element. The crowd and staff were super friendly, and my fave part of the evening was the free drag show in the basement. Everyone got really into the performances and the performers were very talented. After the show wrapped, we headed back upstairs to bust a move and the music kept us on the dance floor non-stop. Speaking of dancing, there was an impressive number of *AHHHH-MAZING* dancers at this place! Like Katie C., I also appreciate that at Twisted, there's no need to worry about creepy people and 'wandering hands.' Just a heads up: the bathrooms are co-ed, so if you see the opposite sex wandering around in the background, hopefully I've saved you from having 'a moment' and thinking you accidentally wandered into the wrong restroom. The music, the lights, the crowd, the staff and the free shows ensure that everyone (regardless of your sexual orientation) will have a great night. Enjoy! read more

Best club in town. Twist appeals to ANY crowd- gay, straight and everybody in between. The drag shows are an absolute entertainment. The alternative club scene is a little lacking in the city but goddamn, Twist is overflowing with happiness and good times. No cover. Friendly staff. Cheap coat check. Reasonably priced drinks. And glitter... everywhere. Outstanding! Great work, guys. read more

This place is my favorite Friday or Saturday night go to party! Everyone is always smiling, everyone dances the night away, great drink specials all the time. Best of all no judgments!! Love going here, will always come back, keep up the good work guys! read more

That was fun! Let's do it again. Do what again? Why head in for the drag show on a Sunday night only to find out there's also karaoke in the basement before hand. I had never been to Twisted Element, nor had I experienced a drag show outside of watching The Birdcage a few too many times. Upstairs seemed like any normal night club on a Sunday. Big dance floor, very empty. As soon as we walked in, we were told that everyone was downstairs. The basement looked nothing like the main floor. A couple of cozy booths, cute plush chairs surrounding tables making an intimate, loungey atmosphere. A bar off to the side and a stage up front, a handful of patrons had already kicked off some songs. This karaoke sesh was so much easier on the ears than a lot of the other spots I've hit up in C-town. These people can sing, and sing well! Tiffany N included. The song selection wasn't the biggest there is in Calgary, but there was enough to peruse from in the binders. And the host informed us he might very well have a song in the computer if we couldn't find what we were looking for in the books. As Tiffany mentioned, we got bumped on our last couple of songs for two of the cast members from Wicked. But OMG-I'd sooner here their voices over my own any day. What a treat! With the end of karaoke, the crowd moved upstairs for the drag show. Is there a rule that says only men can be drag queens? They looked like they were having a helluva-good time up there, with their big hair wigs, glamourous gowns and lip-syncing to some toe-tappin' tunes. The show lasted just over an hour, although 1130 is a late start for a Sunday night show, that didn't detract from the fun that was my Sunday Eve. A+ Twisted Element! read more

I have been here too many times to count. Mostly for Sunday night's drag shows, but on the odd occasion I've ended up here on a Friday or Saturday night. The staff for the most part is very friendly, the venue is very much a typical night club upstairs and a nice little lounge downstairs. They do karaoke downstairs on Sunday nights. I've attended some events for charity down there as well. It's mostly red inside. Dark. The music played is danceable. The drag shows are fun fun fun! The drinks on Sundays are cheaper, otherwise it's pricey. No cover which is a bonus, but mandatory coat check. I always have a good time here. I prefer the Sunday nights as opposed to Friday or Saturday. I feel kinda old on those nights. read more

Not getting groped at while dancing in public really makes my night. Throw in some great music and some of the best dancers I have ever seen and you're pretty much guaranteed a great night. I love that twisted is "straight-friendly" so you get a friendly mix of everybody - truly everybody is welcome. The drinks are great, the layout of the club is nice and open and the service is friendly. Let me amend my "no groping statement": There is a huge difference between some random creep copping a feel and a friendly arm squeeze from a man who isn't quite interested in you like that. I love it when the drag queens come out in full force, because they are always extra fun. I'd say Twisted is my top dance club in Calgary, just for the celebratory and inclusive atmosphere. Everybody is there to have a good time. read more

This is [absolutely] the most [elaborate] nightclub I have ever been too! Awhile ago I went out with a group of female friends there, and we decided to check out the Mama Kim show. It was sure interesting, very good costumes and music. I really like the GLBT community & culture, since they are very friendly and accomodating :) The Mama Kim show was in the basement part of this club, but after that was over, we went back up the steep stairs we came down and one of my friends dragged me out onto the dance floor where all the action was. I must say it was verrry crowded, so we mostly stayed by the sidelines, and yet I still got painfully bumped in the nose and had a lot of fun trying to make my way to the bathroom to clean up. I was very flattered that complete strangers came to help when they suspected a nosebleed. Too bad most people outside of the GLBT community aren't as nice. All in all, I considered that evening to be a very eye-opening cultural experience. Yes, I did just say that I found culture in a nightclub :P read more

