Blanco Cantina — Restaurant in Calgary

Blanco Cantina: A Vibrant Spot with a Mixed Plate of Experiences Blanco Cantina is a popular Mexican-inspired restaurant with multiple locations, known for its lively atmosphere, extensive tequila menu, and well-advertised happy hour deals. It positions itself as a go-to spot for a high-energy fiesta, and it largely delivers on that promise, particularly for its drink offerings and vibrant social scene. The atmosphere at Blanco is undeniably a major draw. The decor is fun, modern, and perfectly suited for a night out with friends. Locations often feature rooftop or spacious patios, which are a huge bonus, especially during warmer months. The place is often bustling, with music and a lively crowd that makes it feel like a constant celebration. For those looking for a quiet, intimate dinner, this may not be the ideal choice, but for a fun and energetic meal, it hits the mark. When it comes to the food, the reviews are a bit of a mixed bag. The tacos are a highlight, with many patrons enjoying the variety and taste, especially on the half-price Taco Tuesdaze. The Quesabirria and Jalisco Hot Chicken tacos are often cited as standout options. The "el demonio" wings are also mentioned as a must-try for those who can handle the heat. However, some feedback points to the food being more "Tex-Mex" or "Americanized" rather than authentic Mexican cuisine, with some dishes described as lacking in flavour or being overpriced for the portion size. The tableside guacamole service is a fun, interactive feature, though opinions on the guacamole itself vary. The drink menu is where Blanco truly shines. The margaritas, particularly the classic and Chili Coconut flavors, are a crowd favorite. The daily happy hour specials on margaritas and tequila make it a very attractive spot for a casual or pre-night-out drink. They also offer a wide selection of tequilas and cervezas. If you're going to Blanco, it's widely agreed that the drinks are a reason to go back. In terms of service, experiences seem to be inconsistent. While many praise the attentive and friendly staff, a number of diners have reported slow or poor service, especially during busy times. This inconsistency can be frustrating and is an aspect that could use improvement to match the lively ambiance. Overall, Blanco Cantina is a great destination for a lively get-together with friends, particularly if you're looking to enjoy their excellent happy hour deals and a fun atmosphere. While the food may not be a home run for everyone, the vibrant energy and fantastic drink options make it a solid choice for a...

Phenomenal!

We recently had our nursing Christmas Party at Blanco Cantina 17th Avenue location and the experience could not have been more fantastic.

First, huge compliments to GM Viktor, Brittany, Hannah, and the whole Blanco Cantina team. You provided us such an amazing experience and everyone had nothing but great things to say about the food, drinks, and atmosphere. We truly felt very well taken care of and appreciated.

Thank you Viktor for the amazing experience with planning the party. You are very professional, accommodating, and provided great recommendations. You asked all the right questions and left no detail left unturned. Thank you for your patience through this experience, you were very helpful with the multiple allergy alerts we had provided.

Brittany and Hannah, thank you both for rocking the service during our party. Everything flowed so smoothly and you provided a bunches of nurses a very enjoyable party.

The food and drinks were amazing! We had multiple appetizers; tots, quesadillas, and Chili popcorn shrimp. Very shareable platters and needless to say, they did not last very long! Delicious. The margaritas are amazing and if you get a chance to try the Strawberry Dragon Fruit Lemonade and TJ treat, you won't be disappointed. We were able to get these in a jug option for the group.

We had the taco bar option for the party. For $25 / person, it was a great value! We got to choose from different protein and non protein options and the sides/condiments/sauces just made for a fun interactive experience making our own tacos. The food was very flavorful and the bar was stocked up again in a timely manner. Best part, unlimited tacos!

I highly recommend Blanco Cantina not only for parties but also for a fun night out with friends for food and drinks. The atmosphere was vibrant and fun. Loved the decor as well.

Thanks again...

The food is comparable to Anejo however the service is not. My friend I went here yesterday and I put a note in the reservation requesting a patio table, I then also called in to make sure the request was seen and noted. I understand patio is first come first serve and when we got there all the tables were taken. My friend said that she would wait for a table to become available. She was then sat at arguably the worst table in the restaurant and the waitresses on shift were sassy as heck about giving her a spot on the patio. It’s good thing my tenacious friend does not give up easily and fought for our spot on the patio.

It must have been our servers first day on shift because she seemed to get lost quite often and we didn’t see her very much. We were not offered any more water or napkins and we had to request that wonderful white hot mayo when I personally think that should be a given. When we were about ready to go I asked for one more drink and our bill. We paid but somehow my drink was still nowhere to be found. Our server came by to tell us that the bar was “super backed up”. I would think that since we asked for our bill there would have been some connection with the fact that we were about ready to leave.

By the time the drink came we had to go and I wanted a refund, the servers tried to deter me by telling me that she would “need to get a manager” and that it would be a “process”. We agreed to this process however the server turned and walked away and never got a manager.

I poured my margarita in the EMPTY water cup and walked my parched self out of there. 🙄 Would recommend Anejo to anyone looking for...