Blue Rock Swim Club — Restaurant in Calgary

My best friend and I came here for a drink after dinner, and we were honestly so surprised by the whole experience. From the outside, you wouldn’t expect much. There was just this mysterious door that didn’t really give away what was inside. But once we opened it, we were met with complete darkness, except for some glowing LED lights that gave off a really cool and mysterious vibe. We followed the lights and went down a staircase that led us to a hallway. The hallway was quiet and dim, and the whole thing felt almost unreal, like we were entering a secret underground spot. It was honestly kind of surreal, like we had found a hidden place in the city that not many people know about!!!

As we walked through the hallway, we eventually reached the main area. The room was dark, with only small lights here and there and a bit of color from LEDs. The overall atmosphere was moody and quiet, but it still felt fun and inviting. It wasn’t loud or overly crowded, which made it feel even more chill. It was definitely one of the most vibey places I’ve ever been to. We got seated quickly, and the staff were really friendly and helpful right away 🤗

I decided to try one of the drinks on the menu that was labeled as Instagram-worthy. It definitely looked the part and was super cute for photos. The drink had a stronger alcoholic taste than I expected, so flavor-wise it wasn’t my favorite, but I still enjoyed it enough to finish it. It was more about the look and the experience, and for that reason, I was still happy I ordered it 🙌🏼

We also got some food, and I decided to try the fried oysters. It was actually my first time ever having oysters, so I didn’t know what to expect. But wow, they were honestly so good. I was kind of shocked at how much I loved them!! They were crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of flavor. I added some Tabasco sauce and it made them taste even better. I didn’t think oysters would be something I liked 😩

The whole time, my best friend and I were taking photos. The space is dark but still so aesthetic. It has this unique, cool vibe that just makes you want to capture the moment. We took so many photos and videos, probably over a hundred, because everything from the entrance to the seating area just looked so good on camera. Even the washrooms were nice, with lots of mirrors and a modern look, so we ended up taking a few pics there too 😙😙

It turned into one of those unexpectedly great nights. We had such a chill and fun time. One really nice thing was that my best friend’s phone was dying and she needed to charge it. We asked the server and they were super helpful and found a way to let her charge it, which honestly saved the night. That small gesture made a big difference and showed how kind the staff were ☺️☺️

Overall, this place is definitely a hidden gem. It’s dark, cool, vibey, and has such a unique atmosphere. The food surprised me, especially the oysters, and the staff were really sweet. If you’re looking for a different kind of spot to hang out, relax, take pictures, and have a few drinks, this is 100 percent worth checking out. I came for the vibe and the aesthetic, but I left obsessed with the oysters and the overall experience. I would definitely come back...

If I could give this place 0 stars I happily would.. me and my friend went here past weekend for a drink, mind you I called but when we get there there’s was no reservation in place so they sat us at the worst bar seats ever, on an empty restaurant.. I don’t understand why but anyhow, me and my friend were wanting to take content so you’d think on an EMPTY RESTAURANT they should be able to accommodate us, I advise with the hostess, let me start by saying this extremely uneducated staff, I ask the hostess by kindly telling her that I need another seat because I specifically came for the content and the drinks you’d think they’d appreciate something like that, tells me no in the most disrespectful way ever and then goes over at her colleague and her colleague asks her “did you tell them we can’t move them “ and she says “yes”and laughed and she goes “good”now I happen to see that , that is unacceptable..disrespectful to a paying client, it gets worse, I try to explain to their GM ZACH how I did not feel comfortable with the hostess saying that and he tells me he’ll grab our bills and that I didn’t have a reservation I don’t understand why would I possibly lie got such and then tells us we’ll have to leave the audacity and was yelling at us n front of everyone telling me that he doesn’t need our business if I don’t pay he’ll call cops what’s even crazier and made me and girl friend ( extremely uncomfortable, mind u we’re 2 girls ) is that when we paid we wanted to use the restroom before we left as PAYING CLIENTS. The manager ZACH FOLLOWED US IN THE WASHROOM and there’s no doors and it’s unisex and waited for us while we’re in the washroom looking at us, I am so sorry the service thing is one thing but for someone to follow 2 females in the washroom is crazy,creepy, you need help kind of thing I’ve travelled everywhere in the world not once I’ve done occurred such , made us feel scared uncomfortable, why is a male waiting for us in a washroom? I am not a happy client I’ll leave that’s about it u DONT NEED TO WAIT. So definitely not safe for other young girls like me, how can a manager become so vulgar over a client not having a good experience, he could have kindly apologised and moving on, and last but not least as we’re leaving I forgot my credit card it fell in the washroom and I’m telling ZACH this man thought I was lying and for a good 2 minutes wasn’t giving my credit card.. ends up walking us to the door because he felt the need to escort us out, in conclusion to pay for a 20 dollar Coctail and to be treated like this is crazy, the managers behavior made me feel unsafe and scared I was shaking after.. so not safe for other girls in their 20s , to which ever hospitality takes care of this restaurant a friendly advice you need better managment in place , no MALE MANAGER should follow 2 FEMALES in the washroom , send female staff if...

Atmosphere: 10/10 Located in the Mission district of Calgary, Blue Rock Swim Club offers a unique and upscale experience. Situated in the basement beneath South Block Barbecue, the bar occupies a former swimming pool area, now transformed into an intimate lounge with a variety of seating options including a large bar counter, couches, benches, and tables. The design is creative and inviting, featuring abundant plants, indirect lighting, and leather couches, all contributing to a pleasant ambiance. The backbar is impressive, boasting a vast selection of liquors. Music plays at a good volume, allowing for comfortable conversation.

Drinks: 9/10 Recommendation: Portrait of a Drowned Man The cocktail menu is extensive and thoughtfully designed, featuring photographs of each drink along with detailed descriptions of ingredients and flavor profiles. The drinks are well-balanced, served in above-average glassware, and presented with care. Coasters are provided, and garnishes are generally well-executed, though they may vary depending on the cocktail.

Service: 9/10 The staff is friendly and professional, enhancing the overall experience. Water is served upon arrival, and while prices are average for Calgary, the quality of service and offerings make it worthwhile.

This bar hasn’t been mentioned on any of the international bar rankings yet — but it absolutely deserves to be. It feels like only a matter of time before Blue Rock Swim Club takes its rightful place in Calgary’s cocktail spotlight.

Special shoutout to Brandon, Jazna and Shermaine (please forgive me if i misspelled...