A large space and lots of room for dancing make this club truly a blast. While visiting Calgary, I wanted to see some of the local gay culture and I ended up here. It was a packed Friday night but the club was hopping. The music was good, people were dancing and playing pool and there was still a lot of room to chill with friends and just people watch. This club is huge and it uses its space very well. read more

I was brought here by a work function "Gay Bash" which is basically a night on the town for all my co-workers regardless of sexual orientation. I can't remember the last time I had that much fun at a bar. I don't do bars anymore, but I had a blast! Great music, decently priced drinks and was just an all around fun time. As well it was nice to not have to pay an atrocious cover. I will be here again for sure! read more

I always have a great time at twisted. Great music later in the evening and throughout the night it's always danceable, that's for sure. The televisions show pictures of near-naked/naked men which is kind of obnoxious at times to be honest. This is coming from a gay man. The truth is if you turned off the televisions, it would look like a regular bar. This is easily one of the best clubs in Calgary. read more

Great little place if you want to dance, Most of my friends who are girls love going here to dance. The Good NO COVER AND CHEAP COATCHECK Not pressured to buy drinks, DD friendly although free pop would be a huge bonus for DDs Owners are there almost every night and are very approachable to talk to, have a professional but friendly attitude while working I find this a huge plus. Bartenders are good at what the do and are fun to talk to, They tend to remember people quickly and are always working hard to help move the line (nothing more annoying than seeing a bartender talking to there friends while there is a lineup for drinks). Also they always thank you when you tip no matter how busy they are (or how small the tip is) Drag shows are fun and usually not too long. Staff here are not pushovers and are prompt and firm when cutting people off, kicking out crashers or any other problems they face in a night. The not so good Sometime the bathrooms can get a little dirty, this is understandable as its usually when it is absolutely packed and they are really busy. The music is a little repetitive, not the end of the world. read more

I would have had a great time if I wasn't accosted by the security when I first arrived. I asked if I needed to show ID before entering and he didn't answer. When I asked again he grabbed my ID stamped me and called me a cunt. I'm from out of town and I'm never coming back because of this douche bag and letting everyone it know not to go there. read more

The bouncer wouldnt take my VALID ID because apparently it me didnt look like. So not impressed.

This bar sucks. Travelled to Calgary for Halloween and we were greatly disappointed. The music and the DJ were terrible, where we were holding up the wall for most of the night. The crowd is especially young and rowdy. Won't be returning. read more

Wow - not sure what planet the posts from below are from but I am bitterly disappointed with Twisted Elements treatment of customers. I coat checked my coat and scarf, went to pick them up at the end of the night and was missing my scarf. Staff refused to go look to see if the scarf had fallen on the floor, and actually told me to move out of the way as I was blocking people from the coat check. Next I was told the "best they could do" was tell me to call back the next day to see if it had been found. After calling all day and finally getting a response, I was told to phone back after 8:30. I called again and was told that there was no scarf left behind from a staff member that once again refused to actually open their eyes and look. I have never been treated so badly by staff, and this wasn't the first time from this location. Friday is the last time ever I step foot in Twisted Element, I prefer to spend my money and time in places that promote a more positive and respectful atmosphere. read more

Sick... They don't give you water. You need to buy a bottle for $3!! Twisted indeed. What a shame.

Sadly, Calgary deserves better than this club. I would prefer this place exist than no gay bar but it is really lackluster. The main issue is the music. Please, please fire the DJ! The music is terrible and so dated. I am a fan of guest djs and house/dance music but having a dj who simply played top 40 off the radio would be an improvement over the 'music' that the DJ turns. I don't even know what to call the music because it is bizarre. It is sort like a hard trance remix (but they never seem to play current songs.) The space is good but the decor and lighting are dingy. They need a to have a renovation and the staff could be far better dressed and more professional. Honestly, if this place was run by different people, it could be a five star venue. I mainly just wish that there was another gay club so that people in the city had a choice. read more

As far as Canadian gay clubs go, Twisted is a little bit rundown and trashy. The floors are dirty, the paint is cracking, the windows outside are broken. For a Calgarian club, it's pretty average, but I must say the crowd is fantastic. Patrons are very polite and friendly, you will be welcomed in regardless of gender or orientation. You don't have to worry about wandering eyes or stray hands at Twisted, people keep their hands to themself, and are in general respectful. The drag shows every Sunday night are absolutely fantastic! Different queens every week, each one talented and charismatic. The head bartender was incredibly rude to me last time I went, short changing me and refusing to even talk to me about it. Luckily one of the other bartenders took care of it, and was very polite and easy to talk to. Other staff members were charming and friendly, the bartender downstairs is a real sweetheart. The drinks are pretty pricey though. The music is above average, it cycles through typical club music, top 40s, and older gay culture music. Definitely dance-able, and man can the crowd ever dance! The televisions show mostly naked dancers that get obnoxious fast, but they're small and easy to ignore. Over all Twisted can't hold up to the gay clubs in a place like Vancouver, but it is a great spot for a fun night out with friends! read more

