Boddums Up Pub — Restaurant in Calgary

Went with a friend cause were starving and live very close. Ordered wings. 40 cents on Sundays. Regular price is $11. We each ordered 40 apiece which is a lot. 20 minutes later...I received my room temperature wings. 20. Not 40. Room temp wings. Fresh outta the kitchen. No one else there eating them. I couldn't finish 5 of them as they were overcooked. There was Karaoke as well. Apparently everything is overcooked because one review I read, they got food poisoning which probably came from raw food on the cutting board and then fresh food placed where the raw food was and not proper sanitation. The week after that, I returned and ordered a cheese burger. Again it was the special of the day. It took about 27 minutes for burger to arrive at table. Burger was black. Took a bite of it and decided to send it back. It was terrible tasting and well done. Smelled funky. They gave me another and it was worse. I couldn't cut it with a knife. I asked for bill. I was charged for 2 burgers. I asked why and they said I was not allowed to come back because no one ever complained about the food before.

I went there one other time and had the natchos. I asked where the sauce was. They said they ran out. $15 for a bowl without sauce. When I went up to the bar to ask for a knife and fork I was grabbed by some guy with a cowboy hat and moved to the side because his hamburger came to the bar. I think that guy works there because he was behind the bar several times. The place was dead. I think the cook has no formal cullinary training. I have been eating Harvey's burgers all week and not once did Harvey's ever over cook my food. Harvey's is great. It's beside Wendy's and Tim Hortons on 36th street in Marlborough beside the c train line. I will continue to eat there. I won't be returning to Boddums Up as it sucks and I've been told not to return.

If you go there, go to drink. Don't get any food service unless your wasted drunk, then it might not suck. There's pool tables, old decor in desperate need of a makeover, vlt's, a low stage, booths and quiet until the karaoke starts. They have a band every couple weeks.

I...

Do NOT enter Boddums-Up Pub (unless you’re into survival horror)

If your idea of a pleasant evening is dim lighting, overpriced pints, and the chance to star in your own personal disaster movie — congratulations, you’ve found your paradise. Boddums‑Up is less a pub and more a masterclass in hospitality negligence.

Arrival: a puddle of mystery fluid greeted me at the door, providing a mood-setting aroma that suggested “fermented regret.”

The interior: the carpet looked like it had been through a blender with last year’s nachos. Ambient music: one man loudly practicing his bagpipes in the broom cupboard. Seating: the bench felt like it had learned to hurt you.

The food: I ordered the “pub special” and got what can only be described as a biology field trip. The nacho plate hosted a delegation of tiny white wrigglers that staged a coordinated march across the salsa. The burger came with dressing that doubled as a glue sample for modern art. When I pointed this out politely, the server smiled, said “that’s our signature tang,” and recommended the hot sauce for “extra personality.”

The vermin: a bold, entrepreneurial rat attempted to chair a board meeting on my table — he presented a PowerPoint on “Maximizing Crumbs.” Management offered it a job. Note: I stayed to pay my bill; the rat left a generous suggestion for a tip.

The toilets: an abstract installation in browns and greys. The hand dryer coughed out something that could only be described as “mystery steam.” Towels were optional, as were functioning locks.

Customer service: enthusiastic indifference. When I asked whether the wrigglers were seasonal, the bartender gave me a coupon for my next visit and a laminated card that read, “Keep smiling — you paid for the ambiance.”

Verdict: I left with a free education in microbiology, a story my grandchildren will not believe, and a souvenir mole‑scented coaster. 1/5 stars — and that’s generous.

If you go: bring a mask, a flashlight, and your own condiments. Also — maybe bring...

I wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts on Boddums Up Pub. I’ve personally known the owners for over 30 years, and it’s been disappointing to see a few negative reviews lately claiming the bar is dirty, poorly maintained, or full of drugs. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Boddums Up is a well established pub with a long standing reputation in the community. The owners take great pride in running a clean, welcoming, and well managed establishment. Over the years, it has become a second home for many good people in the Calgary area who appreciate the friendly atmosphere and sense of community that the owners have worked hard to create.

It’s disheartening to see misleading or exaggerated reviews especially ones that simply aren’t based on fact. For example, one reviewer mentioned bringing his 16, 13, and 10 year old children into the bar, which is not even possible since minors are not allowed.

Another person posted photos of bathrooms and alleged drug use that clearly are not from this location. If you’re going to post about a business, please make sure your facts are accurate.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but spreading false information about a hardworking, community oriented business is unfair and disrespectful.

Boddums Up has been through its ups and downs like any local pub, but it remains a great place to enjoy a drink, meet new friends, listen to good music, and simply have a good time. So, to those who’ve never been come see for yourself! Boddums Up is a place where you’ll always feel welcome.

And to anyone who chooses to spread false negativity… well, I sincerely hope you stub your big toe. Just a little reminder to be...