I'm not big on the nightlife in Calgary but this place is by far one of the best clubs I've been to in Calgary (and it happens to be a gay bar). I always have fun when I go here and I meet so many interesting people too. Try going here on the weekends because they have drag shows that are always fun to watch. read more

Total dope house. Smoming meth or whatever the hell in the cans , snorting whatever off the tables. Bathroom stalls always loaded with ppl fucking in it. Staff are awful. Said something about the rampant drug use and not being able to take a shit because the stalls are being constantly fucked in. Was told mind my business. Guessing the staff or management is part of selling the jibb to the sketch bag jib techs. I shit in the urinal and left. read more

I just recently turned 18, and one of the first places I went was Twisted. I am straight, but I'm in musical theatre, and the majority of my male friends are gay, so that's why we ended up at Twisted. I have now been three times, and I absolutely love the atmosphere, the music and everything else. The people that work there are friendly and wonderful, and the patrons are all quite amazing! I can dance with total strangers, and it doesn't matter! I would suggest going with a big group of friends and always staying with a buddy, because it is quite busy, but so worth it! Overall one of my favorite places to go out in Calgary! Don't worry about what sexuality you are, whether you be gay, straight, bi, transgendered, or anything else! I go there to dance and have a great time! :D read more

YES! Oh my gosh! Always a treat to come here! Staff makes you feel like you are there best friends. Music is top notch, drinks are AMAZING and reasonably priced. No one judges anyone. The drag shows are just WOW. Great location and a TON of fun. Can't wait to go again read more

Calgary's only gay night club (there is the Backlot but its more of a lounge.) The crowd is more than 50% straight and I would say 75% women, making this - less of a gay club, and more just another crappy bar. The DJ was horrible. iTunes could have done a better job putting a mix together. At midnight on a Saturday the club was empty, yet there was still a line to get in. Twisted has been on a slow decline for years and maybe its time to just call time of death and close the doors. Make way for a real GAY night club to open in town. read more

Great Place to Party and meet new alternative people. I go here on Saturdays sometimes great place to mingle and find a tranny lover now and then. I recommend the weekend for the transsexual admirers crowd and if you want to see a great drag show. read more

The open discrimination in a bar that SHOULD be all about acceptance really has a way of ruining the night. Case in point, the washroom situation is horrible and needs to be fixed. For whatever reason, they feel the need to have separate ladies and mens washrooms, which I've learned really means "mens" and "mens" washrooms. Why is it that it's ok for guys and drag queens to fill up the ladies room while patrons of the empty mens room kick the women out? If you identify as female and want to use the ladies room, that's fine, but then at least behave like a lady. Make some space at the sink for others, and don't pee all over the toilet seat. All of this would be solved of course if they just expanded the washrooms and made them gender neutral, and they certainly have room to expand! I wonder if the washrooms are actually meeting code requirements? read more

I just moved to Calgary from Toronto. In comparison to the drag shows in Toronto; Twisted was on par. These performers really know how to work it and put on an amazing show - thank you ladies and gents! HOWEVER, the doorman who checks ID and and coats from behind the desk has HORRID customer service! WE LIVE IN A SERVICE BASED ECONOMY. This means you must give kind customer service to ALL, or else people will write about it and spread the word that a particular company or establishment deserves no money! Duh. Also, its common courtesy to just be kind to others FYI. So dear coat check man & owners of Twisted you must recognize that this person is the first interaction us customers have through the doors and it is a HUGE no-no for this interaction to be a negative one - I would bet money that it has turned customers away. Moving on, after entering we grab a drink at the bar where we greet the bar tender and ask him how he is....shouldn't that be the other way around? Stuck up service from him and treated poorly. This experience was unacceptable. Thank god for the Queens because it is clear they are what brings people back, NOT the customer service. I am in night life service, this experience was ridiculous and I would never complain without just cause. PUBLIC please remember, do not tip what is expected - tip what is deserved to all of those who serve you. Go to this bar and spend your money on the Queens, NOT the bar/service. I strongly suggest pre-drinking for this venue. I encourage others who have had a negative experience with the service at Twisted to please 'Yelp' about it in order for a positive change to happen with the staff because clearly many of the reviews were forged by those affiliated with the company - you can tell by the style of writing. - Thank you for reading this particularly long 'Yelp'. Enjoy your night life, folks! PS. the owner got on stage after the show and used offensive language which trashed up the very entertaining show. Trash is what to expect from Twisted. read more

We havent been here for years and decided to go. The security guy was incredibly rude and condescending. He didn't ask for ID but instead said "what are you waiting for". The bartender was super friendly at least. I would think twice about coming here again. read more

Music was OK, many different areas to hang out. Straight friendly so its cool for me

I honestly love this place. It has such a good vibe. Not to mention Luke the bartender, he really is the best. Definitely will come back time and time again! read more